Sefer Shimush by Rabbi Yaakov Emden
with his Handwritten corrections
Altona, 1758
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The Yaabetz’s Opposition to the Last of the Shabbeteans and Frankists
Sefer Shimush is the primary historical source documenting the rise of Jacob Frank and his messianic Frankist movement. This work encompasses documents, certificates and exclusive testimonies regarding the abominable actions of Frank’s cult; as well as a description of the notorious debate in Kamenitz-Podolsk before Bishop Dembovsky that resulted in the catastrophic burning of sefarim; and arguments opposing the opinion of Rabbi Yehonasan Eibschutz in regard to the debate between Rabbi Yehonasan Eibschutz and the author, Rabbi Yaakov Emden (the Yaabetz). Please see the previous lot.
On The margins of the present sefer there are 5 corrections in the author’s handwriting, On Leaf 89a, the Yaabetz himself attests that he added glosses and revisions to his printed works.
This is a very rare sefer, as the author himself proclaims on the last page that only several copies of this work were ever printed and that
“the Sabbateans search for these sefarim in order to destroy them.”
The present sefer contains a few correction fixed by the Yaabetz himself.
The final pages feature 6 woodcut caricatures disparaging the Shabbeteans and Frankists; Bishop Dembovsky and his sorry end; the tragic burning of the sefarim; as well as an illustration of two priests who converted to Judaism following the affair. Each illustration is complemented by a detailed caption.
Sefer Shimush is divided into 3 sections:
Shot LaSus – Regarding the Frankists in Podolia.
Meseg LaChamor – Response to Rabbi Yehonasan Eibschutz’s arguments.
Shevet LeGav Ksilim – Response to Frankist arguments.
The title page notes that Sefer Shimush was printed in Amsterdam, although it was actually printed by Rabbi Yaakov Emden’s personal press in his home in Altona.
Altona, 1758-1762. Singular edition.
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Size: 19.5 cm • Page Count: 89 leaves • Condition: Complete and in good condition.
Sefer Shimush is divided into 3 sections:
Shot LaSus – Regarding the Frankists in Podolia.
Meseg LaChamor – Response to Rabbi Yehonasan Eibschutz’s arguments.
Shevet LeGav Ksilim – Response to Frankist arguments.
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