Sefer Chemdat Yamim: A Sacred Book on Ethics and Kabbalah - #1

Come and see, friends. The first volume of Chemdat Yamim opens the gates of Nisan and leads the reader along the sacred road from the redemption of Egypt to the revelation of Torah at Mount Sinai.

Here Pesach is revealed not merely as the remembrance of what once occurred, but as a living movement of redemption renewed within Israel. The author enters into the mysteries of Nisan, the removal of chametz, the preparation of matzah, the Pesach offering, the Seder, its prayers and intentions, and the inward meaning concealed within the mitzvot of the festival. Again and again, the outward act is joined to its root above, calling the soul to remove the chametz within, cleave to holiness, and prepare itself for redemption.

From Pesach the path continues through each of the forty-nine nights of the Omer, where the days between Egypt and Sinai become a period of purification, watchfulness, and ascent. The volume then enters the Seventh Day of Pesach, the mystery of the splitting of the sea and the deliverance of Israel, before rising toward Shavuot, with its preparation, the holy vigil of the night, and the greatness of the revelation at Mount Sinai.

Throughout these pages, Chemdat Yamim continually turns the heart toward the redemption of Israel. Nisan becomes a season for strengthening prayer, Torah, mitzvot, and longing for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, remembering the ancient teaching that in Nisan our fathers were redeemed and in Nisan Israel is destined for redemption.

The Molcho Edition, Volume 1 has been translated and annotated for the English-speaking world while preserving the Hebrew and Aramaic beside the English wherever the text requires it. The translation seeks to remain close to the movement and language of the original, while extensive notes illuminate its Torah, Talmudic, Midrashic, Zoharic, halachic, and Kabbalistic sources.

This volume also contains an expanded introduction, topic index, selected bibliography, and glossary, giving the reader the tools to search the teachings, trace their sources, and continue their study beyond these pages.

May the study of these holy teachings awaken the souls of Israel, strengthen our service of the Holy One, Blessed be He, gather the scattered sparks of holiness, and hasten the complete Redemption of Israel and the unification of the Holy One, Blessed be He, and His Shechinah, speedily in our days. Amen.