Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Shekalim, Venice: Daniel Bomberg, 1521

Folio (13¾ x 9¼ in.; 350 x 235 mm). collation: 1^{6, 28=14 leaves, woodcut initial word panel; soiled and dampstained especially in the first quire. Owners' inscriptions on title and f.12v. Half vellum.}

Hannah, daughter of Krospedai—signature on title page

Vinograd, Venice 64; Habermann 45

Folio (13¾ x 9¼ in.; 350 x 235 mm). collation: 16, 28=14 leaves, woodcut initial; soiled and dampstained especially in the first quire. Owners' inscriptions on title and f.12v. Half vellum.
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.

Shekalim is most frequently found as either the fourth or fifth tractate within the order Mo'ed. Shekalim deals with the annual half-shekel tax collected for the maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem and assorted related topics. The origin of the half-shekel tax may be found in Exodus 30:11–16 where it serves the dual purpose of funding the Tabernacle as well as the conducting of a population census. There is no Gemara in the Babylonian Talmud but there is in the Jerusalem, and this Gemara is usually included in the printed editions of the Babylonian Talmud.

Among the owners' inscriptions found within this volume is that of a woman, Hannah, daughter of Krospedai.  While owners have always written their names in their books and this volume is no exception, the names we find are almost always those of men. Though women students of the Talmud remain in the minority even today, there is a long tradition of learned women harkening back to ancient times, including Beruriah, Rashi's daughters, and yet another Hannah, Hannah Werbermacher, the Maid of Ludomir.