Manuscript, Shemen Zayit Zach – kabbalistic work, comments on and critiques of Rechovot HaNahar by R. Shalom Sharabi (the Rashash), handwritten by the author, R. Shlomo son of R. David Molcho. [Izmir, ca. 1778-1779].
Autograph of the author, with deletions, corrections and additions between lines and in margins. This work was printed in Thessaloniki in 1779. The present manuscript contains the work with many differences in the text and ordering.
At the top of p. 16b, he writes a novel insight that was revealed to him in a dream: "And so it was said to me in my dream, the night of 26th Sivan [1778], on Saturday night". This indicates that the content was written after this date, and before the printing of the book in 1779 (this line appears on p. 32a of the printed edition).
Between the leaves numbered 11-12 (in a later pencil foliation) are bound two additional leaves, handwritten by the author, which are not part of the work, discussing various kabbalistic matters (from the Zohar, Sefer HaKavanot and more). In the last passage he writes that the idea came to him "in my dream, the night of 13th Tevet 1770". To the best of our knowledge, these passages have not been printed.
R. Shlomo son of R. David Molcho (d. 6th Cheshvan 1787), Torah scholar and kabbalist, a descendant of the martyr R. Shlomo Molcho who was burned in sanctification of G-d's name. Born in Thessaloniki, where he lived and served as a community leader, he officiated over the funds sent to the Hebron and Jerusalem kollels. He held an amicable correspondence with the leading kabbalists of Jerusalem, the rabbis of the Beit El kabbalistic yeshiva. He immigrated from Thessaloniki to Izmir, where he met R. Shlomo of Chelm, author of Mirkevet HaMishneh, who describes him as "formidable in the gates of the revealed Torah, and tenfold in the hidden Torah" (approbation to Shemen Zayit Zach, dated Rosh Chodesh Av 1779). Two emissaries of Jerusalem, R. Yom Tov Algazi and R. Yaakov Chazan, call him "the faithful kabbalist, beloved on high…" (approbation to Shemen Mishchat Kodesh). Two of his kabbalistic works were printed in Thessaloniki, 1779: Shemen Zayit Zach – critiques of Rechovot HaNahar by the Rashash, and Shemen Mishchat Kodesh – kabbalistic commentary on Shir HaShirim, with Shoshanat HaMelech – piyyutim he composed for various occasions. In 1780 (about a year after printing the books), he immigrated to Eretz Israel, settling in Jerusalem, where he associated with the kabbalists of the Beit El yeshiva until his passing some six years later (see further: Frumkin, Toldot Chachmei Yerushalayim, Jerusalem 1929, III – Chapter 3, pp. 107-108).
[71] leaves. 21 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including large and dark dampstains. Wear and tears, mainly to margins. Worming to some leaves, affecting text. New binding.
