* Tractate Avot with the Man commentary by Rabbi Menachem Nachum Friedman. Vienna, [1920-1928]. First edition.
[Section 1]: Chapter 1. Vienna, 1920. XIV, 54 pages. [Section 2]: Chapter 4. 57 pages. Bound with: [Section 5]: Chapters 5-6. 1928. 119 pages.
Rabbi Menachem Nachum Friedman (the second) was the rabbi of Izkin and then Ştefăneşti. He was the son of Rabbi Avraham Heschel of Adzad. He married his cousin, the daughter of the Admor of Chortkov. He was the nephew of Admor Avraham Matityahu of Stefanest, and some claim that he appointed him to take over his court. However he died a month before his uncle. Refer to: Wunder, Galicia 4, 205-206.
* Aniyat Ame”n. Eulogy for Rabbi Avraham Matityahu of Stefanest and his nephew Rabbi Menachem Nachum (Friedman) by Nachum Shemaryah Shechter. Klausenberg, [1936]. Only edition. Inscribed by the author, apparently to Rabbi Hillel Posek.
[2] 40 [1] page, 22 cm. Portrait of Rabbi Avraham Matityahu of Stefanest. Two title pages, one is not listed bibliographically.
The books are newly bound. Very fine condition.
Takanot Chavurat Menachem Zion in the Holy City of Safed. Regulations which were established by the Rebbe Rabbi Moshe Panet of Desh (the son of the Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel Panet of Desh, the son of Rabbi Yechezkel Panet) on the founding of the “Menachem Zion” group which was established for the purpose of establishing a study hall in Safed in the name of Rabbi Yechezkel Panet. The regulations deal with everything connected to social organization and the founding and running of the study hall. Desh, 1902. Rare.
8 pages, 19cm. Hebrew and Yiddish.
Rabbi Moshe Panet served as Rebbe from the year 1885 until his death in 1903. About him refer to: Encyclopedia L’Chassidut 2, 295. The Rebbe is signed on the regulations in Hebrew and Yiddish, with an introduction from him which was written in the last year of his life.
Not bound. Age stains. Fine-Very Fine condition.
* Kovetz Beit Shmuel. Rabbinical monthly journal, published by the Beit Yisrael Yeshiva in Alexander. Lodz, 1931. Booklets 1-2.
* Kerem Beit Shmuel. Rabbinical monthly journal, published by the Merkaz Mosad HaOlami for “strengthening Torah” in Alexander. Pitrokow, 1932-1933. Year 1: Booklet 3, Booklet 5. Year 2: Booklet 1-2.
* Kovetz Beit Shmuel. Edited by the students in the Beit Yisrael yeshiva in Alexander. Lodz, 1934. Year 3: Booklets 1-2.
Prominent Torah anthologies printed in Europe before the Holocaust. Contributors include the “Rogatchover,” Rabbi Nachum Wiedenfeld of Dombrova, and others. Especially rare booklets. Note at the end of the last booklet: Evel kaved: after finishing this issue we heard the news of the passing of Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin.
These booklets were apparently one series, although each has a slightly different name. The issues also note the development of the institutions of Alexander Chassidut, which had a large following before the Holocaust.
Maggid Devarav L’Yaakov. Chassidic articles by Rabbi Dov Ber, the “Maggid of Mezeritch.” Lemberg. Printed without name of printer or year, the chronogram alludes to 1697 [1797? 1811? 1830?]
4 [1] 4-31 leaves, 23.5 cm. The title page notes that this was the third printing, per the edition printed in Lemberg, 1792. The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book lists this edition with the date 1797. If so, the chronogram is off by 100 years. However, there are those who claim that it was printed c. 1830.
Bound with: Kedushat Levi al HaTorah v’Likutim by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov, without a title page.
64, 31 leaves. 23.5 cm. The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book lists this edition as Galicia, c. 1840, “according to the Berdichew edition of 1811.”
These are two fundamental chassidic works bound together. The style of printing and paper clearly indicate that both works were printed at the same place and during the same year. Therefore, both books were apparently printed in Lemberg soon after the printing of the first edition of the Kedushat Levi on the Torah that was printed in 1811, after the death of its author.
Old binding. Marginal reinforcements to the first two leaves. Aging stains. Minimal worming holes. Fine-very fine condition.
Pri Haaretz. Chassidut by Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk. Kopyst, at the press of Rabbi Yisrael Yaffe, [1814]. First edition.
