Sefer Yesod: Beis Elokim by the Mabit with First Printing of Perek Shira.
Venice, 1576. First Edition
Beis Elokim by Rabbi Moshe ben Yosef of Trani, the Mabit, is a work of fundamental Torah and religious concepts. It is divided into three sections: the Chapter of Prayer, the Chapter of Repentance, and the Chapter of Foundations in Emunah and concludes with a commentary on Perek Shira.
Many pillars of our faith, including repentance and prayer, are explained at length in this work. Beis Elokim swiftly became one of the classic sefarim on this subject and was cited extensively by Gedolim throughout the generations.
This sefer also features the first printing of Perek Shira which is a popular segulah that is said to generate many yeshuos. Perek Shira relates the praises of Hashem sung by all creations, from the heavens to the earth and from the wild beasts of the field to tiny insects. The Mabit’s commentary on Perek Shira is printed with it, and is also the first commentary ever printed on Perek Shira.
Venice, 1576. First Edition.
Page Count: 120, [6] leaves. Perek Shira: 10 leaves.
Condition: Good with stains and signs of use. The last page features a list of birthdays and yarhtzeits in Yiddish from the 16th century.
Bibliography: Stefansky Sifrei Yesod # 499
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The daily recitation of Perek Shira has become a universally acclaimed segulah. The Mabit writes on the first page of his sefer:
“Rebbi said: One who engages in Perek Shira in this world merits to learn and to teach, to observe and to perform and to fulfill, and he retains his learning, and he is spared from the evil inclination and injuries, and from suffering in his grave, and from the judgment of Gehinnom and from the birth pangs of Mashiach, and he merits longevity and merits the days of Mashiach and life in the world-to-come.”
“Rabbi Eliezer HaGadol said: “One who engages in Perek Shira every day, I attest that he will merit the world-to-come, and he will be saved from injury and from the evil inclination and from harsh judgment and from the Satan and all destructive and harmful spirits…”