Kestenbaum & Company’s spring auction of Fine Judaica will feature a strong section of Chassidic texts, including a rare first edition of the Alter Rebbe’s siddur.
During the life-time of the “Alter Rebbe,” R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1813), his unique text of the prayers, based upon the rite of R. Isaac Luria, was published in a very condensed format in Shklov in 1803 (see Habermann, Sha’arei Chabad, no. 135). However, this earlier prayerbook was devoid of Chassidism per se, offering only general instructions and “pesakim” (legal decisions).
Following the death of R. Shneur Zalman, his son and successor, R. Dov Ber (1773-1827), the “Mitteler Rebbe,” issued for the first time what has come to be known among Chabad Chassidim as the “Siddur ‘im Da”ch” (Siddur with Chassidic discourses; Da”ch initials “Divrei Elokim Chaim,”) – more simply, “Der Alter Rebbe’s Siddur.”
The present siddur therefore, may be said to rank among the most important of Chassidic printed books – and certainly the most significant within Chabad philosophy.
The siddur is lot 139 (CHASSIDISM): Seder Tefiloth mikol HaShanah al-pi Nusach Ha’Ari z”l.. According to the Custom of Isaac Luria (Nussach AR”I). Arranged and with an extensive commentary by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi (The Alter Rebbe). First edition of Siddur with Chassidic discourses [Siddur ‘im Da”ch]. On title, printer’s device of Israel Jaffe. At bottom f. 38r, signature of former owner “Yitzchak Eizik Alth[oiz].” Part One only (of two). ff. (2), 2-104 (wanting f.1), 54. Browned. Old tape repairs to several leaves, including title. In some instances, text slightly affected. Modern blind-tooled calf. 4to. [Vinograd, Kopyst 60; Mehlman 221 (JNUL copy incomplete); Habermann, Sha’arei Chabad (in Alei Ayin: S.Z. Schocken Festschrift) p. 327 no.137].
Kopyst, Israel Jaffe: 1816. $10,000 – $15,000
Kestenbaum & Company’s spring auction of Fine Judaica will be held on Thursday, June 23rd at 3:00 pm. The sale will take place at the company’s gallery at 242 West 30th Street in New York City with viewing beforehand from June 19th through June 22nd.
To view the catalog Click here
As others posted already this edition is already in the Rebbe’s library, no need for another.
As to the first print of the Alter Rebbe’s Siddur – there is only one known copy of it left in the world and that’s in the archive of the Rebbe RaShaB which is stuck in the library in Russia and we’re all davening for the Geulah of that archive b’korov MAMOSH
the rebbe never wanted us to pay allot of $$$$$ for sforim.
who knows who will buy it its not good your right #3 it should
The Rebbes library has 2 or more copies of this Kapust edition
It has been on display in the Library Exhibition many times
The first print of this Siddur was printed in Shklav and its so Rare we don’t even have or know what the Title page looks like.
there is NO known first edition of the Alter Rebbe’s siddur anywhere! And if one were to be located, it would be amazingly expensive. The one that is being sold is merely the first edition of “Siddur ‘im Da”ch”
It’s worth so much more! Why isn’t this is our Chabad library already?
Why is it not in the REBBE’S library? Who sold it to
Kestenbaum & company?!!!
i can do it if cheaper but i can not afford it