Discourses in the Kabbalistic teachings of Rabbi Chaim Vital based on the teachings of his holy master, the Arizal . Compiled and edited by Rabbi Yaakov Tzemach, with notes from him and the RaM”aZ (Rabbi Moshe Zacuto).
First Edition: Koretz, 1804. Published by Rabbi Meir ben Rabbi Shlomo of Mohilev, from a manuscript brought by the emissary and wise Rabbi Yitzchak David bar Rabbi from the Holy City of Jerusalem.
This holy and distinguished copy was studied and revered by the holy Rebbi Shlomo Chaim Perlov, the elder Rebbe of Koidinov. One of the greatest tzaddikim of all generations, he was the grandson and close disciple of the holy Rebbi Mordechai of Lechovitch and the successor of his path and that of his son, Rebbi Noach. Thousands sought his sanctity, to witness and feel his devotion to serving the Creator with true self-sacrifice and longing. He was renowned as an exalted miracle worker.
On the title page, his grandson, who grew up in his home (see below), Rabbi Yitzchak, wrote: “From my master and holy ancestor, my teacher, may his merit protect us.”
With an antique stamp: “Yitzchak son of Rabbi Dov Moshe Z"L Perlowitz.” Another stamp of his: “Yitzchak Dayan of Vileyka.”
Seforim belonging to the holy Rebbi Shlomo Chaim, the elder Rebbe of Koidanov, are exceedingly rare. Only once has a similar item appeared at auction (see Tiferet Auction, Sale 50, Item 9, where a similar inscription is found on the title page).
This sefer is notable for having two distinct types of rabbinical endorsements:
1. Approbations from Lithuanian rabbinic leaders, including Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin and Rabbi Mordechai, Chief Rabbi of Koretz.
2. Approbations from Chassidic leaders, such as Rebbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev and the Rebbi of Valtshisk.
This dual endorsement reflects a deliberate strategy to cater to different audiences: the Lithuanian rabbinic establishment and the Chassidic communities. The present copy is the 2nd version with Hascamot of Rebbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev and the Rebbi of Valtshisk.
It is worth noting that in the introduction by the publisher, he praises the sefer with glowing words from the Lithuanian Torah giants, even while printing the Chassidic approbations. He writes:
"And behold, I presented two or three sections written on both sides to my teacher, the great genius and scholar in both revealed and hidden Torah, Rabbi Chaim, may he live long, the Rosh Yeshiva and Rabbi of Volozhin. He rejoiced greatly at his words, as one who finds great spoil, and he did not cease smiling all day, for the joy of God was his strength for the exceptional love shown to us that we merited such light."
The approbation by the Rabbi of Valtshisk is particularly intriguing: it states that it is forbidden to infringe on the publisher’s rights for ten years. However, he adds that this is valid only with the endorsement of Rebbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev!
Segula Sefer: The holy Rebbe Eliezer Tzvi Safrin of Komarno, writes:
"And whoever acquires the Sefer Arba Me’os Shekel Kesef, … will be recorded among the holy individuals of Israel and sealed for a good and peaceful life, with children, health, and sustenance in abundance until the coming of the righteous Redeemer." (In his Haskamah for the Krakow 1886 edition).
The Holy Rebbi Shlomo Chaim Perlov (the first) of Koidinov (1797–1862).
Born to the holy Rebbi Aharon, son of the holy Rebbi Mordechai of Lechovitch, and Perel, daughter of the holy Rebbi Asher the First of Stolin. He was named after the holy Rebbi Shlomo of Karlin, with the additional name "Chaim" after the holy Rebbe Chaim Chaika of Amdur, as a blessing for longevity, due to Rebbi Shlomo’s early passing. In 1806, when Rebbi Shlomo Chaim was 10 years old, his father passed away, and he grew up in the home of his grandfather, Rebbi Asher of Stolin, adopting his family name, Perlov.
In 1810, he married Leah Rizel, granddaughter of the holy Rebbi Shlomo of Karlin. He served as Rabbi in the towns of Stolin, Turov, and Koidinov (Koidanova, today Dzyarzhynsk)
His primary Chassidic education was under his uncle Rebbi Noach of Lechovitch and his grandfather Rebbi Asher of Stolin. However, he also received teachings from his grandfather Rebbi Mordechai of Lechovitch, who participated in his wedding, as well as from Rebbi Boruch of Mezhibuzh. He was one of the select individuals who prayed with Rebbi Boruch during the Tikkun Leil Shavuot. He frequently visited the homes of the tzaddikim of his generation, especially the sons of Rebbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov, Rebbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, Rebbi Moshe of Savran, and Rebbi Yisrael of Ruzhin.
