Bidspirit auction | Em HaDerech Order of Prayers

Em HaDerech Order of Prayers for the Cemetery, with Unusual Illustrations. Amsterdam, 1855 * Miniature! A moving collection of graveside prayers and supplications, rooted in the teaching of Sefer Chassidim that the deceased find comfort and merit when the living pray at their graves (see final page). On either side of the title page appear four striking illustrations — a human skull, royal crown, burning candle, and hourglass — each symbolizing human mortality, solemn reflections that life is brief, fragile, and ever passing. The printing of a skull illustration in a Hebrew book is an exceedingly rare and unusual phenomenon! First and rare edition of this order of prayers. On the final leaf are the original handwritten signatures of the two Amsterdam-based publishers: Rabbi Shimon Heijmans and Rabbi David Slihes. Both were prominent members of the Ashkenazic community in Amsterdam and were also responsible for printing Bris Yitzchak (Amsterdam, 1852). Amsterdam, 1855. First Edition Size: Pocket-sized, only 10.4 cm high. Page Count: [2], 46, [2] pages Condition: Good. One leaf with tears; some staining. Fine antique binding, lightly rubbed. Provenance: William Gross Collection, Tel Aviv.