Judah Moscato Sermons

Book excerpt: Judah ben Joseph Moscato (c.1533–1590) was one of the most distinguished rabbis, authors, and preachers of the Italian-Jewish Renaissance. The book Sefer Nefuṣot Yehudah belongs to the very centre of his important homiletic and philosophical oeuvre. Composed in Mantua and published in Venice in 1589, the collection of 52 sermons addresses the subject of the Jewish festivals, focussing on philosophy, mysticism, sciences and rites. This and subsequent volumes will provide a critical edition of the original Hebrew text, accompanied by an English translation. "Brill’s new scholarly edition and translation of the sermons (there will eventually be four volumes) is a major contribution to Jewish Renaissance studies. Even for someone who is comfortable with reading traditional Hebrew literature, this translation will be welcome. The editors identify the many references to both Jewish and Classical literature, and give brief but clear explanations when needed. The translation is also clear, and seems to accurately reflect the Hebrew text." Jim Rosenbloom, Judaica Librarian, Brandeis University; past president of AJL