Degel Machaneh Efraim, Chassidic teachings on the Torah, by R. Moshe Chaim Efraim Ashkenazi Rabbi of Sudilkov (Sudylkiv), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. Korets, 1810, first edition.
The book bears approbations by foremost Chassidic leaders: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz, R. Yaakov Yitzchak HaLevi Horowitz the Chozeh of Lublin, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel Rabbi of Apta, and the Be'er Mayim Chaim. Selections from the Baal Shem Tov, as well as "the dreams found in the writings of the holy rabbi" are printed at the end of the book.
An early Chassidic book. This book is one of the first and most reliable sources of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, received directly from him by the author R. Moshe Chaim Efraim of Sudilkov (d. 1800), his grandson (son of the Baal Shem Tov's pious daughter Odel). The Baal Shem Tov mentions this grandson in his renowned letter to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov in 1752 as a tremendous genius. Chassidic leaders greatly praised the holiness of this book, and its ability to inspire whoever studies it with fear of G-d, as R. Levi Yitzchak wrote in his approbation to the book: "I am convinced that this book will enthuse the hearts of our Jewish brethren to worship G-d".
All the approbations stress the author's lineage as grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, and that the book is replete with the latter's essential teachings.
This book was later reprinted in many editions. One edition of the book was published during the Holocaust (Sighet, 1942), and R. Shlomo Zalman Ehrenreich Rabbi of Shamloi wrote in his approbation to that edition that studying it can greatly strengthen one's faith, something which is of great necessity in such dark times.
[2], 114 leaves. 21 cm. Greenish paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Dampstains and traces of mold. Some damage, slightly affecting text. Minor worming to several leaves. Bookbinding holes to inner margins. Censorship stamp to title page. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 128.

Sidduro shel Shabbat, Parts I & II, kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings regarding the holiness of Shabbat, and Halachic responsa, by Rebbe Chaim of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi). Mohyliv-Podilskyi, [1813]. First edition.
The author, Rebbe Chaim Thirer of Czernowitz (ca. 1740-1818), was a Chassidic leader, disciple of the Maggid of Zlotchov, and served as rabbi of Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Botoşani, Kishinev (Chișinău) and Czernowitz. He had the reputation of a holy man, and wondrous tales about him abound. According to Chassidic tradition, after his immersion before Shabbat, his form would allegedly change and he would grow taller by a handbreadth. Near the end of his life, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Safed in 1813, where he composed Shaar HaTefilla and was later buried. His fundamental works Sidduro shel Shabbat, Shaar HaTefilla and Be'er Mayim Chaim are unique for their clarity and conviction, as well as the enthusiastic Chassidic emotion which they exude. His books were distributed and published in many editions and are considered foundations of Chassidic teachings.
This book is the only one printed in the lifetime of the author, before he travelled to Eretz Israel. The book was recognized as a fundamental Chassidic work, and until this day, regular lectures are delivered based on it. Chassidim of all times had set classes on it in preparation for Shabbat, as the author writes in his preface.
This book became well-known and accepted as soon as it was published. R. Mordechai of Kremenets (son of the Maggid of Zlotchov) writes in his approbation to Shaar HaTefilla: "And he already has a reputation from his book Sidduro shel Shabbat, an awesome volume… whoever studies it enjoys it immensely". R. Yehoshua of Ostrów praised the book: "The holy words of Rabbeinu entice every single Jew to serve G-d" (Or Yekarot by R. Sh. Ch. Porush, II, 175).
[6], 70, 70-108, [1]; 12, 64 leaves. 20 cm. Greenish paper. Good-fair condition. Stains and light wear. Dampstains. Worming to inner margins of several leaves. Tears to title page, affecting text and border with some loss, repaired with paper (losses replaced with photocopy). Tear to upper part of title page of part II, slightly affecting border, repaired. Minor tears and damage to middle of book and final three leaves (mostly not affecting text), repaired. New binding.
The four leaves at the end of part II (afterword and indexes) are very scarce, and are not included in many copies.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 422.

Likutei Moharan Tinyana, by R. Nachman of Breslov. Mohyliv-Podilskyi, 1811. First edition.
