42 90 MENACHEM BEN MOSHE HABAVLI. Ta’amei Mitzvoth [on the categories and reasons for the precepts]. FIRST EDITION ff. (52). Closely shaved with some marginal loss supplied in facsimile, stained and remargined. Modern calf backed marbled boards. Sm. 4to. [Vinograd, Lublin 16; Mehlman 893.] Lublin, Eliezer ben Isaac, 1571. $2000 - $3000 ❧ The author served as a Dayan in Trikala, Greece, before migrating to Safed in 1527, from where he renewed the Jewish settlement of Hebron, settling there in 1546. In the introduction to the present work, the author states that all royalties received will be put toward rebuilding the ruins of Hebron so that its inhabitants may “rest from the robbers and plunderers of the night, and in the merit of the Patriarchs (buried in Hebron) those who study day and night will not be disturbed.” The Chassidic Masters were very fond of this work, later editions contain commentaries by Tzvi of Rimenov and others. Some editions have been confused by publishers with a work bearing the same title by Menachem Recanti. For details concerning Menachem ben Moses’ origins see M. Benayahu, From Where Did R. Menachem Ha’Bavli Come to Hebron? in: Kiryath Sepher vol. 29 (1953-54) pp. 174-94; E. Roth, in Kiryath Sepher vol. 31 (1955-56) p. 399 and Benayahu’s reply pp. 399-400. See also H. Z. Dimitrovsky, in Sefunoth vol. 7 (1963) p. 67. 91 (MIDRASH) Midrash HaMechilta [Halachic Midrash to to the Book of Exodus]. Attributed to Rabbi Ishmael. Edited by R. Jochanan Treves. Second edition. ff. 37. Lightly dampsoiled in places, marginal repairs to title, previous owner’s marks. Modern calf-backed boards. Folio. [Vinograd, Venice 244.] Venice, Daniel Bomberg, 1545. $1200 - $1500 ❧ The editor, R. Jochanan Treves (1490? -1557?), was the author of Kimcha de-Avishuna, a commentary to the prayer book according to the Roman rite. A tireless proofreader at the press of Daniel Bomberg, Treves labored to establish accurate readings, so giving rise to the fame of this celebrated Venetian printing establishment. See EJ, Vol. XV, col. 1378.