Auction 89 - Rare and Important Items
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Mesilat Yesharim, ethics and fear of G-d, with Derech Etz Chaim, by R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto – the Ramchal. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa, R. Aryeh Leib and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita, 1847.
107 pages. 15 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Minor marginal tear to title page. Signature on title page. New leather binding.
The Views of Chassidic Leaders on the Importance of Mesilat Yesharim
Many Chassidic leaders commented on the great stature of the book and the holiness of its kabbalistic author. The Maggid of Kozhnitz attested that all the heights he reached in his youth stemmed from the book Mesilat Yesharim. The Ohev Yisrael of Apta and R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov diligently studied Mesilat Yesharim in great depth, and describe it in awesome and wondrous terms. The rebbe of Apta would say that his spiritual direction and education were drawn first and foremost from the book Mesilat Yesharim (Sefer HaChassidut, p. 146). Rebbe Nachman of Breslov would instruct new disciples to study Mesilat Yesharim (Sichot VeSipurim, p. 167), and the Bnei Yissaschar wrote in his additions to the book Sur MeRa V'Aseh Tov: "Study the book Mesilat Yesharim and it will quench your thirst… its words are sweeter than honey". R. Yaakov Yosef of Ostroh writes in his approbation to the book Klach Pitchei Chochma by the Ramchal (Korets 1785): "The book Mesilat Yesharim, the paths of G-d which tzaddikim tread, written by the great rabbi… R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, this is the Torah which Moshe presented to Israel, to understand the words of the wise and their riddles, through its straightforward teachings...". In his foreword to the above-mentioned book, the publisher quotes the Maggid of Mezeritch who stated that "[The Ramchal's] generation was not worthy of appreciating his righteousness and abstention".
Lacking the first title page (of two) of Book of Tehillim. Additional title page for Seder Maamadot.
Many approbations by rabbis of Eretz Israel and long list of pre-subscribers from Eretz Israel and Russia at the beginning of the book (featuring the names of many prominent rabbis and rebbes).
At the beginning of Seder Maamadot, additional list of pre-subscribers (including the four sons of Rebbe Yitzchak of Skver and others). Before the book of Tehillim: "Order of handwashing to replace immersing in a mikveh", compiled by the maggid R. Mordechai of Chernobyl, from the Baal Shem Tov.
Stamps of Rebbe Meshulam Zusia Golditch (d. 1940, descendant of the Baal Shem Tov, first rebbe in Manchester, England), and signature of his son on title page: "Yitzchak Golditch" (dayan in the Beit Din of the Minchat Yitzchak in Manchester).
3-440, 221-225, [11]; [4], 112, 57-64, 61-64, 16, 21-28 pages. Lacking first title page of Tehillim, and lacking pp. 17-20 of Tikkunei Shabbat at end of Seder Maamadot. 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Minor wear. Tears, including open tears affecting text in several places (large open tears to final leaf), repaired with paper. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings in several places. Handwritten inscriptions in several places (over text). New leather binding.
Toldot Yaakov Yosef, Chassidic commentary on the Torah, by R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen of Polonne. Korets: Tzvi Hirsh son of Aryeh Leib [Margolies] and his son-in-law Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal, [1780]. First edition.
Toldot Yaakov Yosef, the first Chassidic book to be printed, was authored by the kabbalist R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen of Polonne (d. Tishrei 1781 – Chassidic lore records his birth in the 1660s, ascribing him a life of close to 120 years), a leading and close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov and the first to disseminate Chassidut. This book is the most important and authentic source of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, containing over 280 references to teachings the author personally heard from the Baal Shem Tov, emphasized throughout the book and beginning with the words "I heard from my master".
This book was especially cherished by Chassidic leaders, who ascribed it great holiness. The Maggid of Mezeritch commended the author as having merited revelation of Eliyahu and reached lofty heights. R. Pinchas of Korets attested that a book of such stature has never yet existed, and its teachings originate from Heaven. He would customarily say that all new books do not totally conform with the truth, except for the books of the rabbi of Polonne which are "teachings from Paradise", and that with each quotation "heard from my master" one can resurrect the dead[!]. The Saba of Shpoli would recommend putting this book under the head of an ill person as a Segulah (LaYesharim Tehilla).
