Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8
![Parchment manuscript scroll, Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, ca. 18th century].
Ink on parchment. Western script (square an](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/1_1.jpg "Ilan Sefirot on Parchment – North Africa, 18th Century")
![Parchment manuscript scroll, Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, ca. 18th century].
Ink on parchment. Western script (square an](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/1_2.jpg "Ilan Sefirot on Parchment – North Africa, 18th Century")
![Parchment manuscript scroll, Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, ca. 18th century].
Ink on parchment. Western script (square an](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/1_3.jpg "Ilan Sefirot on Parchment – North Africa, 18th Century")
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Parchment manuscript scroll, Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, ca. 18th century].
Ink on parchment. Western script (square and cursive). Three membranes sewn together; with detailed illustrations and diagrams of the Sefirot, Partzufim and Hishtalshelut HaOlamot according to the kabbalistic teachings of the Arizal.
The present Ilan's content corresponds to Ilanot from the school of R. Moshe Zacuto (the Ramaz) in Italy, incorporating excerpts from R. Yaakov Tzemach and Maharam Poppers (listed by Prof. Chajes in his book as "Poppers-Zacuto-Tzemach Ilan").
The present manuscript is a detailed and complete Ilan Sefirot, apparently written in North Africa. No Ilan of this kind is documented by Chajes, the Ilanot Project or elsewhere.
A similar Ilan to the present one, also from North Africa and apparently contemporaneous, was auctioned by Kedem, Auction 94 Part 2, Lot 146.
Parchment scroll (three membranes sewn together). Length of scroll: approx. 158 cm. Width of scroll: approx. 29 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dark stains. Faded or deleted ink in several places. Tears and defects. Open tears, affecting text, mainly to last membrane, repaired.
Ilan Sefirot
Visual diagrams of Hishtalshelut HaOlamot, known as the Ilan Sefirot, have been known since the early period of kabbalah. Many kabbalists composed and drew detailed Ilanot Sefirot for themselves. These were generally inscribed on long scrolls made of parchment or paper. As Lurianic kabbalah spread and gained popularity, these Ilanot came to reflect the complexity of this stream of kabbalistic thought, embodying ideas of the specific schools from which they originated.
Eminent Italian kabbalist R. Menachem Azariah (the Rama) of Fano describes the kabbalists who drew Ilanot on scrolls as follows: "A custom of the ancestors transmitted to their descendants is that they marked the names and bynames of the Sefirot on large scrolls which they called Ilanot" (Paamon VeRimon, Amsterdam 1608, p. 17a).
The Ilanot are highly complex graphic compositions, usually masterfully integrating text and illustrations. The Ilanot visually represent Hishtalshelut HaOlamot (Atzilut, Beriah, Yetzirah, Asiyah), the structure of the Sefirot in each of the Olamot and the mutual influences between the Sefirot, the Partzufim of the Olam HaAtzilut, Sarim, Heichalot and more. These are all integrated with paragraphs of text. Thus, the Ilanot became standalone works, representing the great complexity of the process of emanation according to the various views.
The Ilanot Sefirot prepared by kabbalists were not made purely for rote study, but were also a ritual tool by which the kabbalists would mentally depict the structure of the Olamot during their prayer and spiritual service. Later on, Ilan scrolls served as amulets and as a Segulah for the owner's protection and success.
Over many years of research into Kabbalah, the Ilanot were almost entirely ignored, and they were hardly studied and documented at all. Only in the last decade did research develop, gaining momentum with the Ilanot Project under the leadership of Prof. J.H. Chajes, whose comprehensive book on the subject was recently published. See at length: J.H. Chajes, The Kabbalistic Tree, Pennsylvania University Press, 2022.
Category
Kabbalistic Amulets and Ilanot Sefirot
Catalogue Value
![Lengthy parchment manuscript – Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, 18th/19th century].
Ink on parchment. Lengthy parchment, com](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/2_1.jpg "Ilan Sefirot (Amulet) on Parchment – North Africa, 18th/19th Century")
![Lengthy parchment manuscript – Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, 18th/19th century].
Ink on parchment. Lengthy parchment, com](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/2_2.jpg "Ilan Sefirot (Amulet) on Parchment – North Africa, 18th/19th Century")
![Lengthy parchment manuscript – Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, 18th/19th century].
