Sha'ar Bat Rabim (Liturgy for the Entire Year), Joseph and Jacob Hai Kohen, Venice: Bragadin, 1711-1715

Two parts in four volumes; 360 (1-228, 229-360)+384(1-197, 198-384) leaves (14 1/2—15 x 10 1/4—11 1/4 in.; 368-381 x 260-286 mm). Title pages of each part within monumental engraved borders. Ownership notes on titles and flyleaves; some leaves very lightly soiled; some dampstaining. Edges speckled in red. Modern uniform burnt-orange calf.

Vinograd, Venice 1596

In addition to the liturgy for the entire year according to the Ashkenazic rite, this sumptuous and extraordinarily large Mahzor contains the commentary Hadrath Kodesh by Isaac Segal of Herlisheim. An introduction by Isaac Pacifico contains much important information on contemporary Italian Jewish history. Though it was designed primarily to address the needs of the Ashkenazic communities of Italy, the ambitious project was nevertheless subscribed to in advance by all three Venetian congregations (Ashkenazic, Sephardic and Italian) as well as by the communities of Padua, Rovigo, Verona, Mantua, Casale Monferrato, Gorizia, and their environs.

The publishers Joseph and Jacob Hai Kohen, having received the approbation of the Venice rabbinate, traveled from city to city seeking subscriptions and soliciting the financial aid of the wealthy "for the expenditure is great." To protect the rights of the publishers, the rabbinate forbade the publication of any other edition for twelve years. 

Originally published in two parts, the sheer bulk of the complete mahzor prompted the owners of many sets to later rebind them in three or even four volumes, the latter being the case in the present lot.