Likutei Moharan Tinyana contains the teachings of R. Nachman of Breslov, from 1808-1810 – from the day the first part of Likutei Moharan was published (Ostroh 1808), until his passing on Sukkot 1810. The book was compiled and brought to print by his close disciple R. Natan of Breslov (Moharnat) within the year of mourning following the passing of R. Nachman.
In his foreword, R. Natan writes: "And these are his later teachings, which he continued innovating and revealing after his book was completed. And what we heard from him from that day until his passing, is recorded in this book".
In his memoirs in Yemei Moharnat, R. Natan describes the publishing of this book at length. Already in the initial days following the publication of the first part, R. Nachman asserted: "We must compose another book, which will be even finer and more beautiful than the first one". Upon revealing a new Torah thought, R. Nachman informed R. Natan: "This will be in the second book". R. Natan further relates of all the hardships and obstacles he encountered while publishing this book, "until the printing was finally completed in the summer 1811… and I brought the finished books to Uman for the first Rosh Hashanah following R. Nachman's passing - many saw and rejoiced".
"Rhymes from the writings of Rabbenu" was printed on the verso of the title page.
The first part of this composition was printed in the lifetime of R. Nachman, who expressed effusive praise for his book and its power to confer holiness and purity on whoever studies it, saying that the book can grant a person superior intellect, since it contains exceptional and profound wisdom, and that studying the book could influence a person to complete repentance (Chayei Moharan, 347, 349). He informed his disciple R. Natan: "You know a little, but more so should you believe, in the magnitude of this book's greatness and holiness" (Chayei Moharan, 369). R. Nachman also described the great importance of buying this book, asserting that every person should endeavor to purchase the book, and that anyone who could not afford it, should sell the pillow from under his head to buy the book (Chayei Moharan, 349). He prophesized that in the future, the book would be in high demand and reprinted many times over (ibid.). Furthermore, R. Nachman declared that just having his book in the house is very beneficial for protection of the house and possessions and he actually urged wealthy people to buy his book as a safeguard for their fortune (Chayei Moharan, 355).
[2], 58 leaves. 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and tears to title page, affecting text. Light wear to several other leaves. Worming, affecting text. Signatures of "Aharon David Wodzislawski" on title page and subsequent leaf. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 286.

Ahavat Shalom, Chassidic discourses on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Hager of Kosov – founder of the Vizhnitz and Kosov Chassidic dynasties. Lviv, [1833]. First edition.
Rebbe Menachem Mendel Hager (1768-1826, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, 98), was the son of R. Yaakov Koppel Chassid, cantor in the Beit Midrash of the Baal Shem Tov and member of his inner circle of disciples. He was the disciple of the early Chassidic masters R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and R. Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna. In 1802, after the passing of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna, he began leading his own court.
In the foreword, the author’s son-in-law, R. Gershon of Rozdol, writes that much of his father-in-law’s teachings are focused on three matters: the holiness of Shabbat, giving charity and Tikkun HaBrit. The book was compiled by R. Menachem Mendel's disciple – R. Chaim Nata of Lantshin, who writes in his preface: "I heard these teachings from him on Friday nights and during the Shabbat morning meal, as well as when he would take leave of his visitors while discussing halacha, and brief thoughts conveyed during Seuda Shelishit… and I elaborated on them in my own words…when I was unsure of the proper intent… I intentionally used language which is open to interpretation, and each reader can use his own judgement…".
Signatures and inscriptions on the title page and endpapers.
[4], 131 leaves. 34 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dark stains to several leaves. Wear to some leaves. Worming to title page and several other leaves. Original leather binding, torn and worn.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 18. False imprint for: Lemberg, 1802. See: Avraham Yaari, The Printing Press of Rebbetzin Yehudit Rosanes in Lviv, Kiryat Sefer (17, 1940, p. 107).

Bnei Yissaschar, Chassidic and Kabbalistic essays on the festivals and months of the year, Part II, Tishrei-Adar, by Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech Shapiro Rabbi of Munkacs and Dinov. [Zhovkva, 1846]. First edition.
Part II of this book was published before Part I, which was first printed in Zhovkva, 1850. The date of printing is indicated in the colophon at the end of the book: "And the work was completed on Tuesday, 38th day of the Omer [23rd Iyar] 1846…".