When R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk immigrated to Eretz Israel, he met on the way R. Pinchas of Korets who queried "Why did the rabbi from Polonne print one thousand books at the price of one gold coin per book; had he printed a single book, I would have paid for it a thousand gold coins…".
During the course of the battle against Chassidut, this first edition was publicly burned in Brody and other places, which accounts for the extreme scarcity of this edition (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p. 277).
Ownership inscription on the title page: "I acquired it at the auction of R. Yitzchak [---] – Shmuel Sanvil son of [--] Tzvi, shochet and bodek of Keshniv [---]".
[1], 202 leaves. 31 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains and traces of past dampness (several leaves with many large stains). Wear. Large open tears to title page, affecting text on both sides of leaf, repaired with paper (with handwritten text replacement). Open tears in several other places, slightly affecting text. Worming, affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings (loss of headings on two leaves). Stamps. New leather binding.
The Books of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne – "Teachings from Paradise"
The books of R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef, are the most important and authentic source of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, containing hundreds of references to teachings the author personally heard from the Baal Shem Tov, emphasized throughout the books and beginning with the words "I heard from my master".
This book was especially cherished by Chassidic leaders, who ascribed it great holiness. The Maggid of Mezeritch commended the author as having merited revelation of Eliyahu and reached lofty heights. R. Pinchas of Korets attested that a book of such stature has never yet existed, and its teachings originate from Heaven. He would customarily say that all new books do not totally conform with the truth, except for the books of the rabbi of Polonne which are "teachings from Paradise", and that with each quotation "heard from my master" one can resurrect the dead[!].
The present catalog presents the first editions of three books by R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, printed in Korets in three consecutive years (1780, 1781 and 1782): Toldot Yaakov Yosef, Ben Porat Yosef and Tzofnat Pane'ach (items 39-41).
Ben Porat Yosef, homiletics on Bereshit, with responsa at the end, by R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen Katz Rabbi of Polonne. The famous letter which the Baal Shem Tov sent to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov is printed for the first time at the end of this book. Korets: Tzvi Hirsh son of Aryeh Leib [Margolies] and his son-in-law Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal, [1781]. First edition.
This is the author's second book, published approximately one year after his first book Toldot Yaakov Yosef. In this book, like in the previous one, the author quotes extensively teachings from his prime teacher, R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov.
The present copy was owned by the publisher of this work, grandson-in-law of the author – R. Avraham Dov Auerbach of Chmelnik, who passed it down to his son R. Yaakov Pinchas Auerbach of Letychiv, son-in-law of R. Baruch of Mezhibuzh.
Inscriptions on the back endpapers attest to this: "This book Ben Porat Yosef belonged to the leader of the entire Diaspora, the rabbi of Chmelnik, and my father gave it to me as a gift"; "This book Ben Porat Yosef belongs to the rabbi, outstanding in Torah and fear of G-d… R. Yaakov Pinchas son of the rabbi of Chmelnik, son-in-law of R. Baruch of Mezhibuzh, residing here in Mezhibuzh"; "Rabbi of Letychiv". Additional inscription on the title page: "To R. Yaakov Pinchas".
