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 ilui from youth, Rav Levi Yitzchak was a close talmid of the Maggid of Mezeritch and one of the foundational figures of Chassidus.

But perhaps his greatest influence was not in the wondrous stories that grew around him — rather, it was in his classic work, Kedushas Levi. Profound, incisive, and stimulating, Rav Levi Yitzchak’s commentary has been treasured and studied even 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 has devoted more than a decade both working on 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 they 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 the reader has a thorough knowledge of classic sources, and it 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. 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-Devarim) or in one magnificent three-volume slipcased set.

You know all about the Berditchever’s unflinching faith and love for his people. You may even recite his beautiful tefillah, G-t Fun Avrohom, every Motza’ei Shabbos. But to really know Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev and to truly appreciate his greatness, you must study his masterpiece, Kedushas Levi.

And now you can.