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/Bishenkowitz)

Mid-19th-century

Hebrew manuscript (some Yiddish). In a few neat, cursive Aschkenazic hands. Table of contents on first leaf written over title in faded writing “Torah of Admor R. Dover”

The Ma’amarim here contain variances and additional material when compared to the standard published versions in Likutei Torah, Torath Chaim, Ohr HaTorah and other sources. Most of the Ma’amarim in this manuscript were written during the Tzemach Tzedek’s lifetime (d. 1866) as the word “sheyichyeh” appears after his name. A few are noted as to specifically when they were delivered, e.g. see f. 36a “Torah of Admor R. Shneur Zalman, 1802” and f. 13a (of the final section) “Shir Hashirim said by Admor Maharam (the Tzemach Tzedek) in 1832.” Also contained (ff. 163a-164b) is an important letter written by R. Shneur Zalman’s brother R. Yehudah Leib (author of She’erith Yehudah) to his brother’s disciple R. Aaron Halevi Horowitz of Starosselje (1766-1829), who considered himself R. Shneur Zalman’s successor. Although most Chassidim pledged their allegiance to the son, R. Dover of Lubavitch, others followed the disciple R. Aaron Halevi Horowitz of Starosselje. R. Yehudah Leib here rebukes R. Aaron. This letter has only published in an abbreviated version (in Beith Rebbe, 1902). Also appearing here is a copy of a letter by R. Shneur Zalman to R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (f. 165b); “Kithvei Kodesh of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov” (ff. 179a-180a); and letters by the Mitteler Rebbe (ff. 182b-183b).