Sifthei Kohen (SHa”CH) al Choshen Mishpat [commentary to Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat]. With text of the fourth part of Caro’s code

KATZ, SABBATHAI BEN MEIR

Uri Phoebus HaLevi

Amsterdam

1663

First Edition. Title within woodcut architectural border with Printer’s Mark. Anonymous laudatory poem, partly in the form of a geometrical design on verso of second introductory page

Vinograd, Amsterdam 307; Fuks, Amsterdam 301

The printer’s selection for the chronogram on the title: “The days of the Messiah” underscores the fervor gripping Amsterdam, swept up in preparation for the imminent Redemption led by the false Messiah, Shabbthai Tzvi. This edition with interesting approbation signed by a group of rabbinic notables at the Fair of Gramnitz, who were so impressed by the authors novellae, they forbade the publication of any other work on monetary matters during the lifetime of the author. Portions of the work were composed amidst flight from the ravages instigated during the Cossack uprising of Bogdan Chmielnicki