Early Sefer Yesod: Halachos Gedolos. First Edition.
Venice, 1548
Contains halachos, halachic rulings and a list of the 613 mitzvos. This classic and fundamental sefer was one of the first halachic works compiled after the sealing of the Talmud in 500 C.E.
The early sages regarded this sefer with appreciation and honor, and very rarely dissent from its rulings, “as all the words of Halachos Gedolos are words of Kabbalah, as the Poskim write of it in every place” (Shu”t Maharik, end of Shoresh 150).
The Chida writes similarly in the name of the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh: “We heed the words of the author of Halachos Gedolos as all his words are Kabbalah” (Birkei Yosef, Ohr Hachaim Ch. 16).
There are different opinions regarding the identity of the author of Halachos Gedolos. The Rambam, Raavad and Ramban conjecture that it was written by Rabbi Shimon Kaeira of the Babylonian Geonim, whereas Rashi, Rashbam and the Baalei Tosfos attribute the sefer to Rabbi Yehudai Gaon.
The sefer opens with a preface by the author, which seems to be the very first preface to any Hebrew work. The author then continues with the list of the 613 mitzvos, which is regarded as one of the fundamental lists of the mitzvos.
Venice, 1548. First edition.
Page Count: [4], 144 leaves.
Condition: Good with minor stains. Attractive new leather binding with leather strings.
Bibliography: Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod #220
