Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Sefat Emet and Leshon Zehorit – Opposing Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeshitz's Amulets – Altona, 1752 – First Edition
Opening: $250
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Sefat Emet and Leshon Zehorit, polemical work opposing R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz, containing transcriptions of many of the amulets he wrote and proof of their Sabbatean provenance, by R. Yaakov Emden, with letters 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 accepted use of holy names in amulets (Chayei Moharan, Lublin, 1921, Part II, Avodat Hashem, 19; section 463 in new editions).
[32] leaves. Lacking two leaves (see below). 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Heavy wear. Tears and open tears (mainly to first leaves), affecting text, repaired with paper. Bookplate. Old binding, with minor defects.
The number of leaves in this book varies between copies. Complete copies of this book (which are especially rare) contain [39] leaves, including one folding leaf (see Kedem catalog 100, lot 193; and copy of Gershom Scholem collection digitized in NLI catalog). Most copies lack the folding leaf and contain [34] leaves (see: Yitzchak Refael, Writings of R. Yaakov Emden – Bibliography, Areshet, III, p. 254 [Hebrew]). The present copy has [32] leaves, lacking the folding leaf as well as two leaves in the middle of the book.
Provenance: Collection of Prof. Jordan S. Penkower.
Sabbateanism and Polemics
Sabbateanism and Polemics