Manuscript, machzor for Pesach according to the minhag of Corfu. [Corfu, 18th century?].
Complete manuscript on thick high quality paper. Square vowelized script. Instructions in semi-cursive Sephardic-Italian script. Decorations in several places; crowns on several letters.
The Corfu machzor preserves an ancient and unique rite that was never printed and exists only in manuscript form. This rite includes the ancient Romaniote, Greek and Byzantine rites, together with the rite of Spanish refugees who were absorbed into those communities.
The machzor begins with the prayer services for Shabbat Hagadol - the Shabbat preceding Passover, including piyyutim and an introduction to the services. This is followed by the traditional prayers for the first and second days of Passover, for Chol Hamo'ed and for the final two days of Passover, including piyyutim unique to this machzor. Some of the piyyutim include the names of the authors ("by R. Gavriel", "by R. Moshe ben Shabbtai Yichye, may his light shine", "by R. Binyamin ben R. Shmuel Chazak" and others). The machzor includes a long and ancient version of "Baruch She'amar".
108 leaves (additional 6 blank leaves at the end). 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming with slight damage to text. Two detached leaves. Original binding, damaged.