Ilan Hakodosh. A finely composed and very lengthy Sefirot-Tree. Incorporating numerous Kabbalistic devices, charts and other displays.

(AMULET)

circa

Near East

1900

Hebrew manuscript composed in a Sephardic square and semi-cursive script in black ink on lengthy, narrow vellum strip (35 x 1.75 inches). * Fitted into circular, engraved case with floral patterns and branches flanking a depiction of the Temple, plus two hanging rings. Height: 2.5 inches.

cf. T. Schrire, Hebrew Magic Amulets (1982).

This lengthy Ilan concludes with the many benefits obtained from possessing it and uncommon instructions for its use: “This Holy Tree is perfect for all purposes - for finding favor, for success, for protection against the evil eye, for a woman undergoing difficult child-birth, to ward off demons, as protection against the plague… It should be housed in a pure silver case and hung [on the person].” Over the ages, attempts were made by various kabbalists to render into diagram-form the teachings of the Kabbalah concerning the structure of the spiritual universe. Known as the Ilan Hagadol (“great tree”) or Ilan Hakadosh (“holy tree”) or simply as the Ilan, this arrangement would provide the student of the esoteric lore a clearer notion of the exact layout of this highly complex system as represented by Lurianic cosmogony. This particular graphic representation of Lurianic doctrine is ascribed on the fourth line to ‘R”M’ - R. Meir Hakohen Poppers (d. 1662), final editor of the Lurianic writings, later published in Warsaw in 1864 as the Ilan Hagadol. For a somewhat different Aschkenazic example, see EJ, Vol. XIV col. 1105.