Hebrew, Psalms). Sepher Tehillim. With commentary by Solomon ben Shem Tov Atthia

(BIBLE

Cornelio Adelkind for Marco Antonio Giustiniani

Venice

1549

FIRST EDITION. Title within ornate architectural arch. THE RABBI NACHUM DOV-BER FRIEDMAN OF SADIGURA COPY, with his alternating stamp and signature on title, signature on front-free endpaper and book-label on front pastedown

Vinograd Vence 381; Habermann, Adelkind 53; St. Cat. Bodl. 130

The commentary combines a variety of approaches including Peshat - with an emphasis explaining how each verse logically follows the previous verse, as well as kabbalistic interpretations “as certain chapters cannot be interpreted in any other fashion.” The Introduction is of great historic interest: Enumerated are two generations of some 70 scholars and rabbinic leaders Solomon ben Shem Tov Atthia had visited or studied with, including personages from cities in Greece (Saloniki, Patras); Turkey (Adrianpole, Bursa, Constantinople); Italy (Rome, Venice, Padua, Mantua, Ancona, Verona) etc. It is interesting to note the differing honorifics the author bestows upon his teachers. For example, the Author’s master R. Levi ben Chaviv (Maharalba”ch) is entitled “Butzina Kadisha - holy light,' while R. Joseph Fassi is denoted as the ”Light of Israel in Talmud, the mighty hammer.” Atthia writes a lengthy account of members of the illustrious Taitatzak Family as well as concise biographical descriptions of many others Rabbi Nachum Dov Ber Friedman was one of the greatest bibliophiles amongst Chassidic Rabbis. His library was formed from three sources- books inherited from his forbearers, books purchased from his own funds and books given to him as gifts. He had different book-stamps indicating the source e.g. Kinyan Kaspi (purchased from my own funds), as in this copy, Yerushath Avotai (inherited) and Minchath Shai (a gift)