A beautiful copy of the Bible, Amsterdam 1701, bound in an antique binding with gilded edges. This edition includes the entire Bible in two columns, printed without vocalization.
It contains three title pages: the first is an elaborate copper engraving depicting Moses and Aaron, the second is in Hebrew, and the third in Latin. It also includes a Hebrew poem titled “The Complete Torah Which Existed Before Any Creature Was Created.”
Printed by Gerardus Borstius, Franciscus Halma & Guilielmus van de Water.
According to tradition, this edition was used by the Vilna Gaon (Gra) in conducting the Goral HaGra (the Gra’s Lottery). In the tradition established by the Vilna Gaon, the goral is a kabbalistic formula intended for use in predicting certain circumstances and resolving dilemmas, as it is printed in two columns with open and closed sections. It is said that R’ Chaim of Volozhin also made use of it.
In later periods, it was also used by the Chafetz Chaim, R’ Aharon Kotler, and R’ Eliyahu Lopian. In another well-known instance, R’ Aryeh Levin conducted the Goral HaGra in 1950 to identify the bodies of the soldiers from the “Convoy of 35” prior to their burial. It is assumed that he received the tradition from his teacher, Rabbi Chaim Berlin, who received it from his illustrious grandfather, Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, who received it from the Vilna Gaon.
“The Five Books of Moses, according to the order of the open and closed sections, with Former and Latter Prophets and Writings, without vocalization. All thoroughly reviewed and free from errors. At the end of the book is an index of all Torah portions and Haftarot, and of the kri and ketiv (variant readings), and all excess or deficient words.” (As per the printer’s note on the title page)
The final [2] pages include the signs of the Haftarot read throughout the year.
A beautiful copy, printed on white and crisp paper.
[6], 306, [2] pages.
Attractive margins: 15.7 cm.
With interesting & scarce London, 1720’s Ex-Libris "This book is to be sold at the shop of Abraham Vandenhoeck and George Richmond at the Sign of Virgil’s Head, opposite Exeter Exchange in the Strand, London”
Excellent Condition, light age stains, original leather binding.
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Lot #81