Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
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Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $500
Sold for: $1,375
Including buyer's premium
Complete set of books by R. Yehosef Schwarz, author of Tevuot HaAretz – Divrei Yosef, printed in Jerusalem, first edition, four parts. In Part I, dedication handwritten and signed by author, addressed to Rishon LeTzion (Chief Rabbi) R. Chaim Avraham Gagin:
1. Divrei Yosef, halachah and astronomy of Eretz Israel. Jerusalem, 1843. Two title pages, first with illustrated woodcut.
On front endpaper, handwritten and signed dedication by author (in square and semi-cursive script) to "Rishon LeTzion and foremost in holiness, R. Chaim Avraham Gagin, from the author Yehosef Schwarz".
The recipient of the book, R. Chaim Avraham Gagin, "Rav Agan" (1787-1848), leading Jerusalem Torah scholar and kabbalist. He was the first Rishon LeTzion (Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem) to receive the official title of Chacham Bashi (Chief Rabbi in Jerusalem and Eretz Israel and official representative of the Jews) from the Ottoman authorities. Initiated and encouraged the printing press of R. Yisrael Bak in Jerusalem.
2. Tevuot HaAretz (Part II of Divrei Yosef). Jerusalem, 1845. With divisional title pages for Totzeot HaAretz and Maaseh HaAretz.
3. Divrei Yosef (Parts III-IV, first division), commentaries, responsa and miscellanea. Jerusalem, 1861. Leaf [7] with printed dedication, not filled in by hand. This leaf is not recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book or Sh. Halevy, and does not appear in the NLI copy.
4. Divrei Yosef (Parts III-IV, second division), responsa. Jerusalem, 1862.
R. Yehosef (Joseph) Schwarz (1804-1865) was an outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist, one of the first researchers in the field of Land of Israel studies. Learning under R. Abraham Bing at the Würzburg yeshiva, he concurrently studied geography and languages at the local university. While still in Germany, he became involved in Land of Israel studies, and in 1829 he published a Hebrew-German map of Eretz Israel which came to be regarded as a reference by historians and geographers at the time. Immigrated to Jerusalem in 1837. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, he was warmly embraced by two colleagues of his from Germany, the founders of the renowned German-Dutch Kollel Hod (an acronym for "Holland-Deutschland"), R. Moses Sachs and R. Eliezer Bergman. R. Schwarz persisted in Torah scholarship for the remainder of his life, including Kabbalah which he studied at the Beit El kabbalistic yeshiva. There he resumed his research on the history and geography of the Land of Israel, exploring the length and breadth of the country and closely studying a great number of its sites, recording place names according to local traditions and biblical and Talmudic sources. His identifications of various ancient sites are recognized to this day, and his literary works are regarded as starting points for a host of discussions regarding the history of the Land of Israel, from both halachic and academic standpoints.
Four volumes. Volume I: [8], 70, [6] leaves. Volume II: [2], 156; [1], 2-22; [1], 24-52, [3] leaves. Volume III: [8], 69, [1], 71-247, [1] leaves. Volume IV: [4], 170, [1] leaves. 15-16 cm. Varying condition, good to fair-good. Stains. Tears and wear. Worming. Dampstains to volume III. Minor marginal open tears to title page of volume IV, with old paper repairs. Inscriptions and signatures. Bookplates. Old bindings, somewhat worn, with leather spines.
Sh. Halevy, nos. 17, 31, 58 (leaf [7] with printed dedication is not recorded by Sh. Halevy), 62.
Provenance: Collection of Prof. Jordan S. Penkower.
Category
Early Hebrew Books Printed in Jerusalem
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $300
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Five books in four volumes, printed by R. Yisrael Bak in Jerusalem, in the 1860s:
• Shaar Ruach HaKodesh and Shaar HaGilgulim, seventh and eighth gates of the Shemonah Shearim by R. Chaim Vital. Jerusalem, [1863]. First edition. Divisional title page and new foliation for Shaar HaGilgulim. Lacking last [4] leaves of Shaar Ruach HaKodesh, with index. Signature in Sephardic script on leaf 2 of Shaar HaGilgulim.
Sh. Halevy, nos. 89, 90.
• Chemdah Genuzah, Teshuvat HaGeonim. Jerusalem, 1863.
Sh. Halevy, no. 82.
