Song of praise for the salvation of the Jewish community in Fossano during Pesach of 1796, during Napoleon’s war in Italy. Rare.
“And for such a great miracle that transcends all others, we are obligated to praise the name of Hashem and the greatness of His kindness and His deeds of might on this day for us to remember”. The tale of the event and a poem to commemorate the salvation of the community.
The poem is made up of [36] stanzas. Each is read by the cantor, after which the congregation responds with “Hodu LaHAshem Ki Tov, Ki Le’olam Chasdo”. The last verses begin with the letters of the author’s name: Avraham. It is possible that this is the name of the Rabbi of the community.
The composition was printed on rough paper in simple lettering, most probably due to the war conditions and the dire financial situation which the community endured during that time.
Background: General Napoleon Bonaparte set out on his first war of conquest in Northern Italy in 1769. As a result of this war, the Jewish residents of Fossano (Piedmont, Northern Italy) were placed in a dangerous situation when the gentile residents of the town accused them of aiding the French invaders, and an angry mob prepared to invade the Jewish quarter, and begin a pogrom. The Jews barricaded themselves in the local synagogue, praying for salvation. In the pre-dawn hours they were saved when the French army bombed the rioters, forcing them to disperse. In commemoration of the event, this Sefer was written, including a song of praise to be recited every year on the anniversary of the day of salvation.
[5]pp. Title page was restored via photostat and missing last page. Stains. New binding. Fair-good condition.
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