Or HaGanuz – First Edition – Segulah Book – Lviv, 1866

Or HaGanuz – First Edition – Segulah Book – Lviv, 1866
Or HaGanuz, novellae on the Torah according to allegoric, kabbalistic and Chassidic approaches, with a second part – VeZot LiYehuda, novellae on Mishnayot "according to allegoric and kabbalistic approaches, lofty secrets", by R. Yehuda Leib HaKohen of Anipoli (Hannopil). Lviv, 1866. First edition.
The book bears approbations of great Chassidic leaders, including the only approbation to a book ever issued by the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Another approbation, by R. Mordechai of Chernobyl (the Maggid of Chernobyl), extols the segulah and protective qualities of the book: "Every person should purchase this holy book for merit and excellent protection for himself and his descendants". His holy sons – R. Aharon of Chernobyl, R. Avraham of Trisk (Turiisk) and R. David of Tolna – also mention in their approbations the segulah for protection that their father described. In the publisher's foreword, the author's grandson likewise cites the protective qualities of the book.
The author, R. Yehuda Leib HaKohen of Anipoli (d. 1807, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 33-34), was a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. According to one source, he was previously a disciple of the Vilna Gaon. He was ostensibly one of the four disciples who were at the side of the Maggid at the time of his death (together with R. Avraham HaMalach, the Baal HaTanya and R. Zusha of Anipoli). He and his friend R. Zusha of Anipoli were approached by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi to grant their approbation to the Tanya. At the time of printing, Or HaGanuz received enthusiastic approbations from prominent Chassidic leaders of the time, including the only book approbation ever given by Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, the Tzemach Tzedek. The book was also accorded approbations by R. Mordechai of Chernobyl and his holy sons – R. Aharon of Chernobyl, R. Avraham of Turiisk and R. David of Tolna, and by his nephew R. Yitzchak Yaakov of Makariv, as well as approbations by R. Chaim of Sanz and R. Yitzchak Meir of Ger, the Chiddushei HaRim.
Stamps of R. Menachem Mendel Lewi of Jerusalem on the title page. On the front endpaper – stamp of R. Shlomo Telingtor's bookshop in Jerusalem (a prominent Chassid of Boyan). Ownership inscriptions on the back endpapers.
Two parts in one volume. Part I: [1], 12; 84 leaves; Part II (separate title page): 33 leaves. 25 cm. Thin, high-quality paper. Good condition. Stains. Lower part of title page reinforced with paper. Old binding, worn.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 21.