• Toldot Yaakov on Tractate Beitzah, by R. Yaakov Castro (Maharikash). Jerusalem, [1865]. First edition, from manuscript. Signatures of ownership inscriptions on endpaper. Illustration of the Western Wall and the site of the Temple on verso of title page.
Sh. Halevy, no. 118.
• Ohalei Yosef, laws of sanctification of G-d's name, menstrual cycles, charity and kilayim, by R. Eliyahu Yosef Rivlin. Jerusalem, [1868]. On verso of title page, illustration of the Cave of Machpelah. On second leaf, Shir Kochav in honor of the author and his book by R. Avraham Alter of Chișinău.
Sh. Halevy, no. 138.
5 books in 4 volumes. Varying size and condition. Stains and wear. Open tears, affecting text in several places. New leather binding. The books have not been thoroughly examined, and are being sold as is.
Category
Early Hebrew Books Printed in Jerusalem
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $300
Sold for: Unsold
Collection of books printed in Jerusalem, with dedications, two with dedication of the publisher R. Shneur Zalman Mendelovitz. Four books in three volumes.
• Kol Aryeh, Talmudic novellae by R. Aryeh Leib Charif, Rabbi of Gomel. Jerusalem, [1866]. Only edition.
Published by author's grandson, R. Shneur Zalman Mendelowitz, who added a handwritten and signed dedication (in Oriental semi-cursive script) to the philanthropist Mordechai HaLevi. On several leaves, glosses in Sephardic cursive script.
Stamps (in French) of the Jewish community in Milas, Turkey.
[4], 48, [1], 49-51, [1], 52-54, [3], 56-80 leaves. Misfoliation. 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming. Marginal tears to several leaves. New leather binding.
Sh. Halevy, no. 127.
• Em LaMasorot, on traditions of writing the Torah, by R. Aryeh Leib Charif Rabbi of Gomel, with Zichron Yerushalayim, descriptions of Eretz Israel and the holy sites, and travelogues of emissaries to various lands, by his grandson the emissary R. Shneur Zalman son of R. Menachem Mendel (Mendelovitz). Jerusalem, [1876].
On endpaper, neatly-written dedication to Dr. Arten, and a request for assistance, mentioning a visit to Albert Sassoon in Bombay. Signature and stamp.
16; 28 leaves. 21 cm. Dark paper. Fair condition. Stains. Much worming, affecting text. New binding.
Sh. Halevy, no. 266.
• Avodat Hashem, sermons on Bereshit by R. Shneur Zalman Mendelovitz. Jerusalem, 1884.
Handwritten dedication on title page from "Bentzion Daniel" to "emissary of Hebron, Abba Yair". R. Avraham Yair was an emissary of Hebron to Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria and Lebanon (see his emissary document, Kedem catalog 66, lot 102).
[6], 41, [1] leaves. Approx. 22 cm. Dark paper, dry and brittle. Fair condition. Stains. Worming (much worming to title page), affecting text. Tears and open tears to several leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper filling. New binding.
Sh. Halevy, no. 464.
The publisher and aut
hor, emissary R. Shneur Zalman son of R. Menachem Mendel Mendelovitz (1804-1885) was an emissary of the Chabad community in Hebron to Europe, Kurdistan, Syria, Iraq and India. An eminent Torah scholar and prolific author. Publisher of the books of his grandfather R. Aryeh Leib Charif Rabbi of Gomel.
hor, emissary R. Shneur Zalman son of R. Menachem Mendel Mendelovitz (1804-1885) was an emissary of the Chabad community in Hebron to Europe, Kurdistan, Syria, Iraq and India. An eminent Torah scholar and prolific author. Publisher of the books of his grandfather R. Aryeh Leib Charif Rabbi of Gomel.
4 books in 3 volumes. Varying size and condition.
Category
Early Hebrew Books Printed in Jerusalem
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $300
Sold for: $475
Including buyer's premium
Five books by R. Moshe Nechemiah Kahanov, dean of the Etz Chaim yeshiva, printed in Jerusalem in the author's lifetime:
• Mei Menuchot, abridged laws of Shabbat and Yom Tov, with Palgei Mayim, laws of travel on Shabbat. Jerusalem, [1866]. Illustration on title page of the Tomb of Zechariah.
Sh. Halevy, no. 125.
• Netivot HaShalom, Part I, Orchot Mishpat, laws in Choshen Mishpat. Jerusalem, [1875]. Without errata at end (only in some copies). Stamp of R. "Avraham Werner, Safed".
