Book of Sabbath Readings (Seder Tikkunei Shabbat)

This book of Sabbath readings includes liturgical poetry, psalms, passages from the Mishnah, and rules for the Sabbath influenced by the Kabbalah. The manuscript was copied and illustrated by Aaron Wolf Herlingen, a prominent 18th-century Jewish calligrapher and illustrator. During this period Central Europe experienced a renaissance in the art of calligraphy and illustration of Hebrew books. Herlingen was a scribe at the Royal Library of Vienna, and also copied and illustrated manuscripts for wealthy Jews. The splendor of this manuscript is evident not only in its beautiful script and illuminations, but also in its special binding of gold filigree.