Manuscript of Sha'arei Kedusha, laws of shechita and t'refot, by Rabbi Yichye Tzalach the Maharitz, with Lechem Todah commentary (second edition) by Rabbi Yichye ben Rabbi Yehuda Badichi. [Yemen, 19th century]. This manuscript has apparently been copied when the author, Rabbi Yehuda Badichi (1803-1888) was still alive. Glosses in different handwriting and a list of births from 1930.
Approx. 88 leaves, 16.5 cm. Fair condition, stains and moth damage. Coarse leather binding, made in Yemen.

Manuscript, prayer book, containing prayers for weekdays, Shabbat, festivals and High Holy Days. Includes Shir HaShirim and Aggadeta D'Pischa, and more. Yemen, 19th century. [Written by several writers during various periods, majority of prayer book in especially fine writing].
Chart of new moons for years 1862-1896. [It appears that the prayer book was printed in 1862].
Approx. 185 leaves, copy missing several leaves. 16 cm. Fair condition, severe usage stains. Wear and tear. Ancient binding of coarse leather with loops, Yemenite craftsmanship.

Collection of various manuscripts of “Aggadeta D'Pescha”, Passover Haggadah according to Yemenite custom. [18-19th century]. Signatures of writers and owners from the Seri HaLevi family (Alseri Alevi).
Four manuscripts, various sizes and conditions. 3 have new bindings.

Manuscript, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, “composition by prominent Ga’on Rabbi Yosef Karo – laws including glosses”, chapters 1-428. Fine and cursive writing. [Yemen, c. 18th-19th century]. Glosses on leaf margins.
Title page contains colophon by writer who requests that studier of book “not disparage me, G-d forbid, since I put all my efforts into this work for the sake of Heaven. If an error is detected, he should correct it and be blessed”. He concludes with an unreadable signature. Leaf 6 contains an additional colophon: “The writer, insignificant… of scholars and scribes – [unreadable signature] – Alkakri, may I and my offspring merit to study Torah until the end of the days, Amen”. Ownership notations and signatures of book owners from various periods: “Ha’Aron Ibn Daud Ibn Tzalach Daud known as Alkaratz in Yemen”; “Shalom Ibn Tzadok Ibn Ya’akov”; “Sadian Shalom”; and more.
[6], 269 leaves. 16.5 cm. Quality pale paper, fair condition, extensive usage stains and wear. Unbound.

* “El Pnei Maleh Ru’ach Bina LeRosh Pina” – Printed circular by rabbis of community of Mantua, Rabbi Mordechai Martara and Rabbi Shlomo Nissim, sent to rabbis of Italy and other countries, in order to receive their opinion regarding intention of several members of Mantua to abolish additional festival day for Jews of Diaspora. Mantua, [1854]. Name of recipient rabbi and his community filled in in handwriting: Rabbi “David Ya’akov Maroni, “Cento” – with stamp of rabbi of Mantua.
* Lengthy response letter to rabbis of Mantua, in handwriting of Rabbi David Ya’akov Maroni, opposing the abolishment of additional festival day for Jews of Diaspora [in the letter he implicitly attacks Yashar [initials] from Gorizia who supported abolishment of the festival day]. Cento, [1854]. * Attached is draft of letter in handwriting of Rabbi David Ya’akov Maroni.
* Draft of letter by Rabbi David Ya’akov Maroni to Rabbi Moshe Chazan of Korpo, requesting that the rabbi intervene in the polemic [“… I was unable to restrain myself from revealing to you what I have heard… the rabbi in Mantua who issued a circular abolishing the additional festival day for Jews of Diaspora… please do all that is in your power, for the sake of heaven…”].
Rabbi David Ya’akov Maroni (1810-1888) served as rabbi in several cities of Italy: Cento, Pesaro, Ancona, Firenze and more. Composed poems and several compositions and translated the book Moreh Nevuchim into Italian.
The polemic regarding the abolishment of additional festival day for Jews of Diaspora erupted in Italy in full force following the distribution of printed circulars sent by rabbis of Mantua in 1854 to rabbis worldwide. The polemic was described in detail in the book of Meir Benayahu ‘Yom Tov Sheni Shel Galuyot’ (Jerusalem, 1987). Rabbi Yisrael Moshe Chazan was among leaders of the polemic who also printed a special book, ‘Kedushat Yom Tov’ (Vienna, 1855), dedicated to this matter. To the best of our knowledge, these letters were not yet printed. [Benayahu was aware of the response letter of Rabbi David Ya’akov Maroni, however he did not see it, and was unaware of the letter to Rabbi Yisrael Moshe Chazan].
4 items. Printed leaf: [2] pages. Letter: [3] pages. Letter drafts: [4] pages; [1] page. Approx. 31 cm. General condition good, stains and tears.