Approbation 2 for Likutay Moharan by the Magid of Kozhnitz

Approbation for Likutey Moharan

Note from the English Translator
Rabbi Yisrael Hopstein (1737–1814), known as the Maggid of Kozhnitz, was one of the most revered figures in Chassidic Judaism, celebrated for his profound scholarship, piety, and mystical insight. A towering luminary in both revealed and hidden Torah, he was a disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch and Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, earning titles such as the "Shining Speculum" and the "Crown of Israel’s Glory." His hagiography recounts miraculous deeds, deep spiritual teachings, and a life dedicated to divine service, making him a central figure in Polish Chassidism. As the author of Avodat Yisrael and other works, his influence extended widely, mentoring countless disciples and shaping the Chassidic movement with his blend of intellectual rigor and heartfelt devotion.

By the great and towering sage, radiant in the heavens, the honorable Rabbi, the true genius, elder and leader in the yeshiva, a man of God, the wonder of the generation, the Crown of Israel’s Glory, the holy and venerable Chassid, the Shining Speculum, for whom the gates of light were opened in both the revealed and hidden Torah, whose hands are mighty and whose renown fills the earth, our teacher Rabbi Yisrael, of blessed memory, the Maggid of the holy community of Kozhnitz, author of Avodat Yisrael and other works:

Come and behold the works of God, performed and accomplished by a living man of great deeds, a gatherer of divine sparks, who has collected with his hands fiery flames and burning embers, sayings that are fitting and perfect in their essence. These Likutey Amarim, wondrous and awe-inspiring words, were sent to me by one of my dear friends, the great luminary, scion of holy ancestors, the wonder of the generation, whose great name is renowned at the gates, our teacher Rabbi Nachman, may his light shine, grandson of our holy Rabbi, the Baal Shem Tov, of blessed memory, who seeks to bring them to the altar of the printing press to reveal hidden pearls of wisdom.

I have seen in them words that are pleasing, delightful, incisive, and profoundly deep, each according to its measure. How glorious is this day when such words are brought to light, for which silence is their praise. I hereby join those who approve the publication of these words, precious beyond gold and pearls, worthy of being brought before the innermost sanctum. However, out of concern lest any man or woman arise and produce a similar work, whether by themselves or through their agents, I hereby decree with the authority of the rabbinic ban that no one shall do so for ten years from the completion of this printing, lest they incur a curse. May those who heed this find delight, and may blessings of goodness come upon them.

Tuesday, the 4th of Shevat, 5568 [1808], here in the holy community of Kozhnitz, may it be protected.

The words of [Signed],
Yisrael, son of our teacher Rabbi Shabtai