Semicha on parchment, by the Gaon Rabbi Yom Tov Bandi, Av Beit Din of Prostitz. Prague, Rosh Chodesh Adar 1705. Fine calligraphy frame with a drawing of flowers and a human figure.
The Semicha’s wording is eloquent and interesting, with numerous rhymes: “And Mordechai went out with garments… and… Hashem has gifted him… this precious young man… May there be many like him in Israel… and I have spoken and signed [the present paper]… Yom Tov son of Zalman, here in Prostitz”.
The Gaon Rabbi Yom Tov Bandi was among the leading sages of his generation, served as a Dayan Borerut – Rabbinical conciliator, [Moreh Shaveh = who had enough authority to judge without the usually requested tribunal of three, a highly trusted function only very select Geonim have filled in their generations] in Prague, he also served as rabbi of the Prostitz community. Passed away in 1729, and his tombstone in Prague bears descriptions that are very rare in that generation: “The Rabbi Gaon Av Beit Din of Prostitz and the surroundings and Dayan Moreh Shaveh of Prague]... enlightened the eyes of Israel with his novellae, his responsa and sermons at the synagogue”. (Prague Families, page 26).
His five sons were famous rabbis, Rabbi Eliezer Bandi Av Beit Din of Bumslo, Rabbi Avraham Bandi author of the “Zera Avraham” (father in law of Rabbi Elazar Falklash’s grandfather) and more. See enclosed material.
17 cm. Good condition. Slightly faded ink.