Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art

Sefer Kreti U-Pleti - Altona, 1763 - First Edition - Signature of Rebbe Meir of Premishlan

Opening: $35,000
Sold for: $43,750
Including buyer's premium
Sefer Kreti U-Pleti, on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah [with text], by R. Yehonatan Eibeschutz. Altona, [1763]. First edition. The only composition of R. Yehonatan Eibeschutz printed during his lifetime.
Signature on title page: "Meir Beharav" - the holy signature of Rebbe Meir of Premishlan (Peremyshliany), who occasionally signed his name in this manner. [Additional signature on the title page: "Levi Yitzchak ---"].
The holy R. Meir of Premishlan (1783-1850, Otzar HaRabbanim 12948; Encyclopedia of Hassidism, III, 49-51), is considered as one of the greatest Chassidic luminaries. He was the son of R. Aharon Leib of Premishlan and grandson of "R. Meir HaGadol of Premishlan", disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov. He was a disciple of R. Mordechai of Kremenets [son of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov], and was also closely associated with the Seer of Lublin. He was renowned not only for intelligence and foresight, but also for his divine inspiration, and many stories of wonder and salvation are attributed to him. He was also known for his exceptional philanthropy and generously distributed funds for charity without leaving anything for himself; he would not go to sleep before designating all the charity funds which were in his possession. He was exceptionally admired even by non-Chassidic rabbis. After his passing, he was eulogized with great honor by R. Shlomo Kluger (who was not a Chassid) who referred to him as: "The virtuous, righteous and exalted holy man… and I have merited seeing his divine image twice".
[3], 34, [5], 5-165 leaves. 31 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear to the margins, repaired with paper. Worming and several tears. Tear to the title page, repaired with paper. Damaged leather binding.
Expert authorization confirming authenticity of signature as that of R. Meir of Premishlan enclosed.
Signatures - Chassidism
Signatures - Chassidism