Sefer HaZichronot, by Rabbi Shmuel Abuhav. [Prague, c. 1648].
Book printed anonymously, with author, location and year of print unknown; most of the book deals with rebuke and encouragement of observance of Mitzvot which the nation is lax in performing.
The author, Rabbi Shmuel Abuhav (1610-1694), among Torah giants of his generation, rabbi of Verona and among Torah scholars of Venice, authored Dvar Shmuel Responsa. In this composition he joined the polemic of “Stam Yeinam” in Italy, in light of custom of leniency in this prohibition which was prevalent in the region; he therefore dedicated a substantial portion of the book in stressing the severity of this prohibition. Sent the book to Prague for printing instead of printing in the superior printing presses of Italy, in order to preserve his anonymity. The Chida (Shem HaGedolim, editorial staff) writes: “Book does not mention author… and we know that the author is the righteous Rabbi Shmuel Abuhav, a distinguished unique rabbi of Venice… and in order to preserve his anonymity he printed the book upon black paper in print of inferior quality…”. [For accreditation of composition to Rabbi Shmuel Abuhav and for information regarding him, see: Meir Benayahu, Dor Acher Ba’Aretz, Jerusalem 1988, pp. 27-49].
Ownership signature of Rabbi “Yehoshua Heschel Teomim Frankel”.
[4], 86 leaves. 18 cm. Coarse paper, fair condition. Stains, wear and tear. Damaged binding.