The Hebrew Physiologus
Animals and Creatures in Tsemah Tsaddik by Leon Modena
Editor(s) Vered Tohar
Language: English
Genre(s): Literary Criticism
Series: Medieval Animals
- January 2025 · 136 pages
- · eBook - pdf - 9781837722440
- · eBook - epub - 9781837722457
About The Book
An annotated edition of Leon Modena’s Hebrew Musar book Tsemaḥ Tsaddik (‘Pious Plant’), originally published in Venice in 1600. Tsemaḥ 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, evidenced by quotes from the Old Testament, Greek and Roman philosophers, Rabbinic Sages and fathers of the Church – along with at least one folktale. The translation is accompanied by a thorough and comprehensive introduction to describe the world of Musar pre-modern books, and offers insights into Modena’s cultural context.