Alternative Manuscript TitlesNew York, JTS, Ms. 436
Manuscript History
Origin
Date Information1663
Creation PlacesLondon (United Kingdom)
Physical Description
MaterialParchment
FormRotulus
Dimensions Description313.69 × 30.48
Content Description
SummaryThis Great Tree rotulus was copied by David Montpellier in London in 1663. The manuscript features a dating verse from the Torah portion Ekev, which Montpellier used as a double entendre to refer to both the tablets of Moses and the kabbalistic "luhot". The top half of the rotulus presents the Zacuto-Zemah Z module, concluding with an inscription that identifies the ground of Azilut as the footstool of the twelve parzufim. This witness is exceptionally rich in content, continuing with a visualization of the Trees of the Worlds (W) that extends through the end of Assiah. Its lower section is uniquely detailed, featuring a tower representing the seven levels of hell to the right of the central tree of Assiah and a demonic tree to its left. The seven holy palaces, arranged in a horizontal row of arches, anchor the lowermost part of the diagram.
Further Information
Research LiteratureJ. H. Chajes, The Kabbalistic Tree (University Park, PA: Penn State University Press, 2022), 196–200, 390.
Alternative Manuscript TitlesNew York, JTS, Ms. 436
Manuscript History
Origin
Date Information1663
Creation PlacesLondon (United Kingdom)
Physical Description
MaterialParchment
FormRotulus
Dimensions Description313.69 × 30.48
Content Description
SummaryThis Great Tree rotulus was copied by David Montpellier in London in 1663. The manuscript features a dating verse from the Torah portion Ekev, which Montpellier used as a double entendre to refer to both the tablets of Moses and the kabbalistic "luhot". The top half of the rotulus presents the Zacuto-Zemah Z module, concluding with an inscription that identifies the ground of Azilut as the footstool of the twelve parzufim. This witness is exceptionally rich in content, continuing with a visualization of the Trees of the Worlds (W) that extends through the end of Assiah. Its lower section is uniquely detailed, featuring a tower representing the seven levels of hell to the right of the central tree of Assiah and a demonic tree to its left. The seven holy palaces, arranged in a horizontal row of arches, anchor the lowermost part of the diagram.
Further Information
Research LiteratureJ. H. Chajes, The Kabbalistic Tree (University Park, PA: Penn State University Press, 2022), 196–200, 390.