Toldot Yitzchak, Chassidic essays on the Torah, on the Jewish Holidays and on Tehillim, by Rebbe Yitzchak Shapira of Neshchiz (Niesuchojeże). Warsaw, 1868. First edition. Two title pages.
With approbations of leading Chassidic rebbes, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, the Maggid of Trisk, Rebbe Yehoshua of Ostrova and Rebbe Elimelech of Grodzisk. Rebbe Elimelech of Grodzisk writes in his approbation about the segulah of possessing this book: "It is fitting for every Jewish person to bring this book into his home for protection and blessing".
Noted on the second title page, near the name of the printer: "He had printed in 1864 6000 books of Tehillim published by Maran [Rebbe Yitzchak of Neshchiz] for public merit". Reputedly, at the time R. Yitzchak of Neshchiz delivered discourses on Tehillim, which were printed in this book, "the Rebbe would hold… the Tehillim printed in Warsaw, expounding from it his Torah novellae" (Zichron Tov, Inyanei Chiddushei Torato, 11. For further information about this edition of Tehillim, see: Kedem Auction 65, item 129).
Throughout his lifetime, the author, Rebbe Yitzchak of Neshchiz rarely lectured in public. However, in the last year of his life, he delivered teachings on the Torah and on Tehillim almost daily. These teachings were written down and edited by his disciple and faithful assistant, R. Yitzchak Landau, and published in this book, several months after the author's passing (as recounted in length in the book Zichron Tov, by the aforementioned R. Yitzchak Landau).
Rebbe Yitzchak of Neshchiz (1789-1868) was the youngest son of Rebbe Mordechai of Neshchiz. A close disciple of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, he married his granddaughter and transmitted many Torah thoughts in his name. He was also a disciple of R. Baruch of Medzhybizh and of the Chozeh of Lublin. Appointed Rebbe at a young age, he held this position for over sixty years. He was reputed for his prayers, the wonders he performed, and his Heavenly revelations. He was revered by all sects of Chassidism for his holiness and exceptional piety, and as one "who facilitates the flow of Heavenly bounty to the entire Jewish people" (as stated in a letter by R. Baruch Shapira, prominent Chassid of the Peshischa and Kotsk dynasties). His renowned disciples include: Rebbe Elimelech of Grodzisk, Rebbe Yaakov Tzvi of Parysów and others
[4], 32; 30; 22; 32 leaves. 26.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Tears (repaired) to first title page, minor mold to last leaves. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 607.