Yesod HaAvodah first edition. Warsaw, 1892, two parts. By the Admo”r Rabbi Avraham of Slonim, with three separate title pages. With signature and very important glosses, including some signed by the gaon and tzaddik Rabbi Binyamin Mendelsohn, rabbi of Kfar Atta and Kommemiyut.
Rabbi Binyamin Mendelsohn signed on the second title page, “Rabbi Binyamin Mendelsohn, rabbi of Kfar Atta” (the word “Atta” is mainly cropped).
Throughout the book’s leaves, there are a number of very important glosses, such as on where the Yesod HaAvodah wrote that at Har Sinai, Hash-m also wanted the lower soul to receive the Torah. There Rabbi Binyamin Mendelsohn writes, “Look closely and see that this is a fundamental principle in Divine service.”
There is also a lengthy gloss signed, ”ב’ במו”ר מ”מ ז”ל” (Binyamin son of my father and teacher Menachem Mendel, may his memory be for a blessing).
Rabbi Binyamin Mendelsohn (1904-1979) Av Beit Din of Kommemiyut, was born to his father Rabbi Menachem Mendel Mendelsohn, who was one of the rabbis of Plotzk, Poland and an Alexander Chassid. He immigrated to the Land of Israel under the influence of the Admo”r of Gur, author of Imrei Emet . He was appointed rabbi of Kfar Atta and then as rabbi of the Chareidi settlement Kommemiyut. He was very active in Shemittah observance. His name was connected to the affair of the kidnapping of (the child) Yossele Schumacher. He was greatly appreciated by the Chazon Ish and the holy Admo”r of Belz, who was also his in-law.
Rabbi Avraham of Slonim was the first Admo”r of Slonim. He was a son of Rabbi Yitzchak Matityahu, who was a disciple of Rabbi Asher “HaZaken” of Stolin. He was a disciple of his teacher, Rabbi Moshe of Kobrin ztz”l and of Rabbi Noach of Lechtwitch ztz”l. He was among the greatest tzaddikim, famous in his generation, with many followers. He was the president of Kollel Reisin in the Land of Israel. He composed fundamental works of Chassidut: Chessed L’Avraham , Be’er Avraham , Yesod HaAvodah .
Part I: 9, 291, 5. Part II: 123, 7, pages.
Overall fine condition, unbound. The first 6 leaves are detached, 4 of which are slightly lacking in the top margins without damage to text. Brittle paper.