b'211 (LITURGY). Limud LeLeilei Chag Sukoth [Readings from the Zohar, Torah, Mishnah and related sources pertaining to the sevenUshpizin, the Divine guests who visit each day of Sukkoth]. Hebrew Manuscript on thick paper, written in a neat square Italian script with Nikud. Opening page featuring architectural arch, followed by 2-page introduction. Few marginal notes and textual corrections. ff. (1), 238. Few stains. Modern calf. Thick 4to. Italy, 19th century. $1200 - $1800AN ATTRACTIVELY PENNED AND UNCOMMON LITURGICAL/MEDITATIVE MANUSCRIPT FOR DAILY USE DURING THE FESTIVAL OF SUKOTH. Tradition has it that the seven forefathers (Abraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aaron, Yoseph and David) visit the Sukah-hut of each Jew during the seven day holiday of Sukoth. The introduction to this manuscript states that it is proper to greet the spiritual visitors by studying passages of the Torah and Zohar pertaining to each respective honored guest, citing their names or recording their lives. Another Kabbalistic source cited is the Sepher Yetzirah (f. 75b-87a). The passages cited from the Bible contain cantillation notes.212 (LITURGY). Vayishlach Yaakov [The Merchants Prayer.] Biblical verses recited by traveling merchants as a prayer for safekeeping over the weeks sojourn. Hebrew Manuscript on paper. Sofer-Stam calligraphic hand on 22 ruled lines. One page. Central fold, tear starting. 9 x 13 inches. (Europe), 19th century. $600 - $900 Since the sixteenth century, trade was a major economic driving factor for the Jewish population of Eastern Europe. Barred from most professions and buoyed by a shared language and social network that stretched across borders, Jews were uniquely poised to ll this economic role. Many impoverished Jews found themselves peddling their wares from town to town all week long, returning home only for the Sabbath. At the Sabbaths conclusion, they again set out for another week of traveling.Some peddlers developed the custom, as they were rising to again leave their homes for the week, to recite these verses describing Jacobs preparations before meeting with his vengeful brother Esau. This includes Jacobs short prayer, Save me please from the hand of my brother, from Esau, for I am fearful of him, lest he smite me and You have said I will do good with you and increase your children like the sand of the sea (Gen. 32:12-13). Surely, these verses resonated deeply with the impoverished peddlers, who set out to wander through uncertain territory and faced crushing economic hardship. This brief prayer served to connect their own challenges and doubts with those of their ancient ancestor Jacob, as tradition says, The Actions of the Forefathers are a Sign for the Children, especially as Esau came to be associated with Christendom in medieval Jewish thought.The tradition has roots that are quite old, see Genesis Rabbah 78:15. See also the commentary of the Beer Heitev on the Shulchan Aruch, section 299.14.213 (BIBLE: BOOK OF ESTHER). Illustrated Hebrew Manuscript. Sephardic square and semi-cursive hand on paper. With Targum Sheni (Pathshegen Hakethav). Illustrated title-page with further color illustrations depicting incidents in the Esther story (ff. 45a, 50b, 54a, 57a, 58b and 62a). Emblem of Persia (lion and sunburst / Shir-o Khorshid) on opening page above scene of unidentied military ofcers. Introduction (ff. 3a-9a) contains an essay on the pride and vanity of man. The Pathshegen Hakethav Hebrew translation of Targum Sheni follows from f. 11a-61b. A later section (ff. 64a-66b) contains 28 riddles that the Queen of Sheba asked King Solomon. The nal section expounds the Ten plagues plus a listing of the 48 prophets and prophetesses (not completed). ff. 76, (3). Light stains. Contemporary boards, light wear. 8vo. Persia, 3rd Shevat, 1928. $4000 - $6000 Opening blank with signature of Chaimah ben Elia. The name Chaimah also appears on the title preceding the Hebrew text of the Megillah on f. 67a. Scribe records the birth of his son Yaakov on 12th Mar-Cheshvan, 1927.102'