Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
Displaying 1 - 12 of 13
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
Manuscript, Kavanot Gedolot by R. Chaim Vital - Kavanot of the Arizal following the order of the Shulchan Aruch. [Europe, ca. 18th century].
Complete volume in Ashkenazic script, by two writers. Leaves 1-54 were written by one scribe and another scribe continued from leaf 55 until the end. Marginalia containing many dozens of glosses, corrections, references and additions by several writers (three or four). Many glosses open with "נל"ח" (N.L.Ch. = It seems to me Ch---?). Owner's stamps: "Yisrael Stern, Pressburg". (The handwriting of some of the marginalia resembles marginalia in another Kabbalistic manuscript from Pressburg that was in the possession of the Chatam Sofer - see Kedem Auction 53, item 47).
The composition Kavanot Gedolot was edited in the school of R. Moshe Zacuto in Italy (see: R. Yosef Avivi, Kabbalat HaAri, p. 746). Copyings of this composition are uncommon (Avivi, ibid, records just three manuscript copyings of this composition).
Title on leaf 57 of the second sequence: "Part II of the book Pri Etz Chaim - Part II Shaar HaMitzvot, second chapter…".
[2], 182; 92 leaves. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Original leather binding, damaged and worn, with laces for fastening.
Complete volume in Ashkenazic script, by two writers. Leaves 1-54 were written by one scribe and another scribe continued from leaf 55 until the end. Marginalia containing many dozens of glosses, corrections, references and additions by several writers (three or four). Many glosses open with "נל"ח" (N.L.Ch. = It seems to me Ch---?). Owner's stamps: "Yisrael Stern, Pressburg". (The handwriting of some of the marginalia resembles marginalia in another Kabbalistic manuscript from Pressburg that was in the possession of the Chatam Sofer - see Kedem Auction 53, item 47).
The composition Kavanot Gedolot was edited in the school of R. Moshe Zacuto in Italy (see: R. Yosef Avivi, Kabbalat HaAri, p. 746). Copyings of this composition are uncommon (Avivi, ibid, records just three manuscript copyings of this composition).
Title on leaf 57 of the second sequence: "Part II of the book Pri Etz Chaim - Part II Shaar HaMitzvot, second chapter…".
[2], 182; 92 leaves. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Original leather binding, damaged and worn, with laces for fastening.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $4,750
Including buyer's premium
Zohar, Part I, the Book of Bereshit. [Amsterdam, 1715]. With thousands of handwritten glosses in Western script (Morocco, 18th century) - comprehensive composition of kabbalistic glosses to the Zohar.
The thousands of glosses contained in this book consist of the glosses of Moroccan kabbalists to the Zohar. Careful study of these glosses discloses that most appear in the composition Leket Shoshanim (extant in several manuscripts). Some of these glosses also feature in the book Mikdash Melech by R. Shalom Buzaglo. Additionally, the glosses include several original thoughts, opening with: "And it appears to me, מטו"ן…". These glosses were written in the same handwriting as the others. We have not managed to identify this Torah scholar, yet it is apparent that he was a prominent and erudite kabbalist (possible interpretations of the acronym "מטו"ן" are Moshe Toledano or Meir Toledano).
The book is lacking at the beginning, middle and end. 28 leaves were bound at the beginning, containing part of the missing text, handwritten in Western script. The glosses, in Western script, were inserted both in the margins and between the lines, on all leaves (both printed and handwritten) of the book. Most of the glosses were recorded by one writer (the Torah scholar named "מטו"ן" mentioned above). A gloss on p. 156b is from a different writer. There may be additional glosses in a different handwriting.
These glosses comprise the teachings of the Marrakesh school of kabbalists, which included R. Yaakov Maradji, R. Avraham Azoulay (the second), R. Avraham ibn Moussa, R. Shlomo Amar, R. Yeshaya HaKohen, R. Yaakov Pinto, R. Yaakov Gedalia and their disciples. The glosses correspond with the composition Leket Shoshanim, a compilation of glosses by leading Marrakesh kabbalists to the Zohar, arranged by R. Yeshaya HaKohen and R. Yaakov Pinto. Leket Shoshanim was never published, and is extant in several manuscripts, but part of it was included in the renowned book Mikdash Melech (London, 1750-1752) by the kabbalist R. Shalom Buzaglo, who was associated with this school of kabbalists. The nature of the connection between the compositions Leket Shoshanim and Mikdash Melech is as of yet unclear (see: R. Moshe Hillel, Record for the History of the First Generation of Marrakesh Kabbalists, in: Min HaGenazim - Ahavat Shalom, X - 2017, p. 44, footnote 49).
22-55, 58-63, 66-71, 74-79, 81-89, 152-163, 166-167, 169-174, 176-215, 217-223, 225-230 leaves (lacking leaves at beginning, middle and end of book; originally: [7], 251, [1], 11 leaves) + [28] handwritten leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains. Many tears, dampness damage and wear, affecting text and handwritten glosses. Detached leaves. Binding detached and damaged.
