Perach Mateh Aharon.

A 'Resopnsa' book, famous for its particularly beautiful title page, illustrated with elaborate images relating to priesthood, as the author was considered to be the descendant of Aaron the High Priest. Rabbi Aharon Perachia HaCohen (1627-1697) who is also known for his highly-regarded work Bigdei Kehuna (1709), which was also published posthumously by his son Azriel.

The title - Perach Mateh Aharon translates as 'the flower of Aaron's rod', referring to an episode from the Torah, book of Numbers, where in order to determine which of the twelve tribes will become priests, God commands that each of the tribes provide a rod and only that of the tribe chosen to become priests will miraculously sprout overnight. Aaron provides his rod to represent the tribe of Levi, and 'it put forth buds, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds' (Numbers 17:8), as an evidence of the exclusive right to the priesthood of the tribe of Levi. Aaron then becomes the high priest.

First edition; 4to (32 x 20.5 cm); 2 parts bound in one, original embossed and gilt calf boards with brass clasps; edges stained and browned, corners chipped; front endpapers with tears, some browning and occasional dampstaining to pages; old ownership signatures to both titles in brown ink; text in Hebrew and Latin. [3], 249, [3], 168 ll.

Vinograd, Amsterdam 760.