R. Avraham Dov Auerbach (d. 1811) was a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, who attested that he studied Torah for the sake of Heaven. R. Avraham Dov, who brought the present book to print, is mentioned on the title page as the son-in-law of the author, though in fact he was married to his granddaughter, daughter of his son-in-law R. Tzvi (son of R. Chaim Sanzer, leader of the Brody Kloiz). Reputedly, the Baal Shem Tov himself suggested the match, and even pledged to support the couple for a year. Indeed, for a full year R. Avraham Dov ate at the table of the Baal Shem Tov, who made sure to never to sit down to a meal without him. He was later supported by his grandfather-in-law, R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne. He received guidance on Chassidut and worship of G-d from his grandfather-in-law as well as from R. Dov Ber, the maggid of Mezeritch. He served as rabbi of Chmelnik, and after the passing of R. Yaakov Yosef, he succeeded him as rabbi of Polonne. Three of his sons married descendants of the Baal Shem Tov: his son R. Moshe Ze'ev was the son-in-law of R. Tzvi son of the Baal Shem Tov, his son R. Yaakov Pinchas was the son-in-law of R. Baruch of Mezhibuzh, grandson of the Baal Shem Tov (son of his daughter Odel), and his son R. Yosef Yoske was the son-in-law of R. Nachman of Breslov. As stated on the title page, he published the present book. A year earlier, R. Avraham Dov had assisted in publishing the first book of R. Yaakov Yosef – Toldot Yaakov Yosef (in Korets 1780; the title page also states the name of R. Yaakov Yosef's son-in-law, R. Avraham Shimshon of Rashkov, though it mentions that he had already settled in Eretz Israel; see previous item). A year later (in 1782), he published the third book of R. Yaakov Yosef – Tzofnat Pane'ach (see following item). Even after his appointment as rabbi of Polonne, R. Avraham Dov continued being referred to as "rabbi of Chmelnik" (in the approbations of books published in Polonne).
His son, R. Yaakov Pinchas Auerbach of Letychiv, was the son-in-law of R. Baruch of Mezhibuzh grandson of the Baal Shem Tov (son of the latter's son-in-law R. Yechiel). He married R. Baruch's daughter – Odel, who was named after her father's mother, daughter of the Baal Shem Tov. R. Yaakov Pinchas owned the Mezhibuzh printing firm, and is mentioned in the approbations of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, who served for a while as rabbi of Mezhibuzh and issued approbations to books printed there (see: Igrot HaOhev Yisrael, p. 116, 222).
Additional inscriptions on the title page and endpapers, including an inscription by a family member: "…Pinchas Auerbach son-in-law of R. Tzvi Menachem".
[1], 100 leaves. Approx. 32 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dark dampstains and wax stains. Worming to title page and other leaves, affecting text and border, repaired in part with paper. Piece of paper pasted on title page (over border), with censor's stamp. Inscriptions. Stamps. New leather binding.
The Famous Letter from the Baal Shem Tov
The famous letter which the Baal Shem Tov sent to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov in Jerusalem, was printed for the first time in the first edition of the book Ben Porat Yosef (at the end of the book). The Baal Shem Tov gave this letter to the author R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne when the latter intended to immigrate to Eretz Israel, in 1751, so that he could relay it to R. Gershon of Kitov. After his travel plans were cancelled, the letter remained in R. Yaakov Yosef's possession, and he published it "to benefit the Jewish people". In this letter, the Baal Shem Tov narrates of the "ascent of the soul" which he performed on Rosh Hashana of 1746 and 1749, and relates: "And I asked Mashiach, when will the Master come, and he responded… when your teachings will be publicized and revealed to the world, and your wellsprings will spread outwards".
R. Uri of Strelisk related that R. Mordechai of Neshchiz would study the letter every day: "The Tzaddik of Neshchiz resolved to study it every day, without fail, literally like laying Tefillin", he also said in his name that this letter contains allusions to three Holy names "through which one can find out the time of the Redemption" (Imrei Kadosh HaShalem, Jerusalem 1961, p. 47, 40).
The Books of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne – "Teachings from Paradise"
The books of R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef, are the most important and authentic source of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, containing hundreds of references to teachings the author personally heard from the Baal Shem Tov, emphasized throughout the books and beginning with the words "I heard from my master".
This book was especially cherished by Chassidic leaders, who ascribed it great holiness. The Maggid of Mezeritch commended the author as having merited revelation of Eliyahu and reached lofty heights. R. Pinchas of Korets attested that a book of such stature has never yet existed, and its teachings originate from Heaven. He would customarily say that all new books do not totally conform with the truth, except for the books of the rabbi of Polonne which are "teachings from Paradise", and that with each quotation "heard from my master" one can resurrect the dead[!].
