Menachem Tzion . Chassidic essays on the Torah portions from Admor Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, by Rabbi Yechezkel Paneth. Chernowitz, 1851. First edition.
The book was written by the Admor Rabbi Yechezkel Paneth, the primary disciple of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov. Rabbi Paneth was chief rabbi of Transylvania, and the first disseminator of chassidut in his country, author of Mareh Yechezkel . The author, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, was a disciple of Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg, one of the greatest disciples of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizensk. Following Rabbi Elimelech’s passing, Rabbi Menachem Mendel was one of the major disseminators of chassidut in Poland.
In the preface, Rabbi Yechezkel Paneth writes that Rabbi Menachem Mendel delivered a sermon each Shabbat on Parashat HaMan for twenty-two years . Indeed, this book also contains many Torah thoughts regarding Parashat HaMan . It is known that through this he intended to impart livelihood to all Jews. The well-known segulah for livelihood, reciting Parashat HaMan on the Tuesday of the week the Torah portion Beshalach is read, is attributed to him. Additionally, many travel to his grave to pray for livelihood.
[2], 60 leaves. 18.5 cm. Stefansky Chassidut , No. 349. Fine-very fine condition, few aging stains, simple binding.
* Chumash Bereshit with commentaries Rash”i, Baal HaTurim, and Siftei Chachamim . Slavuta, printed by Rabbi Shmuel Avraham Shapira. 1833. Part of the title-page is in red ink. 222 leaves. 20 cm. With important approbations. Fine condition. Aging stains. The last leaf has a slight tear with a lack of single words. Worn original leather binding.
* Chumash Devarim with commentaries Rash”i, Baal HaTurim, and Siftei Chachamim . Slavuta, printed by Rabbi Shmuel Avraham Shapira. 1833. Part of the title-page is in red ink. 176 leaves. 20 cm. With Lamentations and Ecclesiastes. Fine-very fine condition. Aging stains. Rubbed original leather binding.
Only Chumash Vayikra is recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book and the National Library also only has Chumash Vayikra.
Compilation of the words of the Baal Shem Tov published in the works of his primary disciple, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef , and of Tzafnat Paneach , and also from the Likkutei Amarim – Maggid Devarav L’Yaakov and Likkutei Yikarim . By Rabbi Aharon son of Tzvi Hirsch of Apta. Zolkiew, [1795-1796]. Two sections. First edition.
This was the first compilation of the Baal Shem Tov’s thought in a complete book. It was studied by those who wished to learn the Besht’s Torah in an organized manner. Its publication made a powerful impression and, therefore, those who opposed chassidut took pains to hide the work. It is related that the book was destroyed in Brodt and used to make matches. Therefore, it is extremely rare. The book was reprinted in many later editions.
Approbations of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Liske, Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin and Rabbi Avraham Moshe of Pshevorsk follow the title page. They are followed by the will of the Baal Shem Tov, the kavanot of ritual immersion and Iggeret HaBesht – the letter he sent to his brother-in-law, Rabbi Avraham Gershon Kitover. The second title page is similar to the first one.
The author, Rabbi Aharon HaKohen of Apta was one of the most significant chassidic authors. He was Av Beit Din in Apta during the rabbinate of Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel of Apta, author of the Ohev Yisrael .
[30]: [31] leaves, paper. 18 cm. Ginzei Yisrael 1146, Stefansky, Chassidut 249.
Moderate-fine condition. The book was professionally restored. In a number of locations, the blank margins have been completed and a few worming holes were closed. Solitary words were also professionally restored. Aging stains. Two sections bound together in a new leather binding.
Tractate Shekalim from the Jerusalem Talmud with Pnei Zaken commentary by Rabbi [Yitzchak] Isaac Yehudah Yechiel [Safrin] of Komarno. Lvov, 1851. First edition.
The first edition of the illustrious Admor of Komarno’s composition, which he printed during his lifetime. In the introduction, he writes: “May the beholder not suspect that I have set out to contend with rabbeinu [in my work], G-d forbid …” A reference to Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna [the GR”A], whom he often critiqued, as well as maintaining text variations which he had rejected.
The Admor, gaon and kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Yehudah Yechiel of Komarno [1806-1874], nephew and primary disciple of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Ziditchov, was a rabbi in Ziditchov and Komarno, and served as Admor of Komarno. In conjunction, he traveled to the great Admors of the generation, especially Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel of Apta [the “Ohev Yisrael”] and then to Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin, who praised him excessively. He was famed as a wonder worker and had many chassidic followers. He composed works on the revealed and hidden aspects of Torah, and was known as the author of Heichal HaBerachah .
30 leaves [should be 29], mispaginated. 35 cm. Stefansky Chassidut 652.
Moderate condition. The book underwent professional restoration. Damage to text, primarily in the last three leaves.
