Bidspirit auction | Rare – Haggadah Shel Pesach

Rare – Haggadah Shel Pesach Brit Mate Moshe – Berlin, 1701 (תס”א) This is a rare and significant Haggadah shel Pesach, titled Brit Mate Moshe, printed in Berlin in 1701 (תס”א). It holds the distinction of being the first Haggadah ever printed in Berlin. The Haggadah was printed without a title page, making it even more rare and difficult to find complete copies. The Haggadah includes Kabbalistic explanations by Rabbi Moshe ben Yeshaya Katz and contains an important introduction detailing the hardships the author faced, including his expulsion from Vienna in 1670 (ת”ל) and his aspiration to emigrate to the Land of Israel along with Rabbi Yehuda the Hasid. This background adds historical significance to the text, highlighting both the author's personal struggles and the broader context of Jewish life in early modern Europe. The printing was done by Moshe Yehuda Leib Ha'ana in Berlin, and the book includes an important approbation by the distinguished Rabbi Naftali Cohen of Pozna, known for his work Semichat Chachamim. Details: Condition: General good condition. The first page has slight trimming at the edges, with minimal damage to the text. The rest of the pages are in good condition. It is bound in a soft, modern cover. Bibliographic References: Yaari 67 Otzar HaHaggadot 103 Significance: This Haggadah is particularly valuable as it is the first known printed Haggadah in Berlin and represents an important part of Jewish printing history in Germany. The inclusion of Kabbalistic teachings by Rabbi Moshe Katz adds a spiritual and mystical dimension to the text, which would have been of interest to Jewish communities that practiced Kabbalah. The personal history of Rabbi Katz, with his expulsion from Vienna and his later association with Rabbi Yehuda the Hasid, ties this work to the broader historical events of Jewish life in Eastern Europe during the 17th century. Given its rarity, historical importance, and unique Kabbalistic teachings, this Haggadah is a prized collector’s item for those interested in Jewish printing history, Kabbalistic texts, and the development of Jewish liturgical materials.