Be'er Mayim Chaim and Mekor Chaim by Rabbi Chaim Ovadya. Thessaloniki, [1546]. Only edition.
A Kabbalistic work, with many sections of the Zohar and of Midrash HaNe'elam. The work is divided into four sections but only two were printed: The first, Etz Chaim on eating, drinking and the blessings of Netilat Yadayim, HaMotzi and Seder HaSeuda. The second, Mekor Chaim (printed with a separate title page), about reciting the Kriyat Shema al HaMita, its explanation and its hidden meanings.
This book is rare due to the fact that it is nearly complete. (Even Gershom Shalom notes that he has never seen a complete copy). This copy lacks several leaves which have handwritten replacements: The last leaf of the first part is replaced with three handwritten pages, followed by another three handwritten pages with a "Song copied from the wondrous book Elkana". This is followed by a long detailed ownership inscription upon a whole page, that the book belongs to "Koaga David ben Binyamin [HaCohen]". Three pages of the index at the end of the book have handwritten replacements. On the last page, dated Cheshvan 1621 is another ownership inscription of David ben R' HaCohen Chavja.
[37] (should be [38]) leaves, [80] (should be [82]) leaves, 14.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Spotting. Tears reinforced with adhesive tape. Restored title page (parts missing). Wear and tear to margins of some leaves. Ancient parchment binding.