SEFER RABENU BAHYE: BE'UR 'AL HA-TORAH

Asher Evan Hulda Ben Behi

Published by Korets; Ha-Madpisim Avraham Ben Yitshak Ayzik Ve-Eliyahu Ben Ya?akov Segal, 1799

Later Cloth. Folio. [252, 124] pages. 36 cm. In Hebrew. Sefer Rabenu Bahye be'ur â al ha-Torah. By Bahya ben Asher ben Hlava: "one of the most distinguished of the Biblical exegetes of Spain; born about the middle of the thirteenth century at Saragossa; died 1340.Bahya's principal work was his commentary on the Pentateuch, in the preparation of which he thoroughly investigated the works of former Biblical exegetes, using all the methods employed by them in his interpretations. He enumerates the following four methods, all of which in his opinion are indispensable to the exegete: (1) The 'Peshat, ' or the simple and direct exposition advocated by Rashi and Hananel ben Hushiel, whom Bahya recognizes as authorities, and whose works he industriously employs. (2) The 'Midrash, ' or the haggadic exegesis, accorded considerable space in his commentary; there being scarcely a haggadic work which has not been employed by him. However, he usually confines himself to a literal quotation without further exposition. (3) The method of Reason, or philosophical exegesis, the aim of which is to demonstrate that philosophical truths are already embodied in Holy Writ, which as a work of God transcends all the wisdom of man. He therefore recognizes the results of philosophical thought only in so far as they do not conflict with Scripture and tradition. (4) The method of the Cabala, termed by him 'the path of light, ' which the truth-seeking soul must travel. It is by means of this method, Bahya believes, that the deep mysteries hidden in the Scriptural word may be revealed, and many a dark passage elucidated. Bahya's commentary derives a particular charm from its form. Each parashah, or weekly lesson, is prefaced by an introduction preparing the reader for the fundamental ideas to be discussed; and this introduction bears a motto in the form of some verse selected from the Proverbs. Furthermore, by the questions that are frequently raised the reader is compelled to take part in the author's mental processes; the danger of monotony being also thereby removed. The commentary was first printed at Naples in 1492; and the favor which it enjoyed is attested by the numerous supercommentaries published on it. Owing to the large space devoted to the Cabala, the work was particularly valuable to cabalists, although Bahya also availed himself of non-Jewish sources. Later editions of the commentary appeared at Pesaro, 1507, 1514, and 1517; Constantinople, 1517; Rimini, 1524; Venice, 1544, 1546, 1559, 1566, and later." (1906 JE). Printed in Korets, Ukraine. Bound in later cloth with gilt and red title on spine, finely printed on blue ragpaper. Title page previously repaired. SUBJECT(S) : Bible. Pentateuch - Commentaries. OCLC: 19150307. OCLC lists 8 copies worldwide (NLI, JTS, NYPL. Harvard, HUC, ULondon, TAU, UHaifa). Library plate in front cover. Title page repaired - some parts unreadable, information handwritten in. Light soiling throughout, otherwise clean and fresh. Good + condition. (Heb-35-1-B). Seller Inventory # 32534

Bibliographic Details

Title: SEFER RABENU BAHYE: BE'UR 'AL HA-TORAH
Publisher: Korets; Ha-Madpisim Avraham Ben Yitshak Ayzik Ve-Eliyahu Ben Ya?akov Segal
Publication Date: 1799
Binding: Hardcover