[2], 27, [9] leaves. 20 cm.
First edition of a work by a Chassidic leader who saw the Baal Shem Tov. Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (1730-1788) was a prominent disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritsch. In 1777, he led the immigration of 300 Chassidim to Eretz Yisrael and settled in Tiberias. Torah thoughts from Rabbi Avraham, the son of the Maggid of Mezeritsch, were added to this work. It also includes letters that the author sent from Tiberias to Russian Jews.
The printer, Rabbi Yisrael Yaffe, is known as the “Printer from Kopyst.” He printed many Chassidic works. Rabbi Yisrael Yaffe was a disciple of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk – the author of this work – and was close to the Baal HaTanya. He carried the Baal HaTanya on his shoulders when he was released from prison in 1799.
Complete copies of this work – with the letters and approbation at the end of the book – are especially rare. To the best of our knowledge, this complete work has never before been sold at auction! Stefansky, Chassidut 477.
Magnificent leather binding. Aging stains. Professionally restored worming holes. In most places, the missing text has been supplied. Fine condition.
Rav Yevi. Novellae on the Torah, Psalms, and more, by Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Ostrog. Ostrog, [1808].
[1] 129 leaves, 34 cm. Light blue paper.
Second, proofread edition of this famed work written by a prominent Admor of his generation (1738 – 1791). The book quotes the Torah of the Ba’al Shem Tov. The book is called Rav Yevi – per the initials of the author’s name: Yaakov Yosef ben Yehuda. With the approbation of Rabbi Chaim HaKohen Rapaport that was given to this edition.
New, marbleized paper and leather binding. Light tears in the blank margins of the title page that have been professionally restored. Many worming holes, primarily to the blank margins. Moderate condition. Stefansky, Chassidut 351.
* Chayei Mohara”n. Biography of Rabbeinu Nachman of Breslov with the second section entitled Shivchei Mohara”n. Lemberg, 1814. First edition. Very rare. The last leaves are on brittle paper and have damaged margins. New binding. Stefansky, Chassidut 645.
* Likutei Halachot. On Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, section two. Frampol, [1918]. Very fine condition.
* Tikun HaKlali L’Rabbeinu Nachman of Breslov. Arranged in the “Breslov” press, without year of printing. Excellent condition. Not listed in Neve Tzaddikim.
* Ma’aseh B’Baal Tefillah. A story by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Berlin, [1922].
* Shivchei HaRa”n. Describes his journey to the Holy Land. Jerusalem, [1936].
* Meshivat Nefesh. Words of encouragement based on the ideas of the Moharan, that there is never cause for despair [by Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua of Teplik]. Piotrkow, [1913]. Ends with Tikun HaKlali.
* Divrei Chaim. On the Torah and festivals and novaelle on tractate Baba Metzia by Rabbi Chaim of Sanz. Krakow, 1892. On the back of the title page the stamp of Rabbi Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam of Tchechoiv the youngest son of the Divrei Chaim, his father said that he was a miracle worker and indeed he was, refer to Rabeinu HaKadosh M’Sanz page 401-423.
* Ma’aglei Tzedek. On Vayikra, Bamidbar, Devarim by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Panet of Desh. Munkacs, 1884.
*Shem HaGedolim HaChadash. Warsaw, 1870, in the margins are several handwritten glosses including one gloss in which is harsh criticism on the Chassidic stories brought in the book and their reliability.
*Toldot Yaakov Yosef. Przemysl, 1909. Each chumash has its own title page, bound with: Shivchei Ha’Ari, Huszt 1907 and Tiferet Tzadikim, Warsaw 1909.
*Noam Elimelech. Tarnow 1904. This edition was printed with the stars like the first edition, as mentioned in the title page.
*Imrei Noam. On the five books of the Torah by the Rebbe Rabbi Meir Horowitz of Dzikow. Yaroslavl, 1907.
*Vikucha Rabba. Regarding the ways and leaders of the Chassidut. Warsaw with no date of publishing [circa 1920].
Fine general condition.
Shloshah Sefarim Niftachim, with Shabbat hymns and letters from Admor Ben Tzion Halberstam of Bobov who was killed in the Holocaust. Printed by the students of the Etz Chaim Yeshiva of Bobov. Landsberg, [Germany], [1948].
148 [8] pages. 21 cm.
