(Radba”z). Migdal Dovid [kabbalistic commentary to the Song of Songs]

A beautiful manuscript of a kabbalistic commentary to Shir HaShirim. For a detailed review of this manuscript, see Ben Menachem, Aresheth Vol. I (1959) p. 397. Migdal Dovid was first published in 1883 from a manuscript in the collection of the Grand Rabbi of Vishnitz, which, according to Ben Menachen was the same the source of the present manuscript. Spanish born R. David ben Solomon ibn (Abi) Zimra (c. 1479- 1573) was a leading posek, rosh yeshiva and author of several scholarly works as well as more than 3,000 responsa. Following the Expulsion, he settled in Safed, where he studied under the direction of Joseph Saragossi. Later he served the communities of Fez and of Cairo where he was appointed Haham Bashi, or Chief Rabbi of Egypt, a title he occupied for forty years. Aside from his vast knowledge and integrity of character, independently wealthy as he was, he was revered for his extensive philanthropy. The yeshiva which he founded and supported attracted many distinguished students, among them Bezalel Ashkenazi and Isaac Luria. Upon attaining the age of 90, the Radbaz resigned the chief rabbinate and divided the greater part of his fortune among the poor, making special provision for Torah scholars. He then resettled in Safed, where he became an active member of the rabbinical court presided over by Yosef Karo.