This first edition was printed without a title page, since the censorship did not authorize the printing of this book (see below). This copy includes a fine, handwritten title page, set within a decorative border. The writer even composed an original text for the title page, including the year of printing (based on the colophon): " Bnei Yissaschar... these delicacies were prepared by the prominent rabbi and Chassid, R. Tzvi Elimelech, many followed the light of his Torah when he served as rabbi of Munkacs and the vicinity, and later… at Dinov, Poland… printed in Zhovkva 1846".
Reputedly, the author would experience exceptional holiness and elevation during Chanukah, and once, when he wished to question his prime teacher the Chozeh of Lublin as to the cause of this phenomenon, his teacher explained, even before he had a chance to ask: You originate from the tribe of Yissachar, and in your earlier incarnation you were a member of the Beit Din of the Chashmonaim, which is why you experience extra holiness during Chanukah. He therefore named his book Bnei Yissaschar. It is recorded that the Divrei Chaim of Sanz once closeted himself in his room on Rosh Hashanah before the shofar blowing, studying the book Bnei Yissaschar for several hours with great intensity, as a preparation for the shofar blowing (foreword to Yod'ei Binah, by R. Elazar Tzvi Shapiro, son of the Bnei Yissachar; Beit Shlomo, New York 2005 edition, p. 15; Shai Agnon, Sefer Sofer VeSipur, p. 457).
The printing of this first edition without a title page is also linked with a wondrous episode. There was once a scholarly young man named Yosef Tarler (1794-1854), who associated with the leading members of the Haskalah from a young age, and would frequently read heretic literature. He once heard the Bnei Yissaschar reading the verses in the Torah pertaining to the prohibition of Gid HaNasheh with great fervor. This Yosef responded with mockery, scorning the holiness of the Torah. When the Bnei Yissaschar heard of this, he retorted: "I am certain that he will eventually convert to Christianity…". Upon hearing of the Bnei Yissaschar's prediction, Yosef Tarler mockingly reported it to R. Naftali of Ropshitz, who replied in jest, "If so, it is a mitzva to follow the words of the sages". Yosef Tarler later served as kosher meat trader in Lviv, and when apprehended for forging documents of a Polish nobleman, he evaded his punishment by converting to Christianity, together with his family. He was then appointed the official censor in Lviv. When approached for permission to publish the book of the Bnei Yissaschar, following the latter's passing, the apostate censor categorically refused, arguing that he did not wish to approve the printing of the book of the one who had predicted his defection. The first edition was therefore printed without title page, in order to obscure the place and year of printing (Ohel Naftali, Warsaw 1911, pp. 98-99; Naftali Ben Menachem, Temirin, I, pp. 313-316).
Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech Langsam-Shapiro (1783-1841), a most prominent Chassidic leader, close disciple of R. Mendele of Rimanov and disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, as well as of the Rebbe of Apta and the Maggid of Kozhnitz. From a young age, he served as rabbi of various Galician towns, yet is primarily renowned as rabbi of Dinov, where he was later appointed rebbe in 1815. He also served as rabbi of Munkacs, capital of Carpatho-Russia. He authored dozens of compositions on Halachah and Aggadah, Chassidism and Kabbalah. His magnum opus, by whose name he became known throughout the Jewish world, is the book Bnei Yissaschar. His descendants branched out into many dynasties of rabbis and rebbes: Dinov, Munkacs, Bikovsk and more.
Signature on the handwritten title page: "I hereby sign my name, Yaakov Ketina". The book contains three glosses, presumably in his handwriting (pp. 22a and 26a).
R. Yaakov (Klein) Ketina (d. 1890), head of the Khust Beit Din prior to the Maharam Schick's tenure there as rabbi. He was a close disciple of the Divrei Chaim, rebbe of Sanz. He authored Rachamei HaAv and Korban HeAni, which he published anonymously (Rachamei HaAv has since been published in dozens of editions).
116 leaves + [1] handwritten and hand-decorated title page. 22 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Light wear to several leaves. Tear to leaf 9, affecting several letters. Minor worming. Stamp on title page. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 92.