Chumash Bereishit with the “Be’er Mayim Chayim” commentary by the Admo”r Rabbi Chaim of Chernowitz – one of the patriarchs of Chassidism, known by the name of this work, as “The author of Be’er Mayim Chayim.” Incomplete copy. This is the first edition of Be’er Mayim Chayim al HaTorah, one of the earliest and most important Chassidic books. This edition has the “Be’er Mayim Chayim” commentary printed around the chumash text together with Rash”i and other commentaries. The many later editions print it as book in its own right. The manuscript of this work was sent from the Land of Israel to Rabbi Mordechai of Kremnitz, son of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotshov. He writes in his approbation about the progression of the printing process, and extensively praises the author’s greatness. Printed in large letters on the title page: “Mohlev” and a chronogram working out to 1810, but this is clearly mistaken, because the year of print was 1820. (The censor’s permit on the back of the title page is also dated 1820.) “An awesome incident” from Rabbi Avraham HaKohen Rapoport of Lvov is printed on the last page, with the approbation of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev and Rabbi Asher of Ostroh. Rabbi Chaim Tirer of Chernowitz [1740-1818] was one of the leaders of the Chassidic movement and author of well-known Chassidic works. He was known as R’ Chaim of Chernowitz because of his position as rabbi of Chernowitz. He was also known by the name of this book, as “The author of Be’er Mayim Chayim.” Chassidim say that on Shabbat he was (a full head) taller than on other days of the week. He was a disciple of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov “The Maggid of Zlotchov” who was one of the disciples of the Ba’al Shem Tov and the maggid of Mezeritch. He ascended to the Land of Israel in 1813 and settled in Safed. He is buried in the ancient cemetery of Safed, in the cave called “Ma’arat HaBe’er Mayim Chayim.” The Be’er Mayim Chayim streets in Rechovot and in Bnei Brak’s Ramat Elchanan neighborhood, as well as Ma’aleh Be’er Mayim Chayim in the Bayit Vegan neighborhood of Jerusalem are all named as this book, after him. Aside from his magnum opus Be’er Mayim Chayim, he also authored his well-known book Sidduro shel Shabbat, Sha’ar HaTefilah and more. [2] 5-354 leaves, lacking 4 leaves [349-352]. 21.5 cm. Greenish paper. Stefansky Chassidut 216. Poor-moderate condition. Many worming perforations. Beautiful leather binding.