Manuscript, Nur al-Zulm (Maor HaAfelah) by R. Netanel son of Yeshaya. [Yemen, ca. 15th/16th century]. Judeo-Arabic and Hebrew.
Early Yemenite script. Headings and several lines decorated with red ink. Illustrations in several places, including: the Ark with the Tablets of the Law and cherubim, the Temple menorah, the Ephod, the Tabernacle and its utensils, and more.
In Parashat Ekev (p. [155b]), poem by the author (in red and black ink alternately), mentioning the author's name.
The manuscript is lacking beginning and end, and contains the work from the middle of Parashat Noach until the middle of Parashat Re'eh.
R. Netanel son of Yeshaya was a prominent Yemenite Rishon who lived in the first half of the 14th century. He composed his work Maor HaAfelah in 1329. This midrash was originally written in Judeo-Arabic, and is considered a classic work amongst Yemenite Jewry. The work is comprised of a combination of philosophical and kabbalistic thoughts, together with Peshat and Derash approach commentaries, following the order of the weekly Torah portions. It contains homilies and traditions which were only preserved in Yemen and are not known from any other sources. Midrash Maor HaAfelah was first printed only in 1957, by R. Kapach, with Hebrew translation.
The present manuscript is one of the early manuscripts of this work.

[163] leaves. Approx. 27 cm. Fair-good condition. Most leaves complete. Stains. Marginal wear and tears to many leaves, repaired with paper. Open tears, including large open tears, to several dozen leaves, affecting text. New leather binding.

Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, YM.011.055.