Keter Shem Tov, Part I - Teachings of the Ba'al Shem Tov - First Edition - Zhovkva, 1794

Keter Shem Tov, Part I - Teachings of the Ba'al Shem Tov - First Edition - Zhovkva, 1794
Keter Shem Tov, "All the holy teachings of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov" - selections of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, arranged by R. Aharon HaKohen of Żelechów and Apta (Opatów). Zhovkva: Yehuda Leib Meyerhoffer and Mordechai Rabinstein, [1794]. First edition.
The first part of Keter Shem Tov - renowned compendium of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings. The book contains teachings of the Baal Shem Tov selected from the books of his disciples, R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne and the Maggid of Mezeritch. This is one of the first compendiums printed of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. The book was published in two parts in Zhovkva, 1794-1795.
Approbations from Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Liska, R. Shlomo of Karlin and R. Avraham Moshe of Pshevorsk are featured at the beginning of the book, followed by the "Tzavaah of the Baal Shem Tov". The subsequent leaf contains a letter which the Baal Shem Tov addressed to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov, in Eretz Israel.
The compiler of this book, R. Aharon HaKohen of Żelechów and Apta (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 157), authored several popular Chassidic books, including: Or HaGanuz LaTzadikim, the Tefilla Yeshara - Keter Nehora siddur and other books. He was the disciple of R. Uziel Meisels of Ryczywół. He succeeded R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev as rabbi of Żelechów, and later served as rabbi of Biłgoraj. In 1803, he was appointed rabbi of Apta, alongside Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel, the Ohev Yisrael.
On the title page and several other leaves, signatures of R. "Shmuel Heller", rabbi of Safed (1786-1884, an outstanding Torah scholar, proficient in a range of sciences including medicine. He was raised in the home of the Chozeh of Lublin and following his advice, immigrated to Eretz Israel. Served as rabbi of Safed for 60 years). Signatures of R. "Moshe Deutsch", son-in-law of R. Shmuel Heller's son.
[30] leaves. 19.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, dampstains and wear. Tears to title page, slightly affecting text (the leaf was professionally repaired). Worming to title page and several other leaves, repaired. Open tear to top left-hand corner of leaf 21, not affecting text, repaired. Small marginal open tears to three leaves preceding last leaf, repaired. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 249.
This edition has several variants, with minor typographic variations and differences to the text of the title page (see Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, listing 139450).