Tzeidah LaDerech. Ferrera, 1554. Unique and Magnificent Copy. First Edition.

Tzeidah LaDerech. Ferrera, 1554. Unique and Magnificent Copy. First Edition.

Prominent Halachic composition by Rabbi Menachem ben Zerach, leading Spanish sage in the 14th Century, and disciple of Rabbi Yehudah ben HaRosh.

The author divided the book into five sections.

Section One: On Tefillot and brachot, parallel to the first section of Tur Orach Chaim.

Section Two: On laws of Issur VeHeter, parallel to Tur Yoreh De’ah.

Section Three: On Hilchot Nashim, parallel to Tur Even HaEzer.

Section Four: On Hilchot Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Section Five: On Hilchot Ta’anit.

Sections Four and Five are both parallel to the second and third section of Tur Orach Chaim.

Rabbi Menachem concludes his book with an essay about the coming of Mashiach.

In his introduction, the author details the path of Halachah, from the conclusion of the Mishnah until his time. He attacks the philosophers of his generation who have shown contempt for Jewish Law.

In this composition, the author includes a synopsis of Chovat HaLevavot. His intention is to encourage his readers to study that work during the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah.

The Usque Printer’s Mark appears in the center of the title page: An astrolabe within a frame along with verses. The printer’s mark is also printed on the final page. Underneath it is a colophon: “And the work, the work of heaven is completed, here in Ferrera in the Press of R’ Avraham ‘n Usque yz”v”

As in most copies, this copy has censorship erasures executed at the time of printing, of leaves 33-37. These pages included a commentary on ‘Birkat HaMinim’. They were replaced with 3 leaves, comprising an abridged version without pagination.

For differences between copies of this edition see: Y. Zanah, Kiryat Sefer, 7, 690-691, p. 485.

This Copy: Complete and exceptionally beautiful copy. Quality, light paper, wide margins. Original, leather binding; the back cover is restored. With embossing and clasp remnants. Some faded, brown stains on a number of leaves. Aside from this, a superb copy.

Ferrera, 1554. First edition.

[14], 32, [3], 38-39, [1], 41-75 leaves. 21 cm.