Degel Machaneh Efraim – Korets, 1810 – First Edition – Signature of Rabbi Aharon of Otchakov, Prominent Disciple of ...

Degel Machaneh Efraim – Korets, 1810 – First Edition – Signature of Rabbi Aharon of Otchakov, Prominent Disciple of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin
Degel Machaneh Efraim, Chassidic teachings on the Torah, by R. Moshe Chaim Efraim Ashkenazi Rabbi of Sudilkov (Sudylkiv), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. Korets, 1810. First edition.
An early Chassidic book. This book is one of the first and most reliable sources of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, which the author, R. Moshe Chaim Efraim of Sudilkov (d. 1800), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov (son of the Baal Shem Tov's pious daughter Odel), received directly from him. In his renowned letter to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov in 1752, the Baal Shem Tov refers to this grandson as a tremendous genius.
The book includes approbations by foremost Chassidic leaders: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz, R. Yaakov Yitzchak HaLevi Horowitz the Chozeh of Lublin, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel Rabbi of Apta, and the Be'er Mayim Chaim. Printed at the end of the book: selections by the Baal Shem Tov, and "the dreams found in the writings of the holy rabbi".
Chassidic leaders greatly praised the holiness of this book, and its ability to inspire whoever studies it with fear of G-d, as R. Levi Yitzchak wrote in his approbation to the book: "I am convinced that this book will enthuse the hearts of our Jewish brethren to worship G-d".
All the approbations emphasize the author's lineage as grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, and that the book is replete with the latter's essential teachings.
Copy of R. Aharon Ackerman Rabbi of Otchakov (Ochakiv), author of Beit Aharon on the Passover Haggadah, a leading disciple and prominent transmitter of the teachings of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. His signature appears on p. 2a (using the page numeral): "Aharon son of R. Meir, rabbi of Otchakov". On p. 1a, he signed with his first name only (using the page numeral): "Aharon".
[2], 113 leaves. Lacking final leaf (replaced with photocopy of manuscript). 21 cm. Greenish paper. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Tears to inner and bottom margins of first leaves, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. Minor worming to first and final leaves. Small abrasion to p. 1b, affecting text. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 128.