Ahavath Yehonathan [commentary to Haphtaroth, with Alon Bachuth commentary to the Book of Lamentations]. Edited by the author’s disciple, R. David ben Joseph of Magdeburg.

EYBESCHEUTZ, JONATHAN.

Conrad Joseph Spiring

Hamburg

1765-66

FIRST EDITION . Two titles. Marginalia and corrections in different hands (esp. important marginal note on f. 29b).

Vinograd, Hamburg 88.

The second title-page is derived from the the scarce sample editions. In the introduction the publisher relates he did not have the financial means to publish the work in its entirety, therefore, as a start, he issued the commentaries to Eichah and the “Shiva DeNechamta” (the Seven Haphtaroth of Consolation). Thereafter, he states, if this initial offering were to be well received, he would issue two signatures each week until the entire work was completed. Indeed Ahavath Yehonathan did gain popularity and the complete edition was finally issued in 1766. In this particular copy, the “Shiva DeNechamta” starting with Va’ethchanan, which was originally at the end, is bound in its proper place following Devarim, but starting with a new pagination. Vinograd lists only the complete edition with a slightly different pagination.