Luchot Ha’ibbur. Rare Book With Author’s Signature. Lieden – Hanover, 1756-1757.

Luchot Ha’ibbur. Rare Book With Author’s Signature. Lieden – Hanover, 1756-1757.

“See this new item that has never previously existed.” The author, Refael HaLavi Segal of Hanover opens his seminal book with these words. R' Segal’s composition deals with topics pertaining to the Jewish calendar, its leap years and calendar calculations. Additionally, the author emphasizes the significance of his work in comprehending the sanctification of the new moon as per the Rambam’s opinion.

The author, Refael HaLevi signed his name on the page following the title page. He also made note of his conscientiousness and meticulousness in his work that resulted in a perfect product, barring any errors.

Refael Levi (HaLevi) Segal of Hanover (1685-1779): He was a mathematician, philosopher and Jewish astrologer. He was born in Weikersheim, and authored the book ‘Tchunot HaShamayim’. Refael HaLevi was orphaned from his father, Yaakov Yosef Levi, at a young age. He studied in Frankfurt am Mein’s Yeshiva, and subsequently studied science and languages independently. Refael was employed as a bookkeeper for a Court Jew, Wolf Oppenheimer, in Hanover. He later drew the attention of a Hanoverian Court Jew, Leibnitz, becoming his ardent disciple and protégé. He subsequently became a teacher of philosophy, mathematics and astronomy.

Lieden – Hanover, 1756. Liesak.

36, 1, 38 pages.

Otzar Hasefer Computerized Database, No. 47690.