Sod Hashem (Circumcision Manual), Stanislav (Ukraine):1788, Scribe: Tzvi Hirsch Sofer

8 leaves (6 x 3 3/4 in.; 150 x 95 mm). Written in black and brown inks on parchment in square and semi-cursive Ashkenazic scripts; blind ruled in hardpoint; original foliation in ink through f. 5, modern [mis]foliation in pencil. Folios 4v-6r with nikkud. Illustrated architectural title page, text illustration f. 5r, illustrated tailpiece f. 8v. Lightly stained. Owner's stamp on title. Early vellum wrappers, soiled. Later green crushed morocco, gilt fillet and central medallion, inside corners gilt; gilt on spine; housed in fitted green cloth drop box; maroon leather label. 

Abraham David- his name incorporated by scribe on title page; Grand Rabbi S.R. Melli- his stamp on early vellum wrapper and title page.

This illustrated milah book, entitled Sod Hashem, is an abridged version of the circumcision manual of ther same name written by David ben Aryeh Leib of Lida (d. 1696), Chief Rabbi of the Amsterdam Ashkenazic community. Sod Hashem was originally published in 1680 with a lengthy commentary (Sharvit ha-Zahav) as a book from which to study the copious body of law and lore surrounding the commandment of circumcision. The abbreviated version of the text proved extremely popular with mohalim (ritual circumcisers) for their personal use. Since these texts were rarely found in more general liturgical works, mohalim tended to have their own private milah-books. Typically quite small so that they might easily be slipped into a pocket or medical bag, these volumes were often personalized by individual mohalim to include specific poems or prayers. 

The present manuscript was created in 1788 by the scribe-artist Tzvi Hirsch Sofer of Stanislav. In addition to the meticulously rendered Hebrew scripts, Tzvi Hirsch created an elegant architectural title page emulating the great "sha'arim" of the finest editions of Hebrew printing.  A fascinating illustration (f. 5r) portrays the crucial moment during the circumcision ceremony when, according to David ben Aryeh Leib of Lida, the demon Samael is banished by the act of removing the foreskin. The manuscript concludes with a tailpiece (f. 8v) depicting two rampant lions, one crowned, supporting an endless knot.