Manuscript
Seder Kavanos for Shabbos Prayers and Discourses from the Arizal
Eastern Europe, Mid to Late 18th Century
A fine Ashkenazi manuscript from the mid to late 18th century, containing kavanos (mystical intentions) for Shabbos prayers and meals, based on ‘Pri Etz Chaim’ by Rabbi Chaim Vital.
Leaves 1–3 contain a discourse titled "A drush on the moon’s decline and its eventual restoration, from the Ari, of blessed memory" – originating from ‘Pri Etz Chaim’, Sha’ar Purim. However, there it is attributed to Rabbi Chaim Vital, while here it is attributed directly to the Ari.
On folio 62b, there is an illustration depicting the arrangement of the twelve loaves on the Shabbos table according to the teachings of the Ari.
Ownership inscriptions appear on the flyleaves, indicating that the manuscript belonged to individuals from various cities in Western Ukraine, including the renowned chassidic center of Zlotchov (see below).
Eastern Europe, mid to late 18th century. Page count: 86 leaves, approx. 165 pages (some pages are blank).
Size: 9.5 × 15.5 cm.
Condition: Small holes along the margins, new binding with spine and corners made of parchment.
Ownership inscriptions at the beginning and end of the manuscript:
- "Belonged to Moreinu HaRav Avraham Moshe Bran Berger"
- "The humble Avraham Moshe, son-in-law of Rabbi Baruch Chassid zt"l of Zalishchyky" (and on the last page he signs: “Avraham Moshe, son of my father and teacher, Rabbi Eliyahu Chaim, zt"l”)
- "The kavanos for Shabbos prayers belong to the distinguished rabbi, Rabbi Mordechai Bertz of Zlotchov"
