Sefer Emek HaMelech is a fundamental Kabbalah Sefer, authored by Rabbi Naphtali Hertz Bachrach of Frankfurt.
Amsterdam, 1648. Emanuel Benveniste Press. First edition. Sefer Yesod. Marginalia.
This is the first work of the Arizal’s esoteric Torah teachings to be published. Seforim on Prayer and Tikkunim were published prior to this. Kabbalistic illustrations and sketches.
On Page 10, 1 (in the initial counting): Title page of ‘Ma’aseh Nissim of the Ari, this is a praiseworthy sefer of the Ari, printed later, on its own in many editions. With 12 ‘Mishnayot’ with details about the vessels of the Holy Temple and their hidden storage.
Emek HaMelech and its accompanying debate:
Sefer Emek HaMelech is a summary of the Ari’s Kabbalah teachings. Its printing aroused a great furor. The Ari’s disciple, Rabbi Chaim Vital was a vocal opponent of publishing these teachings. In contrast, Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller lent his endorsement to this book, as did the Shela’s son and others.
Rabbi Moshe Chagiz wrote that a more appropriate name would be ”Emek Habacha” instead of ”Emek HaMelech”.
The researcher, Rabbi Yosef Avivi, opines that Rabbi Naphtali Bachrach compiled a number of booklets into one complete, comprehensive and organized composition. However, this was not limited to the Ari’s teachings, but also included pamphlets of Rabbi Yisrael Saruk and Rabbi Yosef Ibn Tibol
No reason is given for the title name, although its numerical value is that of the family name ‘Hertz’.
Although originally from Frankfurt, the author travelled to Tzfat to study the Arizal’s Kabbalah teachings. He then returned to Germany where he was one of the first to disseminate Kabbalah teachings.
21, 178 [i.e.180] leaves. 30 Cm.
Overall in Very Good condition, water stains, 2 tiny holes to the title page, a few pages with processional restorations to margins, sumptuous new leather binding with owners name, matching slipcase.
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Lot #14