Bidspirit auction | Ateres Zekenim The First Sefer

Ateres Zekenim The First Sefer by Don Yitzchak Abarbanel! Sabionetta, 1557. First Edition. * A philosophical work of twenty-five chapters, on Divine Providence, the greatness of the Jewish nation, and the unique Divine favor resting upon Eretz Yisrael. Authored by Rabbi Yitzchak Abarbanel of Portugal and Spain, one of the most eminent and illustrious sages of the past several centuries. This sefer is the first fruit of the author’s literary endeavors, written in his youth, preceding his fundamental commentary on the Torah and all his other renowned works. In a letter sent to Pisa in 1472, he refers to this very composition, writing: ”I have presented before you Ateres Zekenim which I have composed… and this sefer is a gift sent to my master… behold, I have brought the first fruits of the land which Hashem has given me.” (Otzar Nechmad, second issue, Vienna 1857, p. 69) The Abarbanel’s discussion in this work revolves primarily around the verse, “Behold, I am sending an angel before you” (Shemos 23:20), and his words are cited by commentators both from earlier generations, such as the Rema in Toras HaOlah (leaf 158b), and from later ones, such as the Malbim and others. At the end of the sefer appear the four rare leaves missing from some copies, containing the essay Tzuras HaYesodos, which discusses the elements of nature through the lens of philosophy. Sabionetta, 1557. First Edition. Page Count: 40, 4 leaves. Condition: Restorations to the first leaves, stains and wear on some individual leaves. Stains. New half-leather binding.