Midrash Rabbah with the Commentary of the Holy Tzaddik of Ziditshov – First Edition. Complete Set. A Segulah for ...

Midrash Rabbah with the Commentary of the Holy Tzaddik of Ziditshov – First Edition. Complete Set. A Segulah for Protection

Sefer Midrash Rabbah on the Five Books of the Torah and the Five Megillot, with the commentary Peirush Mahari”A by the holy Rebbe Rabbi Yitzchak Eizik of Ziditshov. Lviv, 1874–1875 (תרל"ד–תרל"ה). First edition.

On the title page it is noted: "Peirush Mahari”A… according to the esoteric method, based on the depths of Kabbalistic secrets." It is famously taught in the name of the Vilna Gaon that Kabbalistic writings are the "revealed within the hidden"—meaning, while clearly dealing with the esoteric, their nature is somewhat accessible. However, the Midrashim are considered the "hidden within the hidden"—presented as simple narratives and allegories, yet concealing within them the deepest mystical truths. This commentary offers a rare, Kabbalistic exposition of Midrashim by one of the greatest Kabbalists among the Chassidic leaders.

Volume I contains an introduction by the author's six sons and sons-in-law, who write:

"Draw and take for yourselves the blessing of Heaven into your homes, and it shall be for you a protection, a sign of blessing and merit. May the merit of our master and father of blessed memory protect you and your children..."

Stefansky, Chassidut No. 336

Presented here are all four parts in two volumes:

Part I – Bereshit: [4], 136 leaves. Bound with:

Part II – Shemot, Vayikra: [2], 67; 54 [1] leaves.

Part III – Bamidbar, Devarim: [2], 91, 26 leaves. Bound with:

Part IV – Five Megillot: [2], 136 leaves.

Size: 36 cm.

Condition: Good. Aging stains. Repaired defect on the title page of the third part. Worn bindings.

Rabbi Yitzchak Eizik Eichenstein of Ziditshov (1805–1873), was the second Rebbe in the Ziditshov dynasty. Son of Rabbi Yissachar Berish of Ziditshov, he was the leading disciple of his uncle, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Ziditshov—the founder of the Chassidic court. He began serving as Rebbe in 1855 at the behest of Rabbi Yisroel of Ruzhin. He was widely renowned for his greatness in Torah and Chassidus, and under his leadership the Ziditshov Chassidus expanded greatly.

Following the tradition of his uncle and dynasty, he immersed himself deeply in the Zohar and the teachings of Kabbalah, particularly according to the Arizal. His works were composed along these mystical lines. Many flocked to his court, including leading rabbis and rebbes. Among his foremost disciples was Rabbi Yosef Meir Weiss of Spinka, founder of the Spinka dynasty.

He stood out as one of the great Chassidic rebbes to walk firmly in the path of the Arizal’s Kabbalah. Due to the tremendous reverence he inspired—and the fact that many Chassidic leaders were his disciples—the customs of Ziditshov spread to other Chassidic dynasties, including Tosh, Koson, Spinka, Komarna, and Kaliv. Melodies originating from Ziditshov also found their way into the courts of Belz and Munkatch.

This first edition set is not only a cornerstone of Chassidic-Kabbalistic literature, but is also traditionally regarded as a powerful segulah for protection and blessing.

The holy and awe-inspiring Rabbi Yitzchak Eizik of Ziditshov, of blessed memory (1805–1873), was one of the greatest tzaddikim of his generation. He was a devoted disciple of his illustrious uncles—the holy Rabbi Tzvi of Ziditshov, author of Ateres Tzvi, and the holy Rabbi Moshe of Sambor. These spiritual giants spoke in wondrous terms about the exalted sanctity of his soul, regarding him as a soul of supreme holiness. His name became renowned throughout the Jewish world, revered by the righteous of the generation who honored and remembered him with awe.

His sacred court became a spiritual center that drew thousands and tens of thousands from across towns and regions, all seeking to drink from the wellsprings of his Torah, receive blessings, and experience salvation. His blessings and deeds brought about miraculous salvations, and he was counted among the foremost miracle workers of his time.

A remarkable testimony was left by his prominent disciple, the holy Rabbi Yosef of Spinka, author of Imrei Yosef, who recounted with wonder the powerful segulah found in his teacher’s holy manuscripts:

“Once, my Rebbe placed my kvittel inside his sacred handwritten sefer and said in his pure words: ‘From here, anyone can receive salvation—in children, life, and sustenance.’”