Auction 108 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Sod Hashem – Amsterdam, 1745 – With Handwritten Mohel Ledger from 1847-1864
Opening: $600
Sold for: $1,063
Including buyer's premium
Sod Hashem, with Sharvit HaZahav, prayers, halachot and customs of circumcision, by R. David of Lida, with additions. Amsterdam: sons of Shlomo Proops, 1745.
At the beginning of the book are [11] handwritten leaves, with various parts of Shacharit, and Musaf for Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh.
After the printed book is a handwritten mohel ledger (on blank leaves originally bound to the book for this purpose), signed at beginning by "Tzadok son of the deceased R. Tuviah Tal". The ledger documents 96 circumcisions performed by the mohel, R. Tzadok Tal, from Wednesday, 2nd Tamuz 1847 to Wednesday, 29th Adar II 1864.
Each inscription contains the Hebrew name of the circumcised child, and often the name of the sandak, with the Hebrew date of circumcision in a separate column, usually with secular date as well. Some inscriptions include the family name in Latin characters and location of circumcision.
The circumcisions were performed in various cities in the Netherlands: Haarlem, Maarssen, Alkmaar, Purmerend, Noordwijk and other places.
The Tal family were distinguished members of the Ashkenazic community in Amsterdam. The mohel R. Tzadok Tal (1813-1864), the author of the present ledger, was the son of R. Tuviah son of R. Hillel son of R. Toviah son of R. Hillel Tal of Amsterdam. His son R. Moshe Tuviah Tal was Rabbi of Arnheim and the Hague (1847-1898).
Sefer Sod Hashem: [11] leaves (and one additional blank leaf). Mohel’s notebook: [3] leaves (and additional blank leaves). Approx. 15.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Numerous stains, including dark wine stains (primarily to the printed leaves). Contemporary leather binding.
Illustrated bookplate of R. Justus (Tzadok) Tal, grandson of the mohel R. Tzadok Tal. Rabbi of Utrecht from 1918, and Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam and Holland after the Holocaust (d. 1954).
Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans.
Dutch and French Jewry – Printed Works and Manuscripts
Dutch and French Jewry – Printed Works and Manuscripts