Bidspirit auction | Collection of Editions of Chovot

Collection of Editions of Chovot ha-Levavot, 1774-1852. Approbations of the Kedushat Levi, R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg, & the Chiddushei HaRim. - 1. Sefer Ḥovot ha-Levavot Frankfurt an der Oder, 1774. Printed by Grillo. With a rare approbation from Rebbi Shmuel Shmelke HaLevi Horowitz Av Beit Din of Nikolsburg, signed “a passing traveler in the holy community of Zelichov, ” and an approbation of the holy Rebbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, given while he was Av Beit Din of Zelichov. As is known, Rebbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg influenced the young Rebbi Levi Yitzchak to come to the Maggid of Mezritch, where he spent several years under the Maggid’s influence and studied Hasidism. Here we have approbations from both of these leading Hasidic figures. The approbation of Rebbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev—given in 1772, when he was 32 years old, and written in Zelichov—is of particular historical significance. There is scholarly debate and uncertainty regarding the precise period of Rebbi Levi Yitzchak’s rabbinate in Zelichov. It is known that he initially served as rabbi of Ritchvol, but under pressure from opponents of Chasidism he was forced to leave; afterward he served as rabbi in Zelichov, then in Pinsk, and finally, from 1785 as rabbi of Berditchev, by which name he became famous. However, there is uncertainty as to when he left Zelichov under such pressure. The present approbation proves that in 1772 he was still in Zelichov, contradicting the view that he had already moved to Pinsk in 1771. [4], 40 leaves. Printing not completed! 20 cm. 2. Sefer Ḥovot ha-Levavot. Brünn (Brno), 1797. [1], 187 leaves. Rare! Ownership inscriptions of R. Hirsch Gottlieb and Malka Gottlieb. Signature of Rabbi Baruch Tzvi HaKohen of Moshkowitz, Av Beit Din of Paks. 3. Sefer Torat Ḥovat ha-Levavot. Warsaw, 1852. [1], 114; [1], 94; [3] leaves. 4. Sefer Simḥat Levav – Torat Ḥovat ha-Levavot, with the commentary Pat Leḥem. Warsaw, 1850. With approbations of the holy Rebbi Yeshayah of Moskat of Praga and the Chiddushei HaRim of Gur. 216 leaves. Stamps of the Beit Midrash Sha‘arei Tziyon at the Churvat R. Yehudah HeHasid.