Manuscript, Menorat HaMaor by R. Yitzchak Aboab, with Nefesh Yehudah commentary by R. Moshe of Frankfurt. [Yemen, ca. 19th century].
Neat Yemenite script, in two columns, with headers decorated in red ink (on some pages). Copying of Menorat HaMaor with Nefesh Yehudah commentary, from the Amsterdam, 1739 edition. Lacking title page and last leaf (with end of conclusion of the book).
Menorat HaMaor was highly popular among Yemenite Jewry, who call it simply Menorah. Yemenite Jews customarily read from the book every Shabbat and festival in the synagogue, before reciting Aleinu. This custom is described by Maharitz (in his Tiklal): "The popular custom after Pitum HaKetoret is to study one chapter of Menorat HaMaor by R. Yitzchak Aboab to inculcate the people with his pleasant ethical teachings…". This custom is preserved to this day in Yemenite communities.
2-304 leaves. 23 cm. Fair-good condition. Many stains. Wear and tears. On first three leaves, open tears, significantly affecting text. Leaves and gatherings detached. New binding, with slipcase.
