Sur Mera [“Escape from Evil”]
AUCTION 34 |
Tuesday, September 12th,
2006 at 1:00
Exemplary Hebrew Books: The Library of Joseph Gradenwitz, Esq.
Lot 114
(MODENA, LEON DE)
Sur Mera [“Escape from Evil”]
Prague: Moshe b. Bezalel Katz 1615
Est: $4,000 - $5,000
PRICE REALIZED $6,000
An ethical rant against card-playing and other forms of gambling. Although published anonymously, it is known to have been written by Leon de Modena - (who states in writings elsewhere, he composed the work aged 13!) Modena was a most enigmatic figure, a rabbi and scholar, whose ethical approach belied his occasional lapses into gambling and other questionable, albeit pleasurable pursuits.
For a recent appreciation of Modena, see D. Malkiel (Ed.) The Lion Shall Roar: Leon Modena and His World (2003).
See also I. Rivkind, Der Kampf Kegn Azartshpilen bei Yidden - (“The Fight Against Gambling Among Jews”), 1946.