131 277 (LITURGY). Machzor LeYamim Noraim [prayers for the Days of Awe]. According to Italian (Apa’m) rite. Manuscript in Hebrew, written on thick paper in a square Italian hand with Nikud. Extensive marginalia in places with explanations of many poetic piyutim written in a semi-cursive Italian hand, few textual corrections. With previous owner’s signature “Moshe LeBeith Baruch.” Pink endpapers. ff. 187 (evidently issued without a title-page). Lightly foxed in places, minimal stains. Contemporary calf, lightly rubbed. Tall folio. (Italy), (19th century). $3000-5000 ❧ A handsomely composed tall folio manuscript containing the complete prayers for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The manuscript accords with the unique custom of the Jews of the Piedmont region of Northern Italy known as Minhag APA’M. The three Jewish communities referred to by the abbreviated expression are Asti, Fossano, Alessandria and Moncalvo. The term (more correctly, Afam) denotes the special ritual of prayer that was utilized by the Jews of these communities who originally settled in Italy in the 14th century. They were descendants of Jews expelled from France during the years 1306 to 1394 who had moved steadily into the Piedmont region via nearby Alpine passes. See EJ, Vol. XII, cols. 240-41. 278 (RABBINICA). (Chidushim on Torah and Talmud). Hebrew manuscript on paper, written in a cursive Aschkenazic hand. pp. 298. Light wear, pages numbered in red in a recent hand. Unbound. Folio. Germany(?), Late 18th century. $5000-7000 ❧ A noteworthy work of rabbinic scholarship containing intricate, erudite and sharp pilpulim. The anonymous author was clearly a profound Talmid Chacham who focuses here on the most difficult Talmudic topics, often in great depth. He frequently cites and refers to his other works on Talmud. Although the work is anonymous, the verso of p. 287 has a manuscript note in another contemporary hand: “Kethivath Yado Hamaor Hagadol Hamefursam Mo’ Gershon Nero Yair Veyizrach.” Plus in German “Gerschon Michel Jud. Rabiner … in Frankfurt(?)” The manuscript was written in the later half of the 18th century as the author cites Kreithi Upleithi by R. Jonathan Eybuschetz (published in Altona 1763) at bottom of p. 120 and p. 140.