Rabbis > Compilations and bindings
Divre Ḥakhamim halo hema pesakim mezukakim rabe ha-to’elet.
Owner: Ghirone, Leon.
Manuscript in Hebrew on paper.
Florence, 1714.
MS X893 D54
Rare Book and Manuscript Library
The intricacies of Jewish law can be complicated and require much study and review. Because of this, Leon Ghirone, the owner of this manuscript, collected many responsa (religious legal decisions) from various rabbis and bound them together into a book, which he could easily reference when he had a question in Jewish law. The rulings of many famous rabbis can be found in this manuscript, including 'Obadiah Sforno and Joseph Tsarfati of Castile. Also included is an unpublished responsum from Joseph Karo, the author of the seminal code of Jewish law, the Shulhan Arukh.
The intricate binding of this manuscript, with delicate stamping of the leather and Ghirone’s name in gold, as well as clasps to hold the book closed when not in use, combine to show the elegance with which wealthy Jews cared for their books.
Gift of Congregation Temple Emanuel, 1892.