Noam Elimelech, Chassidic essays on the Torah, by R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. New York: Shulsinger Bros., [1942]. Title page printed in red and black.

Following the title page is a letter of approbation given by Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, to the publisher Rabbi Osias Wagschal (9th Shevat 1941): "Regarding the printing of the holy book Noam Elimelech, it is certainly a very noble thing and surely the number of buyers will increase, and it will bring them protection and success… It is appropriate to make an elegant introduction" (Hebrew; printed in Igrot HaKodesh by the Rayatz, V, letter 1367).

The present letter of approbation is printed on a full page (There are other copies of the book, in which this approbation was printed in a reduced size, on the upper-right side of the page).

Noam Elimelech is one of the first Chassidic books, and is considered until this day to be one of the fundamental works of Chassidut. The book contains essential parts of the doctrine of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk on Chassidut, purity of thought and attachment to G-d.

A tradition attributed to the Baal HaTanya, holds the Tanya to be a "book of the Beinoni'im", and the Noam Elimelech a "book of Tzadikim" (see: Sefer Or Yekarot, I, Jerusalem 1998, p. 250).

Since its publishing, the book was deemed sacred to all, and it was reprinted in numerous editions (until 1982, it had been printed in over 50 editions, and since then in dozens more). Many keep the book as a Segulah, and some special miniature format editions were published to serve as amulets for protection and success. Many put it at the head of an ill person's bed as a Segulah for a speedy recovery and to be saved from any misfortune. The book is known also to be a Segulah for women experiencing difficult labor.

[7] ff., 231 pp. 28 cm. Good condition. Browning in some leaves. Minor marginal tears to some leaves. Stamp of Rabbi Yehoshua Weinberger to final page. Elegant, new, leather binding (with embossed crown and lions; book's name embossed in gilt letters on the spine).

PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.