Shaar HaTefillah, on the topic of prayer, by R. Chaim Thirer Rabbi of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi), author of Be'er Mayim Chaim and Sidduro shel Shabbat. [Sudylkiv]: Tzvi Ze'ev Rabinstein, [1825]. First edition.
In his foreword, the publisher states that this book was written in Eretz Israel, where the author settled after the printing of his first books Sidduro shel Shabbat and Be'er Mayim Chaim, which earned great popularity in "most towns and countries". He testifies to the words of the holy author, who stated that Shaar HaTefillah has the power to hasten the redemption: "The author himself… praised his work in these words…: I am certain that when this book is publicized in the world it will hasten the redemption…".
The Shomer Emunim writes wondrous things about the remarkable holiness of this book: "The holy book Shaar HaTefillah was composed in the Holy Land in holiness and purity, and with extraordinary passion. On several occasions, he was so enthused that he was unable to write, and his attendant had to write while he dictated. An awe-inspiring incident once occurred while he was preparing one of the essays. At that time, he was in Meron by the gravesite of R. Shimon bar Yochai, and the attendant prepared ink and paper to write down the essay. As soon as R. Chaim began relating the essay with exceptional fervor, the attendant saw him flying in the air, and he continued dictating while the attendant wrote with fear and awe, until the essay was complete, and this discloses the extent of the book's exceptional holiness".
Printed here for the first time is the author's well known responsum regarding the recitation of "Leshem Yichud", in which he rebuts the opinion of the Noda BiYehuda, who criticized its recital. (According to the listing in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, this responsum was printed at the beginning of the book. In this copy, however, it is at the end of the volume).
The author, R. Chaim Thirer of Czernowitz (ca. 1740s – ca. 1813), was a Chassidic leader, disciple of the Maggid of Zlotchov, and served as rabbi of Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Botoşani, Kishinev (Chișinău) and Czernowitz. He was reputed as a holy man, and wondrous tales about him abound. According to Chassidic tradition, after his immersion before Shabbat, his form would change and he would grow taller by a handbreadth. Near the end of his life, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Safed in 1813, where he composed Shaar HaTefillah and was later buried. His fundamental works Sidduro shel Shabbat, Be'er Mayim Chaim and Shaar HaTefillah are unique for their clarity and conviction, as well as the enthusiastic Chassidic emotion which they exude. His books were published in many editions and are considered foundations of Chassidic teachings.
[2], 1-28, 37-52, 29-36, 53-102, 113-115; 3-10 leaves. Leaves 37-52 bound out of sequence. 20.5 cm. Greenish paper. Good condition. Stains. Tears to title page and several other leaves, repaired. Minor wear to first leaves. Stamp and handwritten inscriptions. New binding.
The book was printed in Sudylkiv. The word "Mohyliv" was printed in large letters on the title page, but this is an intentional deception, for the preceding smaller print states that the book was printed in Sudylkiv in the printing press of Tzvi Ze'ev Rabinstein, "formerly printer in Mohyliv" (see: A. Yaari, The Hebrew Printing in Mohyliv-on-the-Dniester, Kiryat Sefer, 23, p. 312).
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 538.