Illustrated manuscript, Etz Chaim, Torah learned from the Ari HaKadosh by his disciple Rabbi Chaim Vital. [Eastern Europe, second half of 17th century].
Eloquent Ashkenazi writing. This composition was edited by Rabbi Meir Poppers, with introductions by him and by Rabbi Chaim Vital. Variations in the text, compared to the printed editions. Glosses on sheet margins, written by the scribe who wrote the manuscript and by another writer. Most glosses are those of Rabbi Ya'akov Tzemach, Rabbi Meir Poppers and other known glosses. Some are additions or corrections from a different manuscript [the glosses were not closely examined]. At the end of the second volume are replacement leaves in the handwriting of the scribe, and indexes by another writer.
The manuscript is illustrated throughout, with impressive artistic illustrations, in colorful ink of gold, gray and brown. The illustrations adorn the opening of each Heichal [the composition is divided into Heichalot, each Heichal is divided into chapters]. Each illustration is unique. Some illustrations are designed as architectural structures in the Eastern European style [onion-shaped roof domes, castles and tower turrets crowned by flags]. Illustrations of fowl, deer and lions. Decoration in floral and leaf patterns. In the third Heichal, Heichal Keter (Crown), is an illustration of a crown, with a lion on each side. The sixth Heichal has an illustration of a pair of winged lions with bird heads. At the end of the manuscript is a medallion adorned with leaf patterns, with a pair of eagles on its top, and clusters of grapes at the edges [the inside of the medallion is empty. Apparently, it was intended to be used by the scribe to write a colophon]. Illustrated decoration at the ends of Heichalot 1 and 2.
Complete manuscript. 3, 257, 2, [2] leaves. Good-fair condition. High-quality paper, most leaves in good condition. Several leaves restored with glued paper [on the text in several places and on an illustration on the first title page]. Spotting, few moth holes. Tears and damages to several leaves. Ancient vellum binding.

Manuscript, Etz Chaim by the Ari, with the addition of various compilations, a Kabbalistic commentary on Azamer B'Shvachin and Shabbat songs. A copy of the holy letter by Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropol. Compilations of Segulot and cures [noted in one place are Segulot copied from the letters by Rabbi Israel Ba'al Shem]. Unknown Kabbalistic Piyutim, various prayers, illustrations and Kabbalistic charts, etc. [Ashkenazi writing, Russia-Poland, c. 1770].
On Leaf 358/a is a colophon by the author: "Here the book Etz Chaim by the Ari was completed. Aharon ben Eliyahu from Chmieln ", copied in the city of Fastiv, Ukraine, in 1771, the book Pri Etz Chaim, listed in the catalogue of Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts, listing no. 0187441].
On the last leaves, after the completion of the book and on the first and last binding leaves, are various compilations [in a different handwriting from around the same time?]
For a complete list, please see the Hebrew description.
In general, we note that the "Etz Chaim" and the compilations added to this manuscript have different variations, seen in the versions of these books, printed in later years. The significance of the variations in these manuscripts was not examined thoroughly. However, in the sample examination conducted, many differences were found.
[5 pages], 358 leaves; [33 pages]. 19 cm. High-quality paper, good-fair condition, wear caused by usage and worm holes. Original leather-covered wooden binding, with decoration and clasp remnants, damaged and torn.

Two leaf-remnants of an ancient manuscript of the Zohar, removed from the Binding Geniza. Oriental writing, [Italy? 15th century].
A section of the Idra Rabba (Parshat Naso). Appears in the first edition (Mantua, 1458), in Part 3, Leaves 134/a-135/a.
The watermark matches the paper produced in Modena, Italy in 1435 (according to the Briquet Index 3984).
[4] pages. Approximately 28 cm. Major damages, varying condition among the pages (the two outer pages are legible whereas the inner pages are heavily damaged). Professionally restored. New binding.