Schneur Zalman of LiadI. Tanya - Likutei Amarim

R. Chaim Abraham Dov-Ber ben Shneur Zalman Levine (d. Shavuoth, 1938), a unique figure in the development of Chassiduth in America was at one time a Chassid of the Rebbes of Lubavitch. Later, he became known as The Malach (“Angel”) due to his intense ascetic nature and extreme yearning for holiness. (For further biographical information see Lot 260). The cryptic inscription of the Malach reads here: "Ilai avar ve-tatai gavar ve-ha-sepher eilai ketiv." A family tradition explains this inscription as follows. At the turn of the century, a fire consumed the Malach's library. As he could not bear to be without a copy of the Sepher Tanya, he implored the distributor of this new edition, to part with his last copy. Thus the inscription (a play on words of the Talmudic concept) "Ilai avar " - the previous higher realm is gone, "ve-tatai gavar" - the lower realm (the new) has become strengthened, "ve-ha-sepher eilai ketiv" - and this book is written (belongs) to me...