Bidspirit auction | Beit HaUzieli – Sermons on

Beit HaUzieli – Sermons on the Weekly Torah Portions. Venice, 1604. Sole Edition. - A rare volume of homiletic discourses containing sixteen lengthy sermons on the weekly Torah portions, composed in a learned and richly developed style, with a detailed and organized index at the conclusion. Printed on the title page: “Composed by… the eminent rabbinic sage Rabbi Yehudah Uziel of blessed memory, whose Torah light shone… throughout all the lands of the West…” A testimony to the author’s distinguished stature and broad renown among the Jewish communities of North Africa. The author, Rabbi Yehudah ben Rabbi Shmuel Uziel, was among the early sages of Fez and one of its most prominent rabbis. He signed numerous communal enactments between the years 1573 and 1608, and passed away approximately in 1620. See: Malchei Rabbanan, fol. 51; Arzei HaLevanon, p. 793. A copy of notable provenance. On the title page appear the stamps of the famed philanthropist Rabbi Daniel Yaffe of Berlin: “Daniel bar R.A. z”l D.J.” He was renowned in his generation for supporting many Torah scholars in his home and sustaining them generously. Among those who benefited from his patronage was the author of the Pri Megadim, who mentions him favorably at the beginning of his works. Additional ownership inscriptions appear as well. [6], 100 leaves. 18 cm. Condition: Very good. New half-leather binding.