Sepher Torath HaShem [Pentateuch, Five Megiloth and Haphtaroth]. With commentaries: Eim LaMikra and Eim LaMasoreth.

BENAMOZEGH, ELIJAH.

Elijah Benamozegh

Livorno

1862-3

First Edition. Complete in five parts, bound into two volumes. Each part with additional French title-page.

Elijah Benamozegh (1823-1900) was doubtlessly one of the most original Jewish thinkers to emerge from the ranks of Italian Jewry. The present commentary utilizes scholarly disciplines such as philology, archeology and history, all generally not traditionally employed in rabbinic works. Elements of the author’s universalistic bent are evident throughout, notably in his insistence that the verse commanding one to love one’s fellow as oneself applies to all of humankind and not only to one’s fellow Jew. Also noteworthy is Benamozegh’s call for a truce between Jacob and Esau, symbols of Judaism and Christianity.