Manuscript, Nur al-Zalam (Midrash Meor HaAfelah), by R. Netanel son of Yeshayah. [Yemen, ca. 15th century]. Judeo-Arabic and Hebrew.
Neat Yemenite script. Color decorations at beginnings of Torah portions. In several places appear supplementary illustrations, some in color; for example, in Parashat Yitro, there is an illustration of the prohibition to ascend the altar on steps; in Terumah and Tetzaveh, there are illustrations of the ark (two illustrations, one depicting the ark with the cherubs), the loops and clasps, the planks and sockets, the Ephod; in Ki Tisa, an illustration of the tablets; and more.
The present manuscript is lacking at the beginning and end. It begins in the middle of Parashat Noach and ends in the middle of Parashat Shoftim.
Marginal glosses and additions in several places.
On p. 204b, ownership inscription in Judeo-Arabic of "Yachya ibn Sa'id".
R. Netanel son of Yeshayah was one of the prominent early Yemenite rabbis, who lived in the first half of the 14th century. He authored Meor HaAfelah in 1329. This midrash was originally written in Judeo-Arabic, and is considered a classic amongst Yemenite Jewry. The work weaves philosophical and kabbalistic ideas together with the simple and homiletical approaches, following the order of the weekly Torah portions. It contains midrashim and traditions preserved only in Yemen and unknown from any other source. Midrash Meor HaAfelah was first printed only in 1957, by Rabbi Kapach, along with a Hebrew translation.
The present item is one of the earliest manuscripts of the work.
[261] leaves. 24 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Open tears to many leaves, some affecting text, repaired with paper filling. New leather binding.
Formerly Mehlman (Jerusalem) Ms. 2.
