Manuscript, Menorat HaMaor by R. Yitzchak Aboab. [Yemen], 1745.

Yemenite script. Complete copying of Menorat HaMaor, Venice 1544 edition. At the beginning of the manuscript is a piyyut and table of contents (partial), followed by a double-page with illustrations of the Tabernacle, the Temple and their vessels, decorated with red ink. On the next page appears Lamnatzeach in the shape of a Menorah, followed by the copying of the work. Dated inscriptions after the introduction and on leaf 158.
Ownership inscriptions on the blank page before the illustrations, pp. 1a and 12a.

Menorat HaMaor was particularly well received among Yemenite Jewry, who refer to it simply as "Menorah". Yemenite Jews would read it every Shabbat and festival in the synagogue, before the recital of Aleinu. The Maharitz mentions this custom (in his Tiklal siddur), and the custom is preserved to this day in the Yemenite community.

[5], 123, [1], 122-131, [1], 134-308, [1] leaves (some misfoliation). 22 cm. Condition of leaves varies, fair-good. Stains, including large and dark dampstains to some leaves. Wear and tears. Worming and open tears to several leaves, affecting text (repaired with paper and paper filling on illustrated pages). Original leather binding, damaged and worn.

Provenance: Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, YM.011.070.

PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.