Shaar Gan Eden, foundations of kabbalah, by R. Yaakov Koppel Lipshitz of Mezeritch. Korets: Avraham son of Yitzchak Eizik and Eliyahu son of Yaakov [HaLevi], [1803]. First edition. With an approbation by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
The books of R. Yaakov Koppel of Mezeritch, Shaar Gan Eden and the Kol Yaakov siddur, are adapted and edited compilations of the writings of R. Moshe Cordovero, R. Chaim Vital and R. Yisrael Sarug, with the addition of his own novellae.
The approbation of the rabbis of Mezeritch attests to the high regard the Baal Shem Tov had for the writings of the kabbalist R. Yaakov (while they were still in manuscript before publication): "Everyone knows that the writings of this author were examined by the Baal Shem Tov, who would ardently bind the writings of this author by hand, for he was a faithful servant and a great and wise kabbalist in this science". This testimony is repeated with further details on the title page: "When that work was brought before [the Baal Shem Tov], both Shaar Gan Eden… and the prayer book he authored, the holy mouth read two or three sections from them, hugged them and kissed them, and he put the above holy writings upon his head… nodding in approval, 'Happy is the people that has such'". R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev writes in his approbation of the author: "He was a faithful kabbalist, and all his statements are made with Ruach HaKodesh". Many Chassidic masters cite Shaar Gan Eden in their books, and use its statements as the basis for their own teachings.

[2], 33, 35-84 leaves. Lacking leaf 34. 30 cm. Bluish paper. Fair condition. Many stains. Tears, including a large open tear on the title page, affecting text on both sides of the leaf, repaired with paper filling (with photocopy text replacement). Worming, affecting text, partially repaired with paper. Close trimming, affecting headers of leaves in several places. New binding.