Derech Chaim by the Maharal of Prague, pedigreed copy from which the holy Rabbi, the Maggid Rabbi Mordechai Twersky of Chernobyl learned, and which was given as an heirloom to his son, Rebbe Nachum Twersky of Makarov, Warsaw, [1833].
164 pages, 23 cm.
Antiquated ownership signatures on the front and back endpapers:
“Derech Chaim belongs to the rabbi, the maggid of the holy congregation of Makarov…Nachum, who received it as an heirloom from his father the holy rabbi (missing)…Mordechai.”
“Derech Chaim belongs the holy rabbi in the city of Makarov which he received by drawing lots from the holy one of Chernobyl.”
“Property of our master and teacher, the rabbi, the maggid.”
Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl (1770-1837), known as the “Maggid of Chernobyl,” was the son of Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl, a disciple of the Ba’al Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezeritch, and the author of Maor Einayim. Rabbi Mordechai was considered one of the great righteous men of his generation and he taught important disciples, among them the Rebbe of Avritch and the Rebbe of Vilednik. He had eight sons who were known as “the eight branches of the menorah,” all of them righteous men and Rebbes who continued his path. They established branches of chassidut that currently number thousands of disciples, including Skver, Chernobyl, and Rachmastrivka.
Rabbi Mordechai’s son, Rabbi Menachem Nachum (1804-1852), served as the Rebbe of Makarov and was famous for his humility and righteousness. His behavior was similar to that of his grandfather, the Maggid Rabbi Nachum. According to what is written in this book, his disciples referred to him as “Maggid Meisharim” like his father. The inscriptions in the book show that Rabbi Nachum received this book by “drawing lots” and it was an heirloom from his father.
This edition of Derech Chaim was published in 1833 in Kirov, approximately four years before Rabbi Mordechai’s death. He used this book, and after his death it was passed down to his son, Rabbi Nachum.
Original restored leather binding. An artistically restored tear on the rear endpaper. A few aging stains. Very fine condition.