Beschreibung:

Nevi'im Rishonim, Nevi'im Achronim and Ketuvim, with Rashi commentary. Amsterdam, [1653]. Three parts in one volume (separate title page for each part). Thousands of glosses on all pages in tiny neat Sephardi writing. Colophon at the end of the book by the writer of the glosses: "Blessed is the G-d of the Jewish People who gave me the merit of completing the commentary… Yichye son of Avraham Zabiv". [Cochin?, India, 19th century]. Most glosses were written in the margins, although some appear between the lines and between words. The thousands of glosses compose a complete comprehensive composition commenting on the explanation and grammar of the words of the Scripture. Most are short glosses and at times consist of a translation to various languages in vowelized transliterated Hebrew, prefaced by "In Malabar", " Malabar ", "Mal" [Malabar is a region in Southwest India, in which the city of Cochin in located and apparently, the writer is referring to the Malayalam language spoken there]; "In M.T", "M.T." [Malabar-Tamil?]; "In a foreign language", [another language, perhaps a European dialect]. Few glosses in another handwriting [such as at the beginning of Daniel]. Curly signature, and self-dedication on title page: "I have received this book from Rachel, the widow of R. Avraham Shmuel. Avraham son of R. Yichye Zabiv [the author's father?]. The author of these glosses, R. Yichye son of R. Avraham Zabiv had copied a manuscript in the city of Cochin in 1723 (manuscript in the NLI, 8°5719) in his youth. The name Zabiv originates in Yemen, linking the writer to the Yemenite community of Cochin, possibly the grandson of "R. Yichye son of R. Moshe Zabiv", who received a letter from R. Y. Tzalach (the Maharitz), sent from Sana'a to Cochin in 1803. "The dear son R. Avraham and his wife" are mentioned in the letter [printed at the beginning of the book Zevach Toda by the Maharitz, Jerusalem 1880 edition]. This manuscript portrays the author's expansive knowledge of the Bible, the Holy Tongue and its grammar. His commentary on the Five Books of the Torah and on the Five Megillot [not contained in this volume] exist in a manuscript in the NLI (no. 28°3355) titled Perushei Tevot shel Chamisha Chumshei Torah. Three parts in one volume. Nevi'im Rishonim: [1], 325-463 leaves. Nevi'im Achronim: 194 leaves. Ketuvim: [1], 196-400 leaves. 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming. Worming to several leaves, primarily to inner margins, scarcely affecting text. Tears to several leaves, with handwritten text replacements. Title page mounted on paper for reinforcement. Restorations to last leaf. Several slightly trimmed glosses. Old binding with leather spine. Damaged binding.