Darchei Tzedek, Chassidic practices, by R. Zecharya Mendel of Yaroslav (Jarosław), disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. Lviv: Yehudis wife of R. Tzvi Hirsh [Rosanes], [1796]. First edition.
The author, R. Zecharya Mendel of Yaroslav (died between 1788-1796, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut I, pp. 524-525), was a prominent disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. He was a nephew of the holy brothers R. Pinchas Horowitz, author of Haflaah, and R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg, and also studied Chassidut from R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov. At first, he served as rabbi in Yaroslav, but after some time he decided to leave this position to devote himself to disseminating Chassidut. His prime teacher was R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and he was involved in bringing his teacher's book Noam Elimelech to press (together with the author's son). Printed at the end of Noam Elimelech, in the section entitled Igeret HaKodesh, is a letter by R. Zecharya Mendel in which he responds to a relative who had been opposed to him joining the Chassidic movement. In this letter, R. Zecharya Mendel describes at length the greatness of the Chassidic tzaddikim and their lofty levels of asceticism and conduct. Among other things, he mentions his uncle R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg, who had also joined the Chassidic movement, and effusively praises his greatness and pure conduct, adding that he feels compelled to follow in his footsteps. His book Darchei Tzedek was written in the lifetime of his teacher, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and he refers to him as his teacher and rabbi.
Signature on the title page: "Yitzchak Itzek Kohen". Signature extending over the first leaves: "Shmuel Zanvil son of Aharon of Dobrzinsk". Several glosses.
[24] leaves. 13 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Significant wear to some leaves. Minor worming. Margins trimmed, affecting headings of several leaves. Tears to last leaf, slightly affecting text, repaired. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 148.