Compilation of Kabbalistic Texts, Moses ben Mordechai Zacuto, [Italy, 17th-18th century]

Fols. 2r-5r: Questions on kabbalah by Benjamin ben Eliezer Kohen of Reggio and the responses of his teacher, Moses Zacuto.

Fols. 5r-v: Likkutei Orot Hadashim by Moses Zacuto.

Fols. 5v-9v: Kelal Gadol le-khol ha-Zivvugim.

A selection of kabbalistic texts, mostly by Moses ben Mordecai Zacuto (ca. 1620–1697). A kabbalist and poet, Zacuto, was born into a Portuguese converso family in Amsterdam and in his youth traveled to Poland to study in the yeshivot there. He moved to Italy, remaining for some time in Verona. From 1645 he lived in Venice and became one of the rabbis of the city and a member of the Venetian yeshivah. Between 1649 and 1670 he was proofreader of many books printed in Venice, especially works on kabbalah. Zacuto tried to acquire the manuscripts of the Safed kabbalists, especially those of Moses Cordovero and the different versions of the works of Hayyim Vital. He enjoyed great authority as the chief of the contemporary Italian kabbalists and corresponded with kabbalists in many places.

Sotheby’s is grateful to Menahem Schmelzer z”l and Benjamin Richler for cataloguing this manuscript.

Provenance

Solomon Halberstam (shelf no. 42)

Physical Description

10 leaves on paper (one blank), 9 ¼ x 7 ½ inches; 233 x 187 mm, written in 2 different Italian semi-cursive scripts in brown ink, catchwords, modern foliation in pencil; overall in fine condition. Floral paper-covered flexible boards; soiled and torn at the edges.

Literature

Hirschfeld (ms. no. 337)