Two kabbalistic works bound together – Sefer Tzioni, kabbalistic commentary on the Torah portions, by R. Menachem Tzion son of R. Meir of Speyer. Lviv, 1882. Bound with: Me'ah Kesitah and the Yemin Hashem essay, one of ten essays composed by the Rema of Fano; with Tikkunei Teshuvah, by the disciples of the Arizal. [Lviv, 1892 – copy lacking title page]. Approbation by Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam to second book.
Handwritten ownership inscription on the title page of the first book, attesting that the book belongs to Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam. Stamps on title page and leaves of first book: "Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, rabbi of Shinova". Both books contain many stamps of his son: "Shalom Halberstam son of the Rebbe of Shinova". Many inscriptions on the endpapers, including scribbles and pen trials in German. Marginal glosses and emendations (presumably handwritten by their descendant Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Lipschitz-Halberstam of Stropkov, Jerusalem).
The first Shinover Rebbe, R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam (1815-1898), rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa) and author of Divrei Yechezkel, eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and son-in-law of R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz of Vishnitsa‎, author of Aryeh D'Vei Ilai (son-in-law of R. Moshe Teitelbaum, author of Yismach Moshe). An outstanding Torah scholar, he was well versed in all realms of Torah, Kabbalah, Halachah and Chassidut. His father, the Divrei Chaim, held him in high regard and respected him exceedingly, and mentions his son's exceptional truthfulness in several of his responsa: "My eldest son, rabbi of Shinova, was by me recently, and he related to me... and I consider his testimony to be very reliable, since I know he would not be deceitful for anything in the world" (Responsa Divrei Chaim, II, Orach Chaim, section 2). He was venerated in his role as rabbi and rebbe already during his father's lifetime. Progenitor of important Chassidic dynasties, with many of his sons and grandsons serving as rabbis and rebbes in various cities already in his lifetime. Holy and pure from his youth, he was a close disciple of leading rebbes of his times. He was renowned as a wonder-worker, and would give out his objects as a segulah for protection and salvation.
His cherished son, Rebbe (Avraham) Shalom Halberstam (1855-1940), the Divrei Shalom of Stropkov. He was the youngest son of the Divrei Yechezkel, who would acclaim him for "his very holy and supremely lofty soul". R. Shalom was born from his father's fourth marriage, and the latter would say that he was able to effect salvations, since he was born in holiness, in accordance with the words of the Tana D'Vei Eliyahu (Zuta, chapter III), that one who marries for the sake of Heaven would have sons who would save the Jewish people in times of trouble (Rabbenu HaKadosh MiSanz, II, p. 190). He served as rabbi and rebbe of Stropkov, and was the first rebbe of the Stropkov Chassidic dynasty. His court was always teeming with Chassidim and thousands came to seek his blessings. He was reputed for his wonderworks.
[4], 82 leaves; [1], 72 leaves (lacking title page of second book). 24.5 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Large open tear to title page of first book, affecting text. Closed and open tears to several leaves, affecting text. Worming to final leaves and binding. Original binding, worn and damaged.