Etz HaDaat Tov , novellae on Tractate Ketubot/ Tiferet Uziel , kabbalistic and chassidic elucidations on the Torah, Prophets and Writings by Rabbi Uziel Meisels. Warsaw, 1863. Two sections. First edition. With an additional leaf with a list of subscribers.
Many approbations from prominent chassidic leaders of the time who extol the author extensively: “The wondrous rabbi, among the most prominent of the generation … ancient lofty ideas issue forth from the holy mouth in the flame of G-d … Rabbi … G-dly kabbalist … Rabbeinu R’ Uziel …”
Rabbi Uziel Meisels [1744-1786] was a descendant of the author of Megaleh Amukot , the RM”A [who he refers to as “my grandfather”], The Ba”Ch, the Mahara”m of of Lublin and Rash”i. When he was only four years old, he gave a brilliant sermon that amazed his listeners [eventually printed in his Tiferet Tzvi ]. He was one of the first disseminators of chassidut in Poland and had a very close relationship with the Besh”t. After the Besh”t passed away, Rabbi Uziel affiliated himself with his holy disciples, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Premishlan, Rabbi Avraham of Padolsk, the author of Chessed L’Avraham , and Rabbi Nachman of Kossov. He was particularly close to the Maggid of Mezeritsch, and was one of the prominent “lions” in his “Chevraya Kadisha.” Refer to: Encyclopedia L’Chassidut 3, 511-517; Encyclopedia L’Chachmei Galicia , 3, 817-821.
At the end of the second book, there is an additional [1] leaf with names of subscribers, including noted Admors, such as the author of Chiddushei HaRi”m of Gur, the author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz and the author of Tiferet Shlomo of Radomsk. This leaf is bibliographically unknown.
61: [5] 7-53 leaves [1] 32 cm. Two title pages. Stefansky, Chassidut , 468, 636.
Fine-very fine condition. Stains. Worn cardboard binding.
Kitvei Kodesh M’Chachmei Emet . From four … leaders of the generation … Rabbi Yisrael Besh”t … his disciple … Rabbi Dov Ber … preacher of Mezeritch … Rabbi Levi Yitzchak … Av Beit Din of Berdichov … And precious words from Rabbi Yisrael , preacher of Kozhnitz. Lemberg, 1862. First edition.
Chassidic compilation compiled by the Maggid of Kozhnitz’s grandson, including Torah thoughts from the Besh”t, from the Maggid of Mezeritch and a number of his disciples, from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichov, and from his grandfather, the maggid of Kozhnitz.
First edition of the important chassidic work which is very beloved among chassidic leaders and was published afterwards in a number of editions.
The book has a number of variants. The edition before us does not mention the publisher’s name on the title page. See Stefansky, picture no. 244.
[2] 5-52 leaves, 23 cm. Stefansky Chassidut 244.
Moderate condition. Reinforcements and completions with pasted paper in the margins of the first and last leaves. Stains.
Likutei Maharil. “By our honorable master, teacher, and rabbi … Rabbi Yehudah Leib of Zaklikov and Zwickwast, primary disciple of Rabbi Elimelech, author of Noam Elimelech .” Zalman Leib Flekir and Partners press. Lemberg, 1862. First edition.
First edition of the book by one of the greatest disciples of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk and subsequently the Chozeh of Lublin, Rabbi Yehudah Leib of Zaklikov. He opposed chassidism in his youth, but Rabbi Elimelech traveled specifically to persuade him to join chassidism. For more about him see: Alfasi, Chassidut B, 30-31. The book was published by the author’s grandson. In his approbation, Rabbi Chaim Sanz writes that the author “was famed for his holiness and piety among the righteous pillars of the world of his time.”
For further information on the book see: Asheret, A, 1959, pages 481-483.
[1], 59 leaves, 24 cm. Stefansky Chassidut 282 – which lists the book as not including printing details, but the manuscript before us contains a title page with printing details.
Fine condition. Few aging stains and worming holes. Binding with damaged spine.
Likkutei Shoshanim al HaTorah – “Wondrous, precious pearls compiled from various books and from what I heard from the leaders of the generation, and a little of my own understanding with which Hash-m blessed me.” Lemberg, 1875. First edition. Very rare work by the author of Hillel HaAcharon on GP”T – Rabbi Hillel Struch. This book is not found in the National Library nor any other large public library in the world. It is also not listed by the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book. To the best of our knowledge, it has never yet appeared at public auction. It is not included in Stefansky’s list of books of chassidut. Bibliographer Meir Wunder noted in his book about Galician sages: “uncommon.”