In 1833, after the passing of his uncle, Rebbi Noach of Lechovitch, he assumed the position of Rebbe. In Koidinov Chassidism, he is known as "The Elder Rebbe." As Rebbe, he often traveled throughout Lithuania, teaching Chassidic ideas and drawing Mitnagdim closer to Chassidism. Additionally, he served as the president of the charity fund for the Land of Israel, established by the holy Rebbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and Rebbi Avraham of Kalisk.
Rebbi Shlomo Chaim’s influence shaped communities across Lithuania, with Koidinov becoming the northernmost center of Chassidism. He maintained close ties with the dynasties of Nesvizh, Zlotchov, and Chernobyl, as well as his uncle, Rebbi Aharon of Karlin.
Rebbe Shlomo Chaim was known for his tolerance of all Jews, even Misngadim, many of whom later become his Hasidim after witnessing his kindness and Torah knowledge. He embraced the simpler folk and aroused in them the desire to study and worship in joy. He was relatively against asceticism and personally spent many hours learning Gemara and Shulchan Aruch.
After his passing, his son, the holy Rebbi Baruch Mordechai Perlov, succeeded him in Koidinov. Two of his other sons also served as Rebbes: the holy Rebbi Noach in Horodyshtz near Novogrudok, and the holy Rebbi Avraham Aharon in Pukhovich. Another son was the holy Rabbi Dov Moshe. His son-in-law was the holy Rebbi Shimon of Zavihvast, a great-grandson of the holy Rebbi Mordechai of Neshchiz and the father of the holy Rebbi Yaakov Perlov, founder of the Novominsk Chassidic dynasty.
His grandson, the holy Rabbi Yitzchak Perlov, was born in 1849 to his father, the holy Rabbi Dov Moshe, the eldest son of the elder Rebbe Shlomo Chaim of Koidinov. Tragically, he was orphaned from both his parents at a young age and was taken into the home of his illustrious grandfather. He later wrote in the introduction to his sefer Erez BaLevanon: "For my father and mother have forsaken me, but my grandfather gathered me and raised me upon his knees."
During these formative years, he grew wise and absorbed much from the elder Rebbe. He never ceased observing the sacred conduct and holy practices of his grandfather, which he later documented in the treatise The Customs of the Elder Rebbe. At the age of 13, his grandfather, who had raised him as a son, passed away. From then on, he devoted himself entirely to his uncle, the middle Rebbe of Koidinov, and recorded several of his practices as well.
When he reached the age of marriage, he wed Rebbetzin Chana Chaya, daughter of his cousin, the holy Rebbi Avraham Aharon of Pukhovich, son of the elder Rebbe of Koidinov.
Rabbi Yitzchak was a great scholar and an outstanding Torah genius, proficient in both the revealed and hidden aspects of Torah. He was a man of exceptional intellect, a rare combination of scholarship even in his time. His writings reveal a remarkable personality that harmonized halacha and Chassidut, blending the revealed and esoteric dimensions of Torah.
In 1877, before he turned 30, Rabbi Yitzchak’s brilliance shone as he brought to the Vilna press the Siddur Or HaYashar, based on the liturgical customs of his holy grandfather, the elder Rebbe. This edition, produced with extraordinary effort and under challenging circumstances, was a beautiful and complete publication, including all the meditations and prayers organized meticulously. The Siddur was founded on the prayer traditions of the elder Rebbe and included a small portion of his recorded practices. Rabbi Yitzchak also authored thes efer Erez BaLevanon (Vilna, 1899).
He passed away in 1901. For an extensive discussion about him, see Nahar Me’adan, published by the Koidinov-Shiach Avot Institute, Volume 5, Kislev 2018.
[2], 91, [1] Leaves. 20 cm.
Stefansky Sifrei Yesod, p. 183 (supplements).
See also: Caim Liberman ‘Sinai’, Vol. 70, pp. 171–176, and ‘Ohel Rachel’, Vol. 1, pp. 127–131.
Overall Good Condition, thick green quality pages, some stains, page [2] has a marginal tear with missing text, title page has marginal repairs, a few frayed corners, old binding.
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Lot #84