Bidspirit auction | Leḥem Rav. Smyrna (Izmir), [1660].

Leḥem Rav. Smyrna (Izmir), [1660]. First edition. Rare book - Leḥem Rav—responsa by Rabbi Abraham di Boton, of blessed memory, author of Leḥem Mishneh. Smyrna (Izmir), [1660]. First edition. The volume includes approbations by the rabbis of Izmir, among them a particularly interesting approbation by Rabbi Ḥayyim Benveniste, author of Kenesset HaGedolah. Benveniste cites extensively from this work, noting that he had seen it in manuscript form prior to publication. It is known that the author was also called Ḥayya (Ḥiyyah). The source for this is found in the present book (Responsum no. 30), where he writes: “For example, I—whose name was changed due to illness—sign as Ḥayya Abraham, and in the Torah reading I am called by two names.” The book was brought to press by two of the author’s grandsons, one of whom was a wealthy patron who financed most of the printing. As stated on the title page, both agreed unanimously to dedicate five hundred copies of this book to be sold, with the principal to remain in perpetuity and the proceeds to be given to Torah scholars studying in the local yeshiva. Printed on fine-quality paper. The printer explicitly notes the generosity of the sponsors, who “gave of their means with a generous hand, both for the printing itself and for the purchase of good paper, which they acquired at great expense.” A rare book, printed in only 500 copies. [2], 140 leaves. Size: 29.5 cm. Condition: Very good. Original wooden boards covered with leather, with decorative tooling and remnants of clasps.