Bidspirit auction | Kedushas Levi by Rabbi Levi

Kedushas Levi by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev – Important Expanded Edition – Berditchev, 1816 * Commentaries on Chamishah Chumshei Torah, with the “Kedushos” (discourses) for Chanukah and Purim, as well as insights into the sayings of Chazal and Midrashim, by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak ben Sarah Sasha of Berditchev, beloved advocate of Klal Yisrael. One of the most sacred and foundational sefarim of Chassidus, mentioned in the same breath as the holy sefarim Noam Elimelech, the Tanya, and the other writings of the tzaddikim of the early generations of Chassidus. This is the first complete edition of the holy sefer Kedushas Levi! In this printing, many additions from the author's handwritten manuscripts were included, marked with a hand symbol at the beginning and end of each insertion. Also printed here for the first time are the “Kedushos” for Chanukah and Purim. Some of these additions were not printed in subsequent editions and have only been reprinted again in modern times! In this addition, the “kedushos” which were printed in Slavita in 1798 were printed together with the Kedushas Levi on the Torah that was printed in 1811, making this the very first complete edition of the sefer Kedushas Levi. The present edition is the first complete edition of Kedushas Levi on the Torah with all of the author’s additions as well as the “Kedushos. ” See below regarding the order in which the writings of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev were printed. The sefer is a famous segulah sefer for protection. Following the title page is an approbation by Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, author of Ohev Yisrael, who writes: “The merit of the gaon, the author, and the sanctity of his sefarim, will certainly serve as a shield and protection wherever they are found... and one should hurry and hasten to purchase these sacred sefarim at their full price...” There is also an approbation by the Kedushas Levi's prime disciple, Rabbi Aharon of Zhitomir, author of Toldos Aharon. It was printed by the grandson of the author, Rabbi Yosef of Berditchev, at the printing press of the chassid Rabbi Yisrael Beck. Berditchev, 1816. Volume I on the Torah: 3, 3-18, [1], 22-147 leaves. Volume II, Kedushos (with a separate title page): 38 leaves. Size: 20.2 cm. Condition: Good. Repairs along the edge of the text in the inner margins of two leaves. Minor loss at the margins of two leaves (apparently an original printing flaw). Partially erased stamps. New leather binding. Bibliography: Stefansky, Chassidus no. 510 - - - - - - - - - - - -  “It is known and accepted by the tzaddikim of every generation that the holy sefer Kedushas Levi can sweeten harsh judgments in every home.” (From the preface of the rabbanim of Munkatch to the Munkatch 1939 edition of Kedushas Levi). “Certainly, his holy words will inspire the hearts of Klal Yisrael to serve Hashem sincerely, just as his own pure heart did throughout his lifetime.” (From the introduction of the author’s sons to Kedushas Levi on the Torah, Berditchev, 1811).  - - - - - - - - - - - - Printing Order of the Writings of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev A: Kedushas Levi — discourses on Chanukah and Purim (“Kedushos”), chiddushim on Gemara, and explanations on the aggados of Gemara — Slavita, 1798. (Second edition during the author’s lifetime: Zolkiew, 1806.) B: Kedushas Levi on the Torah — Berditchev, 1811. C: Kedushas Levi on the Torah, with new additions from manuscripts of the author, together with the “Kedushos” and the chiddushim that had been printed in Slavita — Berditchev, 1816. Thus, the 1816 edition is the first complete edition of Kedushas Levi on the Torah with all of the author’s additions as well as the “Kedushos”. In addition, in later years, Kedushas Levi on Pirkei Avos was printed in Lemberg, 1862.