Lot 190
Sefer HaMussar – Constantinople, 1537
Ze HaSefer HaMefoar Nikra Sefer HaMussar [book of ethics], composed by the Torah scholar Rabbi Yehudah son of Shlomo HaCohen Klatz. Constantinople, [1537], printing press of Eliezer son of Gershom Soncino. First edition.
Adaptation of the book Menoraht HaMa’or by Rabbi Yisrael Alankava. The author: Klatz (Otzar HaRabbanim 6974), among the scholars of Spain, emigrated from Spain to Talmasan, North Africa, in 1486. Author of Mesiach Ilmim. In the introduction (missing in the following copy) the author writes: “I am in possession of a magnificent book called Sefer HaMussar… which consists of all the laws necessary for the running of a household… which also includes many Midrashim… to reveal the reasons for the Mitzvot… and the secret of the prayers… as well as the Shabbat and holidays… as instructed by scholars of the internal wisdom who are the scholars of the Zohar and of the Kabbalah…”.
Handwritten [Yemenite?] comments upon margins of a number of pages.
“Collectied” copy which consists of 19 detached leaves of various sizes, some of which were added from other copies. [136] leaves only, (instead of 140 originally – 4 leaves of introduction missing). 18.5 cm. Various condition: Title page torn and unprofessionally restored. Bound pages in good condition, with few stains. Detached pages in fair-poor condition.
Rare.
From Dr. Israel Mehlman’s private collection.
