(MAIMONIDES / RaMBa”M). Mishneh Torah [Rabbinic Code]

First appearance of the Hasagoth Ha-Rava”d as an entity unto itself (previously it was incorporated as part of the Maggid Mishneh). This important first edition with the Keseph Mishneh, contains a fore- and after-word relating that Moses Provencal of Mantua “whose net is spread till Safed” was the catalyst of the edition, encouraging and hastening Karo to complete the work for publication. Karo’s previous experience in publishing his Beth Yoseph had been disagreeable, for the printer went to press without waiting for the author’s corrections, which later had to be published separately. Rabbi Provencal’s prodding was not in vain for the afterword notes that Karo died before the publication was completed. Karo also used the agency of the great scholar and Kabbalist R. Menachem Azaria of Fano to ensure the perfection of the work. It is suggested that the R’ma of Fano examined each volume upon publication. This edition also presents the first publication of a comprehensive alphabetical subject index based upon writings from the school of “ha-Rav Ha-zaken Gadol Be-doro,” R. Baruch Uziel