Manuscript, Otzrot Chaim, teachings of the Arizal as transmitted by R. Chaim Vital, in a Maghrebi redaction. [Morocco, ca. 18th century].

Most of the volume in neat Sephardic-Western semi-cursive script. From leaf 174 onward, the copying continues in a cursive hand by a different scribe (and three leaves provided in a later period, ca. 19th century).

Glosses in the margins of some leaves, in a different script. These glosses originate from the Marrakesh circle of kabbalists, and include glosses by R. Avraham Azulai (d. 1741, one of the leading kabbalists of Marrakesh; teacher of R. Shalom Buzaglo, author of Mikdash Melech). On p. 33b, he is mentioned with the blessing of the living. In other glosses, the blessing of the deceased is used. Sometimes he is referred to with his initials: "A.A.".

Otzrot Chaim was compiled by R. Yaakov Tzemach and presents the order of the emanations (Seder HaAtzilut) as transmitted by R. Chaim Vital from his master, the Arizal. Since the work does not include the Seder HaAtzilut in its entirety, the kabbalists of Morocco edited it and integrated several sections from Mevo She'arim. The present manuscript follows this Maghrebi redaction, which blends Otzrot Chaim with portions of Mevo She'arim. This version is found exclusively in manuscripts copied in North Africa and was first printed in Livorno in 1844 (see: R. Yosef Avivi, Binyan Ariel, Jerusalem, 1987, p. 59, note 31). Several glosses of the Marrakesh kabbalists were printed in that edition, though some of the glosses in the present manuscript do not appear there.

[201] leaves. Approx. 22 cm. Good-fair condition. Mostly thick paper; second scribing on thinner, more worn leaves. Stains, including dark stains and dampstains (final leaves with browning and faded ink). Marginal tears and wear (slightly affecting glosses in several places). Tears affecting text on several leaves. New binding.