Nachalat Shimon, ethical and Chassidic essays on the weekly Torah portions, by R. Shimon Deutsch Ashkenazi Rabbi of Dobromyl, disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. [Łaszczów: printer not indicated, 1815]. First edition.
This first edition was published by a disciple of the author, R. Shmuel of Premisla (Przemyśl), and does not contain Torah thoughts on Parashat Bereshit. At the end of the book of Shemot (p. 20b of the first sequence), the publisher relates to this, offering his assumption that the author's decision not to elaborate on the ten generations between Adam and Noach was based on profound kabbalistic reasons. (It must be noted that the second edition of the book, Polonne 1821, contains novellae to Parashat Bereshit as well as to other Torah portions which do not appear in the first edition. These additions were included in the Polonne 1821 edition only, whilst subsequent editions follow the first edition and omit the additions).
The author R. Shimon Deutsch Ashkenazi Rabbi of Dobromyl (d. Cheshvan 1801), was a great and holy Torah scholar, a foremost disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. Held in high esteem by Chassidic leaders, his Torah thoughts are quoted reverently in the writings of great Chassidic masters such as the Bnei Yissaschar, Melo HaRo'im, R. Alexander of Komarno, R. Moshe of Kozhnitz, and others. He exchanged halachic correspondence with leading rabbis of his times, leaving behind many compositions in manuscript form, on Talmud, halachah and responsa. After his passing, a fire destroyed all his writings. This work was written by his disciples who recorded the sermons he delivered every Shabbat. The author did not leave behind any descendants. The book was named Nachalat Shimon by the publisher, since "this is his portion from all his toil, as he did not leave behind any offspring, rather alone he came and alone he left, and this will be his legacy" (publisher's foreword). The Yeshuot Yaakov wrote in his approbation to the book: "When I resided in Jarosław, he was in close proximity to me, and several times he presented before me his insight on a ruling, and all his words are taken as verified". The author quotes in this book ideas from his prominent teacher, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk: "and so it says in the book of my teacher the holy R. Elimelech" (Parashat Vaera). R. Shimon Ashkenazi's gravesite in Dobromyl was until the Holocaust a focal point for prayer, attracting the multitudes. Since he did not merit to have offspring, the synagogue of his community adopted the custom of reciting Aleinu LeShabe'ach following the Shabbat morning prayer, before the Torah reading, with a special Kaddish in his memory (Or Yekarot by R. Shalom Chaim Porush, IV, p. 379). The Beit Avraham, Rebbe of Slonim, would relate (based on an oral tradition) the way the Nachalat Shimon would describe the exalted atmosphere of the Shabbat day in the home of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. He reported that the Shabbat holiness was so palpable in the house of his teacher, that every Friday, the kitchen maids would ask forgiveness from one another, similar to the prevailing practice in all Jewish places on Yom Kippur eve, "so that the grievances they bore against each other would not preclude their experiencing the holiness of the Shabbat". R. Shimon of Dobromyl recounted that when he witnessed this, R. Elazar, son of R. Elimelech, declared: "See how far-reaching the light of the holy Shabbat of my father is… even the maids can perceive this light" (Beit Avraham, Slonim, pp. 67, 259).

[4], 2-5, 5-20; 38 leaves. 17.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dark dampstains to some leaves. Tears, including open tear to title page, repaired with tape. Worming, affecting text, mostly repaired with tape. Printing error to one leaf, affecting text. New binding.