Chassidic commentary on the weekly Torah portions, including ideas from prominent chassidic leaders – Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon of Shpetiwka , the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, and Rabbi Hersh Elimelech [author of Bnei Yissachar ]. He also quotes ideas he heard in the name of the Vilna gaon and Rabbi Mordechai Bennet. In his introduction, the author writes: “Hash-m knows the secrets of the heart, that I intended with this work, not to be praised by people that they should say that I’m great … all of my family fell ill, and I was left naked, bereft of everything, I have only one hope, to bring to print this book, Likkutei Shoshanim al HaTorah … perhaps though this I will be built, to be able to serve the Creator in plenty …” He wrote that this work was written “to be able to bring my son to the chuppah, because I fell onto my deathbed.”
The author writes that he received approbations from Rabbi Chaim of Sanz and Rabbi Yosef Shaul Notenhausen, aside from other Torah leaders from various places, all righteous in [his] generation.
The book was printed anonymously, but he notes that he was the author of Hillel HaAcharaon al GP”T .This was was never printed, but it is known that its author was the righteous Rabbi Hillel Struch, who authored the Pri Hilulim on the laws of meat in milk [which was also never printed], and the Asifat Chachamim on the Torah [Lemberg, 1881], where the author also mentions that his family was very sick with a difficult disease and was left without any income. In the introduction to the Asifat Chachamim by RTz”H Orenstein, he writes, “I know the author a number of years and he diligently studies Torah in poverty.” Rabbi Yoel Ashkenazi of Zolotchov writes, “he is a beloved man in Torah and philosophy …” The Maharam Schick writes about him: “The Torah leaders of the generation testified that his work is true.”
Very rare work. There is another known edition printed in Grosswardein in 1944, but it is also very uncommon.
The book is in a period binding. Information about the author and his works accompany the lot.
13 leaves, 23 cm. Fine condition. Unbound. Stains, some tears in the margins.
First edition, printed during the author’s lifetime. Most first edition copies were printed without approbations and sheet of errata at the end. This is a rare copy in which these omissions appear.
The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book mentions copies which include an additional [2] leaves of approbations, and another leaf at the end with corrections of errors. But they note, “We have not seen these pages.” However, the copy before us contains these very pages! Among the approbations are those of the author’s father-in-law, Rabbi Avraham Yaakov Friedman, the Admor of Sadigura; and of Rabbi Avraham Twersky, the Admor of Trisk. Also contains an errata sheet. (Stefansky 54).
The Admor Rabbi Elimelech of Grodzhisk (1824-1892) was the great-grandson of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk and the Maggid Rabbi Yisrael of Koznitz. He was one of the most important Admors of his generation, and founded the Grodzhisk dynasty. Among his descendants are the Admors of Grodzhisk, Piaseczno, and Koznitz.
[4] 340 pages [4], 27 cm.
C ondition: Very fine. Original binding.
Tzemach Tzaddik. Chassidut on the Torah, festivals and compilations by the Admor Rabbi Menachem Mendel [Hager] of Vizhnitz. Chernowitz, 1885. Three parts.
First edition, printed shortly after the author’s passing. Contains an introduction from his son and successor, the Admor Rabbi Baruch of Vizhnitz.
[Part I]: ( Bereshit, Shemot ). [2], 76, 76-80 leaves [Part II]: ( Vayikra, Bamidbar, Devarim ). 59 leaves. [Part III]: ( Moadim v’Likutim ). [1], 37, [1] leaf. Approx. 22 cm. Part III’s title page was bound out of place.
The Admor Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hager [1830-1884] was the son of the Admor Rabbi Chaim of Kossov, author of Torat Chaim . He married the daughter of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin. Moved to Vizhnitz at the age of 24 and became the first Admor of Vizhnitz.
Very fine condition. Bound together in one binding.
Shoshanat Ha’amakim , chassidic commentary on the order of the Torah readings and holidays by the Admor of Cherkassy and Hornosteipel, Rabbi Yaakov Yisroel Twersky / Emek HaChachmah by [grandson Rabbi Mordechai Dov Twersky, Admor of Hornosteipel]. Lublin, 1884. First edition. Nice copy.
First edition of this work by the first Admor of Hornosteipel Rabbi Yaakov Yisrae l, son of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl and son-in-law of Rabbi Dov Ber of Lubavitch. During his father’s lifetime, he served as Admor of Hornosteipel, and after his father’s death he was one of the most prominent Admors in the Ukraine. It is known that Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Kaneivsky, the “Steipler,” was born in Hornosteipel and his father who was a chassid of this Admor named his son for the Admor. The Steipler often mentioned this fact.
The book was printed with the Emek HaChachmah, which was printed anonymously by the author. His name was revealed in the second edition: Rabbi Mordechai Dov Twersky of Hornosteipel, the grandson and successor of the author of Emek Tefilah. He added his work to that of his grandfather, and wrote an important preface at the start of his grandfather’s work.
