Tola’ath Ya’akov [Kabbalistic exposition to the prayers].

MEIR IBN GABBAI.

Samuel Chakim

Constantinople

1560

FIRST EDITION. Published by the author’s son-in-law, Shne’or Falcon. Marginalia

Vinograd, Const. 218; Yaari Const. 159; St. Cat. Bodl. 6303, no. 6; Mehlman 1054 (without the poem).

Rare first edition with additional poem found in only a few copies (see Hacker’s corrections in Areshet Vol. V, p. 484 who notes the additional page containing the poem prior to the introduction). Tola’ath Ya’akov is one of the earliest, systematic commentaries to the prayers and associated customs. Although the work is Kabbalistic in nature, it is noted for its clarity and flowing style. Both Isaiah Horowitz (the Shla"h) and Chaim Joseph David Azulai (the Chid"a), frequently cited the Tola’ath Ya’akov in their own works.