Bidspirit auction | Discovery: A Rare Kabbalistic Book

Discovery: A Rare Kabbalistic Book of from the Jewish Community of Aleppo (Aram Zova) – With Colorful Tables and Diagrams. Aleppo, Early 20th Century - Kabbalistic Book of Lots from the Jewish Community of Aleppo (Syria). Early 20th Century. Presented here is a remarkable Kabbalistic Book of Lots, produced in the Jewish community of Aleppo, Syria, in the early twentieth century. The manuscript is constructed as an intricate Kabbalistic–astrological divination system, based upon the casting of dice. Its structure is meticulously organized according to: The Twelve Zodiac Signs The Twelve Celestial Influences The Twelve Metals The Twelve Holy Cities The Twelve Celestial Spheres, and other symbolic divisions. Within this sophisticated framework, each zodiac sign is further divided according to the names of various Biblical prophets. Under each prophet appear fifty-six Hebrew letters, each corresponding to a unique prophetic response. In total, the manuscript contains well over one thousand different answers, addressing virtually every aspect of human life: commerce, wealth, partnerships, business ventures, land purchases, travel, health, childbirth, marriage, and matters of love and destiny. Among the responses are: Samuel the Prophet (Letter 13): ”Do not hasten to sell the merchandise you have purchased. Set it aside, and you will profit doubly from it. Acquire land, and you shall prosper.” Shemaiah the Prophet (Letter 10): ”This match is favorable and destined for you. You shall have children, enjoy long life together, and be blessed with wealth and honor.” Elijah the Prophet (Letter 27): ”This report contains both truth and falsehood. What is in your heart is good, though difficult to achieve.” Hoshea ben Beeri (Letter 6): ”This woman is distinguished by her deeds and modesty, shining like the rising sun. She shall be blessed among women.” This remarkable manuscript preserved its secrets for more than a century. Written in Aleppo during the early twentieth century, it appears to be completely unknown to scholarship and is not recorded in any published bibliography, library catalogue, or institutional collection. It may well represent a unique surviving copy, making it an exceptional discovery for collectors and researchers of Kabbalah, Jewish divination, and books of segulos. Affixed to the inside front cover is an original receipt bearing stamps in Arabic and English, including the designation ”Alep” (Aleppo). 82 large manuscript pages (apparently lacking one leaf at the beginning and one at the end). Written on graph paper. 34.5 cm. An exceptionally impressive manuscript. Condition: Fair to good. Minor tears with small losses. Fading and ink smudging. Stains. Original binding with leather spine in good condition.