Or Pnei Moshe, homiletics, ethics and Chassidic teachings on the Torah and Five Megillot, by R. Moshe Sofer Stam of Pshevorsk (Przeworsk). Mezeritch (Mezhirichi): Mordechai Katz and Naftali Hertz son of Aryeh Leib, [1810]. First edition.
Copy of Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Friedman of Shtefanesht (Stefáneşti), with his ink stamp (slightly faded) on the title page, depicting a lion in the center; an additional stamp of his (embossed) at the top of the title page.
The author was a great Chassidic leader in the generation of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and his brother R. Zusha of Anipoli, who held him in high esteem. The book bears many approbations extolling the great holiness of the book and its author, accorded by foremost Chassidic leaders such as R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Chozeh of Lublin, R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta and the Be'er Mayim Chaim.
The Chozeh of Lublin writes in his approbation: "…as a child, I subjected myself to his authority, and drank from his faithful waters, and I knew that all his matters were for the sake of Heaven only, to give satisfaction to G-d, and he was so elevated, that R. Moshe Alshech would appear to him…". Indeed, Or Pnei Moshe is based upon the teachings of R. Moshe Alshech, and it quotes him extensively, expounding upon his words. In their approbation (added to some copies of the book), the sons of R. Zusha of Anipoli quote a testimony from their great father, who described to them how the author composed this book, having observed him while he was studying, "and his appearance resembled that of a heavenly angel, and while he was writing his holy book, a tongue of flame would rise from his holy written words".
R. Moshe of Pshevorsk (1720?-1806) was renowned amongst the great Chassidic leaders as a supremely holy and pure Torah scribe. Tefillin and mezuzot he scribed were deemed exceptionally holy, and some were preserved from generation to generation with particular care. Reputedly, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk attested that he saw King David standing beside R. Moshe, and they thereafter became acquainted (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, p. 303). In a letter from R. Moshe to R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, he writes to him that the price of his tefillin is one red-gulden, yet he is unable to keep up with the demand. Many traditions and legends were recorded regarding this matter.
The rebbe of Shtefanest, Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Friedman (1848-1933, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 131-132), famous tzadik and wonder-worker. He was the son of Rebbe Nachum of Shtefanesht, son of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. He succeeded his father at the age of 21, and under his leadership, Shtefanesht grew to be an important Chassidic center. He served as rebbe for over 60 years. He was re-interred in Eretz Israel in the Nachalat Yitzchak cemetery, and his gravesite serves until this day as a pilgrimage destination for prayer and salvation.
Handwritten inscription on the title page: "Yeshaya son-in-law of R. Chaim M[--??]".
[2], 240 leaves. 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains, and dark stains to several leaves. Tears, including minor open tears (minor tear to title page), affecting text, repaired in part with tape. Minor worming, slightly affecting text. Abrasions and minor defects to several leaves, affecting text. Leaves trimmed with slight damage to text in several places. Inscriptions. New leather binding.
Without two additional leaves of approbations (leaves 3-4), added to some copies after the printing.