A fascinating book about the history of the settlement Rishon Le'Zion, which was founded in 1882 and was the first settlement founded by the immigrants of the First Aliyah.
The book before us details the history of the settlement since its foundation until 1907 and its material and spiritual condition: the wineries and wines, the climate, the land and more.
(Five years later, a second part of the book was published, surveying what had happened in the settlement during these five years).
The author of the book us Reb Aharon Mordechai Freeman (1846-1925), one of the ten founders of the settlement. Freeman planted the first vineyard of the settlement and in 1883, founded its first school. He remained in the settlement even during times of hardship. Freeman was head of the settlement's committee for four years. He was among the founders of its synagogue, Beit Midrash, Talmud Torah and Benefit Society. In addition, he founded the first court of justice in the settlement and served as judge.
A dedication by the author appears on the title page: "As an eternal keepsake in honor of the president of the Zionist committee, Mr. Dr. Chaim Weizmann. Rishon Le'Zion, the fourth of Iyar 1918. By the author Aharon Mordechai Freeman".
Includes folded pages of maps and illustrations:
A. A map of the division of plots among the settlers of Rishon Le'Zion. This page is rare and is not included in all copies of the book. The map is torn with no damage to its content.
B. Large sketch of the "Rishon Le'Zion Basements" - the wineries. The sketch is torn with no damage to its content.
C. Table of plots that had been transferred or sold during the years 1882-1907.
D. Three tables of plots of land detailing the trees in every plot.
The book opens with a folded page with the portraits of "the founders of Rishon Le'Zion" including the author's,
At the end of the book there are illustrated advertisements for the wines of Rishon Le'Zion and Zichron Ya'akov, including recommendations of international experts and lists of "our stores in all the capital cities of the world". There is also a long letter from the "Pri Etz Hadar" Society about Etrogim that grow in Israel. There is also an advertisement for "Beit Ha'Orchim" in Rishon Le'Zion and the "Carmel Mizrachi" Company.
204 pp, in addition to the pages of advertisement and maps. Back title page in English.
Condition: Very Good.