The People in the Books: Hebraica and Judaica Manuscripts from Columbia University Libraries

Travelers > Roving bibliographer

 

AZULAI, HAYYIM JOSEPH DAVID (1724-1806).
Shem ha-Gedolim.
Manuscript in Hebrew, on paper.
Ca. 18th century.
MS X893 Az8
Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Hayyim Joseph David Azulai (HIDA) was a rabbi, kabbalist, bibliographer, and traveler, among countless other designations.  His travels as a representative of the Jewish community of Hebron brought him to many cities throughout Europe.  He was thus able to put together this work, a biographical dictionary listing authors of important Jewish texts.  In the manuscript, he noted the location for manuscripts that he had seen personally, thus creating a very early catalog of rabbinic manuscripts.

 

 

 

 

Shem ha-gedolim: 98v

 

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