Auction 48
Lot 178:
The book Yesod Ha’Emunah, elucidations on the Torah, Pirkei Avot and compilations in a chassidic approach by Rabbi Baruch of Kossov. Bound together with part two of the author’s book – the book Amud Ha’Avodah, a chassidic approach to the kabbalah of the Ari, with many approbations from the foremost chassidic leaders of the time, which address the Shabtai Zvi affair and his kabbalistic teachings that were one of the main reasons this book was published – in order to correct mistakes. First edition, Chernowitz, 1854. Stefansky Chassidut, 231 and 464.
Incomplete copy. Yesod Ha’Emunah: 1 – 116 [should be 115] leaves [the title page and the approbations are missing]. Amud Ha’Avodah: [4], 5-6, 1-200 leaves [two leaves are missing at the end]. The title page of Amud Ha’Avodah was bound at the beginning of the volume that contains both books. One leaf of approbations in the Amud Ha’Avodah section was not bound in the correct place. Stains and slight blemishes. Binding with slight blemishes.
Ownership signature and stamp, “Yehuda Baruch Blau son of Natan of Zo”v [probably: from Siebenbürgen] in the holy city of Safed.”
Rabbi Baruch of Kossov (circa 1720 – 1782) – one of the foremost chassidic leaders in the first generation of chassidut. A disciple of the Ba’al Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezeritch and Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Premishlan, who writes in his approbation to these books by Rabbi Baruch of Kossov: “And he was together with me for a few days and he said a few things to me about the teachings of the Ari and explained the matter extremely well…and the words entered my heart and are extremely pleasant for me…” He said about these books “that they are the main foundations of the Torah and foundation of faith, to honor God.” He lived during the time of the Baal Shem Tov, and may even have met him. He was a maggid in Berdichev and Kossov. Fought against the remnants of the Sabbateans and the Frankists.
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