Mevo Shearim [Kabbalistic treatise]

VITAL, CHAIM.

Germany

17th-18th century

Manuscript in Hebrew written in a cursive Ashkenazic hand on paper. Marginal notations in more than one hand.

With unique introduction containing heretofore unknown historical background in regard to the authorship by R. Chaim Vital of the three volumes: Eitz Chaim, Pri Eitz Chaim, Nof Eitz Chaim – each of which were divided into “Gates,” preceded by Mevo Shearim (“Introduction to the Gates.”) See Y. Avivi, Kabalath Ha’Ari, Vol. II, pp. 632-4. This manuscript belonged to R. Avraham ben Shmuel Meyuchouth, with his signature on the title-page and notations throughout. R. Meyuchouth (d. 1768) penned a substantial commentary on Derech Eitz Chaim, arranged by R. Meir Poppers, that was entitled “Diglei Ahavah.” See Toldoth Chachmei Yerushalayim, Vol. III pp. 90-1.