Sefer Kahal Chassidim – awesome tales of wonder about Rabbi Yisrael Ba’al Shem Tov, his disciples and his disciples’ disciples. First edition. [Warsaw, 1866]. The book was published anonymously, but Chassidic communities maintain that the author is the renowned Kotzker Chassid, Rabbi Aharon Walden, one of the rabbis in Warsaw and author of Shem Gedolim HaChadash .
This copy apparently belonged to the renowned gaon Rabbi Yudel Rosenberg, av beit din of Tralah and author of Yedot Nedarim as appears on the top of the title page, “Belongs to R’ Yudel son of Rabbi Yisrael.” The protective leaf bears an additional owner’s signature from another member of the Rosenberg family. Rabbi Yudel Rosenberg was the first to publish the story of the golem created by the Mahara”l of Prague. He related that he found a manuscript by the Mahara”l with the story of the golem. On this basis, he published his book. Many mitnagdim opposed the book, saying that it is based on unfounded legend, yet many rabbinic leaders, especially Chassidic leaders, affirmed the story. Foremost among them were the Admo”rim of Chaba”d through the generations – who consider themselves descendants of the Mahara”l of Prague.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for brief biographies of the gaon and Chassid Rabbi Aharon Waldman and the renowned gaon Rabbi Yudel Rosenberg .
[2], 3-112 pp, 23 cm. Stefansky, Chassidut 514.
Fine condition. Stamps, signatures and notations. Blackening and slight wear in the margins, far from the text. Worn binding.