Bidspirit auction | Magnificent Manuscript Miniature Siddur for

Magnificent Manuscript Miniature Siddur for Mincha and Ma’ariv with Colorful Illustrations Written by Rabbi Menashe Somech Baghdad, 1880 * Order of Mincha and Ma’ariv prayers in miniature format, written in fine, typical Iraqi handwriting. At the beginning of the manuscript is a splendid title page, composed of line after line of verses of protection, within which appears the signature of the writer. The manuscript is signed and dated on the title page: ”The writer and copyist, who trusts in the G-d of Yosef the Tzaddik, none other than Menashe Yosef Avraham Somech, Hashem shall protect and safeguard him, year 5640 from Creation [1880].” On the reverse of the title page appears a similarly styled frame, in the center of which is the psalm “Lamnatzeach al hagitis….” Within one of the surrounding lines the manuscript is dated once again: ”I wrote this in the year 5640 from Creation [1880].” Each opening word is written in large letters, accompanied by an illustration, and adorned in matching delicate colors. An impressive and truly unique piece! The Somech family was among the most prominent families in Baghdad, producing the leader of Iraqi Jewry at the time of writing – the Gaon Rabbi Abdallah Somech, teacher of the Ben Ish Chai. (It is noteworthy that Rabbi Abdallah would sign as: ”Abdallah Avraham Yosef Somech”, and thus it is possible that the writer was from his close family.) Vicinity of Baghdad, 1880. Page Count: 86 written pages. Size: Miniature, 8.5 cm! Condition: Very good, highly impressive. Several stains. Original red leather binding. At the beginning of the siddur is the inscription: ”I received this here in Bombay, may it be built and established, I, the young Yaakov Moshe Hillel, may he be protected and preserved, year 1967.”