A complete set of Rabbi Yaakov Emden’s three-part prayerbook, "Siddur Beit Yaakov", printed by the author himself at home. The siddur, which has long been reckoned as the "Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer" comprises prayers for the entire year, with an extensive commentary by Rabbi Jacob Emden as well. The third part of Rabbi Emden’s commentary on the prayers, is "Birat Migdal Oz" [Tower of Strength] which contains Laws and customs from birth until death, manners of education, laws of issur v’heter, ethics, philosophy etc.
Part I – "Palatin Beit El HaOmed Al Shiv’a Amudei Shamayim." Altona, 1745-1747. Contains weekday and Shabbat prayers, halachot, customs, sermons, and commentaries.
Part II – "Armon Ir HaElokim… Sha’arei Shamayim." 1747. Includes prayers and halachot for the yearly cycle of months and festivals.
Part III – "Birat Migdal Oz… Birkot Shamayim." 1748. Focuses on halachot and guidance from birth to old age.
The significance of Rabbi Yaakov Emden’s siddurim has been highly esteemed by many of the great rabbis of Israel. The Chatam Sofer, known for his admiration of Emden’s works from a young age, cherished this siddur, finding its teachings both profound and uplifting: "The words of the genius… are soothing to the eyes and healing to the soul; his refined and clean language quenches one’s thirst" (Likutei Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, London 1965, Approvals, Section 3).
The first edition is reputed to have remarkable segulot with some Tzadikim claiming that one who prays from it will find their prayers answered. Although Rabbi Yaakov Emden’s siddur follows the Ashkenaz rite, it has been embraced even within Chassidic circles, with some editions published with Chassidic (Sefard) customs and receiving the endorsements of leading Chassidic masters.
The Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, is reported to have remarked: "Though he is not a Chassid, he is constantly connected to the three upper Sefirot: Chochmah, Binah, Da’at" (Chakal Yitzchak of Spinka, preface to Etz Avot). According to tradition, he also told Rabbi Ephraim, Yaavetz’s brother, "Your brother Yaavetz is connected all day to the upper worlds." The sefer Tzeror HaChaim quotes the Baal Shem Tov stating that "the five sons of the Chacham Tzvi were blessed with divine inspiration." It was assumed he referred primarily to Rabbi Yaakov Emden.
Rebbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, in his endorsement for the second edition printed in Koretz in 1818, noted the rarity and popularity of this siddur even then, stating that it was impossible to find a single copy in the entire city.
The first two parts were reprinted in Koretz in 1818 with the support of great Chassidic leaders, including Rebbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta and Rebbi Mordechai of Chernobyl. The third part was printed in Berdichev in 1836, with the endorsement of Rebbi Mordechai of Chernobyl and Rebbi Yisrael of Ruzhin, who praised the siddur, saying, "It is based on a foundation of pure knowledge and guides the proper way in prayer with clarity."
Stefansky, Sifreiu Yesod #415.
Part I: [1], 418 leaves. 17 cm. Some inconsistencies in leaf numbering.
Part II: 159 leaves. 17 cm. Last leaf is facsimile
Part III: 310 leaves. (Some copies printed with 390 leaves ending mid-section, but most, like this one, have 310 leaves bound). 17.4 cm.
Antique Signature on Title Page of Part III: Leib Zusman.
1st and 2nd Volume: Overall Great condition, some stains, a couple marginal repairs, later light brown leather and cloth binding.
3rd volume: Overall Good condition, some stains, a couple marginal tears and repairs, minor worming from title page through page 57 slightly affecting text, new black and gold leather binding.
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Lot #88