Sh. Halevy, no. 252.
• Shaalu Shelom Yerushalayim – in defense of Jerusalem and its residents. Jerusalem, [1878]. Third edition, with many additions by author. With original brown printed front wrapper.
Sh. Halevy, no. 313.
• Eretz Chefetz, laws of terumah and maaser. Jerusalem, [1884]. First edition. Stamp of "Yisrael Yaakov Stein".
Sh. Halevy, no. 442.
• Chukot Olam, laws of kilayim. Jerusalem, 1886. First edition.
Dedication on title page (trimmed).
With front and back wrappers, printed (detached). Dedication on verso of front wrapper.
Sh. Halevy, no. 551.
The author, R. Moshe Nechemiah Kahanov (1817-1887) was a leading Torah scholar of Lithuania and Jerusalem, Rabbi and yeshiva dean of Khislavichi. Immigrated to Jerusalem in 1863, where he was appointed yeshiva dean and head of the Beit Din of R. Shmuel Salant. He edified numerous students and authored eleven books, most famously the present books Netivot HaShalom and Shaalu Shelom Yerushalayim.
5 books. Varying size and condition. New bindings (some leather bindings). The books have not been thoroughly examined, and are being sold as is.
Category
Early Hebrew Books Printed in Jerusalem
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $300
Sold for: $1,063
Including buyer's premium
Assorted collection of nine books by Sephardic rabbis, printed in Jerusalem in the 1870s and 1880s. Some include dedications of authors and signatures.
• Lev Marpe, halachic encyclopedia by R. Refael Meir Panigel (the Rishon LeTzion). Jerusalem, [1887].
On verso of title page, printed dedication in gilt ink, filled in with a dedication to R. Yosef Navon, handwritten and signed by author R. Refael Meir Panigel, the Rishon LeTzion (1880-1893); signature very faded; with his stamp.
Sh. Halevy, no. 585.
• Simchah LeIsh, responsa, with Girsa DeYankuta, Talmudic novellae, by R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashar (the Yisa Berachah; Rishon LeTzion 1893-1906).
On pastedown (non-original), mounted printed dedication in gilt ink, filled in by hand, with a dedication to R. David Meir Boton and the yeshiva founded by his late father R. Azariah Boton.
Sh. Halevy, no. 631.
• Darchei Ish, sermons for various occasions by R. Nisim Shmuel Yehudah Arwas. Jerusalem, [1875]. On verso of title page, approbation and stamp of Rishon LeTzion Chief Rabbi Avraham Ashkenazi.
Sh. Halevy, no. 230.
Bound with: Ish Tzair, sermons by R. Yosef Refael Uziel. Jerusalem, [1874].
Sh. Halevy, no. 204.
• Chikrei Lev, Part XII, responsa and novellae by R. Refael Yosef Chazan of Izmir. Jerusalem, [1875].
On title page, signature of R. Avraham Sofer of Jerusalem, with some glosses in his handwriting. On verso of last leaf, earlier novellae in Ashkenazic script.
R. Avraham Sofer Erlau (1898-1982), son of R. Shimon Sofer (Schreiber) Rabbi of Erlau (present-day Eger), author of Hitorerut Teshuvah. Served as rabbi between 1925-1939 in Corfu; Gorizia, Italy; and Fiume (present-day Rijeka, Croatia). Immigrated to Jerusalem in 1939. Dedicated his life to publishing manuscripts of Rishonim with his annotations. He is best known for the Beit HaBechirah series by the Meiri.
Sh. Halevy, no. 236.
• Responsa Bnei Binyamin and VeKarav Ish, Parts I-II (with divisional title page for Part II), by R. Binyamin Mordechai Navon, and glosses and additions by his stepson R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashar (the Rishon LeTzion, known as the Yisa Berachah). Jerusalem, [1876]. Stamps of the Yagdil Torah Damascene yeshiva in Jerusalem.
Sh. Halevy, no. 269.
• Mekor Yisrael and Nachalat Yehudah, responsa on the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch by R. Yisrael Yaakov Burla, and his son R. Yehudah Bechor Burla. Jerusalem, [1882].
Signature on title page of "Eliyahu Shaul Dweck HaKohen" [apparently the father of R. Chaim Shaul Dweck HaKohen – HaRav HaSadeh, d. 1903].
