Complete manuscript with a scribal copy of the well-known commentary on the Torah by Rabbi Yehuda ben Asher ibn Halawa, known as Bachay or more famously as Rabbeinu Bachay (ibn Pekudah). Pretty, uniform writing, two columns per page, copied from other copies of the manuscript—it hasn’t been checked thoroughly for changes or versions/additions or subscriptions. The shapes of the letters are different from usual, such as the alef, shin, kuf, and more. 485 pages, the first leaf is accidentally bound to the end.
The identity of the scribe is unknown—seems to be from southern Yemen. The colophon has a note: “This holy book by Rabbeinu Bachay ben Rabbi Pekudah ben Rabbi Asher was completed, bs”d, on the 15th of the month of Av of the year 1964 of the shtarot, may it be the end of all our problems and the beginning of happiness and may this year be the first of the redemptions may it occur this year and we and the Jewish people return.” The year referred to is 1652. 19x30cm.
Light defects, complete copy in rare condition.
Rabbi Yehuda ben Asher ibn Halawa was a commentator on the mikrah and a member of the Girona kabbalists. He wrote and collected his commentary on the Torah in the style of a midrash. As is known the source in the manuscript of some of the midrashim that our Rabbi brought in his composition were lost, and his work serves as the only source for these midrashim. He refers to, among others, some of the Rishonim like Rabbeinu Chananel and the Rashba. In 1291 he began to write his large commentary and he spread the kabbalah in his generation.
