Commentary on the Torah, by "the foremost physician" R. Ovadia Sforno. Venice: Giovanni Griffio, 1567. Bound with: Commentary on Shir HaShirim and Kohelet, by R. Ovadia Sforno. Venice: Giovanni Griffio, 1567.
Copy of the tzaddik of Shtefanesht, Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Friedman. His stamps appear three times on the first title page: two inked – one in orange and the other in purple, and one embossed stamp (without ink).
A name to include in prayer (kvitel) is inscribed on p. 9a: "Zeide Menachem Manis David son of Feige Chana Alter". Apparently, one of the Rebbes Chassidim (perhaps, the one who gave this book to the rebbe) inscribed his name so the rebbe should pray for him.
Ownership inscriptions in Italian script at the top of the first title page: "Yuda son of Eliezer", "Binyamin Pisaro".
The Rebbe of Shtefanesht, Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Friedman (1848-1933, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 131-132), famous tzaddik and wonder-worker. Son of Rebbe Nachum of Shtefanesht – son of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. At the age of 21, he succeeded his father. Under Rebbe Avraham Matityahu's leadership, Shtefanesht grew to be an important Chassidic center. He served as Rebbe for 70 years. His was re-interred in Israel in the Nachalat Yitzchak cemetery which is known until today as a site for deliverance, visited by many who pray at his gravesite.
92; 16 leaves. 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears to leaf 8, affecting text. Several leaves contain censored words or sentences, covered by pasted pieces of paper. Many ink stains and glued pieces of paper to leaves 56-57, affecting text. Color endpapers. Stamps. Inscriptions. Early, elegant leather binding, gilt-tooled. Damage to binding.