Imrei Binah, explanations on the topics of Kriyat Shema, Tzitzit and Tefillin, based on Kabbalah and Chassidic teachings, by Rebbe Dov Ber Shneuri of Lubavitch, the "Mitteler Rebbe". Kopust: R. Yisrael Yoffe, prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, [1821]. First edition.
Imrei Binah is considered the most profound of the books composed and published by the Mitteler Rebbe. The main part of the book is dedicated to clarifying the kabbalistic concepts of Yichuda Ilaa and Yichuda Tataa, based on the teachings of the author's father – the Baal HaTanya. The book is divided into four sections: Petach HaShaar, Shaar Kriyat Shema, Shaar HaTzitzit and Shaar HaTefillin.
The Mitteler Rebbe published during the course of his life ten compositions, which he stated were each intended for a different kind of person. His book Imrei Binah was directed at the most profound scholars, and he once even stated that he had written it for his disciple R. Yekutiel Liepler. Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch related that he was once experiencing difficulty in grasping chapters 32 and 37 of the book, and he approached his father the Tzemach Tzedek for help in understanding them. However, his father instructed him to go ask R. Yekutiel (Rebbe Rayatz, Limud HaChassidut, p. 30).
Reputedly, the Divrei Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz would study the book Imrei Binah every night before going to sleep (Sheloshet HaRo'im, Brooklyn 2004, p. 320). The Divrei Chaim even quotes it in his book Divrei Chaim on the Torah, Parashat Vayakhel (p. 28).
Rebbe Dov Ber Schneuri, known as the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch (1774-1828) was the son of R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. After his father passed away while fleeing the French Invasion of Russia, he began serving as rabbi of Lubavitch (Lyubavichi). In his father's lifetime, he recorded the latter's teachings, and delivered public lectures based on them, even in his presence, with the addition of his own commentaries. He was gifted with brilliant profundity and an unlimited wellspring of Torah thoughts. His Chassidic discourses would extend over many hours. He had an exceptional talent for clear explanations, whether in writing or orally, and was able to clarify and simplify before laymen the most profound and abstract concepts in Kabbalah and Chassidism. He was endowed with a rare ability to concentrate, and was able to contemplate G-dly concepts for hours on end, completely unaware of his surroundings. The Lubavitcher Rebbe retold that on Yom Kippur, he would stand in his place the entire day, in devoted prayer detached from physicality, without budging, with sweat pouring from his head. He passed away whilst delivering a Chassidic discourse.
[2], 21; 1-56, [1], 55-140 leaves. 20.5 cm. Greenish paper. Good condition. Tears and worming to title page, not affecting text. Worming to first and final leaves. Light wear to first leaves. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 55.