Only edition of this Profusely illustrated and detailed description of the Beit ha-Mikdash (Temple) by R. Moses ben Gershom Hefez (1663–1711). The numerous attractive illustrations accompanying the text are of the design of the Temple and its utensils including the menorah. At the end is a large foldout displaying the Temple grounds with fifty-eight numbered entries, described below the illustration. In addition, there are attractive head and tail-pieces. The title page states that Hanukkat ha-Bayit is an explanation of the shape and structure of the destroyed Temple (bayit), in general and in its specifications, as set forth by early sages, to accumulate, “food to revive the soul” (Lamentations 1:11). For those, “who sanctify themselves, and purify themselves” (Isaiah 66:17) on the topics requiring explanation, and it will be, “for them a little sanctuary” (Ezekiel 11:16), “to revive their souls” (Lamentations 1:19). It continues describing the contents, informing that the 58 entries are in alphabetical order, concluding, “‘This same shall comfort us’ (Genesis 5:29), ‘Even today, if you will only listen to his voice’ (Psalms 96:7).” The title page is dated, “in my sanctuary במקדשי (456 = 1696)” (Ezekiel 44:8). There is an introduction from R. Hefez, pages of verse in praise of the work from five Italian rabbis, and then the text, set in a single column in rabbinic type. The text of Hanukkat ha-Bayit is arranged alphabetically. The volume concludes with the author’s afterward (apologia), an index, and verse from R. Moses Marri.

R. Hefez, a member of the prominent family of that name (Gentili in Italian) was born in Trieste and raised in Venice. Considered a child prodigy, R. Hefez studied under the renowned R. Solomon Nizza. A scholar and rabbinic decisor, R. Hefez was, professionally, a tutor of Talmud and Midrash. R. Hefez was also the author of Melekhet Mahashevet (Venice, 1710) a philosophical commentary on the Torah.

 

Hebrew Description

בביאור צורות ותבנית הבית הנחרב... ועוד... דמות כל הצורות מהבית כלו ומכל חלקיו. כל מקום לפי פירושו... (אמר... משה בכמ"ר גרשם חפץ)... בשנת ב'מ'ק'ד'ש'י' לכם

על בנין בית המקדש בירושלים. עם ציורים רבים של מבנה הבית וכליו. עם שירי תהלה לכבוד הספר מאת ר' שלמה קוניאן, ר' משה ב"ר יעקב לוי מויא, ר' שלמה ב"ר ישעיה ניצה, ר' יעקב אבוהב, ר' משה מררי (האחרון בעמ' האחרון). בדף המקופל מפה של בית המקדש, העזרות והר הבית. יש טפסים בהם נדפסו בשולי הדף ביאורים למפה. בטפסים אחרים הביאורים נרשמו בכתב-יד.