Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial

Sefer Yetzirah – Korets, 1779

Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Sefer Yetzirah, attributed to Avraham Avinu, with a commentary [by R. Moshe HaGoleh MiKiev], edited and brought to print by R. Shimon Ashkenazi and R. Shlomo of Lutsk. Korets, [1779].
A classic kabbalistic work. One of the first kabbalistic books printed in Russia.
The name of the author is not stated in the book, though his "great composition" (referring to Shoshan Sodot) is mentioned on the title page. In Shoshan Sodot, the author is described as a disciple of the Ramban, however in truth, the author is R. Moshe son of R. Yaakov HaGoleh MiKiev (1449-1520?), who lived in Lithuania, Kiev and Crimea. In 1495, the Jews were expelled from Kiev, and R. Moshe went into exile, thus his name "HaGoleh MiKiev".
Zodiac wheel on leaf [31], with names of the months and Holy Names.
36 leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Large marginal open tear to title page, not affecting text, repaired with paper. Worming, slightly affecting text. Stamps. New binding.
Kabbalistic Books
Kabbalistic Books