Bidspirit auction | An impressive copy. Shelah Naḥat

An impressive copy. Shelah Naḥat — Shenei Luchot HaBrit. Amsterdam, Naḥat [1698]. A special and sumptuous edition in an original wooden binding - An impressive, elegant, and complete copy of the foundational work Shenei Luchot HaBrit, by the gaon and exemplar of his generation known miracle worker. Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz of Frankfurt — known as the Shelah HaKadosh, an acronym of the title of this work. The book includes the companion works: “Vavei HaAmudim” by Rabbi Shabtai Sheftel Horowitz, the author’s son, as well as the indices “Toldot Adam.” The edition of the year Naḥat holds special significance among Hasidic circles, as according to tradition this is the year in which the Light of the Seven Days, Maran the holy Baal Shem Tov, was born. Great tzaddikim noted the profound connection between the appearance of the light of the Shelah’s work and the birth of the Baal Shem Tov in the same year. Thus wrote Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Rayatz of Lubavitch (Igrot Kodesh, vol. II, p. 453), that the elegant printing of the book in the year Naḥat caused “spiritual delight Above, ” and in that year was born the luminary of all Israel — the Baal Shem Tov — to illuminate the world with the light of Torah, fear of Heaven, and service of the heart. The book contains two title pages. On the first title page appears an especially magnificent copper engraving, depicting Moses our Teacher, Aaron the Priest, and King David. The engraving was executed by the renowned artist Abraham b. Jacob (his name signed at the bottom of the title page) — a famous convert, who also signed the well-known Hebrew map in the Passover Haggadah printed in Amsterdam in 1695. Separate title pages appear for Vavei HaAmudim and Toldot Adam. On both title pages are evident early ownership inscriptions in ancient Ashkenazic handwriting, as well as additional inscriptions on the guard leaf at the end of the book — testimony to continuous use and esteem for the work over generations. Amsterdam, Naḥat [1698]. Printed by the bachelor Immanuel ben Joseph Attias. [4], 422, 44, [12] leaves. Height: 32 cm. Condition: Very good. Printed on thick, high-quality paper. Minor age stains. Light professional restoration to the margins of the title page. Original early wooden boards covered with leather, with copper clasps; light wear to the binding. Vinograd, Amsterdam 668. A splendid printing, a special and luxurious edition of the Shelah HaKadosh — a foundational copy of the highest rabbinic, historical, and Hasidic significance.