Shulchan Aruch [Code of Jewish Law]

AUCTION 43 | Thursday, April 02nd, 2009 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 166

KARO, JOSEPH

Shulchan Aruch [Code of Jewish Law]

Second edition. Four parts in one volume. Four title pages. Printers device on titles (Yaari no. 31). Title letters within decorative woodcut border-piece. Previous owner's inscription on verso of first title (indicating how Tephilin is equal to all the 613 precepts), marginal notes on ff. 54-55 of Part I ff. 61; 57; 34; 71. Some staining, marginal repair to title, final leaves, and a few other leaves (with a few words in facsimile). Modern half calf. Folio Vinograd, Venice 552; not in Adams

Venice: Giovanni Griffio 1567

Est: $10,000 - $15,000

A digest of the expansive Beith Yoseph, the Shulchan Aruch (“Prepared Table”) was so named by Joseph Karo to indicate he had prepared the extensive material in a manner ready to be “consumed” immediately. It became the Rabbinic Code par excellence. In 1567, two editions were issued simultaneously; one printed by Giovanni Griffio, and the other at the House of Cavalli. For details regarding these early issues of the Shulchan Aruch, see R. Margolioth, Sinai, Vol. XXXVII (1955) pp. 25-35, and R. Y. Nissim in Sinai, Sepher Yovel (1958) pp. 29-39. The Cavalli edition of the Shulchan Aruch was sold by Kestenbaum & Company, Sale XXV (October, 2004), Lot 25