Bidspirit auction | FIGO, AZARIAH. Binah Le’Itim [sermons

FIGO, AZARIAH. Binah Le’Itim [sermons and eulogies]. First Edition. ff. 4, 200, (12). Ex-library, trimmed, lightly stained. Modern boards. Sm. folio. Vinograd, Venice 1276. Venice, Francesco Vicheri, 1648. R. Azariah Figo (Picho; 1579–1647), Italian rabbi and preacher, was born in Venice. In his youth he devoted himself largely to secular studies, but later, regretting the time he had spent “loving the handmaiden” and “neglecting the mistress” he applied himself wholly to rabbinic studies. At the age of 28, he was appointed rabbi of Pisa. He returned to Venice in 1627, and became preacher to the Sephardi community. R. Figo leaned toward a strict interpretation of Jewish law. He opposed the establishment of a theater in the ghetto of Venice and criticized the members of his community for flaunting their wealth, laxity in ritual observances and internecine wrangling. R. Figo was active in redeeming Jewish captives, and defended the Marranos, declaring them to be full Jews. Binah Le’Itim is a collection of sermons delivered in Venice. They relate to the festivals and fasts of the Jewish calendar, and also include sermons based upon Pirkei Avot on such topics as charity and education.