Chesed L'Avraham, by the kabbalist R. Avraham Azulai. Slavita, [1794]. One of the first books printed by R. Moshe Shapira Rabbi of Slavita (son of R. Pinchas of Korets).
Signatures, ownership inscriptions and stamps on the title page: signature of "Yeshaya HaLevi Horowitz"; ownership inscription of a "prominent and holy rabbi, R. Chaim" (possibly Rebbe Chaim of Kosov); and stamps of R. "Moshe Hager of Seret" – Rebbe Moshe Hager of Radovitz (1840-1902), author of Vayikach Moshe, grandson of Rebbe Chaim of Kosov. Immigrated to Eretz Israel after his father, and founded the Ashkenazic community in Haifa.
This kabbalistic book was held in high esteem by great Chassidic leaders and is often cited in early Chassidic literature.
The author, R. Avraham Azulai (1570-1644) was born in Fez, Morocco. He immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Hebron. When an epidemic broke out in 1619, he fled to Gaza, where he composed this book within five weeks. Most of the book is a collection and arrangement of the teachings of R. Moshe Cordovero, which at that time were still in manuscript form. A small part is from the writings of the Arizal.
Late (interesting) glosses.
[6], 87; 8, 8-11, 11-34, [1] leaves. 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains (including dampstains) and wear. Open tear to inner margin of title page, affecting text on verso, repaired. Worming, repaired in part. Upper margins trimmed, with damage to leaf headings in many places. Stamps. New leather binding.