Bidspirit auction | Azikri, Elazar. Sepher Chareidim [on

Azikri, Elazar. Sepher Chareidim [on the halachic, ethical and religious reasons for the precepts]. First Edition.  ff. 82. Trimmed and stained. Modern half-calf. Sm. 4to. Vinograd, Venice 925. Venice, Daniel Zanetti, 1601.     In this spiritual and ascetic manual, R. Elazar Azikri (1533-1600) divides the precepts according to the senses and limbs of the human body. The work contains many laws relating to the Land of Israel and a collection of “Love Songs to the Creator, ” including the popular Sabbath Hymn, “Yedid Nephesh” (f. 43r).          A Kabbalist of the Safed School, Azikri’s sole aim was “spiritual perfection, purification and communion with God.” See EJ, Vol. III, cols. 1008-9.