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

Estimate

$3,000–$4,000

Hammer price

$2,600

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. Title within architectural arch.

references

Vinograd, Const. 221.

summary

R. Shlomo Alkabetz (c. 1505-84) was a liturgical poet and Kabbalist, venerated today as the composer of “Lechah Dodi,” the mystical love-song to the Sabbath Queen chanted at sundown on the Sabbath Eve. R. Alkabetz, emigrated from the Balkans to the Land of Israel in 1535, settling in Safed, then the center of Kabbalistic learning. There, he was part of an extraordinary fraternity of mystics that included R. Yoseph Karo and R. Moshe Alsheich. R. Alkabetz was a prolific author, producing commentaries on Song of Songs, Ruth, Esther, the Minor Prophets, Psalms, Job and the Passover Haggadah. R. Moshe Cordovero was R. Alkabetz’s brother-in-law and initially his disciple, although it seems that eventually their relationship was reversed with Alkabetz becoming a student of Cordovero.

ff. 96. Title trace wormed repaired on verso, lightly stained in places, hinges split. Later blind- tooled calf over thick wooden boards, gilt spine worn, later clasps. 4to.

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