Chok L’Yisrael , Vayikra – segulah book (see discussion below). Livorno, 1951. Copy that belonged to the leading Kabbalist of the previous generation, Chacham Yitzchak Kadouri, from which he studied daily (as established by the Ar”i). Rabbi Kadouri even bound the book with his own hands, and on the back of the book (on the spine) Rabbi Kadouri wrote the book’s title himself “חק”ל [-חק לישראל] ויקרא” and even signed his name in initials “היכינ”י” [-ה’צעיר י’צחק כ’דורי נ’רו י’איר].
As is known, after Rabbi Kadouri’s ascent to the Land of Israel, he refused – for reasons known only to him – to accept any Torah position, and he made his living by binding books. He also bound his own personal books, and he would add his owner’s signature to them: “היכינ”י” [-ה’צעיר י’צחק כ’דורי נ’רו י’איר]. As with everything Rabbi Kadouri did, he also bound books perfectly. This can be seen from the book before us, where despite its many usage marks (as the essence of this book is its daily study) the binding and the writing on it are preserved in the best possible way. Another interesting detail: The book is lacking leaf 60, and Rabbi Kadouri added his own blank leaf there, apparently in order to complete what was lacking by hand.
According to Rabbi Chaim Vital, the Ar”i established the daily study of Chok L’Yisrael : “The Ar”i would read according this schedule each day when he returned from synagogue after he ate, wrapped in tallit and wearing tefillin.” Following his lead, leading Kabbalists and Admo”rs did likewise. The Rebbe R’ Elimelech of Lizhensk would study from it a lot, and this is the source of the Chassidic custom to study from Chok . Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev also expounded on the virtues of this study and wrote in his approbations that “It is a great mitzvah to study it consistently, every day, in the morning, to fulfill the mitzvah of establishing the Torah.”
Among Chassidim, it is considered a first-rate segulah book, and wondrous segulah for “children, health and sustenance” is attributed to its study. The Rebbe of Shinova interpreted this from the Gemara’s words “chok – this means sustenance” [“חק – לישנא דמזוני”] (Tractate Beitzah leaf 16). The Admo”r Rabbi Yoelish of Satmar attested that while studying Chok , he draws the responsa to the questions asked of him each day, and the tzaddik of Vilednick wrote according to a tradition from his teachers that it is a rectification for the blemish of the brit.
The Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Kadouri [1899-2006] knew and even saw the Ben Ish Chai. He studied Torah and kabbalah with the sages of Baval and of Jerusalem, where he ascended in 1922. In his first years in Jerusalem, he earned his livelihood binding books, and studied in the Beit El and Porat Yosef yeshivahs in the Old City. Over the years, his greatness in hidden wisdom became known, and many made their way to his home to ask for his blessing and counsel, and to receive amulets for salvation. He passed away in 2006 at the advanced age of over 100 years old, and tens of thousands of Jews from across the spectrum attended his funeral.
Fine-very fine condition: Many aging and usage stains. Special semi-leather binding made by the rabbi written and signed by him. Minimal abrasions on the binding.