Degel Machaneh Efraim, Chassidic teachings on the Torah, by R. Moshe Chaim Efraim Ashkenazi Rabbi of Sudilkov (Sudylkiv), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. Korets, [1810]. First edition.
An early Chassidic book. This book is one of the first and most reliable sources of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, which the author, R. Moshe Chaim Efraim of Sudilkov (d. 1800), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov (son of the Baal Shem Tov's pious daughter Odel), received directly from him.
The book includes approbations by foremost Chassidic leaders. All approbations emphasize the author's lineage as grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, and that the book is replete with the latter's essential teachings.
Chassidic leaders greatly praised the holiness of this book, and its ability to inspire whoever studies it with fear of G-d, as R. Levi Yitzchak wrote in his approbation to the book: "I am convinced that this book will enthuse the hearts of our Jewish brethren to worship G-d".
Ownership inscriptions on the title page (and subsequent leaf).
Incomplete copy. [2], 110 leaves. Lacking four final leaves (111-114), replaced in photocopy. 20.5 cm. Greenish paper. Fair condition. Many stains, including dampstains (and large stains to several leaves). Open tears affecting text (including damage to text on verso of title page), repaired with paper, with photocopy replacements. Worming, affecting text, repaired in part with paper and tape. New binding, gilt embossed.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 128.

Pri HaAretz, Chassidic and Kabbalistic essays on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, [1814]. First edition.
This book contains a collection of discourses which R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk delivered in Tiberias, following his immigration to Eretz Israel (in 1777). The title page states: "And they were collected together by the rabbi who was outstanding in Torah and fear of G-d, R. Elazar Zussman, scribe of the Holy Land, and from him it reached our hands". R. Elazar Zussman was the scribe of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, R. Avraham of Kalisk, and all the Chassidim who reached Eretz Israel in the famous 1777 immigration.
The identity of the writer of this book is subject to dispute. Some say the essays were recorded by his disciples, primarily R. Elazar Zussman, who also edited and arranged them for print (Beit Rebbi). Conversely, according to a tradition of Slonim Chassidim, the entire book was written by R. Menachem Mendel himself, while R. Elazar Zussman only edited and arranged it for print, adding the opening words "Patach HaRav" and "Shaal HaShoel" (Yesod HaMaalah, I, p. 59). In the opinion of the researcher R. Yehoshua Mondschein, R. Elazar Zussman "was the one who wrote the letters of the righteous men and Chassidim from Eretz Israel, and it is evident that he also wrote the teachings of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk in the holy book Pri HaAretz, and the numerous figures of speech he uses render it an almost impenetrable book" (HaMaasar HaRishon, Jerusalem 2012, p. 222). The two first leaves contain essays of the Torah thoughts of R. Avraham HaMalach.
Pri HaAretz is one of the most profound and difficult to understand Chassidic books. The Yesod HaAvoda of Slonim declared that he wishes that in the times of Mashiach and in the World to Come he will be able to uphold the lofty levels described in this book. "We have a tradition from reliable people that this book never left the table of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, who would say that whoever is able to understand this book, is capable of combining the lower wisdom with the higher wisdom" (Yesod HaMaalah, ibid).
Lacking final nine leaves, with the selection of Igrot HaKodesh - letters of guidance in worship of G-d, which R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and R. Avraham of Kalisk sent from Eretz Israel to their disciples in Reisen (Belarus).
[2], 27 leaves. Without [9] final leaves. 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including many dampstains, and wear. Marginal tears to final leaves, repaired with paper. Worming to final leaves, affecting text. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 477.

Kedushat Levi, two parts, Chassidic and Kabbalistic essays on the Torah portions, festivals, and Aggadot, by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Berditchev (Berdychiv), 1816.
The book Kedushat Levi was printed by the author R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev twice in his lifetime, and comprised only the Kedushot essays on Chanukah and Purim. After his passing (Tishrei 1809), his descendants published for the first time his essays on the Torah portions (Berditchev, 1811), yet without the Kedushot essays on Chanukah and Purim. In the present edition, both parts were printed together for the first time in one volume - the essays on the Torah together with the Kedushot on Chanukah and Purim (separate title page for each part).
This edition also includes many additions from the author's manuscript.
Prominent Torah scholars attested that Kedushat Levi bears the remarkable power of endowing its reader with enthusiasm and devotion in love and fear of G-d, also maintaining that just keeping the book in the house has the capacity to mitigate decrees and protect from destructive forces.
Incomplete copy. Two parts in one volume. The Kedushot part on the festivals was bound first, followed by the part on the Torah. 22, 25-36; [1], 3-18, [1], 22-81, [1], 86-97, 100-129, 132-133, 136-147 leaves. Lacking 15 leaves: 23-24, 37-38 of first sequence; title page and following leaf, leaves 82-83, 85, 98-99, 130-131, 134-135, of second sequence. Approx. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dark stains and large dampstains. Worming, with significant damage to text. Open tears, repaired in part with paper. Leaves trimmed close to headings. Stamps. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 510.

Teshuot Chen, Chassidic novellae on the Torah, by R. Gedalia of Linitz, disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. Berditchev, 1816. First edition.
The author, R. Gedalia of Linitz (1738-1803), transmitter of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and one of the primary sources of the book Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov. He was reputedly held in high regard by the Baal Shem Tov, despite his young age.
[5], 45 leaves. 21 cm. Greenish paper. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Open tears to title page and other leaves, slightly affecting text in several places, repaired with paper. Many paper reinforcements. Worming, slightly affecting text. Inscriptions and stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 641.

Toldot Aharon, Chassidic and kabbalistic essays on the Torah portions, by R. Aharon of Zhitomir (close disciple of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev). Berditchev
(Berdychiv): R. Yisrael Bak, [1817]. First edition.
Toldot Aharon contains inspirational sermons and guidance in worship of G-d based on Chassidic teachings, recorded by one of the disciples of R. Aharon of Zhitomir. The book is written in an animated, passionate style, and quotes dozens of teachings received by the author from his prime teacher, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
[2], 16, [2], 17-36, 40-191 leaves. [2] leaves bound out of sequence, after leaf 16 instead of after leaf 20. 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Wear. Open tears, affecting text in several places, repaired with paper. Worming (significant worming to title page), affecting text, repaired with paper. Stamps. Handwritten inscriptions. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 604.