Nishmat Chaim by Rabbi Menashe Ben Yisrael. Amsterdam 1651. First Edition

Nishmat Chaim by Rabbi Menashe Ben Yisrael. Amsterdam 1651. First Edition

Magnificent Copy With Original Binding and Clasps. Includes Rare Leaves and a Portrait Page.

Kabbalah-Philosophy book in mint condition.

Nishmat Chaim, homilies attesting to the continuation of the soul. Authored by Rabbi Menashe Ben Yisrael. First edition printed during the author’s lifetime.

On the final leaf appears an essay by Rabbi Yaakov Sasportas, a leading Amsterdam sage who led the opposition against Sabbateanism.

Rabbi Menashe Ben Yisrael (1604-1657), was a leading Amsterdam Rabbi. He resided for a number of years in Brazil and England. Rabbi Menashe was a talented orator, author and printer, and worked tirelessly on behalf of his brethren. He invested great efforts in annulling the ban on Jews entering Great Britain, even meeting the British leader, Oliver Cromwell for this cause. He was well connected with many of the most influential non-Jewish leaders including Christina, Queen of Sweden.

Rabbi Menashe studied under Rabbi Yitzchak Uziel of Fez, Rabbi of the Naveh Shalom community in Amsterdam. Following Rabbi Yitzchak’s passing in 1620, Rabbi Menashe was appointed as his successor. He gained great acclaim for his oratory skills.

This is a most striking copy, with its original, antique, leather binding, adorned with decorative embossing and original, copper clasps.

Amsterdam, 1651.

[8], 174, [2] leaves. 18 cm. Magnificent copy.

It is exceedingly rare to discover this book in such a complete and beautiful condition, and including the rare portrait page. Collector’s item!