Collection of works by the Chafetz Haim—editions printed during the author’s lifetime (Rabbeinu Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin), some first editions.
1. “Sefer Shmirat HaLashon on guarding one’s tongue, a completion to the work Chafetz Haim…” (in the Chafetz Haim’s own words). This edition is the first of the foundational work which caused a revolution among the generations since. The rabbi would not sign his name but instead would only write his initials in Cyrillic letters in the margins. He also removed his name from the title page as well as the endorsements. First edition, printed by Yehuda Leib Matz of Vilna, 1876. Stefanski Sifrei Yesod 209. 38 leaves. The title page has the note “Moga” handwritten by the Chafetz Haim (as is well-known, he would not allow a book to be sold without having checked it first for any printer’s mistakes). Light tears at the bottom of the title page. Stains. Overall very good condition, Bound together with the work Hidur Mitzvah—Vilna 1877. Old binding is a bit worn.
2. Shem Olam, mussar by the Chafetz Hai. The first section on Shmirat Shabbat, doing chesed, and maintaining talmidei Torah. Second section on strengthening the Avodat Hashem, to which the Chafetz Haim appended a pamphlet “Nefutzot Yisrael”. First edition, Warsaw 1895-1897. Pretty copy with pages on omissions in the two sections. 31, [1], 23 (marked accidentally 43), [1] leaves. Defects and light stains. Rebound. A few moth holes to the binding and pages.
3. Chovat HaShmira, “with an exegesis on the need for guarding oneself always, one’s tongue and mouth.” Second edition, from the author’s lifetime, Warsaw, printed by Levin Epstein, 1928. Bound with the pamphlet Ma’amar Kvod Shamayim and Shmirat Lashon, second section. Pietrekov 1910 (probably a facsimile printing of this edition, which is the first edition of this section). 14; 2-5; 19 leaves. New inscribed binding. Brittle paper. Light defects and tears at the edges of some pages. Overall good condition.
4. Sefer Nidchei Yisrael “with an exegesis on some concepts from the principles of the religion.” Warsaw printed by Levin Epstein 1930(?). [1], 64. Bound with the pamphlet Tiferet Adam by the Chafetz Haim on head coverings and beards. 7 leaves. Stains. Dry paper, tears at the edges. New binding. Overall good condition.
5. Sefer Machaneh Yisrael “a work based on the halachot and hanhagot belonging to the military”, second edition, Warsaw 1889. 56 leaves (originally 64). Missing the pamphlet “Ahavat Hashem” from the end. Rebound. Moth holes. Overall good condition.
