Kaphtor Va’pherach [on the geography and topography of Erez Israel]

HAPARCHI, ESTORI BEN MOSES

Meir Parenzo

Venice

1549

FIRST EDITION. Printers device on title (Yaari, Printer’s Marks no. 14). The Tzvi Hirsch Berlin Copy, with his signature in both rabbinic and cursive scripts on title and numerous marginal notes in his hand. Also with Solomon Hirschel’s signature on title.

Vinograd, Venice 361; Mehlman 772; not in Adams

Estori ben Moses Haparchi was the first topographer of Eretz Israel. Although he was born in Provence, the family hailed from the Andalusian town of Florenza. Hence the family name “Ha’parchi,” a Hebrew translation of the Spanish “flor” (flower). The name “Estori” is a corruption of the title “Ish Tori,” (Man of Touraine, France). He traveled to Eretz Israel in 1312 and stayed for seven years, two of which he spent in Galilee. Kaphtor Va’pherach is an encyclopaedia on all things related to Eretz Israel. It presents opinions and decisions on the laws of living in Eretz Israel, such as the giving of tithes (Ma’aser), offerings (Terumah), the Sabbatical cycles (Shemitah) and Jubilee year (Yovel). The Author delineates the borders of Eretz Israel as presented in the Bible and identifies the areas occupied by each Tribe. He describes Jerusalem and identifies Biblical and Talmudic sites. He also provides information on the differing religions and sects settled in Eretz Isael at the time. According to Zinberg; “[Ha’]Parchi’s work is a genuine treasure trove for the study of Palestine. He presents highly important information on the flora of the land, on measures and weights, on coins from various periods and on numerous matters connected with archaeology.” See: I. Zinberg, Vol. III, pp.152-3 and M. Waxman, Vol. II, pp.490-1.