Sermoës que pregaraõ os doctos ingenios do K.K. de Talmud Torah, desta cidade de Amsterdam, sermons for dedication of the Portuguese synagogue in Amsterdam. Amsterdam: David de Castro Tartaz, 1675. Only edition. Portuguese and some Hebrew.

Comprises seven sermons delivered during the inauguration of the Portuguese synagogue in Amsterdam by: R. Yitzchak Aboab da Fonseca (the third), R. Shlomo de Oliveyra, R. Yitzchak Saruco, R. Yitzchak Nieto, R. Eliyahu Lopes, R. Yitzchak Vellozino and R. David Sarphati.

The book opens with two spreads of exquisite engravings by the Dutch artist Romeyn de Hooghe (1645-1708). The richly detailed engravings present various views of the synagogue – the exterior, a plan of the interior, the sanctuary, the Torah ark, and more. One of the engravings depicts the inauguration ceremony; with the members of the Jewish community in prayer in the center (women and children are seen amongst the community members at the forefront of the engraving).

The Portuguese synagogue in Amsterdam served the community of Spanish and Portuguese Jews who immigrated to the Netherlands in the wake of the inquisition, and their descendants. In 1670, with the encouragement of R. Yitzchak Aboab da Fonseca, the lot upon which the synagogue was to be built was purchased, and in 1675, on Motzaei Shabbat Parashat Nachamu, the inauguration ceremony was held with much fanfare. The celebrations continued for eight days (apparently inspired by the Maccabean reconsecration of the Temple; see: M.H. Ganz, Memorbook, p. 101).

[8], 155 pages + [4] leaves ([4] engraved pages, [4] blank pages), bound before title page. 21.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including some dark stains. Minor creases. Small marginal tears to some leaves. Ink inscriptions to title page and inside the front board. Early parchment binding, with wear, stains and defects.

Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans.

Rare.

This book is documented in the Center for Jewish Art (CJA), item 373985.