Ir Miklat (Liska) – Ungvár, 1871 – Copy of Rebbe Yeshayah of Kerestir

Ir Miklat (Liska) – Ungvár, 1871 – Copy of Rebbe Yeshayah of Kerestir

Ir Miklat, on the count of mitzvot and their rationales, by R. David of Lida, with ethics from the Shlah. Ungvár (Uzhhorod), 1871.

Published by Rebbe Tzvi Hirsch of Liska, who also wrote an introduction to the book with "some supplementary disciplines relevant and necessary for this book", and also included a response to the book sent to him by R. Shlomo Ganzfried, after R. Tzvi Hirsch of Liska had sent him a copy.

Copy of Rebbe Yeshayale of Kerestir, with many ownership inscriptions in Hebrew and Hungarian stating that the book belongs to R. Yeshayah of Kerestir. At top of title page: "This belongs to the Tzaddik… R. Yeshayah". Inside front board and on front endpaper, inscriptions: "This book Arei Miklat belongs to R… Yeshayah Steiner"; "Belongs to R. Yeshayah Steiner", and additional inscriptions on his ownership, as well as inscriptions of other owners.

R. Yeshayah Steiner of Kerestir (1852-1925) was the disciple and successor of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska (Olaszliszka), author of Ach Pri Tevuah. He was orphaned from his father at the age of three and was raised in the home of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska from the age of twelve. He embraced Chassidism, frequenting the courts of Rebbe Chaim Halberstam of Sanz and Rebbe Mordechai of Nadvorna. However, his primary rebbe and mentor remained Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, and he eventually became his close attendant (even when R. Yeshayah later served as rebbe, with throngs flocking to his court from all over Hungary, he would still sign with his stamp and on his letters: "…who attended the Tzaddik of Liska"). After his teacher's death R. Yeshayah settled in Kerestir (Bodrogkeresztúr, Hungary), where he became famed as a wonderworker, with numerous Jews (as well as non-Jews) flocking to his court to seek his counsel. He would also distribute amulets (to this day, his portrait is hung in homes as a segulah against mice; the story behind this custom is related in his biography, Mei Be'er Yeshayahu). Rebbe Yeshayah was revered by the leading rebbes of his day, including Rebbe Chaim of Sanz and Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz (who stated that the "key to sustenance" is in his hands). He performed thousands upon thousands of charitable deeds, personally engaging in hospitality, and was considered one of the pillars of kindness and prayer in his times.

[4], 5-34, 37-75, [2] leaves. Lacking leaves 35-36. Leaves 33-34 misbound. 21 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Light wear, creases and minor tears to margins of some leaves. Close trimming, affecting text of several leaves. Old binding, worn, partially detached.