"BLESSED ART THOU WHO SENDEST DEATH TO ALL LIVING, BUT WHO WAKEST THOSE WHO DIE TO NEW LIFE"

(JUDAICA). Service for Preparing the Dead for Burial as Used in the Spanish and Portuguese Congregation Shearith Israel. New York: Society "Hebra Hased Va-Amet", 1913. Slim octavo, original gilt-stamped black cloth. $650.

First edition of this English-Hebrew guide to preparing a body for burial in the Sephardic Jewish tradition as followed by the oldest Jewish congregation in America, with essential prayers, instructions for washing the body, and preparing it for burial.

Published by Hebra Hased Va-Amet, New York's oldest Jewish philanthropic organization, this work is as a Sephardic Jewish guide for preparing a body for burial in the manner of the first Hebrew congregation in America, Shearith Israel. The guide, which offers instruction in English and prayers in Hebrew, provides detailed information on essential rituals and traditions, namely Tahara, the ritual washing and dressing of a deceased person.

Text block split, slight rubbing and soiling to binding. A near-fine copy.