Set of Sefer Ma’aseh Rokeach on the Rambam, by Rabbi Masoud Hai Rokeach
1. Volume I: Mada, Ahavah, and Zmanim
First Edition, Venice, 1742. Printed by Meir da Zara. Illustrated title page featuring depictions of Moses and Aaron.
Includes printing permissions in Italian from the Reformatori in Padua (February 20, 1741) and the Cataveri in Venice (August 20, 1743).
Following the title page, a poem in praise of the book by the first approver, opening with "Al Kol Korban Chovah."
The work incorporates ancient commentaries by Rabbi Avraham, the Rambam’s son, and others. Ma’aseh Rokeach is considered a foundational text for Rambam commentaries due to its precise textual analysis (comparing seven manuscripts) and Rabbi Rokeach’s own insights. For decades, it provided the only printed version of Rabbi Avraham ben Rambam’s writings, greatly enhancing its significance.
Interestingly, the author deviated from tradition by printing the Rambam’s text without Raavad’s critiques. In his introduction, he anticipates the question, explaining that he avoided addressing "objections and interpretations" since Maggid Mishneh and Kesef Mishneh had already done so. He felt it inappropriate to include the critiques without their respective explanations.
2. Volume II: [Nashim and Kedushah]
First Edition Livorno, 1862–1863. Printed by Eliyahu Benamozegh and associates.
Leaf 157: Contains an ancient approbation of the Tripoli community (dated 1760 and renewed in 1778 and 1844) regarding charity and customs tied to merchants and trade.
Ownership inscription by Rabbi David Rubin of Tripoli, gifted to him by Rabbi Yaakov Rokeach. Additional inscriptions and signatures from Rabbi David Rubin.
Rabbi David Rubin was a sage and rabbi of Tripoli, Libya. He is remembered in the Kol Nidrei service on Yom Kippur night as "the complete scholar and distinguished judge."
3. Volume III: [Haflaah, Zeraim, Avodah, Korbanot, and Taharah]
First Edition, Livorno, 1863. Printed by Eliyahu Benamozegh and associates.
4-5. Sefer Mateh Yehuda, Commentary and insights by Rabbi Yehuda Ayash.
On Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, Part I. Contains the text of the Shulchan Aruch along with the commentary.
Mateh Yehuda on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, Part II
Antique handwritten dedications to the philanthropist Daniel Avraham Baruch Carvalho.
6. Printed along with his Sefer Shevet Yehuda on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah, part 2 [sections 150, 334-403, including collections and responsa].
Important antique gloss.
First Edition , Livorno, 1783. Printed by Avraham Yitzchak Castilho and Eliezer Saadon.
Overall Good Condition, Complete copies.
Rabbi Masoud Hai Rokeach was born in Izmir in 1690 and studied under Rabbi Chaim Abulafia II and Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen Rappaport. He later moved to the Land of Israel and, in 1749, became an emissary to North Africa. Upon completing his mission, he settled in Tripoli, Libya, where he was appointed head of the rabbinical court alongside Rabbi David Tayar and Rabbi Binyamin Venturi.
Rabbi Rokeach brought significant spiritual renewal to the Jewish community of Libya after a prolonged period of suffering, persecution, and population decline. His influence extended throughout Libya, strengthening Jewish communities in the region.
Rabbi Masoud Hai Rokeach passed away in Tripoli on the 10th of Av, 1768. He left behind innovations on the Talmud, commentaries on the Five Megillot, and sermons, some of which were lost over time. Before settling in Tripoli, Rabbi Rokeach maintained connections with the communities of Venice and Livorno, where he also visited and left a lasting impression. His grandson, Rabbi Avraham Chaim Adadi, recounts the accolades received by Rabbi Rokeach during these visits, where he collaborated with local scholars and left a legacy through his writings.
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