Bidspirit auction | Passover Haggadah – Bigdei HaSerad

Passover Haggadah – Bigdei HaSerad by Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira. First Edition. Copy of the Chief Rabbi of Tripoli, Rabbi Yitzhak Hai Buchvza - Bigdei HaSerad, a commentary on the Passover Haggadah according to Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, by the holy Gaon Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, author of Avir Yaakov. Jerusalem, 1888. First edition. The first edition of one of the most important and sought-after works in the Abuchatzeira family’s literary tradition. The book contains explanations and mystical insights on the Haggadah based on Kabbalistic teachings, presented in the unique style of the Avir Yaakov, who combined profound scholarship with the esoteric traditions of the sages of Morocco. At the beginning of the volume appears an introduction by the author’s son, the holy Gaon Rabbi Masoud Abuchatzeira, together with numerous approbations from leading rabbis of Jerusalem and North Africa. A particularly distinguished copy, bearing the ownership inscription of the renowned kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Hai Buchbza, Chief Rabbi of Tripoli and head of the rabbinate of Libya. He recorded the following inscription: “I received this book as a gift from the esteemed Rabbi R. Chaim Samadja, may he live and be well, on the 26th day of Sivan, 1907. The humble Yitzchak Hai Buchbza, may his Rock and Redeemer preserve him, here in Moknine, may it be rebuilt and established, in the land of Tunis, may it be rebuilt and established.” Yaari 1307; Otzar HaHaggadot 1745; S. HaLevi 613. [1], 72, [1] leaves. 19.5 cm. Good condition. Original binding. Ownership signature of Rabbi Yitzhak Hai Buchvza. First edition. Rabbi Yitzhak Hai Buchvza (1853–1930) was one of the central figures in the history of Libyan Jewry. A kabbalist, liturgical poet, author, and halachic authority, he served in several rabbinical positions and, in 1925, was appointed Chief Rabbi of Tripoli, President of the Rabbinical Court, and head of the rabbis of Libya. His name is associated with one of the most fascinating traditions in the history of North African Jewry: following a visit by King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy to Libya, during which the king was deeply impressed by the rabbi, Rabbi Yitzhak Hai was invited to Rome. According to tradition, at his request he was granted access to the vaults of the Vatican, where ancient treasures connected to the Holy Temple were allegedly preserved. Upon returning to Libya, he was profoundly shaken by what he had seen, accepted upon himself a vow of silence, and passed away a short time later without revealing what his eyes had witnessed. Presented here is a highly important association copy, combining the first edition of one of the foundational works of the Abuchatzeira dynasty with ownership by the famed Chief Rabbi and kabbalist of Tripoli.