Or LaShamayim, Chassidic essays on the Torah portions, novellae on Talmudic topics and responsa, by Rebbe Meir HaLevi Rotenberg Rabbi of Stovnitz and Apta, disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin. [Lviv: printer not indicated, 1850]. First edition. Approbation by the Divrei Chaim of Sanz at the end of the book.
The author's famous prayer is printed at the beginning of the book: "Ribbon HaOlamim Yodati Ki Hineni BeYodcha..." ("Master of the Universe, I know that I am in your hands like clay in the hands of a potter..."). Later editions of the book, starting from the 1914 edition, state that the Tiferet Shlomo of Radomsk would recite the prayer twice daily, and declared that reciting the prayer daily is an awesome segulah for livelihood and success.
The book was compiled and brought to print by the author's son-in-law, R. Menachem Mendel Rubin Rabbi of Głogów, who describes in his foreword how when the author spoke, it was as if the Divine presence was speaking from the author's mouth, and all his teachings were Heavenly revelations he received at that time.
On the title page and on several other pages, signatures (in pencil) and stamps of Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum of Safed.
Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum (d. Kislev 1819 in Safed), son of R. Nachum Tzvi Teitelbaum (brother of the Yitav Lev and son of the Yismach Moshe). He served as rabbi of Stitshin (Szczucin) and Drohobych. He was the cousin of the Minchat Elazar Rebbe of Munkacs, and of the Kedushat Yom Tov Rebbe of Sighet. In 1902, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Meron and in Safed, where he was known as the Rebbe of Drohobych. His son was Rebbe Yitzchak Teitelbaum of Husakov, father of Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum – Rebbe of Husakov-Beer Sheva.
Signature on the title page: "Naftali Tzvi ----". Handwritten emendations and brief glosses on several leaves.

[1], 74, 77-78, [1], 78-81, [1] leaves. Misfoliation. 22.5 cm. Partially printed on greenish paper. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Marginal tape repairs to title page and other leaves. Leaves trimmed with minor damage to text in several places. Stamps. New leather binding.

Ohev Yisrael, Chassidic homiletics on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita, 1863. First edition.
The book was brought to press by the author's grandson, Rebbe Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov (Zinkiv). In his foreword, he relates how his father, Rebbe Yitzchak Meir, son of the author, realized that many were copying the rebbe's teachings – each person according to his own understanding, and was concerned that this would lead to mistakes. He therefore chose one astute, outstanding Torah scholar and designated him to record the holy teachings, after which the writings were reviewed, and when necessary corrected, by the rebbe. Further in the foreword, he explains that the book was named Ohev Yisrael, based on the author's repeated assertion that the only character trait in which he could confidently take pride, even before the Heavenly court, was his outstanding love for his fellow Jew. Before his passing, he instructed his sons to write no other praise on his tombstone but Ohev Yisrael (Lover of Jews).
In his approbation (to the Lviv edition), R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn writes: "...he loved every Jewish person with his heart and soul, and would show great affection particularly to Torah scholars. And our fathers related to us that while he was here [in Lviv], all the leading Torah scholars of the city would arise early to come and absorb his wondrous teachings...".

[1], 117 leaves. Leaves 71-74 bound out of sequence. 25 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains (significant stains to final leaves). Large open tears to title page and several other leaves, affecting title page border and text; professionally restored with paper. Extensive worming, affecting text, repaired with paper. Several leaves possibly provided from a different copy. Stamps. New leather binding.

