(Traditionally attributed to). Zohar [Chadash]...Umedrash Hane’elam [kabbalah]

SHIMON B”R YOCHAI.

Joseph Abraham Bat-Sheva

Salonika

1597

First Edition. Title within decorative floral border. Divisional title. Two parts in one volume. Early signature and inscription of previous owner in a Sephardic hand on f. 2 stating that the book should never be sold

Vinograd, Salonika 144 (JNUL copy incomplete); not in Adams

Contains an insightful introduction contributing to the debate surrounding the identity of the compiler of the Zohar Chadash and providing an historically significant account of how the text was prepared. The compiler of the Zohar Chadash is identified as Abraham Halevi Beruchim (author of Tikunei Shabbath), a disciple of Moses Cordovero and Isaac Luria. The introduction also recounts how the caves in and around Safed searched in order to possibly discover lost Zoharic texts. Also includes an account of the failed attempts to publish the Zohar Chadash until it met with fruition in the present edition. This work was published and financed by Moshe di Medina, the son of the Maharshda”m, Samuel di Medina. See Y. Mehlman, Genuzoth Sefarim pp. 74 and 81