Includes: Minchat Yaakov, commentary on Askinu Seudasa and Shabbat hymns with two commentaries, Mateh Yehudah and Pirchei Shoshanim. With an Iggeret HaKodesh from the Admor of Bobov hy”d. Separate title page at the end of the book, followed by the Iggeret HaKodesh of Admor Ben Tzion of Bobov who was killed in the Holocaust. The Iggeret discusses the troubles that befell the Jewish Nation and was written in 1939. This Iggeret is followed by another letter from the Admor regarding a person’s obligation to earn a living.
Original binding with gold printing: זמירות לשבת קודש עם מכתבי קודש מהרה”ק מבאבוב זצ”ל הי”ד. Very fine condition.
Novaelle of laws and commentaries on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Hilchot Treifot by Rabbi David Shlomo Eibeshitz author of Arvei Nachal. Hrubieszow, 1819. With handwritten glosses.
[1] 102 leaves, 35cm. On the page margins are a number of handwritten glosses in Ashkenazi handwriting from the period of publication.
With the approbation of Rabbi David Shalit, the Rabbi of Hrubieszow. This copy is from the original Hrubieszow edition. There is also an imitation edition, regarding the differences between them refer to the booklet Zechor L’Avraham 1991 page 100. Stefanski Chassidut 257.
Damaged semi-leather cover without the front section. Wear and lack in the title page with no lack of text. A few moth holes. Age stains. Moderate condition.
Yismach Moshe. Chassidic explanations according to the order of the Torah, by Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of Ujhely. Lvov, 1861. First edition.
Bamidbar: [1] 49 leaves. Devarim: 72 [1] leaves, 24.5cm.
First edition of the famous Chassidic book. The author is Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of Szeniawa and Ujhely [1759-1841], the well-known student of the Maggid of Koznitz, who also became famous for his great genius. He was the first Rebbe who spread the teachings of the Chassidut in Hungary. His descendants are the Rebbes of Sighet and Satmar. Known as the author of the “Yismach Moshe” after the name of this book, despite the fact that he wrote many other books.
Before us are two parts, Bamidbar and Devarim. The previous parts were published approximately 10 years earlier. The two parts before us received approbations from the Rebbe Rabbi Chaim of Sanz and from the Rebbe Rabbi Yekutiel Teitelbaum of Sighet, the author’s grandson. Around the border of the title pages is the verse “A righteous man will flower like a date”, as the name ‘Teitelbaum’ was taken from German and means date, as the Chatam Sofer’s recommendation for him ‘a righteous man like a date’.
New cover. Blemish on the first title page with no lack of text. Age stains. A few moth holes. Fine condition.
Stefanski Chassidut 240.
Yesod Yosef. Holy behaviors and incredible morals from the writings of the early sages and from the Zohar regarding matters of holiness and Tikkun HaYesod, by Rabbi Yosef Av Beit Din of Dubna (the Rabbi of the author of the book Kav HaYashar). Zhitomir, 1867.
[1], 74, [1] leaves. 20cm. With correction tables which are not found in all of the copies.
At the beginning of the book is the approbation of Rabbi Aharon of Chernobyl, who writes in his approbation “It is clear to us that the Yesod Yosef does not move from the pure table of my father the Rebbe the man of G-d” (Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl).
He adds a request that everyone will buy the book and read it as much as he is able, “and he will receive an additional blessing to do good with him physically and spiritually with living children and expansive sustenance”. The publisher also received the blessing of the Rebbe Yitzchak Skver on the publishing when he stayed with him.
Old semi-leather cover, damaged and detached. Professional restoration in the white margins in the margins of the title page. A tear with no lack professionally restored on the leaf after the title page. Age stains. Fine condition.
“Image of our great rabbi…Yisrael Hager… passed away in Sivan, 1936, after ushering in Shabbat. Known as the Rebbe of Vishnitz…, Grosswardein…”
24×18 cm. Reproduction of a painting of a picture of the Admor of Vishinitz Rabbi Yisrael Hager, the Ahavat Yisrael. The picture was taken decades before his death and was printed soon after he passed away. Typewritten on top of the picture, on a separate note, צורת רבינו הגדול.
Very fine condition.
Chessed L’Avraham. Kabbalistic prayerbook with the kavanot of the Arizal. Includes prayers for weekdays and Shabbat, and other prayers. Authored by Rabbi Avraham ben Rabbi Shalom Tubiana. Mantua, [1783].
