The first complete machzor printed in America.
Hebrew and English on facing pages, parallel pagination.
Isaac Leeser (1806-1868), one of the first leaders of American Jewry, head of the Jewish community of Philadelphia, cantor, philosopher and author of many sermons and essays. He was very active in founding Jewish institutions and in bequeathing Jewish religion and history. Among other activities, he translated Jewish books into English. One of his more renowned translations is this machzor, which is the first complete machzor printed in America, including festival prayers. Publishing this machzor was a complex project. Leeser based his translation on a prayer book printed in London but he added and improved upon the original and also revised the Hebrew text. Afterward, he ordered new Hebrew types from Europe but did not find printers who were familiar with Hebrew and had to teach two Christian printers the Holy Tongue to prepare them for the printing. In spite of all the difficulties involved, the machzorim were published in a total of 13 months.
Leeser marketed his prayer book both to audiences in America and the British Empire and therefore included prayers on behalf of a monarch and a republican government.
From the Title pager:
"EDITED AND WITH FORMER TRANSLATIONS CAREFULLY COMPARED AND CORRECTED BY ISAAC LEESER, READER OF THE CONGREGATION MIKVEH ISRAEL OF PHILADELPHIA."
SECOND EDITION, REVISED
Vol. 1: "Part one – Daily Prayers [siddur].
Printed By C. Sherman
Philadelphia [5606] 1855
Good condition, original binding, page 6 slight tear affecting text.
The first two title pages poorly reattached not affecting text.
previous owner family dates on top of Hebrew title.
Bibliography discovery:
Goldman lists this Siddur, first edition #36 [1837-1838].
The present copy is [5606] 1855. and does not appear in Goldman. Waks #25.
AB
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Lot #9