Ink on parchment. Lengthy parchment, com](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/2_4.jpg "Ilan Sefirot (Amulet) on Parchment – North Africa, 18th/19th Century")
![Lengthy parchment manuscript – Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, 18th/19th century].
Ink on parchment. Lengthy parchment, com](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/2_5.jpg "Ilan Sefirot (Amulet) on Parchment – North Africa, 18th/19th Century")
![Lengthy parchment manuscript – Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, 18th/19th century].
Ink on parchment. Lengthy parchment, com](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/2_6.jpg "Ilan Sefirot (Amulet) on Parchment – North Africa, 18th/19th Century")
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $500
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Lengthy parchment manuscript – Ilan Sefirot. [North Africa, 18th/19th century].
Ink on parchment. Lengthy parchment, composed of four membranes sewn together, with detailed illustrations and diagrams of the Sefirot, Partzufim and Hishtalshelut HaOlamot according to the kabbalistic teachings of the Arizal, with some commentary. Western square script.
The present Ilan derives from the type edited by R. Yitzchak son of R. Michael Kopio (Rivmak, active first half of 18th century). For a biography of R. Yitzchak Kopio, see: R. Moshe Hillel, Over LaSofer, R. Yitzchak b.R. Michael Kopio, Kehillot Yisrael, Jerusalem 2016; on his Ilanot Sefirot, see there, pp. 39 ff.
Rivmak's Ilanot are designed with a two-part division, with charts and illustrations to the left and explanatory paragraphs and selections to the right, many signed with R. Yitzchak's initials.
For another Ilan of this type, see Kedem catalog 104 Part 1, lot 2, and a corresponding copying, apparently produced by the same scribe, NLI Ms. 9790=4, formerly Gross Collection – Tel Aviv, no. 028.012.002. See description in Hillel, ibid., p. 40; and Prof. J.H. Chajes (referenced below), pp. 261-264, 296.
The present Ilan is an abridged version, with the diagrams and illustrations but without most of the commentary. The present Ilan appears to have been produced by same scribe as the above Ilanot.
Another abridged Ilan, apparently also by the same scribe is NLI Ms. 9814=4, formerly Gross Collection – Tel Aviv, no. 028.012.008.
Prof Chajes (ibid., pp. 296-296) states that the abridged Ilanot served as amulets.
In several places, handwritten additions by another writer.
Parchment scroll (four membranes sewn together). Length of scroll: approx. 270 cm. Width of scroll: approx. 8 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and creases.
Ilan Sefirot
Visual diagrams of Hishtalshelut HaOlamot, known as the Ilan Sefirot, have been known since the early period of kabbalah. Many kabbalists composed and drew detailed Ilanot Sefirot for themselves. These were generally inscribed on long scrolls made of parchment or paper. As Lurianic kabbalah spread and gained popularity, these Ilanot came to reflect the complexity of this stream of kabbalistic thought, embodying ideas of the specific schools from which they originated.
Eminent Italian kabbalist R. Menachem Azariah (the Rama) of Fano describes the kabbalists who drew Ilanot on scrolls as follows: "A custom of the ancestors transmitted to their descendants is that they marked the names and bynames of the Sefirot on large scrolls which they called Ilanot" (Paamon VeRimon, Amsterdam 1608, p. 17a).
The Ilanot are highly complex graphic compositions, usually masterfully integrating text and illustrations. The Ilanot visually represent Hishtalshelut HaOlamot (Atzilut, Beriah, Yetzirah, Asiyah), the structure of the Sefirot in each of the Olamot and the mutual influences between the Sefirot, the Partzufim of the Olam HaAtzilut, Sarim, Heichalot and more. These are all integrated with paragraphs of text. Thus, the Ilanot became standalone works, representing the great complexity of the process of emanation according to the various views.
The Ilanot Sefirot prepared by kabbalists were not made purely for rote study, but were also a ritual tool by which the kabbalists would mentally depict the structure of the Olamot during their prayer and spiritual service. Later on, Ilan scrolls served as amulets and as a Segulah for the owner's protection and success.
Over many years of research into Kabbalah, the Ilanot were almost entirely ignored, and they were hardly studied and documented at all. Only in the last decade did research develop, gaining momentum with the Ilanot Project under the leadership of Prof. J.H. Chajes, whose comprehensive book on the subject was recently published. See at length: J.H. Chajes, The Kabbalistic Tree, Pennsylvania University Press, 2022.
