Sefer Divrei Chaim on the halachahs of gittin and mikva’ot by the Admo”r Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz, the leading Admo”r of Galicia, known by the name of this book, as the author of Divrei Chaim . Two parts bound together with separate title pages. Zolkiew, 1864.
First edition of the halachic work by the leading Admo”r of Galicia. The book was well-received among all of Diaspora Jewry, Chassidim along with Mitnagdim, in the merit of the author’s tremendous genius. As stated, the book was printed anonymously, and only the second edition of the book (Munkacs, 1892) was printed with the author’s name explicitly printed.
This book silently attests to the author’s tremendous humility. When the book was being printed, the Admo”r was already almost seventy years old! He was an expert rabbi and respected Admo”r, yet he ordered his son (R’ Baruch of Gorlice) to print his book anonymously, and to write on the title page: ” Sefer Divrei Chaim , authored by one of the disciples …” !! In the introduction, the author also apologizes in case he has written against the opinion of rabbinic leaders, “as I know I have not reached the level even of their disciples’ disciples, it’s just that my quill discharged against my will … but I know that my worth is low, and I did not come to protest, just to state the halachah …”
The author was very happy when his book was released, and said that when mashiach arrives, he will go to greet him like one greets a king or an important minister, and all experts arrive with their expertise in their hands, and authors with their books in their hands. He said, “I, too, will be there with this work, and I have nothing to be ashamed of!”
Part I: [3], 34, [1], 33-44, 1-27 leaf; Part II: [1], 23, [1] leaf. Approximately 34.5 cm.
Very fine-fine condition. Old grease stain in the lower right corner. Minimal usage stains. Tiny tears in the margins of the title page. Beautiful antique binding.