Two Samaritan items, parchment manuscript and a letter:
· Samaritan parchment manuscript containing verses from the Torah and forms used for writing amulets, [16th century].
Begins with the ten utterances with which the world was created. Further in the manuscript are verses used for writing amulets requesting cures: Avraham praying for Avimelech, Moshe for Miriam, etc. The charts contain abbreviated words and magic letter combinations and at the bottom are Names of G-d. The shape of a Star of David with the letters of G-d's name.
In the 16th century, the Samaritans ceased processing skins for writing Torah scrolls but they continued to process skins for binding scrolls (codex) and prayer books.
Length: approximately 30 cm. width: 14-21 cm. Fair-good condition. Wear, tears, several tape repairs.
· Letter in Samaritan script, by Avraham son of Marchiv Tsedaka of Jaffa, to the High Priest Ya'akov son of Aharon on Mount Gerizim. Year 1329 from the Hijrah [1911].
Written and sent by Avraham son of Marchiv Tsedaka of Jaffa (1852-1928) to the High Priest Ya'akov (lived 1840-1916, served from 1874 until his death). Avraham son of Marchiv Tsedaka sends greets the High Priest and wishes him that in the year 1329 from the Hijrah, he should rejoice with his remaining son, Av Hasda (1885-1959), after his brother Azi died in his father's lifetime. At the end, are several lines in Arabic letters.
26.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Folding creases and wear. Stains. Tears to folding creases.