Ma’amarim [Chassidic discourses] of three generations of Chabad Rebbes : R. Dov Baer of Lubavitch (Mitteler Rebbe), R. Menachem Mendel (Tzemach Tzedek) and R. Shmuel (Mahara”sh). Includes Kuntras Hahispa’aluth.

(CHASSIDISM).

(Lubavitch?)

(1825-66)

Hebrew Manuscript written in Ashkenazic cursive scripts on paper, various hands. From the library of Haim Liberman.

A talented cadre of dedicated scribes preserved for posterity the spiritual legacy of Chabad Chassidism. The discourses (ma’amorim) usually delivered on Sabbaths and holidays, when it is forbidden by Jewish law to write, would later be orally transmitted (the chozer system) and submitted to the Rebbe for editorial review. If met with the Rebbe’s approval, the texts would be designated Mugah (proofread), as are most of the discourses in this volume. Many of the Ma’amarim have the name “Dov Baer” noted at end (viz. ff. 4a and 28b). Some of the discourses are dated from 1850-66 (viz. ff. 51a, 77a, 84a and 97a). The Kuntras Hahispa’aluth was first published in 1825, the text recorded here appears to predate the first printed edition.