The thousands of glosses contained in this book consist of the glosses of Moroccan kabbalists to the Zohar. Careful study of these glosses discloses that most appear in the composition Leket Shoshanim (extant in several manuscripts). Some of these glosses also feature in the book Mikdash Melech by R. Shalom Buzaglo. Additionally, the glosses include several original thoughts, opening with: "And it appears to me, מטו"ן…". These glosses were written in the same handwriting as the others. We have not managed to identify this Torah scholar, yet it is apparent that he was a prominent and erudite kabbalist (possible interpretations of the acronym "מטו"ן" are Moshe Toledano or Meir Toledano).
The book is lacking at the beginning, middle and end. 28 leaves were bound at the beginning, containing part of the missing text, handwritten in Western script. The glosses, in Western script, were inserted both in the margins and between the lines, on all leaves (both printed and handwritten) of the book. Most of the glosses were recorded by one writer (the Torah scholar named "מטו"ן" mentioned above). A gloss on p. 156b is from a different writer. There may be additional glosses in a different handwriting.
These glosses comprise the teachings of the Marrakesh school of kabbalists, which included R. Yaakov Maradji, R. Avraham Azoulay (the second), R. Avraham ibn Moussa, R. Shlomo Amar, R. Yeshaya HaKohen, R. Yaakov Pinto, R. Yaakov Gedalia and their disciples. The glosses correspond with the composition Leket Shoshanim, a compilation of glosses by leading Marrakesh kabbalists to the Zohar, arranged by R. Yeshaya HaKohen and R. Yaakov Pinto. Leket Shoshanim was never published, and is extant in several manuscripts, but part of it was included in the renowned book Mikdash Melech (London, 1750-1752) by the kabbalist R. Shalom Buzaglo, who was associated with this school of kabbalists. The nature of the connection between the compositions Leket Shoshanim and Mikdash Melech is as of yet unclear (see: R. Moshe Hillel, Record for the History of the First Generation of Marrakesh Kabbalists, in: Min HaGenazim - Ahavat Shalom, X - 2017, p. 44, footnote 49).
22-55, 58-63, 66-71, 74-79, 81-89, 152-163, 166-167, 169-174, 176-215, 217-223, 225-230 leaves (lacking leaves at beginning, middle and end of book; originally: [7], 251, [1], 11 leaves) + [28] handwritten leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains. Many tears, dampness damage and wear, affecting text and handwritten glosses. Detached leaves. Binding detached and damaged.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript containing segulot, Hashbaot, incantations and amulets - practical Kabbalah notebook of R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, son of the Chida and rabbi of Ancona. Written in part by a scribe, and partly by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai. [Ancona, ca. 1820-1824].
Handwritten notebook, mostly in neat Italian scribal-script, and alternately in Sephardic script - the handwriting of R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, who added segulot, Hashbaot and texts of amulets. The manuscript also contains personal notes, with records of income and expenditures and names of Jews in Ancona, as well as two pages of Torah thoughts. Includes tables, kabbalistic illustrations and Angelic Script.
Additional handwritten leaves, also on practical Kabbalah, are interspersed in the bound notebook, some in R. Yeshaya Azulai's handwriting, and some in scribal-script.
An overall breakdown of the manuscript:
Leaves [1]-[4a]: Texts of amulet for protection in various areas: to remove foreign thoughts, for a storm at sea, for headache and malaria; Hashbaot and incantations "to cause anyone to do your will..." and "against fear".
Leaves [4b]-[8]: Account records and names of people (presumably from Ancona), in Hebrew and Italian, some handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai, dated "Tishrei 1821", "Nissan 1822", "Elul 1822" and "Tishrei 1822". P. [7b] contains an amulet "segulah for a thief" with illustrations of angels' seals.
Leaves [9]-[12]: Segulot, Hashbaot and incantations for various matters: "to be loved by all", "to escape from prison", "for increasing a woman's milk supply", "to cause illness or death to an enemy", "to cease menstruation", "against miscarriage", and more. Leaf [10]: Two amulet texts handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai. Leaf [11]: List of 12 different segulot "for a difficult labor".
Leaves [13]-[14a]: Three pages of Torah teachings (Halacha and Aggadah) handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaves [14b]-[16]: Lists of accounts and names, mostly handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai. Leaf [14b]: Inscription with calculations, handwritten by R. Yeshaya: "Tishrei 1820, the salary I receive from the community for the whole year is two hundred scudos every six months…".
Leaves [17]-[24]: Segulot, Hashbaot and amulet texts, with tables, kabbalistic combinations of names and angels' seals for various matters, including: "to annul sorcery", "to sell merchandise", "for a thief", "for a store", "to sell and buy", "for difficult labor", "to change a person's mind", and more. Some pages contain accounting records and various other inscriptions, some of which are handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai.
P. [18a]: List of book prices, handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai (the book LeDavid Emet by his father the Chida is included in the list).
A dispute is recorded on the front endpaper - "Shimshon Pacifico's claim against the widow of Moshe Yitzchak Pesaro…".
The additional leaves interspersed in the manuscript include: a gathering of six written pages containing segulot and cures, She'elat Chalom (dream question), Holy names and amulet texts (numbered, sections 1-33); several leaves from a manuscript on practical Kabbalah; several leaves from a different notebook of segulot, Hashbaot and incantations, with passages in R. Yeshaya Azulai's handwriting.
