A large calligraphic heading opens the page. The letters, particularly the final Mem, feature dramatic, elongated vertical flourishes that extend both upwards and downwards, dominating the upper third of the page.

Sweeter than Honey and Honeycomb

This is a book which is named in Israel the book of Likkutei Torah Collected Teachings of the Torah by the great and famous Rabbi, the Ari The Lion; acronym for Isaac Luria, may the memory of the righteous be for a blessing. His light shone in all lands, and here too. In all his holy books, his name is mentioned. This text is the great and awesome commentary which he composed on the Torah, on all the books of the Prophets and the Writings, on the Mishnah, on all the derushim homiletical expositions, on the books of ethics, and on the hidden treasures referring to kabbalistic secrets that are beyond number. This book is what has spread regarding his commentary on the weekly Torah portions and the commandments of the Torah. It is true ethics, and sweeter than honey, and it is truly a delight for the soul for anyone who merits understanding his holy words. It produces fruit for the righteous. It is already known at the gates of the Rashbi Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, by whose word we live. In every generation, his secrets were revealed which had been sealed until the time his word came, and the Lord was with him, and the law followed his opinion everywhere. For he revealed depths out of darkness and brought forth mysteries to the light. We, in our iniquity, cannot grasp the edge of his ways, for they are far from our understanding. May the Lord merit us to understand the light of his holy Torah. Amen, may it be so.

A small decorative pen flourish follows the final words of the main text block.

I, the young and small, Samuel? ...?