Auction 89 - Rare and Important Items
Tzemach Hashem LiTzvi, Chassidic essays on the Torah portions, by R. Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna. [Berditchev (Berdychiv): R. Yisrael Bak, ca. 1818]. First edition.
The author, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna (1740-1802; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 604-607), was a leading third generation Chassidic rebbe. Disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. His primary teacher was R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov, who was known to say that R. Tzvi Hirsh was the greatest of his disciples and that Eliyahu HaNavi desires his closeness. R. Tzvi Hirsh's disciples include R. Menachem Mendel of Kosov, R. Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov, R. Avraham David of Buchach and others. He wrote many books and was famous for his primary work Tzemach Hashem LiTzvi. His book Alfa Beta merited many editions and R. Eliezer Papo, author of Pele Yo'etz, included it in his composition.
[3], 28; 138 leaves. Approx. 20 cm. Bluish paper. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears and open tears, affecting text in several places, repaired with paper (photocopy replacements on final leaves). Inscriptions and stamps. New leather binding.
Including leaf [3] with third approbation and omissions from Parashiot Ki Tisa and Shemini, found in some copies only.
The date of printing follows A. Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeBerditchov, Kiryat Sefer, 21, 1944-1945, pp. 120-121. The title page decoration, a Torah shield, is the printer's device of R. Yisrael Bak.
Separate title page for each part.
The place of printing of the first edition of each part is emphasized on each title page: the word "Ostroh" is enlarged on the title page of Part I ("…wonderful things added to the first edition printed 13 years ago – in Ostroh"), and the word "Mohyliv" is enlarged on the title page of Part II ("This holy book was printed already ten years ago, and is now being reprinted with the addition of references… and with the addition of several new novellae which were not mentioned at all in the first books printed – in Mohyliv").
These books were arranged and printed by R. Natan of Breslov (Moharnat), disseminator of his teacher's doctrine. Disappointed with the quantity of errors which crept into the first edition, Moharnat decided to establish a special printing press in his home in Breslov for the purpose of printing the books of his prime teacher in holiness and purity. In the book Yemei Moharnat, he describes the difficulties in establishing the printing press: "…G-d helped me and placed in my heart thoughts and wonderful ideas, until I merited that year to establish a printing press and to print the books of our teacher, Likutei Moharan Kama and Tinyana…". R. Natan then recounts the many difficulties in obtaining paper (books from these printings are very rare, and were printed on unprocessed paper of uneven size), and the difficulties in obtaining governmental license. The press was eventually closed by the authorities and R. Natan was compelled to flee.
[2], 42; 4, 122 leaves. Part II (Tinyana) bound before part I (Kama). Lacking final two leaves (43-44) of part II. [1] final leaf of part I, with indexes, bound after title page of part II. 22.5 cm. Most leaves in good-fair condition, several leaves in fair condition. Stains, including dampstains, traces of past dampness and dark stains. Open tears to title pages of both parts and other leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper (with photocopy and handwritten text replacement in several places). Worming, slightly affecting text. Stamp on title page of part II. New leather binding.
Five parts in five volumes. The title page states: "Panim Yafot… part III of the Haflaa composition". The first parts of the Haflaa: Ketubah on Tractate Ketubot (Offenbach 1787) and HaMikneh on Tractate Kiddushin (Offenbach 1801).
This book was published two decades after the passing of the author. The book consists of commentaries on the Torah, following various approaches – the basic meaning, pilpul, derush, remez, ethics, kabbalah and chassidut. The book was compiled and brought to press by the mechutan of the author, R. Efraim Zalman of Brody, who also composed a lengthy, detailed and interesting foreword, printed at the beginning of the book. R. Efraim also added at the end of the volumes his own commentary to Rashi, named Shem Efraim.
In his approbation, R. Akiva Eger describes the importance and great merit that lies in the purchase of this book.
R. Pinchas HaLevi Ish Horowitz, rabbi of Frankfurt am Main, author of the Haflaa (1731-1805), served in his youth as rabbi of Witkowo and Lachovice. On 26th Tevet 1772, he was appointed rabbi and dean of Frankfurt am Main, which at that time was the largest Torah center in Germany. He held this position for over thirty-three years, until his passing. He edified many disciples in his yeshiva, the most prominent of them being his close disciple the Chatam Sofer. He led the battles against Haskalah and the reform movement. R. Pinchas and his Torah novellae were held in high regard by all the Torah leaders of his generation, both Chassidim and Mitnagdim.
