Bidspirit auction | Extremely Rare: Megillas Rus with

Extremely Rare: Megillas Rus with the Kabbalistic Commentary Tzaddik Yesod Olam – Koritz, circa 1800 * Sefer Tzaddik Yesod Olam, containing Megillas Rus surrounded by a deep Kabbalistic commentary based on the teachings of the Arizal. The sefer was especially cherished in chassidic communities, and the Ohr HaMeir of Zhitomir writes regarding it: “One who understands it — his heart will comprehend and grasp the wonders of the Creator” (in his commentary Moreh B’Omek on Rus within Ohr HaMeir). Likewise, Rabbi Yisrael of Pikov, son of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, mentions this work several times in his sefer Likkutei Maharin. The sefer was first printed in Polonnoye in 1791 within the sefer Har Adnei (named after the city Horodnia). Yudlov notes in the catalog Ginzei Yisrael that the Koritz edition contains “additions and slight changes.” The sefer was later reprinted within the sefer Sha’ar HaYichudim (Lvov 1855), which was printed at the directive of the Admor Rabbi Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura. On the reverse of the title page, it is written regarding Tzaddik Yesod Olam: “יסודתו בהררי קדש” – “Its foundation is in the holy mountains” — a poetic expression originating from Tehillim, praising the sefer as being founded upon lofty and holy spiritual sources. An exceptionally rare sefer. Koritz, circa 1800. The title page bears the name of Tsar Alexander Pavlovich, who came to power in that year. Page Count: [19] leaves. Size : Approx. 17 cm. Condition : Good to fair, with restorations on several leaves. New binding. Bibliography : Ginzei Yisrael (Mehlmann collection), no. 1083. In recent generations, discussion has arisen regarding the identity of the author, whose name does not appear in the sefer. Some claim that he was a Sabbatean kabbalist who composed the work based on the teachings of Rabbi Yisrael Saruk, the Arizal. However, in a new edition of the sefer printed less than two years ago, approbations were included from leading contemporary kabbalists, Rabbi Michel Zilber shlita and Rabbi Y. M. Morgenstern, Av Beis Din of “Toras Chacham” shlita, who wrote in extraordinary praise of the sefer.