Maor VaShemesh on the Torah, two parts, by Rebbe Kalonymus Kalman HaLevi Epstein of Kraków. [Breslau, 1842]. First edition. On both title pages, false imprints: "Printed by Rebbetzin Yehudit Rabinstein in 1785". Some of the approbations are dated 1842.
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 one volume. [2], 144 leaves; [1], 145-277, [2] leaves. Approx. 21.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears to several leaves, some repaired with paper, with occasional loss of text. Photocopy replacements of several words to two leaves. Tears to title page, slightly affecting border, repaired with paper and photocopy replacements. Signature, stamps and a few glosses. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 307.
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 both title pages, with entirely false imprints: "Printed by Rebbetzin Yehudit Rabinstein in 1785".