Manuscript, large anthology of piyyutim. [Morocco, ca. 18th and 19th centuries].

Thick volume, comprising gatherings and leaves written by different individuals at various times. Includes hundreds of piyyutim, including many piyyutim by generations of leading Moroccan rabbis. The anthology includes many piyyutim by R. Shmuel Elbaz, R. Yaakov Abensour (Yaavetz), R. David ibn Chasin, R. Amor Abitbul, R. Yaakov Adahan, R. Yaakov Abitbul, R. Yitzchak ibn Edre'i, R. Yosef ibn Attiya, R. Shlomo ibn Yitzchak, R. David ibn Attar and others.

On p. 122b, colophon of one writer: "…And also… R. Shlomo ibn Lajami, the sweet singer of Israel… is working with me without guile or deceit… I, the writer, Meir Morijon".

On p. 188a: "Piyyut that I composed for the completion of Tractate Berachot… I Refael…". On p. 188b: "Song of praise that I authored in honor of… R. Moshe HaKohen on his wedding day…". On p. 189a: "Piyyut that I composed in honor of… R. Yehudah Elbaz upon the burgeoning birth of a son… with the acrostic Ani Refael Chazak".

The different handwritings and piyyutim in this anthology have not been studied. This anthology may be presumed an important source for study of Moroccan piyyut and poetry.

313 leaves. 15 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Tears and wear. Open tears to several leaves, affecting text. Original leather binding, with defects.

Provenance:

1. Abensour Family Collection, Fez, Morocco.

2. Victor Klagsbald Collection – Morocco, no. 42.

Reference: Victor Klagsbald, Catalogue des manuscrits marocains de la collection Klagsbald, Paris, 1980, pp. 91-102. Includes a detailed list of piyyutim.