The present catalog presents the first editions of three books by R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, printed in Korets in three consecutive years (1780, 1781 and 1782): Toldot Yaakov Yosef, Ben Porat Yosef and Tzofnat Pane'ach (items 39-41).
Tzofnat Pane'ach, homiletics on Shemot, by R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen Katz Rabbi of Polonne, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef. Korets: [Tzvi Hirsh Margolies and son-in-law Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber, 1782]. First edition.
The Chida in Shem HaGedolim writes about this book: "Tzofnat Pane'ach, innovative novellae… homiletics on the Torah portions of Shemot, delightful homily according to the Pardes approaches of interpretation. Authored by R. Yaakov Yosef, who often cited the introductions of his prominent teacher, R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov. And we know that this rabbi already published Toldot Yaakov Yosef, and it is widely acclaimed. And there [in Tzofnat Pane'ach], it says that he authored Ben Porat Yosef. And Tzofnat Pane'ach was printed in Korets in 1782" (Maarechet Sefarim, Tzadi). From the words of the Chida, it appears that of all the books of the Toldot Yaakov Yosef, only this one was before him.
[1], 95 leaves. 31 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including traces of past dampness and large, dark dampstains. Wear. Marginal open tears to title page, affecting border and text on verso, repaired with paper. Open tears slightly affecting text in several other places, repaired in part with paper (tape repairs over text on final leaf). Extensive worming to title page, affecting border and text, repaired with paper. Minor worming in several other places. Leaf following title page possibly supplied from a different copy. New binding.
The Books of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne – "Teachings from Paradise"
The books of R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef, are the most important and authentic source of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, containing hundreds of references to teachings the author personally heard from the Baal Shem Tov, emphasized throughout the books and beginning with the words "I heard from my master".
This book was especially cherished by Chassidic leaders, who ascribed it great holiness. The Maggid of Mezeritch commended the author as having merited revelation of Eliyahu and reached lofty heights. R. Pinchas of Korets attested that a book of such stature has never yet existed, and its teachings originate from Heaven. He would customarily say that all new books do not totally conform with the truth, except for the books of the rabbi of Polonne which are "teachings from Paradise", and that with each quotation "heard from my master" one can resurrect the dead[!].
The present catalog presents the first editions of three books by R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, printed in Korets in three consecutive years (1780, 1781 and 1782): Toldot Yaakov Yosef, Ben Porat Yosef and Tzofnat Pane'ach (items 39-41).
Lot 42 Noam Elimelech – Second, Rare Edition – Shklow, 1790 – First Chassidic Book Printed in Shklow
Noam Elimelech, Chassidic essays on the Torah, by R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, with Likutei Shoshana and Igeret HaKodesh. [Shklow: Aryeh Leib son of Shneur Phoebus, ca. 1790]. Second edition.
Rare edition of the Noam Elimelech, printed in Shklow, presumably between 1789 and 1794. The place of printing and name of printer are alluded to on the title page in an interesting manner. At first glance, the text of the title page is a copy of that of the first edition, including the names of the first publishers (with the omission of the place of printing and name of printer), however, careful study of the title page reveals that the place of printing and name of printer are alluded to with small circles above certain letters. The indicated letters make up the words: "Shklow, Aryeh Leib B.Sh.F." (=Ben Shneur Feivish).
The Noam Elimelech was one of the first Chassidic books, and is considered until this day to be one of the fundamental works on Chassidut. The book contains the essential part of the doctrine of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk on Chassidut, purity of thought and attachment to G-d. R. Elimelech had five disciples, who disseminated Chassidut to the Jewish people: the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, R. Izek of Kaliv and R. Mendel of Rymanów.
