Lviv (Lemberg): Uri Ze’ev Wolf Salat, 1868. First edition.
Chassidic masters treasured the Zera Kodesh and would study it diligently every Shabbos.
Printed with interesting approbation (that’s lacking in this copy) at the beginning of part I, by a close disciple of the author – Rebbe Chaim of Sanz. He writes that in the past he did not agree to print the holy teachings of R. Naftali of Ropshitz, "because I knew that the holy author himself did not approve of printing his Torah novellae. However, on second thought, I decided that it was good that the printers published these writings. It is known that R. Chaim Vital also refrained from publishing his novellae and the teachings he received from his teacher, the Ari, and did not allow his disciples to write them; nevertheless, the righteous of the generation made efforts to copy, write and publish them, and the world shone…". On the verso of the approbation leaf is a notice by the person who brought the book to press: "I have called the book Or HaNer, however the holy rebbe of Sanz called it Zera Kodesh… and I have nullified my will before his holy will".
Two parts in one volume: [1], 124; [1], 120 leaves. Lacking the page with approbation of the Divrei Chaim. 22.2 Cm.
Stefansky, Chassidus # 208
Overall Great condition, some stains, title page has a marginal page repair, title page and one other page have a marginal tear, later new vermilion leather binding.
Rebbi Naftali of Ropshitz (1760- 1827) was one of the great founders of Chassidus. He was born on the day the Bal Shem Tov passed away, and in reference to this Rebbi Chaim of Sanz said, “The sun rose and the sun set” (Ohel Naftali letter beis). He was the primary disciple of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk and one of the great members of the chaburah of the Chozeh MiLublin. His uncle Rabbi Meshulam Igra taught him the Revealed Torah.
Rebbi Naftali paved a unique path in Chassidus and was always happy. He was brilliant and would often speak in riddles and in humor that concealed deep secrets. For this reason, his primary disciple Rebbi Chaim of Sanz referred to him as “the wise Admor” (Divrei Chaim Parshas Noach).
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