Beurei HaZohar, commentary on the Zohar by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi – the Baal HaTanya. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, [1816].

First edition, printed in the lifetime of the author – the Mitteler Rebbe.

A fundamental book clarifying many concepts of the Arizal's Kabbalah, according to the Chassidic approach. The commentaries on the Zohar, which the Baal HaTanya imparted to his sons and his elite disciples on Shabbat eves, were recorded by his son R. Dov Ber, the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch. The Baal HaTanya taught these commentaries from 19th Kislev 1801 until his final years. [As the teachings are those of the Alter Rebbe, while the writing is by the Mitteler Rebbe, the work is sometimes attributed to either one of the two].

In the foreword, the Mitteler Rebbe describes how "we heard from his inspired mouth, every Shabbat eve, commentaries and explanations of the sayings of the Zohar, one leaf from every portion, for several years, and it is plainly visible to all that divine inspiration rested upon him as he revealed the light of the secrets of the Torah…".

At the end of the foreword, the Mitteler Rebbe describes the method of writing and editing the book: "It is known to all students of my father's teachings that none of the writings contain anything of my own, except when explaining and clarifying in a few places where he was concise, and even that was taken from his teachings elaborated elsewhere".

Rebbe Eliezer Tzvi Safrin of Komarno writes in his preface to his commentary Damesek Eliezer on the Zohar that this was one of the books he relied upon when composing his own commentary.

[4], 139; 57 leaves. 20.5 cm. Printed in part on bluish paper. Overall good condition. Stains, including dark stains in some places, and light wear. Worming in several places, slightly affecting text. Repaired tears to title page, affecting text on both sides of leaf, with photocopy replacement. Small tears, to several leaves. Fine new leather binding.