Bidspirit auction | The First Sefer to Mention

The First Sefer to Mention the Baal Shem Tov! Published by Rabbi Yaakov Emden Altona, 1769 * A collection of writings published by Rabbi Yaakov Emden (the Yaavetz), among them the section titled Ma'aseh Nora B'Padolia - an account of the rabbinic debate with the Frankists (followers of a Sabbatean religious movement) in the presence of priests in Kaminitz - Podolski. Among his words, Rabbi Emden includes a reference to the participation of the Baal Shem Tov in the debate. This description by the Yaavetz is the earliest printed mention of the Baal Shem Tov in the world. The Yaavetz presents this account under the heading ”Ma’aseh Nora B'Padolia” - ”An Awesome Event in Podolia”, based on the testimony of a reliable eyewitness who was personally present. Among his words, he mentions the Rabbanim who participated in the debate (leaf 29b): ”From among the Jews, there were chosen: the Chief Rabbi of Lemberg, Rabbi Chaim Rappaport; Rabbi Yisrael of Mezhibuzh, the Baal Shem; the Rav of Rozdil [Rabbi Nosson Nota Ashkenazi, Av Beis Din of Rozdil]; and Rabbi Ber, Rav of Yazlovitz” [this being Rabbi Yitzchak Dov Ber Margolios, Av Beis Din of Yazlovitz, among the earliest disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, along with his brother, the author of Meir Nesivim]. The Baal Shem Tov is referenced again (leaf 30a) by the acronym רי”שמ — Rabbi Yisrael of Mezhibuzh. This testimony constitutes the earliest and most primary record of the holy Baal Shem Tov’s participation in the debate against the Frankists. The Baal Shem Tov and the Yaavetz In numerous Chassidic sources, it is recorded that the Baal Shem Tov held the  Yaavetz in great esteem. In the approbation by the sons of the holy Rebbe of Sanz to the Yaavetz's Eitz Avos, they write that the Baal Shem Tov once said to Rabbi Efraim, brother of the Yaavetz: “Although your brother is counted among the misnagdim, nonetheless he is constantly cleaving to the upper worlds.” In Tzror HaChaim (Bilgoray 1913, section on the Baal Shem Tov, letter 56), Rabbi Chaim Lieberson writes: ‘The Chacham Tzvi had five sons, and regarding all of them, the Baal Shem Tov said that the spirit of holiness rested upon them. Of one in particular he expressed profound praise, though he did not reveal who he meant. Yet the chassidim said he referred to the holy gaon, the Yaavetz.” It is known that the Baal Shem Tov addressed a halachic inquiry to Rabbi Meir, Av Beis Din of Konstantin, the son of the Yaavetz (Shu”t Mayim Chaim, Zhitomir 1857, §21). The great figures of Chassidus - the holy Rebbe of Apta, Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, and Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin - all gave their approbation to the Yaavetz's sefer Biras Migdal Oz. Contents of the Sefer: Sefer HaPedus VeHaPurkan – Chapter 8 from Emunos VeDei'os by Rabbi Sa'adiah Gaon Iggeres Teiman by the Rambam – with introduction and notes by the Yaavetz Ma'amar Techiyas HaMeisim – with introduction and notes by the Yaavetz A tale of a wealthy man who became impoverished and regained his wealth Ma'aseh Nora B'Padolia (leaves 27a–30b) Altona, 1769. First edition, published by the Yaavetz [printed in his own home]. With the signature and stamp of Rabbi Azriel Hildesheimer. Page Count: 30 leaves. Size: 15.5 cm. Condition: Good, with new binding. Bibliography: Stefansky, Sifrei Chassidus, p. 4. On the Baal Shem Tov’s participation in the debate, see: Gedaliah David Oberlander, Hishtatfuso Shel HaBaal Shem Tov BaVikuach Neged HaFrankistim, Heichal HaBaal Shem Tov 28, pp. 155–164 Rabbi Yechezkel Salomon, HaChassidus VeHaMa’aracha Neged HaFrankistim, Nachalas Tzvi 8, pp. 66–75.