Auction 109 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Megillot and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Sod Hashem – Amsterdam, 1745 – With Handwritten Mohel Ledger from the Netherlands – 1821-1838 – Original Decorated Leather Binding
Opening: $800
Sold for: $2,250
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.
After the printed book is a handwritten mohel ledger (on blank leaves originally bound to the book for this purpose), documenting over 200 circumcisions performed by the mohel R. Leizer son of R. Meir Adler, between 1821-1838, in his town of Leeuwarden and other cities in the Netherlands.
Book and mohel ledger in original leather binding, with gilt decorations and inscription of owner's name: "Leizer son of the community leader R. Meir Adelaar – for the community of Leeuwarden". The center of the binding (both sides) features the Adelaar family coat of arms (an eagle).
Many circumcisions were performed in Leeuwarden, while others were performed in Amsterdam, Sneek, Gorredijk, Harlingen, Heerenveen, Bolsward and other cities. Parallel Hebrew and non-Hebrew inscriptions.
The inscriptions mention his father Meir (no. 142), his brother Elimelech (no. 168) and his nephew Shlomo Zalman (no. 11).
At the beginning of the volume are several leaves with various inscriptions, and a copying of Vecharot Imo HaBrit and Shirat HaYam.
Sod Hashem: 30 leaves. Handwritten mohel ledger: [36] leaves + [4] leaves at beginning of volume. 14.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains, including dark wine stains (mainly to printed leaves of book). Original leather binding.
Provenance: Collection of Mozes Heiman Gans; see his book: M. H. Gans, Memorbook, p. 462.
Dutch Jewry – Communal Regulations and Mohel Ledgers – Manuscripts and Printed Items
Dutch Jewry – Communal Regulations and Mohel Ledgers – Manuscripts and Printed Items