Manuscript, copying of Divrei Chachamim by R. Yehudah Leib Puchovitzer, handwritten by R. Yaakov son of R. Levi Alkhalatz. [Fez], 1734.

Divrei Chachamim, by R. Yehudah Leib Puchovitzer, was printed in Hamburg, 1692-1693. The present manuscript contains only its ethical and philosophical first part, called Daat Chochmah, and not its halachic second part (following the order of the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim), called Mekor Chochmah.

On leaf 110, colophon of copyist: "Its copying was completed at the end of Tamuz 1734, by me, least [---] of the students of… R. Yehudah ibn Attar… Yaakov son of R. Levi HaKohen Alkhalatz" (calligraphic signature).

Later in the volume appear leaves with a copying from Maalot HaMidot by R. Yechiel Anav (first printed in Constantinople, 1512), in the same handwriting, lacking at beginning.

On pp. 110b-111a, various inscriptions, including calculations and names.

R. Yaakov son of R. Levi HaKohen Alkhalatz was a rabbi of Fez. The author of Malchei Rabanan (in his entry, leaf 71) states that he saw a copying of Tapuchei Zahav by him, with a colophon similar to the one in the present manuscript.

The first page of the volume bears the stamp of R. Refael Abensour the last, Rabbi of Fez.

[3], 110, [10] leaves. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Significant worming, affecting text. Detached leaves and gatherings. New binding, with slipcase.

Provenance:

1. Abensour Family Collection, Fez, Morocco.

2. Victor Klagsbald Collection – Morocco, no. 25.

Reference: Victor Klagsbald, Catalogue des manuscrits marocains de la collection Klagsbald, Paris, 1980, p. 58.