Category
Kabbalistic Amulets and Ilanot Sefirot
Catalogue Value
![Ilan Sefirot amulet. [North Africa or Asia, ca. early 20th century].
Handwritten on a long parchment strip. With detaile](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/3_1.jpg "Ilan Sefirot Amulet on Parchment – North Africa or Asia, Early 20th Ce")
![Ilan Sefirot amulet. [North Africa or Asia, ca. early 20th century].
Handwritten on a long parchment strip. With detaile](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/3_2.jpg "Ilan Sefirot Amulet on Parchment – North Africa or Asia, Early 20th Ce")
![Ilan Sefirot amulet. [North Africa or Asia, ca. early 20th century].
Handwritten on a long parchment strip. With detaile](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/3_3.jpg "Ilan Sefirot Amulet on Parchment – North Africa or Asia, Early 20th Ce")
![Ilan Sefirot amulet. [North Africa or Asia, ca. early 20th century].
Handwritten on a long parchment strip. With detaile](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/3_4.jpg "Ilan Sefirot Amulet on Parchment – North Africa or Asia, Early 20th Ce")
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $300
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Ilan Sefirot amulet. [North Africa or Asia, ca. early 20th century].
Handwritten on a long parchment strip. With detailed illustrations and diagrams of the Sefirot, Partzufim and Hishtalshelut HaOlamot according to the kabbalistic teachings of the Arizal.
Designated as an amulet in its last line, which declares it to be a Segulah for everything: for gaining favor, success, the evil eye, a birthing woman, demons and plague; it is to be placed in a silver case.
Ilanot of this type were effectively used as amulets, placed in leather or silver cases and carried on one's person. On the use of the Ilan Sefirot as an amulet, see Prof. Chajes (referenced below), chapter 6, pp. 291 ff.
Ilan Sefirot amulets identical to the present one, apparently produced by the same scribe, include NLI Ms. 9817=4, formerly Gross Collection – Tel Aviv, no. 028.012.017; and NLI Ms. 9810=4, formerly Gross Collection – Tel Aviv, no. 028.012.013; and the amulet appearing in Kedem catalog 85, lot 336.
Parchment strip. Length: approx. 91 cm. Width: approx. 4 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and creases.
Ilan Sefirot
Visual diagrams of Hishtalshelut HaOlamot, known as the Ilan Sefirot, have been known since the early period of kabbalah. Many kabbalists composed and drew detailed Ilanot Sefirot for themselves. These were generally inscribed on long scrolls made of parchment or paper. As Lurianic kabbalah spread and gained popularity, these Ilanot came to reflect the complexity of this stream of kabbalistic thought, embodying ideas of the specific schools from which they originated.
Eminent Italian kabbalist R. Menachem Azariah (the Rama) of Fano describes the kabbalists who drew Ilanot on scrolls as follows: "A custom of the ancestors transmitted to their descendants is that they marked the names and bynames of the Sefirot on large scrolls which they called Ilanot" (Paamon VeRimon, Amsterdam 1608, p. 17a).
The Ilanot are highly complex graphic compositions, usually masterfully integrating text and illustrations. The Ilanot visually represent Hishtalshelut HaOlamot (Atzilut, Beriah, Yetzirah, Asiyah), the structure of the Sefirot in each of the Olamot and the mutual influences between the Sefirot, the Partzufim of the Olam HaAtzilut, Sarim, Heichalot and more. These are all integrated with paragraphs of text. Thus, the Ilanot became standalone works, representing the great complexity of the process of emanation according to the various views.
The Ilanot Sefirot prepared by kabbalists were not made purely for rote study, but were also a ritual tool by which the kabbalists would mentally depict the structure of the Olamot during their prayer and spiritual service. Later on, Ilan scrolls served as amulets and as a Segulah for the owner's protection and success.
Over many years of research into Kabbalah, the Ilanot were almost entirely ignored, and they were hardly studied and documented at all. Only in the last decade did research develop, gaining momentum with the Ilanot Project under the leadership of Prof. J.H. Chajes, whose comprehensive book on the subject was recently published. See at length: J.H. Chajes, The Kabbalistic Tree, Pennsylvania University Press, 2022.
