Bidspirit auction | Machzor Kavanat HaPaytan – Sukkot.

Machzor Kavanat HaPaytan – Sukkot. Amsterdam, 1750 First Edition | Magnificent Copy in Its Original Gilt Leather Binding - Machzor according to the Ashkenazic rite, Part II for the Festival of Sukkot, with the commentaries Hadrat Kodesh and Kavanat HaPaytan in Yiddish, printed in Tzeneh-Urene type. Amsterdam, Proops Press, 1750. First edition. An important early edition of one of the most influential Ashkenazic prayer books, featuring the first appearance of Kavanat HaPaytan—a collection of brief introductions placed before the liturgical poems (piyyutim), explaining their central themes and underlying ideas. This innovation was enthusiastically received by worshippers, quickly gained widespread popularity throughout Jewish communities, and became a standard feature in many machzorim printed in subsequent generations. The identity of its author remains unknown. Printed at the beginning of the volume is the approbation of Rabbi Aryeh Leib, Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam, son-in-law of the famed Chacham Tzvi and father of Rabbi Shaul of Amsterdam. In his endorsement he warmly praises the project, writing: “I have seen that it is a beautiful undertaking... may they be strengthened for this good deed.” The present copy is particularly distinguished by its magnificent original period binding, richly decorated with extensive gilt tooling on both covers. The panels feature elaborate artistic motifs, including cherubs, a Torah crown, floral borders, and decorative elements characteristic of the luxurious bindings produced for Dutch Jewry during the eighteenth century. An additional point of interest is the personal ownership inscription stamped in gold on the front cover: “Frommet bat ha-Rav Benjamin Falik, may he live and prosper.” This gilt inscription attests to a private commission and early ownership of the machzor. The rear cover bears the gilt name and emblem of the Proops family, among the most celebrated Hebrew printers of Amsterdam, renowned for the exceptional quality of their productions. The publications of the Proops press represent one of the high points of Hebrew bookmaking in Europe. Their combination of refined typography, high-quality paper, and luxurious bindings transformed their prayer books into prestigious objects intended for synagogues, affluent households, and distinguished families. This volume is an especially rare example of a prayer book that has survived in its original deluxe binding—an uncommon occurrence, as prayer books were typically subjected to heavy use over many generations. 29, 12, 109 leaves. Lacking the engraved first title page. 25 cm. Very good condition. Fine, high-quality paper. Magnificent original leather binding with extensive gilt decoration. An impressive and rare prayer book combining significant bibliographical importance—as the first edition of Kavanat HaPaytan—with exceptional artistic and collectible appeal.