Finding Aid for the Feldman collection of Hebrew manuscripts, ca. 1500-1950

Processed by EunJoo Kim in 2004, with editing assistance from Liron Elkan and Laurel McPhee, 2005; machine-readable finding aid created by Caroline Cubé.

UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections

Manuscripts Division

Room A1713, Charles E. Young Research Library

Box 951575

Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575

Email: spec-coll@library.ucla.edu

URL: http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/special/scweb/

Descriptive Summary

Title: Feldman collection of Hebrew manuscripts

Date (inclusive): ca. 1500-1950

Collection number: 960

Creator: N. Feldman

Extent: 6 boxes (3.5 linear ft.) 1 oversize box.

Abstract: Collection consists of 51 Hebrew manuscripts and 3 printed works on a variety of subjects, including religion, mysticism, Jewish law, liturgy, medicine, history, biography and science.

Language: Finding aid is written in English.

Repository: University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections.

Los Angeles, California 90095-1575

Physical location: Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.

Administrative Information

Restrictions on Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.

Restrictions on Use and Reproduction

Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Provenance/Source of Acquisition

Purchase, 1965.

Processing Note

Processed by EunJoo Kim in 2004, with editing assistance from Liron Elkan and Laurel McPhee, 2005, in the Center For Primary Research and Training (CFPRT).

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Feldman collection of Hebrew manuscripts (Collection 960). Department of Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.

UCLA Catalog Record ID

UCLA Catalog Record ID: 5255940

Scope and Content

The collection consists of 51 Hebrew manuscripts and 3 printed works dating from the 16th through the 20th centuries, with an emphasis on early modern religious discourse. The manuscripts include unpublished commentaries, homilies, polemic works, poetry and personal papers. Subjects are varied and include religion, mysticism, Jewish law, liturgy, medicine, history, biography and science. The origin and authorship of the manuscripts varies widely, though Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish communities from Italy and Amsterdam are well represented. The collection also contains a number of manuscripts from the Cummings, Rosenberg-Lewin, and Be?noliel collections from the UCLA Library Department of Special Collections.

Notable items include a 2-volume Aramaic translation of the Torah with weekly Torah readings, Hafṭarot, and liturgy for the Holy Days, in fully vocalized Yeminite script; a 17th century illustrated work on astronomy by Abraham ben Meïr Ibn Ezra; commemorative works to celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir Moses Montefiore; a manuscript by David Hayim Korinaldi; a collection of personal papers and a commonplace book by Joseph Bénoliel; and an American manuscript related to the Hebrew Association, with writings on protocols of Yeshivas, Judaism, Reformed Judaism, Israel, Zionism, Socialism and Christianity.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects

Judaism--Manuscripts.

Jews--Italy--Archival resources.

Manuscripts, Hebrew--Italy.

Other Index Terms Related to this Collection

Feldman, N.--collector.

Related Material

Cummings Collection of Hebrew Manuscripts (Collection 828). Available at the Department of Special Collections, UCLA.

Cummings Collection of Hebraica and Judaica Card Index (Collection 827). Available at the Department of Special Collections, UCLA.

Joseph Bénoliel Papers (Collection 1625). Available at the Department of Special Collections, UCLA.

Rosenberg-Lewin Collection of Hebrew Manuscripts (Collection 779). Available at the Department of Special Collections, UCLA.

Box 1

Manuscript no. 1 Tzurat ha-aretz / The shape of the earth [between 16--? and 17--?]

Physical Description: 154 leaves : paper, ill. ; 107 × 80 (87 × 64) mm. bound to 111 × 86 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Ibn Ezra (Abraham ben Meïr, or Abraham the Sephardi) was a Spanish rabbi, scholar and poet who published numerous works on religious philosophy, poetry, and Hebrew grammar; towards the end of his career, he also translated works from Arabic astronomers and wrote original texts on mathematics, astronomy, and astrology. This illustrated manuscript discusses the earth, stars, sun, and moon including their formations, respective distances, movements and size. The first part of the manuscript has ten chapters, each with an introduction and multiple numbered sections. The second part is comprised of nine short chapters on general astronomy. Part 1 (ff. 4a-127b) appears to be missing chapters 5 and 6.

Author: Ibn Ezra, Abraham ben Meïr, 1092-1167
Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Text within a ruled border of two double lines; average of 15 lines of text per page.
Script: Cursive Hebrew script in black ink, diagrams in lighter ink. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Bound in vellum, with blue and white paper spine labels.
Additional description: Illustrations on ff. 9b, 10a, 10b, 11b, 13a, 14a, 14b, 17a, 28b, 30a, 31a, 42b, 45a, 49b 60b, 68b, 74a, 128b.

Contents:
- ff. 4a-8a: Preface: a note from the author or scribe on the context and scope of the text;
- ff. 9a-38b: Chapter 1. The shape of the sky and earth from the firmament, cloud movements, and placement of sun's and stars' orbits;
- ff. 38a-57a: Chapter 2. The formation of star clusters and the movement of the sun;
- ff. 57b-75b: Chapter 3. The expanse of the moon and movement of the earth;
- ff. 75a-101b: Chapter 4. The sun and the light it produces;
- ff. 101b-109b: Chapter 7. The expanse of the stars;
- ff. 109b-113b: Chapter 8: "Order of the Moon," (ff 111a-111b) the moon's dissimilarity from other heavenly bodies; and how the stars remain hidden and are shown;
- ff. 113b-119a: Chapter 9: The measures of the earth;
- ff. 119a-127b: Chapter 10: Conclusion;
- ff. 129a-133b: Nine short numbered chapters on astronomy.
- ff. 134a-154b: Blank.

Box 1

Manuscript no. 2 [Babylonian Talmud] [between 15--? and 17--?]

Physical Description: 288 leaves : paper, ill. ; 191 × 149 (172 × 130) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Rare manuscript copy of the Babylonian Talmud, including the treatises of Baba Meẓi'''a, Baba Batra, Baba Makhot and '''Abodah Zarahh. Includes explanatory discussions on the Gemara, the commentary of Rashi, Rashbam's commentary of Baba Batra, and tosafot. Incomplete, with noticeably missing portions in the beginning of Baba Meẓi'''a and the end of '''Abodah Zarah. Occasional missing leaves and textual corrections.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 25 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew cursive script written in fine black ink. Ashkenazi.
Additional description: Illustrations on ff. 34b, 105a, 123b, 125a, 129b, 130a, 131a, 192a, 193a, 193b, 194a, 195b. Notations in pencil: ff. 76a, 101a, 120a, 196a.

Contents:
- ff. 1a-119b: Baba Meẓi'''a;
- ff. 121a-226b: Baba Batra;
- ff. 235a-250b: Baba Makhot;
- ff. 251a-288b: '''Abodah Zarahh.

Box 1

Manuscript no. 3 Zebed ṭob / A goodly gift [18--?]

Physical Description: 173 leaves : paper ; 223 × 170 (205 × 157) mm. bound to 228 × 165 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Aharon Mosheh ben Mordekhai ben Ya'''aḳov was one of the few early modern cabalistic writers in East Prussia. He is author of only one published work, Nishmat Shelomoh Mordecai (The soul of Solomon Mordecai; Johannisberg, 1852), so called in remembrance of his son, who died in early childhood. That work is a commentary on the '''Eẓ Ḥayyim of Ḥayyim Vital, the arch-apostle of the cabalistic school of Luria. However, in the introduction to that work, Aaron states (l.c. p. 46a) that he was also the author also of a commentary on the Midrash Tanḥuma, entitled Zebed ṭob (A goodly gift). This text has not been printed, and this is a manuscript version, signed twice by the author himself (ff. 172b, back pastedown). It includes Parashot for Genesis, in addition to the commentary on Midrash Tanḥuma. A completed work in one hand, with pages clearly numbered.

Author: Aharon Mosheh ben Mordekhai ben Ya'''ḥaḳov
Scribe: Aaron Moses ben Mordecai, d. 1878
Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 24 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew cursive script. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Severely deteriorated leather binding with leather ties; exposed boards and spine.

