Leaf Handwritten by
the saintly kabbalist
Rabbi Chaim Vital
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A complete, double-sided leaf written by the holy hand of the saintly kabbalist Rabbi Chaim Vital, prime disciple of the Arizal who bequeathed his master’s Torah to the nation.
The kabbalist
Rabbi Chaim Vital (1543-1620) is renowned for having possessed “an exalted soul” (Chida). He was the prime disciple of the Arizal and disseminated his kabbalistic legacy to the people. It is told that before he began teaching his pupil, the Arizal gave Rabbi Chaim Vital to drink from the Well of Miriam, thus opening a window to his lofty soul which allowed the Arizal to imbue Rabbi Chaim with the wisdom of truth, the wisdom of kabbalah. From that day, Rabbi Chaim became the Arizal’s faithful disciple, cleaving to his Torah and inscribed the wisdom that he acquired for posterity.
Following the Arizal’s passing at the age of 38, Rabbi Chaim became his spiritual heir, attracting all his contemporary kabbalah students to draw from the spiritual teachings of his master, the Arizal. In time, he was recognized as an astounding miracle worker who distributed amulets and segulos for protection and especially to banish evil spirits (dybbukim).
All of the Arizal’s sacred legacy derives from the copious writings of Rabbi Chaim Vital. On many occasions, the Chida presages strongly against the study of kabbalistic works other than those authored by Rabbi Chaim Vital or his students.
Rabbi Chaim Vital was a prolific author who authored many kabbalistic works, the most famous among them is surely Eitz Chaim which encompasses eight gates: 1) Shaar Hahakdamos 2) Shaar Maamarei Rashbi 3) Shaar Maamarei Razal 4) Shaar Hapesukim 5) Shaar Hamitzvos 6) Shaar Hakavanos 7) Shaar Ruach Hakodesh and 8) Shaar Hagilgulim.
Aside from his awe-inspiring sanctity and all-embracing knowledge of the wisdom of kabbalah, Rabbi Chaim Vital was also a skilled doctor who drew from practical kabbalah and alchemy to compile a brilliant, comprehensive text which was printed many years later under the title Sefer Hapeulos/Taalumos Chochmah. The present leaf derives from this manuscript.
The wisdom of ancient alchemy, which ultimately led to the development of modern chemistry, is based on the structure of elements in nature and the secrets of creation that Hakadosh Baruch Hu imbued in nature. Rabbi Chaim Vital called this part of his work, “B’peulos hanaasim al ydei hatevah, actions carried out through nature”.
One double-sided leaf, completely handwritten by Rabbi Chaim Vital. The handwriting is identical to those found in Eitz Chaim and Sefer Hachezyonos. Double columns per side; 40 lines per column. Total of 160 handwritten lines on 4 complete topics! Page size: 19×14 cm
Preserved in ornate leather binding with clear windows on both sides of the leaves and matching case. Good condition.
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