Kad ha-Kemach [philosophy and ethics]

AUCTION 38 | Thursday, November 29th, 2007 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters & Graphic Art

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Lot 56

BACHAYE BEN ASHER

Kad ha-Kemach [philosophy and ethics]

FIRST EDITION. Title within elaborately decorated floral motif including a mythic centaur. Colophon and title contain printer’s mark of Lion of Judah with raised paw (see Yaari, Hebrew Printers' Marks 8) ff. 87, (1). Stamp of former owner on f.1v. Marginal repairs to title and first few leaves. Several offending passages stricken by Church censor. Modern tooled calf with matching slip-case. Sm.folio Vinograd, Const. 57; Yaari 40; Mehlman 960

Constantinople: (Judah ben Joseph Sasson) 1515

Est: $15,000 - $20,000

PRICE REALIZED $14,500

Rare First Edition of Ethical Work by Rabbeinu Bachaye The 13th century exegete, preacher and kabbalist R. Bachaye ben Asher ben Chalava lived in Saragossa, Spain. He was a disciple of R. Solomon ibn Adret (Rashb"a). There is much overlap between the topics discussed in Rabbenu Bachaye's Commentary to the Pentateuch and his encyclopedia of ethics Kad ha-Kemach. In Kad Ha’kemach (“A Jar of Flour” i.e. substance of truth), the Author treats his subjects from a purely religious point of view without attempting to find a speculative basis for the virtues he inculcates. Topics are arranged alphabetically and besides strictly ethical themes (humility, purity of the heart, patience and so), principles that bear on rite and ceremonies are included. Both the Commentary to the Pentateuch and Kad ha-Kemach were immensely popular with readers over the ages.