Lot 57
Torei Zahav, by the Maggid of Zalozitz – Mohyliv, 1816 – First Edition
Torei Zahav, homiletics, ethics, Kabbalah and Chassidut on the Torah portions, festivals, Megillat Eichah and Megillat Esther, by R. Binyamin of Zalozitz (Zaliztsi). Mohyliv, [1816]. First edition.
The author, R. Binyamin, maggid of Zalozitz (d. 1791; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 350-354), was well versed in both revealed and hidden realms of the Torah. A contemporary of the Baal Shem Tov and early Chassidic masters, he was one of the first disseminators of Chassidic teachings. It is unclear whether he merited meeting the Baal Shem Tov, however his works include teachings in his name. His works also include many teachings in the names of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezeritch, R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov and R. Menachem Mendel of Premishlan. He refers to R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov as "my teacher". His works include: Chelkat Binyamin, commentary on the Passover Haggadah; Ahavat Dodim, commentary to Shir HaShirim and Amtachat Binyamin on Megillat Kohelet. All of his works were published posthumously, by his son R. Asher Zelig. R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, in his approbations to Chelkat Binyamin and Amtachat Binyamin, describes R. Binyamin as a "righteous and G-dly man".
Ownership inscriptions and signatures on the endpaper, title page and other leaves.
46, 48-101, 101-108, 107-112, 117-119, 119-122, 125-126 leaves. Misfoliation. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Wear. Marginal creases, tears and open tears to title page and other leaves. Tears to leaves 98-99, affecting text. Marginal paper repairs to several leaves, close to text. Stamp on title page. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 613.
