Bidspirit auction | Seder HaTefillot and Seder leYamim

Seder HaTefillot and Seder leYamim Nora’im of the Sephardi community of the Anusim in Amsterdam — Original, Ornate Leather Bindings. Amsterdam, 1726. - Impressive and rare set of three volumes printed for the Sephardi-Portuguese community of Amsterdam — descendants of the Anusim who openly returned to Judaism after generations of Inquisition persecution. The present set comprises the complete weekday and Shabbat prayer book (Siddur), together with two volumes of the High Holiday Machzorim for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, all preserved in their original, magnificent  leather bindings of that time. The Siddur is printed under the title Seder HaTefillot keMinhag K.K. Sefaradim, and was carefully proofread and extensively revised seven times by Shmuel Rodrigues Mendes, one of the foremost scholars and leaders of the Portuguese community in Amsterdam. Among the most distinctive and moving features of this Siddur is the rare prayer “Hashkavah laSerufim al Kiddush Hashem” (leaf 151), instituted in memory of the martyrs of the Inquisition, including reference to leaders of the Portuguese community who were burned at the stake for sanctifying the Divine Name. This prayer reflects the memory of persecution and the strong sense of identity of the Anusim community that returned to Judaism. At the end of the Siddur volume appears a special table for a 216-year cycle, with a separate title page, introduction, and instructions in Spanish. The two Machzor volumes contain the prayers for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur according to the custom of the Sephardi community, printed at the press of Naftali Hertz ben Alexander Susskind of Amsterdam. The copies are printed on thick, high-quality paper and have survived in their original leather bindings, decorated in gold, with original colored endpapers and gilt edges — features indicating their prestigious use in synagogues and in the homes of prominent families of the community. Thick, high-quality paper. Fine original leather bindings with gilt decoration, colored endpapers, and gilt edges. With original bookmarks in all volumes. Collation: Seder HaTefillot – 152, [16] leaves. Machzor for Rosh Hashanah – leaves 1–81. Machzor for Yom Kippur – leaves 82–220. In the Yom Kippur volume, the front cover is detached. Very good condition.