Auction 109 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Megillot and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Sidduro Shel Shabbat – Mohyliv, 1813 – Both Parts – First Edition – First Book by the Be'er Mayim Chaim
Opening: $4,000
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Sidduro Shel Shabbat, Parts I-II, kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings regarding the holiness of Shabbat, and halachic responsa, by Rebbe Chaim Thirer of Czernowitz. Mohyliv-Podilskyi: [Tzvi Ze'ev son of David Rabinstein, 1813]. First edition. Both parts in one volume, divisional title page for Part II.
The author, R. Chaim Thirer of Czernowitz (ca. 1740s – ca. 1813), was a Chassidic leader, disciple of the Maggid of Zlotchov, and served as Rabbi of Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Botoșani, Kishinev (Chișinău) and Czernowitz (Chernivtsi). He was reputed as a holy man, and wondrous tales about him abound. According to Chassidic tradition, after his immersion before Shabbat, his form would change and he would grow taller by a handbreadth. Near the end of his life, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Safed in 1813, where he authored Shaar HaTefillah and was later buried. His fundamental works Sidduro Shel Shabbat, Shaar HaTefillah and Be'er Mayim Chaim are unique for their clarity and conviction, as well as the enthusiastic Chassidic emotion which they exude. His books were distributed and published in many editions and are considered foundations of Chassidic teachings.
This book is the only one printed in the lifetime of the author, before he travelled to Eretz Israel. The book was recognized as a fundamental Chassidic work, and until this day, lectures are regularly delivered based on it. Chassidim of all times had set classes on it in preparation for Shabbat, as the author advises in his preface.
This book became well-known and accepted as soon as it was published. R. Mordechai of Kremenets (son of the Maggid of Zlotchov) writes in his approbation to Shaar HaTefillah: "And he already has a reputation from his book Sidduro Shel Shabbat, an awesome volume… whoever studies it enjoys it immensely". R. Yehoshua of Ostrów praised the book: "The holy words of our master entice every single Jew to serve G-d" (Or Yekarot by R. Sh. Ch. Porush, II, 175).
On title page of Part I, ownership inscription in Sephardic script of "Meir Shlomo son of R. Yaakov Farhi". On p. 10a, another inscription of his (trimmed). [R. Meir Shlomo Farhi, brother of Chaim Farhi, vizier of Acre; purchased a courtyard in Tiberias in 1831].
Two parts in one volume. Part I: [6], 70, 70-108, [1] leaves. Part II: 12, 62, [1] leaves (last leaf numbered 64). Lacking leaf 63 of index. 19 cm. Partially bluish paper. Varying condition, fair to fair-good. Stains, including stains and traces of former dampness. Worming, affecting text (much worming to several leaves). Minor tears. Last leaf repaired with large paper strip, covering part of text. Old binding, with defects.
Chassidic Books
Chassidic Books