Contents:
- ff. 1a-129a: Part 1. Perush Bereshit. Parashot: Bereshit, Noaḥ, Lekh Lekha, VaYera, Ḥayey Sarah, Toledot, VaYetse, VaYishlakh, VaYeshev, MiKets, VaYigash, and VaYeḥi.
- ff. 132a-168a: Part 2. Sefer nmala l-shavet (?).

Box 1

Manuscript no. 4 To ''arim yushmu / Titles shall be bestowed [18--?]

Physical Description: 21 leaves : paper ; 183 × 129 (137 × 98) mm. bound to 186 × 134 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Jewish law and teachings. Complete.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 23 lines of text per page.
Script: Fine Rashi Hebrew script.
Binding: Brown speckled paper over boards; red leather spine with gilt title.

Box 1

Manuscript no. 5 [Songs and liturgies] [18--?]

Physical Description: 13 leaves : paper ; 205 × 133 (180 × 105) mm. bound to 206 × 135 mm

Scope and Content Note

Five separate liturgies for Purim and Simḥat Torah written in three, possibly four, different hands. Written neatly in Hebrew block script, much of which is vocalized. Also includes a loose page out of a bound manuscript with the prayer recited by "the circumciser" (Mohel).

Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Italy?]
Layout: Average of 18 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew block script.
Binding: Decorative green, red, and black wrappers; some leaves taped in. Vocalization on last work in blue ink; notations in pencil.
Additional descriptive data: Leaf 1a signed in ink, "Carpi Bastante du Bened, 1864."

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Inscription;
- ff. 2a-2b (laid in): Three liturgies, Tefilah, Tefilah le-mohel, and Brakhot;
- ff. 3a-4b: Purim poem with 5 rhyming stanzas per page;
- ff. 5a-8a: Sim'''ḥat Torah;
- ff. 9a-9b: Congregational prayer (incomplete?);
- ff. 12a-12b: Three liturgies, possibly by Hollan[d]er (ff. 12b).

Box 1

Manuscript no. 6 Toldot / Biography [between 1740 and 1800]

Physical Description: 9 leaves : paper ; 194 × 133 (145 × 80) mm. bound to 194 × 135 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Biographical work on Moses Uri B. Joseph ha-Levi (Moses Uri ha-Levi, or Moshe Uri the Levite), b. 1544, d. circa 1622. Moses Uri, from Emden, was a prominent Ashkenazi Rabbi and one of the founders of the Jewish Spanish-Portuguese community in Amsterdam. The manuscript is an unfinished eulogy, written in one hand. An earlier catalog record for this item states, "these are the words of David the Copyist in Israel, 1740."

Author: [David the Copyist]
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: Amsterdam
Layout: Text within lined penciled rules; average of 23 lines of text per page.
Script: Rashi Hebrew script in black ink.
Binding: Stiff vellum; remnant of blue and white paper spine label.
Additional description: Gift inscription, leaf 1b. Pages numbered in Arabic.

Contents:
- ff. 1b: Inscription;
- ff. 2b: The life story of Moses Uri ha-Levi of blessed memory from Amsterdam;
- ff. 2a-8a: Biography of Moses Uri ha-Levi.

Box 1

Manuscript no. 7 Sefer sod ha-Shem ... [et al.] / The secret of the Lord book ... [et al.] [1745-1828]

Physical Description: 126 leaves : paper ; 155 × 93 (133 × 85) mm. bound to 160 × 198 mm.

Scope and Content Note

This text is comprised of two parts. The first part is a printed work, Sefer sod ha-Shem, by David ben Aryeh Leib, of Lida (Amsterdam, 1745). David was a Lithuanian rabbi who moved to Amsterdam and became a leader of the Ashkenazic community there. He was the author of many works, some of which were printed posthumously. Printed in vocalized Hebrew letters and Rashi script, on the subjects of benediction, Jewish liturgy and circumcision. Bound with the printed work is the manuscript journal of Avraham Samel (ff. 62), a Dutch or German circumciser, with entries dated 1812-1828. The records are written in Hebrew and German (Latin letters); possibly incomplete.

Author: David ben Aryeh Leib, of Lida, ca. 1650-1696
Language: Text in Hebrew and German
Origin: [Amsterdam]
Layout: The printed text of Sefer sod ha-Shem varies in size and format, with up to three columns of text per page. The journal has five entries per page, with three lines of text per entry.
Script: Printed text in Hebrew and Rashi script; manuscript in cursive Hebrew and German. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Brown leather, stamped in gilt on cover and spine. White, green and red endpapers, gilt edges.

Contents:
- Part 1:
  - ff. 3a: Title page;
  - ff. 4a: Preface;
  - ff. 5a-12a: Secrets of the Lord;
  - ff. 12a-19b: Food blessings;
  - ff. 21a: Covenant of the Lord.
- Part 2:
  - ff. 32a: Different methods of stopping the blood flow in circumcision;
  - ff. 33b: Introductory note by the circumciser;
  - ff. 32b-76a: Records of circumcision;
  - ff. 76b-126: Blank.

Box 1

Manuscript no. 8 [Liturgies] [between 16--? and 17--?]

Physical Description: 79 leaves : paper ; 138 × 99 (126 × 80) mm. bound to 143 × 100 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Collection of writings including stories, poetry and melodic liturgies. Written in two hands, possibly by different authors and scribes, with occasional charts and small illustrations (ff. 22b, 23a, 73b, 79b).

Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 22 lines of text per page.
Binding: Brown stamped leather over wooden boards.

Contents:
- ff. 2a: Preface;
- ff. 3a-71a: Poetry and liturgy;
- ff. 72a-79b: 'Ḳ'tzat sayad Yosef."

Box 1

Manuscript no. 9 [Rectifications] [1816?]

Physical Description: 18 leaves : paper ; 160 × 100 (135 × 70) mm. bound to 161 × 101 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Descriptive work about the deeds of the congregation in Izmir, [Turkey?] (ff. 3b). Appears to be a complete eyewitness account emphasizing the wrongdoings of congregation members and the amendments thereof, in thirty-two sections labeled 1 (aleph) to 32 (lamed-bet). The notation "Bel'a l-netzah" (ff. 18a) possibly indicates the date, 1816.

Author: Uzziel, Moshe
Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Text in ruled pencil margins; average of 24 lines of text per page.
Script: Cursive Hebrew.
Binding: Brown and yellow paper wrappers.

Box 1

Manuscript no. 10 Pilpul 'al zman zmanim zmaneihem / Polemic of the time of times and their times [between 1902-1908?]

Physical Description: 68 leaves : paper ; 155 × 110 ( 133 × 91) mm. bound to 160 × 115 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Satire on the laws of Christians. Published in London in 1908 (see Chabad Library Hebrew catalog, http://www.chabadlibrary.org/catalog/C50/C50126.HTM ).

Author: [Raffe, Jonah]
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Parma, Italy?]
Layout: Average of 12 lines of text per page.
Binding: Blue, black, and white marbled paper over boards; cloth spine.
Additional description: German inscription on front endpapers.

Contents:
- ff. 1a-55b: Discourse;
- ff. 56a-68: Blank leaves.

Box 2

Manuscript no. 1 Beit Yehudah / House of Judah 1882

Physical Description: 47 leaves : paper ; 198 × 157 (182 × 135) mm. bound to 202 × 165 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Midrashic commentary on the Torah. It begins with Genesis 1 and ends with Deuteronomy, though it appears incomplete. Written in one hand, possible multiple authors.

Author: Yehuda Ben Ben Tziun from Lazdi
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Lithuania]
Layout: Average of 19 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew cursive in fine black ink, with a strong slant. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Half leather binding, with green and black speckled paper over boards.
Additional description: Pages are numbered by Hebrew letters, beginning on leaf 3a.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Illustrated title page, "Beit Sh'''ni; Beit Yehudah; Etz Haim";
- ff. 2a-2b: Preface. The giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and its significance to Israel and man;
- ff. 3a-46a: Commentary.

Box 2

Manuscript no. 2 [Unidentified manuscript] [between 18--? and 1950]

Physical Description: 89 leaves : paper ; 197 × 154 (170 × 110)

Scope and Content Note

Incomplete, unbound manuscript written in a specialized Hebrew script, possibly a form of later Judeo-Arabic, as suggested by the use of the Arabic definite article marker. Contents unknown.

