Obj. ID: 36420  Sefer ha-Chaim, Medzhybizh (Medzhibozh, Międzyboż), 1817

This text was prepared by William Gross:

Sefer Ha-Chaim was written by R' Chaim b. Bezalel, older brother of the famous Maharal of Prague (R' Yehudah Loew b Bezalel, talumudist, philosopher, etc. and creator of the Golem).
Rabbi Chaim Loeb is one of the four brothers about whom the great commentator and posek R' Shlomo Luria "Maharshal" wrote: "I have heard about the wise brothers: the lofty, wise and pious one R' Chaim; the lion of Torah R' Leib [the Maharal]; and the 2 shining stars R' Sinai and R' Shimshon.
R' Chaim was a leading sage of his generation, though his legacy is overshadowed by that of his younger brother the Maharal of Prague. When he is quoted, it is usually by the name "R' Chaim, the brother of Maharal". As a young man R' Chaim traveled to study under R' Shalom Shakna of Lublin, one of the leading sages of Poland and the leader of the pilpul school of Torah studies. However, like his fellow student (cousin of Maharshal) R' Moshe Isserles "Rema", R' Chaim apparently rejected the pilpul method. R' Chaim's next teacher was Maharshal, and it was his method of studying halachah that R' Chaim adopted as his own. R' Chaim was reluctant to leave any written works. He encouraged his students to memorize material and study by heart, thus developing their memories and their analytical abilities. That R' Chaim wrote any books is a testimony to the persistent demands of his students, and even so, he postponed his writing until an epidemic forced him to be quarantined and separated from anyone with whom he could "talk in learning." (in 1569 and again in 1579.)"
This edition of Sefer ha-Chaim was issued in Miedzybozh. The town is best known as the residence of the Ba'al Shem Tov, who moved there in c.1740. The village became the seat of the Hassidic movement and later of the Miedzybizh Hassidic dynasty (established by the Apter Rav, R' Avraham Yehoshua Heshel). Both the Besht and the Apter Rav remained in Miedzybozh until their deaths (in 1760 and 1825, respectively), and were buried in the old cemetery. Miedzybizh has become a tourist attraction for Hassidic Jews from all over the world.