Handwritten Sefer HaMiddot by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Kuntres Shemot HaTzadikim, Kitzur Likutei Mohar”n and piyyutim. Mizrachi manuscript [Allepo? c. 1850].
Specifications : [1] 195 [1] leaf, 13×9 cm.
Background: Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s books were very common in Eastern Europe, but were unknown in the Oriental countries. Thus, while dozens of works and editions of Rabbi Nachman’s books were printed in Eastern European countries, not a single book was printed in the Orient.
Unique Features: This manuscript was written in Allepo, a copy of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s book, in Oriental handwriting. Rabbi Natan Shternhartz of Breslov, Rabbi Nachman’s renowned disciple who disseminated his teachings both orally and in writing, traveled to the Land of Israel in 1882, and on his way spent time in the Oriental Jewish communities. Apparently, the manuscript before us was copied from a copy of a book that was distributed by Rabbi Natan in one of the Oriental communities. Before us is a unique manuscript of Breslov chassidism in the Orient.
Owner’s signatures: “HaTzair Avraham ch’ Yosef Avraham [possibly the writer?] HaTzair Yosef Rachamim … v’eani goel acharon Shm”sh s”t, HaTzair Shlomo Abed Shlomo Moshe Twina s”t” [Rabbi Shlomo ben Abed Twina, rabbi and leader of the Babylonian Jews of Calcutta. He was born in Baghdad in 1856, emigrated to India in 1880, and passed away in 1913. He authored many books].
Provenance: Sasson family collection, manuscript no. 1300. The binding’s inner side sports a sticker with a typewritten self-dedication: “This Sefer HaMiddot was given to me as a gift by my honorable friend, son of kedoshim, HaRav HaMekubal HaEloki a’ Shimon Agassi z”l, Mr. Ezra Tzion Agassi.”
Condition: Fine. Some aging stains. Chafed original leather binding.