Five Books of the Torah, with Targum Onkelos, Rashi and Baal HaTurim commentaries, and with the Be'er Mayim Chaim commentary, by R. Chaim Thirer Rabbi of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi). Mohyliv-Sudylkiv, [1820 – regarding the exact places and years of printing, see below]. First edition. Five volumes (complete set).
Be'er Mayim Chaim is a prominent and fundamental work of Chassidic teachings, unique for its clarity and conviction, as well as the enthusiastic Chassidic emotion which it exudes. It was published in many editions and became a cornerstone of Chassidut.
The volume of Bereshit contains approbations by R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, R. Efraim Zalman Margolies of Brody and R. Mordechai of Kremnitz (son of R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov).
The manuscript of Be'er Mayim Chaim was sent from Eretz Israel to R. Mordechai of Kremnitz after the passing of the author in 1813/1814. R. Mordechai writes in his approbation that upon receiving the writings, he accepted the burden of organizing their copying and arranging them for print. He also tells there of the extraordinary love his father, the Maggid of Zlotchov, felt towards the author. The Ohev Yisrael of Apta wrote in his approbation: "We are well aware of the desire and wish of that tzaddik, who yearned his entire life to benefit the public with his holy teachings… and he brought many to repentance… and may we benefit from the merit of the author…". The Rebbe of Belz, the Sar Shalom, said that the first book of ethics he studied was Be'er Mayim Chaim.
This edition also contains the commentary on the Masorah, Minchat Kalil, by R. Or Shraga Feivush Rabbi of Dubrowna, son-in-law of the Gaon of Vilna (copied from the Aderet Eliyahu chumash – Dubrowna, 1804).
The author, Rebbe Chaim Thirer of Czernowitz (ca. 1740s-1813/1814; regarding the date of his death, see item 86), a prominent Chassidic leader, was a close disciple of the Maggid of Zlotchov. He also authored the fundamental work Sidduro shel Shabbat (Mohyliv, 1813). He served as rabbi of Czernowitz, Mohyliv Podilskyi, Botoșani and Kishinev (Chișinău), and was greatly influential in reinforcing Torah observance in the Bukovina region. Reputed as a holy man, wondrous tales about him abound. He was renowned in the Chassidic world for his extreme attachment to the holiness of Shabbat, when he soared to exalted levels. His teacher, the Maggid of Zlotchov, attested that he drew his vitality from the holiness of Shabbat. According to Chassidic tradition, after his immersion before Shabbat, his form would change and he would grow taller by a handbreadth. In the summer of 1813, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Safed. There he composed Shaar HaTefillah (Sudylkiv, 1825) and Eretz HaChaim (Czernowitz, 1861), and there he is buried.
Five volumes. Approx. 21 cm. Two volumes are missing the title page and other leaves (replaced in photocopy). Greenish and bluish high-quality paper. New, uniform leather bindings.
Bereshit: [2], 5-354 leaves. Shemot and Esther: 2-282, 14, 19-37 leaves (missing first and last leaf, originally: 282, 14, 19-38 leaves). Vayikra and Shir HaShirim: [1], 2-120; 8; 10 leaves. Bamidbar and Ruth: [1], 2-16, 19-181 leaves. Leaves 113-114 are bound out of sequence. Devarim, Eicha and Kohelet: 2-172 leaves (missing title page and leaf [2], originally: [2], 2-172 leaves).
Good-fair condition. Several leaves in Bereshit volume trimmed close to headings. Early stamp on title page of Bereshit. Ownership stamps and censor's signatures in Vayikra volume. Stains, including dampstains; some significant. Tears and minor worming, affecting text, professionally repaired with paper.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 216.
This edition is known as the Mohyliv 1820 edition, since that is what appears in the imprint of all five title pages. However, after careful examination, it seems that the imprint was altered to mislead the censor, and in fact the volume of Shemot was printed first, in Mohyliv, no later than Iyar 1818 and the rest of the volumes were printed in Sudylkiv after 1825.
