RICCI, RAPHAEL IMMANUEL HAI. Hon Ashir [commentary to the Mishnah]

(MUSIC)

Solomon Proops

Amsterdam

1731

FIRST EDITION. Numerous geometrical and astronomical illustrations. WITH RARE FINAL LEAF OF MUSICAL NOTES for the tune the author composed to his kabbalistic poem on the verso of the penultimate leaf "Mah tov hu umah naim." This poem pertains to Shabbath, Milah and Tephillin. The notes were written by Abraham Caceres at the request of Judah of Urbino

Vinograd, Amsterdam 1383; St. Cat. Bodl. 5267, 2; Weiner, Koheleth Moshe no. 3068

RARE. According to Weiner, most copies were printed without the musical notes. Furthermore, all subsequent editions of Hon Ashir appear without the final kabbalistic poem and musical accompaniment. One of the greatest Italian rabbis of his time, Immanuel Ricci's (1688-1743) expertise ranged from Halacha and Kabbalah to poetry and music. Ricci is also the author of a host of other works including Mishnath Chasidim which provides the kavanoth of the Ar"i for the prayers of the entire year. A work that has remained of fundamental authority for generations of kabbalists.