Language: Text in Judeo-Arabic dialect
Layout: Average of 16 lines per page.
Script: Hebrew script written in fine black ink. Sephardi.
Additional description: Blind stamp, "Bath" impressed on the bottom left corner of most leaves.

Box 2

Manuscript no. 3 He lecha be' kitzur halacḥot heter ve-isur / Summary of Jewish laws on permission and prohibition [18--?]

Physical Description: 14 leaves : paper ; 218 × 149 (165 × 110) mm. bound to 220 × 156 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Jewish law, and resolutions and customs for animal cleanliness and slaughter. Contains two chapters: Halakh b-kitzur, brief descriptions of the laws themselves and Seder ha-nikkud be-kitzur, the process validating the animal's health (necessary for it to be kosher). Both chapters discuss statues on cleanliness in specific detail to body parts. May be part of a larger work, as the pagination starts at 30 (lamed).

Language: Text in Hebrew and Italian
Origin: [Italy?]
Layout: Average of 25 lines of text per page.
Binding: Stiff paper boards stamped in a green and gold floral motif.

Contents:
- ff. 1b: Inscription in Italian;
- ff. 2a-10b: Halach b-kituzr: The gullet, jaw, placebo, bowels, lungs, etc., also directions on what to do if cattle is pressed or eats poison, etc.
- ff. 11: Seder ha-nikkud be-kitzur: 10 concise points, including discussion of the head, forearm, shoulder, loin, spleen, kidney, etc.

Box 2

Manuscript no. 4 [Homilies] [19--?]

Physical Description: 2 v. (58, 73 leaves) : paper ; 210 × 163 (183 × 157) mm. bound to 214 × 167 mm., 246 × 183 (215 × 180) mm. bound to 246 × 184 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Two volumes of weekly homilies dealing with the Torah portion read on that week. Volume 1 includes Genesis to Numbers, though three Parashot are not included for Numbers. The scribe skips Balaḳ, and the last two readings, Maṭot and Mas'ei, are also not included. Volume 2 is on Deuteronomy, though it does not include Parashah Vezot.

Author: Glassberg, Benyamin Shlomo
Language: Text in Hebrew and Yiddish
Layout: Vol. 1 has an average of 19 lines of text per page; vol. 2 has an average of 22 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew script in blue ink, with corrections in pencil. Ashkenazi.
Bindings: Composition booklets.

Contents:
- Volume 1:
  - ff. 3a-16a: Genesis. Parashot: Bereshit, Noaḥ, Lekh Lekha, VaYera, ḥayey Sarah, Toledot, VaYetse, VaYishlakh, VaYeshev, MiKets, VaYigash, and VaYeḥi;
  - ff. 17a-32a: Exodus. Parashot: Shemot, VaEra, Bo, BeShalakh, Yitro, Mishpaṭim, Terumah, Tetsaveh, Ki Tisa, VaYaḳhel, and Peḳudey;
  - ff. 33a-46a: Leviticus. Parashot: VaYiḳra, Tsav, Shemini, Tazrỉa, Metsoŕa, Aḥarey [Mot], ḳedoshim, Emor, BeHar, and Beḥuḳotai;
  - ff. 47a-58a: Weekly Torah readings in Numbers. Parashot: BeMidbar, Naso, BeHảalotekha, Shlaḥ, ḳoraḥ, ḥuḳat, Pinchas.
- Volume 2:
  - ff. 1a: Personal preface with reasons for writings in Yiddish, and the author's signature;
  - ff. 2b: List of subscribers;
  - ff. 3a-59a: Deuteronomy. Parashot: Devarim, VaEtḥanan, ۢEkev, Rểۢeh, Shofṭim, Ki Tetse, Ki Tavo, Nitsavim, VaYelekh, Hẳۢazinu, and HaBeraḥah.

Box 2

Manuscript no. 5 Shirim pizmonim / Melodious poems [between 1759 and 1802]

Physical Description: 59 leaves : paper ; 224 × 156 (192 × 124) mm. bound to 233 × 157 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Thirty-six compositions, including commemorative works, poems and liturgy of request, thanksgiving, lament, and dirge. Among these is a commemorative piece celebrating the 100th birthday of Sir Moses Montefiore, partly translated into Ladino, and eulogia for other presumably prominent individuals. The author declares himself on the title page as "fond of the Hebrew language," and the text is comprised of mostly secular Hebrew works. Venṭura was the author of one published work, Imrot tehorut (Pure sayings), aimed at teaching children the Hebrew language. The table of contents indicates the poems were written between 1759 and 1802.

Author: Venṭura, Mimon Ben Yitzḥak
Language: Text in Hebrew and Italian
Origin: [Trieste, Italy?]
Layout: Text within ruled pencil lines; average of 28 lines of text per page.
Script: Neat Rashi Hebrew script and Italian in black and blue ink. Sephardi.
Binding: Brown cloth stamped decoratively in black and gilt, with the cover title "Poesie." Gilt edging and white silk end papers.
Additional description: Pencil inscription on front pastedown.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Title page;
- ff. 1b: Table of contents;
- ff. 2a-26a, 44b-59a: Assorted works and poems.

Box 2

Manuscript no. 6 [Letter and poems] [between 18--? and 1885]

Physical Description: 14 leaves : paper ; 220 × 161 (varium) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Fourteen loose leaves compiled in a folder. Each leaf has a different extent and content, but the collection includes prayers for Zion, wedding and circumcision liturgy with parts translated into Italian (Latin letters), and a liturgy on "shevَa hafṭarot" of consolation. A notable item is a single letter by Sir Moshe Montefiore to his publisher, wherein he acknowledges that he sends money for his book, dated 1880. Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1885 CE) is one of the greatest and best-loved statesmen and communal leaders in all of Jewish history; an Orthodox Sephardic Jew, Montefiore is best remembered as a philanthropist and advocate for the rights of oppressed Jews in Europe and the Near East.

Language: Text in Hebrew and Italian
Origin: Italy, Morocco

Contents:
- ff. 1-5: Liturgy;
- ff. 6: Wedding poem for David Hon, son of Rabbi Eliyahu Hon;
- ff. 7-9: Liturgy;
- ff. 10a: Liturgy for circumcision;
- ff. 11-12: Liturgy;
- ff. 13: A wedding note;
- ff. 14: Letter by Moses Montefiore.

Box 2

Manuscript nos. 7-8 Geschichte der familie Friedlander / A history of the Friedlander family [1920-1930?]

Physical Description: 2 v. (110, 111 leaves) : paper ; 292 × 209 (248 × 171) mm. bound to 294 × 217 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Two typewritten volumes on the Friedlander family. Volume 1 is a biographical narrative. Volume 2 is more detailed, and includes copies of correspondence.

Author: Friedlander, Siegfried
Language: Text in German
Origin: [Germany, Potsdam?]
Layout: Typescript, average of 39 lines of text per page.
Binding: Composition books.

Contents:
- Volume 1:
  - ff. 2-4: Preface;
  - ff. 4-13: Introduction, including mention of anti-Semitism;
  - ff. 13-17: Von meinen vorfahren (My ancestors);
  - ff. 17-18: Von meiner Urgrossmutter (My great-grandmother);
  - ff. 18-19: Family names;
  - ff. 20-53: Family history;
  - ff. 64-107: Von meinem vater (Of my father);
  - ff. 107-109: Von meinem mutter (Of my mother);
  - ff.109-111: Von Tante Rosel (Of Aunt Rosel).
- Volume 2:
  - ff. 1-111: Continued narrative on the Friedlander family.

Box 2

Manuscript no. 9 G'lei َamichtah / Revelations of the deep [18--?]

Physical Description: 315 leaves : paper, ill. ; 144 × 98 (113 × 65) mm. bound to 150 × 114 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Complete manuscript on Jewish mysticism, by the founder of modern Cabalah. Includes 50 chapters on statues concerning ancient man and the creation of worlds.

Author: Luria, Isaac ben Solomon, 1534-1572
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Southern Italy?]
Text: Average of 33 lines of text per page. Script: Mizraḣi Hebrew script used in southern Italy; black ink.
Binding: Half leather binding with brown marbled paper; simple tooling on spine.
Additional description: Illustrations on leaves 1b and 50a.

Contents:
- ff. 1a-2a: Introduction;
- ff. 2a-315b: Cabalah.

