Tractate Avot with the Zecher L’Yisrael commentary and novellae on the Talmud by Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Minsk. Vilna and Grodno, 1833. Only edition. Unique copy, with bylaws regarding those worthy of being accepted into the yeshivah.
The author, Rabbi Yechiel Michel, studied in the Volozhin yeshivah and assisted Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin and then served as lecturer at the institution. He later opened his own yeshivah in Minsk. In his introduction, the author discusses the learning methods in the yeshivot. He also writes: “I served Admor HaRav Chaim of Volozhin for about seven years and I received from him some methodology and wisdom regarding the way to lead a yeshivah.”
Unique copy: This copy has an additional four leaves at the start that are not included in most copies. These leaves are listed by the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book according to a private copy. The first of these four leaves features a “Mishmeret L’Zichron HaMitnadvim” – with detailed bylaws regarding donors, including the discussion of whether donors are eligible to place their sons in the yeshivah and whether they take precedence over others. It also discusses financial concerns, the rent of the yeshivah’s apartments, and who can succeed the Rosh Yeshivah after his passing. Additionally includes exchange of written correspondence with Rabbi Yitzchak of Volozhin followed by 3 leaves of subscribers with hundreds of names from Lithuanian communities.
[4], 36; 10 leaves, 21 cm. Owner stamps. Fine condition. New binding.