Auction 68
Lot 176:
Sefer Nefesh Hachaim, "יראת ה’ לחיים, קונטרסים מכתבי קודש של הגאון האמיתי… כקש"ת מו’ חיים נ"ע האב"ד ור"מ דק"ק וולאזין אשר יקרא בחתימתו בכתיבתו בשם נפש החיים…". Mussar and Kabbalah according to HaGra, one of the basic books of the Vilna Gaon’s Torah. Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin’s most well-known book. Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin was the leading disciple of HaGra and the founder of the Volozhin Yeshiva. In the book, he expounds on the doctrine of his Rav, HaGra. It was written as an alternative to the ideas of the Chassidic Movement, sharply criticizing them. His grandson, the Rav of Brisk, said that the Nefesh Hachaim was the Shulchan Aruch of outlook. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the book contains many parallels to Chassidic ideas.
Second edition – Vilna, 1837. 126 pp. This edition contains many glosses that do not exist in the first one. In addition, some sharp words were softened. For example, the words in Sha’ar 4, chapter 1: "והן עתה בדורות הללו בעוה"ר נהפוך הוא השפלה הגבה והגבוה השפל…" were omitted in this edition and the following ones in an attempt to soften the anti-Chassidic tone of the book.
New impressive leather binding. Especially wide margins. Professionally restored edges of the title page and another leaf. Stains. Good overall condition.
Inside the book, several glosses in fine calligraphy. On the back flyleaf, a lengthy notation dealing with the content of the book.
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