Bidspirit auction | IBN ATTAR, CHAIM.

IBN ATTAR, CHAIM. - Or HaChaim [commentary to the Chumash].. Second edition. Bound into five volumes. Lacking several opening leaves of Bereishith and several closing leaves of Devarim. Mispaginated, browned, variously worn and torn with taped repairs. Modern boards. 4to. Sold not subject to return. Vinograd, Zolkiew 520. Gershon Madfis, Zolkiew: 1799. Renowned as a saintly Kabbalist, Moroccan born Chaim ibn Attar (1696-1743) migrated to Eretz Israel where he established the Midrash Keneseth Israel Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He is one of the few outstanding scholars to have the honorific HaKadosh (“The Holy”) attached to his name. (Others are the Shalo’h and the Alsheich). According to Chassidic lore, it was the fondest desire of the Ba`al Shem Tov to meet the holy ”Ohr HaChaim.” Had the two luminaries met, it is said, the Messiah`s imminent arrival would have been certain.      Upon publication, the Or Ha`Chaim commentary to Chumash was circulated extensively, where it achieved great popularity and veneration - especially among Chassidim.