Trakheim Isaac. Givath Shaul [eulogy for Saul Ha’Levi, Av Beth Din of The Hague]

(AMERICAN JUDAICA)

Widow and Orphans Proops

Amsterdam

1786

FIRST EDITION. With

Vinograd, Amsterdam 2151

Includes a fascinating insight on the inevitability of high-speed air travel with reference to America: “All men, be they adherents of religion or of science, have long ago come to the conclusion that God is omnipotent and can accomplish two ends by one act. Thus, it is possible for God to arrange it whereby a person arises in the morning in the East Indian city of Surat and by evening, be in the American city of Philadelphia” (f. 11a ). On f.10v mention is made of the recent inventions of the microscope and telescope as a means of solving the philosophical conundrum of Free Will versus Divine Foreknowledge. In his introduction, the Author states he has a number of daughters in need of a dowry and therefore funds accrued from the sale of this work will be utilized for that purpose. Indeed, the chronogram on the title is: LeNadan Biti ("for my daughter's dowry.")