Category
Kabbalistic Amulets and Ilanot Sefirot
Catalogue Value
![Or Ne'erav, by R. Moshe Cordovero – the Ramak. Venice: Giovanni di Gara, [1587]. First edition, printed posthumously, by au](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/88.jpg "Or Ne'erav (by the Ramak) – First Edition – Venice, 1587")
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Or Ne'erav, by R. Moshe Cordovero – the Ramak. Venice: Giovanni di Gara, [1587]. First edition, printed posthumously, by author's son R. Gedaliah Cordovero and R. Moshe Bassola [della Rocca].
The book was proofread by R. Menachem Azariah (Rama) of Fano (as stated by R. Gedaliah Cordovero in his introduction). At the beginning of the book appears an introduction by R. Menachem Azariah.
Or Ne'erav is a fundamental introduction to kabbalah. The Ramak writes of the importance of studying kabbalah and the proper ways to do so. In the book he also mentions excursions into the fields (Gerushim) which Safed kabbalists used to make, and of the holy spirit which they attained. He tells of excursions he had with his brother-in-law and teacher R. Shlomo Alkabetz (author of Lechah Dodi): "The eighth virtue is what I and others have experienced, regarding the excursions that we would make to the field with the kabbalist R. Shlomo ibn Alkabetz HaLevi, to study the verses of the Torah spontaneously with no intense study. And we would conceive of novel ideas that would be unbelievable to anyone who didn't see or try this…" (Part V, chapter 2).
56 leaves. 14.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming to first leaves, affecting text. Small marginal tears to title page and several other leaves, repaired with paper. Stamps to title page and other leaves, deleted with ink and rubbing. Title page trimmed, slightly affecting upper part of illustrated title frame. Old binding, with defects.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $800
Sold for: $1,188
Including buyer's premium
Shulchan Aruch HaAri, kabbalistic laws and customs from the Arizal, with Igeret HaShabbat by R. Avraham ibn Ezra. Amsterdam: Yaakov Alvarez Soto, Moshe ibn Yakar Brandon and Binyamin de Yongh, [1709].
Shulchan Aruch HaAri contains a selection of laws and practices from the writings of the Arizal, arranged in an order resembling that of the Shulchan Aruch.
In Igeret HaShabbat, R. Avraham ibn Ezra describes a dream that propelled him to author the present work, in order to avoid a misunderstanding of the Torah liable to cause desecration of the Sabbath.
[2], 112 leaves. 9.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Worming to several leaves, slightly affecting text. Tape to margins of several leaves. Old parchment binding, with defects.
Error in chronogram in the present copy (as in others).
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $400
Sold for: $813
Including buyer's premium
Mikdash Melech, commentary on the Zohar by kabbalist R. Shalom Buzaglo of Morocco. Amsterdam: Hertz Levi Rofe and his son-in-law Kosman, [1750-1752]. First edition, printed in the author's lifetime.
Three of four parts, with title page heading each of three volumes. Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim (without title page for Devarim – included only in some copies). At end of Parts II and IV, Talmudic novellae from the author's lectures in the Etz Chaim yeshiva in London, including Divrei Shalom VeEmet on the Rambam – including leaf 9 of this section (not recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book).
The Vayikra volume includes approbations by R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Amsterdam and R. Yaakov Emden, son-in-law and son of the Chacham Tzvi, respectively [R. Yaakov Emden later suspected the book of Sabbateanism and retracted his approbation]. Volume IV contains an approbation from R. Yaakov Pinto of Marrakesh, and an introduction by R. Yitzchak HaKohen Belinfante.
The famous kabbalist R. Shalom Buzaglo (Rashab; ca. 1700-1780; Malchei Rabanan, p. 112a), author of Mikdash Melech. Born in Salé near Rabat, where he studied Torah under his father the kabbalist R. Moshe Buzaglo, as well as the elder R. Chaim ibn Attar (grandfather of the Or HaChaim) in his final years, he served as dayan in Rabat and Salé.