Since its publishing, the book was deemed sacred to all, to the extent R. Mendel of Rymanów stated that only on Friday after immersing in honor of Shabbat is one able to grasp a little of the pure and lofty thoughts it contains. The Maggid of Kozhnitz would not welcome the Shabbat before he had studied his teacher's book (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 236). He said that R. Elimelech would appear – after his passing – to his disciple R. Naftali of Ropshitz, to teach him Noam Elimelech (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod 1999, p. 250). The Divrei Chaim of Sanz once remarked that he could compose a commentary on the Noam Elimelech just like the Beit Yosef did on the Tur, since it contained such profundity (Ibid, p. 235). Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov once saw in a dream a house full of books, about which he was told that one book was the Noam Elimelech, and all the other books the house was filled with were commentaries to the Noam Elimelech (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 193). R. Izek of Kaliv, after writing several hundreds of papers of commentary to the Noam Elimelech, heard a Divine Voice asking how he had the audacity to write a commentary to the Noam Elimelech, of which even angels and other celestial beings struggle to understand even one word or letter (Ibid, p. 80, section 194).
Noam Elimelech was reprinted in numerous editions (until 1982, it had been printed in over 50 editions, and since then in dozens more). Many keep the book as a segulah, and some special miniature format editions were published to serve as amulets for protection and success. Many put it at the head of an ill person as a segulah and protection, for a speedy recovery and to be saved from any misfortune. This book is known to be a segulah for women experiencing difficult labor (several Jewish hospitals throughout the world have a Noam Elimelech placed in a velvet pouch in the delivery rooms as segulah for easy births). This segulah is already mentioned in Shulchan Melachim by R. Moshe Tzvi Landau of Kleinwardein, who writes in the laws pertaining to women giving birth: "And the custom of placing a holy book wrapped in a cloth under the head of a women in labor has already become widespread – and the custom is to place the books Noam Elimelech and Or HaChochmah" (pp. 38b-39a, Beregsaz 1931 edition).
[1], 1, 3-89, 70-97; 19 leaves. 21 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains and traces of past dampness. Open tears, including large open tear to title page, affecting text (of book title) and border, and open tears to several other leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper (title page border and text and several other leaves completed in photocopy). Paper repairs to inner margins of some leaves. New leather binding.
Variant. Lieberman and the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book both record a copy with [2] leaves at the beginning of the book. In these listings, the second leaf is part of the preface, printed over two pages. In this variant, the preface was printed in smaller font, on one page only, on the verso of the title page (compare to the digitized copy on the NLI website and Otzar HaChochma; and see Stefansky Chassidut, ibid).
This is the first Chassidic book printed in Shklow, which in those days was the stronghold of opponents to Chassidut. The bibliographer Chaim Lieberman in his book Ohel Rachel (I, pp. 176-177) writes that this edition was probably published between 1789 and 1794, and calls attention to the interesting phenomenon of printing a Chassidic book in Shklow at that time. He contends that almost no Chassidic books were printed in Shklow, apart from a few Chabad books printed after 1803. At the end of his thesis, he suggests that this edition may have been printed especially for Galician Jewry, and the place of printing was concealed to enable the book to be smuggled over the border more easily. Since the prohibition of printing kabbalistic books in Galicia was only enacted in 1794, he surmises that the book may have been printed only after 1794 (based on this, listing 000313521 of the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book gives the estimated date of 1795; other places however record the year of printing as 1790).
The title of the book forms the initials of the author's name: R. Yaakov Yosef ben Yehuda.
Leaves 1-12 of the second sequence contain the essays of R. Yehuda Leib, the author's father, who was also a maggid in Ostroh. The last 35 leaves contain the author's novellae on several Talmudic tractates.
Ostroh rabbis write in their approbation: "He who is clever should not heed the high cost and should readily purchase this book at whatever the asking price".
The author, R. Yaakov Yosef of Ostroh (1738-1791), a leading third-generation Chassidic master. He was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and had close ties with other disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. In 1765, he succeeded his father as maggid and posek in Ostroh. R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev called him: "A holy G-dly man". This book contains many teachings in the name of the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples.
