Kad ha-Kemach [philosophy and ethics]

BACHAYE BEN ASHER

(Judah ben Joseph Sasson)

Constantinople

1515

FIRST EDITION. Title within elaborately decorated floral motif including a mythic centaur. Colophon and title contain printer’s mark of Lion of Judah with raised paw (see Yaari, Hebrew Printers' Marks 8)

Vinograd, Const. 57; Yaari 40; Mehlman 960

Rare First Edition of Ethical Work by Rabbeinu Bachaye The 13th century exegete, preacher and kabbalist R. Bachaye ben Asher ben Chalava lived in Saragossa, Spain. He was a disciple of R. Solomon ibn Adret (Rashb"a). There is much overlap between the topics discussed in Rabbenu Bachaye's Commentary to the Pentateuch and his encyclopedia of ethics Kad ha-Kemach. 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. Both the Commentary to the Pentateuch and Kad ha-Kemach were immensely popular with readers over the ages.