Chelkat Binyamin, Passover Haggadah with kavanot of the Arizal and the Chelkat Binyamin commentary by R. Binyamin, the Maggid of Zalozitz (Zaliztsi). Lviv: Rebbetzin Yehudit [Rosanes], [1794]. First edition of the first Chassidic Haggadah to be printed.
Approbation by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (lacking in this copy), who acclaims the composition as capable to "bring many to repentance".
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.
Incomplete and damaged copy. 24, [5] leaves (originally: [1], 25, [13] leaves). Lacking ten leaves: title page (replaced in photocopy), leaf 25, and [8] of the [13] final leaves (leaves [1-2], [8-13]). Approx. 19 cm. Overall fair condition, several leaves in fair-poor condition. Stains. Wear to several leaves. Open tears, affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Extensive worming and tears (significant worming to some leaves), affecting text. Paper repairs in several places. Leaves trimmed close to text, affecting headings and text. Stamps. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 156; Yaari 253; Otzar HaHaggadot 373.