Amtachat Binyamin, on Kohelet, by R. Binyamin, the Maggid of Zalozitz (Zaliztsi). Minkovitz (Mynkivtsi), [1796].
The composition ends in the middle of chapter 9, since the author passed away while he was still in the process of writing this work, as stated in the closing words on the final leaf: "And he didn't manage to complete it, before his soul departed in purity".
The author, R. Binyamin, maggid of Zalozitz (d. 1791; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 350-354), was well versed in both revealed and hidden realms of the Torah. A contemporary of the Baal Shem Tov and early Chassidic masters, he was one of the first disseminators of Chassidic teachings. It is unclear whether he merited meeting the Baal Shem Tov, however his works include teachings in his name. His works also include many teachings in the names of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezeritch, R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov and R. Menachem Mendel of Premishlan. He refers to R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov as "my teacher". His works include: Chelkat Binyamin, commentary on the Passover Haggadah; Ahavat Dodim, commentary to Shir HaShirim and Torei Zahav – kabbalistic and Chassidic homiletics on the Torah portions. All of his works were published posthumously, by his son R. Asher Zelig. R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, in his approbation to Amtachat Binyamin, describes R. Binyamin as a "righteous and G-dly man".
[2], 1-13, 18-128 leaves. 18.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains (dark stains to several leaves). Open tears to title page, following leaf and last leaf, affecting text, repaired with paper and photocopy replacement of missing text. Tears to several other leaves, affecting text, partially repaired. Minor worming. New binding.