Bidspirit auction | Amud HaAvodah, by Rebbi Baruch

Amud HaAvodah, by Rebbi Baruch of Kosov. First Edition, Czernowitz, 1854 - Sefer Amud HaAvodah, an exposition of fundamental concepts in Kabbalah, by Rebbi Baruch of Kosov. First Edition. Czernowitz, 1854. With approbations from leading Hasidic masters, including Rebbi Menachem Mendel of Premishlan and Rebbi Moshe of Sambor. The author, Rebbi Baruch of Kosow (d. 1782), served as a maggid mesharim in Kosow. He was renowned for his eloquence and for his exceptional ability to explain abstract Kabbalistic concepts and the foundations of Jewish faith. In his writings he preserves teachings and principles from the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezeritch, and their disciples. In this work, Rebbi Baruch elucidates numerous concepts in Kabbalah in a systematic and accessible manner, following the approach of the kabbalist Rabbi Joseph Ergas in his celebrated work Shomer Emunim (first printed in Amsterdam, 1736). The present volume may be viewed as a continuation of Shomer Emunim, and much of the book is structured as a dialogue, mirroring the format of that earlier work. In his approbation, Rebbi Menachem Mendel of Premishlan, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, writes concerning the author: “He was with me in close company for several days and explained to me various teachings from the writings of the Ari, clarifying them thoroughly so that the concepts could be understood free of all corporeal associations. His words entered my heart and were exceedingly pleasing to me... It appears to me that these are indeed among the principal foundations of the Torah and of true faith, giving honor to the Lord our God...”  [2], 5–6, 204 leaves. 23-24 cm. Stefansky, Chassidut 464.