Sefer Noam Elimelech, Chassidic essays on the Torah, by Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk.

New York: Shulsinger Bros., 1942. Title page printed in red and black.

Following the title page is a letter of approbation given by Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, The Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, to the publisher Rabbi Osias Wagschal (9th Shevat 1941): "Regarding the printing of the holy book Noam Elimelech, it is certainly a very noble thing and surely the number of buyers will increase, and it will bring them protection and success… It is appropriate to make an elegant introduction" (Hebrew; printed in Igrot HaKodesh by the Rayatz, V, letter 1367). Approbations by the Rayatz are Rare.

Approbation also from the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Herzog. 

Flyleaves with many thoughts & notations, as well as marginalia in the hand of Rebbe Moshe’le Frisherman of Tomashov (ca. 1910-1974, Encyclopedia L’Chassidut, III, p. 301; Encyclopedia L’Chachmei Galicia, IV, p. 250). He was one of the most venerated Rebbes in the United States. He was the son-in-law and successor to Rebbe Baruch Rubin of Gherla, as well as a disciple of Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz and Rebbe Aryeh Leibish of Cheshanov (Cieszanów). After losing his wife and children in the Holocaust, he arrived in the United States and served as Tomashover Rebbe in New York.

See Hebrew description for more of his biography.

28 Cm.

Noam Elimelech is one of the first Chassidic Seforim, and is considered until this day to be one of the fundamental works of Chassidut. The Sefer contains essential parts of the doctrine of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk on Chassidut, purity of thought and attachment to G-d.

A tradition attributed to the Baal HaTanya, holds the Tanya to be a "book of the Beinoni’im", and the Noam Elimelech a "book of Tzadikim" (see: Sefer Or Yekarot, I, Jerusalem 1998, p. 250).

Since its publishing, the Sefer was deemed sacred to all, and it was reprinted in numerous editions (until 1982, it had been printed in over 50 editions, and since then in dozens more). Many keep the Sefer as a Segulah, and some special miniature format editions were published to serve as amulets for protection and success. Many put it at the head of an ill person’s bed as a Segulah for a speedy recovery and to be saved from any misfortune. The Sefer is known also to be a Segulah for women experiencing difficult labor.


Overall Good condition, few stains, first few and last few pages have small edge page tears, text block detached from binding, first few pre title pages with hagahot loose, front cover detached from binding lacking back cover and spine.

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Lot #319

Segula Sefer: Noam Elimelech – New York 1942 – With Rare Approbation by Rebbe Rayatz. Notations of the Admor Rebbe Moshe'le Frisherman of Tomashov.

Start price: $80

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