2, 13, 13-139; 47 leaves. 30.5 cm. Partly printed on bluish paper. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains and traces of past dampness. Open tears (including marginal open tear to title page) and extensive worming, affecting text, repaired with paper. Large open tears to eight final leaves, with loss of upper half of leaves, repaired with paper (and photocopy text replacement). Stamps. Inscriptions. New leather binding.
Essays relating to Chanukah and Purim (the chapters are entitled Kedushot), commentaries on Aggadot concerning the Elders of Athens, and other selections (Talmudic novellae by the author's father and son).
R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (1740-1810, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut III, pp. 17-23) was one of the most glorious figures of the Chassidic movement, famously referred to as "the Advocate of the Jewish people". According to Chassidic lore, when he was born, the Baal Shem Tov offered his disciples to drink LeChaim, declaring that a great soul had just descended to this world, whose task would be to act as defender of the Jewish people. He was born to R. Meir Rabbi of Hussaków, a descendant of the Maharsha and scion of an early dynasty of 36 rabbis. In his youth, he studied with the Pri Megadim in Lubartów, where he also met Rebbe Shmelke of Nikolsburg, who influenced him to join the Chassidic movement and frequent the court of the great Maggid of Mezeritch. From a young age, he served as rabbi of various communities (Ryczywół, Żelechów, Pinsk) and was pursued in some places by Mitnagdim for his association with the Chassidic movement. In 1785, he was appointed rabbi of Berditchev, where he established an important Chassidic center and edified many disciples, becoming famous as one of the greatest Chassidic leaders of his times and serving there until his passing.
Apart from his piety and greatness in Torah, he was known as the epitome of love for his fellow Jew and advocate of all Jews, including sinners and offenders. Dozens of stories circulate of his defense of every Jew, in any situation. These stories became inalienable assets of Chassidic lore and earned him the appellation "Advocate of the Jewish people". The righteous men of his generation greatly revered and acclaimed him. R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg dubbed him "my disciple in exoteric wisdom, master and teacher in esoteric fields", and portrayed even his mundane conversation as replete with Kabbalistic meanings and yichudim. The Chozeh of Lublin would dedicate one hour a day to expressing gratitude to G-d for sending down to the world a soul like R. Levi Yitzchak, and with his passing, R. Nachman of Breslov declared that the light of the world was extinguished and darkness reigned. He composed famous poems and prayers, including "G-t fun Avraham" recited by many at the close of Shabbat. This book is the first edition of Kedushat Levi, published by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev himself. The book is named after the Kedushot essays pertaining to Chanukah and Purim, which comprise the main part of the book. The book was reprinted in the same format in the author's lifetime in Zhovkva, 1806. Approximately a year after his passing, his sons and grandsons published a further edition of the book, with the addition of novellae on the Parashiot of the Torah, based on writings the author left behind (Berdychiv, 1810). The book has since been reprinted many times in its expanded format. A third part of the book appeared in a later period, on Pirkei Avot, based on writings found in the estate of the Maggid of Kozhnitz.
This book was reputedly written by R. Levi Yitzchak himself, unlike other early Chassidic works which were recorded by the disciples of the authors. The Minchat Elazar of Munkacs would exert himself and read this book for extended periods of time, maintaining that Kedushat Levi contained almost all the writings of the Arizal allusively, each word being built on foundations of Kabbalah and requiring deliberate, in-depth study to understand all the profound teachings concealed in it. (According to Breslov tradition, some of the Kedushot on Chanukah and Purim in this work were written by R. Natan of Nemirov, the famous disciple of R. Nachman of Breslov, while he was studying under R. Levi Yitzchak).
Great Torah scholars attested that Kedushat Levi bears the remarkable power of endowing its reader with enthusiasm and devotion in love and fear of G-d, also maintaining that just keeping the book in the house has the capacity to mitigate decrees and protect from destructive forces, as Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heschel – the Apter Rav wrote (in his approbation to the Berdychiv, 1815 edition), as well as R. Aharon of Zhitomir in his approbation to that same edition, and the rabbis of Munkacs (in their approbation to the Munkacs 1939 edition).
