(ReM”A). Mechir Yayin [homiletical and philosophical commentary to the Book of Esther]

This works demonstrates the author’s mastery in the exposition of Biblical works and the depth of his understanding of Kabbalah and Maimonidean philosophy. The ReM”A wrote Mechir Yayin in Shidlov (Szydlowiec) in 1556 where he had fled to escape the plague (“ipush ha-avir”) that was ravaging Cracow. He states that his living conditions were deplorable (providing numerous examples) and, “in order to chase away my state of depression…I decided to write this commentary, for the words of Torah makes the heart rejoice.