Sefer Ahavat Shalom, Chassidic discourses on the weekly Torah portion, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Hager of Kosiv - founder of the Vizhnitz and Kosiv Chassidic dynasties. Lviv, [1833]. First edition.
Rebbe Menachem Mendel Hager (1768-1826, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, 98), was the son of R. Yaakov Koppel Chassid, cantor in the beit Knesset of the Baal Shem Tov and member of his inner circle of disciples. He was the disciple of the early Chassidic masters R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and R. Tzvi Hirsch of Nadvorna. In 1802, after the passing of R. Tzvi Hirsch of Nadvorna, he began to lead his own community.
In the introduction, the author’s son-in-law, R. Gershon of Rodzol, writes that much of his father-in-law’s teachings are focused on three matters: "The holiness of Shabbat… giving charity… and Shemirat Habrit…". This book was written by his disciple R. Chaim Nata of Leoncin, who writes in his introduction: "I heard these teachings from him on Friday nights and during the Shabbat morning meal, as well as when he would take leave of his visitors while discussing halacha, as well as bits and pieces that I heard during Seuda Shlishit… and I elaborated on these thoughts in my own words…when I was unsure of the proper intent… I intentionally used language which is open to interpretation, and each reader can use his own judgement…".
The title page contains the ownership stamp: "Yaakov Shmukler, rabbi of Botoshun" [rabbi of Botosani during 1940-1964, and son-in-law of Rebbe Eliezer Zev Marilus].
[4], 130 leaves. Final page is missing (originally: [4], 131 leaves). Leaf 130 is torn on the upper margin, with damage to text. 23.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Early binding with leather spine; damaged.
Stefansky Chassidut no. 18. The title page states that the volume was published in Lviv, 1802, but this is a forgery. See: Avraham Yaari, The Printing Press of Rabbanit Yehudit Rosanes in Lviv, Kiryat Sefer (17, 1940, p. 107).