At the end of 1771, shortly before he arrived in Frankfurt, R. Pinchas spent several weeks together with his brother R. Shmelke Rabbi of Nikolsburg, by the Maggid of Mezeritch, where they absorbed the secrets of Torah and worship of G-d from the Maggid and his leading disciples (the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch relates to this in his famous foreword to Shulchan Aruch HaRav, first printed in 1814). The Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch defines R. Pinchas as a disciple of the Maggid (Likutei Torah, Bamidbar, Zhitomir 1848, p. 29b, in a gloss on the words of his grandfather the Baal HaTanya). In his book Panim Yafot, the Haflaa brings several principles from the teachings of the Maggid of Mezeritch (see: Erkei HaHaflaa, Jerusalem 2006, I, pp. 40-41), although he only mentions him explicitly in one place, in Parashat Beshalach (p. 57b), in the commentary to "Vayavo'u Marata" (some claim that the omission of the name of the Maggid from the book Panim Yafot is the fault of the copyists of the manuscript. In his foreword, the publisher R. Efraim Zalman Margolies states that the book was not printed based on the author's own manuscript, but from a copying produced by one of the grandsons of the author, "based on a copying of the book produced by various scribes", meaning that the book was printed based on a third hand copy. This claims still does not explain the fact that the name of the Maggid of Mezeritch is not mentioned in any of the books published by the Haflaa in his lifetime, even when the source of the ideas quoted is from the teachings of the Maggid).
Complete set in five volumes. Two title pages for each volume – one concise title page (printed in red and black ink), and a second, more detailed title page.
Bereshit vol.: [4], 156, 2-7 leaves. Shemot vol.: [3], 100, 100-105, 105-112, 121-168, 149-160, 166-171, [1]; 10, [3]; 21-32, [2] leaves. Vayikra vol.: [2], 26, 26-59, 58-139, [2]; 6, [7] leaves. Bamidbar vol.: [2], 146; 4, [1] leaves. Devarim vol.: [2], 153; 18, [8] leaves. 24 cm (Shemot vol. – 21 cm). Shemot vol. printed on bluish paper. Good to good-fair condition. Stains, including minor dampstains. Dark inkstains to first leaves of Vayikra vol. (affecting book title on title pages). Minor wear to some leaves. Tears, including open tears, affecting text in several places, repaired in part with paper. Tears to title page of Shemot vol., including open tear to lower part of leaf, close to text. Minor worming to Shemot vol. Inscriptions, signatures and stamps. New leather bindings (Shemot vol. non-matching).
Three parts in one volume. Separate title page for each part.
The work was printed over several years. Part I was printed in 1834, as implied by the chronogram in the publisher's words on verso of the title page. Part III was printed next (as the publisher writes in this part: "I trust in the kindness of G-d… to soon print the book of Shemot as well…"). Apparently, Part II was printed in 1841 (since the approbation of R. Aharon Moshe Taubes is signed "rabbi of Iasi" and he was appointed rabbi of Iasi in 1841).
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Eichenstein, the Ateret Tzvi of Zidichov (1763-1831, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 596-599), was known by the name "Sar Beit HaZohar" due to his exceptional knowledge of kabbalah. From a young age, he was renowned as an outstanding genius whose knowledge encompassed all facets of the Torah. A close disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, he also travelled to other Chassidic masters, such as R. Moshe Leib of Sassov, R. Yisrael the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov and R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta. After the passing of his teacher, the Chozeh of Lublin, in 1815, Zidichov thrived under the leadership of R. Tzvi Hirsh, becoming one of the largest and most prominent Chassidic centers in Galicia. He was highly venerated, this being expressed in the exceptional praise he received from tzaddikim of his generation. The Malbim, although not a Chassid, studied kabbalah under him.
