Tzaidah LaDerech [code of laws]

Rabbi-physician Menachem ibn Zerach was born in Estella in the northern province of Navarre, Spain to a family that fled France at the time of the Expulsion of the Jews in 1306. With the death of Charles IV, the French king who ruled over Navarre in 1328, anti-Jewish riots erupted. The author’s parents and four younger brothers perished although ibn Zerach himself escaped, eventually settling in Toledo, where he studied under Rabbi Judah, son of Rabbi Asher (RO”SH). Tzeidah LaDerech carries an important introduction with valuable historical material concerning the Jews of France, Spain and Germany and the author presents much information relating to variations of customs among communities. Additional topics covered include medicine, astrology, pedagogy and eschatology. See EJ, XI cols.1303-4