Rabbi Mordechai Dov Twersky was born in [1839], he was a grandson of Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli, of the Baal HaTanya, Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl and others. He was orphaned as a child and educated by his grandfather, Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael of Cherkassy and Hornosteipel. When he was 13-years-old, he was chosen by the Divrei Chaim of Sanz to marry his daughter “Reitza.” He started serving as Admor in Hornosteipel at a young age.
93, [1]; [2], 122, [2] pages, 220 cm. Two title pages an another one for Emek Beracha. Nice copy in fine-very fine condition. Old cardboard binding.
Megillat Yuchsin VeSeder Dorot , by the Baal Shem Tov’s disciples. With the yahrzeits. Shomer Shabbat, which was reprinted with the holy Maggid of Koznitz ‘s encouragement, and Hitorrerut HaTeshuvah.
Before us are the three books bound together:
1. Meggilat Yuchsin VeSeder Dorot, Lvov (Lemberg) 1870. By Rabbi Menachem Mendel Bodek. Some of the copies in the National Library are missing the last leaves, the book before us contains them all. [80] pages, 13 cm. (Stefansky 332).
2. Sefer Shomer Shabbat , Zhitomir.
3. Sefer Hitorrerut HaTeshuvah, Bartfeld (Bardyev), 1908.
Overall fine-very fine condition.
Ateret Tiferet Yisrael – segulah book. Lublin, 1875 .
“This book is full of holy names and names of angels that are auspicious for healing and protection against the four primary types of damage and for bestowing blessing and success. ” (Excerpt from the approbation of Rabbi Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura, in the name of his father Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin.)
This work on the weekly Torah readings was written by Rabbi Yisrael son of Shlomo Charif, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. It features many approbations from the Admors of Ruzhin, Chernobyl, Kossov, Tolna and more.
[4] 82 leaves, paper. 25.5 cm.
Fine condition. Detached original binding. Minimal stains.
Nechmad MiZahav . Chassidut on the Torah, by the Admor Rabbi Yechezkel of Kozmir. Piotrkow, 1909. First edition. Contains handwritten comment.
First edition of Torah teachings by the Admor Rabbi Yechezkel of Kozmir [1772-1855], a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and the Maggid of Koznitz, and founder of the Kozmir dynasty. With Afrot Zahav , exegesis on Torah teachings from his son-in-law, Rabbi Moshe David HaCohen, rabbi of Kalushin. With Kuntress Anaf Etz Avot by Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Koppel Kligsberg, opening with an exchange of letters between Rabbi Shalom Mordechai Schwardron – the Maharsha”m of Berezhany. The title-page bears the inscription “proofread,” and more. Leaf 33 contains a handwritten note related to the author’s family.
116 pages. 27 cm. Very fine condition. Aging stains.
Bound with: Erech Apayim, regarding anger, by Rabbi Avraham Yellin. Piotrkow, 1908. First edition.
Bound with: Azor HaTzvi, Sermons on the Torah by Rabbi Avraham Yellin. Piotrkow, 1905.
Yismach Moshe . Elucidation in the chassidic ways on Prophets and Writings, Talmudic Tractates , Tractate Avot, Moadim and more, by Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum. Maramaros Sighet. 1906-1908. Two parts, first edition.
Pages 1-12 [under the heading ‘Tehillah L’Moshe’] record the author’s history, and relate the story of his greatness, wonders, and the sparks of holiness which were revealed in his youth. As a young child, he did not carry on idle conversations and practiced a strict chassidic lifestyle. Soon, his name became known and all the great leaders of his generation flocked to him. The book concludes with a letter of ethics written by the author to his only son following his wedding, with instructions and guidance for life [“If until now you have fulfilled, ‘Rejoice young man in your childhood,’ now the time has arrived to fulfill, ‘Remember your Creator in the days of your youth … and it is well-known that all prayers the mother’s name is mentioned specifically, and there is kabbalistic reason for this, for those who know kabbalah, although I do not deal with the hidden; but this I know and I believe their holy ways are true …”]
[2], 96: [2] 97 leaves. Approx. 26 cm.
The author, Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of Shinova and Ujhely [1759-1841] was the primary disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin. He also studied under the maggid of Kosnitz, and under the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. He was the first Admor to disseminate chassidism in Hungary. Father of the Sighet-Satmar dynasty. His chassidim numbered in the thousands.
Bound with:
VaYikach Moshe . Chassidic commentary on the Torah portions, by Rabbi Moshe (Hager) of Radowitz. Munkatch, 1907. First edition. [2], 45 [3] leaves. Approx. 26 cm.
Book by the Admor Rabbi Moshe Hager of Radowitz, son of the Admor Yosef Alter Hager, son of Rabbi Chaim of Kossov. He immigrated to the Land of Israel and lived in Haifa and Safed, passed away in 1802. Refer to: Alfasi, Encyclopedia L’Chassidut 3 , 264-265.
Fine condition. Few stains.
