Manot HaLevi

Manot HaLevi - R' Shlomo HaLevi Alkabetz (1505-1584); 16th-century kabbalist and composer of the "Lecha Dodi" hymn recited on Shabbat eve. Born in Salonica, he studied under the great mysticist, R' Yosef Taitatzak. Emigrated to Israel in 1535 and settled in Tzefat, where he taught kabbalah to a distinguished group that included R' Moshe Alshikh, R' Yosef Karo, and his famous brother-in-law, R' Moshe Cordovero. He is the author of Manot HaLevi on Megillat Esther, as well as many other works. Manot HaLevi is a commentary on the Megillat Esther, presented to his new father-in-law on Purim of 1529 in place of the traditional gifts (manot) given on the holiday.