Avodat Yisrael, Chassidic and kabbalistic essays on the Torah portions, Haftarot and festivals; two letters; Chassidic commentary to Tractate Avot and novellae on Talmudic topics in Tractate Chullin, by R. Yisrael Hopstein - the Maggid of Kozhnitz. [Józefów, 1842]. First edition.
This copy contains the rare leaf, not present in most copies, with three approbations by prominent Chassidic leaders: R. Mordechai David of Dombrowa, the Aryeh Debei Ila'i R. Aryeh Leib Lipshitz, and the famous approbation by the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, in which he attests: "In my opinion, there is no one in our generation capable of grasping his [the Maggid of Kozhnitz's] wisdom". These three approbations are not found in most copies of the first edition, and were never printed again until the Bnei Brak 1965 edition.
Avodat Yisrael is considered a classic Chassidic work, and was held in high esteem by prominent Chassidic leaders.
[4], 90; 32 leaves. Lacking first title page (the book originally had two title pages). 22 cm. Fair-good condition. Many stains, including dark stains and dampstains. Marginal wear and creases. Marginal tears to title page and other leaves. Worming, affecting text. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 452.