Teshuaat Mordechai – A Rare Print from Jerusalem – 1861
The book Teshuaat Mordechai, dealing with topics of ethics and fear of Heaven based on the teachings of Pirkei Avot, was written by Rabbi Mordechai Yitzchak Weinzimmer from Vishni. It was printed by Yisrael B.K. Press, Jerusalem, in 1861. On the title page, there is a beautiful illustration of the Holy Temple.
At the end of the book, the author includes an apology, writing that "this book should not have been printed, except by the great ones. Why, then, should a mere mortal, a son of a woman, be the one to bring it to us? After all, we already have many books on ethics based on Pirkei Avot…" He goes on to explain, in his own way, through a homiletic interpretation, that in the times before the coming of the Messiah, the souls are held back by the sin of Adam HaRishon. "And concerning these generations, King Solomon says: ‘From a distance, bring forth light…’"—implying that it is necessary to innovate teachings that are granted to us by God’s grace.
Within a decorative border on the title page, there is an inscription: "The writer and signer of this is Yeshua Dweick the Cohen, may he live." (likely a relative of Rabbi Chaim Shaul Duvikh HaKohen of Shadach). It seems to be a dedication by the author, who gifted the book to him and wrote his name on the title page.
