Nagid U’Metzaveh [Kabbalah]. <<With:>> Nachman Ketufa (attributed). Nevua’th HaYeled [eschatological prophecies].

Auction 98 | Thursday, June 16th, 2022 at 1:00pm
Fine Judaica: Rare Printed Books, Manuscripts, & Autograph Letters

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Lot 273
TZEMACH, YA’AKOV BEN CHAIM.

Nagid U’Metzaveh [Kabbalah]. <<With:>> Nachman Ketufa (attributed). Nevua’th HaYeled [eschatological prophecies].

Marginalia. ff. (1), 76, 21, (12). Opening title laid down, inner margins of opening few leaves torn. Modern calf. 8vo. Vinograd, Const. 423.

Constantinople: Jonah ben Jacob 1726

Est: $200 - $300
PRICE REALIZED $225
R. Ya’akov Tzemach (c.1580-1667) was the foremost student of R. Shmuel Vital. His Nagid U’Metzaveh served as the basis for the Shulchan Aruch shel Ha’Ari, which in turn served as the source for the Kabbalistic customs cited by the Magen Avraham in his commentary to Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim (see Y. Avivi, Kabbalath Ha’ari, Vol. II, pp. 752-53). This text thus served as the vehicle for the introduction of Lurianic customs into classical halachic works. Nachman Ketufa is said to have been born in Eretz Israel in the late 5th century. On the first day of his life, he began speaking words of Torah. Shocked, his father silenced him, and the boy did not utter another word until his 12th birthday when he spontaneously began reciting a lengthy prophecy concerning the Messianic Age. Immediately upon completion, Nachman passed away, resulting in his monicker Ketufa, ‘The One who was Cut Short.’