ABRAHAM BEN ASHER

v.p.

v.d.

Ohr Hasechel [commentary to Midrash Rabbah on the Book of Genesis, with text]. With commentary of Rashi. FIRST EDITION. Elaborate printer’s device on title (Yaari no. 30). Title letters within decorative floral vignettes, opening word within woodcut cartouche. [Vinograd, Venice 537; Mehlman 170; Adams M-1429]. Venice, Giovanni Griffio, 1567-8. * BENVENISTE, MEIR BEN SAMUEL. Oth Emeth [Midrashim]. Second edition. Title within woodcut architectural arch. [Vinograd, Prague 310]. Prague, Abraham b. Shimon (Heide), 1624. BOUND WITH: FIGO, MOSES. Zichron Torath Moshe [indices to Talmud, Midrash, etc.]. Second edition. Title within architectural arch. [Vinograd, Prague 304]. Prague, Abraham b. Shimon (Heide), 1623

First Work: The Author included an expanded version of Rashi’s commentary to the Midrash Rabbah on the book of Genesis. According to Weiner (Koheleth Moshe no. 440), the text of the Midrash published by the author is based upon a manuscript which differs from the standard text. The commentary attributed to Rashi is based upon two different manuscripts. See also Roest (no.85 and no.1628) who cites the introduction of the commentary on the Midrash published a year later in Cracow. Scholars have debated whether the attribution to Rashi is correct. See H. Albeck’s introduction to Midrash Bereishith Rabbah (1965) pp.132-3. Third Work: Important alphabetical subject index of the Talmud including citations to Moreh Nevuchim, Akeidah, Ikarim, Derech Emunah, Neveh Shalom, Or Hashem and Derashoth Haran. A work that lends significance to the history of scholarship in the 16th century, indicating those works considered to be worthy of study at the time