Auction 96 Early Printed Books, Chassidut and Kabbalah, Books Printed in Jerusalem, Letters and Manuscripts
Divrei Tzaddikim by Rabbi Dov Berish of Oshpitzin (Disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin) – First Edition – Zhovkva, Circa 1845
Divrei Tzaddikim, novellae on the Torah and selections on Neviim and Ketuvim and the Talmud, by R. Dov Berish Frumer of Oshpitzin. Zhovkva: Moses Meyerhoffer, [ca. 1845]. First edition.
The author, R. Dov Berish Frumer (d. 1837), disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and R. Shlomo of Chrzanów, also kept the company of the Or LaShamayim of Apta and the Maor VaShemesh and Aryeh DeVei Ila'i. His teacher R. Shlomo of Chrzanów attested that he learned from the Chozeh of Lublin to strip himself of physicality, and R. Moshe of Lelov testified that he attained the level of the Chozeh, and that he was unparalleled amongst contemporary Torah leaders. He was appointed Rabbi of Oshpitzin (Oświęcim) in his final years (based on Ahavat Shalom edition, Jerusalem 1986).
On the final leaves, the selections are interrupted in the middle (the reason is unclear), and the introduction of the publisher is reprinted, along with the title page and approbation. The rest of the selections are printed between the reprinted title page and approbation, as well as after the approbation.
[2], 32, [4] leaves. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Open tears along the margins of the title page and tears to additional leaves, not affecting text, repaired with paper filling. Stamp. New leather binding.
False imprint on title page for 1826. The author, whose name is mentioned on the title page with a blessing for the deceased, passed away in 1837, as mentioned in the introductions to subsequent editions. R. Moshe Yaakov Sharf, who wrote the approbation, was also appointed head of the Oshpitzin Beit Din after 1840.