Yismach Lev (Part II of Meor Einayim), commentary on Aggadot and Midrashim (following the order of the Talmudic tractates), by Rebbe Menachem Nachum [Twersky] of Chernobyl. Slavita: [R. Moshe Shapira, 1798]. First edition.
Two books by R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl – Yismach Lev and Meor Einayim – were published in Slavita in 1798. The second edition of Yismach Lev was published in Zhovkva in 1800. The second edition of Meor Einayim, published in Polonne [1810], includes the book Yismach Lev (under the single title Meor Einayim), as did most later editions.
The maggid R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl (1730-1798; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 168-175) was one of the founders of Chassidut and the progenitor of the Chernobyl dynasty. He studied directly from the Baal Shem Tov and was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. He served as maggid in Norynsk, Pohrebyshche and Chernobyl. He acceded to his disciples' entreaties to print his teachings and delegated the task to his disciple R. Eliyahu son of R. Zev Wolf Katz, instructing him to publish his writings in the "fine and exceptional printing press established in Slavita…" (the printing press of R. Moshe Shapira, then in its early years).
[1], 34 leaves. 18.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings (repaired with paper and photocopy or handwritten replacement of missing text). Tears and worming (primarily to final leaves), slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. Two detached leaves. New leather binding.
Variant. The typography of the title page and upper ornament of the title page border differ from other copies.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 237.