Sefer Chok L’Yisroel - A German Translation of Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos, Prague 1798. First Edition.

Sefer Chok L’Yisroel - A German Translation of Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos, Prague 1798. First Edition.

A complete copy of Sefer Chok L’Yisroel, printed in Prague in 1798. Although printed anonymously, this work was written by R. Yisroel Landau, son of R. Yechezkel Landau, author of Nodah BiYehudah (as referenced by his initials printed on the title page). R. Landau’s idea was to translate the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos into Judeo-German so that laymen and children could properly understand it. 

This work was printed with approbations of the Noda BiYehudah’s foremost disciples. Interestingly, in his approbation, R. Michael Bacharach notes that the main reason why R. Landau published this work was because he was pained by the fact many weren’t studying Torah properly and instead focusing their interests in various books and German literature. By publishing this work in German, it would appeal to those already reading German literature to instead engage in Torah study. A very interesting and rare work. This is perhaps the very first Sefer translated into a foreign language endorsed by leading Torah scholars. Hence the reason for anonymity.

In very good condition. Light stains, paper slightly browned. A large dark stain is seen on title page, not affecting text. Top cover board detached. 

[6], 48; 72 pp.

Vinograd, Prague 1037.