Tola’ath Ya’akov (MEIR IBN GABBAI) Constantinople 1560

Kabbalistic exposition to the prayers

FIRST EDITION. Published by the author’s son in- law, Shne’or Falcon. ff. 80. Some browning and staining, slight

worming in places repaired, some marginalia in a square hand. Later vellum. 4to. [Vinograd Const. 218, Yaari Const. 159; St. Cat. Bodl. 6303, no. 6; Mehlman 1054 (without the poem)].

Constantinople, Samuel Chakim: 1560.

RARE FIRST EDITION WITH ADDITIONAL POEM PRINTED BEFORE

THE INTRODUCTION FOUND ONLY IN A FEW COPIES (see Hacker’s

corrections in Areshet Vol.V, p. 484).

Tola’ath Ya’akov is one of the earliest, systematic

commentaries to the prayers and associated customs. Although

the work is kabbalistic in nature, it is nonetheless noted for its

clarity and fl owing style. Both Isaiah Horowitz (the Shla”h)

and Chaim Joseph David Azulai (the Chid”a), frequently cite

the Tola’ath Ya’akov in their own works.