Ohev Yisrael - Zhitomir, 1863 - First Edition

Ohev Yisrael, homilies on the Torah according to Chassidic teachings, by Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira, 1863. First edition. The book was brought to print by the grandson of the author, Rebbe Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov. He relates in his foreword how his father, Rebbe Yitzchak Meir, son of the author, realized that each person was recording the Rebbe's teachings according to their own perception, and was concerned this would lead to misunderstanding. He therefore chose one astute, outstanding Torah scholar and designated him to record the holy teachings, after which the writings were reviewed, and when necessary corrected, by the Rebbe. Later in the foreword, he explains that the book was named Ohev Yisrael, based on the author's repeated assertion that the one character trait he could confidently pride himself in, even before the Heavenly court, was his outstanding love for his fellow Jew. Before his demise, he instructed his sons to write no other praise on his tombstone but Ohev Yisrael (Lover of Jews). R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn wrote in his approbation (to the Lemberg edition): "…he loved every Jewish person with his heart and soul, and would show great affection particularly to Torah scholars. And our fathers related to us that while he was here [in Lviv], all the leading Torah scholars of the city would arise early to come and absorb his wondrous teachings…". [1], 117 leaves. 24 cm. Good-fair condition. Tear to top of title page, affecting the border ornament. Inner margins of several leaves reinforced with paper. Stains and wear. Old, damaged binding. In this copy, it is apparent that leaves 61 and 91 were pasted (originally) after the initial printing of the entire book (the original leaves may have been cut out due to printing errors or censor corrections).