Auction 95 Early Printed Books, Chassidut and Kabbalah, Letters and Manuscripts, Engravings and Jewish Ceremonial Objects
Orot HaMitzvot – Emek Binyamin – Amsterdam, 1753 – First Mention of Suriname and the American Continent in Responsa Literature – First Editions
Orot HaMitzvot, commentaries and novellae on the reasons for commandments, according to the order of the Torah portions, with Emek Binyamin – responsa, halachic rulings and laws by R. Binyamin Dias-Brandon [a rabbi of the Portuguese community of Amsterdam). Amsterdam: Jan Janson, [1753]. First editions of both works.
Divisional title page for Emek Binyamin (which was also printed separately). At the beginning of Orot HaMitzvot are many approbations and poems in praise of the author and his book, by rabbis of Amsterdam and Hamburg.
Emek Binyamin sections 15-16 contain a halachic correspondence regarding inheritance between the author and R. Aharon Ledesma of Suriname (South America; his location is mentioned in the contents on the last page). This is the first place in responsa literature where a European rabbi addresses an American rabbi.
Ownership inscriptions on front endpaper. Inscription on title page.
[18], 103, [1]; [2], 22 leaves. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains. Early leather binding, front part loose, damaged.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.