Vitas, Shabetai. Meshivath Nephesh (613 Commandments)

Estimate: $400–$600
Hammer price: Not recorded

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

author

(SEPHARDICA)

printer

Reuben and Nissim, Sons of Jonah Ashkenazi; Abraham Yatom

Place

Constantinople

Publication

1743 (colophon reads “1748”)-1744

Description

First edition. Two titles within typographical borders.Text in Hebrew and Ladino (Judeo-Espanol).

references

Vinograd, Const. 527, 533; Yaari, Const. 397, 404; Kayseling, p. 109.

summary

The book comments in the vernacular at great length upon the Hebrew rhymed Azharot of Solomon ibn Gabirol, recited on Pentecost (Shavu’ot). In his introduction, Vitas alludes to wanderings, possibly even escape from the Spanish Inquisition (“Saphna me-ar’a”). He goes on to express his gratitude to two savants who helped with his work, R. Solomon Algaze and R. Samuel Palache, both prominent names in the Turkish Jewish community.

In two parts: Part I (Positive Commandments) (1748), ff. 54; Part II (Negative Commandments) (1743), ff. 76. Copy in poor condition. Missing part of f. 33 and final two leaves of Part I; final three leaves of Part II.Contemporary boards. 4to.

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