Tanach
Amsterdam, 1676
First Tanach Printed
in Yiddish
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Torah, Nevi’im and Kesuvim “translated, elucidated and explained” in Yiddish by Rabbi Yekusiel Blitz.
This Tanach, renowned as Tanach Blitz, was the very first Tanach translated into Yiddish.
The present item includes a full set complete with all title pages.
The first title page is impressively decorated with copperplate illustrations.
In his preface, the printer writes that his motive in translating the Tanach into Yiddish was so “Ashkenazic [Jews] should be as well-versed in Tanach as their Sephardic [brethren], who already published several editions of Tanach with translations into their native language, and to ensure that Jews are able to respond to questions and refute the challenges posed by the Christians regarding Tanach.”
In addition to this landmark translation, this Blitz Edition of Tanach is also the first containing Toaliyos HaRalbag on Nevi’im and Kesuvim with their Yiddish translation.
The sefer opens with approbations by Rabbanim of the Vaad Arba Aratzos and rabbi’s of Amsterdam that were written between the years 1671-1675 along with the
Authorization and Privilegium from the Polish King both in Latin and Yiddish.
During that era, two publishers simultaneously commenced the monumental task of translating Tanach into Yiddish. The first project was completed by Rabbi Yekusiel Blitz, and the second by Rabbi Yosef Yozelen Weitzenhausen.
The printing of the translations stirred a public conflict between the two prominent Dutch printers Atias and Halevi, with each accusing the other of Hasagas gevul, infringement on the others earned rights and is therefore forbidden to print his edition for it deprives the other of his income. The case reached the Dutch authorities, Vaad Arba Aratzos and even the King of Poland was asked to intervene and restore peace. (See Haberman, Toldot Hamadpisim HaIvriim p. 300)
Five title pages, the first general title page impressively illustrated. Separate title pages for Torah, Nevi’im Rishonim, Nevi’im Achronim and Kesuvim. Title pages are separately dated 1676, 1678 and 1679.
Amsterdam, 1676-1679. Uri and
Weibush Halevi Press. [7], 63, [1], 64-857: 18 leaves. 32 cm. The page featuring the license awarded by the King of Poland in Latin, is shorter and narrower. Minor tear on margin of first title page and slight signs of use in margins. New leather binding.
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