Afsei Eretz – Parts I and II – Munkacs, 1899 – First Edition – Copy of Rebbe Yeshaya of Kerestir

Afsei Eretz – Parts I and II – Munkacs, 1899 – First Edition – Copy of Rebbe Yeshaya of Kerestir
Afsei Eretz, homilies on the Torah, by R. Yisrael Efraim Fishel Sofer Rabbi of Nanash (Hajdúnánás). Parts I and II, on the books of Bereshit and Shemot. Munkacs (Mukachevo), 1899. First edition.
Owner's stamp (faded) on the first page of the preface: "Yeshaya son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska, in Kerestur".
The copy of R. Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir (Bodrogkeresztúr; 1852-1922), disciple and successor of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska (Olaszliszka), author of Ach Pri Tevua. He was orphaned from his father at the age of three and was raised in the home of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska from the age of twelve. Drawn to Chassidism, he frequented the courts of Rebbe Chaim Halberstam of Sanz and Rebbe Mordechai of Nadvorna. However, his primary rebbe and mentor remained Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, and he eventually became his close attendant (even when R. Yeshaya already served as rebbe, with throngs flocking to his court from all over Hungary, he would still sign with his stamp and on his letters: "…who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska"). Rebbe Yeshaya was revered by the leading rebbes of his day, including Rebbe Chaim of Sanz and Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz (who stated that the "key to sustenance" is in the hands of R. Yeshaya of Kerestir). He performed thousands of charitable deeds, personally engaging himself in hospitality, and was considered one of the pillars of kindness and prayer in his times. He was renowned as a holy man, and thousands of Jews (as well as non-Jews) from all over Hungary would travel to his court to seek his advice. He was also renowned as a wonder-worker and for providing amulets. Until this day, his portrait is hung in homes as a segulah against mice. The story behind this custom is related in his biography, Mei Be'er Yeshayahu.
[11], 87, [1], 96, [3] leaves. Lacking one of the four last leaves, containing the list of subscribers ("prenumeranten"). 25.5 cm. Fair condition. Title page repaired with paper to verso. Tears to top margin of first leaves, slightly affecting text (first 10 leaves repaired with paper). Dampstains and mold. Wear and mold to top of most leaves. Several leaves stuck to each other at top margin. New binding.