Zera Yitzchak. Tunisia [1768]. The first work printed in Tunisia, Dedication from HaRav ...

Zera Yitzchak. Tunisia [1768]. The first work printed in Tunisia, Dedication from HaRav HaMeli"tz

Sefer Zera Yitzchak, novellae on the Talmud, the words of the Rambam and Re’em and homilies on the Torah by Rabbi Yitzchak Lumbroso.

This was the first Hebrew work printed in Tunis, and the only one printed there in the 18th century. The author’s friend, Rabbi Yehoshau HaKohenTanugi of Leghorn, purchased the print blocks, but the press did not survive and this was the only book printed there during this time period.

Rabbi Yitzchak Lumbroso (d. 1752) was a prominent Tunisian sage who taught many talmidim who then served as Rabbis throughout Tunisia. In his Shem HaGedolim, the Chid”a wrote: “With  diligence, humility and perfection….he had good advice and resourcefulness, he taught much Torah in the city of Tunis….”

Leaf 2a bears a lengthy dedication written and signed by the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Mordechai Halevi, who was known as HaMeli”tz (d. 1807). He was the son-in-law of Rabbi Mordechai Meyuchas, author of Sha’ar Hashamayim, son of the author of Pri Ha’adamah. He went to Italy and Turkey to fundraise for the Jerusalem community, and printed a few of the works of the Rishonim during these trips (Ramban, Ritva, Meiri). His responsa are included in the works of the sages of his time.

The title page bears additional owner signatures, including: נתן בורג'יל, there were a few prominent Tunisian sages with this name, including the renowned author of Chok Natan. מסעוד פינטו from Safed, אברהם גלאנטי and נתנאל לזבונה.

***

Tunis [1768], first edition.

[4], 42, 44-45, 47-168, 171-278, [6], 32 leaves. 27 cm.

Holes in some margins. Simple binding.