Box 2

Manuscript no. 10 [Prayer book] [between 18--? and 1950]

Physical Description: 51 leaves : paper ; 178 × 127 (154 × 87) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Muslim prayer book, with improper order of Koran verses in the beginning. Possibly Shiite (ff. 3b), with a note from the scribe on the final leaf. Incomplete.

Language: Text in Arabic
Layout: Text within ruled margins; average of 12 lines of text per page. Script: Arabic written in black, yellow, red and blue ink.

Box 2

Manuscript no. 11 َ Ekvei hatzon / Footprints of the flock [1904]

Physical Description: 49 leaves : paper ; 193 × 133 (165 × 115) mm. bound to 197 × 142 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Talmudic commentary on Masekhet Avot collected by Rabbi Aaron Michaelishak, from the prayer order "Avuda and Moreh Derech." UCLA's manuscript is a copy of Rabbi Moshe Shapira's version from Slavita, Italy (1823), as copied by Tsvi Hersh in Los Angeles, California. Themes in the prayer include the choiceness of Israel, redemption, Torah, upholding separateness, etc. It is a completed, neatly written work of 6 chapters.

Author: Michaelishak, Aaron
Scribe: Hersh, Tsvi
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: Los Angeles, California
Layout: Average of 20 lines of text per page.
Script: Rashi Hebrew script in black ink.
Binding: Black leather.
Additional description: Title page in blue, black and red ink.

Contents:
- ff. 2a: Title page;
- ff. 3a: Preface;
- ff. 4a-10a: Chapter 1 (aleph);
- ff. 10a-22b: Chapter 2 (bet);
- ff. 22b-34b: Chapter 3 (dalet);
- ff. 34b-41a: Chapter 4 (gimmel);
- ff. 41a-44b: Chapter 5 (heh);
- ff. 44b-48b: Chapter 6 (vav).

Box 3

Manuscript no. 1 Festeggiandosi nel tempio Israelitico di Genova il centesimo anno di vita / Celebrating a century of life in the Jewish temple of Geneva 1884

Physical Description: 8 leaves : paper, ill. ; 225 × 155 (200 × 125) mm. bound to 226 × 164 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Printed work with handwritten poems, Hebrew translations of speeches, and a watercolor illustration of the biblical Moses bound in. "Discorso ed inno del Rabbino Maggiore Felice Finzi." Published in celebration of Moses Montefiore's 100th birthday on October 26, 1884.

Author: Finzi, Felice
Language: Text in Italian and Hebrew
Origin: Geneva, Italy
Layout: Printed Italian text; handwritten Hebrew has an average of 30 lines of text per page, in columns.
Script: Neat Hebrew script with vocalization.
Binding: Red wrappers over stiff paper boards; embossed in gilt.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Title page;
- ff. 2a: Illustration of Moses;
- ff. 3a-4b: Speech in honor of Moshe Montefiore;
- ff. 5a: Poem in honor of Montefiore's birthday (Hebrew);
- ff. 6a-7a: Printed Italian version;
- ff. ff. 8a: Second poem in honor of Montefiore's birthday (Hebrew).

Box 3

Manuscript no. 2 Familien-aufzeichnungen niedergeschrieben[?] [und] fortgesetzt / Family notes [19--]

Physical Description: 136 leaves : paper ; 204 × 164 (181 × 135) mm. bound to 210 × 173 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Record of the author's family from the years 1869 to 1927. The first and largest section, in German (with occasional Hebrew phrases), is a detailed biographical narrative of the Adler family. The second section consists of eight eulogies to family members in Hebrew. The third section consists of a chart entitled "Fahrzeit-Tabella," possibly recording the names, dates and places of family deaths, written in German and Hebrew.

Author: Adler, Nathan
Language: Text in German and Hebrew
Origin: [Germany?]
Layout: Ruled paper; average of 23 lines of text per page.
Script: German (Latin letters) in cursive script; Hebrew written in black block script.
Binding: Half canvas composition booklet binding.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Author's note;
- ff. 2a-100b: Biography of family members, with family tree on ff. 6b-7a (page numbers marked 10-11);
- ff. 101a-129a: Blank pages;
- ff. 129b-134a: Eight poetic eulogies;
- ff. 135b-136a: A family chart tipped in, using Hebrew months, to record death dates.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 3 Ḳol ََanot / Voice of lament 1886

Physical Description: 83 leaves : paper ; 220 × 144 (185 × 110) mm. bound to 206 × 153 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Eulogia and tombstone epigraphs for various eminent Rabbis, including the Italian philologist, poet, and Biblical exegete Samuel David Luzzatto (ff. 28a). Most poems in both Hebrew and Italian. Dictated by Angelo Fornari. Completed manuscript in one hand.

Author: Fornari, Angelo
Scribe: Tanuri, Mordeḥai
Language: Text in Hebrew and Italian
Origin: Rome
Layout: Ruled pages, with 22 lines per page.
Script: Hebrew and Italian cursive.
Binding: Half canvas binding with brown, black and red wrappers over stiff paper boards.
Additional description: Some leaves have been cut from the manuscript.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Title;
- ff. 4a: Second title page;
- ff. 5a-83b: Elegies and epigraphs in Hebrew and Italian.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 4 Ḥidushim Beit YaḲov / Rectifications apropos the Congregation of Jacob [19--?]

Physical Description: 29 leaves : paper ; 192 × 139 (varium) mm. bound to 223 × 152 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Halakhic response for questions and answers regarding Jewish law, by the Very Rev. Rabbi Shemtob Gaguine, ecclesiastical chief of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews' congregations of England and principal of the Judith Montefiore Theological College, Ramsgate. Sections vary greatly in extent and completeness. The author's name is signed in ink throughout the manuscript. The text is in Hebrew, with sparse notes in Latin and Arabic letters.

Author: Gaguine, Shemtob, 1884-1953
Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Varied layout.
Script: Rashi Hebrew script in multiple hands.
Binding: Red, green, and purple Dutch marbled paper boards; white cloth spine.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 5 Ṭiv shemot giṭin ... / Legal form of names for divorces and betrothals ... 1873

Physical Description: 131 leaves : paper ; 195 × 127 (181 × 108) mm. bound to 201 × 137 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Printed work containing excerpts from Tiv giṭin, and various books on the practical laws of names and naming, as they relate to divorce and marriage. Manuscript pages are bound alongside the printed pages. The handwritten pages appear to be a record of divorces and betrothals, including the names of brides and grooms, personal details, and verdicts of the arbitrators. Many divorces are explained to be a result of men serving in the army. Printed work is complete.

Author: Karasik, Dov Baer, of Krolevetz, fl. 19th cent.
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: Vilna, Lithuania
Layout: Printed pages have average of 40 lines of text per page; manuscript pages have average of 33 lines of text per page.
Script: Printed Rashi script, handwritten Ashkenazi.
Binding: Burgundy cloth binding; detached spine.

Contents:
- ff. 1a-1b: Preface. Explains the political situations which give rise to divorces;
- ff. 2a-2b: Title page;
- ff. 3a-3b: Braḥat Ha-yamim;
- ff. 4a-5a: Table of contents;
- ff. 6a-46b: Section 1. Names of men;
- ff. 47a-70a: Section 2. Divorce rules;
- ff. 70a-104a: Section 3. Names of women;
- ff. 104a-108b: Section 4. A compilation of the names of towns and rivers, copied from the writings of Rabbi Baal Damesak Eliezer;
- ff. 108b-114a: Section 5. Congregation of Samuel and regulations;
- ff. 114a-122a: Comments by Rabbi Menachem Mendell, including names of men and women;
- ff. 122a-128a: Questions and responses;
- ff. 128a-130b: Amendments and remedies;
- ff. 131a-131b: Divorce, incomplete.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 6 Ḳ َarah kesef / Silver bowl 1814?

Physical Description: 23 leaves : paper ; 191 × 105 (137 × 73) mm. bound to 196 × 119 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Four poems from a father to his son, Samuel, in celebration of the son's wedding day. Mounted engraved frontispiece of French origin, illustrating a scene with Apollo, Minerva, and the Muses. Neatly written in one hand; fully vocalized.

