Chesed L'Avraham, by Kabbalist R. Avraham Azulai. Slavita, [1794]. One of the first books printed by R. Moshe Shapira Rabbi of Slavita (son of R. Pinchas of Korets). Approbations by prominent Chassidic rebbes: R. Yaakov Shimshon of Shepetivka and R. Aryeh Leib of Volochisk.
This kabbalistic book was held in high esteem by great Chassidic leaders and is often cited in early Chassidic literature. "I have heard from those who speak the truth that the Alter Rebbe, author of Shulchan Aruch (HaRav) and of the Tanya, instructed to read his precious compositions" (from the approbation by R. Shimon Menashe Chaikin on the author's commentary to Tractate Avot printed in 1910).
The author, R. Avraham Azulai (1570-1644) was born in Fez, Morocco. Immigrated to Eretz Israel and resided in Hebron. In 1619, upon the outbreak of an epidemic, he fled to Gaza, where he composed this book within five weeks. Most of the book is a collection and arrangement of the teachings of the Ramak which were at that time still in manuscript form. A small part of the content is from the Arizal's writing. The book was first printed in 1685 in two simultaneous editions, in Amsterdam and in Sulzbach, and later reprinted in Slavita in 1794.
[6], 87; 1-34, [1] leaves. Leaf 85 of the first sequence bound after leaf 87. 20.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Large dampstains. Worming, slightly affecting text on several leaves. New binding.