2 important works by the Abarbanel
First Editions: Ma’ayanei HaYeshuah, Ferrara, 1551 / Mifalos Elokim, Venice, 1592
1 volume containing two sefarim by the noble sage and Torah scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel, among the leaders of Spanish Jewry during the expulsion, and one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of all generations.
1.Sefer Ma’ayanei HaYeshuah – a commentary on the Book of Daniel,
Ferrara 1551. First edition.
This commentary by the Abarbanel is among the most important and fundamental sefarim addressing the prophecies concerning the coming of Mashiach and future redemption. It was authored with the goal of strengthening and buttressing the faith of Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal during this painful period.
The author himself writes about this present work:
"There is no comparison to its beauty in my eyes." (She’eilos to Rabbi Shaul Hakohen, Venice 1574, leaf 12a)
The sefer is divided into 12 "springs" (sections), and 70 "palm trees" (chapters). At the beginning of the sefer is an introduction containing the author’s extensive biography by Rabbi Baruch Uziel Chazkito.
Rare sefer. The sefer includes polemical material against Christian beliefs.
2. Sefer Mifalos Elokim contains philosophical essays on the paths of faith.
Venice, 1592. First edition.
Page Count: Ma’ayanei Hayeshuah. 142 leaves; Mifalos Elokim: 96 leaves.
Condition: Good; tiny hole in title page of Ma’ayanei Hayeshuah; stains.
Sefer Ma’ayanei Hayeshuah was printed at the press of Shmuel Hatzarfati, and was the first sefer printed in his printing house in the city of Ferrara.
