Physical Description

Broadsheet, 425:305 mm., light age staining, creased on folds.

Rare - as these were hung in synagogues for daily use few survive.

Detail Description

Metrical broadsheet celebrating the founding of the Meshmeres ha-Boker ve-ha-Erev Society. The heading states Shir la-Ma’a lot Meshmeres ha-Boker ve-ha-Erev Society “Founded in the holy mountains” (cf. Psalms 87:1) Rosh Hodesh Nissan התס"ב and today Rosh Hodesh Nissan  התע"ה the date of the founding of the above society, “The Jews had gladness and light” (cf. Esther 8:16) “this poem shall testify” (Deuteronomy 31:21). The text of the broadsheet follows, within a decorative border – there are also several ornamental pieces on the page – beginning with a refrain that starts “‘this day is a day of good news’ (II Kings 7:9) ten parts to its crown, ‘a precious corner stone’ (Isaiah 28:16) the society, it is on its watch continuously, to wage the war of the mighty . . .” There are nine stanzas, each followed by the word היום, indicating the refrain is to be repeated. The first stanza begins “First is this day of ברואים (fatted oxen) also this the offering of the nobles . . .”

Simonsohn  dates Rosh Hodesh Nissan התס"ב and today Rosh Hodesh Nissan  התע"ה as 1702 and 1715, which would be Sunday 3 April 1707 and Tuesday 9 April 1720, assuming the dates are לפ"ג and not לפ"ק, which would give dates of Thursday 30 March 1702 and 4 April 1715. He writes, concerning the Meshmeres ha-Boker ve-ha-Erev Society and this broadsheet, that “A copy is in the National and University Library L 153. There are no details of this society, and its activities can only be imagined from its name.”

Hebrew Description:    

References