MONSEY, N.Y. (VINnews) — Genazym, a prominent auction house specializing in rare Jewish books, rabbinic manuscripts and historical Judaica, has listed a first edition of the revered Chassidic sefer Noam Elimelech with a starting price of $1 million ahead of its Nov. 8 auction.

The volume, printed in Lvov in 1788, carries an estimated value of $2 million, according to the auction house’s catalog. The listing describes it as a complete, well-preserved copy of one of the most sought-after works in Chassidic literature.

Authored by Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, one of the leading figures of early Chassidus, the sefer is a commentary on the Five Books of the Torah. The first edition also includes Likkutei Shoshanah, a collection of teachings by Rabbi Elimelech, and Iggros Kodesh, which includes material addressing opposition to the Chassidic movement.

According to Genazym’s catalog, the first edition was published by Rabbi Elimelech’s son, Rabbi Elazar, two years after his father’s passing, in fulfillment of his father’s explicit instruction to bring the work to print.

The catalog describes the copy as printed on thick, high-quality paper, with minor restoration to the margins of several leaves and light signs of use.

Beyond its scholarly significance, Noam Elimelech holds a special place in Chassidic tradition. The sefer is widely regarded among Chassidim as a source of blessing and protection, and traditions associated with it describe its use in connection with health, childbirth and other personal needs.

The first edition is particularly prized for its distinctive printing features, including the use of asterisks to mark pauses in the text. According to Chassidic traditions cited by Genazym, those markings carry mystical significance, with some traditions associating them with spiritual revelations experienced by Rabbi Elimelech.

Genazym’s upcoming auction, titled Perfection Is Rewarding, is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2026. The Noam Elimelech is listed as Lot 50, with bidding starting at $1 million.

A Growing Market for Rare Jewish Books

Founded by three brothers from the Stefansky family, Genazym has developed a prominent position in the market for rare sefarim and Judaica. The brothers worked as private dealers in rare books before establishing the auction house.

In its company history, Genazym says it has spent approximately 20 years researching Jewish history and preserving rare books, manuscripts and other historical artifacts. Its offerings include first-edition sefarim, handwritten Torah insights, letters from prominent rabbanim and Rebbes, and Judaica collectibles spanning centuries.

A 2023 profile by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency described how Genazym helped bring rare Jewish books to a wider audience, particularly within the Orthodox Jewish community. The auction house has attracted both experienced collectors and buyers newly interested in acquiring items connected to Jewish history and Torah scholarship.

Genazym says its specialists research the history and provenance of items and work to establish their authenticity. The company serves private collectors and institutions, offering assistance with buying, selling, authentication and appraisals.

The upcoming sale places one of Chassidus’ most treasured works among the auction house’s featured offerings, with the $1 million starting price reflecting the rarity and religious significance associated with the first edition.

The complete listing and auction details are available on Genazym’s website.