Sefer HaYashar [“The Book of the Righteous” – ethics]. Authored by Rabbi Zerachiah the Greek, and attributed in error to Rabbeinu Tam.
Venice: Cornelio Adelkind for J. de Farri, 1544.
This Sefer was written anonymously, and over time was erroneously attributed to Rabbeinu Tam, who authored a different work with the same name.
68 Leaves. 14 Cm.
Overall Good-Fair condition, stains, bottom margin missing on page nine, marginal repair made to last page, very minor worming on last few pages, later brown leather binding
Sepher HaYashar, probably written in the 13th century, was one of the most popular ethical works of the Middle Ages. It is often ascribed to the Tosaphist Jacob (Rabbeinu) Tam, as he authored an Halachic work under the same title. The style and language conform to the contemporary philosophies of the time with references to Aristotelian terms and concepts, yet some of the main ideas conflict with conventional philosophy to the extent that some scholars attributed the authorship to a kabbalist not wishing to reveal the full scope of his mystical beliefs. Others find similarities between the work and the ethical concepts of the Aschkenazic Hasidic (pietist) movement which peaked in the 13th century. As of yet, no critical edition of this work has been published and until the correct text is ascertained, the questions regarding it\'s authorship and underlying philosophical thought are still in doubt. For a brief survey of the structure and contents of Sepher HaYashar, see M. Waxman, Literature, Vol. II, pp. 276-8.
Share this lot: