Manuscript, composed of several compositions of practical Kabbalah: Sefer HaShemot, Holy Names and Names of Angels in alphabetical order and their use in amulets and hashba'ot; compilation of protections and segulot, with a guide for arranging amulets; Sefer HaYashar and Sefer HaMalbush. Neat calligraphic Ashkenazi script with kabbalistic illustrations and Angels' seals, tables and illustrations of the 12 zodiac signs. [Europe, 18th century].
The first composition is hitherto unknown. Apparently, it was written to be used for practicing kabbalah – hashba'ot and writing amulets, etc. It ends with protections and segulot, versions of hashba'ot and amulets, preparations and prayers (including the version of the blessing) before writing amulets.
Copyings from early books of practical kabbalah appear on the last six leaves: Sefer HaYashar and Sefer HaMalbush, beginning and ending with titles: "Salek Sefer HaYashar"; "Ze Sefer Malbush" [these compositions are attributed to Adam HaRishon, see quote below. Sections of this version of Sefer Hayashar were printed in the well-known Raziel HaMalach. Reputedly, Sefer HaMalbush by R. Elazar of Worms is one of the sources of the book Raziel HaMalach, however, the connection to this Sefer HaMalbush remains obscure].
We could not identify the author of this book, however, we have concluded that this composition is well-arranged and edited (and almost complete, lacking only the introduction and a few places left to be completed inside the composition). The author refers to sources which he wrote in other places and to passages at the end of the book and in its introduction. For example, "As explained at the end of 'our holy book'" (see Entry Uriel); "See at length in Siman 25 and the version of amulets at the end of our book" and other similar referrals.
The author cites the Zohar, and in several places, mentions the book Emek HaMelech [first printed in Amsterdam in 1648]. The author also mentions the writings of the Ari and the book Brit Menucha. In one place, he writes: "So I have found written in the writings of R. Y. B. S. of Brisk" [perhaps he is referring to the Kabbalistic manuscripts of the Bach, R. Yoel son of Shmuel Sirkis, who from 1615-1618, served as Rabbi of Brisk in Lithuania or possibly to R. Ya'akov Bechor Shor who served as Rabbi of Brisk from 1652-1655].
"Sefer HaYashar – the lofty wonderful [book] written by Rabbeinu Shmuel Katz, head of the yeshiva, who received [these teachings] from R. Huna… and Rav Huna copied them from the great Sefer HaYashar of Rabbeinu Menachem… This book was given to Adam HaRishon, because upon his sin and expulsion from Gan Eden, Adam HaRishon wept and beseeched G-d and begged for mercy and He sent him this book by the Angel Galizur [one of the names of Raziel HaMalach], and he passed it to Shem, Chanoch and to Noach and to his servants Avraham Yitzchak and Ya'akov, and to Levi, Moshe, Aharon and Pinchas, and to all ensuing generations…".
[46] leaves, [1] blank leaf. 22.5 cm. High-quality thick light paper. Good-fair condition. Old reinforcements with strips of paper on the margins of most of the leaves. Worming (mostly to the margins, on the last leaves affecting text). New fabric binding.