Two books by R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rovne, one of the first disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch. First editions, printed in Minkovitz (Mynkivtsi), 1803.
1. Yesod Yosef, allusions and numerical values of the Holy Names and the Sefirot, with kabbalistic homilies. Minkovitz: Menachem Mendel son of Avraham, [1803]. First edition.
[4], 9, 11-88, [1] leaves. 19.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Minor wear. Tears to title page, repaired. Worming, affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Inscriptions. Stamps. New leather binding.
2. Likutei Yosef, novellae on Talmudic topics. Minkovitz: Menachem Mendel son of Avraham, [1803]. First edition.
[1], 12, 15-26 leaves. Lacking leaves 13-14. 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including large dampstains and mold stains. Marginal open tears to several leaves, repaired in part with paper. Stamps and inscriptions. New leather binding.
The author, R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rovne (d. 1800; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 149-150), a holy kabbalist, disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and of R. Michel of Zlotchov. R. Yosef was amongst the elite and initial disciples of R. Dov Ber, Maggid of Mezeritch, while the latter still served as maggid in Rovne, and he was the one who brought him from Tortchin (Torchyn) to Rovne, with the assistance of his father-in-law R. Aharon Rabbi of Rovne, to serve as maggid. In a letter R. Zusha of Anipoli sent the Chozeh of Lublin in praise of R. Yosef, he wrote: "…regarding the renowned, righteous man, who is astute and erudite, the outstanding Torah scholar R. Yosef… he was already asked to serve as rabbi in several communities, yet he declined… since it would take time away from his Torah study and prayers. And I know him, that he is accustomed to sitting in seclusion, delving in Torah, prayer, Chassidut and asceticism. My brother, the holy R. Elimelech, cherished him greatly, and he also told me… that in the Higher spheres, he saw him clothed in white…".
Stefansky Chassidut, nos. 232, 280.