Tehillah DeDavid. Constantinople, 1577. First Edition.

Tehillah DeDavid. Constantinople, 1577. First Edition.

The book focuses on matters of faith and Torah fundamentals. It was written as part of the controversy between the author and critics of the Rambam, the Ralbag, Rabbi Yosef Albo and Rabbeinu Don Yitzchak Abarbanel.

Tehillah LeDovid, Igeret Yesodei Hatzadikim. Authored by Rabbi David son of Rabbi Yehudah Mesir Leon.

This book follows the Rambam’s approach on 3 topics:

1. The values of Torah and the wholesomeness of those who receive it.

2. Fundamentals of faith.

3. The names and descriptions of G-d, 13 attributes of mercy, reward and punishment, free choice and more.

Rabbi David son of Rabbi Yehudah Mesir Leon (circa 1459-1535) was a 16th Century leader of Italian Jewry. Born in Mantua, he was a disciple of Rabbi Moshe (son of R’ Shem Tov) Ibn Chaviv. He immigrated to Turkey in 1505. Rabbi David served as Rabbi of the Avilona community, and excommunicated the Castillian community in his town. Rabbi David authored Ein HaKoreh on Moreh Nevuchim of the Rambam. His magnum opus is this book, Tehillah LeDovid.

Constantinople, 1577. First edition. Yosef son of Yitzchak Yaavetz Press.

108 leaves (4 leaves were appended to the end of the book following the main printing. These do not appear in this copy: “After the conclusion of the printing of the book Tehillah LeDovid, I received 2 homilies from the Rabbi, the author, and I agreed to print them…”. 21 cm. Very good condition.

Most impressive and beautiful copy. Splendid, new, leather binding. Quality, light-colored paper.