Kedushas Levi – Translated and Elucidated
Who among us has never heard of, and marveled at, and been inspired by Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev? He was “the defender,” who found the good in every Jew, and whose passionate avodas Hashem was combined with an unparalleled love for His people. Known as an illui from youth, Rav Levi Yitzchak was a close talmid of the Maggid of Mezeritch and one of the foundational figures of Chassidus.
However, perhaps his greatest influence was not in the wondrous stories that grew around him, but, rather, in his classic work, Kedushas Levi. Profound, incisive, and stimulating, Rav Levi Yitzchak’s commentary has been treasured and studied by scholars and gedolim for more than two centuries.
Finally, this classic commentary on Chumash is available in a groundbreaking translated and elucidated ArtScroll/Mesorah edition.
Reb Moyshe Silk is the only Chassidic Jew who has been confirmed by the Senate for a high position in the U.S. Treasury Department. He has devoted more than a decade working himself and organizing a team of scholars to translate and elucidate Kedushas Levi. He describes Kedushas Levi as “… one of the most profound Torah commentaries of our recent history… Its messages and lessons are hopeful, heartening, and uplifting, and seek to motivate the reader toward greater and more devoted service of Hashem.”
As important and beautiful as it is, Kedushas Levi is not a simple sefer to learn. It assumes that the reader has a thorough knowledge of classic sources, and is often written in a cryptic style. The new elucidation includes the original text, a flowing translation, and commentary and explanatory notes incorporated into the text. As an important service to the reader, there is an introductory chapter that explains basic concepts that appear throughout the sefer to make the sefer clear to the reader. The sefer also includes a biography of Rav Levi Yitzchak, as well as fascinating sections on the Yamim Tovim.
Kedushas Levi is available in three separate volumes (Bereishis, Shemos, and Vayikra-Bamidbar-Devarim) or in one magnificent three-volume slip-cased set.
You know all about the Berditchever’s unflinching faith and love for his people. You may even recite his beautiful tefillah, Gut Fun Avrohom, every Motzaei Shabbos. But to really know Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev and to truly appreciate his greatness, you have to study his masterpiece, Kedushas Levi.
And now you can.
