Sefer Eilim, on mathematics, astronomy, philosophy and more, with diagrams, by R. Yosef Shlomo Delmedigo. Amsterdam: Menasseh Ben Israel, [1628-1629].

The book contains several works, in two parts.

The first part of the book is Sefer Eilim, and the second part is Maayan Ganim (with a divisional title page), comprising four works: Sod HaYesod, Chukot Shamayim, Gevurot Hashem and Maayan Chatum.

Sefer Eilim presents twelve "wellsprings" and seventy "palms" – comprising various uncertainties and questions, to be answered in the other parts of the book (the name and organization of the book is based on the Israelite encampment in Eilim as described in Shemot 15: 27).

The sections of the book deal with many scientific topics in the fields of geometry, algebra, chemistry, physics and medicine, and were written in the form of answers to questions addressed to the author by the Karaite scholar Zerach son of Natan of Troki.

Considered one of the most important scientific works published in Hebrew in pre-modern times, it includes tens of detailed diagrams and illustrations (including character illustrations).

After the title page of Maayan Ganim appears a leaf with a fine engraved portrait of the author, produced by W. Delff, after a drawing by W.C. Duyster. Around the portrait appears the caption: "Ioseph del Medico Cretensis philosophus et medicus aet. XXXVII. Anno M.D.C.XXVIII".

At the beginning of Sefer Eilim are approbations by the rabbis of Venice, R. Simchah Luzzatto, R. Nechemiah Saraval and R. Yaakov LeBeit HaLevi.

On verso of title page of Maayan Ganim, introduction by printer, Menasseh Ben Israel.

The author,
R. Yosef Shlomo Delmedigo of Crete, known as the Yashar of Candia (1591-1665) was a physician, philosopher, astronomer and mathematician, a disciple of Galileo Galilei (mentioned several times in the present book, and granted the honorific of Rabbi – "my teacher"). This book figured centrally in scholarly debate of the time, both Jewish and Christian.

[6], 83 pages; [2] pages, [1] portrait leaf, 190, [2] pages; 79, [1] pages. Does not contain [1] leaf at beginning of book, with Latin contents. 19 cm. Overall good condition. Stains, including light dampstains. Title page of Sefer Eilim trimmed at bottom margins, not affecting text. Small marginal tear, repaired, to portrait leaf, not affecting engraving. Stamps. New binding.

CB, no. 5960; Zedner, p. 356; Roest, p. 599, 1.

Peleitat Beit Yehudah, responsa by R. Yehudah Lerma. Venice: Vincenzo, Nicolo, Pietro, Giacomo, Geronimo and Aloyse Bragadin, 1647. First edition.

On verso of title page, introduction by disciple of author, R. Simchah son of Gershon HaKohen.

80, [2] leaves. 20.5 cm. Overall fair condition (some leaves in good-fair condition). Stains. Worming; heavy, extensive worming on last leaves, affecting text. Small marginal tears to several leaves. Non-Hebrew inscription on front endpaper. New binding.

CB, no. 5737, 4; Zedner, p. 403.

Toldot Aharon, references to Biblical verses mentioned in the Talmud, Zohar, Akedat Yitzchak and Sefer HaIkarim, by R. Aharon of Pesaro; with Toldot Yaakov, references to verses in the Talmud Yerushalmi, by R. Yaakov Sasportas. Amsterdam: Shmuel son of Yisrael Soeiro, [1652].

Divisional title page for Toldot Yaakov.

[159; 32] leaves. 17 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming to many leaves, affecting text in several places. Marginal tears to several leaves. Old parchment binding. Front of binding and spine detached.

CB, no. 4377, 4 (Toldot Aharon).

CB, no. 5615, 5 (Toldot Yaakov).

Or Torah, first part of Shtei Yadot, on emendation of the Torah and clarification of the Masoretic text, by R. Menachem di Lonzano. Amsterdam: Uri son of Aharon HaLevi, 1659.

This work was first published as part of Shtei Yadot, Venice 1618, here printed as a standalone work for the first time.

Signature on title page (somewhat blurred): "G-d granted me this book, Avraham HaLevi of Chełm" – R. Avraham HaLevi of Chełm, Rabbi of Emden, a leading Torah scholar of his generation. He succeeded R. Yaakov Emden (Yaavetz) as Rabbi of Emden (ca. 1750s-1760s). He is mentioned in Responsa Noda BiYehudah Kama, Yoreh Deah, section 1, and in Zichron Yaakov (Fürth 1770); a responsum by him dated 1765 appears in Responsa She'elat Yaavetz II, sections 24-25. In 1760 he served as Rabbi of Hildesheim, and his document of appointment is printed in Kerem Shlomo (IV, 1). Together with R. Yaakov Emden he battled the remaining Sabbateans in Germany (see further in articles by A. Brik, Shanah BeShanah, 1980, pp. 335-340; Shanah BeShanah, 1993, pp. 409-420).

On endpaper, inscriptions of "R. Hirsch Oppenheim" – possibly R. Tzvi Hirsch Oppenheim (1793-1859), son and successor of R. David Oppenheim Rabbi of Almaș and Timișoara, a leading opponent of the Reform movement in Hungary (see enclosed material).

27 leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Small marginal tears. New binding.

CB, no. 6355, 2; Zedner, p. 527; Roest, p. 790.

Nachalat Tzvi, commentary on Tractate Avot, with main text and commentary, by R. Tzvi Hirsch Tuchfirer. Venice: Gerolimo Bragadino, 1659. Only edition.

Proofread by kabbalist R. Moshe Zacuto.

Inscription on title page: "R. Bacchi".

[5], 89 leaves. Lacking leaves 90-106 (chapter 6 of Pirkei Avot). Approx. 19 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears and open tears, affecting title frame and text in several places, partially repaired with paper. Old binding.

CB, no. 1465; Zedner, p. 552; Roest, p. 672.