Maor Einayim. Chassidut on the weekly Torah portions, by the Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Nachum Twersky of Cherobyl. Slavita [in the printing press of Rabbi Moshe Shapira]. 1798. First edition.
Specifications: [2] 160 leaves, 19 cm. Stefansky, Chassidut 308.
Background: One of the fundamental books of chassidut. Written by the first Rebbe of the Chernobyl dynasty, who quotes many things which he heard from the Ba’al Shem Tov. Rabbi Menachem Nachum Twersky [1730-1798] was a disciple of the Ba’al Shem Tov, and later of the Maggid of Mezeritch. He established the most extensive chassidic dynasty.
The book was printed soon after his death, and he is mentioned several times with blessings for a long life. The book was published by his student Rabbi Eliyahu, upon who the author relied to deal with the publication of the book “in the pleasant and luxurious printing press established in Slavita”. The goal of publishing this book was to spread chassidic teachings. With approbations from the great Chassidic masters, Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon of Shepetovka, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, Rabbi Mehsulam Zusha of Hanipol, and others. With an important introduction describing the author’s greatness.
There are many lofty chassidic concepts around this book. It is also related that the work was much larger, but that prior to his death the Rebbe commanded for only a small amount of it to be published, only things which “the Divine Presence speaks from his throat”. There are Rebbes who studied from the book daily. There are Rebbes who instructed their followers to keep the book in the case with their Tallit and Tefillin as a segulah for protection and success.
The book has been printed in dozens of editions since. It is studied in depth by all the masters of chassidut.
Condition: Fine-very fine. Aging stains. Professional restoration in the white title page margins with no damage to text, a few single letters were completed by professional facsimile on the rear side of the title page and the two subsequent leaves.
Bound with:
Yismach Lev. Elucidations on the legends and Midrashim of the Sages by the Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Nachum Twersky of Chernobyl. Slavita [in the printing press of Rabbi Moshe Shapira]. 1798. First edition.
Specifications: [1] 34 leaves, 19 cm. Stefansky, Chassidut 237.
Background: The book was printed together with the book Maor Einayim, and excerpts for the book Maor Einayim were printed on the last leaves. With the abridged Kavanat HaMikveh.
The two works were named from the verse in the book of Proverbs “Maor Einayim Yismach Lev”, which also contains a hint to the author’s names.
Among the earliest books of chassidut to be printed.
Condition: Fine-very fine. Minimal professional restoration in the margins of the title page and the last leaf with no damage to text.