(RaSHBa”TZ). Sepher HaTaSHBba”’TZ [responsa]

DURAN, SHIMON BEN TZEMACH.

Naphtali Herz Levi Rofe

Amsterdam

(1738)

Second edition. Engraved architectural border depicting Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon. Divisional ornamental woodcut title featuring lions, foliage and crown. Four parts in one volume

Vinograd, Amsterdam 1549 (cf. Amsterdam 1490); see D. Yardeni, Alei Seipher vol. X, pp.119-32 regarding typographical variances

The RaSHBa”TZ was one of the most authorative North African decisors of the 15th century. See Part III, responsa 189, where he provides detail concerning the decision-making process following complaints by the respondent: “Know that in my youth, sparks of fire emanated from my mouth. When I was a tail to lions...do not grope like the blind... I formulate a decision only after careful study and have never retracted, as the sages of all countries bear witness..” Popular lore has suggested, that in merit of Duran’s respect for holy books, his published works were beautifully bound. Regarding the existence of typographical variances to this work, see D. and G.Yardeni, Alei Seipher vol. X, pp.119-32. Although the approbation of R. Moshe the son of R. Elazar of Cracow is dated 1742, the Yardenis (p. 126) surmise that it was changed to a later date in order to extend the copyright for 15years after its actual distribution.