Portrait of R. Shlomo Shalem, Rabbi in Bulgaria and the Portuguese Community in Amsterdam, 18th Century – Hand – ...

Portrait of R. Shlomo Shalem, Rabbi in Bulgaria and the Portuguese Community in Amsterdam, 18th Century – Hand – Colored Copy

Portrait of R. Shlomo Shalem. Engraving by Boyly, after Benjamin Bolomey Samuel. [The Netherlands, 1762]. Hand–colored copy.
Portrait of R. Shlomo Shalem, holding his book Shoneh Halachot. The following inscription surrounds the portrait: "Clariss: & Venerand D: D: Selomoh Salem Adrianopolitanus / Rabin: Sinagog: Hebraco: Lusitan: Amstelodam: Creat: Ao: 5522 actate sua 44 amor". Hebrew caption under the portrait: "Likeness of the sage, the excellent dayan R. Shlomo Shalem, rabbi and posek in the Talmud Torah community of Amsterdam and leader of the Belgrade community", followed by a poem in his praise.

R. Shlomo Shalem (1708–1781), was born in Adrianople (Turkey) and raised in Salonika. He served as rabbi of various Bulgarian cities – Berkovitsa, Vidin and later the capital city, Sofia. For medical reasons he travelled westwards, and on his way to Vienna passed through Belgrade. The Belgrade Jewish community begged him to stay and serve as their rabbi, and he agreed, stipulating that he first continue his journey to seek medical attention. He spent a while in Vienna and then returned to Belgrade.
In 1760, R. Shalem traveled to Amsterdam to print his book. At that time, the position of rabbi of the Amsterdam Portuguese community was vacant, and the community leaders sought an appropriate candidate, offering the position to the Chida and to R. Chaim Abulafia. Upon the arrival of R. Shalem, they decided to appoint him to the position. In 1761, R. Shalem printed his book Shoneh Halachot in Amsterdam, and was concurrently appointed rabbi of the Amsterdam Portuguese community. Nevertheless, he continued to mention Belgrade in his signature (it similarly appears in the caption on this engraving). He served as rabbi in Amsterdam for 20 years, until his passing.

Approx. 36X25.5 cm. Fair–good condition. Slightly browned paper. Minor marginal tears, mostly repaired. Minor stain to upper margin and several other minor stains.

See:

• Rubens, A Jewish Iconography (London, 1981), no. 2195.
Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, 112.011.014.