(Attributed to). Ma’arecheth Ha’Elo-huth [Kabbalah]. With two commentaries, the anonymous “Pa’Z” and Judah Chayat.

AUCTION 74 | Thursday, November 09th, 2017 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters & Graphic Art

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Lot 183
PERETZ BEN ISAAC HAKOHEN

(Attributed to). Ma’arecheth Ha’Elo-huth [Kabbalah]. With two commentaries, the anonymous “Pa’Z” and Judah Chayat.

Second edition. Title within architectural arch. ff. (4) 208. Lightly stained, opening and closing leaf with neat paper repairs. Modern gilt-titled calf. 4to.

Mantua:

Est: $1,000 - $1,500
PRICE REALIZED $2,750
Judah Chayat’s introduction contains an autobiographical account of the expulsion of Jews from Portugal, recounting his own trials and tribulations including capture by pirates. He describes his suffering at the hands of Arabs while in the Barbary States. His wife died there of hunger, while he himself toiled for a “thin slice of bread not fit for a dog.” Chayut eventually reached Italy, where he composed this commentary with the encouragement of Joseph Ya’avetz. See G. Scholem, On the Problems of Sepher Ma’arecheth Ha’Elo-huth and its Commentaries, in: Kiryat Sefer Vol. 21 (1944) pp. 284-95.