The first of Rabbi Chaim Vital’s writings dealing with practical Kabbalah
Goral Kodesh – book on lots by the G-dly Kabbalist Rabbi Chaim Vital, brought to print from an antique manuscript by Rabbi Ya’akov Sapir HaLevi. Jerusalem, Yechiel Brill, Michel HaKohen and Yoel Moshe Bahara”m Press, 1863. First edition. Rabbinic signature in Oriental script at the top of the title page: “A”h Chaim Avraham …”
On the title page: With 256 questions on the 12 signs of the Zodiac and the seven planets. The angels appointed over the seven planets are also indicated here … the 12 signs … the secret of reincarnation to find out whose gilgul one is …
This sefer is designated for foreseeing the future and to answer almost any question whether related to marriage, business or other life events. Rabbi Chaim Vital details 256 questions that can be asked via the lots to receive a clear answer.
On the frontispiece: Sefer Goral Kodesh – also printed at the tops of the pages. Announcement on the back of the title page from the printer Ya’akov Sela”h (Ya’akov Sapir HaLevi), the famous traveller: “This sefer … has not yet been printed. It was hidden in a manuscript, in the possession of one of the yechidei segulah , incomplete. I found it with Hashem’s grace in a hidden … a complete, proofread manuscript with a title page and an introduction just as it was written by the author … I printed it nicely at a press just established in Tziyon …
Apparently the first sefer printed at the press of the partners Yechiel Bri”ll, Michel HaKohen and Yoel Moshe Salomon. Refer to Sh. HaLevi, in the introduction on the first printers in Jerusalem, p. 27, with a picture of the printing press with this sefer , and also page 36.
Sh. HaLevi, Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim 75.
[2], 1-44, 59-52 leaf. Approximately 16 cm. With a picture of the printing press and also a large drawing of the Temple Mount.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Blemishes and tears at the tops of the first leaves, affixed with tape for reinforcement.