(Attributed to). Ma’arecheth Ha’elo-huth [Kabbalah]. With two commentaries, the anyonymous Pa”Z and Judah Chayat.

Auction 96 | Wednesday, February 09th, 2022 at 1:00pm
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinic Letters, Ceremonial & Graphic Art

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Lot 341
PERETZ BEN ISAAC HAKOHEN

(Attributed to). Ma’arecheth Ha’elo-huth [Kabbalah]. With two commentaries, the anyonymous Pa”Z and Judah Chayat.

Second edition. ff. (4), 208. Title and three further leaves lacking and supplied in a neat hand, portion of final leaf similar. Modern calf. 4to. Vinograd, Mantua 52.

Mantua: Meir ben Ephraim of Padua & Jacob of Gozzalo 1558

Est: $400 - $600
Judah Chayat’s introduction contains an autobiographical account of the expulsion of Jews from Portugal, recounting his own trials and tribulations including capture by pirates. He describes his suffering at the hands of Arabs while in the Barbary States. His wife died there of hunger, while he himself toiled for a “thin slice of bread not fit for a dog.” Chayut eventually reached Italy, where he composed this commentary with the encouragement of Joseph Ya’avetz. See G. Scholem, On the Problems of Sepher Ma’arecheth Ha’Elo-huth and its Commentaries, in: Kiryat Sefer Vol. 21 (1944) pp. 284-95.