HaDerech, Budapest, 1944 – First Edition – Containing the Words of the Belzer Rebbe Upon his Escape from the ...

HaDerech, Budapest, 1944 – First Edition – Containing the Words of the Belzer Rebbe Upon his Escape from the Holocaust to Eretz Israel
HaDerech, Issue I, "Derech Tzaddikim - Farewell sermon of… R. Mordechai Rokeach, Rabbi of Biłgoraj… which he delivered at the celebration of the completion of a tractate by Tiferet Bachurim". "Derech Kedoshim - the words of… R. Aharon Rokeach the Belzer Rebbe… said here in the capital Budapest prior their departure for Eretz Israel". Edited by R. Menachem Aharon Levovitz, young rabbi of Chop. Budapest, Shvat 13, 1944. First edition.
Following their miraculous escape from the Bochnia Ghetto, the Belzer Rebbe and his brother R. Mordechai of Biłgoraj reached Budapest, where they remained from Iyar 1943 until Tevet 1944. This booklet, printed on Shvat 13, 1944, contains the farewell sermon of R. Mordechai of Biłgoraj, where he mentions the atrocities of the Holocaust in Poland and Galicia, and the pressing need to help refugees from those countries. He then apologizes for their departure to Eretz Israel, explaining that their journey is not an escape from Hungary, which he confidently states will not be affected by the Holocaust, but rather stems from his and his brother's yearning and love for Eretz Israel. Further in the booklet, the Rebbe is quoted saying that their trip to Eretz Israel is temporary, with the intention of returning, and his brother R. Mordechai of Biłgoraj explained that according to a tradition from their forefathers, there is no value in settling Eretz Israel before the coming of Mashiach (p. 26). Some ten days later, on February 17, 1944, a second, revised edition of this booklet was published, omitting some references to their immigration to Eretz Israel. A month later, a third edition, also "censored", was printed in Budapest, with the inscription "Second edition, Adar 1944". This booklet is the first, rare edition, containing the Rebbe's speech in its entirety.
[2], 28 pages. 20 cm. The body of the book in fair condition. The wrappers are in fair-poor condition. Stains, dampstains and wear. Wrappers - stains, damage and extensive wear. Loose wrappers. Inscriptions on the back wrapper.