Classic: Sefer HaYashar L’Rabeinu Tam, Cracow 1586

Classic: Sefer HaYashar L’Rabeinu Tam, Cracow 1586

A rare and early edition of Sefer HaYashar, printed in Cracow in 1586. Although Sefer HaYashar was first printed in Constantinople (c. 1515), this is the very first edition that appeared in print in Ashkenazic lands. It remains one of the most popular ethical works studied from till this very day.

Sefer HaYashar is an ethical work divided into eighteen short She’arim, and was written anonymously. It was believed that it was composed by Rabbeinu Tam, as printed on the title page, in error. Presumably, the reason for this was in light of his Halachic work, also entitled Sefer HaYashar. Interestingly, this erroneous belief was widespread even before it had appeared in print, as we see in the words of R. Avraham Saba (1440-1508), in his work Tzror Hamor (Parshas Nitzavim): “Many authors have spoken about this topic of Teshuvah, and I agree with none of them except what is written in Sefer Hayashar, which is said to be written by Rabbeinu Tam, but I don’t recall his exact words since I don’t have my books as they were all left in Portugal”. From these words it is clear that this was the widespread opinion even prior to its printing in Constantinople. 

We should also note the words of the author in his introduction, that concepts of this work are based on Sefer Chovos Halevavos, which was written by Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Paquda in circa 1080. Considering that Sefer Chovas Halevavos first appeared in Judeo-Arabic and was not fully translated into Hebrew until about 100 years later, it is not likely that Rabbeinu Tam would have heard of the work (let alone study it), since he died in 1170, before the completion of the translation. 

The consensus of many, including the Chida in his Shem HaGedolim, is that Sefer HaYashar was written by R. Zerachia HaYavani, who lived in the fourteenth century. 

Two small contemporary marginal glosses are seen on pp. 18. 

In good condition, with occasional light stains. Margins slightly trimmed, affecting text on pp. 23. Ink stamp removed from title. Bound in a beautiful leather binding. 

Page size: 16.5cm

[1], 2-28 pp.