Pesach LaHashem. Kushta, [1560]. Extremely rare.

Pesach LaHashem. Kushta, [1560]. Extremely rare.

A Kabbalistic commentary on the Passover Haggadah, by the sage, the Mekubal Rabbi Chaim ben Gabai, the son of the ancient Mekubal Rabbi Meir ibn Gabai. Published after his passing by his brother-in-law Rabbi Shneur Falkon.

The book contains an elucidation of Kabbalistic secrets of Passover, such as the Secret of Hag'alah, the Secret of Matzah Shemurah and more, and then an extensive commentary on the version of the Haggadah.

The printing was apparently not completed. Most copies [including this one] contain only the first Kuntres with 4 non-paginated leaves (as noted by Yaari in the list of Kushta editions). The copy of the National Library also contains the second Kuntres, with leaves 5-8, ending with ha Lachma Anya.

All known copies are missing much of their margins.

The author's father Rabbi Meir ibn Gabai (ca. 1480-1540): was an important Mekubal during the Expulsion from Spain. Authered important Kabbalah books including Avodat HaKodesh and Derech Emunah. Little is known of his life.

The author's brother-in-law and publisher Rabbi Shneur Falkon: apparently, served as Shadar of the Jewish community of Jerusalem in Turkey and Italy. Published his father-in-law's books Tola'at Yaakov and Derech Emunah in ca. 1560 in Kushta. A single remnant of Rabbi Meir's Responsa was found in The Cairo Geniza, which was addressed to this son-in-law of his and dealt with a contradiction in the words of the Zohar about Netilat Yadayim from right to left or left to right and about saying the Aramaic Ha Lachma although usually, it is unacceptable to say prayer passages in Aramaic since the angels do not understand the language.

Kushta, [1560]. The Press of Yosef Chacham Halevi.

4 leaves. 20 cm. Professionally restored.

Otzar Hahaggadot 21