Ben Porat Yosef - Korets, 1781 - First Edition - With the Igeret HaKodesh from the Baal Shem Tov to Eretz Israel

Ben Porat Yosef - Korets, 1781 - First Edition - With the Igeret HaKodesh from the Baal Shem Tov to Eretz Israel
Ben Porat Yosef, homiletics on Bereshit, with responsa at the end, by R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen Katz Rabbi of Polonne. Korets: Tzvi Hirsh son of Aryeh Leib [Margolies] and his son-in-law Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal, [1781]. First edition.
This is the author's second book, published approximately one year after his first book Toldot Yaakov Yosef. In this book, like in the previous one, the author quotes extensively teachings from his prime teacher, R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov.
The famous letter which the Baal Shem Tov sent to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov in Jerusalem is printed here for the first time, at the end of the book. In the letter, the Baal Shem Tov narrates of the "ascent of the soul" which he performed on Rosh Hashana of 1746 and 1749, and relates: "And I asked Mashiach, when will the Master come, and he responded… when your teachings will be publicized and revealed to the world, and your wellsprings will spread outwards".
[1], 88, 91-94, 89-90, 95-100 leaves. Leaves 89-90 bound out of sequence, between leaves 94-95. 29.5 cm. Poor condition. Stains. Severe worming, with extensive damage to text throughout book, repaired with paper. Many open tears, with significant damage to text, repaired with paper. Stamps. New binding, detached.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 90.