Shenei Luchot HaBrit (Shelah), by R. Yeshaya HaLevi Horowitz. Amsterdam: Immanual son of Joseph Athias, 1698. Engraved title page (by Avraham son of Yaakov HaGer).
Shenei Luchot HaBrit contains many halachic novellae, Kabbalistic principles, homiletics and ethics, and incorporates all realms of the Torah. The book was received with awe throughout the Jewish world, and its teachings are quoted in the books of leading poskim and kabbalists. Many renowned Chassidic leaders were extraordinarily devoted to the study of the books of the Shelah.
This edition of the Shelah was printed in Amsterdam in 1698, birth year of the Baal Shem Tov, and Chassidic lore ties these two events.
Signature of R. Yosef Tzvi Salant of Jerusalem (author of Be'er Yosef) and other inscriptions (some deleted) on both title pages. Handwritten emendations. Several handwritten glosses and emendations on pp. 1a and 318a. Signature on p. 158a.
[4], 422; 44; [12] leaves. 29.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears, including open tears to both title pages (open tears along margins of first title page, slightly affecting engraving), repaired with paper. Tears and worming, affecting text in several places, repaired in part with paper and tape. Stamp. Handwritten inscriptions. New binding, incorporating old binding, with damage and wear.