Bidspirit auction | Fundamentals of Faith: Ohr Amim

Fundamentals of Faith: Ohr Amim by Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno. Bologna, 1537. First Edition. * A composition on Jewish faith and philosophy, written to refute the teachings of the philosopher Aristotle, whose views on the nature of the world are contrary to the Torah and the fundamental principles of Jewish faith. It was written by the great sage and renowned commentator Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno. In his introduction, Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno explains that Aristotle’s teachings had become so widely accepted and deeply entrenched that they were regarded as beyond challenge. He therefore undertook to demonstrate the weaknesses in Aristotle’s philosophy and to defend the Torah’s understanding of creation and faith. Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno attached great importance to this work. He personally undertook its publishing and even prepared, on the final leaf, a list of corrections to errors. He also translated the work into Latin and sent it to King Henry II of France, who was known for his interest in religious works. Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno (1478–1550), one of the foremost commentators on the Torah, was renowned both for his mastery of Torah and his broad knowledge of the secular sciences. He was also an outstanding physician and was known in his generation as the “The Master of Healers.” His commentary on the Torah became very popular throughout the Jewish world and has been printed in virtually every edition of the Mikraos Gedolos. Bologna, 1537. First Edition. Page Count: 64 leaves. Size: 21 cm. Condition: Good. Clean white paper. Antique half-leather binding. Spine rubbed and slightly damaged.