Or Olam – Fourth Light – HaDerech HaTov VehaYashar (the good and straight path), a long poem composed of good practices and laws, briefly summarizing the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch and the 613 commandments, by R. Meir Margolies, Rabbi of the Lviv region and Ostroh, author of Meir Netivim. Polonne, [1795]. First edition.
The Meir Netivim was a prolific author in both revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in halachah and in homily. After his passing, his writings were arranged and published by his sons. The series of books was entitled Or Olam: Responsa Meir Netivim – Or Olam, two parts – First Light and Second Light (Polonne, 1791-1792); Sod Yachin UBoaz – Or Olam, Third Light, his will with many profound kabbalistic and Chassidic matters (Ostroh, 1794); and this book, HaDerech HaTov VehaYashar, the Fourth Light of the Or Olam series.
This composition was written by the author in response to a request by his son R. Shaul Margolies that he briefly summarizes the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch. R. Meir wrote a long acrostic poem, in alphabetical order, forming also his name Meir and the name of his son Shaul. The poem contains all the laws and practices of the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch and the 613 commandments.
The author, R. Meir Margolies (1700/1708-1790), a prominent rabbi in his times, was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, even before the Baal Shem Tov became famous. R. Meir is considered a "colleague-disciple" of the Baal Shem Tov and mentions him in several places as "my teacher" and "my friend".
Signature and stamps on title page.
40 leaves. 21 cm. Bluish paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text on some leaves, repaired with paper (leaves professionally restored). Handwritten inscriptions. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 169.