Hakdamath Harav… Chaim.

Introduction to the Vilna Gaon’s commentary to Sifra DeTzeniuta. Displays perhaps the most comprehensive characterization of the greatness of the saintly Vilna Gaon, especially in the field of Kabbalah. The manuscript includes a vehement retort against “empty ignoramuses who never saw the light of his Torah and holiness” and who disparaged the Gaon’s attitude to the Ari zal (f. 3a). Composed by the principle disciple of the Vilna Gaon and founder of the Yeshiva of Volozhin, this manuscript is contemporary with the published text that first appeared in Vilna in 1820. It contains some variances in areas of abbreviations.