Bidspirit auction | Important Work of Mussar: Sefer

Important Work of Mussar: Sefer HaYashar Attributed to Rabbeinu Tam Cracow, 1586. First Ashkenaz Edition. *   Sefer HaYashar, a classic work of mussar on morality, ethics, Yiras Shamayim, and repentance, attributed to Rabbeinu Tam. Sefer HaYashar gained much popularity throughout the Jewish world and was printed in dozens of editions. Already in the era of the Rishonim, Rabbi Yehudah ben HaRosh wrote: “Accustom yourselves to study Chovos HaLevavos and Sefer HaYashar” (last will and testament of Rabbi Yehudah ben HaRosh, Pressburg, 1885, p. 11). The work was mistakenly attributed to Rabbeinu Tam Baal HaTosfos, due to his halachic work bearing the same title, Sefer HaYashar. Rabbi Avraham Saba already wrote in his sefer Tzror HaMor (Parshas Nitzavim), “They say that it was composed by Rabbeinu Tam.” Rabbi Menachem di Lonzano identified the author as Rabbi Zerachiah HaYevani, and the Chida appears to accept this opinion (see Shem HaGedolim, entry Rabbi Zerachiah HaYevani). The sefer was first printed in Constantinople, followed by a second edition in Venice. The present volume is the third edition and the first time the work was printed in an Ashkenazic country. It was subsequently reprinted there dozens of times. The sefer was printed exactly 440 years ago. Cracow, 1586. Page Count: 27, [1] leaves. Size: Approximately 19 cm. Condition: Good. A few stains. Small hole in the title page affecting two words. Minor wear to the margins. Antique cardboard binding, soft and somewhat worn. Early signature on the title page.