Tehillim with Tefillah LeMoshe commentary, by Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Ujhel, author of Yismach Moshe. Cracow: Yosef Fischer and partners, 1880. First edition, published by R. Moshe David Teitelbaum, grandson of the Yitav Lev.

At the beginning of the book is printed the introduction and approbation of the author’s grandson, Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev, who edited the work from his grandfather's manuscripts. Afterwards appears the introduction of Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum (later Rabbi of Magyarlápos), who edited the book for printing together with his grandfather the Yitav Lev.

In their introductions, the Yitav Lev and his grandson Rebbe Moshe David describe how the Tefillah LeMoshe commentary was not originally composed as a complete, independent work, rather written sporadically on pieces of paper where the Yismach Moshe noted his ideas while reciting Tehillim. They further write that the original writings were expressed briefly and enigmatically, and that in many places the Yitav Lev was compelled to add explanations to decipher the writings and sources. In his introduction, Rebbe Moshe David adds that "this book I present to you today is not as it was upon its birth, and I do not present it as its author made it, since he formed it in pen from his thoughts as they came to him…". He goes on to describe the work of his grandfather, the Yitav Lev, in deciphering the short notes: "And who is like the wise man, my grandfather R. Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, local Rabbi, who knows the meaning of the author's intention, his hints and riddles, his hidden thoughts and mysteries…".

It is recounted on the authority of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar that some of the comments on Tehillim of his ancestor, the Yismach Moshe, were written on the reverse side of kvittels his followers brought him asking for salvation and mercy.

Pencil signature on endpaper: "Moshe Krakauer of Tét". Trimmed pencil signature on title page: "Yaakov Raug—".

Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Ujhel (1759-1841), the Yismach Moshe, an illustrious Chassidic leader in Hungary and Galicia, and progenitor of the Sighet and Satmar Chassidic dynasties. An outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist, he was an expert in both the revealed and hidden Torah. He was famed during his lifetime as a holy wonderworker possessing ruach hakodesh.

He first served as Rabbi in Shinova from 1785-1808, and subsequently in 1808 he was appointed Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely) and the region. Rebbe Moshe was originally opposed to Chassidut, and studied under the Vilna Gaon; he embraced Chassidut at a later age, becoming a close disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and visiting the Ohev Yisrael of Apta.

Starting in 1815, he began to distribute amulets to those in need of salvation, thereby performing countless wonders. To this day, most of the amulets and shemirot in Ashkenazic lands can be traced back to the amulets of the Yismach Moshe.

[3], 4-322, [8] leaves. 20.5 cm. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Some tears. Margins of title page and several other leaves repaired with paper. Two leaves detached. Old, worn binding, with leather spine and corners. Damage to binding (tear to bottom of spine).