(Hebrew Pentateuch). Motza Pi Hashem - Chamishah Chumshei Torah. With Five Scrolls and Haphtaroth.
AUCTION 64 |
Thursday, March 19th,
2015 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Ceremonial Objects, Maps and Graphic Art
Lot 147
(ITALY).
(Hebrew Pentateuch). Motza Pi Hashem - Chamishah Chumshei Torah. With Five Scrolls and Haphtaroth.
Mantua: Eliezer Selomo d’Italia 1785
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
<<An Uncommon Court-Room Hebrew Bible from Italy.>>
Signed on the title by two Rabbis noting in Italian that this Bible is to be used in Courts of Law to administer and validate the Oath to witnesses of the Jewish faith. Furthermore, this Bible specifies as to precisely which page the Bible should be opened to when the Judge administers the oath. On that page (f. 159a), Leviticus 26:14 which begins the “Tochacha,” or, maledictions has been noted on the margin with the signatures of both Rabbis.
The use of such Bibles are common within the German-speaking lands, but far less so within Italian-speaking society.
A significant material legacy highlighting the relationship between Jews and their host society.