Chovoth Halevavoth [pietism]. Translated into Hebrew by Judah Ibn Tibbon

BACHIAH BEN JOSEPH IBN PAQUDA

Moses ben Eliezer Parnas

Constantinople

1550

Third edition. Title within woodcut architectural border

Vinograd, Const. 200; Yaari, Const. 149; Mehlman 964; not in Adams

A HIGHLY SCARCE EDITION OF A FUNDAMENTAL TEXT OF JEWISH THOUGHT In composing the work toward the close of his life, Bachiah 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 Bachiah undertook to write ” The Duties of the Heart.” The work is divided into ten portals where the phases of ethics and piety are discussed, such as service of God, trust in God, humility, temperance of human conduct and finally the love of God. The essence of all spirituality in Bachiah’s view is the recognition of God as the one maker and designer of all things. Bachiah was the first to employ the famous “Argument from Design” in Jewish philosophy. The world in its complicated aspect and harmonious arrangement testifies that it was created by the design of a Creator. “Where there is purpose manifested, there must have been wisdom at work. Ink spilled accidentally upon a sheet of paper cannot produce legible writing.” Bachiah’s primary interest lies in forming a pure conception of God and quotes seven proofs of the unity of God. “The world itself testifies not only to a Creator, but to One, for it is so beautifully harmonious that we must involuntarily conclude that it is a manifestation of the plan of a single Creator.” Bachiah combines great depth of emotion, a vivid poetic imagination, the power of eloquence, the beauty of diction with a penetrating intellect. He was therefore well fitted to write a work the main object of which was not to argue about and defend the doctrines of Judaism, but to appeal to the sentiments and to stir and elevate the hearts of the people. See: M. Waxman, Vol. I pp.330-2