Avodat HaKodesh with Handwritten Ownership Listings and Notations. Krakow, 1576-1578. Second Edition. First Edition ...

Avodat HaKodesh with Handwritten Ownership Listings and Notations. Krakow, 1576-1578. Second Edition. First Edition Under This Title.

Avodat HaKodesh comprises of topics Kabbalah and service of G-d; including “the Four Concepts that align man in the holy service as is desired by G-d”. Authored by Rabbi Meir Gabbai.

The title page features handwritten ownership listings. Leaf 2 features a handwritten ownership listing of “Shlomo Avraham Verona”. The book itself also includes a number of handwritten glosses and notations.

Rabbi Meir Gabbai (circa 1480-1540) was a leading Kabbalist during the Spanish Inquisition era, however, few details of his life are known. He authored prominent Kabbalistic works including Avodat HaKodesh and Derech Emunah.

Between the years 1523-1531, Rabbi Meir authored his magnum opus, Avodat HaKodesh. He structured this work according to four main Kabbalistic topics.

This composition is likely the most comprehensive Kabbalah work prior to that of the Kabbalists of Tzefat. In his writings, Rabbi Moshe contests the Kabbalistic teachings of preceding sages including Rabbi Ezriel of Gerona and Rabbi Shem Tov Bibago.

Krakow, 1577. Isaac Prostitz Press. First edition under this title. (The book was previously printed in Venice, under the title, Mar’ot Elokim.)

The title page displays the date 1576/7. The colophon, however, includes the date 1577/8.

139 leaves. 29.5 cm. Good condition. Without binding. The title page is detached. Quality, thick paper.

Vinograd, Krakow 45.