Bidspirit auction | Shulchan HaPanim Bound with Chovot

Shulchan HaPanim Bound with Chovot HaLevavot. Venice, 1712–1713. Two Foundational Ladino Works in One Volume. Extra Fine Copy. - An impressive and important volume containing two rare foundational works printed in Ladino in Venice at the beginning of the eighteenth century for the Sephardic communities throughout the Mediterranean basin. Both works were produced by the renowned Bragadini press, and printed in vocalized square Hebrew type for the convenience of readers and students. Before us is a beautiful and tangible witness to the spiritual and cultural world of Ladino-speaking Jewry, which sought to make the literature of halachah and ethics accessible in the vernacular language. Shulchan HaPanim – Commentary on the Shulchan Aruch in Ladino “Libro llamado en Ladino...” An important commentary on the Shulchan Aruch in the Ladino language, intended to bring the practical laws of Jewish life to the wider public in a language they could readily understand. The title page is fully illustrated in splendid style: on either side appear figures of Moses and Aaron, above them angels holding the Tablets of the Covenant. The book was brought to press by Moshe ben Rabbi Shlomo Ashkenazi. Venice, 1712. Bragadini Press. 184 leaves. 23 cm. Chovot HaLevavot of Rabbeinu Bachya – Translated into Ladino The timeless and foundational ethical classic of Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Pakuda, translated into Ladino by Rabbi Tzadik ben Rabbi Yosef Firmon of Salonika. This work too bears an elegant illustrated title page, with figures of Moses and Aaron and angels holding the Tablets of the Covenant. It was likewise brought to press by Moshe ben Rabbi Shlomo Ashkenazi. Indexes appear on the final leaf. Venice, 1713. Bragadini Press. 160 leaves. 23 cm. Before us is an especially complete and attractive copy of two important Ladino works, bound together in a single volume—a remarkable union of halachah and ethics, reflecting the rich spiritual world of Sephardic Jewry after the Expulsion. Condition: Very good. Thick, high-quality paper. Gilt page edges. Worn early leather binding.