Manuscript, Taj Torah (Keter Torah) – Bamidbar and Devarim, with cantillation and vocalization, Masorah Gedolah, Masorah Ketanah and Machberet HaTijan, handwritten by a member of the family of Benaiah HaSofer. [Yemen, 15th/16th century].
Ink on paper, neat Yemenite script, in large square (Stam) script, with vocalization and cantillation. Winding Peh in several places.
Masorah Ketanah and Masorah Gedolah at top and bottom of pages. Bottom of most leaves damaged, affecting text of Masorah, with loss.
Based on the form of the writing and other characteristics, the scribe appears to be a member of the renowned Yemenite family of Benaiah HaSofer. For more information on this family, see previous lot.
Stamps of kabbalist R. "Shlomo Yosef Mabari – licensed scribe and shochet – also officiates at divorces and marriages – Shaarayim near Rechovot".
[90] leaves + 6 replacement leaves in a later hand. Bamidbar lacking first part (manuscript begins in middle of Parashat Korach). Approx. 24 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains, wear and tears. Much worming, affecting text. Many open tears, affecting text. Damaged or lacking text in many places repaired with pieces of paper with later handwritten replacements. Bottom of most leaves damaged and repaired with paper, affecting Masorah text with loss. Detached leaves and gatherings. Without binding.
Enclosed is an additional manuscript, written as a supplement to the present manuscript, containing a copying of Vayikra and the first part of Bamidbar (up to the verse where the ancient Taj volume begins). [Yemen, ca. 19th century]. 85 leaves.
Provenance: Library of Kabbalist R. Shlomo Yosef Mabari (1913-1969), a rabbi of the Yemenite community in Eretz Israel. In 1930, he immigrated from Dhamar, Yemen, to the Yemenite neighborhood Shaarayim, Rechovot. R. Shlomo and his father R. Yosef were known for their work as scribes of Torah scrolls and copyists. He was frequently visited for counsel, salvation and healing of the sick. During World War II, in 1943, he authored a prayer for salvation ordained to be recited by the community's rabbis.
