Chelkat Binyamin, Passover Haggadah with kavanot of the Arizal and with the Chelkat Binyamin commentary by Rebbe Binyamin HaMagid of Zaliztsi and of Zalishchyky. Lvov, [Lemberg, 1794]. First printed edition of the first Chassidic Haggadah.
With approbation of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv, who writes that this composition can "bring many to repentance", and describing the greatness of the author: "…The Tsaddik… G-dly person,… Rabbbi Binyamim who was the Rabbi of Zaliztsi… and I saw several things that are "sweet to the palate, both revealed and hidden Torah, all equally worthy, and they are fitting to be published so their 'flavor and fragrance' can spread far to bring many to repentance…"
The author, The Magid of Zaliztsi, Rabbi Binyanim (died in 1791), was a prominent disciple of the Magid of Mezritch and of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Złoczew. He was proficient in both revealed and hidden Torah knowledge and one of the primary perpetuators of Chassidic writings, from the early period of Chasidut.
[1], 25, [13] leaves. 21.5 cm. Thick paper. Overall good condition. Many stains. Wear and paper gluing to first leaves. impressive semi-leather bindings. Owner's signature on last leaf: "Aharon son of R' Yitzchak".
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 156; Ya'ari 253; Otzar HaHaggadot 373.