First Edition, with Engravings Depicting Jewish Rituals and Customs
Jüdisches Ceremoniel [Jewish Ceremonies], by Paul Christian Kirchner. Nuremberg: Peter Conrad Monath, 1724. German (and some Hebrew). First edition with engravings.

A detailed description of Jewish customs and rituals in 18th–century Germany, accompanied by thirty engraved plates (all but frontispiece, folding). The engravings depict various Jewish ceremonies and customs, including laying of phylacteries, chalitzah, Sabbath and holidays in the synagogue, and more.
The author, Paul Christian Kirchner, born to a Jewish family, converted to Christianity several years before composing this work. In his preface, he states his intentions to convince other Jews to follow his example.
The book was first published in 1717 (without engravings). In the present edition from 1724, the work was re–edited by Sebastian Jacob Jugendres (1685–1765), who emended the text, somewhat toned–down Kirchner's coarse language, and incorporated engravings for the first time.

[5] leaves, 226, [18] pages + [30] engraved plates and [2] folding explanatory plates (Erklärung der Kupfer) at end. 18.5 cm. Fair–good condition. Stains (including dark stains) and wear. Marginal tears and open tears to some leaves and plates (including some long tears). Title page and engravings mounted on blank leaves (old, bound together with rest of book). Old leather binding, slightly damaged; tears and wear to spine.

Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, NHB.127.