Bidspirit auction | Sefer Meleches Machsheves – Venice,

Sefer Meleches Machsheves – Venice, 5470 [1710] – with the author’s portrait and an illustrated title page. - Sefer Meleches Machsheves, on the Five Chumshei Torah, in the manner of inquiry and philosophy, by Rabbi Moshe Cheifetz, one of the leading sages of Italy. A complete and attractive copy, including the illustrated title page, the author’s portrait, Klalei HaMechkar, and the diagram plate. At the beginning of the sefer appears a fine and large portrait of the author printed on a full page. In the margins of the portrait, the author’s age is alluded to in the phrase: “Bishnas A”T ben MA”H shanah” — meaning forty-six years old (the numerical value of MA”H), and not, as some mistakenly understood, that he was then one hundred years old. The author, Rabbi Moshe Cheifetz, was born in Trieste and raised in Venice, where he taught Torah to many students. In addition to his greatness in Torah, he was also renowned for his knowledge of natural science and theology, as reflected in his sefer Meleches Machsheves. He composed this work out of grief and sorrow following the passing of his beloved son, Rabbi Gershom, author of Yad Charuzim, who died in the prime of his life. Rabbi Moshe himself did not live long and passed away on 30 Cheshvan 5472, at only forty-eight years of age. Venice, 5470 [1710]. First edition. Printed on thick, high-quality paper. Slight waviness. Collation: [8], 3 ilustrated plates, 98 leaves. Size: 29 cm. A few age stains, single wormhole in the margins. Good condition.