Tzava’ah Yekara [ethics]

ALEXANDER ZISKIND BEN MOSES OF GRODNO

Israel Bak

Jerusalem

1861

Verso of title with vignette of Rachel’s Tomb

Vinograd, Jerusalem 91; Mehlman 1036, Halevi, Jerusalem 100

The last will and testament of one of the foremost Lithuanian kabbalists, author of Yesod Veshoresh Ha’avodah, considered “a Chasid before Chassidism”. This work is one of the most interesting of its genre, containing many unusual exhortations, customs and practices. The Author urges his children to study Torah during mealtimes stating that he will take revenge upon them after his death if they do not comply. To offset these harsh words, he states “with a solemn promise” he will be a ”Good Advocate” in the “upper world” should they heed his requests. He also begs forgiveness of them for not displaying more affection. Of striking interest are the meditations suitable upon indulging in smoking tobacco (p. 14b-15a). This uncensored edition contains the Author’s opinion that the ethical treatise most worthy of study is the controversial Chemdat Hayamim (which contains prayers composed by the Sabbathian “Prophet” Nathan of Gaza) In later editions this work is referred to only by the acronym “CH” which was further altered to the more innocuous Chovath Halevavoth (p.4)