Benjamin Senior Godines (ed.) Me’ah Berachoth / Orden de Bendiciones.

(IBERIAN / SEPHARDIC LITERATURE)

Albertus Magnus

Amsterdam

1687

Text in Hebrew and Spanish on facing pages. Editor’s introduction in Portuguese. Fine engraved frontispiece by the Jewish artist Benjamin Godines depicting Man’s Five Senses by way of the performance of five ceremonial acts.

Vinograd, Amsterdam 550; Fuks, Amsterdam 606.

A most striking volume of collected prayers and instructions issued for Marrano refugees. Included in the Me’ah Berachoth are: A Passover Hagadah; an index of blessings for the entire year including relevant laws and commentary according to Sephardic rite; a perpetual liturgical calendar; a recipe for Charoseth; instructions for constructing a Mikveh; prayers for the sick, last rites, and prayers for martyrs burned at the stake by the Inquisition. Of uncommon interest are the ceremonies celebrating the birth of a daughter “Zeved HaBath” (Fadas de la Hija) and circumcision ceremony for proselytes and servants.