Impressive Manuscript of Menoras HaMa'or, Yemen 19th Century. 

An impressive manuscript of Sefer ...

Impressive Manuscript of Menoras HaMa'or, Yemen 19th Century. 

An impressive manuscript of Sefer Menoras HaMoer with 'Nefesh Yehudah' commentary. Written entirely in manuscript form in the year 1841 for "Yihyeh ben David Habarah". With an impressive illustrated title page. 

Sefer Menoras HaMa'or was written by R. Yitzchak Abuhav, and was first printed in Mantua in 1563. Ever since, it has been extremely popular. It is said to have been favored by the Gaon of Vilna, and that the Chasam Sofer even conducted a private study session together with his daughters, teaching them Menoras HaMa'or. 

The 'Nefesh Yehudah' commentary was written by R. Moshe of Frankfurt in 1701. He was the Dayan of Amsterdam. Interestingly, the Chasam Sofer was his great-nephew (through his father R. Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, who's grandmother was the daughter of the Maharshaishach. The Maharshaishach was the brother-in-law of R. Moshe Frankfurter. Accordingly, the Chasam Sofer's great-grandmother was his niece) and quotes him by name in his works. See, for example Shu"t Chasam Sofer (Even HaEzer 170).  

At the end of the manuscript there is a colophon detailing that it was written in 1841 on behalf of Yihyeh Ibn David Habarah. There is also a complete manuscript of Mesechta Shabbos with the commentary of "Kaf Nachas", which was written by R. Yitzchak Gabai of Morroco. It was first printed in 1625, and it is an abridged commentary on the Mishnayos based on the commentaries of Rashi and Rambam. As it is customary in Yemen to read Menoras HaMa'or every Shabbos, we can assume that it is for this reason it is included with this manuscript. 

Approximately 150 leaves. Bound in its original case made of leather and wood. With two clasp closures. 

30x20 cm. 

In very good-excellent condition.