(“Hapenini”). Bechinath Olam [ethics]. Translated into Latin by Allardus Uchtmannus. Latin dedication and commendatory poem on opening unnumbered leaves. Hebrew and Latin on facing pages.

JEDAIAH BEDARSI

Johannes Le Maire

Leiden

1650

Title printed in red and black. Printer’s device on title.

Vinograd, Leiden 44; Fuks, Leiden 39

A profound poetic composition on the futility and vanity of the World and the inestimably greater benefits of intellectual and religious pursuits. The author finds consolation in Maimonides’ world of ideas, concluding that the greatest achievement for Man is to “perfect one’s understanding and immerse oneself in the grandeur of the idea of God. No power in the World can can break Man’s will when he strives toward this exalted goal.” For a critical analysis of Jedaiah Hapenini’s poetic style, see I. Zinberg, Vol. III, pp.96-8.