A glimpse of his profound kabbalistic knowledge is revealed in his book Ateret Tzvi on the Zohar. The title was not given by R. Tzvi Hirsh, but rather by the editor and publisher, R. Yosef HaKohen Rappaport, who also published R. Tzvi Hirsh's other writings. R. Yosef Rappaport was the son-in-law of R. Yechiel Michel, R. Tzvi Hirsh's only son, who died in his father's lifetime.
Other famed compositions of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov are: Sur MeRa V'Aseh Tov, also known as "Hakdamah VeDerech L'Etz HaChaim", which serves as an introduction to the book Etz Chaim by R. Chaim Vital, and contains additions by R. Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov, author of Bnei Yissaschar; Beit Yisrael; and Pri Kodesh Hillulim – an introduction and commentary to the book Pri Etz Chaim on prayer kavanot.
On the first title page, signature and stamp of Rebbe Yisrael Shimon Meir Leifer of Temeshvar (son of Rebbe Levi Yitzchak Leifer of Temeshvar-Jerusalem, a scion of the Nadvorna dynasty).
Brief handwritten glosses on several leaves.
Three parts in one volume. [1], 83, 85-152; [1], 54; [1], 50 leaves. 23 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including minor dampstains and traces of past dampness. Wear. Worming, mostly marginal, affecting text in several places. Marginal open tears to title page and several other leaves, not affecting text, repaired with paper. New binding.
This copy contains the rare leaf, not present in most copies, with three approbations by prominent Chassidic leaders: R. Mordechai David of Dombrowa, the Aryeh D'Vei Ila'i R. Aryeh Leib Lipschitz, and the famous approbation by the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, in which he attests: "In my opinion, there is no one in our generation capable of grasping his [the Maggid of Kozhnitz's] wisdom". These three approbations are not found in most copies of the first edition (they were presumably brought to the printer only after the printing of the book was completed), and were never printed again until the Bnei Brak 1965 edition.
The author, R. Yisrael Hopstein, known as the Maggid of Kozhnitz, (1733/1737-1814) was a holy kabbalist and founder of Chassidut in Poland. He was renowned as an outstanding, profound and innovative Torah scholar. He was the close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. In 1765, he began serving as maggid in Kozhnitz. Thousands of Chassidim streamed to his door, and he became known as one of the leading rebbes in Poland. His renowned disciples include R. Yitzchak Meir Alter, the Chiddushei HaRim, who was raised in his home. The Maggid of Kozhnitz authored many books in all Torah fields, including halachah, novellae, homiletics and kabbalah, and was considered one of the leading kabbalists in his times. He was renowned for his tremendous knowledge of all kabbalistic works, including varying approaches. Reputedly, already in his youth, before he began frequenting the court of the Maggid of Mezeritch, he had studied some eight hundred kabbalistic works. Some of his kabbalistic compositions are explanations of early kabbalistic books, as well as the books of the Maharal of Prague.
Avodat Yisrael was published 27 years after the passing of its author, and it is the first of his books to be published (a few of his essays were printed in his lifetime). Avodat Yisrael is considered a classic Chassidic work, and it portrays the depth of the inner richness it contains. Rebbe Yechezkel Halberstam of Shinova stated: "All the books of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov are holy, while the book Avodat Yisrael is holy of holies". The Torat Chaim, rebbe of Kosov declared that one must study this book in great depth, just like one studies the Zohar. Reputedly, R. Yitzchak Eizik of Zidichov held the books of the Maggid of Kozhnitz in very high esteem, and when he received the book Avodat Yisrael, "he experienced tremendous joy", and exclaimed to the person who brought it to him that had he known he was coming to bring him the book, he would have come to meet him to welcome the book "due to his cherishing the holiness of the book".
[4], 90; 32 leaves. Lacking first title page (originally printed with two title pages). 21.5 cm. Some leaves printed on bluish paper. Most leaves in good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Minor worming, affecting text. Many stamps (over text in some places). New leather binding. Bookplate illustrated by Ilya Schor.
Two parts in two volumes. Separate title page for each part.
