Kad Hakemach [philosophy and ethics]

BACHAYE BEN ASHER

Constantinople

1515

FIRST EDITION. Title within elaborately decorated floral motif including a deer and hare. Colophon and title contain printer’s mark of a lion with raised paw

Yaari 40 Mehlman 960

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE FIRST EDITION. 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. Bachayeh 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. Bachayeh 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