Bidspirit auction | First Edition of Classic Chassidic

First Edition of Classic Chassidic Tales. Lemberg, 1864 * “Wonderful and awe-inspiring stories, together with words of Torah, mussar, and guidance from our holy rabbanim.” The main body of the sefer contains stories about the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Baruch of Mezhibuzh, the holy brothers Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk and Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli, the holy brothers Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg and the Ba’al HaHafla’ah, Rabbi Pinchas of Koritz, the Shpoler Zeide, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sassov, Rabbi Uri of Strelisk, the Sar Shalom of Belz, Rabbi Meir of Premishlan, and many others. The final section of the sefer contains ‘Divrei Tzaddikim’ — sayings on faith, Ahavas Yisrael, and related themes, from several of the tzaddikim featured in the stories. Stories of tzaddikim have long been recognized for their unique ability to inspire, strengthen a person’s faith, and awaken greater devotion to the service of Hashem. Their importance and spiritual benefit are discussed in the publisher’s introduction. The title page proclaims: “These are entirely new accounts, never before published.” The sefer was printed anonymously. The work is generally attributed to the gaon and kabbalist Rabbi Menachem Mendel Bodek of Lvov, author of Seder HaDoros HaChadash on the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples. One of the greatest storytellers of tales of tzaddikim, his works became the source for countless stories retold by later generations. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Bodek (d. 1875),   one of the sages of Lvov, was a close disciple of the Sho’el U’Meishiv, who mentions him numerous times in his responsa and refers to him as “my sharp student.” There are testimonies that he traveled to the tzaddikim of his generation, foremost among them Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Zidichov, who mentions him in one of his letters. He is credited with compiling and editing four books of Chassidic stories published in Lvov during the 1860s. Reprinted in dozens of later editions, they helped shape the genre of Chassidic tales for generations. His best-known work is Seder HaDoros HaChadash. He also studied Kabbalah, and after his passing, his commentary on Tikkunei Zohar, entitled Zichron Menachem, was published in Lvov in 1875. Lemberg, 1864. First edition. Page Count: [36] leaves.   Height: 18 cm. Condition: Fair to good. General wear with small tears. Stains. Fine new binding. Bibliography: Stefansky, Sifrei Chassidus, no. 358.