Author: Ha ٴizuvi, Yosef
Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Text within ruled borders; average of 22 lines of text per page.
Script: Rashi Hebrew script, fully vocalized text.
Binding: Pink and green floral wrappers over stiff paper boards, blue cloth spine.

Contents:
- ff. 3a: Title page;
- ff. 3b: Introduction;
- ff. 4a: Mounted frontispiece;
- ff. 5a: Preface; start of first poem;
- ff. 5a-23a: Four poems.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 7 Yamim noraim t َ ḥinah / Supplemental prayer book for the days preceding the high holidays 1837

Physical Description: 37 leaves : paper, ill. ; 192 × 111 (150 × 85) mm. bound to 191 × 120 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Twenty-five prayers for the days preceding the high holidays, the "terrible days" of prayer. Includes liturgies for the New Year, Day of Atonement, Gate Closing and prayers confessing Lordship, Kingship, and authority. Floral illustration on leaf 36a.

Scribe: Kraus, David
Language: Text in Hebrew and Yiddish
Layout: Average of 29 lines of text per page.
Script: Decorative Yiddish and Hebrew in fine black ink. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Severely deteriorated blue, red, and cream marbled wrappers.

Contents:
- ff. 1b: Gift inscription;
- ff. 2a: Title page;
- ff. 3a: Preface in Yiddish by the scribe;
- ff. 4a-36a: Prayers;
- ff. 36a: Hand painted floral illustration;
- ff. 37a-37b: Table of contents.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 8 Evanim yَ Ḳarot / Precious stones 1878

Physical Description: 199 leaves : paper ; 159 × 94 (132 × 75) mm. bound to 165 × 114 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Collection of poetry by Belinfante, the great poet, writer, and preacher at the synagogue Etz Hayyim in Amsterdam, and precursor of the Haskalah movement (son of Elijah Hezekiah Belinfante). Most of the text is written in one hand, with the last section (ff. 191a-197a) in a second hand. Some poems have short introductions. Mounted frontispiece depicting an angel stopping Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac.

Author: Belinfante, Isaac, d. 1780
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: Amsterdam
Layout: Stanzas; average of 18 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew script in fine black ink. Sephardi.
Binding: Bound in contemporary cat's paw calf with gold tooling and two paper labels on spine; all edges stained blue.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 9 Masekhet Purim / Purim tractate [between 18--? and 19--?]

Physical Description: 15 leaves : paper ; 156 × 99 (114 × 76) mm. bound to 158 × 105 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Four chapters of parody on Purim. It discusses and justifies the mandate that everyone must enjoy themselves during the Purim holiday. Everyone, including women, slave, child, king and priest must laugh, eat, drink wine and play dice according to Jewish law. Copied from the original in the archive of Rabbi Bibran HaYerushalaymi, in Jerusalem (ff. 2a). Complete work, written neatly in one hand.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Morocco]
Layout: Text written within a ruled border; average of 15 lines per page.
Script: Hebrew block script, fully vocalized.
Binding: Faded green and pink wrappers with embossed floral design over stiff paper boards.
Additional description: Purple ink stamp on front endpapers.

Contents:
- ff. 2a: Title page;
- ff. 3a-8b: Chapter 1;
- ff. 8b-10a: Chapter 2;
- ff. 10-13b: Chapter 3;
- ff. 13b-15a: Chapter 4.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 10 Tlunot bَnei adam / The complaints of man 1827

Physical Description: 28 leaves : paper ; 156 × 95 (128 × 64) mm. bound to 150 × 95 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Copy of the melodies and liturgy used by the congregation Ḥevrat Tỏelet in Amsterdam. Dedicated to to Ḥaim Binger (ff. 1a), and to the congregation and members of Ḥevrat Tỏelet in Amsterdam. The manuscript is a complete work, written by one hand.

Author: [Visviah, Dov]
Scribe: Tel, Ziskind Levi
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: Amsterdam
Layout: Text neatly written with 2 pencil ruled margins on the right; average of 21 lines of text per page.
Script: Cursive Hebrew. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Speckled white and red wrappers.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Title page and dedication;
- ff. 2a-13b: Five works of liturgy.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 11 [Sermons] 1863

Physical Description: 95 leaves : paper ; 153 × 100 (120 × 95) mm. bound to 154 × 102 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Collection of religious disquisitions. It comments on the Creation in the book of Genesis, Ḥidushim, laws, sermons, homilies and lectures as well as the questions and answers thereof. There are 61 sections numbered from 2 - 62 (Bet - Sin/Bet). The manuscript is unfinished and the beginning of the original manuscript, section 1 (aleph), is missing. It is written in at least two different hands.

Author: Gordon, L.
Language: Text in Hebrew and Yiddish
Origin: Radichov, Poland [Ukraine]
Layout: Text written within printed blue lines; average of 16 lines per page.
Script: Cursive Hebrew in fine black and blue ink.
Binding: Yellow wrappers.
Additional description: Notations in pencil and ink on front cover. Yiddish appears sparsely throughout text.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 12 Ketubah shel Shavuَot / Contracts for the Feast of Tabernacles [between 17--? and 18--?]

Physical Description: 28 leaves : paper ; 143 × 97 (126 × 79) mm. bound to 142 × 101 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Collection of liturgies for Shavủot, or the Feast of Tabernacles. Contains four completed liturgical pieces written neatly in one hand. The liturgies appear to follow the order of prayer during Shavủ َot. The text emphasizes the marriage like contract (Ketubah) that was established between the Lord and Moses at Mount Sinai when the Ten Commandments were given to Moses.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Italy?]
Layout: Average of 13 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew block script.
Binding: Vellum over stiff paper boards.

Contents:
- ff. 2a-14a: Liturgy 1, written for the first day of the Giving of the Torah for Shavuۢot;
- ff. 14a-20a: Liturgy 2, written for the second day of the Giving of the Torah for Shavuۢot;
- ff. 20a-26a: Liturgy 3, written for the Giving of the Torah for Shavuۢot to the taking out of the Torah;
- ff. 27a-28a: Liturgy 4, untitled piece on receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 13 M َaseh gadol ve-norah min Rabbi Yosef Della Reina / The great and awesome tale of Rabbi Joseph Della Reina [between 17--? and 18--?]

Physical Description: 10 leaves : paper ; 205 × 156 (173 × 139) mm. bound to 207 × 159 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Short narrative about the goodness and strength of Rabbi Joseph Della Reina, a 15th century cabbalist. Secondary characters include the Rabbi's disciples, Elijah the Prophet, the Lord, and commonplace people like sheepherders and night guards. Completed work written in one hand.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 20 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew script in bold black ink. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Severely deteriorated wrappers with embossed floral motif.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 14 [Certificate ... et al.] 1843-1857

Physical Description: 8 leaves : paper ; 208 × 155 (165 × 116) mm. bound to 210 × 140 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Manuscript has two parts. Part 1 verifies that ItzḤak Eliah YeḤiel, son of Rabbi Moshe Yaḳov Bar Raphel, had successfully learned and performed a ritual slaughter according to its proper rules. Its authenticity is verified by the signatures of YitzḤak Benyamin Yair Partziyari, Menashe Eliah Shabtai Pantziyari, Elisha Yoel Mikhali and Rabbi Avraham David. Part 2 is an incomplete didactic piece about ritual procedure in a later Ashkenazi hand. It is incomplete.

Language: Text in Hebrew and Italian
Origin: Ancona, Italy
Layout: Part 1: average of 25 lines of text per page; Part 2: 35 lines from ff. 6a-7a.
Script: Hebrew in bold and fine ink; cursive Italian on ff. 3b. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Red wrappers.
Additional description: Oval green ink stamps throughout manuscript. Creased.

Contents:
- ff. 1a-4a: Four certificates of ritual slaughter for Yitzḥak Eliah Yekhiel;
- ff. 7a-8a: A teaching on the ritual slaughter of fowl.

