Ahavat Shalom (Kosov) – Lviv, 1833 – First Edition

Ahavat Shalom (Kosov) – Lviv, 1833 – First Edition
Ahavat Shalom, Chassidic discourses on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Hager of Kosov – founder of the Vizhnitz and Kosov Chassidic dynasties. Lviv, [1833]. First edition.
Copy of Rebbe Aharon Brandwein of Felshtin-Safed (d. 1907; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 145), son-in-law of Rebbe Avraham Brandwein of Stretin. Many of his stamps throughout the book: "Aharon son of R. Tzvi Aryeh of Olik, son-in-law of the Tzaddik of Stretin".
The author, Rebbe Menachem Mendel Hager (1768-1826; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p. 98), was the son of R. Yaakov Koppel Chassid, who led the prayers in the Beit Midrash of the Baal Shem Tov and was a member of his inner circle of disciples. He was the disciple of the early Chassidic masters R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and R. Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna. In 1802, after the passing of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna, he began leading his own court.
In the foreword, the author's son-in-law, R. Gershon of Rozdol, writes that much of his father-in-law's teachings are focused on three matters: the holiness of Shabbat, giving charity and Tikkun HaBrit. The book was compiled by R. Menachem Mendel's disciple – R. Chaim Natan Nata of Lantshin, who writes in his preface: "I heard these teachings from him on Friday nights and during the Shabbat morning meal, as well as when he would take leave of his visitors while discussing halachah, and brief thoughts conveyed during Seuda Shelishit… and I elaborated on them in my own words…when I was unsure of the proper intent… I intentionally used language which is open to interpretation, and each reader can use his own judgement…".
Signature and stamps of R. Yehuda Leib son of R. Efraim Fishel Krauthamer of Safed on p 69a. Stamps of the Chortkov Kloiz in Safed on pp. 39a and 57a: "Stamp of the Kloiz of the Tiferet Yisrael, Rebbe of Chortkov, in Safed".
[4], 131 leaves. 22 cm. Overall fair condition. Presumably comprised of two different copies. First copy from beginning of book until leaf 68 (end of Book of Shemot); second copy from leaf 69 onwards (beginning of Book of Vayikra until the end). Stains, including large dampstains (mold stains to some leaves). Wear and creases to first part of book. Open tears to title page and first leaves, affecting border and text, repaired with paper. Worming, affecting text, partially repaired with paper. Stamps on many leaves (affecting text in several places). New binding.
False imprint: Lemberg, 1802. See: Avraham Yaari, The Printing Press of Rebbetzin Yehudit Rosanes in Lviv, Kiryat Sefer, 17, 1940, p. 107.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 18.