One of the Prominent Sifrey Musar: Sefer HaYashar attributed to Rabbeinu Tam – Krakow 1586
Ethical admonitions, matters of repentance, fear, and abstinence, attributed to Rabbeinu Tam.
Sefer HaYashar gained much popularity among Jews everywhere and was printed in numerous editions. Already during the time of the Rishonim, Rabbeinu Yehuda ben the Rosh wrote: "Accustom yourselves to study the sefer
Chovat Halevavot and the
Sefer HaYashar" (Testament of Rabbi Yehuda ben the Rosh, Pressburg 1885, p. 11).
The book was mistakenly attributed to Rabbeinu Tam, from the Ba’aley HaTosafot, because of his halachic work titled
Sefer HaYashar.
Rabbi Abraham Saba writes in his book
Tzror HaMor that "it is said that it was authored by Rabbi Tam" yet
Rabbi Menachem di Lonzano writes that its author is Rabbi Zerachia HaYevani, and the Chida tends to accept his opinion (see
Shem HaGedolim, entry Rabbi Zerachia HaYevani).
On the title page, there is an ancient signature: "Yaakov Levi Heler from the community of Valershtain…" He is presumably a member of the family of Rabbeinu Yom Tov HaLevi Heller, author of
Tosafot Yom Tov.
Krakow, 1586. Pagination: 27, [1] pages. Size: Approximately 18 cm. Condition: Good. Restoration on the title page. The lower corner of page 7 repaired. Slight stains. On one page, the header is slightly trimmed. nice leather binding.
