Geniza Lab

Tables for divination in Arabic script. Late.

Letter from Abū Sahl Levi, in Fustat, to his son Moshe b. Levi ha-Levi, in Qalyūb. In Judaeo-Arabic. "As for the news of your paternal uncle, your brother Abū l-Ḥasan (Yedutun) is looking after him, and thank God, he has turned the corner and is recovering, and there is no longer cause for fear. As for traveling, the bible codex was consulted and it came out good/auspicious for you, and I too saw for you that it would be good. But as you know, no one knows the unknown except God the almighty and exalted. My son, you know that if you stay in Qalyūb, you would earn money ("a dinar") in the same time that you would be traveling, and I would lead a good life, hearing your news every hour. But if you travel, you know that the traveler has no control over his own fate, and we fear that the winter will come, and you will be delayed longer than you intended. May God guide you to the best choice. Your siblings and mother and I send our greetings." On verso he offers an excuse for why Moshe's brother (presumably Yedutun) has not come to visit (Abū Khalaf told him not to travel ṭarīq al-khawḍ(??)). Then, "As for news of Abū Zikrī (=possibly the Gaʾon Sar Shalom ha-Levi), he met with me but did not tell me anything. If you have need of anything when your brother comes out, let me know." ASE

Booklet of divinations with introduction. (Information from Goitein's index cards)

Notebook of advice composed in reply to questions about a wide variety of matters, e.g. seeking office, choosing a profession, taking a wife, going on travels, dealing with friends and enemies, etc. Written in the hand of Hillel b. Eli. (Information from Mediterranean Society, V, p. 292)

Literary text in Judaeo-Arabic. Advice on how to succeed against enemies, on a journey, etc. (Information from Goitein's index cards)