Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
Raza Meheimna – Lviv, 1791 – First Edition
Opening: $500
Unsold
Raza Meheimna, kabbalistic secrets on the Hebrew alphabet, by the kabbalist R. Yitzchak Eizek HaLevi of Zuravitz (Żurawica). Lviv, [1791]. First edition
The author, R. Yitzchak Eizek HaLevi (1735-1783), was a shochet and bodek in Zuravitz, a village near Przemyśl. Little is known about him. In the approbations to his books, he is described as a hidden tzaddik who lived in utter poverty, secluding himself in the forest, passionately and fervently serving G-d. He wrote his books at night. The author of Brit Kehunat Olam recounted that tears would stream from his eyes when slaughtering an animal. R. Yitzchak Eizek is said to have requested of the Yismach Moshe (who in his youth lived in nearby Przemyśl) that he come and study kabbalah under his tutelage, however, the Yismach Moshe was not well acquainted with him and refused. R. Yitzchak Eizek was dispirited by the refusal of the Yismach Moshe and therefore, before his death, instructed that all his kabbalistic writings be buried with him because the world is not worthy of them. After his passing, the Yismach Moshe greatly regretted his refusal and, wishing to do good to the soul of the author, arranged that his writings be copied and those copies be buried in his grave, leaving the original manuscripts to be prepared for print. The Yismach Moshe himself oversaw the copying, editing and printing of this book (see approbations and forewords to his books Raza Meheimna and Yesod Yitzchak, and Tehilla L'Moshe by R. Moshe David Teitelbaum, Sighet 1906, pp. 3b-4a). Later sources recount that the Baal Shem Tov used to travel to discuss secret matters with R. Yitzchak Eizek, and when his greatness and holiness became recognized, many thronged to him (see: M. Wunder, Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, III, pp. 268-272).
[4], 73 leaves. 22.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Mold stains to final leaf. Tears to title page (slightly affecting text) and to margins of many other leaves, repaired. Marginal wear and creases. Worming. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 535.
The author, R. Yitzchak Eizek HaLevi (1735-1783), was a shochet and bodek in Zuravitz, a village near Przemyśl. Little is known about him. In the approbations to his books, he is described as a hidden tzaddik who lived in utter poverty, secluding himself in the forest, passionately and fervently serving G-d. He wrote his books at night. The author of Brit Kehunat Olam recounted that tears would stream from his eyes when slaughtering an animal. R. Yitzchak Eizek is said to have requested of the Yismach Moshe (who in his youth lived in nearby Przemyśl) that he come and study kabbalah under his tutelage, however, the Yismach Moshe was not well acquainted with him and refused. R. Yitzchak Eizek was dispirited by the refusal of the Yismach Moshe and therefore, before his death, instructed that all his kabbalistic writings be buried with him because the world is not worthy of them. After his passing, the Yismach Moshe greatly regretted his refusal and, wishing to do good to the soul of the author, arranged that his writings be copied and those copies be buried in his grave, leaving the original manuscripts to be prepared for print. The Yismach Moshe himself oversaw the copying, editing and printing of this book (see approbations and forewords to his books Raza Meheimna and Yesod Yitzchak, and Tehilla L'Moshe by R. Moshe David Teitelbaum, Sighet 1906, pp. 3b-4a). Later sources recount that the Baal Shem Tov used to travel to discuss secret matters with R. Yitzchak Eizek, and when his greatness and holiness became recognized, many thronged to him (see: M. Wunder, Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, III, pp. 268-272).
[4], 73 leaves. 22.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Mold stains to final leaf. Tears to title page (slightly affecting text) and to margins of many other leaves, repaired. Marginal wear and creases. Worming. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 535.
Chassidic Books
Chassidic Books