Decorated Manuscript – Three Megillot – Sanaa, 1785

Decorated Manuscript – Three Megillot – Sanaa, 1785

Manuscript of three megillot – Shir HaShirim, Ruth and Kohelet, with Targum and Rashi, selected midrashim and Nachal Eshkol by the Chida. Sanaa, [1785].
Yemenite script, in a fine layout. Ornaments in red and black ink throughout the manuscript. Title page set in floral border, topped with a pair of birds. Decorated initial words and headings.
The title page states the place, year and name of the man who commissioned the copying: "Written in Sanaa, in… for the wealthy… Shlomo son of R. Avraham son of R. Yichye son of R. Salem HaKohen Iraqi…". (The chronogram appears to indicate the year 1785, it may however follow the traditional Yemenite year count, thus referring to the year 1832). The scribe may be R. Avraham al-Hazi; see previous item.
Text of the megillah scribed in large letters (with vocalization and cantillation marks), with the translation in a column alongside it. Rashi's commentary occupies the lower part of the page. The scribe added Masoretic notes in several places in the margins. In Shir HaShirim, a compilation of Midrashim was also added in the margins (interrupted at the end of chapter VI). At the end of the manuscript: "Order for Shavuot night" – prayer to be recited on Shavuot night before beginning learning. This is followed by [16] leaves with Nachal Eshkol, the Chida's commentary to the three megillot. In Kohelet and Ruth, Yalkut Shimoni was added alongside the Chida's work.

[71] leaves. Approx. 23 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Marginal paper repairs to several leaves. Original leather binding, repaired.

Exhibition: Jüdische Lebenswelten, Berlin, 1991. See exhibition catalog, pp. 240-241.
Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, YM.011.004.