Fascinating Sefer: Eis Keitz – Calculating the Timing of the Coming of Mashiach by the Teacher of the Ramchal.
First Edition. Amsterdam, 1710
Sefer Eis Keitz has eighteen chapters discussing the possible future date of redemption! It is written in colorful and unique language, accompanied by gematriyos.
The sefer opens with a detailed and rich engraving, on the entire page, of Akeidas Yitzchak with the words ירא יראה printed in the middle.
The entire sefer deals with the calculation of the time of the end of days and the end of the exile, which the author tentatively predicts will be in the year 1740.
He discusses previous calculations of the end of days, according to which the redemption will come in the years 1531 and 1648 and also refutes the "prophecy" of the Sabbateans according to which Mashiach will be revealed in the year 1706, the fortieth year of the "revelation" of Shabsai Tzvi.
It is written by
Rabbi Yitzchak Chaim Cohen Cantarini of Chazanim (1644-1723), also known as Yechacha"m, who was one of the greatest sages of Italy in his generation. He was a physician, poet, rabbi and darshan, well versed in all wisdoms and close with royal ministers. He taught Torah extensively and delivered over a thousand lectures. His responsa was printed in the sefarim of the sages of Italy. He lived to over the age of ninety and died in 1723. (Ghirondi, Toldos Gedolei Yisrael, p. 154)
Printed in Amsterdam by Shlomo Propes Press.
The Ramchal was the primary disciple of the author. He wrote a poem about his teacher upon his passing, describing him as: "The Aron of Hashem, the chariot of Israel… a great physician….. a man who has everything in him… righteous… and the crown of our head… the crown of the glory of the generation …" (Sefer HaShirim of the Ramchal, pp. 74-78).
Amsterdam 1710. First and Only Edition.
Page Count: [4], 72 leaves.
Size: 18.7 cm.
Condition: Good to moderate condition. Tears; adhesions for reinforcing the inner margins of the first and last pages. Leather binding.
Provenance: William Gross Collection, Tel Aviv, # B.76.
