Sur Mera [“Escape from Evil”]

(MODENA, LEON DE)

Moshe b. Bezalel Katz

Prague

1615

Title within architectural arch.

Vinograd Prague 247; Yodea Sefer 1436 ;

An ethical rant against card-playing and other forms of gambling. Although published anonymously, it is known to have been written by Leon de Modena - (who states in writings elsewhere, he composed the work aged 13!) Modena was a most enigmatic figure, a rabbi and scholar, whose ethical approach belied his occasional lapses into gambling and other questionable, albeit pleasurable pursuits. For a recent appreciation of Modena, see D. Malkiel (Ed.) The Lion Shall Roar: Leon Modena and His World (2003). See also I. Rivkind, Der Kampf Kegn Azartshpilen bei Yidden - (“The Fight Against Gambling Among Jews”), 1946.