Avodat Yisrael, Chassidic and kabbalistic discourses on the Torah portions, haftarot and festivals, two letters, Chassidic commentary on Tractate Avot and novellae on Tractate Chullin, by R. Yisrael Hopstein – the Maggid of Kozhnitz. Józefów: David Saadiah Yeshayah Wax, 1842. First edition.

The author,
R. Yisrael Hopstein, known as the Maggid of Kozhnitz (1733/1737-1815), kabbalist and founding father of the Chassidic movement in Poland. A close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, he began to serve as preacher in Kozhnitz in 1765 and amassed thousands of followers as the leading rebbe in Poland. The Chidushei HaRim, his disciple, was also raised in his home. He authored many books in all realms of the Torah, including halachah, novellae, homiletics and kabbalah.

Avodat Yisrael, the first of his works to be printed, is considered a foundational work of Chassidic thought.

[4], 90; 32 leaves. Two title pages. 20 cm. Partially bluish paper. Good-fair condition. Many stains (many dark stains to some leaves). Small marginal tears to several leaves. Stamps. Old binding, worn, with defects.

Does not include leaf [5] with three approbations, included only in some copies.