Ya’akov Yoseph of Polonoye. Toldoth Ya’akov Yoseph.

(CHASSIDISM).

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

Koretz

1780

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

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. It emphasized that only through the applied study of Chassidic thought would the Redemption arrive. Due to its prestige, a number of Chassidic legends have arisen concerning the publication and dissemination of the Toldos, thus creating a unique aura around this celebrated first edition. Upon publication, opposition to the work was so considerable among Mithnagdic circles, numerous copies were publicly burnt. This was due to the book’s criticism of contemporary Torah circles, in which, according to the author, they studied Torah 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 Judaism.