Tzofnat Pane'ach – Korets, 1782 – First Edition

Tzofnat Pane'ach, homiletics on Shemot, by R. Yaakov ...

Tzofnat Pane'ach – Korets, 1782 – First Edition

Tzofnat Pane'ach, homiletics on Shemot, by R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen Katz Rabbi of Polonne, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef. Korets: [Tzvi Hirsh Margolies and son-in-law Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber, 1782]. First edition.

The Chida in Shem HaGedolim writes about this book: "Tzofnat Pane'ach, innovative novellae… homiletics on the Torah portions of Shemot, delightful homily according to the Pardes approaches of interpretation. Authored by R. Yaakov Yosef, who often cited the introductions of his prominent teacher, R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov. And we know that this rabbi already published Toldot Yaakov Yosef, and it is widely acclaimed. And there [in Tzofnat Pane'ach], it says that he authored Ben Porat Yosef. And Tzofnat Pane'ach was printed in Korets in 1782" (Maarechet Sefarim, Tzadi). From the words of the Chida, it appears that of all the books of the Toldot Yaakov Yosef, only this one was before him.

The Books of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne – "Teachings from Paradise"

The books of R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef, are the most important and authentic source of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, containing hundreds of references to teachings the author personally heard from the Baal Shem Tov, emphasized throughout the books and beginning with the words "I heard from my master".

This book was especially cherished by Chassidic leaders, who ascribed it great holiness. The Maggid of Mezeritch commended the author as having merited revelation of Eliyahu and reached lofty heights. R. Pinchas of Korets attested that a book of such stature has never yet existed, and its teachings originate from Heaven. He would customarily say that all new books do not totally conform with the truth, except for the books of the rabbi of Polonne which are "teachings from Paradise", and that with each quotation "heard from my master" one can resurrect the dead[!].