Bidspirit auction | Magnificent Spanish Tanach for Families

Magnificent Spanish Tanach for Families of Anusim. Amsterdam, 1646 * A complete Spanish translation of the Tanach, printed specifically for the descendants of the Anusim (conversos - those forced to abandon Judaism) who had made their way to Amsterdam. An important and rare edition in an impressive large format with fine, elegant printing. The title page is fully illustrated with the Ark of the Covenant, figures of Moshe and Aharon, and depictions of Gan Eden (signed: Cornelis Muller). The printing is enhanced by ornate initials throughout. This is a new edition of the Amsterdam 1630 version, attributed to renowned sage Menashe ben Israel, which is based on the Ferrara Bible of 1553. The Tanach was prepared for the unique needs of the Spanish-Portuguese community of Amsterdam — descendants of those expelled from Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century — who had lived for generations as Anusim and had lost their Hebrew literacy. This translation offered them renewed access to the sacred Tanach in the Spanish language they had grown up with. The title reads: Biblia en lengua espanola, traduzida palabra por palabra de la verdad Hebrayca — “Bible in the Spanish language, translated word for word from the Hebrew truth.” Further on the title page it is printed that the sefer was examined and approved by the Inquisition. This was, of course, done in order to enable the smuggling of the sefer to the Anusim in Spain and Portugal. The translation of the Tanach into Spanish constituted the primary factor in strengthening the connection of the anusim to Judaism, generation after generation (Cecil Roth, A History of the Marranos, p. 231). At the beginning of the Tanach there is a chart dividing the text into 54 weekly sections, allowing for the study of one portion each week throughout the year. Amsterdam, 1646, printed by Gillis Loost. Page Count: [18], 417, 420–605 pages. Size: 35.5 cm. Condition: Massive wooden binding, covered in leather (restored). In the center of the front and back cover, there is a golden embossing on both sides of the binding with an impressive emblem: ”Society of Writers to the Signet” (an early Scottish association of lawyers). Original clasps for closing; leather straps connected to the clasps are new. Slight damage to the margins of the last 3 leaves. Good condition. Provenance: William Gross Collection, NHB.110. Previously sold: Kedem 2023 ----------------------------------------- Any inquiries about this lot? We are also available on WhatsApp >>>