Illustrated Manuscript – Reshit Chochmah – Balkans Region, 18th Century

Illustrated Manuscript – Reshit Chochmah – Balkans Region, 18th Century

Manuscript, Reshit Chochmah by R. Eliyahu de Vidas (a disciple of R. Moshe Cordovero). [Balkans region, 18th century].

Copying in Oriental semi-cursive script (some words verge on cursive script); with decorations and fine illustrations in color and gilt ink, in Islamic style characteristic of the Ottoman empire – illustrations of cypresses and flowers, decorated initial panels, decorated circles (one with a star in center, and a Star of David in the center of the other), and other decorations. The circle at the end of the manuscript incorporates a colophon with the name of the scribe: "Yosef son of Shmuel Chazan", with an inscription on the completion of writing: "This book was finished on the 18th of Tishrei…"; the rest of the inscription is confused and we were unable to determine the exact year (changes may have been made to it). The name of the scribe is also incorporated in the decorated circle in the Derech Eretz chapter.

The manuscript is lacking its first half. The present item constitutes the later parts of the work, from Shaar HaKedushah chapter 16 until the end of Shaar HaAnavah (lacking approximately one page from the end of the chapter, due to a detached leaf); followed by five chapters appended by the author from Menorat HaMaor by R. Yisrael Alnaqua (Perek HaMitzvot, Perek Gidul Banim, Perek Masa UMatan, Perek HaDinim and Perek Derech Eretz).

The first half of this manuscript is JTS Ms. 2049. The scribe's name is mentioned in a decorated circle at the beginning of the manuscript (as well as further in the manuscript); on the page opposite the circle appears a death inscription, apparently also by the scribe: "My father passed away on Sunday, 26th Tamuz [1771]".

The manuscript is in a cardboard wrapper, upon which is written: "Manuscript Reshit Chochmah – I received it from Dr. Tzemach Rabiner, preacher in Sofia, as a gift". Enclosed is a photocopy of a letter from Dr. Tzemach Rabiner, Chief Rabbi of Sofia and "Chief Preacher" of Bulgarian Jewry, regarding this manuscript.

[103] leaves. Lacking beginning; one leaf torn and lacking in middle (at end of Shaar HaAnavah). Approx. 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains, with ink fading, affecting text. Wear and light tears. Loose gatherings. Without binding.