Sidduro Shel Shabbas – First Edition – Mohyliv, 1813.

Sidduro Shel Shabbas – First Edition – Mohyliv, 1813.
Sidduro shel Shabbas, Parts I & II, kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings regarding the holiness of Shabbat, and Halachic responsa, by Rebbe Chaim of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi). Mohyliv-Podilskyi, [1813]. First edition.

The author, Rebbe Chaim Thirer of Czernowitz (ca. 1740-1818), was a Chassidic leader, disciple of the Maggid of Zlotchov, and served as rabbi of Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Botoşani, Kishinev (Chișinău) and Czernowitz. He had the reputation of a holy man, and wondrous tales about him abound. According to Chassidic tradition, after his immersion before Shabbas, his form would allegedly 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 composed Shaar HaTefilla and was later buried. His fundamental works Sidduro shel Shabbas, Shaar HaTefilla 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 traveled to Eretz Israel. The book was recognized as a fundamental Chassidic work, and until this day, regular lectures are delivered based on it. Chassidim of all times had set classes on it in preparation for Shabbas, as the author writes 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 HaTefilla: "And he already has a reputation from his book Sidduro shel Shabbas, an awesome volume… whoever studies it enjoys it immensely". R. Yehoshua of Ostrów praised the book: "The holy words of Rabbeinu entice every single Jew to serve G-d" (Or Yekarot by R. Sh. Ch. Porush, II, 175).

[6], 70, 70-108, [1]; 12, 64 leaves. 20 cm. Greenish paper. Good-fair condition. Stains and light wear. Dampstains. Worming to inner margins of several leaves. Tears to title page, affecting text and border with some loss, repaired with paper (losses replaced with photocopy). Tear to upper part of title page of part II, slightly affecting border, repaired. Minor tears and damage to middle of book and final three leaves (mostly not affecting text), repaired. New binding.

The four leaves at the end of part II (afterword and indexes) are very scarce, and are not included in many copies.

Pages: 6, 70, 70-108, 1, 12, 61. Lacking three of the four leaves at the end of part II (indexes) are very scarce, and are not included in many copies.

Size: 20 cm.

Condition: Over all very good condition, repairs to the 2 title pages not effecting text, Worming to several leaves