[1], 140 leaves. 21 cm.
The prayerboook includes kabbalistic kavanot, hanhagot, and tefillot. In addition to a few tikunim: Tikun HaYom, Tikun Mageifah, and more. The author writes in his introduction that the work is based on the Arizal’s ideas written by his disciple Rabbi Chaim Vital and his son Rabbi Shmuel Vital. The printers left a few blank spaces for G-d’s name with kabbalistic vowels. In this copy, these holy names have been filled in with a nice hand.
New half-leather binding. Worming holes. Minimal aging stains. Light marginal tears in two leaves. Moderate condition.
* Etz Chaim. Kabbalistic teachings by Rabbi Chaim Vital, from what he learned from his teacher, the Arizal, with supplements by Rabbi Shalom Sharabi. Jerusalem, Beck Press. [1866-1867].154 leaves. 33.5 cm. First edition with the supplements of Rabbi Shalom Sharabi. Sh. Halevi, Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim, 136.
Printed and bound with:* Nahar Shalom. Three kabbalistic works by Rabbi Shalom Sharabi. Jerusalem, Beck Press, [1867].37 leaves. 33.5 cm. A section of the book is a first edition. Sh. Halevi, Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim, 135.
Two prominent kabbalistic works printed by Rabbi Yisrael Beck.
Old binding. Minimal aging stains. Solitary worming holes. Very fine condition.
Commentary on Shir HaShirim by Rabbi David b”r Chaim of Birzh. Grodno, 1797. Only edition. Rare work.
24 leaves, 20 cm. With the text of Shir HaShirim and prominent approbations. The author was a sofer and dayan in the Birzh community. The work starts with a commentary on Ma’amar Pliah by Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropole. In the commentary he discusses many kabbalistic ideas, and at the beginning of the commentary he writes: Commentary on the seven faces of the Torah, six according to peshat and the seventh according to kabbalah.
New binding. Aging stains. Very fine condition.
Saraf Pri Etz Chaim. Kabbalistic elucidations on the Etz Chaim and other writings of the Arizal. By Rabbi Moshe b”r Dan Shoham, rabbi of Dolina. Czernowitz, 1866. First edition.
[5] 83, 83-149 leaves, 25 cm.
First edition of a work by a great Chassidic leader. Rabbi Moshe Shoham was born in 1830. He was the son of Rabbi Dan, who was close to the Baal Shem Tov. It is told that he did not have children until the Baal Shem Tov blessed him with a righteous son. His son, Rabbi Moshe, was also a close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. He quotes the Torah of his illustrious teacher in his works.
Many approbations from Chassidic leaders: the Admors of the Ruzhin dynasty, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel of Apt, Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov, Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz, and Rabbi Yosef Shaul Notenhausen.
This copy has leaves of errata at the conclusion and a list of subscribers at its beginning. Solitary copies have an additional leaf at the end of the book with more subscribers. Rare, prominent work.
New half-leather and marbleized paper binding. The blank title page margins have been professionally restored. Aging stains. Fine condition. Stefansky, Chassidut 594 (it lists a copy that matches this one).
Tikunei HaZohar al HaTorah, with the supplements and comments of the Arizal. Amsterdam, [1719].
4, 146 [2] leaves, 19.5 cm. Two rabbinical owner signatures on the title page.
Early edition of the Tikunei HaZohar. Approbations of the rabbis of Amsterdam for this edition, with the approbation of Rabbi Naftali HaKohen Katz who writes that he regrets the approbation he gave to an earlier edition of the work, Tikunei HaZohar with the Chemdat Zvi commentary [whose author was suspected of Sabbateanism].
New, magnificent leather binding. Minimal aging stains. Vinograd-Rosenfeld, entry 32359.
Tikunei HaZohar. Jerusalem, at the press of R’ Yisrael ben Avraham [Beck], [1844].
[3], 164 [1] leaf, 21.5 cm. Two title pages. The second title page features an illustration of the Mt. of Olives and the Temple Mount.
Approbation from Rabbi Aharon Moshe descendant of Zvi of Brodt, who wrote very few approbations.Rabbi Aharon Moshe descendant of Zvi of Brodt [1774-1845] was a prominent disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1839 and was one of the founders of the chassidic community in the city. He headed the chassidic kollel. Refer to: Alfasi, Encyclopedia L’Chassidut, 1, 195-196. This is one of the first books printed at the Beck press. Sh. Halevi, Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim, 26.
