Yismach Moshe – Both Parts – Berlin, 1928

Yismach Moshe – Both Parts – Berlin, 1928

Yismach Moshe, Part I on Bereshit and Shemot, and Part II on Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim, by Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely). Berlin: Pardess, 1928. Two parts in two volumes. Colored title pages.

Vol. I (Bereshit-Shemot): [5], 203, [2] leaves; Vol. II (Vayikra-Devarim): [4], 154 leaves; 46, [3] pages. 26.5-27 cm. Good condition. Creases and minor wear. Marginal tears to several leaves. Part I in new leather binding; part II with original binding (slightly worn).

The Yismach Moshe, Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel (1759-1841) was an illustrious Chassidic leader in Hungary and Galicia and progenitor of the Sighet and Satmar Chassidic dynasties. An outstanding Torah scholar and G-dly kabbalist, well versed in all facets of Torah, revealed as well as hidden. During his lifetime he was renowned as a holy G-dly man and a wonder-worker benefiting from Divine Inspiration. He first served as rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa) from 1785-1808, and in 1808, was appointed rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely) and the region. At first, R. Moshe was an opponent of Chassidut, and in his youth, he travelled to Vilna to study Torah from the Gaon of Vilna. Over the years, R. Moshe gravitated towards Chassidut, influenced by his son-in-law R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz of Vishnitsa, author of Responsa Aryeh D'Vei Ila'i, who convinced him to travel to the Chozeh of Lublin. There, R. Moshe saw revelations of Divine Inspiration, and became the Chozeh's close disciple, adhering to Chassidut and disseminating its doctrines. He also travelled to the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. From 1815, R. Moshe began distributing amulets to those requiring salvation and "the pen cannot properly describe the wonders performed by those amulets". Reputedly, he deliberated whether to continue writing amulets until he heard a pronouncement from Heaven: "Do not fear for I am with you" (Tehillah LeMoshe). Until this day, most of the texts of amulets and "protections" in Ashkenazi countries are attributed to the Yismach Moshe, including the printed text of the "Protection for the infant and the mother" and "Protection from epidemic". The text of the renowned Kerestir amulets, inscribed by Chassidic rebbes for safeguarding home and property, also originates from him.