Sefer Shimush. Polemic. The Controversy between Rabbi Yaakov Emden and Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeschitz. Altona, 1758.

Sefer Shimush. Polemic. The Controversy between Rabbi Yaakov Emden and Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeschitz. Altona, 1758.

An extremely rare book printed by Rabbi Yaakov Emden himself, in his printing house in Altona, in 1758. This book is famous as a central polemic in the history of the famous dispute between the Yaavetz and Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeschitz.

Rabbi Yaakov Emden was one of the leading opponents of the Sabbatean movement, and vehemently battled anything he viewed as having Sabbatean leanings. Against this backdrop, a fierce controversy broke out between him and Rabbi Yehonason Eibshitz, one of the great Ashkenazic Rabbis who was well versed in Kabbalah, and was known as a wonder-worker and writer of amulets. Upon receiving some of Rabbi Yehonatan’s amulets, Rabbi Yaakov Emden deciphered what was written inside and claimed that they hinted to belief in Shabtai Tzvi. Later on, Rabbi Yehonatan received the backing of the majority of Rabbis in his generation, and the controversy died down. Eventually, the consensus among Orthodox Jewry was that Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeschitz was not a Sabbatean, and most agreed that the claims of the Yaavetz against him were erroneous.

This historical polemic raised strong arguments between the Rabbis of Germany, Poland, France, Holland and other European countries.

In the final pages of the book appear six rare and unique woodcut prints, the last of which, on the final page of the book, depicts three figures – a Christian, Jew and Arab, the bottom part of their bodies that of an animal.

Altona (despite "Amsterdam" on title page), 1758.

89 leaves. Beautiful copy, in excellent condition. Slight defect on title page.

Otzar Hasefer Computerized Database 30969.

Important polemic book, not found.