Bidspirit auction | Sefer Noam Elimelech. Second Edition.

Sefer Noam Elimelech. Second Edition. Shklov, 1790 - Sefer Noam Elimelech, Chassidic discourses on the Torah by Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, with Likutei Shoshana and ”Igeret HaKodesh.” [Shklov, circa 1790, printed by Aryeh Leib ben Shneur Feibush]. Second edition. Title page and an additional leaf are missing and were artistically restored via facsimile. A rare edition of the book 'Noam Elimelech', printed in Shklov, likely between the years 1789–1794. This edition is notable for the hinted mention of the printing location and printer's name. The title page appears to be an adaptation of the first edition, including the names of the initial sponsors (omitting the printing location and printer’s name). However, upon closer examination, small circles above certain letters reveal the words ”Shklov, Aryeh Leib b’ShP” [=ben Shneur Feibush]. Noam Elimelech is one of the earliest and most foundational works of Chassidut, still regarded as a cornerstone of Chassidic teachings. The sacred words of this work were written by Rabbi Elimelech’s son, Rabbi Elazar, who presented them to his father, receiving his blessing for publication. The book encapsulates the central principles of Rabbi Elimelech's Chassidic philosophy, focusing on purity of thought and deep attachment to G-d. Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk had five prominent disciples through whom Chassidut spread to all of Israel: the ”Seer” of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel of Apt, Rabbi Isaac of Kaliv, and Rabbi Mendel of Rimanov. This book has been reprinted in numerous editions. Many hold it as a segulah (spiritual remedy), and special miniature editions have been printed to serve as protective amulets for success and safety. It is customary to place the book near the head of a sick person as a segulah for recovery and protection from harm. The book is also known for its efficacy in assisting women with difficult childbirths. In several maternity wards of Jewish hospitals worldwide, copies of Noam Elimelech (encased in velvet pouches) are placed in birthing rooms as a segulah for an easy delivery. This segulah is already mentioned in *Shulchan Melachim* by Rabbi Moshe Zvi Landa of Kleinwardein, who writes in his laws concerning childbirth: ”It has become customary to place a book wrapped in a cloth under the head of a woman in labor — and they customarily use the sacred book Noam Elimelech and the holy book Or HaChochma” (p. 38/2–39/1, Bergszas edition, 1931). The Hebrew Bibliographic Project notes that the copies they examined lacked the title page. The title page has been artistically restored. The following leaf (not numbered), containing the son of the author’s apology, is original and spans two full pages (!). The text begins with an artistically restored facsimile of leaf 1 (leaf 2 was not printed, likely due to a pagination error). The remaining text continues from leaf 3 to the end. Contents: unnumbered leaf, 3–89, 70–97, 19 leaves. 21 cm. Condition: Good. The book has undergone professional restoration. In many leaves, the edges of the margins have been completed without affecting the text, except for 2 leaves at the end. Bound in a new, luxurious leather binding. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 375.