Manuscript, Taamei Halachot on Orach Chaim and Yoreh Deah. Safi (Morocco), 1771-1773.

Western cursive script. Colophon of copyist at beginning of manuscript: "I wrote this book… Yitzchak son of Shimon HaKohen Alchadad [calligraphic signature]. I began to write it in Cheshvan [1771], and concluded writing it in Tevet [1773].

On p. 120b, he quotes a statement by his teacher R. Yaakov Elbaz, in turn quoting R. Yaakov Pinto, adding that this accords with the custom in Marrakesh.

Taamei Halachot is a work preserved in North African manuscripts in several variations, most of which has not been published. The work appears to have originated with the rabbis of Marrakesh, as a digest of the writings of Rishonim and Acharonim, halachic rulings and local customs, and more. The present manuscript of Taamei Halachot comprises the laws of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Pesach, kashrut, niddah, food of gentiles, and usury.

At the beginning of the manuscript is a copying of a "Letter that came from the Ten Tribes to Jerusalem… from the Gozan River next to Koreo, five years' distance from Jerusalem and Hebron…". According to the letter, it was sent by "the faithful gentile Hajji Tawil Nakar", and they request the response to be sent back with him. At the end of the letter: "I, Shlomo the scribe, son of R. Ovadiah… 1745". To the best of our knowledge, this letter is known from no other source.

On the last 23 leaves of the manuscript is a copying of sermons from books by North African rabbis. The last leaves are lacking. Various inscriptions, including ownership inscriptions, on several leaves.

The scribe, R. Yitzchak son of R. Shimon HaKohen Alchadad, a dayan of Safi, where he served alongside R. Machluf Ochayon and R. Yosef Zaguri (in 1788 he signs alongside R. Machluf Ochayon in Responsa Tokpo Shel Yosef, I, 26).

[4]; 180 leaves (late pencil foliation). One or two leaves lacking between leaves 49-50, and several leaves after leaf 133. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears and wear. Open tears to several leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper filling. Three leaves detached. New binding.