Mishnat Chachamim, novellae on the Six Orders of the Mishnah, Parts I-VI, by R. Meshulam Feivish HaLevi Horowitz of Kremenets (father-in-law of R. Avraham HaMalach, and great-grandfather of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin). Ostroh: Aharon son of Yonah, [1796]. First edition. Six parts in six volumes. Unique copy with title pages for each of the six orders (see below).
On verso of the title page of Nezikin, ownership inscription (partially deleted), handwritten and signed by R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh. Additional signature in the heading of leaf 1 of this part: "Betzalel Margolies".
R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh (d. 1821; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 364-365), son of R. Meir Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh (ca. 1708 – 1790; prominent disciple of the Baal Shem Tov and one of his first associates; author of Meir Netivim and Or Olam), and son-in-law of R. Yehoshua of Drohobych. Served at first as rabbi of Zvhil. After the passing of his father in 1790, he succeeded him as rabbi of Ostroh, a position he held for over thirty years, until his passing. He was renowned as a pious and humble Torah scholar and kabbalist. By virtue of his position as rabbi of Ostroh, he wrote approbations to many books, including prominent Chassidic works published in those times (as well as the present work). In his approbation to Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov, he relates teachings of the Baal Shem Tov which he heard from his father: "...and as I heard from my father... who from his youth was one of the Torah scholars associated with the Baal Shem Tov, and R. Meir would frequently extol his virtues...". R. Betzalel was a talented author and poet, and wrote many of his approbations in form of poem (Mazkeret LiGedolei Ostroh, p. 271). He authored Keter Shabbat (unpublished). R. Betzalel was closely associated with R. Zusha of Anipoli, and would host him whenever the latter visited Ostroh. Some of his Torah thoughts are published in Siftei Tzadikim by R. Pinchas of Dinovitz.
The book opens with approbations by the Noda BiYehuda, the Haflaah, R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam, R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh, R. Refael HaKohen Rabbi of Hamburg and other rabbis. Approbations by R. Eliezer Kalir Rabbi of Kolín and R. David Tzvi Auerbach Rabbi of Kremenets (father-in-law of R. Natan of Breslov) appear at the beginning of Order Nashim.
The author, R. Meshulam Feivish HaLevi Horowitz (born ca. 1710, died in Kislev between 1785 and 1790), was born and lived his entire life in Kremenets (Eastern Galicia), where he taught Torah. In his approbation to this book, R. Eliezer Kalir attests that R. Meshulam Feivish was holy from birth, and praises him for his exceptional greatness in Torah. The Noda BiYehuda, in his approbation, uncharacteristically extolled his virtues, comparing him to the Torah scholars of early generations.
His daughter Gittel wed R. Avraham the Malach, son of the Maggid of Mezeritch (their grandson was R. Yisrael of Ruzhin). Many stories of this match circulate among the Chassidic dynasties of his descendants. Rebbe Chaim Meir Yechiel of Mogielnica relates that when the Maggid of Mezeritch sought "a daughter of a Torah scholar" for his son R. Avraham, he asked that Heaven reveal to him the greatest Torah scholar of that generation, and he was informed that R. Feivel of Kremenets was the one (Toldot HaNiflaot, Warsaw 1899, no. 123). Another source recounts: "…our grandfather, the great Maggid of Mezeritch desired to match the daughter of R. Meshulam Feivish with his son R. Avraham the Malach since she was the daughter of a Torah scholar who studied Torah in holiness and purity, and he sent several of his disciples to the rabbi to suggest the match" (Toldot HaMishnat Chachamim, p. 694, at the end of the book Mishnat Chachamim, Machon Beit Avot edition, Brooklyn New York, 2014. See there for more stories about this match, about his wondrous meeting with the Maggid of Mezeritch and about his veneration of the great holiness of the Maggid and of his son R. Avraham the Malach).

Copy in six volumes. Zera'im: [3], 33 leaves. Mo'ed: [1], 15 leaves. Nashim: [1], 22 leaves. Nezikin: [1], 20 leaves. Kodashim: [1], 24 leaves. Taharot: [1], 45, [1] leaves. Final two leaves of order Taharot bound out of sequence. 19.5-20.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Worming, slightly affecting text. Worming to several leaves of order Taharot, affecting text, and extensive worming to first two leaves of order Nezikin, affecting text. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings in several places. New bindings (uniform).

This volume includes six title pages – one at the beginning of each order. The first is a general, engraved title page. The next two are title pages printed especially for Orders Mo'ed and Nashim (bearing the titles of the orders). The fourth one, bound before Nezikin, is identical to the first engraved title page. The last two, bound before Kodashim and Taharot, are general title pages, without engravings. The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book records a copy with four title pages only (without title pages before Kodashim and Taharot).

