with a schematic map of Israel

Commentary on Rashi's commentary on the Pentatuch with a schematic map of Israel from the collection of Yosef Asher Pollock, a 19th-century rabbi whose books were posthumously gifted to various collections.

Elijah ben Abraham Mizrahi (a.k.a. Re'em, c. 1455-1525 or 1526) was a Constantinople rabbi and mathematician, who became the Chief Rabbi of the Ottoman Empire in 1495, a post which he held until his death. As part of the role Mizrahi had a seat in the divan, assigned to him by the Sultan, beside the Mufti and above the Patriarch of the Christians. He had written several works in his lifetime, but considered this to be his most important one. 'Sefer HaMizrahi', as it's known, is a super-commentary on Rashi's commentary on the Torah and is counted as one of the most important works on the subject. It was first published in Venice in 1527 after Mizrahi's death, by his son Israel. Israel edited his work, adding a preface to it in which he asked the readers, in case they were unable to understand certain passages, not to criticise his father, but to apply to Israel for explanations instead.

In this edition Rashi's commentary is printed in block letters while the Biur Mizrahi commentary appears in Rashi script. On reverse of l.211 there is a schematic map of Israel, drawn primarily in straight lines with its east side facing upward. This map was first printed in 1717.

4to; restored publisher's half-calf, marbled covers almost entirely perished, spine rubbed and chipped at the top end; some browning to leaves, a stamp and an old ownership inscription to title; [2], 241 ll.

Vinograd, Furth 292.