Details
LITURGY. Seder tefillot le-chodashim u-le-mo'adim [Miniature daily prayerbook according to the Sephardic rite].
Amsterdam, Naftali Hertz Levi Rofe, 1739.
318 leaves, fol. 223 is a divisional title-page for the "Seder tefillot le-mo'adim tovim ve-hosha'anot," also dated 1739. Printed at the expense of Tsemach, Jacob and David, sons of Meir Crescas. Between fol. 219 and 220 is a divisional title-page, "Seder tefillot le-chodashim ule-mo'adim," that should not be in that place, whereas fol. [223] is another divisional title-page, "Seder tefillot le-mo'adim tovim" within a simple decorative border, both dated 1739.
64mo, 58 x 34 mm. (2¼ x 1 3/8 in.), contemporary calf gilt, worn; lower hinge cracked, a few leaves becoming loose, some fore-margins trimmed close affecting outermost letters on some leaves, some browning and pale staining.
Vinograd, Amsterdam 1505; Zedner 487
There are different issues of this miniature daily prayerbook, with both slightly and completely different title-pages. The edition was apparently ordered or edited by or its publication at least suggested by Meir Crescas, who indicates on the verso of the title-page that in Amsterdam he once saw a miniature prayerbook, that, as it was printed without vowel points, could not be used by the boys during synagogue services. He therefore had this vocalized edition printed, for the benefit of the little boys. There exist copies with main and divisional title-pages indicating the fact that it was printed at the expense of the sons of Meir Crescas, mentioned above, and of even of these title-pages slightly different versions exist, and there are copies in which only Naftali Hertz Levi Rofe, the actual printer, is mentioned on the title(s), both as the printer and as the financer. The main title-page and the first divisional title-page in this copy indicate the Crescas connection, whereas the second divisional title-page just mentions Naftali Hertz Levi Rofe. For a somewhat creative interpretation of the facts presented here, see: R.D. Barnett, ed. Catalogue of the permanent and loan collections of the Jewish Museum London (London etc 1974) 625, p. 117.
Amsterdam, Naftali Hertz Levi Rofe, 1739.
318 leaves, fol. 223 is a divisional title-page for the "Seder tefillot le-mo'adim tovim ve-hosha'anot," also dated 1739. Printed at the expense of Tsemach, Jacob and David, sons of Meir Crescas. Between fol. 219 and 220 is a divisional title-page, "Seder tefillot le-chodashim ule-mo'adim," that should not be in that place, whereas fol. [223] is another divisional title-page, "Seder tefillot le-mo'adim tovim" within a simple decorative border, both dated 1739.
64mo, 58 x 34 mm. (2¼ x 1 3/8 in.), contemporary calf gilt, worn; lower hinge cracked, a few leaves becoming loose, some fore-margins trimmed close affecting outermost letters on some leaves, some browning and pale staining.
Vinograd, Amsterdam 1505; Zedner 487
There are different issues of this miniature daily prayerbook, with both slightly and completely different title-pages. The edition was apparently ordered or edited by or its publication at least suggested by Meir Crescas, who indicates on the verso of the title-page that in Amsterdam he once saw a miniature prayerbook, that, as it was printed without vowel points, could not be used by the boys during synagogue services. He therefore had this vocalized edition printed, for the benefit of the little boys. There exist copies with main and divisional title-pages indicating the fact that it was printed at the expense of the sons of Meir Crescas, mentioned above, and of even of these title-pages slightly different versions exist, and there are copies in which only Naftali Hertz Levi Rofe, the actual printer, is mentioned on the title(s), both as the printer and as the financer. The main title-page and the first divisional title-page in this copy indicate the Crescas connection, whereas the second divisional title-page just mentions Naftali Hertz Levi Rofe. For a somewhat creative interpretation of the facts presented here, see: R.D. Barnett, ed. Catalogue of the permanent and loan collections of the Jewish Museum London (London etc 1974) 625, p. 117.