Tzava’a of the Baal Shem Tov – First Edition!
Likutim Yekarim from the Teachings of the Maggid of Mezeritch
First Edition. Lvov, 1792
A collection of Torah teachings that came from the mouths of four holy tzaddikim: the Baal Shem Tov; his student the holy Rebbe Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezeritch; the tzaddik Reb Menachem Mendel of Premishlan who journeyed to Eretz Yisrael; and the saintly Rebbe Yechiel Michel, the Maggid of Zlotchov.
However, the majority of the sefer consists of the teachings of the Maggid of Mezeritch, as attested by all three approbations.
The name of the compiler and editor is not mentioned, though some attribute the work to the holy Rebbe Meshulam Feivish of Zabrizh, who was a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, Reb Menachem Mendel of Premishlan, and the Maggid of Zlotchov.
Printed on leaf 16a is the "Tzava’ah Rivash A"H" which contains words of emunah and fiery inspiration from Reb Yisrael Baal Shem Tov. This is the first time the "Tzava’as HaRivash" was printed!
A different, expanded version of the "Tzava’as HaRivash" (from another manuscript) was printed on its own for the first time only a year later, in Zolkiew, 1793. Since then, the "Tzava’ah" has been reprinted dozens of times.
Already a few years after its appearance, the Tanya commented that this work is not a traditional "will" but rather a collection of the Baal Shem Tov’s pure teachings, and that the guidance within is "absolute truth" (Tanya, beginning of Igeres HaKodesh 25).
Lvov, 1792. First Edition.
Page Count: [2], 40 leaves.
Size: 23.5 cm.
Condition: Good. Typical wear and small holes in the margins of some leaves. Stains. Fine new leather binding.
Bibliography: Stefansky Chassidus, no. 301
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The sefer was printed at the press of the tzaddik Rabbi Shlomo Yarish Rappaport, whose printing house was renowned for its lofty qualities. Just four years earlier, the ‘Noam Elimelech’ was printed there (Lvov, 1788).