Places of printing – the title pages of all five volumes declare in large red type: "In Mohyliv", however, printed above (besides in the Shemot volume) in small black type are the words: "Printed in Sudylkiv".
Years of printing – in the approbation of R. Mordechai of Kremnitz to Shaar HaTefillah, from 13th Iyar 1818, he writes: "With the help of G-d, one volume has already been printed, may He agree that I finish all five volumes". This refers to the Shemot volume, as the printers state at the end of the volume (p. 37b): "Printing started with this volume". Similarly, on the title page of the Shemot volume, the author is presented as the author of just Sidduro shel Shabbat (Mohyliv, 1813), whereas on the title pages of all the other volumes his book Shaar HaTefillah is also mentioned, that book being printed only in 1825. Encyclopedia L'Chassidut (Books, p. 604) documents a copy of the Bereshit volume of this set, which mentions the Shem Efraim commentary by R. Efraim Zalman Margolies, first printed in Ostroh 1825-1826.
It should be noted that the censor's permit in Polish, printed on verso of the Bereshit title page, states that the work was already presented for reviewing on December 27, 1815, although the permit was only given in the summer of 1820.

Arvei Nachal, on the Torah, by R. David Shlomo Eibeschutz, Rabbi of Soroki. [Sudylkiv: Pinchas Eliezer Bilitch? 1825-1826].
Two volumes composed of the first edition and of another edition printed at the same time or soon after (see bibliographic note below). Vol. I – Bereshit, Shemot, Vayikra – from the first edition. Vol. II – Vayikra, Bamidbar, Devarim – from the second edition.
The author, R. David Shlomo Eibeschutz (1755-1813, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 501-503), was a prominent Chassidic leader and posek, and served as rabbi of Soroki. In 1809, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Safed, and there he is buried. His relative R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv writes about him in an approbation that he is "as astute and well-versed in Torah as the sages of old, and all his deeds are performed for the sake of Heaven". R. Eibeschutz wrote many compositions, among them the famous halachic work Levushei Serad. His book Arvei Nachal became a classic Chassidic text – more than 20 editions have been printed since its initial printing (it was also included in an edition of the Torah).
Two volumes: Vol. I: [2], 98; 41 leaves. Vol. II: [1], 41; 43-168 leaves. 41 leaves of Vayikra appear in both volumes. Overall good-fair condition. Vol. I: 23 cm. Stains and minor wear. Dampstains. Large tears to last leaf, repaired with paper. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. Especially large stamp on last leaf. Vol. II: 22.5 cm. Stains. Worming affecting text. Worming and tears to title page and to first and last leaves, repaired with paper (with letters replaced by hand in a few places). Leaves trimmed affecting headings and slightly damaging text. Stamps. New uniform bindings.
Two editions of this book were printed simultaneously; the present two volumes combine parts of both these editions. There are several differences between the editions, including minor typographic variations to the title page (in one edition, the bottom lines are in a square typeface and in the parallel edition in Rashi script) and in the text layout (the notes in parentheses were printed in one edition in regular-sized letters and in the parallel edition in small letters). These differences can be discerned in the book of Vayikra, which appears twice in these volumes – once from one edition and again from the parallel edition. Ch. Lieberman, who noted several differences between the editions, claims that one of these editions is an "intermediate edition", printed in Sudylkiv ca. 1830, between the first edition – Sudylkiv 1825-1826 and the Sudylkiv 1835 edition. This assertion is also recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book. Nonetheless, the source of this supposed date of printing is not clear, nor are the reasons for Lieberman's conclusion as to which edition was printed first. See: Ch. Lieberman, Ohel Rachel, I, New York 1980, pp. 372-373.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 470 (Stefansky records both editions as variants of the first edition and we have done the same).

Ateret Tzvi, commentary on the Zohar, by Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov – "Sar Beit HaZohar", Part I on Bereshit, Part II on Shemot and Part III on Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim. [Lviv, 1834-1841?]. First edition.
