Four Rare Jerusalem Prints‭: ‬Ir David 3‭ ‬Vols‭, ‬Igeret L'David‭ - ‬1880-‭ ‬1888

Four Rare Jerusalem Prints‭: ‬Ir David 3‭ ‬Vols‭, ‬Igeret L'David‭ - ‬1880-‭ ‬1888

Ir David

Various numerical values of the years, by R. David son of Aharon HaCohen of Vilna. Jerusalem, Yoel Moshe Solomon press. 1880. [1], 36 leaves, 16.5 cm.

A unique and interesting work: The author includes many numerical values for the year, some positive and some negative! to show the mistaken attitude of those who find a numerical value for a certain year hinting at something good and concluding therefore that the salvation will come that year. The first section describes in great detail the graves of the righteous in Israel. On the final page is a list of the number of Ashkenazi Jews residing in each of the four holy cities of Israel (Jerusalem, Hebron, Safed and Tiberias), divided by the kollelim. There is also an illustration of Jerusalem and the tombs of the Davidic dynasty. On the flyleaf is a dedication in print with the stamp of the author and several additions in his hand.

Very good condition. Printed on acid paper.

S. HaLevi Sifrei Yerushalaim HaRishonim 350.

2. Ir David (vol. 2)

Various numerical values of the years, by R. David son of Aharon HaCohen of Vilna. Jerusalem, Goscinni press. 1881. [1], 40 leaves, 16.5 cm.

A unique and interesting work: The author includes many numerical values for the year, some positive and some negative! to show the mistaken attitude of those who find a numerical value for a certain year hinting at something good and concluding therefore that the salvation will come that year. He lists more than 100(!) numerical calculations for the year 5641 alone! The author included also laws and customs. Part one is a lengthy preface by the editor, Is”h (Elimelech Yehoshua) HaCohen, born in Jerusalem, who describes in detail the difficult situation of Jews in Jerusalem, particularly of the author, requesting readers to support him. On the reverse of the title page is a printed dedication, filled in by the author’s hand, with his seal.

There are copies with less leaves, but this copy has the maximum number of leaves.

Very good condition. Printed on acid-content paper.

S. HaLevi Sifrei Yerushalaim HaRishonim 376.

3. Ir David (1881) (vol. 2)

This is volume 2 of the 1881 edition of this book. Jerusalem. 1882. [2], 23, 19 leaves, 16.5 cm.

This section includes laws and customs, including those dealing with money. The first two and last nineteen leaves were printed with square letters by one printing house, while the other twenty-three leaves are printed in Rashi script in a different printing house.

This book is very rare and is not recorded by Shoshana Halevi, Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim.

4. Igeret LeDavid

Numerical calculations equivalent to the year 5648 (1888), by R. David son of Aaron HaCohen of Vilna. Jerusalem, [Yoel Moshe Solomon] press. 1888. [5] leaves, 18, 24 pp., 16.5 cm.

This book includes numerous letters requesting assistance for the author, including from R. Shmuel Salant and R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashar, translated into German. With a dedication to Sir Henry de Worms, a Baron and member of the British parliament (see enclosed material). Shoshana HaLevi, no. 610 writes that a part of this book was printed by Lunz press.

In good condition with uncut margins. Printed on paper with acid content.

S. HaLevi, Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim 610.