Shoresh Yishai [Kabbalistic commentary to the Book of Ruth, with text]

AUCTION 57 | Thursday, January 31st, 2013 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts Autograph Letters, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 6
ALKABETZ, SOLOMON HALEVI.

Shoresh Yishai [Kabbalistic commentary to the Book of Ruth, with text]

<<FIRST EDITION.>> Title within architectural arch. A wide margined copy. ff. 96. Some staining, previous owners’ signatures in Sephardic hands on verso of final leaf, slight paper repair to verso of title and upper margin of final leaf, small marginal hole on first few leaves. Modern calf. Sm. 4to. Vinograd, Const. 221; Yaari, Const. 163; Adams B-1327.

Constantinople: Solomon ibn Usque 1561

Est: $1,500 - $2,000
PRICE REALIZED $1,500
Solomon Alkabetz (c. 1505-84) was a liturgical poet and Kabbalist, venerated today as the composer of “Lechah Dodi,” a mystical love-song to the Sabbath Queen chanted at sundown on Friday. Alkabetz, together with other members of a mystic fraternity headed by R. Joseph Karo, emigrated from the Balkans to the Land of Israel, settling in Safed in 1535. He was a prolific author, producing commentaries on Song of Songs, Ruth, Esther, the Minor Prophets, Psalms, Job and the Passover Haggadah. R. Moses Cordovero was initially Alkabetz’s disciple, although it seems that eventually their relationship was reversed with Alkabetz becoming a student of Cordovero. See EJ, Vol. II, cols. 635-7.