Printed leaf, "This letter was found among the writings of the kabbalist R. Shimshon of Ostropoli, brought from the Holy Land by… R. Shimshon de Gilder, a resident of Safed" [Amsterdam, ca. 1760].

Igeret HaKodesh by the kabbalist R. Shimshon of Ostropoli, with his famous Segulah customarily recited on Erev Pesach. The letter explains a difficult passage in the writings of the Arizal discussing the angels responsible for the plagues in Egypt.

Printed at the end of the letter: "Afterwards he informed me that whoever thoroughly studies this wondrous and awesome secret, even once a year, and especially every Erev Pesach, is guaranteed to be protected that entire year from every obstacle, unusual death and any duress, and his enemies will not rule over him, and all his enemies will fall to him, and he will succeed in all his pursuits, Amen…".

This leaf was apparently printed by the emissary R. Shimshon de Gilder while he was in Amsterdam in 1760.

R. Shimshon of Ostropoli's Igeret HaKodesh was transmitted for many years in manuscript, and only began to appear in print in various books ca. 1760 (with variations). Since then, it has been printed in many Passover Haggadot and machzorim.

Reading the Igeret HaKodesh on Erev Pesach is regarded as a Segulah for protection, as stated explicitly in the closing words of the letter. This was practiced in the Beit El kabbalistic yeshiva. R. Chaim Palachi would read the letter to his grandchildren on Erev Pesach, and Rebbe Yochanan Sofer of Erlau attributed his surviving the Holocaust to reading the letter.

27.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Few marginal tears. One open tear slightly affecting letters. Repaired with paper.

Provenance: Collection of Mozes Heiman Gans.