Divrei Nechemiah [kabbalistic and homiletic sermons on the Pentateuch]

HAYUN, NECHEMIAH CHIYA.

Baruch Buchbinder

Berlin

1713

FIRST EDITION. Title within typographical border

Vinograd, Berlin 66

EXTREMELY RARE. MOST COPIES BURNT OR DESTROYED Nechemiah Hayun (entitled "Nachash" [snake] in the polemics against him, see Lot 109) was a crypto-Sabbatian preacher who caused one the greatest "cause-celebres" and scandals of the 18th century. His accusers were the Chacham Tzvi , Moshe Chagiz, and Joseph Ergas. His supporters were Naphtali Katz of Prague, David Oppenheim, Gabriel of Nikolsburg among others. The appearance of this heretical text, surprisingly complete with the approbations of establishment Rabbis, resulted in assaults upon Hayun and accusations of his being a champion of the false Messiah, Shabthai Tzvi. The publication of his next work, Oz Le’Elo-him, the same year, created even more controversy. In order to prevent a possible revival of the Sabbatian heresy, most copies of his works were destroyed. See E. Carlebach, The Pursuit of Heresy, pp.75-159; M. Carmilly-Weinberger, pp. 63-4 and B. Naor, Post-Sabbatian Sabbatianism, pp.145-149