Maor VaShemesh on the Torah, an important classic Chassidic book, printed together with the Chumash in many editions. The author, R. Kalonymus Kalman HaLevi Epstein of Kraków (1751-1823), was an outstanding Torah scholar both in revealed and hidden realms of the Torah, leading disciple of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk, whom he regarded as of equal stature to the Baal Shem Tov himself. He also frequented the courts of R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Following the passing of his teacher R. Elimelech, he began travelling to the Chozeh of Lublin, to R. Ber of Radoshitz, to the Maggid of Kozhnitz and to R. Mendele of Rimanov (who acclaimed him as "Shomer HaBrit"). He was renowned as a holy man already in his lifetime, and accounts of revelations of Divine Inspiration and wonders circulated about him. His teacher R. Elimelech of Lizhensk appointed him as rebbe and he became the first disseminator of Chassidut in Kraków, where those seeking to draw close to G-d gathered around him, later becoming prominent Chassidic leaders. He was repeatedly persecuted by opponents of Chassidut (Mitnagdim) in Kraków, who even announced a ban on Chassidut in 1786. When the persecutions reached the point of informing and imprisonment, R. Kalman moved to his hometown of Neustadt and established his court there. In ca. 1820, he returned to Kraków, and that is where he is buried.
Two parts in two volume. Vol. I: [2], 144 leaves. Vol. II: [1], 145-190, 192-277, [2] leaves. Lacking leaf 191. 22.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including many dark stains and dampstains. Wear. Mold to several leaves of vol. II. Worming, affecting text. Tears, including minor open tears to title pages, and minor open tears slightly affecting text on two leaves of vol. II. Inscriptions, signatures and stamps. New leather bindings.
There are copies with variant title pages, including copies with a title page to part I only; copies stating a false name of printer, yet the correct date: "1842", and copies with true imprints stating that the book was printed in 1842 in "Breslau, by R. Hirsch Sulzbach". This is a unique copy, featuring two title pages with entirely false imprints: "Printed by Rebbetzin Yehudit Rabinstein in 1785".
Two parts in two volumes. Part II was published in 1846, before Part I, which was only published in 1850. The date of printing is indicated in the colophon, printed at the end of Part II: "And the work was completed on Tuesday, 38th day of the Omer (23rd Iyar), 1846…" (Part II was printed without a title page, since the censorship did not authorize the printing of the book – see below).
Reputedly, the author would experience exceptional holiness and elevation during Chanukah. He once wished to question his prime teacher the Chozeh of Lublin as to the cause of this phenomenon, and even before he had a chance to ask, his teacher explained: You originate from the tribe of Yissachar, and in your earlier incarnation you were a member of the Beit Din of the Chashmonaim, which is why you experience extra holiness during Chanukah. He therefore named his book Bnei Yissaschar. It is recorded that the Divrei Chaim of Sanz once closeted himself in his room on Rosh Hashanah before the shofar blowing, studying the book Bnei Yissaschar for several hours with great intensity, as a preparation for the shofar blowing (foreword to Yod'ei Binah, by R. Elazar Tzvi Shapiro, son of the Bnei Yissachar; Beit Shlomo, New York 2005 edition, p. 15; Shai Agnon, Sefer Sofer VeSipur, p. 457).
The printing of this first edition without a title page is also linked with a wondrous story. There was a scholarly young man named Yosef Tarler (1794-1854), who associated with the leading members of the Haskalah from a young age, and would frequently read heretic literature. He once heard the Bnei Yissaschar reading the verses in the Torah pertaining to the prohibition of Gid HaNasheh with great fervor. Yosef responded with mockery, scorning the holiness of the Torah. When the Bnei Yissaschar heard of this, he retorted: "I am certain that he will eventually convert to Christianity…". Upon hearing of the Bnei Yissaschar's prediction, Yosef Tarler mockingly reported it to R. Naftali of Ropshitz, who replied in jest, "If so, it is a mitzva to follow the words of the sages". Yosef Tarler later served as kosher meat trader in Lviv, and when apprehended for forging documents of a Polish nobleman, he evaded punishment by converting to Christianity, together with his family. He was then appointed the official censor in Lviv. When approached for permission to publish the book of the Bnei Yissaschar, following the latter's passing, the apostate censor categorically refused, arguing that he did not wish to approve the printing of the book of the one who had predicted his defection. The first edition was therefore printed without title page, in order to obscure the place and year of printing (Ohel Naftali, Warsaw 1911, pp. 98-99; Naftali Ben Menachem, Temirin, I, pp. 313-316).
Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech Langsam-Shapiro (1783-1841), a most prominent Chassidic leader, close disciple of R. Mendele of Rimanov and disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, as well as of the Rebbe of Apta and the Maggid of Kozhnitz. From a young age, he served as rabbi of various Galician towns, yet is primarily renowned as rabbi of Dinov (Dynów), where he was later appointed rebbe in 1815. He also served as rabbi of Munkacs (Mukachevo). He authored dozens of compositions on halachah and aggadah, Chassidut and Kabbalah. His magnum opus is the book Bnei Yissaschar. His descendants branched out into many dynasties of rabbis and rebbes: Dinov, Munkacs, Bikovsk and more.
Two volumes. Part I: [1], 24; 72 leaves. Leaf 64 erroneously bound after leaf 62. Part II: 116 leaves. 24-24.5 cm. Part II mostly printed on bluish paper. Part I in fair condition. Part II in good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear. Worming to vol. I, affecting text on title page and other leaves, repaired in part with paper. Minor worming affecting text in vol. II. Marginal open tears to title page of vol. I (affecting text on verso), repaired with paper. Open tears to other leaves of vol. I. Minor abrasions and singeing to vol. II, affecting text in several places. New leather bindings.
Two title pages, the second printed in red and black.
Copy of the rebbes of Slonim – the present book belonged to the Divrei Shmuel Rebbe of Slonim, and after his passing, it was passed down to his son Rebbe Yissachar Leib, as the stamps on the second title page testify: " From the estate of my father R. Sh. of Slonim, Yissachar Leib Weinberg".
Rebbe Shmuel Weinberg of Slonim, author of Divrei Shmuel (1850-1916), grandson and close disciple of the Yesod HaAvodah. He began serving as rebbe ca. 1883. He always led his flock in Europe and Tiberias with love and exceptional devotion. For most of his life, he was engaged in raising funds for Kollel Reisin, supporting supporting the immigrants to Tiberias. His most remarkable accomplishment was the establishment of the Or Torah yeshiva in Tiberias. He was also one of the founders of Agudath Yisrael in 1912.
The Divrei Shmuel would often frequent the Tzaddikim and rebbes of his generation, such as the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and R. Mordechai Shraga Feivish of Husiatyn. He especially liked to travel to Rebbe David Moshe of Chortkov, whom he regarded as his prime teacher in all his affairs. The Divrei Chaim of Sanz once praised the Divrei Shmuel and stated that for more than three hundred years, a lofty soul like his had not come down to this world (R. Yitzchak David Lieder, Beit Deli, Jerusalem 2009, pp. 49-50). R. Chaim of Brisk testified that he was well versed in both Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud, Sifra, Sifri and Tosefta (R. Shmuel Aharon Lieder, Nitei Esh, p. 471).
His eldest son, Rebbe Yissachar Leib Weinberg (1833-1928, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p 466-467), served as rebbe of Slonim after the passing of his father in 1916, alongside his younger brother Rebbe Avraham Weinberg, the Beit Avraham. The brothers shared a close friendship, and sometimes even led the Tish together, side by side. He was known for his wisdom and insight even in worldly matters, and for his tremendous love for his fellow Jew, giving a warm welcome to one and all. Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch stated about the two brothers, whom he knew from a young age, that he did not find such holy and pure brothers in entire Poland. Rebbe Yissachar Leib passed away on 28th Nissan 1928, and left behind his son Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel (later rebbe of Slonim – Tel Aviv, 1898-1978, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 95-96).
The author – Rebbe David Twersky of Tolna (1808-1882) began serving as rebbe after the passing of his father Rebbe Mordechai of Chernobyl, in 1837. He was one of the foremost leaders of Ukrainian Jewry, and a rebbe to thousands of Chassidim. His court in Vasilkov (Vasylkiv), and later in Tolna (Talne), was one of the largest and most prominent in his times. Reputedly, many were aroused to repentance from hearing his teachings, including numerous maskilim. R. David was the sixth of the eight illustrious sons of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl. The latter stated: "I and my sons descended to this world to repair the souls of the deceased and the living" (R. Yeshaya Wolf Tzikernik, Sipurim Nifla'im UMaamarim Yekarim, Lviv 1908, p. 6). Rebbe Aharon of Belz would speak of the brothers' exceptional holiness in effusive terms, and stated in the name of his father Rebbe Yissachar Dov: "We cannot conceive the magnitude of their stature", and once, when R. Aharon of Belz mentioned them, his hands shook, and he exclaimed: "They were truly angels… entirely angels…" (Beito Naava Kodesh, Nisan, p. 123).
