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

IBN GABBAI, MEIR

Samuel Chakim

Constantinople

1560

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

Vinograd Const. 218, Yaari Const. 159; ( Mehlman 1054; St. Cat. Bodl. 6303, no. 6

RARE FIRST EDITION WITH ADDITIONAL POEM FOUND ONLY IN 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, sytematic commentaries to the prayers and to associated customs. Although the work is kabbalstic 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 cite the Tola’ath Ya’akov in their own works.