Bidspirit auction | Et Ketz – Amsterdam, 1710 A

Et Ketz – Amsterdam, 1710 A Rare Treatise on the Time of Redemption by the Teacher of the Ramchal - Et Ketz, a fascinating work devoted entirely to the calculation of the End of Days and the anticipated date of Redemption, by the distinguished scholar Rabbi Yitzchak Chaim Cohen MeHaChazanim. Amsterdam, 1710. An unusual and highly engaging work consisting of eighteen chapters dedicated to the subject of the Messianic era and the end of exile. The author carefully examines earlier calculations of the redemption and, with due caution, presents his own conclusion that the Redemption would occur in the year 1740. Throughout the work, he discusses and analyzes previous calculations that predicted redemption in the years 531 and 1648, and vigorously refutes the Sabbatean claim that the Messiah would reveal himself in the year 1706, forty years after the “revelation” of Shabbetai Tzvi. The volume thus serves as an important witness to the intellectual struggle against lingering Sabbatean influences in the early eighteenth century. The title page is preceded by an attractive engraved illustration depicting the Binding of Isaac: Abraham freeing the ram from the thicket, Isaac upon the altar, and the angel calling from above, accompanied by the inscription “Yera’eh” (“He shall see”). The author, Rabbi Yitzchak Chaim Cohen MeHaChazanim, was one of the leading sages of Italian Jewry in his generation. A scholar, kabbalist, preacher, physician, poet, and polymath, he delivered more than a thousand sermons, and his responsa were cited by prominent Italian rabbinic authorities. He enjoyed close relations with members of the ruling elite and was renowned for his broad mastery of both Torah and secular wisdom. Of particular significance is his role as the primary teacher of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (the Ramchal). Upon his teacher’s passing, the Ramchal composed a moving elegy in which he described him as: “The Ark of God, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen... the universal sage, prince of physicians and father of scholars... the righteous foundation of the world... the crown and glory of the generation.” The introduction and discussions throughout the book provide a rare glimpse into the spiritual world of early modern Italian Jewry and its efforts to understand exile and redemption through the lenses of rabbinic literature, Kabbalah, and Messianic calculation. [4], 72 leaves. 20 cm. Very good condition. Colored page edges. Modern half-leather binding. A rare and intriguing work by the teacher of the Ramchal, devoted entirely to calculations of the End of Days and the anticipation of Redemption, enhanced by an attractive engraved depiction of the Binding of Isaac.