Auction 11 · Lot 172

(The SHeLa”H Hakodosh). Shnei Luchoth Habrith. Issued with Vavei Amudim by Horowitz’s son Shabtai Sheftel

Estimate: $800–$1,200
Hammer price: $1,300

Historical auction record. Hammer prices exclude buyer’s premium and taxes.

author

HOROWITZ, ISAIAH BEN ABRAHAM HALEVI

printer

Immanuel ben Joseph Athias

Place

Amsterdam

Publication

1698

Description

Third edition. With finely engraved frontispiece by Abraham ben Jacob (See M.H.Gans, Memorbook: History of Dutch Jewry” (1971) p.141)

references

Vinograd, Amsterdam 668; Fuks, Amstersdam 405

summary

This edition of the SHeLa”H’s extensive work on Halachah, Kabbalah and ethical philosophy is considered one of the most beautifully produced of Hebrew printed books. Part code and part kabbalistic treatise, the Shnei Luchoth Habrith, abbreviated to SHeLa”H, exerted great influence on the life of the Jews of Eastern Europe and helped more than any other book to introduce the Kabbalah into daily religious life. “Horowitz introduced many customs in the ritual and in the observance of other laws which have no basis otherwise except in the Kabbalah, and because of his authority they were accepted by a great part of Jewry.” M. Waxman, Vol. II pp. 420-1

ff.(4),422,44,(12). Opening four leaves taped, lightly worn and stained in places, previous owners inscriptions on front and rear paste-downs. Contemporary blind-tooled chestnut calf over thick wooden boards, worn and rebacked. Folio

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