Chaim Avraham Gagin. Sepher HaTakanoth VeHaskamoth.

(CEREMONIES).

Israel Bak

Jerusalem

1842

First edition. Title within decorative architectural frame. Additional letterpress title after introduction. This copy with the scarce additional page of approbations at end.

Halevy 3.

Compendium of rites and customs as practiced in the City of Jerusalem. R. Gagin (1787-1848), son-in-law of the Kabbalist R. Shalom Sharabi, was Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and the first to carry the official title of Haham Bashi. He was instrumental in the publication of manuscripts by other major Rabbinical scholars and Kabbalists. The present work is divided into two parts: The first, Sepher Takanoth, is a collection of various ordinances and regulations enacted in 18th century Jerusalem, strictly regulating taxation, inheritance, dress code and leisure, among other facets of life. The second part, Dinei Minhagei Yerushalayim, records the unique customs and practices of the Jerusalem community. Shoshana Halevy saw only two copies of this work, of which only one had the final leaf of approbations. The approbations contain valuable information concerning the founding of Bak’s printing press and the economic boon it would bring to Jerusalem.