Sepher Mitzvoth Gadol (Sma”g) [“The Great Book of Commandments”: Enumeration of the 613 precepts]
AUCTION 34 |
Tuesday, September 12th,
2006 at 1:00
Exemplary Hebrew Books: The Library of Joseph Gradenwitz, Esq.
Lot 127
MOSES OF COUCY
Sepher Mitzvoth Gadol (Sma”g) [“The Great Book of Commandments”: Enumeration of the 613 precepts]
Venice: Daniel Bomberg 1522
Est: $7,000 - $8,000
PRICE REALIZED $14,000
First post-incunable edition
Following Maimonides’ Code, the Sepher Mitzvoth Gadol would be the next significant work of the genre, reflecting Aschkenazic halachic tradition. Rabbi Moses of Coucy (13th century) here followed Maimonides’ general arrangement of the precepts, dividing the 613 commandments into 248 positive commandments and 365 negative commandments. Although the Halachic Codes of the Tu"r and the Ramba”m provided for the needs of the Sephardic and German communities, the French and those of French origin residing in Northern Italy were not satisfied until they found their own French authority - the Sma"g.
Joshua Boaz, in his Ein Mishpat - a mainstay of all standard Talmud editions, cross-references the Halachic decisions of the trio: Ramba”m, Sma"g and the Tu"r, for all Talmudic discussions, especially where a difference of opinion arises. For more details and information concerning the author, purpose, contents, and order of the Sma"g, see E. E. Urbach, Baalei Ha-Tosfot, pp. 384-95