Derech HaYashar – Messilah L’Elokeinu , composition about the study schedule, with halachic novellae and matters of Aggadah, by Rabbi Moshe Yosef HaCohen Shapira of Havren. Includes emphatic words against Chassidim. Signature on the title page.
The composition contains three sections. In the first section, Derech HaYashar , the author wrote about study methods and speaks out against several contemporary scholars … and against those who spend their time by strongly asserting divisions. The author expresses his opinion, at length and decisively, against the Chassidim: “That sect! They call themselves “Chassidim” and men of action publicly assemble a community and appoint a leader and call out before him Avrech … in the morning, when they get up from their beds they eat and drink and rejoice, going nowhere at all until the time for Keriat Shema and prayer has passed … an additional abomination they have is that those Chassidim write and hand out amulets…” He also addresses reciting “Leshem Yichud” and the Noda BiYehudah’s words on the matter. In the other sections, the author wrote halachic novellae, per the order of the weekly Torah portions, and words of Aggadah and Mussar. Important approbations.
[2], 46, [2] leaves, 32 cm; fine condition. Blemish to the margins of the title page, aging stains on a few leaves and small tears without damage to text. New binding.