Up for purchase is a fascinating piece of early 20th-century Israeli printing history and graphic art. This is the 1930 First Edition of the Haggadah shel Pesach, illustrated by the legendary Israeli painter, sculptor, and pioneer artisan Nahum Gutman (1898–1980), published by the famous "Omanut" Co. Ltd. in Tel Aviv, printed in Israel.

Binding & Woodwork

The text block has been historically housed in a magnificent, heavy Jerusalem Olive Wood custom binding featuring an exquisite hand-colored transfer/lithograph scene on the front cover depicting the Exodus ("And the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea"). The reverse panel features the iconic branded Bezalel-style menorah cartouche inscribed "Bezalel Jerusalem" in Hebrew stylization, with "JERUSALEM" stamped at the foot.

A Historic Binder's Anomaly

This particular specimen showcases a remarkable historical curiosity: when the original softcover text block was bound into these premium olive wood covers by a period bookbinder, several of the interior pages were accidentally bound upside down and inverted. The paper remains crisp, original, and clean, providing an extraordinary look into early 20th-century artisan binding errors.

Provenance

Sourced from J. Greenstein auction house in NY, the front flyleaf includes a genuine contemporary gift inscription in period Hebrew cursive script dating to a Bar Mitzvah in the month of Tevet, 5701 (January 1941).

• Dimensions: Approx. 6.75" x 5" (17 cm x 12.5 cm)

• Page Count: 53 pages.

Condition Report

• Exterior: The olive wood panels are beautifully preserved with deep, rich natural grain patterns. The hand-painted lithographic top border is clear with excellent color retention. Minor age-appropriate rubbing to the edges and outer corners. The brown cloth spine is structurally secure and tightly attached to the boards.

• Interior: Remarkably clean and crisp paper condition. Minimal foxing or wine staining, which is exceptionally rare for a ritual Haggadah of this age. Binding error present as described (multiple interior pages are inverted/upside down from the publisher binding phase).

Reference

Book Title: Otzar ha-Haggadot (Bibliography of the Passover Haggadah from the Beginning of Hebrew Printing until 1960)

Author: Isaac Yudlov

Reference Number / Page: Page 262, Entry Yudlov 3352 (or Otzar HaHaggadot 3352 / 3600 variant).

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