Pri HaAretz, Chassidic and kabbalistic discourses on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe (prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya), [1814]. First edition.

This book contains a collection of discourses which R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk delivered in Tiberias, following his immigration to Eretz Israel (in 1777). The title page states: "And they were collected together by the rabbi who was outstanding in Torah and fear of G-d, R. Elazar Zussman, scribe of the Holy Land, and from him it reached our hands". R. Elazar Zussman was the scribe of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, R. Avraham of Kalisk, and all the Chassidim who reached Eretz Israel in the famous 1777 immigration.

The identity of the writer of this book is subject to dispute. Some say the discourses were recorded by his disciples, primarily R. Elazar Zussman, who also edited and arranged them for print (Beit Rebbi and R. Yehoshua Mondschein). Conversely, according to a tradition of Slonim Chassidim, the entire book was written by R. Menachem Mendel himself, while R. Elazar Zussman only edited and arranged it for print, adding the opening words (Yesod HaMaalah, I, p. 59).

The two first leaves contain discourses of R. Avraham HaMalach.

Pri HaAretz is renowned as one of the most profound and difficult to understand Chassidic books.

[2], 27 leaves. Without [9] final leaves. 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including many dampstains, and wear. Marginal tears to last leaves, repaired with paper. Worming to last leaves, affecting text. New leather binding.

Lacking last nine leaves, with the selection of Igrot HaKodesh – letters of guidance in worship of G-d, which R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and R. Avraham of Kalisk sent from Eretz Israel to their disciples in Belarus.