Yismach Lev (Part II of Meor Einayim), commentary on Aggadot and Midrashim (following the order of the Talmudic tractates), by Rebbe Menachem Nachum [Twersky] of Chernobyl. Slavita: [R. Moshe Shapira, 1798]. First edition.
Two books by R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl – Yismach Lev and Meor Einayim – were published in Slavita in 1798. The second edition of Yismach Lev was published in Zhovkva in 1800. The second edition of Meor Einaim, published in Polonne in 1810, included the essays of Yismach Lev (under the single title Meor Einaim), as did most later editions.
The maggid R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl (1730-1798, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 168-175) was one of the founders of Chassidut and the progenitor of the Chernobyl dynasty. He studied directly from the Baal Shem Tov and was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. He served as maggid in Norynsk, Pohrebyshche and Chernobyl. He acceded to his disciples' entreaties to print his teachings and delegated the task to his disciple R. Eliyahu son of R. Zev Wolf Katz, instructing him to publish his writings in the "fine and exceptional printing press established in Slavita…" (the printing press of R. Moshe Shapira, then in its early years).
[1], 34 leaves. 20.5 cm. Some browned leaves. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and mildew to last leaves. Repaired tears to last leaf, slightly affecting text. Worming to last leaves, repaired, slightly affecting text. Leaves trimmed close to text, affecting headings (with minor damage to text on one leaf). New leather binding.
Variant. The title page varies from other copies in layout and decoration on top of border.