Sefer ha-Shem and Kabbalistic Prayers for Travel and other Prayers, Eleazar of Worms, Manuscript on Parchment [15th Century]

18 leaves (7¼ × 5½ inches; 184 × 140 mm). written in Byzantine (Italian?) script in brown ink, modern foliation in pencil; strong browning throughout, dampstaining on fols. 1 and 15-18 with some text faded or washed out, scattered worming on fol. 1. Black library buckram.

Solomon Hayyim Halberstam, shelf # 146; Sir Moses Montefiore-Sold at Sotheby's New York, 27 & 28 October 2004, Important Hebrew Manuscripts from the Montefiore Endowment , lot 213

Hartwig Hirschfeld, Descriptive Catalogue of the Hebrew Manuscripts of the Montefiore Library,  no. 256; Aaron Eisenbach, Sefer Sodei Razayya, Jerusalem:2004

18 leaves (7¼ × 5½ inches; 184 × 140 mm). written in Byzantine (Italian?) script in brown ink, modern foliation in pencil; strong browning throughout, dampstaining on fols. 1 and 15-18 with some text faded or washed out, scattered worming on fol. 1. Black library buckram.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The author of the present lot, Eleazer ben Judah of Worms, (ca. 1165–c.1238) was a member of the renowned Kalonymid family, and the most prominent disciple and student of Judah he-Hasid, the leader of the pietist movement known as Hasidei Ashkenaz.  Eleazer ben Judah of Worms was the last major figure of this social and ideological circle which developed in the Jewish communities along the Rhine during the 12th and 13th centuries.

His major theological work was Sodei Razayya (Secrets of Secrets). Sections of four out of the five parts of the work have been published, although most of what is extant is found only in manuscripts. The present lot represents the third part of Sodei Razayya which is known by the title Sefer ha-Shem (Book of the Holy Name) and which is devoted to a systematic exegesis of the names of God, using the exegetical and homiletical techniques common to Hasidei Ashkenaz.

CONTENTS:

Fol. 1v: Faded text of form for a divorce document. At the bottom, in smaller script, are instructions for the preparation of a divorce document.

Fols. 2r-9r: Eleazar of Worms, Sefer ha-Shem, includes preparation for the study of Kabbalah, with a blessing: barukh atta etc. ...ve-gilla lanu et mistarav ve-havinenu leda shemo ha-gadol barukh atta ha-shem megalle mistarav.

Fols. 10r-18r: Kabbalistic prayers for travel and other prayers (end faded).

Fol. 10v: Prayer for travel, received from Rabbi Judah he-Hasid.