Box 3

Manuscript no. 15 Mikhtav le-David / A letter to David 1744

Physical Description: 14 leaves : paper ; 202 × 140 (180 × 120) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Ḳorinaldi was an Italian rabbi and author. He wrote "Bet David" (House of David), on the Mishnah; at the end of that work are diagrams relating to certain halakic points, and showing considerable mathematical knowledge (Amsterdam, 1738-39). In one of the known manuscript collections of Ḳorinaldi's sermons, there is an article entitled "Dibre Shalom we-Emet" (see Jewish Encyclopedia, Corinaldi, David Ḥayyim). That manuscript contains comments against David Pardo, author of "Shoshannim le-Dawid," a text which had caused a conflict between the two rabbis. The letters to David described here are probably addressed to Pardo, as the text is dedicated "to the praise of our master and rabbi ... and in addition it is about Dibre Shalom we-Emet..." (ff. 1a). Copied from the Italian by Isaac Lampronti, an Italian rabbi and physician.

Author: Ḳorinaldi, Daṿid Ḥayim, d. 1771.
Scribe: Lampronti, Isaac Hezekiah ben Samuel, 1679-1756.
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: Rovigo, Italy
Layout: Average of 33 lines of text per page.
Script: Neat, fine Hebrew script.

Box 4

Manuscript no. 1 Sefer ha-praṬei kol / Book of all details 1919

Physical Description: 152 leaves : paper ; 308 × 191 (303 × 191) mm. bound to 318 × 218 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Journal containing eclectic subjects pertinent to Ha-Histadrut Ha־׳Ivrit (The Hebrew Association) and the its members. Content includes protocols of Yeshivas, copied documents, articles on the meaning of Judaism, Reformed Judaism, Talmud, Torah, Israel, Zionism, Socialism, the effects of the Byzantine Empire on Judaism, and Christianity. There are also drafts of literature, and poems and prose in Hebrew and Yiddish. Portions of the manuscript appear to have been copied from other sources. The manuscript has multiple authors and is written in at least two different hands. with some marginalia. The manuscript appears to have been produced by Agudah Ḥovevei ֨Ivrit Di-Plainfield; probably Plainfield, New Jersey.

Language: Text in Hebrew and Yiddish
Origin: [Plainfield, New Jersey]
Layout: Text on printed lined paper; average of 37 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew script written in black and blue ink.
Modifications of text almost all in pencil. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Cream canvas wrappers over boards with red tips; stamped in black; raised bands on spine.

Contents:
- ff. 1b-37b: Thirty-three entries dated 1919 June 12 to 1920 July 24. Includes prose, poetry, a list of addresses and names, and drafts to an introduction;
- ff. 38a-38b: Preface to Ha-Sefer Ha-Levi no. 2;
- ff. 38b-43a: Several pages of Ha-Sefer Ha-Levi no. 2;
- ff. 43a: Poem(s), El ha-ḥolmim (To the sick);
- ff.43b-44a: A discussion about Jewish obligations;
- ff. 44b: On the idea of work;
- ff.45a: Six terse paragraphs on Socialism;
- ff.46a: Poem, addresses Israel, Zion, etc.;
- ff. 46b: Three paragraphs on ethics;
- ff. 48a-51a: On reformed Judaism;
- ff. 52b-76b: On defining Judaism;
- ff. 77a-81b: On religious groups in Israel;
- ff. 82a-88b: On the Destruction of the Temple, the Talmud period and the first Christians;
- ff. 88b-89a: On the Mishnah;
- ff. 89b-90b: On Jews and Christians in the time of Constantine;
- ff. 91a-91a: On the Talmud;
- ff. 92a: A list of names from Beit Hilel;
- ff. 92b: Julian the Atheist and the Jews;
- ff. 92b-93a: A survey of the Jewish situation after the Talmud;
- ff. 94a-94b: A general look on the people of Israel, the Destruction, and the Diaspora;
- ff. 95b: On the Battle between Jews and Christians;
- ff. 96a-97b: Further discussion on the Jewish situation;
- ff. 98a: On the role of Hebrew literature ;
- ff. 98b: On the first poets;
- ff. 99a: On explaining the Talmud;
- ff. 99b-100b: On the beginnings of objections to the Torah and the Talmud;
- ff. 101a-116a: Religious discourse and essays;
- ff. 116a-140b: Poems;
- ff. 141a-152b: 12 leaves clipped to the manuscript, dated 1884 and 1915 March 22. Poems, letters, and receipts by Eliah Rabbah.
- Back pastedown: Table of contents for poems.

Box 4

Manuscript no. 2 [Tree of life ... et al.] [between 16--? and 1800]

Physical Description: 383 leaves : paper ; 320 × 193 (255 × 151) mm. bound to 338 × 226 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Jewish Kabalah and mysticism. The manuscript has two sections, both containing a number of writings and excerpts from other books, including commentaries about the Zohar, Sefer ha-gilgulim, Safra d-tź֨nit ֨ua by Isaac ben Solomon Luria, and chapter 3 of Nof etz Ḥaim. The manuscript is incomplete and appears to be written by multiple hands.

Author: Vital, Ḥayyim ben Joseph, 1542 or 3-1620
Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 38 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew script in fine black ink. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Red and black wrappers over boards with a burgundy canvas spine; black fore-edge.
Additional description: Illustrations on ff. 244a, 245b. Some pages show evidence of conservation.

Contents:
- ff. 1-208b: Section 1, Pri ՛՛՛֨ۢetz ḥaim;
- ff. 209a-383b: Section 2, ՛՛՛֨ۢ Etz ḥaim.

Box 5

Manuscript no. 1 [Talmud : commentary] [18--?]

Physical Description: 173 pages : paper ; 340 × 213 (335 × 210) mm. bound to 342 × 222 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Collection of finished and unfinished commentary for the Talmud. The text was written in multiple hands over an extended period of years. Includes a homiletic discussion between Ashkenazi Rabbis in Jerusalem (ff. 150), written in one hand: "The wise Rabbi Shlomo Levi the Sephardi asked me..." (ff. 153a). Also, "Yerushat Eretz Israel" (ff. 169a) and discourses on inheritance.

Author: [Hurvitz, Tsvi Hirsh Ben-Pin?as?]
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Germany]
Layout: Average of 50 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew script written in black ink. Ashkenazi.
Binding: Severely deteriorated brown leather binding; exposed spine.

Box 5

Manuscript no. 2 [Bible : Torah] [between 16--? and 18--?]

Physical Description: 155 leaves : paper ; 265 × 204 (230 × 135) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Manuscript copy of the first three books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus. The last verse of the unfinished manuscript is Leviticus 27:13. It appears to be part of a larger multi-volume work recording the history of ancient Israel. According to the scribe, the first volume has five chapters, beginning with the creation of the world and ending with the death of Aaron the Priest. The preface cites dates of events and mentions the contents of the missing volumes. The text is vocalized with cantation marks, with evidence of revisions and corrections (ff. 21a, 21b, 23a, 30a, etc.). Extensive marginalia written in a decorative zigzag formation.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Text written within decorative borders of marginalia; average of 20 lines of text per page.
Script: Main text in bold, block Yemenite script; marginalia in fine hand.
Additional description: Many pages have been mended and repaired; evidence of conservation.

Contents:
- ff. 1a-5b: Preface: four parts meticulously outlining the contents of the manuscript;
- ff. 6a: Title page of the first volume, with letter "aleph" and Aramaic "ḥadah";
- ff. 6b-155b: Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus (incomplete) with commentary.

Box 5

Manuscript no. 3 Sefer refaot / Medicinal book 1742

Physical Description: 63 leaves : paper ; 255 × 173 (220 × 139) mm. bound to 271 × 210 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Encyclopedic works on the medical value and applicability of natural spices, vegetation and foods, with reference to Arabic vocabulary for the terms. There are two different works on the same subject: Sefer refuot, and Sefer ha-ṭohar (Book of Purity). The first and more lengthy work has three complete parts and discusses a wide range of subjects, including food and the practice of medicine. The scribe states that it is a copy of a manuscript from the 11th century (ff. 59b), and signed his name on leaves 21b and 34a. The second work, written in a different hand, focuses on trees and their fruits. It has 2 parts and appears incomplete.

Scribe: Yehuda, Ben-Aharon
Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 31 lines of text per page.
Script: Yemenite Hebrew script in bold black ink.
Binding: Brown and red marbled paper over boards; red leather spine.
Additional description: The original title and chapter numbers have been erased (ff. 2a).

