Lot – 6 Pages of Fascinating, Rare Italian Songs, Handwritten.

Lot – 6 Pages of Fascinating, Rare Italian Songs, Handwritten.
6 Handwritten Pages of Songs, on paper, Italy, 19th century.

Italian Jewry had a widely spread custom to compose songs and poems for both joyous and sorrowful occasions. Very often, the community Rabbi or the father of the Groom or Bride composed these songs to express their joy or sorrow. The composer often included his name within the composition.

The songs in this Lot are associated with the Gemillut Chessed Shel Met (Burial Society), and were likely used at the annual gathering that took place for this group (probably on Rosh Chodesh Shevat).

Also included is a page ‘Zecher LeChurban’ – Commemoration for the Temple’s Destruction, unrelated to the other items.

1. ‘Zecher LeChurban’. Italy. 18th-19th century. On paper.

“Al Zion shomema….kol yom choshev rak ra.” Written in eloquent Italian, it is likely that the author recited this passage with his congregation on the fast of Tisha Be’av.

2. “Kumu achi leil hazamir higia”. A poem for a Chag on Rosh Chodesh Shevat. Written on paper in Italian. 1861.

The songwriter was known as ‘Yaakov Pakid’. In the song he entreats for his friend Shmuel Chai Pakid to recover.

3. ‘Shir Chadash’ – a new song. Written in Italian on paper. 1862. Like the previous song, this was written for Rosh Chodesh Shevat.

4. ‘‘Shir Chadash’ – a new song. Written in Italian on paper. 1864. This too was written for Rosh Chodesh Shevat likely for the Burial Society yearly gathering.

5. ‘‘Shir Chadash’ – a new song. Written in Italian on paper. 1873. As in the previous songs, the songwriter praises the people (of the Burial Society) present (at this yearly gathering) and lists their names.

6. ‘‘Shir Chadash’ – a new song. Written in Italian on paper. 1869. Likely the same author as the previous songs, the song is for this special, annual occasion held by the Burial Society, and mentions the names of its leaders, Yagel Refael and Gershon.