Choker U’Mekubal by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto. Shklow, 1785. First Edition.

Choker U’Mekubal by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto. Shklow, 1785. First Edition.

This is a controversial book, which includes explanations on the fundamentals of Kabbala as per the Ari HaKadosh zt”l.

The Ramchal was genius in how he chose to present the explanations in question / answer format. The questions and objections against Kabbala are presented as spoken by the ‘Choker’ – investigator, while the answers are communicated by the ‘Mekubal’. The Choker articulates difficulties, and was likely influenced by opponents to Kabbala, while the Mekubal answers with great reasoning. The style of debate and writing is reminiscent of another controversial book authored 600 years earlier – The Kuzari, the classic work of the acclaimed Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi.

Small and fascinating book. Authored by the Ramchal, who unfortunately did not live to see it printed in his lifetime.

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto was a great Rabbi, thinker, poet and Kabbalist. He is renowned for his famed work on ethics, the Mesilat Yesharim.

Rabbi Luzzatto passed away at a young age in 1747, shortly after emigrating to the Holy Land.

Shklow, 1785.

Good condition, new binding.

27 pages. Zvi Hirsch son of Aryeh Leib and Shmuel son of YIssachar Ber, Shklow.

Otzar Hasefer Computerized Database, No. 62044.