The Hebrew Physiologus: Animals and Creatures in Tsemah Tsaddik by Leon Moderna - Hardcover

by Vered Tohar (Editor)

An annotated edition of Leon Modena's Hebrew Musar book Tsema Tsaddik or Pious Plant, originally published in Venice in 1600.

Tsema Tsaddik follows the format of a medieval physiologus, where each chapter corresponds to a specific animal and addresses various human behaviors, traits, vices, or virtues. Additionally, each chapter features an explanation of its theme, supported by quotes from the Old Testament, Greek and Roman philosophers, Rabbinic Sages, and fathers of the Church. Furthermore, each chapter includes at least one folktale.

For this edition, the translation is accompanied by a comprehensive introduction that describes the world of Musar pre-modern books and offers insights into Modena's cultural context.

Author Biography

Vered Tohar is head of the Department of the Literature of the Jewish People at Bar-Ilan University.