Torei Zahav, homiletics, ethics, kabbalah and Chassidut on the Torah, festivals, Megillat Eichah and Megillat Esther, by R. Binyamin of Zalozitz (Zaliztsi). Mohyliv, [1816]. First edition.
The author, R. Binyamin, maggid of Zalozitz (d. 1791; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 350-354), was well versed in both revealed and hidden realms of the Torah. A contemporary of the Baal Shem Tov and early Chassidic masters, he was one of the first disseminators of Chassidic teachings. It is unclear whether he merited meeting the Baal Shem Tov, however his works include teachings in his name. His works also include many teachings in the names of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezeritch, R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov and R. Menachem Mendel of Premishlan. He refers to R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov as "my teacher". His works include: Chelkat Binyamin, commentary on the Passover Haggadah; Ahavat Dodim, commentary to Shir HaShirim and Amtachat Binyamin on Megillat Kohelet. All of his works were published posthumously, by his son R. Asher Zelig. R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, in his approbation to Amtachat Binyamin, describes R. Binyamin as a "righteous and G-dly man".
Stamps of "Moshe Klein, shochet and bodek in Baia Mare".
46, 48-101, 101-108, 107-112, 117-119, 119-122, 125-126 leaves. 19.5 cm. Printed (in part) on bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears to final leaf, slightly affecting text, repaired. Creases. Worming, slightly affecting text. Stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 613.