Derech Chaim VeTochachat Mussar Haskel - Shaar HaTeshuvah and Shaar HaTefillah, by Rebbe Dov Ber, the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, [1819]. First edition.
Stamp on the title page: "Ber Shapiro, Chabad Jerusalem".
Incomplete copy. [3], 5-80, 85-88, 93-97, 100-177 leaves. Lacking [4] leaves: original title page, leaves 98-99 and final leaf. Title page of a similar edition printed in Kopust after 1819 was bound instead of title page (some consider it a variant of the present edition). 17 cm. Bluish paper. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears, including open tears affecting text in some places. Large open tears to title page, affecting text, repaired with paper (and photocopy replacement of missing text). Worming to several leaves, slightly affecting text. Margins trimmed, with damage to headings of some leaves. Stamp. Handwritten inscriptions. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 138.

Rebbe Dov Ber Shneuri (1774-1828), known as the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch, was the son of R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. After his father passed away (December 1812) while fleeing the French invasion of Russia, he began serving as rabbi in Lubavitch (Lyubavichi). In his father's lifetime, he recorded the latter's teachings, and delivered public lectures based on them, even in his presence, with the addition of his own commentaries. He was gifted with brilliant profundity and an unlimited wellspring of Torah thoughts. His Chassidic discourses would extend over many hours. He had an exceptional talent for clear explanations, whether in writing or orally, and was able to clarify and simplify before laymen the most profound and abstract concepts in Kabbalah and Chassidut. He was endowed with a rare ability to concentrate, and was able to contemplate G-dly concepts for hours on end, completely unaware of his surroundings. The Lubavitcher Rebbe retold that on Yom Kippur, he would stand in his place the entire day, in devoted prayer detached from physicality, without budging, with sweat pouring from his head. He passed away whilst delivering a Chassidic discourse.