Bidspirit auction | Manuscript: Sefer HaChakirah by the

Manuscript: Sefer HaChakirah by the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch Superb and Important Version Circa 1850/1860 * A 153-page manuscript of Sefer HaChakirah, a 3-part work containing a deep philosophical investigation of the foundations of faith, composed by the Admor Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of Lubavitch, known as the Tzemach Tzedek. According to the Rebbe Rayatz, the work was written for the famous Rabbinical Conference held in Petersburg in 1843, where the Rabbanim tried to influence the Russian government not to implement changes in Jewish life (such as abolishing the cheiders and establishing schools in their place), contrary to the efforts of the Maskilim (Jewish Enlightenment adherents). The work was first printed only about seventy years after its writing, under the title Derech Emunah, Poltava 1912. It was reprinted by the Rebbe in 1955, and again in 2007 with an introduction. The Tzemach Tzedek's practice was to improve and add to his writings, resulting in several different editions of the sefer over time. The present manuscript is from one of the early editions of the work and does not contain the corrections and additions that the Tzemach Tzedek added in later editions. This manuscript has a superior nusach compared to most known manuscripts, and includes a long passage (nearly 20 lines) that is not found in the printed version! (Leaves 43b - 44a) Several pages contain corrections and annotations in different handwriting. Circa 1850/1860. Written during the lifetime of the Tzemach Tzedek. Page Count: [153] written sides (out of [77] total leaves). Size: 21.3 cm. Condition: Fair-poor; many holes throughout the sefer. In several pages, part of the text is very faded. Creases in several pages. New cloth binding. Attached is a lengthy article by Rabbi Yehuda Zeibald, who determines, based on a comparison of 18 different manuscripts of the work, that this manuscript is of great importance, and that for a new edition of the sefer it is recommended to rely on this manuscript as well, due to its importance and superior nusach.