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 in Jerusalem is printed here for the first time at the end of the 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.
[1], 100 leaves. 30.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming to title page and many other leaves, with extensive damage to text (some leaves with significant damage), repaired in part with paper (most leaves restored). Open tears, repaired with paper. Stamps. Leaves trimmed with slight damage to headings. New 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[!].

PLEASE NOTE: Item description was shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.