Sefer Hakdamah V’Derech L’Eitz Chaim – Also renowned as Sur Me’ra V’asei Tov, this sefer contains an introduction and vital foundations for any student who wishes to commence the study of Kabbalah, as well as stirring words of inspiration, encouraging the learner to cleave to the Kabbalistic teachings of the Arizal.
[Lemberg, 1832].
The actual year of printing is hinted to in the chronogram at the foot of the title page, which indicates the year 5592 (=1832; this year is also stated in the publisher’s foreword and in other places). This type of falsification was common in Chassidic seforim printed in Galicia at that time, due to censorship restrictions and the persecution of Chassidim by the Haskalah movement (A. Yaari lists 11 books with similar false imprints).
This was the first sefer authored by the Holy Admor Rebbi Tzvi Hersh of Ziditchov to be printed. It appeared in print approximately one year after his passing.
Stefansky, Chassidus #183
[1], 25 Leaves. 23.6 cm.
The holy Kabbalist and Admor Rebbi Tzvi Hersh Eichenstein of Ziditchov (1763-1831) was described as the “Sar Beis Hazohar – Minister of the House of the Zohar, ” due to his phenomenal mastery of the wisdom of Kabbalah. His nephew Rebbi Yitzchak Eisik of Ziditchov attested that he once heard his uncle express that he numbered among the disciples of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai; and his nephew Rebbi Yitzchak Eisik of Komarno inscribed that “His soul is the soul of Moreinu Harav Chaim Vital.”
Antique signatures: Yechiel Michael Weiss.
Flyleaf with manuscript copy of Divrei Torh of the Gaon of Vilna, signed: Shlomo Zalman Katz of Csenger.
Overall Good condition, paper repair with loss to title page, marginal water stains, new red leather binding slightly rubbed.
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