R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (1743-1826) was born in Jerusalem, the eldest son of the illustrious R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai - the Chida. A great Torah scholar in his own right, he was a rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him with epithets of love ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great chacham", "the light of my eyes", "friend of my soul", etc.). After the death of R. Avraham Yisrael, rabbi of Ancona, in 1785, the community leaders turned to the Chida who hinted that his son R. Refael Yeshaya would be suitable for this position. He served as rabbi of Ancona for many years until his death on 9th Shevat 1823 (he lived 83 years, just like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his community for a long time (for further information see M. Benayahu's book on the Chida, pp. 476-487).
[24] leaves + [8] leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Tears and damage. Worming in some places, slightly affecting text. Binding worn.
Handwritten notebook, mostly in neat Italian scribal-script, and alternately in Sephardic script - the handwriting of R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, who added segulot, Hashbaot and texts of amulets. The manuscript also contains personal notes, with records of income and expenditures and names of Jews in Ancona, as well as two pages of Torah thoughts. Includes tables, kabbalistic illustrations and Angelic Script.
Additional handwritten leaves, also on practical Kabbalah, are interspersed in the bound notebook, some in R. Yeshaya Azulai's handwriting, and some in scribal-script.
An overall breakdown of the manuscript:
Leaves [1]-[4a]: Texts of amulet for protection in various areas: to remove foreign thoughts, for a storm at sea, for headache and malaria; Hashbaot and incantations "to cause anyone to do your will..." and "against fear".
Leaves [4b]-[8]: Account records and names of people (presumably from Ancona), in Hebrew and Italian, some handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai, dated "Tishrei 1821", "Nissan 1822", "Elul 1822" and "Tishrei 1822". P. [7b] contains an amulet "segulah for a thief" with illustrations of angels' seals.
Leaves [9]-[12]: Segulot, Hashbaot and incantations for various matters: "to be loved by all", "to escape from prison", "for increasing a woman's milk supply", "to cause illness or death to an enemy", "to cease menstruation", "against miscarriage", and more. Leaf [10]: Two amulet texts handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai. Leaf [11]: List of 12 different segulot "for a difficult labor".
Leaves [13]-[14a]: Three pages of Torah teachings (Halacha and Aggadah) handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaves [14b]-[16]: Lists of accounts and names, mostly handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai. Leaf [14b]: Inscription with calculations, handwritten by R. Yeshaya: "Tishrei 1820, the salary I receive from the community for the whole year is two hundred scudos every six months…".
Leaves [17]-[24]: Segulot, Hashbaot and amulet texts, with tables, kabbalistic combinations of names and angels' seals for various matters, including: "to annul sorcery", "to sell merchandise", "for a thief", "for a store", "to sell and buy", "for difficult labor", "to change a person's mind", and more. Some pages contain accounting records and various other inscriptions, some of which are handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai.
P. [18a]: List of book prices, handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai (the book LeDavid Emet by his father the Chida is included in the list).
A dispute is recorded on the front endpaper - "Shimshon Pacifico's claim against the widow of Moshe Yitzchak Pesaro…".
The additional leaves interspersed in the manuscript include: a gathering of six written pages containing segulot and cures, She'elat Chalom (dream question), Holy names and amulet texts (numbered, sections 1-33); several leaves from a manuscript on practical Kabbalah; several leaves from a different notebook of segulot, Hashbaot and incantations, with passages in R. Yeshaya Azulai's handwriting.
R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (1743-1826) was born in Jerusalem, the eldest son of the illustrious R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai - the Chida. A great Torah scholar in his own right, he was a rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him with epithets of love ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great chacham", "the light of my eyes", "friend of my soul", etc.). After the death of R. Avraham Yisrael, rabbi of Ancona, in 1785, the community leaders turned to the Chida who hinted that his son R. Refael Yeshaya would be suitable for this position. He served as rabbi of Ancona for many years until his death on 9th Shevat 1823 (he lived 83 years, just like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his community for a long time (for further information see M. Benayahu's book on the Chida, pp. 476-487).
[24] leaves + [8] leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Tears and damage. Worming in some places, slightly affecting text. Binding worn.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Midrash Talpiyot, by R. Eliyahu HaKohen of Izmir (author of Shevet Musar). Czernowitz, 1860.
Ownership inscription and signature on the title page: "For the service of my Creator, from funds of Maaser Ani, what am I, Nissim Ani" - signature of R. Nissim Eini, a Torah scholar and kabbalist of the Beit El Beit Midrash in Jerusalem.
The book contains dozens of glosses handwritten by the kabbalist R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira, author of Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha and other books. Most of the glosses are lengthy and replete with original thoughts, including some kabbalistic matters. R. Aharon closes many of the glosses with his customary expression: "…words of truth and peace". The margins of the book were trimmed, with damage to most of the glosses.
