Sidur Harashash Chaim v'Shalom – Jerusalem 566 – An Important ...

Sidur Harashash Chaim v'Shalom – Jerusalem 566 – An Important Edition as Edited by the Kabbalists of Jerusalem from on High

Chaim v'Shalom is a siddur for reciting the Shema on the bed, complete with the kavanot of the holy Harashash. It was published by Yeshivat HaMekubalim Sha'ar HaShamayim in Jerusalem.

At the beginning of the sefer appear two introductions. The first is by the elders of the yeshiva—the Moulyim—who caution that one should not approach the kedusha lightly in order to intently focus on the secret kavanot, unless one has already studied the writings of the Ari in deep detail, along with the sefer Nahar Shalom. They also warn that the sefer must be kept in the proper level of kedusha, as it befits its sanctity.

Following that, the introduction of the yeshiva rabbis—the geonim and renowned kabbalists—appears. Among them are Rabbi Chaim Leib Au-Arbach, Rabbi Shimon Tzvi Horowitz, and Rabbi Gabriel Bartinovsky (who served as Av Beit Din of Kunk). In their words they write:

"The last generation is afflicted with a dreadful malady, may Hashem have mercy—sinking more and more into base instincts, both in natural inclinations... and there is no remedy except through the most humble and cautious medicine, namely the study of Kabbalah and the kavanot on the bed. Through the power of its intention, it can even rectify... others."

Just as with physical illnesses—where, may Hashem have mercy, the more dangerous the malady, the greater the need for the best physician—so too, in the spiritual illness of the last generation, there is a dire need for remedy through the inner dimensions of Torah, and that is the wisdom of Kabbalah, which is the soul and the life of Torah.

Condition: Good, with some stains.