Sefer Yesod Nishmas Chaim

First Edition Amsterdam, 1651

with Portrait of the ...

Sefer Yesod Nishmas Chaim

First Edition Amsterdam, 1651

with Portrait of the Author

Rabbi Menashe ben Israel

*

Nishmas Chaim an original sefer containing essays and proofs on the existence of the spiritual soul, matters of demons and spirits, reincarnations and the resurrection of the dead by the great sage Rabbi Menashe ben Israel of Amsterdam.

Distinguished rare copy

At the beginning of the book is a copper engraving of the author's portrait drawn by
Salom Italia (signed in print) in 1642 when the author was 38 years old.

Shalom Italia (Mantua circa 1619-1665) was a well-known Italian engraver, who worked in Italy and the Netherlands to which he moved in 1641. He specialized in painting religious subjects, portraits and calligraphy. One of his well-known works is the magnificently decorated Book of Esther, which is now in the Jewish Museum in New York, but probably the most well-known work of his is the impressive portrait of Menashe ben Israel presented here.

The world renowned artist Rembrandt painted a portrait of Rabbi Menashe Ben Yisroel which demonstrates his worldwide fame and importance.

In most copies, the portrait of the author is omitted as well as pages 3-10 in Latin, which include words of dedication to King Ferdinand III - Emperor of the Roman Empire, and the index page listing the book's contents.

Rabbi Menashe ben Yisrael (1604-1658), one of the great sages of Israel in the 17th century, was born in Portugal to a family of Anusim (Marranos). He moved with his parents to Amsterdam as a child, and at an early age began to teach the Torah and strengthen the foundations of faith and religion among the descendants of the Marranos (anusim).

In 1655, he headed a delegation invited by the great general Cromwell, ruler of England, and advocated for the settlement of the Jews in England, who since their expulsion in 1290 were banned from living there. As part of the means of persuasion, he composed in English the compendium "Teshu'at Israel" and dedicated it to the British Parliament . Indeed, thanks to his actions and efforts, Jews were granted permission to settle in England again.

In 1627 he established the first Hebrew printing house in Amsterdam where he printed his well-known books.

Amsterdam, 1651. First edition. Page count: portrait, [8], 174, [10] leaves. Size: 19 cm, condition: good, original parchment binding, signatures and ownership records.

Bibliography: Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 504 Ginzei Yisroel, 1211.

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