Toldot Aharon (R. Aharon of Zhitomir) – Berditchev, 1817 – First Edition

Toldot Aharon (R. Aharon of Zhitomir) – Berditchev, 1817 – First Edition

Toldot Aharon, Chassidic and kabbalistic essays on the Torah portions, by R. Aharon of Zhitomir (close disciple of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev). Berditchev (Berdychiv): R. Yisrael Bak, [1817]. First edition. With approbations by great Chassidic leaders: the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, R. Mordechai of Chernobyl and R. Yisrael of Pikov. In all three approbations, the author is termed "the holy light, G-dly man".
Toldot Aharon contains inspirational sermons and guidance in worship of G-d based on Chassidic teachings, recorded by one of the disciples of R. Aharon of Zhitomir, and brought to press within the year of mourning following the passing of the author. The book is written in an animated, passionate style; as described in the approbations: "His holy words enthuse the hearts of the Jewish people towards their Father in Heaven, like a tongue of flame rising heavenwards"; "His words are impassioned like a fiery flame". The book quotes dozens of teachings received by the author from his prime teacher, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, as well as expressions of his exceptional reverence for his teacher.
The author, R. Aharon of Zhitomir (ca. 1750-1817; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 156) was appointed ca. 1798 by his teacher R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev as maggid in Zhitomir, and the latter cautioned the townspeople of Zhitomir exceedingly to treat him with great respect. He held this position for some three years. He later moved to Hungary, where he served as maggid in Karoly (Carei) and in Ashvar (Nyírvasvári), which became a Chassidic town under his influence. This book contains the sermons he delivered in Zhitomir in 1798-1801.
Two ownership inscriptions extending across the margins of dozens of leaves at the beginning of the book, attesting that the book belonged to R. Aryeh Leib of Dubrovna (possibly the Chabad Torah scholar R. Aryeh Leib Kolonier [Tumarkin/Beilinson] of Dubrovna, teacher of the Divrei Nechemiah of Dubrovna).

[2], 20, [2], 21-36, 40-191 leaves (misfoliation). Bluish paper. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Many stains, including dampstains. Wear. Worming, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. Minor open tear to one leaf, affecting text, and marginal open tears to title page and other leaves, repaired in part with paper. First and final leaves possibly supplied from a different copy. Stamps. New leather binding.