Three parts in three volumes. Separate title page to each part.
The work was printed over several years. Part I was printed in 1834, as implied by the chronogram in the publisher's words on verso of the title page. Part III was printed next (based on the words of the publisher: "I trust in the kindness of G-d… to soon print the book of Shemot as well…"). Apparently, Part II was printed in 1841 (since the approbation of R. Aharon Moshe Taubes is signed "Rabbi of Iasi" and he was appointed rabbi of Iasi in 1841).
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Eichenstein, the Ateret Tzvi of Zidichov (1763-1831, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 596-599), was known by the name "Sar Beit HaZohar" due to his exceptional knowledge of kabbalah. From a young age, he was renowned as an outstanding genius whose knowledge encompassed all facets of the Torah. A close disciples of the Chozeh of Lublin, he also travelled to other Chassidic masters, such as R. Moshe Leib of Sassov, R. Yisrael the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov and R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta. After the passing of his teacher, the Chozeh of Lublin, in 1815, Zidichov thrived under the leadership of R. Tzvi Hirsh, becoming one of the largest and most prominent Chassidic centers in Galicia. He was highly venerated, this being expressed in the exceptional praise he received from tzaddikim of his generation. The Malbim, although not a Chassid, studied kabbalah under him.
A glimpse of his profound kabbalistic knowledge is revealed in his book Ateret Tzvi on the Zohar. The title was not given by R. Tzvi Hirsh, rather by the editor and publisher, R. Yosef HaKohen Rappaport, who also published R. Tzvi Hirsh's other writings. R. Yosef Rappaport was the son-in-law of R. Yechiel Michel, R. Tzvi Hirsh's only son, who died in his father's lifetime.
Other famed compositions of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov are: Sur MeRa V'Aseh Tov, also known as "Hakdamah VeDerech L'Etz HaChaim", which serves as an introduction to the book Etz Chaim by R. Chaim Vital, and contains additions by R. Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov, author of Bnei Yissaschar; Beit Yisrael; and Pri Kodesh Hillulim – an introduction and commentary to the book Pri Etz Chaim on the kavanot in prayer.
Three volumes. New uniform leather bindings.
Vol. I: [1], 83, 85-152 leaves. 23 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains to some leaves. Worming to inner margins of several leaves, not affecting text.
Vol. II: [1], 54 leaves. 23 cm. Printed in part on bluish paper. Good-fair condition. Stains and large dampstains to many leaves. Wax stains. Wear and a few tears. Tears to title page, affecting text on both sides (repaired with paper; text replaced in photocopy). Small tear affecting text of last leaf (repaired).
Vol. III: [1], 50 leaves. Approx. 23 cm. Uneven edges. Good-fair condition. Stains. Many stains and dampstains to last ten leaves.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 460. For further information about the book: A. Segal, VeAl Derech HaAvodah, Jerusalem 2011, pp. 101-120.

Maor VaShemesh on the Torah, two parts, by Rebbe Kalonymus Kalman HaLevi Epstein of Kraków. [Breslau, 1842]. First edition. On both title pages, false imprints: "Printed by Rebbetzin Yehudit Rabinstein in 1785". Some of the approbations are dated 1842.
Two parts in two volumes. Separate title page for each part.
Maor VaShemesh on the Torah, an important classic Chassidic book, printed together with the Chumash in many editions. The author, R. Kalonymus Kalman HaLevi Epstein of Kraków (1751-1823), was an outstanding Torah scholar both in revealed and hidden realms of the Torah, leading disciple of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk, whom he regarded as of equal stature to the Baal Shem Tov himself. He also frequented the courts of R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Following the passing of his teacher R. Elimelech, he began travelling to the Chozeh of Lublin, to R. Ber of Radoshitz, to the Maggid of Kozhnitz and to R. Mendele of Rimanov (who acclaimed him as "Shomer HaBrit"). He was renowned as a holy man already in his lifetime, and accounts of revelations of Divine Inspiration and wonders circulated about him. His teacher R. Elimelech of Lizhensk appointed him as rebbe and he became the first disseminator of Chassidut in Kraków, where those seeking to draw close to G-d gathered around him, later becoming prominent Chassidic leaders. He was repeatedly persecuted by opponents of Chassidut (Mitnagdim) in Kraków, who even announced a ban on Chassidut in 1786. When the persecutions reached the point of informing and imprisonment, R. Kalman moved to his hometown of Neustadt and established his court there. In ca. 1820, he returned to Kraków, and that is where he is buried.
