Mateh Moshe, laws, customs and ethics by R. Moshe of Przemyśl, disciple of the Maharshal. Kraków: Yitzchak son of Aharon of Prostitz, [1591]. First edition, printed in the lifetime of the author.

First edition of important work of halachah and customs, extensively cited by later halachic authorities. The book comprises three parts, corresponding to the "pillars upon which the world stands": Part I contains homilies on the virtue of the Torah (Amud HaTorah), Part II contains laws and customs relating to Orach Chaim (Amud HaAvodah), and Part III contains homilies and halachot relating to Yoreh Deah matters (Amud Gemilut Chasadim).

In his approbation to the second edition of the book, printed in Frankfurt am Main, 1620, R. Shmuel Schotten (Maharsheshach) calls the book "very valuable, as it is based on practicing service of G-d all year long".

The author, R. Moshe Mat of Przemyśl (ca. 1551-1606), was a leading Polish rabbi and disciple of the Maharshal. Rabbi of Belz (Galicia) his hometown Przemyśl, Opatów and Kraków. For further information on the author and his book, see preface to new edition of Mateh Moshe, Zichron Aharon (Jerusalem) 2011, pp. 1-7.

On verso of title page appears a poem in praise of the book by the author's disciple, R. Shabtai Sofer.

Ownership inscription in early Ashkenazic script on title page: "G-d also granted me this, so says the kohen Yaakov son of Moshe Eliezer Yitzchak Tein in Bohe[mia]". Additional ownership inscription of his on p. 128b (apparently to be identified as the R. Yaakov Tein of Prague mentioned with a blessing for the deceased on his wife's gravestone in the Prague cemetery; see: Bondy, Michtevei Sefat Kodesh, Prague 1857, p. 123). Additional inscriptions on back endpaper.

Later inscription on p. 13b in Western script (from Tunisia): "This book was given to me by my close friend R. Yitzchak Zarka to study for the merit of the perfect scholar… R. Yaakov Tayyib…".

213 leaves. Misfoliation. Additional copy of last leaf enclosed, detached and damaged. 18.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear. Worming, especially to title page and last leaves, affecting text, partially repaired with paper. Tears, including small open tears to title page, affecting text. New binding.

Rare edition.

CB, no. 6416,2; Zedner, p. 566; Cowley, p. 460.