R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira (d. 1887), born in Salonika. In 1848, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Jerusalem. There, he joined the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists. His prominence in Torah and kabbalah is disclosed in the many books he composed, including Toldot Aharon UMoshe (Jerusalem 1870), Devar Hashem MiYerushalayim (Jerusalem 1873), Ohev Shalom VeRodef Shalom - Michtam Shalom Yisrael/Yerushalayim (Jerusalem 1879), Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha (Jerusalem 1888), and other works. He was a wondrous man, with a prodigious personality, combining exceptional proficiency and profundity in both hidden and revealed parts of the Torah, together with exceptional devotion to the downtrodden and needy. Just like his namesake Aharon, he loved and pursued peace, and engaged extensively in promoting peace. One of his prominent disciples in Jerusalem was R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, who delivered a lengthy eulogy at his funeral (printed in Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha, pp. 47-49).
He placed a special emphasis in his will on publishing his compositions which remained in manuscript, promising to intercede on behalf of anyone who made efforts to publish his works: "…whoever endeavors to bring pleasure to my soul… I too will intercede on their behalf and on behalf of all the members of their household, with all my might from my place in the World to Come, that G-d should recompense their deeds and that their reward should be full in this world and in the World to Come". His disciple R. Schlesinger also related (in the above-mentioned eulogy) that on the eve of his passing, R. Pereira asked him to ensure his book gets published. In his conclusion to the eulogy, R. Schlesinger again mentions the publishing of the books, "…since he already commanded in all his wills… whoever assists in publishing his holy books, he is prepared to pray before G-d from his place on behalf of all those who involve themselves…".
One of his colleagues in the Beit El yeshiva was R. Nissim Eini (d. 1900), a leading Iraqi Torah scholar and kabbalist. He was a close disciple of R. Abdallah Somech. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1856 and settled in Jerusalem. He was a close friend of R. Eliyahu Mani, first when they studied together under R. Abdallah Somech, and later in the Beit El yeshiva in Jerusalem. He was renowned as an eminent kabbalist, and toiled extensively over correcting and clarifying the accurate texts of kabbalistic books and works by the Arizal. He edited (together with R. Yitzchak Calamaro) the second edition of the book Divrei Shalom by R. Refael Avraham Shalom Mizrachi (grandson of the Rashash), adding his glosses under the acronym "A.N.I." (=I, Nissim). He would customarily sign: "What am I, Nissim Ani".
[1], 246 leaves. Without leaf of approbations following title page. 23.5 cm. Margins trimmed, affecting many glosses. Good condition. Stains. Old binding.
Ownership inscription and signature on the title page: "For the service of my Creator, from funds of Maaser Ani, what am I, Nissim Ani" - signature of R. Nissim Eini, a Torah scholar and kabbalist of the Beit El Beit Midrash in Jerusalem.
The book contains dozens of glosses handwritten by the kabbalist R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira, author of Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha and other books. Most of the glosses are lengthy and replete with original thoughts, including some kabbalistic matters. R. Aharon closes many of the glosses with his customary expression: "…words of truth and peace". The margins of the book were trimmed, with damage to most of the glosses.
R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira (d. 1887), born in Salonika. In 1848, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Jerusalem. There, he joined the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists. His prominence in Torah and kabbalah is disclosed in the many books he composed, including Toldot Aharon UMoshe (Jerusalem 1870), Devar Hashem MiYerushalayim (Jerusalem 1873), Ohev Shalom VeRodef Shalom - Michtam Shalom Yisrael/Yerushalayim (Jerusalem 1879), Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha (Jerusalem 1888), and other works. He was a wondrous man, with a prodigious personality, combining exceptional proficiency and profundity in both hidden and revealed parts of the Torah, together with exceptional devotion to the downtrodden and needy. Just like his namesake Aharon, he loved and pursued peace, and engaged extensively in promoting peace. One of his prominent disciples in Jerusalem was R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, who delivered a lengthy eulogy at his funeral (printed in Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha, pp. 47-49).
He placed a special emphasis in his will on publishing his compositions which remained in manuscript, promising to intercede on behalf of anyone who made efforts to publish his works: "…whoever endeavors to bring pleasure to my soul… I too will intercede on their behalf and on behalf of all the members of their household, with all my might from my place in the World to Come, that G-d should recompense their deeds and that their reward should be full in this world and in the World to Come". His disciple R. Schlesinger also related (in the above-mentioned eulogy) that on the eve of his passing, R. Pereira asked him to ensure his book gets published. In his conclusion to the eulogy, R. Schlesinger again mentions the publishing of the books, "…since he already commanded in all his wills… whoever assists in publishing his holy books, he is prepared to pray before G-d from his place on behalf of all those who involve themselves…".
One of his colleagues in the Beit El yeshiva was R. Nissim Eini (d. 1900), a leading Iraqi Torah scholar and kabbalist. He was a close disciple of R. Abdallah Somech. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1856 and settled in Jerusalem. He was a close friend of R. Eliyahu Mani, first when they studied together under R. Abdallah Somech, and later in the Beit El yeshiva in Jerusalem. He was renowned as an eminent kabbalist, and toiled extensively over correcting and clarifying the accurate texts of kabbalistic books and works by the Arizal. He edited (together with R. Yitzchak Calamaro) the second edition of the book Divrei Shalom by R. Refael Avraham Shalom Mizrachi (grandson of the Rashash), adding his glosses under the acronym "A.N.I." (=I, Nissim). He would customarily sign: "What am I, Nissim Ani".
