Fundamental Ashkenazi Siddur: Avodas Boreh
Mahadura Basra. Sulzbach, 1707. First Edition
Year-round siddur according to both simplistic and kabbalistic teachings, with commentaries and kavanos, composed and arranged by the holy kabbalist Rabbi Shimon Akiva Baer of Vienna, one of the great Ashkenazi kabbalists.
A very important and fundamental siddur that was unanimously accepted by all Ashkenazi communities.
Although the siddur follows kabbalistic teachings, the author intended it also for those who are unfamiliar with kabbalistic teachings.
Initially, the author planned to print his siddur in the present format, but due to financial constraints, he was forced to first print an abbreviated edition of ‘Avodas Boreh’ (Wilhermsdorf 1688), which is half the size of the present siddur.
This is the first edition of the Mahadura Basra of the siddur which is twice the size of the Mahadura Kama and is actually the fruition of the author’s original plan.
The author Rabbi Shimon Akiva Baer initially lived in Vienna but was expelled from there. He moved to the city of Schnaittach where he served as Av Beis Din, but was imprisoned and forced to leave there, almost without any possessions. Afterwards, he served as Rav of Gunzenhausen, and as dayan in the Beis HaDin HaGadol of the state of Ansbach.
He was revered by the Rabbanim of the generation for his greatness in Torah and kabbalah, and his siddur was received with love and special affection. He received many haskamahs from all the great Ashkenazi Rabbanim, and from some, he received two haskamahs for the same edition!
Rabbi Gershon Ashkenazi, author of ‘Avodas HaGershuni’, remarked that one should recite both Birkas HaTorah and Birkas HaNehenin (the blessing recited when deriving enjoyment) on Rabbi Shimon’s chiddushim! (From his second haskamah found at the end of the 1688 edition).
Sulzbach, 1707. First printing of the Basra edition. Page Count: [4], 106 leaves.
Condition: Good; fine copy. Minor repairs to corners. Fine new leather binding.
Bibliography: Stefansky Sifrei Yesod, p. 204 in additions.
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"The sefer Avodas HaBoreh is as its name implies, that it awakens the heart to the service of the Creator. It is worthwhile to acquire it…" (The Avnei Nezer of Sochaczew in his haskamah to the Warsaw 1900 edition)
