Emek HaMelech which clearly deciphers hidden mysteries, and commentary on the Zohar and the Ari”‘s books, by Rabbi Naftali son of Rabbi Yaakov [Bachrach]. Amsterdam, [1648]. First edition. First book ever printed on the Ar”i’s kabbalah.
On leaf 10,-9 (of the first pagination): Shaar Maaseh Nissim shel HaAr”i, z”l , a book praising the Ar”i, which was later printed on its own in many editions. With 12 ‘mishnayot’ containing details about the vessels of the Temple and their concealment. Many approbations including one by Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller author of Tosfot Yom Tov , Rabbi Shabtai Sheftil HaLevi Horowitz son of the Shela”h, and more.
The author, who was one of the sages of Frankfurt, immigrated to Safed and then returned to Frankfurt, bringing the Ar”i’s kabbalah with him to Ashkenaz. This is the first orderly composition of the Ar”i’s doctrine that was published; beforehand, only prayer books and Tikkunim were printed. Many kabbalists objected to the matter of the printing of the book itself, and to its content as well. Nevertheless, the book was studied by the greatest kabbalists of all times, who even cited it.
Extremely rare book. Referring to the copy before us, the well-known collector and scholar Yisrael Mehlman wrote: precious find.
21, 178 [should be: 180] leaves, 29.5 cm. Kabbalistic illustrations and sketches. Glosses in ancient script. Inscription in ancient script on the last leaf.
Fine condition. The title page and ten first leaves have been artistically restored with the completion of some text by photocopy. The rest of the leaves are in very fine condition.