(ReM’A). Torath Ha’Olah [philosophical thought, with astronomy].

ISSERLES, MOSHE

Mordechai Katz

Prague

1569-70

FIRST EDITION. On title, printer's mark of Mordechƒai Katz, consisting of lions and the hands conveying the “birkath kohen” or priestly benediction (symbolic of Katz's priestly lineage). See Ya'ari, Hebrew Printers' Marks, p. 24, pl. 3. At the bottom of the frame is a bearded face accompanied by two cherubs. Woodcut of Temple (reproduction of device of Venetian printer Marc Antonio Giustiniani) on ff. 33v. and 69r. On ff. 34v. and 70r. chapter headings historiated. Title with owner's signature “Avraham Kalonymos Kalman of Cracow.” Scholarly marginalia. With the rare final leaf of poetry in praise of the Author (not seen or noted by Vinograd) missing from most all copies.

Vinograd, Prague 36; St. Cat. Bodl. col. 6483.22; M. Heller, The Sixteenth Century Hebrew Book, pp. 612-3.

FIRST EDITION OF OF R. MOSES ISSERLES' CLASSIC OF JEWISH THOUGHT. AN ATTRACTIVE COPY. In this work, R. Moses Isserles (1525 or 1530-1572) of Cracow, most famous for his lasting contributions to Jewish law: Darkei Moshe on R. Yoseph Karo's Beth Yoseph, and the Glosses to his Shulchan Aruch; here demonstrates his mastery of rationalist, particularly Maimonidean philosophy with a particular focus on the meaning and purpose of the Temple in Jerusalem. This rationalist bent aroused the ire of his contemporaries such as R. Shlomo Luria (Maharsha”l) and R. Yehudah Löw (Mahara”l). More recently, another aspect of Isserles' complex personality has surfaced with the publication from manuscript of his commentary to the Zohar. See EJ, Vol. IX, cols. 1081-85. After the death of R. Gershom Katz in 1544, direction of his press was assumed by his son Mordechai and brothers. In 1569, Mordechai began to print independently, assisted only by his sons. Torath Ha’Olah was the first product of their press. See Ya'ari, Hebrew Printers' Marks (1971)p. 137. * Bound with: Orchoth Tzadikim [“Ways of the Righteous” - ethics]. Anonymous. ff. 22. [Vinograd, Frankfurt a/Main 70]. (Frankfurt a/Main, 1687).