Shaar Gan Eden, foundations of kabbalah, by Rabbi Yaakov Koppel Lipshitz of Mezeritch.
Korets: Avraham son of Yitzchak Eizik and Eliyahu son of Yaakov [HaLevi], [1803]. First edition. With an approbation by Rebbe Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
The seforim of Rabbi Yaakov Koppel of Mezeritch, Shaar Gan Eden and the Kol Yaakov siddur, are adapted and edited compilations of the writings of Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, Rabbi Chaim Vital and Rabbi Yisrael Sarug, with the addition of his own novella.
With the approbations of the chassidic leaders of the period: Rebbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev] who wrote, "This is the gate to approach the inner hall, the inner sanctum of the holy writings of the Arizal" , "He was a faithful kabbalist, and all his statements are made with Ruach HaKodesh”. Rebbi Asher Tzvi of Ostroh, Rebbi Menachem Mendel of Rovne, as well as a long approbation by Rabbi Ephraim Zalman Marguliot.
The approbation of the rabbis of Mezeritch attests to the high regard the Baal Shem Tov had for the writings of the kabbalist Rabbi Yaakov (while they were still in manuscript before publication): "Everyone knows that the writings of this author were examined by the Baal Shem Tov, who would ardently bind the writings of this author by hand, for he was a faithful servant and a great and wise kabbalist in this science". This testimony is repeated with further details on the title page: "When that work was brought before [the Baal Shem Tov], both Shaar Gan Eden… and the prayer book he authored, the holy mouth read two or three sections from them, hugged them and kissed them, and he put the above holy writings upon his head… nodding in approval, ‘Happy is the people that has such’". Many Chassidic masters cite Shaar Gan Eden in their seforim, and use its statements as the basis for their own teachings.
[2], 84, Leaves. 32.5 cm.
Stefansky Chassidut 588.
Overall Good condition, green quality pages, some stains and water stains, a few marginal tears, new blue binding.
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Lot #207