The Ohr HaChaim was not Chassidic. He was a Sefardi from Morraco who lived in
Eretz Yisroel. One of the reasons some people think he is, is due to the high
regard his work has and that a number of Rebbes including the Holy Rizhiner
told his Chasidim to learn the sefer. There is a famous story (I believe it is
in Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov), where the Baal Shem Tov wished to meet with the
Ohr HaChaim, because each of them had a certain medrega of neshama, and if
they could come together they could bring done to this world the neshama of
Moshiach and the geulula. Unfortuinatly this never occured, as the Baal Shem
Tov only made it to Kashta (Istambul) and the Ohr HaChaim died. It is
interesting to note the closness of Sefardim and Chasidim as the Chidah quotes
a few times from the Toldos Yaakov Yosef, and mentions the Baal Shem Tov.
E. Wenger wrote:
>You may want to contact Eichlers Book Store on Coney Island Ave for further
>assistance.
Or Boro Park.
Moshe Shulman
mshulman@ix.netcom.com