Tzemach Hashem L'Zvi – Berdychiv, 1818 – First Edition

Tzemach Hashem L'Zvi, Chassidic articles on the Torah, by Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Nadvirna. [Berdychiv, c. 1818]. First edition. Printed by Rabbi Yisrael Bak. Approbation of Rabbi Yisrael son of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv and another by Rabbi Mordechai of Kremenets son of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Złoczew. The author, Rebbe Zvi Hirsh of Nadvirna (1740-1802, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Vol 3, pp. 604-607) was one of the leading third generation rebbes and disciple of the Magid of Mezritch. His close teacher was Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Złoczew, who said that Rabbi Zvi Hirsh was the greatest of his disciples and that Eliyahu HaNavi wishes to be in his proximity. Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kosov, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Zhydachiv, Rabbi Avraham David of Buchach are a few of his prominent disciples. He wrote many compositions, and was famous for his primary work Tzemach Hashem L’Zvi. His book Alfa Beta was printed in many editions and Rabbi Eliezer Papo, author of Pele Yo’etz copied the book and attached it to his work. Ancient owners’ signature on title page: “Yehoshua Elazar” – Perhaps Rabbi Yehoshua Elazar of Berdychiv [who merited a revelation of Eliyahu the Prophet who came to test his hachnasat orchim], or his grandson Rabbi Yehoshua Elazar Chodrov of Kosava, son-in-law of Rabbi Chaim of Kosava – See enclosed material. [2], 28 leaves. Blue paper. 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Restored damages to title page and to additional leaves, with minor damages to text. Splendid leather binding. Without the additional leaf (with the third approbation and omissions from Parshiot Ki Tisa and Shmini) printed after the book was printed and exists in just some of the copies. The date of printing according to A. Ya’ari, The Hebrew Printing in Berdychiv, Kiryat Sefer, 21, 1944-1945, pp. 120-121. The title page adornment – Torah Shield – is the emblem of Rabbi Yisrael Back’s printing press. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 500.