He was later a member of the circle of kabbalists in Marrakesh, where he was a disciple of R. Avraham Azulai, and a disciple and peer of R. Yaakov Pinto, R. Yeshayah HaKohen and R. Yaakov Gedaliah (on this circle see: R. Moshe Hillel, Teudah LeToldot Chug Mekubalei Marrakesh BaDor HaRishon, Min HaGenazim X, pp. 23-80). Ca. 1745 he was compelled to flee Morocco due to persecution by the authorities, and he experienced great miracles, as he recounts in his introduction to Mikdash Melech: "…'The heart of the king is in the hand of G-d'; He changed his attitude to me from an enmity to friendship… when I was but a step away from the burning for which I was bound and ready…". He recounts in a letter: "I was cast into fire for the sanctification of G-d's name and I sacrificed my life; G-d Who saved me then from the fiery furnace will assist me regarding the honor of His name…" (Meirat Einayim, second letter, 9th Tamuz 1751).
In his introduction to Kise Melech he also signs: "So says the one saved from fire twice, from the Arab king and his general, relying on the kindness of the Rock and Savior of Israel". After leaving Morocco he arrived in London, where he was appointed rabbi of the Sephardic community in the city. He is particularly famous for his Mikdash Melech commentary on the Zohar which he edited and published (Amsterdam 1750-1752), and his other kabbalistic works: Hadrat Kise Melech – commentary on Tikunim (Amsterdam 1769), Hadrat Melech – on passages of the Zohar, Hadrat Hod Melech – on Sifra DiTzniuta, Hadrat Kevod Melech – on passages of Etz Chaim, and Hadrat Pnei Melech – on the Idrot (published in Amsterdam 1766 and London 1770-1773). He authored an introduction to the Zohar, first printed in the Zohar edition of Amsterdam 1772, which was reprinted in many Zohar editions up to this day.
Each of the three volumes contains ownership inscriptions and signatures, as well as censorship inscriptions [dated 1837]. Bookplates of R. Y. L. Gurwitz, Rabbi of Melbourne, Australia [R. Yosef Lipman Gurwitz (1885-1956), a rabbi of Lithuania and Australia, an intimate associate of R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski in Vilna and a founder of the Agudat HaRabbanim in Lithuania, Agudat Yisrael and the Yavneh educational network in Lithuania. In 1932 he traveled to Australia, serving as rabbi in Melbourne. He corresponded on halachic issues with many leading rabbis of his generation, and worked extensively to benefit yeshivas worldwide, especially during World War II].
Three volumes. Shemot: [1], 220, 225-226, [3] leaves (misordering of leaves 114-119); Vayikra: [2], 182, [1] leaves; Bamidbar and Devarim: [3], 152 leaves; 82 leaves; 9 leaves; [3] leaves. 19-19.5 cm. Overall good to good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Paper repairs to margins of several leaves. Color edges. Worming, mainly to bindings. Small open tear to center of Vayikra title page. Original leather bindings (uniform), wear and defects to bindings.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $300
Sold for: $525
Including buyer's premium
Sefer HaPeliah – Sefer HaKanah, kabbalistic book attributed to R. Avigdor Kara of Prague. Korets: Johann Anton Krieger, [1784]. First edition.
Sefer HaPeliah is a Segulah for protection. This tradition has its basis in approbations to the 1884 edition of the book by the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, the Rebbe of Husiatyn and Rebbe Uri HaKohen of Sambur.
[2], 111 leaves. 32 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including large, dark dampstains to last approx. 8 leaves. Wear and creases to margins of some leaves. Tears, including minute open tears to several leaves, slightly affecting text. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. Bookplate. Old binding, with minor defects and worming.
Provenance: Collection of Prof. Jordan S. Penkower.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $500
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Klach Pitchei Chochmah, kabbalistic principles, by R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto – the Ramchal. Korets: Johann Anton Krieger, [1785]. First edition.
This is the main kabbalistic work of the Ramchal to be printed until the mid-19th century. R. Aharon Marcus, scholar of Chassidut, writes that the present work was saved from destruction by the Maggid of Mezeritch, who then instructed his disciple R. Shlomo Lutzker author of Divrat Shlomo to publish it.
[2], 3-116 leaves. 18.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, affecting text (mainly to first leaves). Scraping to bottom of title page, slightly affecting printer's device. Close trimming, slightly affecting bottom of title frame. Bookplate. Early leather binding, with spine repaired with paper. Wear and worming to binding in many places.
Provenance: Collection of Prof. Jordan S. Penkower.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue Value