The Baal Shem of Michelstadt (1768-1847)

WORMSER, YITZCHAK ARYEH ZEKEL LEIB

(Michelstadt)

n.d.

Autograph Manuscript in Hebrew. Interspersed with Yiddish and German in another hand (a family member?) Composed in a precise Ashkenazic hand on paper. Two pages

An Important Manuscript from a Master Kabbalist. Yitzchak Aryeh Zekel Leib Wormser (1768-1847), 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 Chatham 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in 1825 consuming all his possessions, including his entire library containing his extensive scholarly manuscripts, all unpublished.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 descendents - pedagogic guides entitled Kuntrass HaYedi'oth and Darkei HaLimud. The present autograph manuscript leaf entitled "Darkei HaLimud LeTzeirei HaTzon" contains methodology for younger students learning to read Hebrew and instruction for older students studying Talmud, Maimonides and commentaries. The majority of the text has been published, but some of the marginalia and the Yiddish and German comments remain unpublished. See: “Baal Shem Me’Michelstadt” (Jerusalem, 1983), with facsimiles of his handwriting. An Important Manuscript from this Descendent of R. Eliyahu Baal Shem of Worms and Disciple of R. Nathan Adler of Frankfurt.