Shoshan Sodot, various kabbalistic topics, by R. Moshe son of R. Yaakov HaGoleh MiKiev (exiled from Kiev). Korets, [1784]. First edition.
The Shoshan Sodot composition originally comprised (in the manuscripts) 656 secrets on various topics. This is alluded to in the name of the book - Shoshan, which has the numeric value of 656. Only 463 secrets thereof were printed in this book (secrets 464-656 are commentaries to Sefer Yetzira, and were published in the Korets 1779 edition of Sefer Yetzira). The title page presents the lineage of the author: "And he was a disciple of the Ramban", though in truth, the author was R. Moshe son of R. Yaakov HaGoleh MiKiev (1449-1520?), who lived in Lithuania, Kiev, and Crimea. In 1495, the Jews were expelled from Kiev, and R. Moshe went into exile, thus his name "HaGoleh MiKiev" (regarding the book and its author, see: Chida, Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, Shin, section 43; Chaim Lieberman, Sinai, 68, pp. 182-187).
Ownership inscriptions on the title page: "Belongs to R. Zusia son of the rabbi of Apta"; "Belongs to the groom R. Shmuel son of R. Meshulam Zusia grandson of the rabbi of Apta…". Signature on p. 77a (on a piece of paper pasted on): "Yechiel Baruch son of R. Yosef Yitzchak" (with reference to this signature on the title page: "See signature on p. 77").
Many glosses in neat Ashkenazi script. We were unable to identify the author of the glosses.
Rebbe Meshulam Zusia Heshel of Zinkov (1815-1864), son of Rebbe Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov and grandson of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. He was appointed rebbe in 1855. In 1863, he published Ohev Yisrael, his illustrious grandfather's book, with his glosses and foreword, in which he relates of his grandfather's affection for him. During his tenure, the number of Chassidim frequenting his court grew exponentially. He began the construction of the new Beit Midrash in Zinkov and promised that "whoever would touch the door handle of the Beit Midrash will merit salvation in all he wishes".
Rebbe Shmuel of Krilovitz (Murovani Kurylivtsi; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, p. 762), son-in-law of Rebbe Avraham Twersky of Trisk (author of Magen Avraham on the Torah). Already in his father's lifetime, he was appointed Rebbe of Krilovitz, Podolia. Reputedly, the landlord of the town Zusia, grandson of the rabbi"; "The Shoshan Sodot belongs to the Torah scholar R. Shmuel son of R. Meshulam specifically invited him to settle in Krilovitz, hoping that it would become a Chassidic center, and thereby increase his income. Up until now, it was believed (based on one source: Sefer HaYachas MiChernobyl VeRuzhin, Lublin 1938; and copied from there into other books) that R. Shmuel passed away some two years before his father (he was succeeded by his younger brother, R. Yechiel), though the signature in this book suggests the opposite - that his father passed away before him, since he is mentioned in the ownership inscription as deceased. This question requires further study.
92, [2] leaves. 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to title page, affecting text. Worming to many leaves, affecting text. Stamps to title page. Old binding, mostly detached.