Sepher Mitzvoth Gadol (Sma”g) [“The Great Book of Commandments”: Enumeration of the 613 precepts]

MOSES OF COUCY

Daniel Bomberg

Venice

1522

Third edition. Divisional title

Vinograd, Venice 66; Habermann, Bomberg 73; Adams M-1870

Following Maimonides’ Code, the Sepher Mitzvoth Gadol would be the next significant work of the genre, reflecting Aschkenazic halachic tradition. Rabbi Moses of Coucy (13th century) here followed Maimonides’ general arrangement of the precepts, dividing the 613 commandments into 248 positive commandments and 365 negative commandments. Although the Halachic Codes of the Tu"r and the Ramba”m provided for the needs of the Sephardic and German communities, the French and those of French origin residing in Northern Italy were not satisfied until they found their own French authority - the Sma"g. Joshua Boaz, in his Ein Mishpat - a mainstay of all standard Talmud editions, cross-references the Halachic decisions of the trio: Ramba”m, Sma"g and the Tu"r, for all Talmudic discussions, especially where a difference of opinion arises. For more details and information concerning the author, purpose, contents and order of the Sepher Mitzvoth Gadol, see E. E. Urbach, Baalei HaTosfot, pp. 384-95