Benjamin ben Eliezer HaKohen Vitale. Kavanoth [mystical meditations]

AUCTION 66 | Thursday, November 19th, 2015 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Ceremonial Objects and Graphic Art

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Lot 47
(LITURGY)

Benjamin ben Eliezer HaKohen Vitale. Kavanoth [mystical meditations]

Manuscript in Hebrew, written in a semi-cursive Italian hand on paper. Two volumes. ff. 23, 5 and 34 (excluding blanks). Variously worn and stained, some tears with loss of text, few leaves loose. Modern boards. Sm. folio.

Italy: 18th century

Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PRICE REALIZED $1,700
The Kabbalistic intentions to the Siddur, arranged in two parts by R. Binyamin Cohen who collected them from the disciples of the Ariza”l. R. Binyamin Vitale (1651-1730), was among the leading disciples of R. Moshe Zacuto in Mantua. He served as rabbi in his native Piedmontese town of Alessandria until 1682 and afterward in Reggio. He became well-known as a preacher and poet, but in particular as a kabbalist, considered one of the major exponents of Lurianic Kabbalah in Italy. He also wrote numerous notes and glosses to the Ari’s works, some of which were published together with his master’s writings.