(“The Book of the Righteous”) [Midrashim and stories pertaining to the Pentateuch, Joshua and Judges]. (Anonymous). With comments by the editor, Joseph ben Samuel.

SEPHER HAYASHAR

Yehudah ben Yaakov Bak

Prague

(1661-68)

Vinograd, Prague 470; St. Cat. Bod. 3583; Ben-Yaakov p. 233, no. 489.

Sepher HaYashar, probably written in the 13th century, was one of the most popular ethical works of the Middle Ages. It is often ascribed to the Tosaphist Jacob (Rabbeinu) Tam, as he authored a Halachic work under the same title. The style and language conform to the contemporary philosophies of the time with references to Aristotelian terms and concepts. However some of the work’s main ideas conflict with conventional philosophy to the extent that there are scholars who attribute the authorship to a kabbalist not wishing to reveal the full scope of his mystical beliefs. Others find similarities between the work and the ethical concepts of the Aschkenazic Hasidic (pietist) movement which peaked in the 13th-century. As of yet, no critical edition of this work has been published and until the correct text is ascertained, questions regarding its authorship and underlying philosophical thought remain in doubt. For a full discussion of the stucture and contents of Sepher HaYashar, see M. Waxman, vol. II, pp. 276-8. Although this edition is undated, Steinschneider established a time-period based upon the citation of King Leopoldo on the title-page