Emek HaMelech – Amsterdam, 1648 – First Edition – Copy of Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shinova and His Son ...

Emek HaMelech – Amsterdam, 1648 – First Edition – Copy of Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shinova and His Son Rebbe Aryeh Leibush of Torna
Emek HaMelech, kabbalah, by R. Naftali Hertz Bacharach. Amsterdam, [1648]. First edition.
Copy of Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shinova (Sieniawa) and his son Rebbe Aryeh Leibush of Torna (Tarnów).
Lacking title page and twenty subsequent leaves. These were replaced with handwritten leaves, containing the missing text in neat scribal script, accurately reproducing the original typography in the printed work.
The handwritten title page bears stamps of Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam: " Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, residing here, Shinova". The following leaf bears his stamp, alongside that of his son – Rebbe Aryeh Leib Halberstam of Torna: " Aryeh Leibush Halberstam, residing here Torna".
The first printed leaf (leaf 1 of second sequence) contains a kind of kvittel, presumably written by one of the rebbe's Chassidim who gave this book as a gift to his rebbe: "A gift from me, Elimelech son of Feiga Esther". One can therefore assume that the book was given to the rebbe without the handwritten replacement leaves, which were added while the book was in his possession.
The first rebbe of Shinova, R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam (1815-1898), rabbi of Shinova and author of Divrei Yechezkel, eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and son-in-law of R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz of Vishnitsa‎, author of Aryeh D'Vei Ilai (son-in-law of R. Moshe Teitelbaum, author of Yismach Moshe). An outstanding Torah scholar, he was well versed in all realms of Torah, exoteric and esoteric, halachic and Chassidic teachings. His father, the Divrei Chaim, held him in high regard and respected him exceedingly, and mentions his son's exceptional truthfulness in several of his responsa: "My eldest son, rabbi of Shinova, was by me recently, and he related to me… and I consider his testimony to be very reliable, since I know he would not be deceitful for anything in the world" (Responsa Divrei Chaim, II, Orach Chaim, section 2). He was venerated in his role as rabbi and rebbe already during his father's lifetime. Progenitor of important Chassidic dynasties, with many of his sons and grandsons serving as rabbis and rebbes in various cities already in his lifetime. Holy and pure from his youth, he served leading rebbes of his times and was considered their prominent disciple. He was famed for the miracles he performed, and would give out his objects as a segulah for protection and salvation.
His son, Rebbe Aryeh Leibush Halberstam of Torna (ca. 1860-1930), son-in-law of his brother Rebbe Moshe of Shinova. After his father's passing, he succeeded him as rebbe of the kloiz of Sanz and Shinova Chassidim in Torna, drawing a large group of followers. He led a group of men devoted to the service of G-d, and emphasized Torah study and meticulous halachah observance. He would pray at sunrise each morning (KeVatikin). He exchanged halachic and polemic correspondence with R. Avraham Yehoshua Freund of Nasaud, who mentions him with great deference (Responsa Meor Yehoshua, section 1).
A signature in Sephardic script on the first printed leaf: "Nissim Ashkenazi". Ownership inscription in Sephardic script on the final page: "This holy and awesome book, of the exalted, wealthy, educated and wise R. Shmuel Nataf, acquired through me for one grush…". Followed by another inscription "And I, Yosef son of R. Yitzchak Nataf, grandson of the above-mentioned wealthy man, had the merit of reading this book of my grandfather".
Copy lacking first 21 leaves, replaced in manuscript. 21 leaves (handwritten); 178 leaves. 30.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear to some leaves. A few tears to title page, subsequent leaf and leaf 1 of second sequence, not affecting text, repaired with paper. New leather binding.