Bidspirit auction | Kevod Elohim – A Foundational

Kevod Elohim – A Foundational Work of Jewish Philosophy by the Sage Rabbi Yosef ben Shem Tov. Ferrara, 1555. First Edition. - A rare first edition of one of the important works of Jewish thought printed after the era of the Spanish expulsion, authored by the sage and philosopher Rabbi Yosef ben Shem Tov, one of the foremost scholars of Spain in the fifteenth century and among the leading intellectual figures of his age. The book Kevod Elohim deals with matters of faith, wisdom, and Jewish philosophy, including extensive discussion of the teachings of the sages of Israel, Aristotle, and the classical philosophers. The author seeks to clarify the proper relationship between Torah wisdom and speculative philosophy, and between Jewish belief and the fundamental questions that occupied the minds of his contemporaries. Before us is a profound and valuable work, reflecting the vibrant spiritual world of Spanish Jewry at the close of its Golden Age and in its aftermath. Rabbi Yosef ben Shem Tov was among the distinguished sages of Spain and served as teacher to Rabbeinu Don Isaac Abarbanel, who studied under him in his youth and later mentioned him with honor in his own writings. He was close to the royal court and became known for his debates with Christian scholars on matters of philosophy and faith. According to certain traditions, he ended his life as a martyr sanctifying the Divine Name. The present edition was printed in Ferrara, one of the most important centers of Hebrew printing in sixteenth-century Italy, where many foundational works were produced for the Sephardic exiles. On the title page and final leaf appears the printer’s device of Abraham ben Usque, one of the noted Hebrew printers of his time, bearing the inscription: “I hoped in the Lord; my soul hoped.” Alongside it appear the initials A.V., alluding to the printer’s name. This device adds particular charm and bibliographic importance to the present copy. A handsome and impressive copy of a rare and significant work in the history of Jewish philosophy, uniting the tradition of Israel with the world of classical philosophy, and linking the great sages of Spain with the earliest Hebrew presses of Europe. [32] leaves, including the final leaf. 20 cm. Condition: Very good. Clean white paper with attractive margins. Modern vellum binding.