Micrography forming the Hebrew letter "aleph" in Ashkenazi style; consisting of the Hebrew piyyut (liturgical poem) for Rosh HaShanah, "Ahot Ketanah" ("Little Sister") by Rabbi Abraham Hazan Gerondi. [Italy, 1828]. Hebrew.
A distinctively unique work of micrography. Ink on paper. Evidently inscribed towards Rosh HaShanah of Hebrew Year 5589 (1828). The Hebrew year is noted at the end of the poem, following the (Hebrew) words "Let the year and its blessings begin."
The piyyut "Ahot Ketanah" ("Little Sister') was written in the 13th century by the famed kabbalist, Rabbi Abraham Hazan Gerondi (i.e., "of Gerona"), who belonged to a select group of kabbalists living in Gerona, Spain. Included among the members of the group were Nahmanides, Rabbi Jonah ben Abraham Gerondi (author of "Sha'arei Teshuvah"), and Rabbi Zerachiah ben Isaac ha-Levi Gerondi (author of "Menorat HaMa'or"). This piyyut, which opens with the words "The little sister – her prayers / she prepares and proclaims her praises, " and concludes with "Let the year and its curses conclude… Let the year and its blessings begin, " was particularly cherished and beloved by Jewish communities. For hundreds of years, the piyyut has served as the opening words to the Rosh HaShanah prayers, and although it is chanted primarily in Sephardi congregations, it also appears in Ashkenazi "mahzorim" (special High Holiday prayer books).
Approx. 5.8X5.5 cm (uneven margins). Good condition. Stains. Framed in 13X9 cm frame (openable).