Kabbalah by the Maharachv"u, First Edition - Sha'ar HaGilgulim - Jerusalem, 1863

Sha'ar HaGilgulim is ...

Kabbalah by the Maharachv"u, First Edition - Sha'ar HaGilgulim - Jerusalem, 1863

Sha'ar HaGilgulim is the eighth of the eight gates from the writings of Rabbi Shmuel Vital, based on the original manuscript written by his father, Rabbi Chaim Vital, after the passing of the AriZal. It was published by Rabbi Yosef Vital and Rabbi Yitzchak Kalamaru, printed by Rabbi Yisrael B.K. in the first edition, Jerusalem, 1863.

This book is distinct from the "Sefer HaGilgulim" edited by Rabbi Meir Papiersh based on the arrangement of Rabbi Yaakov Tzemach, printed in Frankfurt in 1684. In the introduction to the book Sha'ar Ruach HaKodesh, the publisher notes (on the last page): "It is true that books on gilgulim have been printed before, and many such manuscripts have been published, both in Ashkenaz and other places, but the discerning reader will see that all these books on gilgulim and other writings of the Rabbi that have been printed are not reliable."

As is well-known, the Maharachv"u wrote the teachings of the AriZal three times, and he ordered the second and third manuscripts to be sealed. Later, parts of these manuscripts were found and printed in various books. The teachings of the AriZal that were first written by the Maharachv"u were arranged by his son, Rabbi Shmuel, and were only printed much later in Jerusalem. These books were considered the most accurate versions of the AriZal's writings, and the renowned Chida wrote about them: "... Eight gates arranged by the son of the Maharachv"u, Rabbi Shmuel, and on them, one can rely. Therefore, anyone who wants to learn from the most accurate books should study the eight books that he arranged."

At the end of the book, there is a detailed account written by Rabbi Shmuel Vital about a "dybbuk" that was expelled in Egypt in the year 1666. He writes, "I have written all of this as a memorial for those who come after us, so that they know that there is a God in Israel."

Sh. HaLevi, Seferi Yerushalayim HaRishonim No. 90.

78 pages, 21 cm. Very good condition. Original binding.