Chesed LeAvraham. Amsterdam, 1685. First Edition. A famous Kabbalah Book.

Chesed LeAvraham. Amsterdam, 1685. First Edition. A famous Kabbalah Book.

The book, Chesed LeAvraham is comprised of Kabbalah topics authored by the Kabbalist Rabbi Avraham Azulai.

This is a first edition of a famed Kabbalah work. The book is often quoted by later generations as well as early Chassidic books. Many matters that are quoted in the Mussar books ‘HaSefarim HaKedoshim’ are sourced from this book. The final chapter ‘Breichat Avraham’, is based on the book ‘Tomer Devorah’ by the RaMak, and differs to other printed versions.

Some pages feature Kabbalistic illustrations.

The Kabbalist, Rabbi Avraham Azulai (1570-1643) was one of Fez’s leading sages, and one of Morocco’s primary Rabbis. He immigrated to the Holy Land, becoming one of Chevon’s leading figures during the era of Rabbi Elazar ben Archa. The Chida was his great-grandson, and in his book, Shem Hagedolim, he writes about Rabbi Azulai – “the Rabbi, the Chassid, our grandfather zt”l”. The Chida relates that Rabbi Azulai was a member of the wise families of Castille who were exiled during the Expulsion from Spain to Fez. The Chida relates that the Azulai family travelled by boat to Cappadocia. While they exited to the land and all their possessions were still on the boat a great storm broke out, breaking the boat and sinking all. By a great miracle they were saved, and in remembrance of this Rabbi Azulai made his signature in the shape of a boat.

Amsterdam, 1685. The book was also printed the same year in Sulzbach. See previous item No. 183. First edition. Emanuel Attias Press. Illustrated title page.

[5], 65, 28 leaves. 20 cm. Very good condition. The upper section of the second leaf is partly missing, slightly affecting text. Lovely, antique, half-leather binding.

First edition of a most prominent Kabbalah book.