Midrash Eicha Rabba [Lamentations]. For use by the Jews of Cochin.
AUCTION 68 |
Thursday, April 07th,
2016 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Ceremonial Objects and Graphic Art
Lot 185
(INDIA).
Midrash Eicha Rabba [Lamentations]. For use by the Jews of Cochin.
(Cochin): 19th century
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
PRICE REALIZED $8,500
The text is part of the Pethichta (introduction) to Midrash Eicha starting with “Besha’ah Shebikesh Hakadosh Baruch Hu” and ending with “Veshavu Banim Ligvulam Amen Kein Yehi Ratzon” (see Buber ed. p. 24). No published version of this translation exists.
The Jews of Cochin have had a long tradition of singing devotional hymns (piyyutim) and songs on festive occasions as well as Biblical and narrative midrashim in Judeo-Malayalam.
Few manuscripts are extant written in Hebrew and Malayalam, the local dialect of the miniscule community of Cochini Jews. Judeo-Malayalam is the only known Dravidian Jewish language.
Cochin, a delightful town at the southern tip of India, has had a Jewish presence whose roots are said to extend back to the time of King Solomon.
Provenance: Sotheby’s New York, Hebrew Manuscripts from the Collection of the Late David Solomon Sassoon, 4th December, 1984, Lot 37.