Likutei Amarim Tanya, with Igeret HaTeshuva and Igeret HaKodesh. By the Admor HaZaken Rebbe Shneor Zalman of Liadi. [Kopust, later than 1836]. Bound with: Sha'arei Kedusha, by Rabbi Chaim Vital, Kopust, 1836.
[1], 36, 41-44, [4], 6, [30] leaves; [24] leaves. 17.5 cm. Good-fair condition, wear and stains, detached bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 631.
On the back leaf is a Russian stamp stating that "The books have been censored by the Kopust Rabbi L. Yaffe". This stamp also appears on other copies and on the two editions printed in Kopust in those years. According to Mondshein's opinion (Torat Chabad, Vol. 1, p. 71), the books were printed underground and did not receive the censor's approval. Therefore, no note of the place of printing appears on the title page, besides a forged inscription. The stamp of the rabbi’s approval is also forged. [See enclosed copy of Rabbi Mondshein's article in which he writes that the censor stamps were required during the 1837 "book decree". To authorize the propriety of the books printed before the decree, the books were submitted for censorship to the regional authority on behalf of the censor which was often the local rabbi. That censor usually stamped the book adding his own signature. Therefore, the place where the book was stamped had no actual connection to the place of printing since the Jew possessed books in his home which were printed in various places and not specifically in the place or country in which he resided. Copies of these editions which originate from various places were stamped by the same Rabbi of Kopust]. The book Sha’arei Kedusha, printed at the beginning of 1836 is bound with this book. Possibly, this edition of Likutei Amarim Tanya was also printed at the beginning of 1836, before the new law of the “Book Decree” was legislated and therefore, the books were authorized by the local rabbi on behalf of the authorities, while they were still in the printing press.