Ahavat Dodim, commentary to Shir HaShirim, following revealed and kabbalistic approaches, by R. Binyamin, the Maggid of Zalozitz (Zaliztsi). Lviv: Aharon son of Chaim David Segal, [1793]. Only edition.
The author, R. Binyamin, Maggid of Zalozitz (d. 1791), was well-versed both in 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.
Signature on title page.
[3], 94 leaves. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including many dampstains, and wear. Open tears affecting text. Open tears to title page, affecting border and text on verso, repaired with paper and photocopy replacements. Worming, affecting text (in several places significant worming), repaired in part with paper. Margins trimmed close to heading in several places. Handwritten inscriptions. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 14.

Amtachat Binyamin, on Kohelet, by R. Binyamin, the Maggid of Zalozitz (Zaliztsi). Minkovitz (Mynkivtsi), [1796].
The work 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), was well-versed both in 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.
[2], 1-13, 18-128 leaves. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Marginal open tears to first and final leaves, including open tear to title page, affecting border, partially repaired with transparent paper. Worming. Significant worming to several leaves, affecting text. Margins trimmed, with damage to headings of some leaves. Stamp. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 63.
First book published in Minkovitz.

Tiferet HaTzvi, composition on Tractate Beitzah, with the book Chotam Tahor - Kerem Shlomo, novellae on the laws of Yoreh De'ah, by R. Uziel Meisels of Ritshvol (Ryczywół), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. Zhovkva, 1803. First edition.
The author, R. Uziel Meisels (1744-1786), rabbi and yeshiva dean in Ovstrovse, Ritshvol and Neustadt. In his youth, he was acquainted with the Baal Shem Tov, and quotes his teachings in his books. After the passing of the Baal Shem Tov, he became a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, and was a colleague of the latter's disciples: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, R. Zusha of Anipoli, and others leading disciples.
[2], 16; 29 leaves. Approx. 37.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Minor marginal tears. Leaves trimmed, slightly affecting text on leaf 2. Large censorship stamp on title page (slightly affecting text). New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 634.

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.
An early Chassidic book. This book is one of the first and most reliable sources of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, which the author, R. Moshe Chaim Efraim of Sudilkov (d. 1800), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov (son of the Baal Shem Tov's pious daughter Odel), received directly from him.
The book includes approbations by foremost Chassidic leaders. All approbations emphasize the author's lineage as grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, and that the book is replete with the latter's essential teachings.
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".
Ownership inscriptions on the title page (and subsequent leaf).
Incomplete copy. [2], 110 leaves. Lacking four final leaves (111-114), replaced in photocopy. 20.5 cm. Greenish paper. Fair condition. Many stains, including dampstains (and large stains to several leaves). Open tears affecting text (including damage to text on verso of title page), repaired with paper, with photocopy replacements. Worming, affecting text, repaired in part with paper and tape. New binding, gilt embossed.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 128.

Pri HaAretz, Chassidic and Kabbalistic essays on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, [1814]. First edition.
This book contains a collection of discourses which R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk delivered in Tiberias, following his immigration to Eretz Israel (in 1777). The title page states: "And they were collected together by the rabbi who was outstanding in Torah and fear of G-d, R. Elazar Zussman, scribe of the Holy Land, and from him it reached our hands". R. Elazar Zussman was the scribe of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, R. Avraham of Kalisk, and all the Chassidim who reached Eretz Israel in the famous 1777 immigration.
The identity of the writer of this book is subject to dispute. Some say the essays were recorded by his disciples, primarily R. Elazar Zussman, who also edited and arranged them for print (Beit Rebbi). Conversely, according to a tradition of Slonim Chassidim, the entire book was written by R. Menachem Mendel himself, while R. Elazar Zussman only edited and arranged it for print, adding the opening words "Patach HaRav" and "Shaal HaShoel" (Yesod HaMaalah, I, p. 59). In the opinion of the researcher R. Yehoshua Mondschein, R. Elazar Zussman "was the one who wrote the letters of the righteous men and Chassidim from Eretz Israel, and it is evident that he also wrote the teachings of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk in the holy book Pri HaAretz, and the numerous figures of speech he uses render it an almost impenetrable book" (HaMaasar HaRishon, Jerusalem 2012, p. 222). The two first leaves contain essays of the Torah thoughts of R. Avraham HaMalach.
Pri HaAretz is one of the most profound and difficult to understand Chassidic books. The Yesod HaAvoda of Slonim declared that he wishes that in the times of Mashiach and in the World to Come he will be able to uphold the lofty levels described in this book. "We have a tradition from reliable people that this book never left the table of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, who would say that whoever is able to understand this book, is capable of combining the lower wisdom with the higher wisdom" (Yesod HaMaalah, ibid).
Lacking final nine leaves, with the selection of Igrot HaKodesh - letters of guidance in worship of G-d, which R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and R. Avraham of Kalisk sent from Eretz Israel to their disciples in Reisen (Belarus).
[2], 27 leaves. Without [9] final leaves. 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including many dampstains, and wear. Marginal tears to final leaves, repaired with paper. Worming to final leaves, affecting text. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 477.