The Baal Shem of Michelstadt (1768-1847)

<<An Important Manuscript from a Master Kabbalist.>> Yitzchak Aryeh Zekel Leib Wormser, known as the Baal Shem of Michelstadt, evokes a sense of awe among a great many of the pious communities of Aschkenazic Jewry, down to this very day. His scholarship, devotion and reputation as a miracle-worker far transcended the bounds of his provincial residence in Germany. Penitents flocked to him from across Europe to benefit from his miraculous cures and spiritual insights. Even such eminent figures as the Chasam Sofer and the Chiddushei HaRi”m consulted the Baal Shem. Extant manuscripts from the Baal Shem of Michelstadt are extremely rare. A disastrous fire broke out in his home in 1825 consuming all his possessions, including his entire library containing his extensive scholarly manuscripts, all unpublished. The little that did survive was later published by his descendants - pedagogic guides entitled Kuntrass HaYedi’oth and Darkei HaLimud plus marginal Talmudic notes. The present autograph manuscript leaf is entitled “Darkei Hora’ah,” which discusses the appropriate methodology for instruction of older students studying Halacha. A portion of the text has been published, but much of the marginalia as well as the comments adjacent to the title remain unpublished. Also unpublished is guidance to the commentaries on the Aggadoth Hashas and information pertaining to measurements. The other side of the leaf entitled “Hoda’ah” pertains to the study of other disciplines. The final few lines entitled “Yediah” are unpublished. See: Baal Shem Me’Michelstadt (Jerusalem, 1983) pp. 38-39 and 43-44. <<An Important Manuscript by this descendent of R. Eliyahu Baal Shem of Worms and disciple of R. Nathan Adler of Frankfurt. @