"Order of prayers for the whole year according to the Arizal Nusach", with "the meaning of the words according to the Kavanot of the Arizal", two parts, by HaAdmor HaZaken, Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi (Lyady), the Baal HaTanya. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, a prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, 1816. First edition of Maamarei HaSiddur - discourses pertaining to the Siddur (Siddur im Dach).
The prayer rite in this siddur, the anthology of laws and the two Chassidic essays (HaKol Kol Yaakov and He'ara LeTikun Chatzot) were composed by the Baal HaTanya, and printed in his lifetime in several editions (see following article). This is the first edition containing his essays on the meaning of the words of the prayers according to Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings, which did not appear in preceding editions. These essays are based on discourses delivered mainly on Shabbat eves, before his sons and several elite disciples, recorded and brought to print by his son R. Dov Ber Shneuri, known as the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch (Lyubavichi). This siddur is known amongst Chabad followers as Siddur im Dach (Divrei Elokim Chaim – words of the Living G-d).
Some of the discourses were recorded and edited by R. Dov Ber in his style, with the addition of explanations and expansions, and some of the essays are a verbatim transcription of his father's words, without any of his own additions, "his words as they are, without any additions or omissions". In his foreword, R. Dov Ber describes the system of recording his father's discourses. He writes about the discourses which he edited and expanded upon, how he reviewed them time and again, to ensure they are understandable and accessible to all ages, whilst the discourses transcribed verbatim, regarding the meaning of the words of the prayers, from HaShamayim MeSaprim until VaYevarech David, were edited by the Rebbe himself, who was delighted with them, as they are written concisely yet contain much for those who comprehend what they allude to.
A large portion of the essays printed in the siddur are discourses on the Zohar said by the Baal HaTanya regularly on Shabbat eves. His son writes regarding these discourses that it is plainly obvious that the Rebbe benefitted from divine inspiration, revealing to him the hidden realms of the Torah (foreword to Biurei HaZohar, Kopust, 1816).
The printer and editor, R. Yisrael Yoffe (1740?-1828), was a prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, who exchanged profound correspondence with his teacher on topics of service of G-d. In his later years, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, settling in Hebron. His grandson, R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (a disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek) described him as an eminent Torah scholar, a great Chassid and one of the first Chassidim attached to the Baal HaTanya.
The Baal HaTanya entrusted R. Yisrael Yoffe with one of the editions of the siddur for publishing, with oral and written instructions. The latter described this prominent siddur in the title page as "underwent meticulous and precise proofing".
Two volumes. Part I: [2], 104; 54 leaves. 23 cm. Part II: 68; 99 leaves. 24 cm. Fine copy, with wide margins. Mostly printed on light-blueish paper. Most of the leaves in good condition. Several leaves in fair condition. Stains. Dark stains to several leaves. Marginal open tears to the title page of part I, slightly affecting text on the top corner, professionally restored. Marginal tears to title page of part II, professionally restored. Holes and minor tears to several leaves, partly repaired (in one instance with minor damage to text). Tears to other leaves, repaired. New leather bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 409.