Hukat ha-Pesah (Ordinance of the Passover), Moses ben Hayyim Pesante, Salonika: Joseph Jabez, 1569

8vo (7¼ x 5¼ in.; 184 x 133 mm). 101 leaves; title supplied in facsimile, lower outer margin of first 8 and last 12 leaves mended with some loss, some dampstaining and wormtracks, tear in margin of f.41. Brown blindstamped cloth, red sprinkled edges.

Vinograd Salonika 83; Yaari, 22: Yudlov 27; Yerushalmi, pl. 32

8vo (7¼ x 5¼ in.; 184 x 133 mm). 101 leaves; title supplied in facsimile, lower outer margin of first 8 and last 12 leaves mended with some loss, some dampstaining and wormtracks, tear in margin leaf 41. Brown blindstamped cloth, red sprinkled edges.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Moses Pesante, was an envoy from the city of Safed whose peregrinations in Asia Minor and the Balkans began in 1565. Attempting to return to his native Safed, Pesante would meet a violent death at the hands of Turkish bandits on his final journey in 1573. In an ironic quirk of fate, the concluding words of the colophon of this volume (f.70r), written before he embarked, provide a poignant but vain entreaty that God will find favor with him and "return him to his home and his birthplace [in the Land of Israel] in joy and in song."

The two primary commentaries found in this haggadah are the work of Solomon Barukh and Moses Pesante. Pesante makes extensive use of earlier medieval commentaries by Isaiah di Trani, and of the Shibbolei ha-Leket of Zedekiah Anav.  A rhymed approbation by the Salonikan poet Saadiah Longo introduces the work.  In addition to the present volume, Pesante published two works in 1567 in Constantinople, Ner Mitzvah, a commentary on ibn Gabirol's Azharoth for Shavu'oth and Yesha Elohim, an exposition on the Hoshanot (see lot 109).