[1], 246 leaves. Without leaf of approbations following title page. 23.5 cm. Margins trimmed, affecting many glosses. Good condition. Stains. Old binding.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $1,375
Including buyer's premium
Three manuscripts of Practical Kabbalah, in Oriental script:
1. Large-sized manuscript, composition of Practical Kabbalah - zodiac signs, segulot, hashbaot and incantations, angelic script and Angels' seals, kabbalistic diagrams and illustrations, and more. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 40 written pages. 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear and tears, primarily to margins. Ink fading in several places. Detached leaves. Without binding.
2. Medium-sized manuscript, composition of Practical Kabbalah - zodiac signs, hashbaot, segulot and incantations, angelic script and Angels' seals, kabbalistic diagrams and illustrations, and more. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 60 written pages. 27 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor tears. Detached leaves. Without binding.
3. Manuscript, Goral HaChol (Geomancy), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 50 written pages. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming. Detached leaves. Without binding.
Enclosed:
• Dozens of leaves from a kabbalist presumably proficient in performing Goral HaChol, who practiced in Eretz Israel in the early 20th century. These leaves document the dozens of times he performed Goral HaChol for the men and women who consulted him. For each person, he recorded the querent's name, their father's or mother's name, the matter they were seeking advice on, alongside various dots and dashes he wrote while performing the lot. Approx. 30 written pages. 21-23 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear.
1. Large-sized manuscript, composition of Practical Kabbalah - zodiac signs, segulot, hashbaot and incantations, angelic script and Angels' seals, kabbalistic diagrams and illustrations, and more. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 40 written pages. 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear and tears, primarily to margins. Ink fading in several places. Detached leaves. Without binding.
2. Medium-sized manuscript, composition of Practical Kabbalah - zodiac signs, hashbaot, segulot and incantations, angelic script and Angels' seals, kabbalistic diagrams and illustrations, and more. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 60 written pages. 27 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor tears. Detached leaves. Without binding.
3. Manuscript, Goral HaChol (Geomancy), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 50 written pages. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming. Detached leaves. Without binding.
Enclosed:
• Dozens of leaves from a kabbalist presumably proficient in performing Goral HaChol, who practiced in Eretz Israel in the early 20th century. These leaves document the dozens of times he performed Goral HaChol for the men and women who consulted him. For each person, he recorded the querent's name, their father's or mother's name, the matter they were seeking advice on, alongside various dots and dashes he wrote while performing the lot. Approx. 30 written pages. 21-23 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
Taharot HaKodesh, kabbalistic practices and prayers. Parts I and II. Amsterdam, [1733]. First edition.
Ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Yichye Tzalach - the Maharitz, on the title page: "My acquisition, Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", "Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", and other inscriptions, some deleted.
The book contains several lengthy glosses handwritten by the Maharitz. These glosses are hitherto unknown and have never been published, though they parallel the teachings in the Etz Chaim siddur compiled by the Maharitz.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
[5], 2-52; 46 leaves. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Non-original, half-leather binding.
Regarding the authorship of this book and the period in which it was composed, see: Y. Halpern, Taharot HaKodesh - Who Authored It and When, Kiryat Sefer, 34, 1959, pp. 495-498; D. Tamar, When Taharot HaKodesh was Authored, Areshet, III, 1961, pp. 166-172.
Ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Yichye Tzalach - the Maharitz, on the title page: "My acquisition, Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", "Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", and other inscriptions, some deleted.
The book contains several lengthy glosses handwritten by the Maharitz. These glosses are hitherto unknown and have never been published, though they parallel the teachings in the Etz Chaim siddur compiled by the Maharitz.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
[5], 2-52; 46 leaves. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Non-original, half-leather binding.
Regarding the authorship of this book and the period in which it was composed, see: Y. Halpern, Taharot HaKodesh - Who Authored It and When, Kiryat Sefer, 34, 1959, pp. 495-498; D. Tamar, When Taharot HaKodesh was Authored, Areshet, III, 1961, pp. 166-172.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Monetary contract, signed by dayanim of the Sanaa Beit Din in the 18th century, the head of the Beit Din R. Yichye Tzalach, the Maharitz, and the dayan R. Yichye Mishreqi (son of R. David, author of Shetilei Zeitim). Bir al-Azab (Sanaa, Yemen), Shevat [1795].
Judeo-Arabic monetary contract, of Salam son of Yichye Elgamal (Gamliel) and Salam son of Suleiman Elgamal. With calligraphic signatures of the dayanim at the foot of the contract.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi (1734-1809), founder of the Shami rite together with his father (the Shetilei Zeitim). He was appointed temporary dayan in 1785 and from 1795, served as permanent dayan in the Beit Din of the Maharitz. His novellae and rulings were published together with his father's novellae in Revid HaZahav.
Bir al-Azab is a suburb of Sanaa, built after the Exile of Mawza in 1679, when the Jews were required to live outside of the city's walls (Encyclopedia LiKehillot Teiman, I, p. 35).
