Ma’amarim (discourses) of first three generations of Chabad Leaders: R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi (Alter Rebbe); R. Dov Baer of Lubavitch (Mitteler Rebbe) and R. Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch (Tzemach Tzedek).

(CHASSIDISM).

Russia (Lubavitch)

Mid-19th-century

Hebrew manuscript (some Yiddish). Many cursive Aschkenazic scripts. With stamp of Rabbi M.B. Rivkin in various places. Scattered notes in pencil in the hand of Rabbi Rivkin comparing the manuscript to the published versions.

An important collection of Chabad Ma’amarim. This particular volume was studied by the Lubavitcher Rebbe R. Menachem Mendel Schneerson who entitled it “Buch Vehayu Hadevarim-Rivkin,” after the initial words of the first discourse and the owner’s family name. Apparently no copy was made by the Library of Agudath Chassidei Chabad, as whenever this volume is referred to it is simply identified as “Buch VeHayu HaDevarim-Rivkin” without any other mode of identification. The Ma’amarim here contain many variances and additional material when compared to the standard published versions in Likutei Torah, Ohr HaTorah and other sources; recent notes included here specify. Most of the Ma’amarim were written during the Tzemach Tzedek’s lifetime (d. 1866) as the words “sheyichyeh” appear after his name. A few are dated 1836-39 and are noted that they were written in the town of Lubavitch. The name of one of the scribes, Yisrael b. Yeshaiah is cited on f. 39b (mispaginated as f. 32b), as well as a former owner, Shneur Zalman Brudansky. A more detailed survey of these manuscript discourses comparing them to published versions is available upon request.