Original leather binding. Minimal worming holes in the margins of the beginning leaves. Fine condition.
Tehillim Mikdash Me’at. The book of Tehillim with the commentaries: Beit HaMidrash, Beit HaKnesset and Beit Aharon, by Rabbi Aharon Walden. Warsaw, 1889-1897. Five volumes. Approx. 22 cm.
Each part has two title pages, some in red ink. An enormous collection of commentators on Tehillim from hundreds of books, including many commentaries from the great kabbalistic and chassidic scholars, collected and edited by the well-known chassidic Rabbi Aharon Walden. With many approbations from the great rabbis of that generation of all denominations: Rabbi Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik of Brisk, the Netziv of Volozhin, Rabbi Yitzchak Elchonon Spektor of Kovno, Rabbi Chaim Chizkiyahu Medini the “Sdei Chemed,” and the great Admorim: Rabbi Yechiel of Aleksander, Rabbi Avraham of Sokachov, Rabbi Yochanan of Rachmastrivka, Rabbi Elimelech Shapira of Grodzisk, and more.
Rabbi Aharon Walden was born in Warsaw in 1838. From a young age he was a disciple of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk, and later of Rabbi Yitzchak Meir of Gur. He spent a lot of time on commentaries of the holy books and their authors, and authored the book Shem HaGedolim HaChadash. He also wrote and edited books of chassidut and books about chassidut. He died in 1912, and on his grave was written “…the great Rabbi, the chassid who was famous in the Torah of G-d and fear of G-d, who drew water from the exalted holy Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk and Rabbi Yitzchak Meir of Gur, author of the book Shem Gedolim HaChadash and the books Mikdash Me’at on Tehillim in five parts… His Honor Rabbi Aharon Walden of Warsaw.”
New semi-leather cover and marbleized paper. Age stains. Small amount of moth damage. Fine-very fine condition.
Sermons for the holidays and halachic novellae by Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Friedman, av”d of Liska, sections 1-2. Section one – sermons for the holidays and halachic novellae. Section two – sermons for the holidays, words of mussar and eulogies for a number of Torah leaders. First edition. The second section was printed in 1889 and bound with section one. Separate title page for each section. Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Friedman was a prominent Hungarian Admor. He was a disciple of the Yismach Moshe and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was noted as a miracle worker and people from all over the world came to ask for his blessings. Old cardboard binding, aging stains, paper reinforcements, nice copy. Moderate-fine condition.
Deep Sermons , Chassidic and kabala, Ashkenazi handwriting stone pattern printed teachings of the Rebbe by his students [which recorded one of the first hearing without reviewing the view that well] of Rashab milubavitch. Things ahead later in the book were printed “Hamamrim book” -1911-1912 Tears and folds margin pages. Medium- good condition.
Journal of the Chabad chassidut that was published once a year in the 1940s by the Merkaz HaYeshivot Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch in Brooklyn. It discussed Chabad activities throughout the world during the year. This volume, 5, printed in 1947, reviews the three months during which Rabbi Shimaryahu Gurary was sent on behalf of the Tomchei Tememim organzation to Europe to visit and strengthen the Holocaust survivors. Includes pictures of surviving children, various activies arranged for them by Chabad, pictures of the Jewish communities in liberated Europe and a letter written by the Admor of Lubavitch upon Rabbi Gurary’s voyage to Europe to strenghten the survivors. It also includes greetings from tens of organizations and personalties, a portrait of Rabbi Shemaryahu Gurary and more. The National Library has other volumes of this journal, but this particular year is not in its collection. Jacket title page, stains and light tears on the first pages. Moderate-fine condition.
[9], 154-5 pages. Work in German from noted philosopher Martin Buber. Published by Loening & Rutten, Frankfurt. In 1903, Buber started delving into chassidut. This is his first work on the subject, published in 1906. It is a German adaptation of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s Sipurei Ma’asiot. As Buber translated the work, he attempted to align the stories to his philosophies of the haskala era. This perversion earned him sharp criticism from various scholars in the following years. Only 2000 copies of this first, rare edition were printed. It was one of the first books about chassidut altogether that was printed in German. Years later, the book was translated into English. Inscription on the flyleaf from 1907. Original cloth binding with gilt title and decoration. The upper section of the spine is lightly peeling. Very fine condition.
