Mas'ot HaYam, practices of R. Nachman of Breslov and the story of his journey to Eretz Israel, by his disciple R. Natan Sternhartz, the Moharnat of Breslov. Józefów: R. Chanina Lipa Shapira, grandson of the Rabbi of Slavita, "in the printing press formerly in Slavita", 1846. First edition. The word "In Slavita" on the title page is enlarged.
Written on the title page: "Mas'ot HaYam – the travels of the Tzaddik R. Nachman to Eretz Israel by sea and land, and also the Rabbi's practices from his youth, from the time he matured until the day of his peaceful passing".
This book is essentially an initial biography of R. Nachman of Breslov, containing stories that R. Natan wrote about his teacher. Some of the stories concern R. Nachman's journey to Eretz Israel, hence its title. In addition, it contains some practices and words of encouragement that R. Natan heard from his teacher. The stories and practices were printed previously at the end of Sipurei Maasiot (Ostroh, 1815), and are printed here abridged and with differences (they form the basis of the later Shivchei HaRan, which contains a complete and correct version of the stories and practices).
30 pp. 15.5 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Deleted inscription on title page. New leather binding.
After the government closed the printing press in Slavita in 1837, the Slavita rabbi’s family re-established the printing press in the city of Józefów. Only a few books were printed in the short period this printing press operated (1842-1846). Afterwards, the printers moved to Zhitomir, where their printing press operated from 1847 to 1867.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 351.