Bidspirit auction | Manuscript. Passover Haggadah and Song

Manuscript. Passover Haggadah and Song of Songs with Commentary in Arabic. Aleppo [Aram Zoba] – Late 18th Century. - An important and rare manuscript reflecting the distinguished liturgical and exegetical traditions of the Jewish community of Aleppo. The volume is divided into three principal sections: Part I: Song of Songs with translation and commentary in Judeo-Arabic. The biblical text appears verse by verse in Hebrew, each verse followed by an extensive commentary in Arabic. The exposition is marked by exceptional detail, with individual verses at times receiving lengthy explanations spanning two to three pages. Part II: Passover Haggadah according to the ancient rite of Aleppo, with commentary in Arabic. This section constitutes an important liturgical document, preserving the original Haggadah text of Aleppo. Among its notable features are the extended נוסח of Kiddush, including the phrase “Terumah Hivdilanu, ” and the blessing Atah Ge’altah at the conclusion of the Haggadah. (Approximately two leaves lacking from the middle of the Haggadah.) Part III: Songs and piyyutim for Passover – a collection of hymns and festival songs as recited in the community. Within several of the poems, the city of Aram Zoba is mentioned by name, serving as clear evidence of the manuscript’s local origin and of the author’s bond with his community. This manuscript stands as a living witness to the local prayer rite and to the rich Judeo-Arabic linguistic culture of Aleppo in the late eighteenth century. [130] pages. Good condition. In the Haggadah section, visible traces of use and wine stains. Several leaves reinforced with light paper repairs for preservation. Handsome leather binding from the 1950s.