Two manuscripts produced by several copyists (Chabad "bichelach"), transcripts of Chassidic discourses, mostly delivered by Rebbe Shmuel Schneersohn of Lubavitch (Maharash), in 1871-1873. Lubavitch (Lyubavichi), [before Tishrei 1882].
Most of the discourses in these manuscripts were delivered by Rebbe Maharash, and several discourses were given by his father, Rebbe Menachem Mendel – the Tzemach Tzedek, and his grandfather, R. Dov Ber Shneuri – the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch.
The first manuscript was produced during the lifetime of Rebbe Maharash (no later than Tishrei 1882), since Rebbe Maharash is mentioned in it as amongst the living. The manuscript was scribed in Lubavitch, as stated in one heading: "Shabbat Parashat Para, 1871, here Lubavitch".
The first manuscript opens with an index listing the discourses it contains. The discourses given by the Tzemach Tzedek are listed in the index as "by the late Rebbe".
The first three discourses in the first manuscript are transcribed from the book Derech Mitzvotecha, by the Tzemach Tzedek, which was still in manuscript at that time (the book was first printed in 1911). A transcript of Kitzur Tanya by the Tzemach Tzedek was included at the end of the manuscript.
The first manuscript contains most of the "Hemshech" discourses of the "VeHechrim 1871" series. The second manuscript, which is lacking many leaves, comprises many "Hemshech" discourses of the "Mayim Rabim 1876" series ("Hemshech" in Chabad terminology refers to a series of discourses discussing and clarifying kabbalistic and Chassidic topics, with each discourse a continuation of the previous one. Rebbe Maharash was the one who first developed this style of discourses).
Rebbe Shmuel Schneersohn – Maharash (1834-1882), fourth rebbe of the Chabad dynasty, was the youngest son of the Tzemach Tzedek. He was constantly in his father's presence. He succeeded his father as rebbe in 1866. He established his court in Lubavitch, while his brothers settled in Kopust, Liadi and Niazhyn. His discourses and "Hemshechim" are reputed for their sharpness and clarity, as well as for their brevity (compared to other rebbes of Chabad) and encompass a wide range of Kabbalistic works and Jewish philosophy. His many writings were published in the Likutei Torah – Torat Shmuel series. Maharash was very active in lobbying on behalf of his Jewish brethren in the Pale of Settlement, Russia, who suffered greatly from the incessant decrees of the Russian Tsars. He had a tremendous impact on his followers. He was extremely wise and knowledgeable in worldly matters, especially in medicine, and mastered several languages.
Ownership inscriptions on the first leaves of the first manuscript.
[236] leaves + [118] leaves (written on both sides). First manuscript lacking several leaves. Second manuscript lacking many leaves. Unbound leaves (placed in a ring binder). First manuscript: 22 cm. Second manuscript: 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming. Tears to first leaves of first manuscript.
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The Chabad "Bichel"
From ca. 1790 onwards, for close to one hundred and fifty years, the Chabad "bichel" was an integral part of Chabad life in Belarus (Reisin). Researcher and bibliographer R. Chaim Lieberman describes the development of the "bichel" and its distribution in one of his essays:
"…Chabad set up a system of copyists or writers ("schreiber" in Chabad terminology). First in Liozna, birthplace of Chabad Chassidut, then in Liadi… and later in Lubavitch… there the copyists sat and transcribed the teachings of the rebbe, which he had given over earlier to his Chassidim…
On Shabbatot and festivals, and occasionally on weekdays as well, the rebbe would deliver discourses to the Chassidim. After Shabbat and Yom Tov, the rebbe would give his own handwritten notes of the discourse to the main copyist. The latter would copy it, return the manuscript to the rebbe and keep the copy, of which he would then make further copies, and sell them to the Chassidim. If he did not manage to supply all the required copies, and the Chassidim were rushing to return to their towns, he would give a copy to the secondary copyist, who would also produce copies and sell them. A Chassid who could not afford to buy a copy would copy it himself.
Upon returning home with a new discourse, a chassid was met by the awaiting townspeople, and was compelled to allow them each to copy the discourse… A Chassid who over the course of time accumulated a significant number of discourses, would have them bound, and thus the "bichel" was born, and in this way, over the years, Chassidim would amass a library of Chassidic discourses…" (Ohel Rachel, III, p. 26).
Zalman Shazar, third president of the State of Israel, who came from a Chabad home, dedicated a special chapter in his memoirs to his father's library, and writes: "High up on the bookcase was a special bundle, containing unbound booklets of Dach (Divrei Elohim Chaim). These were booklets of Chassidic teachings, written by copyists, which my grandfather would bring back from the court of the Rebbe in Liadi, or the 'choizer' every year on his traditional visit, and my grandfather would study them with my father, while I sat and listened. How engraved in my heart were those glowing, gem-like letters..." (Kochvei Boker, pp. 9-16).