Manuscript, Chelek HaDikduk on the Bible, Masorah of vocalization, cantillation and grammar according to the order of the Bible, by R. Yichya Tzalach – the Maharitz, Rabbi of Sanaa. [Yemen, ca. 19th century].
The manuscript is lacking a few pages at the beginning, and begins in the middle of Parashat Noach. On last page, colophon of scribe: "Up to this point is what was found in the handwriting of the author… head of the Beit Din and leader of the Sanaa community, R. Yichya son of R. Yosef son of R. Tzalach".
R. Yichya son of R. Yosef Tzalach (Saleh), the Maharitz (1715-1805), head of the Sanaa Beit Din, most prominent Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century and a leading posek. Disciple of his grandfather Mari Tzalach and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraqi, R. Yichya Iraqi and R. David Mashreki, author of Shetilei Zeitim. At the age of 43, he was appointed Chief Rabbi and head of the Beit Din over all Yemenite communities, a position he held for over 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted in Yemen, and many Yemenite Jews follow his customs and rulings to this day. He authored the Tiklal with the Etz Chaim commentary and many halachic works: Zevach Todah, Shaarei Kedushah on the laws of shechitah, Shaarei Taharah on the laws of Niddah, Peulat Tzaddik and more halachic, ethical and kabbalistic books.
This work by the Maharitz, on the Masorah, supports and preserves the Yemenite tradition. It was copied in many Taj books, and is printed with the Bible in every edition following the Yemenite tradition.
[90] leaves. 16 cm. Varying condition; good-fair to fair. Stains, including dampstains to first leaves, with part of text blurred. Wear and tears to margins. New fabric binding.
