JACOB JOSEPH OF POLONOYE. Toldoth Ya’akov Yoseph [homilies]

(CHASSIDISM).

Tzvi Hirsch b. Arye Leib & Samuel b. Yissachar Segal

Koretz

1780

Vinograd, Koretz 7; Tauber, Mechkarim Bibliographiyim, Koretz 6

COMPLETE COPY OF THE EXCEPTIONALLY RARE FIRST EDITION OF THE "TOLDOS. " THE VERY FIRST CHASSIDIC WORK PUBLISHED. This fundamentally important work is the primary source for the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. Because of its prestige, a number of Chassidic legends have arisen concerning its publication and dissemination, thus creating a unique aura around this first edition. Upon publication, opposition to the work was so considerable among Mithnagdic circles, numerous copies were publicly burnt. This was due to the author's criticism of contemporary Torah circles, in which, according to R. Jacob Joseph, they studied for personal aggrandizement and not for "the sake of Heaven. " He also criticized the wealthy classes of society who were treated with an unnecessary degree of obeisance by community rabbis. See S. H. Dresner, The Zaddik (1960) pp. 245-54 (esp. p. 247, note 21), J. Bloch, A Legendary Edition of the Toldoth Yaakov Yoseph, in: JQR (1941) Vol. XXXI, pp. 245-57; Carmilly-Weinberger, Censorship and Freedom pp. 127-30. The book that gave rise to Chassidism, a movement, that over the past two centuries has revolutionized the face of contemporary Judasim.