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First Yiddish edition of this classical ethical work by an anonymous author. It is Orhot Zaddikim, or Sefer Middot, the latter another name by which the work has become known. The title page has an attractive border comprised of two winged cherubim at the top supporting a crown, florets at the side, and a curved floral arrangement at the bottom with birds in the side openings. The text is in Yiddish in weibertaitsch and below it in square Hebrew letters publication information, stating that the publisher is Henry Jakob doctor and professor and that the book can be found and purchased by Seligman Reis of Frankfort a. Main. It is followed by the table of contents which lists which, over two pages, lists the books contents. Next is introduction and then the text, in a single column in weibertaitsch.. In the introduction, the author refers to the book as, “This Sefer Middot, written and sealed with the stamp of wisdom.”
Orhot Zaddikim is comprised of twenty eight sha’arim (portals), most contrasting character traits, such as pride, humility, mercy, cruelty, love, hatred, joy, anxiety, concluding with repentance, Torah, and awe of Heaven. Its purpose is to instruct man in how to make use of his facilities to do right and achieve good. Man can train his senses, which strengthens or weakens the heart and soul, to achieve positive qualities and avoid negative ones.
It has not been possible to identify the anonymous author. The only historical fact cited in the work is the expulsion of the Jews from France in the 14th century. Since Orhot Zaddikim follows the teachings of the Hasidei Ashkenaz in many ways, it is possible that the author did not identify himself in keeping with the admonishment of Judah ben Samuel he-Hasid of Regensburg in Sefer Hasidim (also published anonymously) for writers to not identify their work so that their descendants might not pride themselves with the accomplishments of their fathers. |
