Chovoth HaLevavoth [ethics and pietism]. Translated into Hebrew by Judah ibn Tibbon.

BACHIAH BEN JOSEPH IBN PAQUDA.

Daniel Bomberg

Venice

1548

Second edition.

Vinograd, Venice 335; Haberman, Bomberg 214.

A FUNDAMENTAL TEXT OF JEWISH THOUGHT. In composing this work the Author attempted to systemize the ethical teachings of Judaism. “The Torah is divided into two parts: The duties to be performed by the organs (chovoth ha’evarim) and the duties of the heart (chovoth ha’lev) - namely those belonging to human conscience. The majority of the rabbis pay attention only to the outward observance of the Law, without regard to the ideas and sentiments embodied in the 613 laws of Moses. Even the pious are often prompted only by selfish and worldly motives” (Introduction). - Thus R. Bachiah undertook to write”The Duties of the Heart.”