Auction 60
Lot 30:
A touching, lengthy, rhymed poem, in fine scribal script on a wall plaque – written for Ancona Purim by the members of the community in gratitude for the miracle of being saved from the earthquake of 1690 (see below).
On verso, the ותודיענו prayer which is said on Yom Tov that occurs on Motza’ei Shabbas, here in the version of the ancient European communities and in large letters. In the title: "Was donated by the dear, excellent Rabbi Shmuel Shmaya Papo and Yosef Chai Vitali" (see below).
On the 29th of Tevet 1690, a strong earthquake occurred in Ancona, Italy. The members of the Jewish community miraculously survived the disaster. Hence, this day was declared the Ancona Purim, to annually express gratitude and praise to He "who looks on the earth and it trembles" and who miraculously protected the Jews of Ancona (See Or Boker, Venice, 1709). For the miracle, this Piyyut was written, describing the event at length and implying the day and year. The poem comprises of twenty four stanzas, each ending with the word "עמו".
This plaque was made later, as indicated at its beginning: "Made in 1769" and was apparently copied from the early version that hang of the wall of the synagogue of the Jewish community. Red frame. 43X30 cm. Varied blemishes. Moth perforations and damage. See pictures.
Rabbi Shmuel Shmaya Papo ben Rabbi Avraham David, one of the sages of Ancona, was the grandson of Rabbi Moshe Zacuto, the Remez, by his father who was his son-in-law. Rabbeinu the Chida met with him while visiting Ancona and wrote many words of praise for him. Printed in Igrot HaChida is a letter sent by the Chida to him.
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