Bidspirit auction | Pirkei Avos: Pirkei Moshe by

Pirkei Avos: Pirkei Moshe by Rabbi Moses Almosnino. Salonika, 1563. Sole Edition. Complete and attractive copy in antique binding. - This was the first work authored by the writer and its only edition. A remarkable commentary on Pirkei Avot by the sage, preacher, and distinguished commentator Rabbi Moshe Almosnino. Rabbi Moshe Almosnino: One of the sages of Salonika in the sixteenth century (1515–1580). Born in Salonika, he was descended from one of the distinguished families of Aragon and was a disciple of Rabbi Yosef Taitazak. He possessed extensive knowledge of science and other fields of wisdom, as reflected in his writings. Among other activities, he headed a delegation of the Jews of Salonika to the authorities in Constantinople in order to secure the rights of the Jewish community. He authored numerous works, some in Ladino, and became renowned as an outstanding preacher and commentator. His sermons and commentaries integrate material from Torah literature and the sciences. In his introduction, the author notes that he prepared the book for publication while fleeing his residence due to a tragic event that had occurred there: “And time did not permit, unstable as it was, to prepare and support it until this day, when I was compelled to leave my dwelling, my castle, and my home because of fear, terror, and destruction sent by evil messengers and a spirit of confusion...” Salonika, 1563. Sole edition. Printed by Joseph ben Isaac Yaavetz. 111 leaves. Found in the Rare Books Collection of the National Library. Complete and impressive copy. Minor staining and restoration of minor worm damage in the final leaves; otherwise, a splendid copy with wide margins and thick, Rigel paper. Otzar HaSefer HaIvri 61016. Ginzei Yisrael – Mehlman Collection 128. Vinograd, Salonika 62. An impressive and attractive copy of a rare work on Pirkei Avot.