The First Siddur with Rulings of the Chida. 'Tefilah Zachah' Livorno 5549. An Exceedingly Rare Siddur.

The First Siddur with Rulings of the Chida. 'Tefilah Zachah' Livorno 5549. An Exceedingly Rare Siddur.

This Siddur was printed under the directive of Maran HaChida, who requested, however, that his name not be mentioned in it. The Siddur includes for the first time the prayer customs of Rabbi HaChida and his halakhic rulings.

At the beginning of the year 5539, with the conclusion of his second term of service, HaChida settled in Livorno, where he remained until his passing. There, he engaged in Torah study, teaching, writing, and publishing his books. Despite repeated offers, he refused to serve as the community rabbi, yet he was considered one of the city's greatest scholars. All the rabbis of Livorno sought his counsel, and important questions and community issues were decided according to his guidance.

Around the Chida, a circle of scholars in Livorno gathered, and it is also known that the Chida established a society in the city called "Chadashim LeBekarim". Professor Meir Benayahu (in his book on HaChida, p. 67) suggests that, in addition to this, the Chida also formed a secret group of select scholars who adhered to the paths of Kabbalah in the manner of "Ahavat Shalom" group in Jerusalem. Among those close to the Chida in Livorno were local scholars who gathered around him and revered him as their master.

Rabbi Eliezer Saadon, one of the young scholars in Livorno, was particularly close to the Chida and printed most of his works in his printing house (initially with his partner Rabbi Abraham Isaac Castello, and after the latter's passing, the printing house remained solely in his ownership).

The uniqueness of this arrangement, being the first based on the prayer customs and rulings of Maran HaChida, who explicitly requested not to be mentioned, adds to its importance. This arrangement did not appear in public sales and is highly valued, not commonly found.

Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (known as HaChida) (1743-1806): Was one of the greatest halakhic decisors, a Kabbalist, Shaliach of the sages, and bibliographer. He authored dozens of books. His father, Rabbi Abraham, was the author of the book "Chesed LeAvraham" and lived in Hebron. The Chida was the sixth generation descendant of Abraham Azulai, one of the scholars of Castile, and among the expelled from Spain. His prominent teacher was Rabbi Yonah Navon.

Livorno (1787)

[6], 228 leaves. Complete. Excellent condition, bound in its original binding.

Handwritten annotations in the margins of the pages.