ALBO, JOSEPH
Sepher Ha’Ikrim [philosophy]

Sepher Ha’Ikrim [philosophy]
Title within architectural border ff. 166. Mispaginated (as all copies) but complete, small repair to title (slightly affecting two words of the introduction on verso), browned and stained, two neat marginal repairs. Later calf-backed boards. 4to. Vinograd, Lublin 66; St. Cat. Bodl. 5882, 6 (ed. quoque haec rara); Adams J-336.

Kalonymus ben Mordechai Yaffe, Lublin: 1597.


Rare Lublin edition.
     Albo’s philosophical exposé proceeds from the view that every religion is founded upon three basic principles: the existence of God, revelation and reward and punishment. The true faith, according to Albo, is one that recognizes not only the roots of these three fundamental principles, but also their logical consequences. Thus the goal of man lies in perfecting himself, and the way to human perfection according to Albo, lies in striving to become similar to the supreme symbol of perfection, i.e. God. This can be achieved through the loving fulfillment of His will - the observance of the Mitzvoth.
     Albo also discusses here the terrors of the catastrophe that befell Spanish Jewry. He interprets suffering as “chastisements of love,” imposed as a trial, in order to strengthen the bond between God and Israel.