Torat Moshe, homiletical commentary on the five books of the Torah, by R. Moshe Alshich. Venice: Zuan (Giovanni) di Gara, 1601. First edition of Alshich's commentary on the Torah.

The Alshich's commentary on Bereshit alone was printed twice previously, in Belvedere (Kuruçeşme) 1593 and Venice 1600. The present edition is the first edition of the entire commentary of the Torah.

On verso of title page, on leaves 2 and 158b, signatures of R. Avraham son of R. Avigdor: "Tevet 1726 in Constantinople, I purchased it for 210 white coins, Avraham son of R. Avigdor". Signatures of R. Avraham son of R. Avigdor (ca. 1715-1787), author of Zechor LeAvraham (Constantinople 1827), a leading rabbi of Turkey, head of the Constantinople Beit Din.

Additional ownership inscription with calligraphic signature on leaf 2: "Belongs to Moshe by G-d's providence, the lowliest of Torah students Moshe Abadi".

86; [1], 86-158; 163-323, 323-324 leaves. Leaf 252 blank. 29.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including large dampstains. Wear. Tears and open tears to title page and other leaves, affecting text of several leaves, partially repaired with paper (including paper repairs on both sides of title page). Worming. New binding.

CB, no. 6431,2.