Sh. Halevy, no. 405.
• Li LiYeshuah, novellae by R. Yeshuah HaLevi. Jerusalem, 1883. With approbations of Rabbis of Jerusalem, R. Refael Meir Panigel and R. Shmuel Salant.
Sh. Halevy, no. 423.
• Chasdei David, Part III, Tosefet Kedushah, commentary on Tosefta Seder Kodashim by R. David Pardo. Jerusalem, 1890. First edition.
Sh. Halevy, no. 706.
9 books in 8 volumes. Varying size and condition. New leather bindings. The books have not been thoroughly examined, and are being sold as is.
Category
Early Hebrew Books Printed in Jerusalem
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $500
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Minchat Kenaot, polemical work on the controversy in the Sephardic Hebron community, by R. Avraham Penso, in defense of Rabbi of Hebron R. Eliyahu Mani. Jerusalem: [HaChavatzelet, 1879].
Copy of Sir Moses Montefiore, with three of his handwritten signatures (in English), the first on the front wrapper, the second at the beginning of the letter printed on the first leaf, and the third at the end of the last leaf with the author's print signature.
The controversy over tzedakah institutions in Hebron launched when Chief Rabbi Avraham Ashkenazi appointed R. Rachamim Franko as Rabbi of Hebron, and Mercado Romano (founder of Beit Romano) as member of the city council. R. Avraham Chaim Penso then had Minchat Kenaot printed in Jerusalem, attacking these appointments, along with sharp letters of other Jerusalem rabbis opposing the appointment of R. Franko (and firing of R. Eliyahu Mani). The rabbis of Hebron then published Dimat Ashukim in support of R. Avraham Ashkenazi.
[1], 26 pages (including original orange wrapper, with title cover). 16.5 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Fair-good condition. Stains. Wear. Small tears and open tears to wrapper and other leaves. New leather binding.
Exceptionally rare.
Sh. Halevy, no. 325. She records 126 pages, and notes that it was printed one gathering at a time, adding that A. M. Habermann's copy had 26 pages comprising the first gathering only. The present copy is identical to that one. The present copy has a title cover, and contains a short letter rather than the title page recorded in the NLI catalog.
Category
Early Hebrew Books Printed in Jerusalem
Catalogue Value
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Jan 27, 2026
Opening: $300
Sold for: $813
Including buyer's premium
Three books by the kabbalist R. Meshel Gelbstein, printed in Jerusalem, including the polemical work Petil Techelet:
• Chosen Yeshuot, kabbalistic commentary on Bava Kama and Zohar Balak. [Jerusalem, 1879-1889]. The printing of this book was not completed (originally printed serially as gatherings), and concludes in the middle of a sentence.
42 leaves. 20 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Fair-good condition. Stains. Title page detached. Few tears, including marginal open tears to title page, affecting title frame and text on verso. New leather binding.
Sh. Halevy, no. 320.
• Or LaYesharim, novellae on Tractate Pesachim and other Talmudic topics, with Petil Techelet, opposing Rebbe Gershon Chanoch Leiner of Radzyn's identification of techelet. Jerusalem, [ca. 1882-1890].
[14]; 13-28 leaves; 58 leaves; 4 leaves. 19.5 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Fair condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text. Tears, including open tears, affecting text to last leaves, partially repaired with tape. New binding.
Sh. Halevy, no. 690.
• Mishkenot LaAvir Yaakov, Torah novellae and pilpul, with Petil Techelet, on the techelet issue. Jerusalem, [1890-1891]. The different parts of the book were evidently originally printed separately.
[1], 14; 22; 2 leaves. 32.5 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Fair condition. Stains. Tears and open tears, to title page and other leaves, affecting text in several places, partially repaired with paper (to margins of first title page) and tape. New binding.
Sh. Halevy, no. 691.
R. Meshel Gelbstein generally printed his books one gathering at a time, which he sent out as samples before the full printing, leading to many typographical differences between the different copies.
R. Hillel Moshe Meshel Gelbstein (1832-1908), disciple of the Seraph of Kotzk and the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. In 1868, he immigrated to Jerusalem, where he concentrated on the study of topics related to the Temple, using his books to strengthen the fulfillment of the commandment of guarding the holy site.
Category
Early Hebrew Books Printed in Jerusalem
Catalogue Value