Brit Yitzchak. Amsterdam, 1768. Rare.

Brit Yitzchak. Amsterdam, 1768. Rare.

Brit Yitzchak comprises Tikkun Leil Shmini for prior the Brit Milah, and Seder Tikkun HaMohel. Edited by Rabbi Yitzchak HaKohen Belinfante. With the endorsement of Rabbi Shlomo Shalem, Rabbi of the Amsterdam Sephardi Community.

 Also includes the order of circumcision prayers as per the custom of the Spanish and Portuguese Marranos.

On page 12a is the order of prayers for circumcision of converts and their ritual immersion, circumcision of servants, orphans and illegitimate children.

This book testifies as to the continued custom of Marranos to perform circumcision even in 18th Century. They had already undergone expulsion by the Inquisition in the 16th and 17th Century.

The center of the title page features a wood-cut illustration of Brit Milah. The last page has a depiction of a bowl of warm water, in reference to the custom of bathing the baby before and after the circumcision in warm water (Shabbat 134, 2).

At the front of the book appears a dedication in Portuguese in honor of Mohelim, written by the publisher and philanthropist Shlomo Levi Maduro.

On the last 3 leaves is a unique Chronological list in Portuguese, of Mohelim who operated in Amsterdam as well as in other Portuguese communities around the world, including in the Caribbean Islands and South America: Surinam and Curacao. It includes the dates that they began practicing circumcision, spanning 1721-1765.

Amsterdam, 1768.

[2], 17, [1] leaves. 16 cm. Very good condition. Antique, lovely, brown leather binding with gilt embellishments.