Bidspirit auction | Emtachas Binyamin by the Holy

Emtachas Binyamin by the Holy Maggid of Zalozitz, First Edition – Minkovitz, 1796 * A commentary on Megillas Koheles by the tzaddik Rabbi Binyamin, the Maggid of Zalozitz, author of Chelkas Binyamin on the Hagaddah. He was described by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev as “a holy luminary, a man of G-d.” Throughout the sefer, the author cites numerous chiddushim in the name of the early masters of Chassidus. Among them are teachings from the Baal Shem Tov : “Regarding this, I heard it was said in the name of the venerable holy man, Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem…” (leaf 57b and elsewhere); from Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Premishlan : “I heard from the venerable rav, the outstanding chassid Menachem of Premishlan…” (105a); and from the Hafla’ah: “The outstanding chassidic gaon Rabbi Pinchas, Av Beis Din of the holy community of Frankfurt” (leaf 85a). He likewise cites “the illustrious rav, Av Beis Din of the holy community of Pinsk” — likely referring to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev , who served as Av Beis Din of Pinsk (leaf 12b); and others. One of the earliest sefarim to quote teachings from the early works of Chassidus. Printed only sixteen years after the publication of the first chassidic sefer (the Toldos, in 1780). See below for further details about the author and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Rabbi Binyamin of Zalozitz (d. 1792) was a maggid who influenced many to leave their sinful ways. In his sefarim, he brings teachings from the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezritch, and other early masters of Chassidus; some are the only sources for the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples. In one place in his writings, he records a teaching from the Maggid of Mezritch which, he writes, “I heard personally from his holy mouth” (Turei Zahav on Parshas Pinchas). He is known for his four sefarim: Ahavas Dodim on Shir HaShirim (Lvov, 1793), Chelkas Binyamin on the Haggadah (Lemberg, 1794), the present Emtachas Binyamin, and Turei Zahav on the Torah (Mohilev, 1816). These works carry approbations from leading tzaddikim, including the Kedushas Levi of Berditchev, the Mevaser Tzedek of Zlotchov, Rabbi Meir of Brody, and others. This is the very first sefer printed in Minkovitz. It appears that the Minkovitz printing press in this period functioned primarily as a chassidic printing press. For example, of the approximately fifteen sefarim printed there before 1810, no fewer than seven contain approbations from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Minkovitz, 1796 Page Count: [2], 1-13, 18-128 leaves. Size: Approx. 19.5 cm. Condition: Good. Most leaves are printed on strong, healthy paper. A very few holes. Pencil markings on many leaves. Fine new leather binding. Bibliography: Stefansky, Sifrei Chassidus, no. 63; Yaari, HaDefus HaIvri BeMinkovitz, no. 1. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Maggid of Zalozitz and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev As noted above, the sefer cites a chiddush in the name of the Av Beis Din of Pinsk, apparently referring to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, during the period when he served as Rav of Pinsk (until 1785). Several fascinating details have come to light regarding these two holy tzaddikim: First — this author appears to have been the only writer in his generation whose sefarim received two separate approbations from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak! One was written for Ahavas Dodim (and later reprinted, with revisions, in Chelkas Binyamin), and the second for the present Emtachas Binyamin. Second — in dozens of his approbations, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak signs with the expression “so says the humble one in honor of the Torah, ” or “in honor of the Torah and those who study it.” Here, however, he concludes with exceptionally unique wording, found nowhere else in his approbations: “In honor of the Torah, those who study it, and those who study it purely for its own sake ”! Third — and most remarkable of all — both tzaddikim passed away on the very same date: the 25th of Tishrei. The author in 1792, and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak in 1810.