[1] leaf. 14 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear to folds and margins, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Judeo-Arabic monetary contract, of Salam son of Yichye Elgamal (Gamliel) and Salam son of Suleiman Elgamal. With calligraphic signatures of the dayanim at the foot of the contract.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi (1734-1809), founder of the Shami rite together with his father (the Shetilei Zeitim). He was appointed temporary dayan in 1785 and from 1795, served as permanent dayan in the Beit Din of the Maharitz. His novellae and rulings were published together with his father's novellae in Revid HaZahav.
Bir al-Azab is a suburb of Sanaa, built after the Exile of Mawza in 1679, when the Jews were required to live outside of the city's walls (Encyclopedia LiKehillot Teiman, I, p. 35).
[1] leaf. 14 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear to folds and margins, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $800
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Collection of monetary legal documents, signed by the rabbis and dayanim of the Sanaa Beit Din in the 19th century, 1829-1896.
Remarkable collection comprising dozens of legal documents, with many dozens of signatures of the dayanim and Beit Din heads in Sanaa in the 19th century. The text of the documents is in Judeo-Arabic; the signatures of the dayanim appear at the foot of each document (calligraphic signatures typical of Yemenite rabbis).
The signatories include: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh, R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli, R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh, R. Yosef son of R. Yichye Iraqi, R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shalom HaKohen, and others.
Includes a collection of documents and certificates in Arabic, from the same source (presumably the Sanaa Beit Din).
R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh (1769-1849), leading Yemenite Torah scholar, close disciple of the Maharitz and his successor. In ca. 1809, he was appointed dayan in the Sanaa Beit Din, and in 1812, he became head of the Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. A leading Torah scholar in his times, exceptionally well versed in the Talmud and halachic literature. He disseminated Torah to the public and edified numerous disciples who later became prominent Yemenite rabbis. He instituted various regulations, and perpetuated the ways of his teacher the Maharitz in his leadership of Yemenite Jewry. His book Zivchei Elohim on the laws of ritual slaughter is well-known; he also recorded responsa and halachic rulings. The following dayanim served under him in the Beit Din, and signed alongside him on these documents: R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach (1769-1839), grandson of the Maharitz; R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh (b. 1766; he disappeared in 1836, some say he left Sanaa due to the famine, and others contend that he never returned from his mission in northern Yemen together with the emissary R. Baruch of Pinsk, in quest of the Ten Lost Tribes). Other signatories: R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli (1804-1899), an elder Sanaa dayan. He served as dayan for over forty years; his signature appears on many rulings. R. Suleiman (Shlomo) Alqareh (1804-1889), son of the head of the Beit Din R. Yosef Alqareh, and his successor as head of Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach (1825 or 1833-1905) - great-grandson of the Maharitz, a preeminent rabbi in his generation, exceptionally pious. He served as dayan for 38 years and instituted various regulations and practices.
27 legal documents in Judeo-Arabic with signatures of dayanim + 25 documents and certificates in Arabic. Size and condition vary, overall good condition.
Remarkable collection comprising dozens of legal documents, with many dozens of signatures of the dayanim and Beit Din heads in Sanaa in the 19th century. The text of the documents is in Judeo-Arabic; the signatures of the dayanim appear at the foot of each document (calligraphic signatures typical of Yemenite rabbis).
The signatories include: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh, R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli, R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh, R. Yosef son of R. Yichye Iraqi, R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shalom HaKohen, and others.
Includes a collection of documents and certificates in Arabic, from the same source (presumably the Sanaa Beit Din).
R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh (1769-1849), leading Yemenite Torah scholar, close disciple of the Maharitz and his successor. In ca. 1809, he was appointed dayan in the Sanaa Beit Din, and in 1812, he became head of the Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. A leading Torah scholar in his times, exceptionally well versed in the Talmud and halachic literature. He disseminated Torah to the public and edified numerous disciples who later became prominent Yemenite rabbis. He instituted various regulations, and perpetuated the ways of his teacher the Maharitz in his leadership of Yemenite Jewry. His book Zivchei Elohim on the laws of ritual slaughter is well-known; he also recorded responsa and halachic rulings. The following dayanim served under him in the Beit Din, and signed alongside him on these documents: R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach (1769-1839), grandson of the Maharitz; R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh (b. 1766; he disappeared in 1836, some say he left Sanaa due to the famine, and others contend that he never returned from his mission in northern Yemen together with the emissary R. Baruch of Pinsk, in quest of the Ten Lost Tribes). Other signatories: R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli (1804-1899), an elder Sanaa dayan. He served as dayan for over forty years; his signature appears on many rulings. R. Suleiman (Shlomo) Alqareh (1804-1889), son of the head of the Beit Din R. Yosef Alqareh, and his successor as head of Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach (1825 or 1833-1905) - great-grandson of the Maharitz, a preeminent rabbi in his generation, exceptionally pious. He served as dayan for 38 years and instituted various regulations and practices.
