Lot 56
Machzor for Shavuot - Amsterdam, 1768 - Elaborate Leather Binding, with Gilt Dedication for a Bar-Mitzvah Boy by R. Shaul Rabbi of Hague and his Wife, Rebbetzin Dinah
Machzor with Kavanat HaPaytan, for Shavuot, "According to Ashkenazi tradition and [the traditions] of the rest of the holy congregations", with Yiddish translation and explanations. Amsterdam, [1768]. Printed by the Proops brothers.
Elaborate ancient leather binding, with a gilt dedication by R. Shaul, Rabbi of Hague, and is wife Rebbetzin Dinah, who gave this machzor as a bar-mitzvah gift. Embossed close to the outer frame of the front cover: "Gift from the famous R. Shaul HaLevi and from his wife, Rebbetzin Dinah…". An inscription was added to the inner frame: "from his wife, Rebbetzin Dinah". Embossed on the back cover is a "self-dedication", apparently from a later time: "I have purchased it in Hague for 13 gold pieces, the 18th of Elul 1786, Hirsh son of Yissachar".
R. Shaul HaLevi, Rabbi of Hague (Otzar HaRabbanim 17964) was an illustrious Torah scholar, descendant of a prominent family, related to the great R. Heshel of Krakow. The book Binyan Shaul with his teachings has recently been printed. His wife, Rebbetzin Dinah, was the daughter of R. Aryeh Leib, Rabbi of Rzeszów and Amsterdam (son of R. Shaul, Rabbi of Krakow and son-in-law of the Chacham Zvi) and sister of Rabbi R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam, author of Binyan Ariel. Rebbetzin Dinah, who was privileged to know her grandfather the Chacham Zvi in his lifetime, was an exceptionally learned and pious woman, renowned for her extraordinary knowledge of Torah and for her great wisdom. The Chida visited their home on a visit to Hague in Sivan 1778 and was much impressed with the rebbetzin. He wrote (in the book recording his travels titled Ma'agal Tov) that "She is wise and very modest" and related an anecdote portraying her cleverness and his wonder at her shrewd and concise responses (Toldot HaChida by R. M. Krengil, at the beginning of the book Shem HaGedolim, Ot 3).
[1], 32, 91 leaves (without the engraved half-title page which appears in a few copies). A leaf was bound at the end of the book which is not part of this machzor [perhaps due the Proops printer's device in the margin?]. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Contemporary leather binding with gilt embossments - adornments and inscriptions. Wear and damages to binding and spine.