Rare 'Noam Elimelech' Book Expected to Fetch Over $2 Million at Auction
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
A rare first edition of the 1788 Hasidic book "Noam Elimelech" is expected to sell for over $2 million at a Ginzim Auction House sale. The book, authored by Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, is considered a foundational Hasidic text and its first edition is highly sought after. The copy features unique asterisks and is believed to hold spiritual significance and protective qualities, driving intense collector interest.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A rare first edition of the "Noam Elimelech" is expected to sell for over $2 million.
- The book was printed in Lviv in 1788 and is considered a foundational Hasidic text.
- The opening bid for the rare volume is reportedly set at $1 million.
- The first edition contains unique asterisks believed to hold deep spiritual significance.
- Owning the book is historically associated with blessings for protection and prosperity.
- The specific copy is described as complete and in good condition with minor restorations.
A rare first edition of the Hasidic text "Noam Elimelech" is set to be auctioned by Ginzim Auction House, with expectations that it could sell for over $2 million. The opening bid for the book, printed in Lviv in 1788, is reportedly set at $1 million. This astronomical sum reflects the immense value placed on this particular edition within the Hasidic world and among collectors of rare Jewish texts.
The "Noam Elimelech," authored by Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, a prominent disciple of the Great Maggid of Mezeritch, is considered a foundational work of Hasidic philosophy. It was first published by the author's son, Rabbi Elazar of Lizhensk, two years after his father's passing, following Rabbi Elimelech's dying wish not to publish it during his lifetime. The first edition includes commentaries on the Torah portions, the "Likutei Shoshana" tract, and "Igrot Kodesh" (holy letters).
What makes this first edition particularly unique are the small asterisks found between lines of text, which are believed to hold deep spiritual significance, marking places where the author experienced divine revelations. Historically, owning a copy of this first edition has been associated with special blessings for protection, prosperity, and health, with many Hasidic leaders and tzadikim known to have possessed and cherished such copies.
The specific copy up for auction is described as complete and in good condition, with minor restorations on some pages. It features a new, ornate red and gold leather binding and is housed in a matching presentation box. The auction is anticipated to draw significant interest from collectors and Hasidic dynasties worldwide, potentially setting a new record for a single religious book sale.