Two parts in one volume. [2], 144 leaves; [1], 145-277, [2] leaves. Approx. 21.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears to several leaves, some repaired with paper, with occasional loss of text. Photocopy replacements of several words to two leaves. Tears to title page, slightly affecting border, repaired with paper and photocopy replacements. Signature, stamps and a few glosses. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 307.
There are copies with variant title pages, including copies with a title page to part I only; copies stating a false name of printer, yet the correct date: "1842" and copies with true imprints stating that the book was printed in 1842 in "Breslau, by R. Hirsch Sulzbach". This is a unique copy, featuring both title pages, with entirely false imprints: "Printed by Rebbetzin Yehudit Rabinstein in 1785".

Birkat David, Chassidic explanations on the Five Books of the Torah, by Rebbe Avraham David Wahrman of Buchach. Lviv, [1845]. First edition
The year of printing appears as 5565 (=1805) and 1800, and the name of the printer as Jihdas Rosanis. The name and the two dates (which contradict) are forged. The actual year of printing is hinted to in the closing note of the publisher, at the end of the book, where three words are emphasized and have the numerical value of the year 5605 (=1845). This type of forgery was common in Chassidic books printed in Galicia at that time, due to censorship prohibitions and the persecution of the Chassidim by the Haskalah movement (A. Yaari counts 16 books forged in this manner; see A. Yaari, The Printing Press of the Rabbanit Yehudit Rosanis in Lviv, Kiryat Sefer, XVII, 1940, p. 107, no. 43).
On the verso of the title page, the verse "Torat Hashem Temima" is printed in large letters, and below is a statement that the approbations were not printed "for the concealed reason". Apparently, the omission of approbations was also part of the effort to hide the printing details for the reasons stated above.
Rebbe Avraham David Wahrman, the "Gaon of Buchach" (1770-1840, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 68-72), a leading Torah scholar and Chassidic figure, and prominent posek in his times. When he was only nine years old, R. Meshulam Igra discussed Torah thoughts with him and declared that this boy will become a phenomenal posek, an example to all the rabbis of his generation. After his marriage, he embraces Chassidut and became close to the most eminent rebbes of his times: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Moshe Leib of Sassov, R. Chaim of Czernowitz and R. Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna. At the age of 20, he was appointed rabbi of the city of Yazlovets. Reputedly, R. Meir of Premishlan passed through the city and sensed holiness emanating from the place, which he attributed to the merit of R. Avraham David. In 1814, he was appointed rabbi of Buchach, succeeding his father-in-law and teacher R. Tzvi Hirsh Caro Rabbi of Buchach, author of Neta Shaashuim. He was renowned as an illustrious Torah prodigy and tzaddik. He wrote many books, including: Daat Kedoshim on Yoreh De'ah, Ezer MiKodesh on Even HaEzer, Kesef HaKodashim on Choshen Mishpat, Birkat David on the Torah, etc. His halachic works became classics in halachic rulings. His work Eshel Avraham on Orach Chaim was printed in many editions of the Shulchan Aruch and is cited thousands of times in the literature of the poskim (this book is usually called Eshel Avraham Buchach, to differentiate it from an earlier work with the same title).
Ownership inscription on verso of last leaf: "Belongs to the wealthy… R. Yosef Feuerstein of Chortkov".
[2], 182 leaves. 22 cm. Thick, high-quality, mostly bluish paper. Good condition. A few stains. Minor worming in a few places. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 100.