Shulchan Aruch HaRav Orech Chayim, copy from the personal library of the Admorim of Rachmastrivka. Zhitomir 1862.

Shulchan Aruch HaRav Orech Chayim, copy from the personal library of the Admorim of Rachmastrivka. Zhitomir 1862.

Shulchan Aruch HaRav Orech Chayim, first section, by the Admor HaZaken Baal HaTanya, printed by the grandsons of the Slavita Rav, Rabbis Hanina Lipa and Yehoshua Heschel Shapira in Zhitomir, 1862. [3], 124, 129-169 in the original. This copy is missing the last page and maybe also an additional page from the beginning. Old, worn binding; stains; title page is taped along the side, overall good condition.

The title page has important notes: “This belongs to the Synagogue of R’ Nachumza” and a similar note with an addition: “of Rachmastrivka”. Additional notes of: “Dov Twersky” (see below). Also a stamp at the end showing ownership of the above synagogue.

Admor Rabbi Menachem Nachum Twersky of Rachmastrivka (1843-1936) was the son of the Admor Rabbi Yochanan. He was the son-in-law of Rabbi Zeev Auerbach (grandson of Rabbi David of Chmelnik, a student of the Baal Shem Tov). In his second marriage he was son-in-law of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Hornstein of Berdichev. He served as Admor of Rachmastrivka alongside his brother Rabbi Mordechai and then in his place together with their brother Rabbi Zeev. He moved to Jerusalem in 1924. His son-in-law was Rabbi Haim Moshe of Hornosteipol. His sons were Rabbi David and Rabbi Avraham Dov, who succeeded him together in Jerusalem. His grandson (son of Rabbi David) is the famous Admor Rabbi Yochanan of Jerusalem.

The signature “Dov Twersky” suggests that it’s from the childhood of his son and successor Rabbi Avraham Dov of Rachmastrivka (1865-1945), son-in-law of Rabbi Ephraim Margaliyot of Motziv. He was proficient in Jewish philosophy and was considered restrained and not very expressive. He served alongside his brother Rabbi David in Jerusalem. His family remained in Russia. He is buried on the Mt. of Olives.