Bidspirit auction | Exceptionally Magnificent Copy!!! Avak Soferim.

Exceptionally Magnificent Copy!!! Avak Soferim. Sole Edition. Amsterdam, 1704 – In Its Original Leather Binding with Brass Clasps - Avak Soferim, sermons and commentaries on the Torah and Aggadot of Chazal, by Rabbi Avraham ben Levi Konki of Hebron. Amsterdam, [1704], printed by Nathaniel Foa. Only edition. An exceptional collector’s copy of a rare book – preserved in near-new condition, printed on high-quality bright paper with wide margins, gilt edges, a magnificent original leather binding with gold tooling, and original brass clasps. A remarkably complete and beautifully preserved copy. The author, Rabbi Avraham ben Levi Konki, one of the sages of Hebron and its renowned emissaries, traveled as a Shadar on behalf of the Holy City for nearly ten years, visiting dozens of Jewish communities throughout Europe. During his travels, he became acquainted with many of the leading Torah authorities of his generation, numerous among whom contributed approbations to the present work. Rare Correspondence Concerning Sabbatai Zevi Of particular historical interest are leaves 103–106, which contain letters to the Kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Zacuto – the Ramaz – and Rabbi Yehuda Briel, in connection with questions addressed to the author concerning Sabbatai Zevi. His responses indicate that Rabbi Avraham Konki was careful to avoid giving explicit answers, even writing that matters of this nature should not be “brought out into the marketplace” and publicized. The responses are composed in impressive rhymed prose, demonstrating the author’s considerable literary skill and mastery of Hebrew rhetoric. The volume contains numerous approbations from leading Torah authorities, including the rabbis of Hebron, the author of Masoret HaShas, the Maharashach, Rabbi David Oppenheim, the author of Semichat Chachamim, and other prominent sages. Magnificent and Exceptionally Well-Preserved Copy The present copy is distinguished by its extraordinary state of preservation: high-quality, bright paper with wide margins, original gilt edges, and a fine original leather binding decorated with gold tooling and retaining its original brass clasps. An exceptionally magnificent copy, preserved in near-new condition – a rare combination of an important work printed in a sole edition, its original binding, and remarkable completeness. Copies in such a state of preservation are exceedingly rare. 192 leaves. 31.5 cm. Vinograd, Amsterdam 769. Condition: Very good–excellent, nearly as new. Original leather binding with gold tooling and original brass clasps; gilt edges. High-quality bright paper with wide margins.