Ateret Zvi by Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Ziditchov. Lviv, [1834-1841]. First Edition. Rare Chassidic Book.

Ateret Zvi by Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Ziditchov. Lviv, [1834-1841]. First Edition. Rare Chassidic Book.

Ateret Zvi, a comprehensive and foundational commentary on Sefer Hazohar, by the Admor and Mekubal, Sar Beit Hazohar, Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Ziditchov. Section I on Bereshit; section II on Shemot; section III on Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim. Sections I and III in a single volume. Separate title page for each section. Section II in a separate volume. 

The book was not titled by Rabbi Zvi Hirsch himself but rather by the editor, Rabbi Yosef Hacohen Rappaport (who edited Rabbi Zvi Hirsch's other writings) - the son-in-law of Rabbi Yechiel Michl, Rabbi Zvi Hirsch's only son who passed away in his father's lifetime. 

This copy of the volume with sections I and III had belonged to Rabbi Natan Eliyahu Grünfeld, the Rav of the Yere'im community of Brünn [the capital city of Moravia and the second largest city of the Czech Republic]. His stamp appears on the flyleaf at the end of the book, on which there are also lengthy notations in a foreign language. 

Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Eichenstein (1763-1831): was the founder of the Ziditchov Chassidut. Due to his knowledge of Kabbalah, was also known as Sar Beit Hazohar. Was one of the leading contemporary Admorim, a disciple of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sassov, the Chozeh of Lublin and Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Riminov. His disciples, who all became leaders themselves, are also an indication of his greatness. They include Rabbi Isaac of Komarno and Rabbi Shalom of Kaminka. The Malbim was also his disciple (although he was not a Chassid but studied Kabbalah with him). 

Lviv, [1834-1841]. First edition. 

The printing of the book lasted several years - the first section was printed in 1834 as indicated by the editor's words appearing on verso of the title page. The third section was printed after it (as indicated by the editor who writes that he trusts in G-d to soon publish Sefer Shemot). The second section was apparently printed in 1841 since one of the approbators, Rabbi Aharon Moshe Toivash "Av Beit Din of Jassy" was appointed as Av Beit Din only in 1841. 

[1], 152; [1], 54; [1], 50 leaves. 24 cm. Very good condition. Aging stains. Some moth perforations. Impressive and elegant copies - one volume with wide margins. Fine new leather bindings. Section III and part of section II on bluish paper. 

Stefansky, Chassidut 460.