Chovoth Ha’levavoth [ethics and pietism]. Translated into Hebrew by Judah ibn Tibbon

AUCTION 51 | Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts Graphic & Ceremonial Art Including: The Alfonso Cassuto Collection of Iberian Books, Part II

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Lot 110

BACHIAH BEN JOSEPH IBN PAQUDA

Chovoth Ha’levavoth [ethics and pietism]. Translated into Hebrew by Judah ibn Tibbon

Second edition. Scholarly corrections and scattered marginalia in Ashkenazic and Sephardic hands. Wide margins ff. 88. Previous owners' signature on title, worming along inner margins, censor's signatures and inscription on final leaves. Later boards, rubbed. Sm. 4to Vinograd, Venice 335; Haberman, Bomberg 214

Venice: Daniel Bomberg 1548

Est: $2,000 - $2,500

PRICE REALIZED $2,750

In composing this fundamental text of Jewish thought, Bachiah attempted to systematize the ethical teachings of Judaism. He writes in his introduction: “The Torah is divided into two parts: the duties to be performed by the organs (chovoth ha'evarim) and the duties of the heart (chovoth halev) - namely those belonging to human conscience. The majority of the rabbis pay attention only to the outward observance of the Law, without regard to the ideas and sentiments embodied in the 613 laws of Moses. Even the pious are often prompted only by selfish and worldly motives.” Thus Bachiah undertook to write ”The Duties of the Heart.” See: M. Waxman, Vol. I pp. 330-2