Avodat Yisrael, homilies on the Torah portions and on Pirkei Avot, by R. Yisrael Hopstein – the Maggid of Kozhnitz. [Józefów: David Saadia Yeshaya Wax, 1842 – first edition]. Copy lacking title page and approbations.

Leaf 9, which contains references to non-Jews, was censored during printing. The censorship omission was only recently discovered, in Kedem Auction 53, item 33 (where the omitted sentences were replaced in handwriting). The original text was never printed in any of the many subsequent editions of Avodat Yisrael. In most known copies of the first edition, leaf 9 was printed in a slightly different typography and on different paper to the rest of the book, without the aforementioned references. The present copy contains the original, uncensored leaf, with the original wording of the Maggid of Kozhnitz.
Avodat Yisrael is considered a classic Chassidic work, and was held in high esteem by prominent Chassidic leaders.

Copy lacking title pages, approbations and beginning of foreword: [1], 90; 32 leaves (originally: [4], 90; 32 leaves. Lacking altogether 3 leaves; without additional leaf of approbations found in some copies only). 21 cm. Bluish paper. Fair condition. Stains and traces of past dampness. Wear, tears and worming, affecting text in several places. Tape repairs to first leaf. Inscriptions and stamps. New binding.