Manuscript – “Ohr Yashar” – compilation and commentary of parts of verses from various places in Tana”ch, in which the beginnings or ends of the words spell out Hashem’s Names [שמות הוי”ה and others]. Autograph script by an early Kabbalist of unknown identity, an expert in Chochmat HaEmet . Cursive Italian script, several pages in Oriental script, possibly by another writer. [Italy, 17th/18th century]. This important manuscript has never been published.
Name combinations found in the initials of pesukim is an important branch of Kabbalah. The most well-known Name combinations are those used in prayer intentions during Mussaf of Rosh Chodesh, printed in most siddurim. There are also the combinations found in the verses in Megillat Esther, which does not mention Hashem except in hidden ways, through Name combinations, [such as in the verse “י’בוא ה’מלך ו’המן ה’יום” where the first letters of the words spell out Hashem’s Name (שם הוי”ה)].
As stated, the manuscript does not contain any details about the author, except for two hints: The author wrote another Torah work, as noted in several places: “As I mentioned in my other commentary on the Torah …” Page 18a. “Explained also in my other commentary on the Torah, about what is written above, but more at length …” on page 35b. There is also a note attached in the author’s son’s hand: “Ohr Yashar, Names that work out from the beginnings or ends of words, written by my father and teacher.”
The latest sefarim mentioned by the author were written in Italy at the beginning of the 17th century. These include: The Zohar (many times), Rash”i, Rabbeinu Bechayyei, Ba’al Ha Turim , HaTziyoni , Sha’arei Orah , Sha’arei Tzeddek , Reishit Chochmah , Kol Bochim al Eichah , Mar’ot HaTzov’ot al Nevi’im by the Alshich HaKadosh (printed in 1603), Kli Yakar al Nevi’im by the Mahara”sh Laniado (printed in 1603), Siftei Kohen by Rabbi Mordechai HaKohen of Safed (printed in 1605), Lev Aharon by Rabbi Aharon ibn Chaim (printed in 1609) and others.
[234] pages. 20 cm. Thick, high-quality Italian paper. Some of the leaves are especially thick + two paper cuttings.
Overall fine-very fine condition. Minimal aging stains. Ink smudges with lack in several letters, some artistically restored. Ink that seeped through to the other side of the page in several leaves. Worming perforation in several leaves, with professional paper completions. Antique parchment binding (not the original), with worming perforations.