Bidspirit auction | Sefer HaKavanot by the Ari

Sefer HaKavanot by the Ari – Yemen, [circa 1660–1670], second half of the 17th century - A Kabbalistic manuscript – Sefer HaKavanot by the Ari Z”L. The title page reads: ”In the name of the Eternal God, Sefer HaKavanot by the divine, holy Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, of blessed memory.” This manuscript features marginal glosses and brief commentaries, along with additional excerpts from Ein Yaakov, Zohar, and its various sections (Tosefta, Sitre Torah, and Midrash HaNe'elam). The teachings of the Ari reached Yemenite Jewry primarily in the 17th century through writings and emissaries. They were enthusiastically embraced and integrated into the local Kabbalistic tradition, influencing customs, piyutim, and Kabbalistic study. Sha'ar HaKavanot, authored by Rabbi Chaim Vital, one of the foundational texts of the Ari’s teachings, also reached Yemen as part of the dissemination of Lurianic Kabbalah in the 17th and 18th centuries. The book, detailing the Ari's methodology for Kavanot (intentions) in prayer and mitzvot, was enthusiastically adopted by Yemenite scholars who sought to integrate Lurianic Kabbalah into their tradition. This is an early copy of Sha'ar HaKavanot, featuring an elaborately framed title page with red ink. Additional red ink decorations appear on the first pages. Following the introduction is an illustration of the Menorat Lamnatzeach. 206 written pages. 21 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Some stains on several pages. Condition: Good. Stains. Missing the end. The last 4 pages are restored with missing text. Bound in an old half-leather binding in good condition.