Kenaf Renanim – Venice, 1626 – Early Leather Binding

Kenaf Renanim – Venice, 1626 – Early Leather Binding

Kenaf Renanim, songs, bakashot and piyyutim for various occasions, with explanations. By R. Yosef Yedidiah son of R. Binyamin Yekutiel Carmi. Venice: Giovanni Caleoni, 1626.

Kenaf Renanim contains supplications and piyyutim to be recited at daybreak on weekdays, Shabbat and festivals. These piyyutim were composed by R. Yosef Yedidiah Carmi, a kabbalist, poet and rabbi in Modena, Italy. Before this book was printed, a fierce polemic broke out against these piyyutim which were being circulated in manuscript among Italian sages. The author's brother-in-law, the famed Kabbalist R. Aharon Berachiah of Modena, author of Maavar Yabok, headed the conflict, opposing the premise of prayers composed by contemporaries, especially those which are not compatible with the Arizal's kabbalistic approach.
Nonetheless, the book received enthusiastic approbations by Italian Torah scholars. In his second introduction to the book, the author writes at length about the background of the polemic and explains the claims of both parties and his rejoinder, including a report that the Rama of Fano was fond of the confession in Kenaf Renanim.

12; 107, [11] leaves. Misfoliation. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear. Worming to title page and several other leaves, affecting text. Tears and open tears, including small tear to title page, affecting title frame. Loose leaves and gatherings. Inscriptions. Early leather binding, with clasps. Wear and damage to binding.