Contents:
- Part 1:
  - ff. 1a-21b: Encyclopedia of 22 sections listed from aleph (1) to tav (22) which give information about natural substances, such as pepper, clay, cinnamon, oil, and cactus. Natural substances are categorized according to name, so "pilpel" (pepper), for example, is under section "pe" ("P");
  - ff. 22a-34a: Review of how sick or wounded peoples, including Rabbis, were treated with natural medicines;
  - ff. 35a: List of 30 vegetables and shrubs with short descriptions;
  - ff. 36a-59b: Encyclopedia of 22 sections listed from aleph (1) to tav (22) which give information about foods;
  - ff. 59b: Scribe's note, stating the manuscript he copied was completed on the 6th day of Nisan in the year 1047.
- Part 2:
  - ff. 60a: Author's note;
  - ff. 63b: A list giving information about trees and their fruits;
  - ff. 63b: Sefer ՛֨ۢarugat ha-boshem (Flowerbeds of fragrance). Incomplete with only one introductory paragraph.

Box 6

Manuscript no. 1 [Commonplace book] [191-?]

Physical Description: 240 leaves : paper ; 222 × 125 (175 × 113) mm. bound to 212 × 137 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Journal of Joseph Beìnoliel, a poet, writer, prominent member of the Jewish communities in Portugal and Morocco. Contains rhetorical speeches, poems and essays in Spanish, French, and Hebrew, including two copies of a speech in Hebrew entitled "Mlitza l-sefer ḳahelet," and a poem in Hebrew entitled "Tzion Halo Tishali Li-shlom Asiraik," with a Spanish translation. The majority of the essays are French, such as "La chute du temple," "La chute des feuilles," and "La chute de Satan." Written in one hand at different times, and possibly different locations. Many works have several versions and/or rough drafts, and also loose translations.

Author: Bénoliel, Joseph
Language: Text in Spanish, French and Hebrew
Origin: Lisbonne, Portugal ; Tangier, Morocco
Layout: Average of 22 lines of text per page.
Script: Spanish and French in Latin letters, Hebrew written in fine black ink with editing in pencil and pen.
Binding: Half canvas faux-leather binding, with black and red speckled paper over boards.
Additional description: Extensive editing and notations, several pages cut out; page numbers begin from the left to accommodate non-Hebrew works.

Contents:
- ff. 1a-5a: Spanish poem, "Raquel llorando la perdida de sus hijos" (Raquel is mourning the loss of her children);
- ff. 6a-10a : Hebrew document sent by Felix Qareca for the author to translate;
- ff. 11b-17b: Thirty four poems in Spanish with a modest translation into Hebrew for the first five poems;
- ff. 18a-160a: Essays in French
- ff. 179b-237b: Two versions of a Hebrew speech, "Mlitza le-Sefer ḳahelet";
- ff. 238a-240b: Miscellany.

Box 6

Manuscript no. 2 [Eulogy to Rabbi Haim Avraham Yakov Israel] [between 16--? and 1800]

Physical Description: 4 leaves : paper ; 167 × 108 (153 × 90) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Prayer for Rosh Hashanah.

Author: Viṭerbi, Mordeḥai Raphel Samson Tzemaḥ
Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Italy]
Layout: Average of 18 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew block script in fine black ink.

Box 6

Manuscript no. 3 [Joseph Bénoliel papers] 1892-1954

Physical Description: 121 leaves : paper ; various extents

Scope and Content Note

Unbound assortment of manuscripts and printed material by different authors, relating to the work of Joseph Bénoliel. Collection contains personal letters, formal memos, original poetry, discussions, records and school notes. There are 20 sets of unattached leaves, 1 set of 6 unattached leaves with marked page numbers, and 5 manuscripts.

Language: Text in French, Spanish, Portuguese and Hebrew
Origin: Lisbonne, Portugal

Box 6

Manuscript no. 4 [Jewish law : questions and answers] [between 17--? and 18--?]

Physical Description: 102 leaves : paper ; various extents

Scope and Content Note

Unbound assortment of manuscripts, documents, and letters written by different Rabbis in Italy. Predominately questions and answers relating to Jewish law, and also a few dirges. Most of the collection is written in Hebrew. Authors include Yoseph Ergas, Yoseph Fiameta, Avraham David Vivanti, MordeḤai Raphel Samson TsemaḤ Viterbo, David Avraham ItsḤaḳ HaKohen, "Solomon" Basan Nathan son of Rabbi Ezriel Joel Finkerl, Ephraim Yoseph Rimini, Ishmael Kohen, and Avraham David Papu.

Language: Text in Hebrew and Italian
Origin: Italy
Script: Hebrew and Italian cursive, written in fine black ink.

Box 6

Manuscript no. 5 Tehilim le-yom ha-shabat kerekh aleph / Liturgy for Sabbath 1911

Physical Description: 36 leaves : paper ; 223 × 139 (206 × 105) mm. bound to 232 × 152 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Liturgy for Shabbat, written neatly in a large font by one scribe. It is volume 1 of a two-volume set (volume 2 may be found in the Cummings Collection of Hebrew Manuscripts (Collection 828), box 12, ms 9). A photograph of a woman is mounted on the front endpapers.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Morocco]
Layout: Text is within ruled impressions; average of 9 lines of text per page.
Script: Large Ashkenazi block script in bold black ink.
Binding: Black leather binding.

Box 6

Manuscript no. 6 Mishnayot / Verbal doctrines 1909

Physical Description: 43 leaves : paper ; 225 × 139 (190 × 103) mm. bound to 220 × 143 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Instructions for cleanliness according to Jewish Law, quoting often from Rabbi Yehudah. Text is divided into three parts. Part 1, Dmai perek bet, deals with diet and dress. Part 2 deals with washing and purity laws. Part 3 deals with preparation laws on the eve of Sabbath. Written neatly in a large font by one scribe.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: [Morocco]
Layout: Text is within ruled impressions; average of 9 lines of text per page.
Script: Large Ashkenazi block script in bold black ink.
Binding: Black leather binding.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Title page and table of contents. "V-aelu ha-dvarim" (And these are the words) refers to Part 1; "Zeۢat batim" (Sweat of peoples) refers to Part 2; "ḥavit sh՛֨ۢnishbrah" (Vessel that was broken) refers to Part 3;
- ff. 2a-11a: Part 1, "Dmai pereḳ bet" (Our blood);
- ff. 12a-31a: Part 2, "Maḥshirin pereḳ aleph" (Preparatory acts);
- ff. 32a-42a: Part 3.

Box 6

Manuscript no. 7 Ḳabalat Shabat / Liturgies welcoming the Sabbath 1911

Physical Description: 64 leaves : paper ; 206 × 129 (191 × 102) mm. bound to 214 × 134 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Collection of liturgies for recitation on Friday evenings, marking the beginning of the Sabbath. The order appears to be arranged according to the Ashkenazi Hasidic custom. Ff. 41-43 are intended for the reader to iterate. Manuscript contains "Raza D'Shabat" (Mystery of Shabat).

Language: Text in Hebrew and Aramaic
Origin: [Morocco]
Layout: Text is within ruled impressions; average of 9 lines of text per page.
Script: Large Ashkenazi block script in bold black ink.
Binding: Black leather binding with brown cloth spine; spine partially exposed.

Box 7

Manuscript no. 1 Dimَei k-maَyan / My tears as a fountain [between 16-- and 18--?]

Physical Description: 187 leaves : paper ; 238 × 117 (200 × 85) mm. bound to 246 × 133 mm.

Scope and Content Note

110 poems of praise and redemption originating from a Yemenite community in Europe. Complete, and written in one hand.

Language: Text in Hebrew and Arabic-Judeo dialect
Layout: Average of 20 lines of text per page.
Script: Yemenite script in bold black ink.
Binding: Brown leather, blind stamped, with leather ties; pink, purple and blue endpapers.
Additional description: Evidence of mending and conservation.

Contents:
- ff. 3a-7b: Introduction;
- ff. 9a-185a: Poems;
- ff. 185b: Miscellany.

Box 7

Manuscript no. 2 [Literagy for the Jewish High Holy days] [between 16--? and 18--?]

Physical Description: 50 leaves : paper ; 248 × 160 (195 × 120) mm. bound to 254 × 184 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Commandments and liturgy for the Jewish High Holy Days. The order of liturgies is particularly interesting. Complete and written in one hand.

