Auction 65 · Lot 59

Shoresh Yishai [Kabbalistic commentary to the Book of Ruth, with text]

Estimate: $1,500–$2,000
Hammer price: $1,900

Historical auction record. Hammer prices exclude buyer’s premium and taxes.

author

ALKABETZ, SOLOMON HALEVI.

printer

Solomon ibn Usque

Place

Constantinople

Publication

1561

Description

First Edition. With small marginal notation on f. 4 ascribed to the author himself.

references

Vinograd, Const. 221; Yaari, Const. 163; Adams B-1327.

summary

Solomon Alkabetz (c. 1505-84) was a liturgical poet and Kabbalist, venerated today as the composer of “Lechah Dodi,” a mystical love-song to the Sabbath Queen chanted at sundown, Sabbath-eve. Alkabetz, together with other members of a mystic fraternity headed by R. Joseph Karo, emigrated from the Balkans to the Land of Israel, settling in Safed in 1535. R. Moses Cordovero was initially Alkabetz’s student, although in time their relationship was reversed, with Alkabetz becoming a disciple of Cordovero. See EJ, Vol. II, cols. 635-7.

ff. 96. Title within architectural arch bearing inscription, lower right portion of arch lost and resuppli ed in manuscript. Trace wormed, upper margins trimmed. Modern vellum-backed boards. Sm. 4to.

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