Two books bound together – first editions of books by the Chassidic masters R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg and his disciple R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Both books printed from manuscripts from the collection of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, close disciple of both authors:
• Divrei Shmuel on the Torah, by R. Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg (disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch). Lviv: printer not indicated, [1862]. First edition. Two title pages.
The book was printed from manuscripts from the collection of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, and was published by his grandson R. Moshe HaKohen [Ungar], mentioned on the second title page.
• Kedushat Levi on Pirkei Avot, by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. The book was printed from manuscripts from the collection of the Maggid of Kozhnitz. [Lviv: printer not indicated, 1862]. First edition. At end of book, Kavanah for Mikveh by the Baal Shem Tov.
[3], 5-58 leaves; [1], 2-8 leaves. Approx. 25 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, wear and tears. Worming. Stamps. Ownership inscriptions on back endpaper. New binding.

The present copy contains the half-title of Divrei Shmuel, which was only added to some copies.

The author of Divrei Shmuel, R. Shmuel Shmelke HaLevi Horowitz (1726-1778), son of R. Tzvi Hirsch, Rabbi of Chortkiv, and elder brother of R. Pinchas HaLevi, author of the Haflaah. Both brothers worked together for many years in study of Torah and service of G-d, and they were leading disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch. R. Shmelke served as Rabbi of Ritshvol (Ryczywół), Shinova (Sieniawa) and finally Nikolsburg (Mikulov). He established a yeshiva in all the places he had a rabbinic office, and his disciples included the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev and several other Chassidic masters.

His disciple, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (1740-1810), author of Kedushat Levi, was one of the most distinguished figures of the Chassidic movement. In his youth, he studied with the Pri Megadim in Lubartów, where he also met Rebbe Shmelke of Nikolsburg, who influenced him to join the Chassidic movement and frequent the court of the great Maggid of Mezeritch. From a young age, he served as Rabbi of various communities (Ryczywół, Żelechów, Pinsk). In 1785, he was appointed Rabbi of Berditchev, where he established an important Chassidic center and edified many disciples, serving there until his passing. Apart from his piety and Torah scholarship, he was known as the epitome of love for his fellow Jew, including the wicked, earning him the appellation "advocate of the Jewish people".
Kedushat Levi bears the remarkable power of endowing its reader with enthusiasm and devotion in love and fear of G-d, and merely keeping the book in the house has the capacity to mitigate decrees and protect from destructive forces, as attested by Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heschel – the Apter Rav, R. Aharon of Zhitomir and the rabbis of Munkacs in approbations to various editions of the book.

PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.