Collection of leaves handwritten by R. Shlomo Michael Yonah, Rabbi of Torino – sermons and novellae on the Torah. [Torino, ca. 18th century].

The present lot is comprised of two groups of leaves in the author’s autograph manuscript, with erasures, corrections and additions. In one group appears a draft of a lengthy sermon for Shabbat Bereshit. In this group, there is lesser use of leaves from letters sent to R. Shlomo Michael Yonah, and on some leaves appear the recipient’s address – his name and address in Torino, with remains of postmarks left on them.

The second group, in larger format, contains sermons on the Torah portions of the Book of Bereshit. The present leaves contain sections on Bereshit, Noach, Lech Lecha, Vayera and Chayei Sarah; followed by various selections. The first page contains a title page formula, with the title Divrei Shlomo.
To the best of our knowledge, these novellae have not been printed.

R. Shlomo Michael Yonah, one of the leading Italian Torah scholars in the 18th century. Brother-in-law of R. Yechiel Chaim Troyes, Rabbi of Vercelli. First he lived in Alessandria where he met and developed an ongoing friendship with the Chida on his first mission to Italy. He was subsequently appointed Rabbi of Torino, where he again hosted the Chida.

[5] leaves, 30 cm; [7] leaves, 24 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear.

PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.