Kenesiyah LeShem Shamayim, against witchcraft and demon worship, by R. Menashe Matlub Sithon, Rabbi of Syria and head of the Safed Beit Din. Jerusalem: Eliyahu and Moshe Sason, 1874. Only edition.

Copy of the author's son R. Chaim Sithon, Rabbi of Safed – at the top of the title page is his handwritten ownership inscription.

The author, R. Menashe Matlub Sithon (d. 1876), Rabbi of Syria, immigrated to Safed and served as the head of its Beit Din in his later years. His son R. Chaim Sithon was born in Safed and later served as Rabbi of the Sephardic community in the city.

Kenesiyah LeShem Shamayim was composed to oppose magical practices that had spread among Jewish women in Jerusalem, Aleppo and elsewhere, particularly "indulco", a ceremony of "sweetening" held for the demons, for cures, birth and various troubles.

[2], 93 leaves. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Minor stains and wear. Worming. Original binding, worn and damaged.

Shoshana Halevy, no. 210.

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