27 legal documents in Judeo-Arabic with signatures of dayanim + 25 documents and certificates in Arabic. Size and condition vary, overall good condition.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $1,375
Including buyer's premium
Eight handwritten ketubot and a marriage document. With many signatures of Yemenite rabbis. Yemen, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Yichye al-Tzaadi, to the bride Badra daughter of Avraham Elgamal. Sanaa, 1793. Signed by Yemenite rabbis: R. Shlomo son of R. Yeshua and R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi. On the verso, inscription pertaining to the dowry, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah for Suleiman son of Yehuda al-Haraz and his wife Ghazal daughter of Yosef Korach, replacing their original ketubah which was falling apart. Sanaa, 16th Tevet 1822. Signed by the rabbis of Yemen: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. Avraham son of R. Aharon Manzeli and R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Chaim son of Musa son of Yosef al-Ozeri, to the bride Rumia daughter of Salam son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1867. Signed by R. Sa'id son of R. Salam Pinchas and R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh. Inscription regarding dowry with additional signatures on verso of ketubah.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Salam and the bride Lulwa daughter of Salam Karnan. Jewish neighborhood of Yarim, 1869. Signed by R. Chaim son of R. Salam Jamal and R. Avraham son of R. Avraham Maabari.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Salam son of Yichye Habshoush to the bride Lulwa daughter of Chaim son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1876. Signed by R. Sa'id son of Avraham Mishreqi and R. Avraham son of Salam Shemmen. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, with the same signatures.
• Levirate ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Musi son of Yaakov, to Mrs. Sa'ida daughter of Salam Yehuda, wife of the groom's late brother Avraham. Kislev 1889.
• Ketubah related document. [Sanaa], 1905. Signed by the dayanim of Sanaa: R. Aharon HaKohen and R. Yichye Musi Yitzchak.
• Ketubah, torn and lacking (only upper half remains), recording the marriage of the groom Yehuda son of Da'ud son of Yichye son of R. Yosef Pinchas Katz, to the bride Hamama daughter of Chaim son of Harun son of Musa al-Iraqi Katz. 1900. Inscription regarding dowry on verso, signed by R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach and R. Chaim son of R. Yichye HaKohen al-Iraqi.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of Menashe son of David to the bride Ghazal al-Kahlani (tear in ketubah, affecting full name of the bride and her father). 1930.
8 ketubot and one marriage document. Size and condition vary.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Yichye al-Tzaadi, to the bride Badra daughter of Avraham Elgamal. Sanaa, 1793. Signed by Yemenite rabbis: R. Shlomo son of R. Yeshua and R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi. On the verso, inscription pertaining to the dowry, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah for Suleiman son of Yehuda al-Haraz and his wife Ghazal daughter of Yosef Korach, replacing their original ketubah which was falling apart. Sanaa, 16th Tevet 1822. Signed by the rabbis of Yemen: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. Avraham son of R. Aharon Manzeli and R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Chaim son of Musa son of Yosef al-Ozeri, to the bride Rumia daughter of Salam son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1867. Signed by R. Sa'id son of R. Salam Pinchas and R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh. Inscription regarding dowry with additional signatures on verso of ketubah.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Salam and the bride Lulwa daughter of Salam Karnan. Jewish neighborhood of Yarim, 1869. Signed by R. Chaim son of R. Salam Jamal and R. Avraham son of R. Avraham Maabari.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Salam son of Yichye Habshoush to the bride Lulwa daughter of Chaim son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1876. Signed by R. Sa'id son of Avraham Mishreqi and R. Avraham son of Salam Shemmen. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, with the same signatures.
• Levirate ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Musi son of Yaakov, to Mrs. Sa'ida daughter of Salam Yehuda, wife of the groom's late brother Avraham. Kislev 1889.
• Ketubah related document. [Sanaa], 1905. Signed by the dayanim of Sanaa: R. Aharon HaKohen and R. Yichye Musi Yitzchak.
• Ketubah, torn and lacking (only upper half remains), recording the marriage of the groom Yehuda son of Da'ud son of Yichye son of R. Yosef Pinchas Katz, to the bride Hamama daughter of Chaim son of Harun son of Musa al-Iraqi Katz. 1900. Inscription regarding dowry on verso, signed by R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach and R. Chaim son of R. Yichye HaKohen al-Iraqi.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of Menashe son of David to the bride Ghazal al-Kahlani (tear in ketubah, affecting full name of the bride and her father). 1930.
8 ketubot and one marriage document. Size and condition vary.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $600
Including buyer's premium
Three manuscripts. [Yemen, 19th and 20th centuries].
1. Manuscript, commentary to the laws of shechita (ritual slaughter), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen, 1804]. Writer's colophon on the final leaf: "And this book was completed on Monday, 4th Elul 1804… and the writer, most insignificant one… Shlomo son of Shlomo son of Shemarya son of R. Zecharya…". [49] leaves. 20 cm. Poor condition. Stains, significant dampness damage and worming, affecting text. Old leather binding, damaged.
2. Manuscript, laws of shechita and "Taamim" (various selections on the laws of shechita). [Yemen, ca. 19th century]. [102] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains, dark dampstains, worming and wear. Old binding.
3. Manuscript, laws of Shechita. [Yemen, 1940]. Writer's colophon dated 1940 on the final leaf. [60] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Tears to several leaves, affecting text. New binding.
1. Manuscript, commentary to the laws of shechita (ritual slaughter), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen, 1804]. Writer's colophon on the final leaf: "And this book was completed on Monday, 4th Elul 1804… and the writer, most insignificant one… Shlomo son of Shlomo son of Shemarya son of R. Zecharya…". [49] leaves. 20 cm. Poor condition. Stains, significant dampness damage and worming, affecting text. Old leather binding, damaged.
