Sefer Tzeida LaDerech by Rabbi Menachem ben Aharon Ebn Zerach. Ferrara, [1554]. Printing press of Avraham ben Oski. First edition.
Composed by Rabbi Menachem ben Zerach, among scholars of Spain during the 14th century and disciple of Rabbi Yehudah son of the "Rosh" (Asher ben Yechiel). Contains laws and customs for all days of the year. Lengthy introduction to book contains important details pertaining to "Ba’alei HaTosfot" and greatest "Rishonim" as well as to period of author. The author states that the book is intended for “those who follow the court of the King’s majesty… who due to the trials and tribulations of the time… become lax in fulfillment of the commandments…”.
Flag of printer which appears in center of title page, printed again on last leaf with colophon: “Completed here in Ferrara in home of esteemed Rabbi Avraham ben Oski”.
Signature upon title page of book: “Yom Tov Elyakim”, apparently Rabbi Yom Tov Elyakim (1770-1846), rabbi of Sofia and toward the end of his days rabbi of Jewish community of Hebron (see attached material). Several [cut off] glosses.
[14], 32, [3], 38-75, [213] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Title page incomplete and professionally restored. Restored tears and damage on several leaves. Ancient binding.
In this copy, as in majority of copies, leaves 33-37 containing commentary on "Birkat HaMinim", were omitted for censorship reasons, and replaced with three leaves containing brief version without pagination [see article of Yitzchak Rivkind, "Sefer HaYovel" in honor of Alexander Marx, New York, 1950, p. 416; and article of S. Hasida, "Birkat HaMinim" in "Sefer Tzeida LaDerech", Moriah collection, Tishrei 5773 (2013), pp. 15-17].