Bidspirit auction | Sefer Seder Hatarat Nedarim veKlalot
Sefer Seder Hatarat Nedarim veKlalot – The First Book Printed for the Bukharan Jewish Community – Russia, 1820 (תק”פ) This rare and historically significant book, titled Seder Hatarat Nedarim veKalalot (Order for the Annulment of Vows and Curses), was printed in 1820 (תק”פ) in Russia for the Bukharan Jewish community. The book includes the prayers and rituals for annulling vows and curses, as well as various announcements and the Tashlich ceremony, following the customs of the Chassidim of the Holy City of Jerusalem. It was specifically designed for the unique needs of the Bukharan Jewish community, providing them with important ritual texts for Yom Kippur and other occasions. This is the first book ever printed specifically for the Bukharan Jews and is a highly significant item in the history of Jewish printing, particularly in relation to the Bukharan community. The book was printed by their first rabbi, Rabbi Pinchas ben Rabbi Yitzchak HaCohen, who was affectionately known as ”Rabbi Yitzchak the Great” among the Bukharan Jews. The printing is based on the customs of the Chassidim of Jerusalem, with the specific liturgy taken from the book Derech Chaim (Livorno, 1790), which had been printed by Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Ayash, a Jerusalem emissary. Pages: 25 Size: 17.5 cm Condition: Good. The book is in good condition with a new binding. There are minor imperfections, including a transparent repair on the last page and slight wear at the edges of the pages. Despite these imperfections, the text remains clear and legible. The book was printed in the Russian Empire, likely in the area of Shklov, which was a known hub for Jewish printing during this period. The Bukharan Jewish community, which originally lived in the Central Asian region (modern-day Uzbekistan), had strong connections to Jewish communities in the Holy Land, including Jerusalem. The printing of this book is a reflection of their commitment to maintaining their spiritual ties with Jerusalem and the broader Jewish world. For further context, the printing of such a book for a specific community was a rare event in the early 19th century, and the fact that this was the first book printed for the Bukharan Jews makes it an exceptionally valuable item for collectors of Jewish liturgical texts and Jewish history. The Bukharan Jews, known for their rich traditions, customs, and unique religious practices, have a distinct and proud heritage, and this book stands as an important milestone in their religious and cultural life. For additional background on the Bukharan Jewish community and their printed works, see the bibliographic work of A. Yaari in Kiryat Sefer (Vol. 18, 1941-42) and in Shlichai Eretz Yisrael (Jerusalem, 1951). The National Library catalog suggests Shklov as the likely printing location. This book is an exceptional piece of Jewish liturgical history and a prized collector's item, especially for those interested in the religious traditions and history of the Bukharan Jewish community.