Manuscript, Tafsir Pirkei Avot, Azharot and Akedat Yitzchak. [Persia, 19th century]. Hebrew and Judeo-Persian.
Semi-cursive writing, partially with vowels. Frames illustrated with colored floral and leaf patterns. On the last page is an illustrated decorative leaf with flowers, with the scribe's colophon: "The young and tiniest dust at the feet of all scribes, the writer Menashe ben A. A. Shlomo M' Elazar".
The manuscript includes a Tafsir (Judeo-Persian exegesis) on Pirkei Avot by the Chacham Mula Siman Tov Melamed [with the version of the Mishna, with vowels]; followed by three Tafsirim of the 34, Piyutim of the “Azharotâ€: The first, a Tafsir on the “Azharot†of Rabbi Shlomo Ibn Gabirol (beginning with “Shmor Libi Ma’aneâ€), by the Chacham Shmuel [ben Pir Achmad]. The second, Tafsir on the original Piyut “Azharot†written by the Mula Siman Tov Melamed (begins with: “BaChodesh HaShlishiâ€). The third, another Tafsir on the “Azharot†of Ibn Gabirol, by the Chacham Binyamin ben Mishael , called also “Aminaâ€. The Tafsir of “Akedat Yitzchak†follows by the same Chacham “Aminaâ€.
The Tafsirs of Azharot include the Hebrew version of the Piyut, with a Judeo-Persian translation and explanation.
36-121, [6], 128-129 leaves. [6] leaves at the end are a replacement from a later time. 20 cm. The leaves are in varied conditions; fair-good. Stains, moisture traces and wear. Tears on several leaves (with damage to the text). Several loose or detached leaves. Original leather binding, worn and damaged.