Signature of Rebbe Elimelech Shapira Rabbi of Grodzisk on the title page, with his stamps (on title page and other leaves).
R. Elimelech Shapira of Grodzisk (1824-1892), son of Rebbe Chaim Meir Yechiel – the "Saraf of Mogelnitza", and grandson of the Maggid of Kozhnitz and R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. A prominent rebbe and tzaddik in Poland. His teacher, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, commanded him to serve as rebbe and receive kvitlach (he later sent a lengthy letter to the Divrei Chaim of Sanz regarding the venerable holiness of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin and his righteous sons). He was profoundly influential throughout Poland, and many Polish rebbes were his disciples, the most renowned of them being R. Yechiel Meir HaLevi, rebbe of Ostrovtse. He authored Imrei Elimelech and Divrei Elimelech.
30; 4, 6-22 leaves. Lacking leaf 5 of second sequence. Due to printing error, text of verso of leaf 5 was printed on verso of leaf 6, resulting in loss of two pages from two different leaves: recto of leaf 5 and verso of leaf 6. 18.5 cm. Bluish paper. Most leaves in good-fair condition. Many stains, including large, dark stains and wax stains. Wear. Minor marginal open tears to several leaves. Minor worming. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings in several places. Inscriptions and stamps. New leather binding.
Meor Einayim is a fundamental work of the Chassidic movement, and one of the first Chassidic compositions presenting the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezeritch. The author, the maggid R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl (1730-1798, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 168-175), was one of the founders of Chassidism and the progenitor of the Chernobyl dynasty. He studied directly from the Baal Shem Tov and was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. He served as maggid in Norynsk, Pohrebyshche and Chernobyl. He acceded to his disciples' entreaties to print his teachings and delegated the task to his disciple R. Eliyahu son of R. Zev Wolf Katz, instructing him to publish his writings in the "fine and exceptional printing press established in Slavita…" (the printing press of R. Moshe Shapira, then in its early years).
The book was allegedly originally eighteen times longer, but when arranging it for printing, R. Nachum of Chernobyl commanded his disciples to burn many leaves, leaving only the teachings which were divinely inspired. His writings were divided by his disciples into two parts, one part on the Torah, including selections, published under the title Meor Einayim (the present book), and a second part pertaining to Talmudic aggadot, named Yismach Lev. The two parts were printed concurrently in Slavita, the same year. In later editions, the two parts were combined and published together, under the common title of Meor Einayim. R. Nachum of Chernobyl passed away during the course of the book's preparation for print.
Chassidic leaders ascribed great importance and holiness to the book, studying it every day and preserving it as a protection. The Chozeh of Lublin and R. Yitzchak of Skver (grandson of the author) reputedly said that the book has the power to light up the person's soul, similarly to the Zohar, and R. Yitzchak Izek of Komarno asserted that Meor Einayim should never depart from before one's eyes, as all the teachings it contains are lofty and holy.
[2], 160 leaves. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, affecting text in several places, repaired in part with paper. Minor open tear to title page and minor marginal tears to title page and several other leaves. Minor marginal open tears to final leaves (affecting ornament on final page), repaired with paper. Copy presumably comprised of leaves from several different copies. Inscriptions. Stamps. New leather binding.
Or HaMeir, Chassidic and Kabbalistic homilies and allusions on the Torah portions, Megillot and festivals, by Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf of Zhitomir. Korets: printer not indicated, [1798]. First edition.
Or HaMeir is one of the first Chassidic books, and contains teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. The author, R. Ze'ev Wolf of Zhitomir was one of the foremost disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch, and a close disciple of R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, R. Nachum of Chernobyl and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev. He was also close to R. Pinchas of Korets, who once said that he saw how R. Ze'ev Wolf was accompanied by Eliyahu the Prophet, who revealed to him holy secrets. R. Leib Sarah's said that he "saw upon his face the image of G-d in its perfection". The title page of this book bears exceptional praises about the author, such as: "He cleaved to his Creator at all times, unseparated while walking or sitting…". This book was dictated to his disciple R. Eliezer of Zhitomir, author of Pirkei HaNe'ezar. Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin remarked that "each Jew is obligated to conduct himself according to all that is written in the book".