Scribe: Yaḳov ḥiraḳ, Yosef
Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 22 lines of text per page.
Script: Yemenite script in bold black ink.
Binding: Brown leather tooled binding with leather ties.
Additional description: Leaves show evidence of mending and conservation.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Introduction;
- ff. 2a-6a: Commands and prohibitions in honor of Rabbi Solomon Ben Gabriel;
- ff. 7a-22a: Prayers from the beginning of the month of Alul to the Day of Atonement;
- ff. 22b-34b: Seven days of Hoshanot prayers till Succoth;
- ff. 34b-40a: Prayers for Simḥat Torah;
- ff. 40a-43b: Brakha Le-Rabim;
- ff. 44a-44b: Tiḳun Ha-ṭal for the first day of Passover;
- ff. 44b-45b: Tiḳun Ha-Geshem for Shmini ۢAtzeret;
- ff. 46a-49a: A song for the Blowing of the Sofar;
- ff. 49b-50b: Vows for the evening of Rosh HaShanah.

Box 7

Manuscript no. 3 Drashot / Homilies [between 16--? and 18--?]

Physical Description: 45 leaves : paper ; 205 × 148 (165 × 111) mm. bound to 219 × 159 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Excerpts of separate sermons and weekly Torah readings, sewn together. Written in multiple hands; many excerpts appear incomplete.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 27 lines of text per page.
Script: Varies.
Binding: Black and red marbled paper over boards, brown cloth spine.
Additional description: The script of ff. 8a-13b resembles the semi-cursive Sephardi script found in manuscripts from Toledo, Spain in the 15th century. Dealer's description, dated 1954, laid in.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Title page;
- ff. 2a-2b: Sermon for day two of Sukot;
- ff. 3b-4a: Toldot Itzḥak;
- ff. 8a-13b: Parashat toledot naḥ, Parashat va-year elav;
- ff. 15a-15b: Discourse on Jacob;
- ff. 18a-18b: Parashat lekh lekha;
- ff. 21a-21b: Unidentified;
- ff. 24a-24b: Discourse on King Hosea;
- ff. 26a-29b: Parashat toledot itsḥaḳ, Parashat lekh lekha;
- ff. 32a-32b: Discourse on Jacob;
- ff. 35a-38b: Unidentified;
- ff. 41, 44: "Rabbi Itzḥaḳ Ashkenazi."

Box 7

Manuscript no. 4 Tirgum ha-HafṬarot / Collection of the HafṬarot 1941

Physical Description: 95 leaves : paper ; 239 × 175 (180 × 126) mm. bound to 246 × 184 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Manuscript on Hafṭarot of the Torah and Festivals from a reform community in Europe. It contains Haftarot for the entire year, including holidays and intermissions, for Tish֨ah B՛՛֨av, for Shabat Rosh Hashanah and MaḤar Ḥodesh. There are some differences from the Ashkenazi tradition, particularly in the content, "Hafṭarat ṭahora" instead of "Hafṭarat Metsora" (ff. 36b-37b) in Hafṭarat Numbers, and the order of festivals. Complete and fully vocalized, written beautifully in one hand. Note from the scribe on leaf 94a.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Origin: Europe
Layout: Average of 18 lines of text per page.
Script: Bold Ashkenazi script written neatly in black ink.
Binding: Wooden boards covered in severely deteriorated cloth; leather spine and leather ties. Pastedowns made of paper from the Daily Mirror, 1940.

Contents:
- ff. 1b-2a: Calendar of Jewish Holidays;
- ff. 2b: "Luaḥ l-shmonim shanah r'tzufim" (Calendar of 80 broken years), 1943- 2022;
- ff. 3a: Brakhot ha-Hafṭarah;
- ff. 4a: Title page;
- ff. 5a-19b: Hafṭarat Bereishit (Genesis);
- ff. 19b-33a: Hafṭarat Shemot (Exodus);
- ff. 33b-42a: Hafṭarat VaYiḳrah (Leviticus);
- ff. 42a-54a: Hafṭarat BeMidbar (Numbers);
- ff. 54a-65a: Hafṭarat Devarim (Deuteronomy);
- ff. 65a-93b: Hafṭarat for Festivals;
- ff. 94a: Note of copier with dedication;
- ff. 94b: Conclusion.

Box 7

Manuscript no. 5 Agadtah dَPasha / Passover Hagadah [between 16--? and 18--?]

Physical Description: 21 leaves : paper ; 175 × 115 (145 × 90) mm. bound to 186 × 128 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Homiletic literature for Passover. Incomplete, written in one hand, and fully vocalized.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 13 lines of text per page.
Script: Yemenite script.
Binding: Beige buckram binding; leather spine title stamped in gilt.

Contents:
- ff. 1a-19a: Homilies for Passover;
- ff. 19b: Discourse on burning leavened bread;
- ff. 20a-20b: Miscellaneous discourse regarding the sons of Asher.

Box 7

Manuscript no. 6 Maḥzor Teman / Prayer book from Yemen [between 16--? and 18--?]

Physical Description: 117 leaves : paper ; 181 × 108 (145 × 83) mm. bound to 192 × 123 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Compilation of liturgies for the Jewish High Holidays. Includes liturgies for the New Year, the Feast of Tabernacles, and Passover, with a lengthy list of prohibitive precepts at the end. Includes prayers by Rabbis Avraham Ben־׳ Ezra (ff. 30b) and Shlomo Ben-Gavriel (ff. 38b). It is written in one hand and appears incomplete.

Language: Text in Hebrew
Layout: Average of 22 lines of text per page.
Script: Yemenite script in bold black ink, with cantation marks.
Binding: Beige buckram binding; leather spine title stamped in gilt.

Contents:
- ff. 1a: Note of scribe;
- ff. 1b-8b: Baḳashot;
- ff. 9a-22b: Tefilat Rosh HaShanah;
- ff. 22b-30a: Tefilat Kipur;
- ff. 30a-38b: Seder ՛֨ۢAvodah;
- ff. 38b-50b: Keter Malkhut;
- ff. 50b-52a: Tefilat Neۢilah;
- ff. 52b-60b: Masekhet Yomah;
- ff. 61a-61b: Tefilat Sukot;
- ff. 62a-63b: Tefilat Shalosh Regalim;
- ff. 64a-75b: Hoshanot;
- ff. 76a-78b: Seder Ha֨ۢ ḳafot;
- ff. 78b-79b: Tiḳun Haṭal;
- ff. 79b-80b: Tiḳun HaGeshem;
- ff. 81a-85b: Simḥat Torah;
- ff. 85b-91a: Brakhat Rabim;
- ff. 91b: Agadta D'Pisḥa;
- ff. 92a-103b: Hagadah;
- ff.104a-104b: Tefilat Shavu֨ۢot;
- ff.105a-117b: Azharot.

Box 7

Manuscript no. 7 BeShem Raḥaman / For the Merciful One [between 15--? and 17--?]

Physical Description: 2 v. (132, 206 leaves) : paper ; ca. 330 × 217 (260 × 175) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Volume 1 contains weekly Torah readings with Haftarot for Genesis and Exodus. Each Hebrew verse is followed directly by an Aramaic translation of that verse. The Aramaic intertext of Genesis and Exodus appears to be that of Targum Onkelos. It is completed and written in one hand, fully vocalized. Volume 2 contains weekly Torah readings with Haftarot for Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, followed by holiday prayers. The content and order of the readings is of particular interest; for example, there is no "Vezot" in Deuteronomy, and "Hafṭarat Balaḳ" of Leviticus is not titled in the text. The Bible text appears to be Targum, i.e. an Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible, with linguistic features of both Hebrew and Aramaic. Occasional corrections and edits. Completed and written in one hand, fully vocalized.

Language: Text in Aramaic and Hebrew
Layout: Average of 30 lines of text per page.
Script: Hebrew script written in bold black ink.
Additional description: Beginnings of new reading are marked with small illustrations. Occasional notes in pencil.

Contents, volume 1:
- ff. 2a: Preface;
- ff. 3a-70a: Genesis;
- ff. 70a-131b: Exodus.
Contents, volume 2:
- ff. 1a-55a: Leviticus;
- ff. 55a-121a: Numbers;
- ff. 121a-182a: Deuteronomy;
- ff. 182b-205b: Holy days.