Torat Kohanim, or Sifra, with commentary by the Raavad (R. Avraham son of David of Posquières). [Constantinople]: printer not indicated, [ca. 1510].
First edition of Sifra, a halachic midrash to the Book of Vayikra originating in the school of R. Akiva, which was known in Eretz Israel as Torat Kohanim and in Babylonia as Sifra or Sifra Devei Rav, as well as first edition of the Raavad's commentary.
The book begins with the Baraita of R. Yishmael's thirteen hermeneutic rules, also with commentary of the Raavad. This baraita has since been printed at the beginning of subsequent editions.
The text of the Baraita of R. Yishmael is printed in the center in square script, with the Raavad's commentary printed around it in two columns, in semi-cursive (Rashi) script. The Sifra text in the first part is printed in the same format, while later in the volume the Sifra text is printed at the upper part of the page in two columns in square script, with the Raavad's commentary at the bottom in two columns in semi-cursive script.
The printing was interrupted in the middle of Parashat Vayikra (mislabeled as Parashat Tzav on headers of leaves [33-42]), and the printing of the book was not completed (likewise in other known copies).
On second leaf, fine woodcut initial panel.
[42] leaves. 28.5 cm. Wide margins. Fair condition. Stains, including dark dampstains. Open tears, and much heavy worming (especially to title page), affecting text in many places, repaired with paper filling (all leaves repaired and margins slightly expanded). New leather binding.
The precise date of printing is unclear, and various hypotheses have been advanced (Habermann dates it to after 1505; Friedberg to 1530; Mehlman to 1494-1504; Yaari dated it to [1523?] but appears to have relied on a mistaken record by Aron Freimann).
Especially rare. Only a few copies are known.
Provenance: Kestenbaum, New York, 25 October 2004, Lot 34.