Of all Chassidic works, this book was particularly cherished by R. Chanoch Henich of Alexander (Tiferet Avot, Vizhnitz, 1993, p. 208).
Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz is reputed as saying that R. Ze'ev Wolf delivered only one eighth of the Torah he received from Heaven, and of what he delivered only one eighth was heard; from that which was heard only one eighth was understood; from that which the author of Pirkei HaNe'ezar comprehended he wrote only one eighth, and from that which was printed only one eighth is understood. R. Ze'ev Wolf passed away in 1798 and this book was printed shortly after his passing.
Inscriptions on the title page: "Avraham Abish son of R. Moshe ---"; "Yehuda Tabbach"; "Beit Midrash of the philanthropist… Meir Lisbona" (identical inscription appears also on p. 10a).
Fine, wide-margined copy on high-quality paper. [2], 58, 61-80, [2]; 52, 55-98, 101-120; 64 leaves. 22.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor worming to title page and other leaves, slightly affecting border and text. Marginal tear to one leaf, not affecting text. Stamps. New leather binding.
During 1798-1810, this book was printed in several similar editions; see: A. Tauber, Bibliographic Studies, pp. 36-39; Y. Yudlov, Ginzei Yisrael, no. 1140. In this copy, the prohibition to print the book is set at 15 years, not 20.
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. In his renowned letter to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov in 1752, the Baal Shem Tov refers to this grandson as a tremendous genius.
The book includes 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 by the Baal Shem Tov at the end of the book.
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 emphasize the author's lineage as grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, and that the book is replete with the latter's essential teachings.
[2], 114 leaves. 20.5 cm. Greenish paper. Most leaves in good condition. Stains, including dark dampstains to final leaf. Tears to final leaf and one other leaf, slightly affecting text, and marginal open tear to final leaf, repaired with paper. Minor marginal worming to title page and several other leaves, not affecting text. Minor defects to several leaves, slightly affecting text. Inscriptions. New leather binding.
This book is considered a segulah for an easy birth. R. Moshe Tzvi Landau of Kleinwardein writes in his work "Shulchan Melachim" on the laws pertaining to birthing mothers: "It has already become a widespread custom to place a book wrapped in cloth beneath the head of the woman in labor, customarily the holy book Noam Elimelech and the holy book Or HaChochmah" (this is quoted in halachic literature). It is also reported that R. Yeshaya Zilberstein of Waitzen would send a copy of Or HaChochmah to women in labor, to place beneath their pillow as a segulah for an easy birth.
The author, the kabbalist R. Uri Feivel of Krisnipoli and Dubienka (d. between 1804-1808), was a close disciple of R. Kehat of Werish, who was a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. R. Uri Feivel's son, in his description of his father in the foreword to this book, recalls him as a prolific author who also wrote a composition on the Torah consisting of 15 explanations for each verse, as well as works on the Five Megillot, Tikunei Zohar, Idrot, Sifra DeTzniuta, Sefer Yetzira, "awesome, concealed and impenetrable commentaries", yet all were destroyed in a fire. R. Meir Rabbi of Brody describes the author in his approbation: "He never departed from the tent of Torah, delving into its revealed and hidden realms, and he feared G-d out of love; most of his knowledge and study pertained to Kabbalah".
Many inscriptions throughout the book (in part II) – some deleted or trimmed: "For the kloiz of the rabbi of Chernobyl, here in Berditchev". On the final page: "Belongs to the Beit Midrash --- Dubno".
Two parts in one volume. [2], 76, 46; [1], 60, 59-103 leaves. 20.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Extensive worming, with significant damage to text, repaired with paper. Marginal open tears to title pages of both parts and to other leaves, mostly repaired with paper. Both title pages and several other leaves presumably supplied from other copies. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings. Stamps (partially rubbed out) in several places. New leather binding.