[2], 3-120, [1] leaves. 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, slightly affecting text (primarily to first and final leaves). Stamps. Old ownership inscriptions on endpapers and other leaves. New leather binding.
Including final leaf of errata (not bound in all copies).
The book was brought to press by the author's grandson, Rebbe Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov (Zinkiv). In his foreword, he relates how his father, Rebbe Yitzchak Meir, son of the author, realized that many were copying the rebbe's teachings – each person according to his own understanding, and was concerned that this would lead to mistakes. He therefore chose one astute, outstanding Torah scholar and designated him to record the holy teachings, after which the writings were reviewed, and when necessary corrected, by the rebbe. Further in the foreword, he explains that the book was named Ohev Yisrael, based on the author's repeated assertion that the only character trait in which he could confidently take pride, even before the Heavenly court, was his outstanding love for his fellow Jew. Before his demise, he instructed his sons to write no other praise on his tombstone but Ohev Yisrael (Lover of Jews).
In his approbation (to the Lviv edition), R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn writes: "...he loved every Jewish person with his heart and soul, and would show great affection particularly to Torah scholars. And our fathers related to us that while he was here [in Lviv], all the leading Torah scholars of the city would arise early to come and absorb his wondrous teachings...".
[1], 117 leaves. 23.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming and open tears to title page and other leaves, affecting border and text, repaired with paper. Inscriptions. New leather binding.
Two parts in one volume.
Interesting approbation at the beginning of part I, by a close disciple of the author – Rebbe Chaim of Sanz. He writes that in the past he did not agree to print the holy teachings of R. Naftali of Ropshitz, "because I knew that the holy author himself did not approve of printing his Torah novellae. However, on second thought, I decided that it was good that the printers published these writings. It is known that R. Chaim Vital also refrained from publishing his novellae and the teachings he received from his teacher, the Ari, and did not allow his disciples to write them; nevertheless, the righteous of the generation made efforts to copy, write and publish them, and the world shone…". On the verso of the approbation leaf is a notice by the person who brought the book to print: "I have called the book Or HaNer, however the holy rebbe of Sanz called it Zera Kodesh… and I have nullified my will before his holy will".
Two parts in one volume. [2], 124; [1], 120 leaves. 22 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains (and dark stains to first leaves). Wear. Tears, including marginal open tears to title page and several other leaves, and minor tears affecting text, repaired with paper. Worming to final 15 leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper, with handwritten text replacement (these leaves were presumably provided from a different copy). Inscriptions. Stamp. New leather binding.
The Yismach Moshe series was prepared for print by the author's grandson and close disciple, Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev, and his glosses and additions, introduced with the words "so said the editor", are included in several places.
A brief foreword by the Yitav Lev was printed at the beginning of the Bereshit volume. Approbations by the Divrei Chaim and the Yitav Lev at the beginning of the Bamidbar volume (originally also at the beginning of part V – lacking in the present copy).
The author, R. Moshe Teitelbaum, rabbi of Ujhel (1759-1841), was the progenitor of the Sighet and Satmar dynasties, as well as other prominent Chassidic dynasties. Renowned already in his youth as an outstanding Torah scholar, he had the merit of studying in the Beit Midrash of the Vilna Gaon, and holding Torah discussions with him (see: HaGaon HaKadosh Baal Yismach Moshe, by R. Yosef Moshe Sofer, Brooklyn, 1984, pp. 25-26). He served as rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa) and Ujhel. He embraced Chassidut in his later years, and became a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. In 1808, he was appointed rabbi of Ujhel and began disseminating Chassidut in Hungary. He was renowned in his times as rebbe and wonder-worker and frequently gave out amulets. His books include: Responsa Heshiv Moshe on halachah, Yismach Moshe on the Torah and Tefillah LeMoshe on Tehillim.
