Sefat Emet and Leshon Zehorit, polemical work against R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz, containing copies of many of the amulets he wrote and proof of their Sabbatean provenance, by R. Yaakov Emden, with a letter of support from leading rabbis of the generation. [Altona: R. Yaakov Emden], 1752. First edition.

The first part of the book focuses on amulets written by R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz which were distributed in Metz and the surrounding region during his rabbinical tenure there. The book contains the texts and illustrations of many amulets, along with R. Yaakov Emden's proofs and detailed explanations that the amulets conceal Sabbatean ideas and influences. The second part of the book contains many letters R. Yaakov Emden received from prominent Torah scholars and various rabbis supporting the publication of the book and issuing a ban against R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz.

An interesting perspective on this book, and an alternative interpretation which would vindicate R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz of the allegations, is attributed to R. Nachman of Breslov. Whereas R. Emden contended that a certain word contained messianic allusions, R. Nachman noted that it was in fact the initials of a verse in the Torah, which is in keeping with the use of holy names in amulets (Chayei Moharan, Lublin, 1921, Part II, Avodat Hashem, 19; section 463 in new editions).

Signatures on title page: "Leib Kassel Segal"; "I. Hertz".

[39] leaves. Approx. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Small marginal tears to several leaves. New binding.

Complete copy, containing leaf [3], a folded leaf with illustrations of five amulets, as well as several other leaves that are lacking from most other copies (see Gershom Scholem's notes in his personal copy digitized in the NLI catalogue). The bibliography of R. Yaakov Emden's writings by Yitzchak Refael also records a copy containing only 34 leaves (see: Yitzchak Refael, Writings of R. Yaakov Emden – Bibliography, Areshet, III, p. 254 [Hebrew]).

CB, no. 5527,9 (13); Zedner, p. 237.