Choker UMekubal, dialogue on kabbalah, by R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto – the Ramchal. Shklow, [1785]. First edition.
During the course of the great polemic surrounding the Ramchal and his writings, this composition stood out as one of the works which drew fierce opposition. The Ramchal began composing it after he had promised the Torah scholars of Venice that he would abstain from writing compositions based on the teachings of the Heavenly maggid. This work, also known as Maamar HaVikuach, was intended to defend the study of kabbalah before its opponents, and it is written in the form of a dialogue between a rationalist and a kabbalist, during the course of which the kabbalist explains to the rationalist the fundamental principles of kabbalah. The Ramchal wished to publish the book, and even received approbations for it from his teacher R. Yeshaya Bassan, his father-in-law R. David Finzi Rabbi of Mantua and the kabbalist R. Aviad Sar Shalom Basilea. However, it aroused the ire of the rabbis of Venice (who lead the opposition to the Ramchal), and they demanded to examine the book and suspend its publication. The Ramchal's teacher, R. Yeshaya Bassan, tried to dissuade him from printing the book, concerned that it might be to his detriment. Ultimately, this book was not printed in the lifetime of the Ramchal, and it remained in manuscript. Several transcripts of this work were produced by the Ramchal's fellowship, with textual variations between them, and this present, first edition was published based on one of them (regarding the history of this composition, see: Avivi, Maamar HaVikuach LeRamchal, HaMaayan, 1975, pp. 49-54; Benayahu, Kitvei HaKabbalah ShelaRamchal, pp. 149-158).
27 leaves. 17.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming and open tears to title page, affecting text and border, repaired with paper. Worming to other leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper. New binding.