Title page of Book of Shemot printed in gold and black.
Ownership inscription on title page of Shemot part: "Belongs to me, Avraham Abele Katz Rappaport of Ujhel".
Set of five volumes. Bereshit: [1], 117 leaves. Shemot: 90 leaves. Vayikra: 42 leaves. Bamidbar: [1], 49 leaves. Devarim: 72, [1] leaves. 22.5-25.5 cm. Bereshit, Shemot and Bamidbar volumes in overall good condition, Vayikra and Devarim volumes in overall good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, slightly affecting text. Extensive worming to several leaves of Vayikra vol., affecting text, repaired with paper. Tears, including minor open tears to several leaves of vol. I, and to title page of vol. III, slightly affecting text. Tears to title page of vol. IV, repaired with paper. Title page of Bamidbar part presumably supplied from a different copy. Stamps. Leaves trimmed with damage to text in several places. New bindings.
The Rebbe of Komarno composed three commentaries on the Mishnayot: Atzei Eden covers nearly the entire Mishnah (ending in the middle of Ohalot) and comprises a short summary of the classic commentaries on the Mishnah (divided into two parts: Etz HaChaim and the Kabbalistic Etz HaDaat); two other commentaries on Orders Zera'im and Taharot – Maaseh Oreg on the Jerusalem Talmud and the Tosefta pertaining to the Mishnah, and Pnei Zaken which contains the halachic conclusions according to the Rambam.
The author's prefaces were printed at the beginning of Part I (Zera'im) and Part VI (Taharot). At the end of the preface to Taharot, the author writes: "I will copy the Tosefta… and explain it according to the foundations of the Rambam, in the works titled Maaseh Oreg and Pnei Zaken. Afterward, I will explain the Mishnah according to the Rambam and based on the books of the Gaon of Vilna… I have arranged the Tosefta according to the order of the Gaon of Vilna…" (referring to the book Taharat HaKodesh, Zhovkva 1804, containing the commentaries and corrections of the Gaon of Vilna).
Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin Rabbi of Zidichov and Komarno (1806-1874), a G-dly kabbalist and leading transmitter of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, a nephew and close disciple of the Sar Beit HaZohar, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov. He was cherished by foremost Chassidic leaders – the Chozeh of Lublin (who served as his matchmaker), the Ohev Yisrael of of Apta, R. Moshe Tzvi of Savran, his uncle R. Moshe of Sambor, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, and others. He authored many books on Chassidut and Kabbalah, including the Heichal HaBerachah commentary to the Five Books of the Torah, based on the teachings of the Arizal and the Baal Shem Tov. The Heichal HaBerachah Chumashim are considered fundamental books in Chassidic thought and Kabbalah. They were especially cherished by rebbes of various dynasties (the Zidichov dynasty, the Divrei Chaim and his descendants, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, and others).
Six volumes. Zera'im: [3], 97, 26, 92, [1] leaves. Lacking leaves [2-3] with prefaces, following title page. Mo'ed: [1], 59, 61-142, [1] leaves. Nashim: [1], 129, [1] leaves. Nezikin: [1], 4, 7-14, 17-184 leaves. Kodashim: [2], 94, 43 leaves. Leaf [2] at beginning of volume (with "Rishon LeTzion") not listed in Bibliography of Hebrew Book. Taharot: [1], 210, 215-296 leaves. Lacking leaves 211-214. Approx. 27-29.5 cm. Condition varies. Vols. I, IV and V in overall good condition. Vols. II, III and VI in overall fair to fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears, including minor marginal open tears to several leaves. Open tears to title pages and large open tears to other leaves in vols. II and VI, affecting text and borders, repaired in part with paper. Open tear affecting text on one leaf of vol. III. Worming affecting text to some vols. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings in several places. Handwritten inscriptions and stamps (some particularly large). New bindings.
There were two printings of the first edition, with minor variations. The first printing was published in 1861, with the printer's device on the title pages. The second printing was published in 1862, using copies of the first printing, with new title pages which do not feature the printer's device.