2. Manuscript, laws of shechita and "Taamim" (various selections on the laws of shechita). [Yemen, ca. 19th century]. [102] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains, dark dampstains, worming and wear. Old binding.
3. Manuscript, laws of Shechita. [Yemen, 1940]. Writer's colophon dated 1940 on the final leaf. [60] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Tears to several leaves, affecting text. New binding.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Collection of manuscripts (some incomplete), from Yemen:
• Manuscript, three Megillot, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, order for Simchat Torah, and more. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Selichot and supplications. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Tikkun Asara BeTevet. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Azharot for Shavuot. [Yemen, 19th century].
• Manuscript, Maamadot and Bakashot. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Two handwritten leaves, supplication from the Zohar ("Elaka Rabba LeAniya UMiskena…"). [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Hatarat Nedarim, order of Shofar blowing, Tikkun HaGeshem and Tikkun HaTal. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Mekor Chaim on the laws of shechita, by the Maharitz, and Petach HaOhel on the laws of divorce, by R. Yichye Amud. [Yemen, 20th century]. (Copying from the printed edition of both books, Aden 1893-1894).
8 manuscripts, most incomplete and damaged (lacking leaves. Open tears and worming, affecting text). Size and condition vary.
• Manuscript, three Megillot, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, order for Simchat Torah, and more. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Selichot and supplications. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Tikkun Asara BeTevet. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Azharot for Shavuot. [Yemen, 19th century].
• Manuscript, Maamadot and Bakashot. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Two handwritten leaves, supplication from the Zohar ("Elaka Rabba LeAniya UMiskena…"). [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Hatarat Nedarim, order of Shofar blowing, Tikkun HaGeshem and Tikkun HaTal. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Mekor Chaim on the laws of shechita, by the Maharitz, and Petach HaOhel on the laws of divorce, by R. Yichye Amud. [Yemen, 20th century]. (Copying from the printed edition of both books, Aden 1893-1894).
8 manuscripts, most incomplete and damaged (lacking leaves. Open tears and worming, affecting text). Size and condition vary.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Booklet, Amal URe'ut Ruach VaCharamot UTeshuvatam, polemic regarding the authenticity of the Zohar and Kabbalah, by R. Yichye Kapach (Qafih) of Yemen. [Tel Aviv, 1914?]. First edition.
The booklet contains glosses and additions handwritten by the author. At the end of the booklet, he added: "At the head of noisy streets she calls out etc. but the word of our G-d shall last forever".
In the first part of the booklet, the author printed the excommunications issued by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi rabbis of Jerusalem against the Yemenites who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah. The second part of the booklet contains the detailed response of the author, R. Yichye Kapach, in which he attacks the rabbis of Jerusalem, and argues that the excommunications were incorrectly issued. Further in his response, he excoriates the foundations of Kabbalah and the Zohar, and concludes by excommunicating the rabbis who excommunicated and ostracized him.
Background: A great controversy broke out in Yemen in the early 20th century, between those who believed in the authenticity of the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Ikshim") and a small sect who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Darda'im"), headed by R. Yichye Kapach (1850-1931). R. Kapach and his followers contended that the Oral Law is limited to what was received by the Talmudic sages and the Rambam, whilst anything discovered thereafter does not have any validity. According to them, Kabbalah is foreign in its spirit to Judaism. R. Kapach later substantiated his approach in his books Milchamot Hashem (Jerusalem, 1931) and Daat Elokim (Jerusalem, 1931), printed in his final year. He was excommunicated in Shevat 1914 by the Jerusalem rabbis for these views. This booklet was authored by R. Kapach as a response, and it contains his counterattack on his opponents, including excommunications he issued in return.
15, [1] pages. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains, tears and wear.
The booklet contains glosses and additions handwritten by the author. At the end of the booklet, he added: "At the head of noisy streets she calls out etc. but the word of our G-d shall last forever".
In the first part of the booklet, the author printed the excommunications issued by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi rabbis of Jerusalem against the Yemenites who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah. The second part of the booklet contains the detailed response of the author, R. Yichye Kapach, in which he attacks the rabbis of Jerusalem, and argues that the excommunications were incorrectly issued. Further in his response, he excoriates the foundations of Kabbalah and the Zohar, and concludes by excommunicating the rabbis who excommunicated and ostracized him.
Background: A great controversy broke out in Yemen in the early 20th century, between those who believed in the authenticity of the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Ikshim") and a small sect who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Darda'im"), headed by R. Yichye Kapach (1850-1931). R. Kapach and his followers contended that the Oral Law is limited to what was received by the Talmudic sages and the Rambam, whilst anything discovered thereafter does not have any validity. According to them, Kabbalah is foreign in its spirit to Judaism. R. Kapach later substantiated his approach in his books Milchamot Hashem (Jerusalem, 1931) and Daat Elokim (Jerusalem, 1931), printed in his final year. He was excommunicated in Shevat 1914 by the Jerusalem rabbis for these views. This booklet was authored by R. Kapach as a response, and it contains his counterattack on his opponents, including excommunications he issued in return.
15, [1] pages. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains, tears and wear.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue