Nephutzoth Yehudah [sermons]

MOSCATO, JUDAH

Asher Parenzo for Giovanni di Gara

Venice

1589

FIRST EDITION. Printer’s device (Yaari, Printer’s Marks no. 18) on title. On final page, signature of censor, “Aless[and]ro Scipione 1597,” See Wm. Popper, The Censorship of Hebrew Books pl. III, no. 8

Vinograd, Venice 735; Habermann, di Gara 109; Adams M-1836

Judah Moscato (c.1530-c.1593), Chief Rabbi of Mantua, essentially established a new school of homiletics. His purpose in preaching was not so much to educate but rather to edify his audience. It is known that his sermons were attended by non-Jewish savants as well. The fifty-two sermons recorded in Nephutzoth Yehudah reflect the spirit of the Renaissance, and draw on a vast knowledge of philosophy and Kabbalah. In later years, Moscato’s method would be emulated by Rabbis Azariah Figo and Leone Modena. See S. Simonsohn, History of the Jews in the Duchy of Mantua, pp. 721-2; EJ, Vol. XII, cols. 357-58