Midrash Tanchuma hanikra Yelamdeinu [Midrashic homilies to the Pentateuch]. Attributed to Tanchuma bar Abba

AUCTION 44 | Thursday, June 25th, 2009 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 197
(MIDRASH)

Midrash Tanchuma hanikra Yelamdeinu [Midrashic homilies to the Pentateuch]. Attributed to Tanchuma bar Abba

Second edition ff. 98 (final leaf mispaginated "73" as in all copies). Marginal repair to title, previous owners signature and inscription on title in a contemorary, precise Ashkenazic hand (Aaron ben Yechiel), stamp of previous owner on final leaf (Chacham Yoseph ben David De-kahal Bachzecha), some staining, slight worming in places. Later half calf, rubbed. Folio Vinograd, Venice 243; Habermann, Bomberg 177

Venice : D. Bomberg 1545

Est: $600 - $900
PRICE REALIZED $800
The Tanchuma-Yelamdainu Midrashic cycle is one of the earliest collections of homilies wherein the Halacha is conjoined to the Agada. Commencing with questions of Halachic matter the discussion turns to Agadic and homiletic interpretation. The name given to the work refers to the numerous interpretations quoted in the name of Tanchuma, the son of Abba, a Palestinian Agadist who lived towards the end of the 4th-century. The second name, Yelamdeinu, arises from the fact that a large number of homilies open with the formula “Yelamdeinu Rabbeinu” (“May our master teach us.”)