BACHIAH BEN ASHER (BEN CHLAVA).

Cornelio Adelkind for Marco Antonio Giustiniani

Venice

1546

Kad Hakemach [ethics]. Second edition. Title within architectural arch. Printer’s device on title (Yaari no.17). Opening words within elaborate woodcut vignette. ff. 83. [Vinograd, Venice 268; Habermann, Adelkind 47; not in Adams]. * BACHIAH BEN ASHER (BEN CHLAVA). Shulchan (shel) Arba [on conduct at table and the Banquet in the World to Come]. Third edition. Printer’s device on title (Yaari no. 16). ff. 11. [Vinograd, Venice 296; Haberman, Adelkind 33; not in Adams]

In Kad Ha’kemach (“A Jar of Flour” i.e. substance of truth), the author treats his subjects from a purely religious point of view without attempting to find a speculative basis for the virtues he inculcates. Topics are arranged alphabetically and besides strictly ethical themes (humility, purity of the heart, patience and so), principles that bear on rite and ceremonies are included. Here and there, R. Bachiah endeavors to give to his ethical teachings a philosophical aspect. The book is replete with homiletic interpretations of Biblical verses and Agadic passages as well as the Kabbalistic teachings to which R. Bachiah was inclined. “The style of the book adds to its otherwise fine qualities. It is light, elastic and on the whole, makes pleasant reading.” See M. Waxman, Vol. II pp. 275-6.