Tehillim with the Rashi and Metzudot commentaries, Yiddish translation and Seder Maamadot by the Apter Rebbe. Warsaw: R. Nathan Schriftgisser, 1864. Separate title page for Seder Maamadot.
This edition was published for public benefit by Rebbe Yitzchak of Neshchiz (Niesuchojeze), and it is reputed as a segulah book (see below).
Important copy, received by the rabbi of Stepan from the estate of the rebbe of Neshchiz, publisher of the book, as attested by the handwritten inscription on the title page of Seder Maamadot: "This Tehillim was given to me by the holy rabbi of Stepan, who received it from the estate of the holy rabbi of Neshchiz… belongs to R. Pinchas son of R. Yitzchak Aryeh Leib of Rakhvalivka" (additional signature by the same writer on the title page of Tehillim).
The "holy rabbi of Stepan" mentioned in the inscription is presumably the nephew of Rebbe Yitzchak of Neshchiz – Rebbe Levi Yitzchak of Stepan (son of R. Yosef of Ustila, eldest brother of the rebbe of Neshchiz).
This Tehillim was published by Rebbe Yitzchak of Neshchiz for public benefit, as stated at the foot of the second title page of his book Toldot Yitzchak (Warsaw, 1868 – "in the press of R. Nathan Schriftgisser, who printed in 1864 six thousand copies of the book of Tehillim, published by the rebbe to benefit the public"). Though it was printed at the time in six thousand copies, not many copies are extant today (not in NLI; recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book based on a picture from an auction).
The book Zichron Tov relates (His Charitability, section 4) that in 1864, the rebbe decided to print Tehillim books and sell them at half the cost price, "so that people would choose to buy them and recite Tehillim daily, to benefit the public, and in honor of his ancestor King David, and he printed some six thousand… and bound them in leather". He originally intended to sell each copy for only two gulden, yet after a fire destroyed his Beit Midrash, he raised the price to one ruble each, in order to finance its rebuilding. "As each book was sold, the rebbe would hold it in his hand and bless the recipient of the Tehillim, sometimes kissing the Tehillim before handing it to the buyer". The book further relates that R. Yitzchak of Neshchiz refrained from speaking in public, but in the last year of his life, he departed from this custom and delivered discourses of his novellae on the weekly portion and of his commentary on Tehillim. When presenting the latter, "the Rebbe would hold… the Tehillim he printed in Warsaw, expounding from it his Torah novellae" (ibid, His Torah Novellae, section 11).
The main title page and the title page of Seder Maamadot state that the Maamadot were compiled "according to the renowned Torah scholar… R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta" (the Ohev Yisrael, Apter Rebbe). The approbation of the Ohev Yisrael's son, R. Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov (from the Medzhybizh 1827 edition), is printed on the verso of the title page of Seder Maamadot.
Rebbe Yitzchak of Neshchiz (1789-1868) was the youngest son of Rebbe Mordechai of Neshchiz. A close disciple of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, he married his granddaughter and transmitted many Torah thoughts in his name. He was also a disciple of R. Baruch of Medzhybizh and of the Chozeh of Lublin. He was appointed rebbe at a young age, and held this position for over sixty years. He was reputed for his prayers, the wonders he performed, and his Heavenly revelations. He was revered by all sects of Chassidism for his holiness and exceptional piety, and as one "who facilitates the flow of Heavenly bounty to the entire Jewish people" (as stated in a letter by R. Baruch Shapira, prominent Chassid of the Peshischa and Kotsk dynasties). His renowned disciples include: Rebbe Elimelech of Grodzisk, Rebbe Yaakov Tzvi of Parysów and others.
His nephew, R. Levi Yitzchak Katzenellenbogen of Stepan (presumably born after 1810 – d. Tevet 1874, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, p. 27), son of R. Yosef of Ustila (1764-1830, son of R. Mordechai of Neshchiz and eldest brother of R. Yitzchak of Neshchiz), son-in-law of R. Yisrael Dov Ber, the Maggid of Stepan (d. Cheshvan 1851; a prominent rebbe, grandson of R. Michel of Zlotchov). In his second marriage, he married Rebbetzin Mushkat Gitel, descendant of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (Zichron Tov, p. 89). He succeeded his father-in-law as rebbe in Stepan in 1852, and many Chassidim flocked to his court. He was very closely associated with his illustrious uncle Rebbe Yitzchak of Neshchiz, frequenting his court and corresponding with him (Zichron Tov, p. 72, letter 11). In his approbation to Toldot Yitzchak, he writes about his holy uncle in exalted terms.
Bound at the end of the book are two handwritten leaves by an unknown writer. One leaf contains a copying of a section from Sefer HaGan VeDerech Moshe (first printed in Lviv 1792); the second leaf comprises homiletic teachings on Parashat VaEtchanan and Parashat Mas'ei (quoting a teaching heard in the name of the rabbi of Berditchev).
Handwritten dedication on the front endpaper (dated 1954).

Complete copy. [1], 303, [1]; 31 leaves (leaf following title page mistakenly bound after Book of Tehillim) + [2] handwritten leaves bound at end of book. 19 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including many dampstains. Tears, including open tears, wear and blemishes, affecting text in several places. Sellotape repairs. Margins trimmed with damage to page headings in several places. Several detached leaves. Old binding, damaged and partially detached.