Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
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Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $6,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $11,875
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, complete composition on the spelling of names in gittin (divorce documents), by R. Yitzchak Bachar (=son of R.) David of Constantinople, author of Divrei Emet. [Turkey, 18th century]. Discovery: This composition, which is quoted in the books of leading Halachic authorities, was never published, and was thought up until now as lost.
Complete manuscript, in Sephardic cursive script typical of the place and period, with intervals between the paragraphs for inserting additions.
The front endpaper states: "This booklet was arranged and composed by R. Y.B.D. (Yitzchak Bachar David)".
The manuscript was in the possession of the grandson of the author, R. Yaakov son of R. David, who wrote beneath the above inscription: "And I, his grandson, Yaakov Bachar David, added Ashkenazi names". Indeed, throughout the composition, additions handwritten by R. Yaakov are found, many of them consisting of Ashkenazi names (such as Hinda, Hirsh, Wolf, Zalman, Mindel, Feiga, Freida, and others).
In several places, glosses and additions in neat, tiny script, one of them signed: "A.B.Y.". One can surmise that this writer is the son of the author, R. Avraham Bachar Yitzchak. A few glosses from other writers.
This composition, which is quoted extensively in halachic literature and was heretofore deemed lost, is a fundamental work on the rigorous laws of writing a get. The composition documents the rulings of the Divrei Emet, a foremost halachic authority of that generation, for practical usage, as applied in his Beit Din in Constantinople. The Chida mentions this composition in Shem HaGedolim (Maarechet Sefarim, Divrei Emet): "And he has another, lovely composition on the names in divorce documents". This composition, which contains rulings and practical instructions regarding the spelling of names in divorce documents, was available to many of the leading later poskim, while still in manuscript form, and they relied upon it for complex questions concerning these laws. Up until now, this composition was only known from the many citations found in halachic literature, and no copying of it was extant. The composition had gone missing and was considered lost, and only now did it resurface, with the addition of glosses from the author's son and grandson.
The leading Acharonim who quote this work include R. Chaim Moda'i in his book Tiv Gittin (who mentions it under the name: "Nimukim of R. Yitzchak Bachar David"), R. Eliezer de Toledo in his book Mishnat Rabbi Eliezer (who refers to it: "The booklet of Shemot Gittin in manuscript of R. Y.B.D., rabbi of our city"), R. Refael Chaim Menachem Frandji in his book Yismach Lev ("The booklet Shemot Gittin in manuscript, by the famous rabbi, author of Divrei Emet"), R. Aharon Avraham Arroyo in his book Mayim HaChaim ("The words of the Divrei Emet, in the booklet on Gittin in manuscript form, which is available to us"), R. Shmuel son of Chaim Moshe in his book Shemen HaMishcha ("the great R. Y.B.D. author of Divrei Emet, in the manuscript Seder HaGet"), and others. The contents of these citations appear in this manuscript of Shemot Gittin (see enclosed material).
Apart from its halachic significance, the composition contains valuable material regarding the sources of men and women's names, the modifications the names underwent, and other interesting information (such as the secular names used in Constantinople and the vicinity in those days, their meaning in Hebrew, their hypocorism, and more; see Hebrew adjoining article). In several places, the author brings proof from divorce documents drawn up in earlier periods, in Constantinople and other places.
The last three leaves of the manuscript contain (in a different handwriting) Seder HaGet – instructions and directions on writing and handing over a get – in Ladino.
R. Yitzchak Bachar David (ca. 1695-ca. 1752), author of Divrei Emet, a native of Constantinople and one of its foremost Torah scholars. The Chida refers to him in his books as "The leader of the generation" and other such remarkable titles. He served as dayan in Constantinople, alongside the Machaneh Efraim and other foremost Torah scholars, and later, as rabbi. His renown spread throughout the Jewish world already in his lifetime, and the Noda BiYehuda sent him his famous responsum with R. Gershon of Kitov, addressing him with extraordinary titles of honor – see below. After his passing, his book Divrei Emet was published (Constantinople 1760), and it includes halachic responsa, "Kuntressim" with novellae on Talmudic topics, and some of his sermons. Though the book contains only a small part of his teachings, it gained fame already in his generation as a basic book in Halacha and pilpul, and its author's greatness was recognized through it, as the Chida writes (Shem HaGedolim, ibid): "…R. Y. Bachar David… he was the leader of Constantinople rabbis, and his book demonstrates the splendor of his glorious preeminence, and his wide-ranging erudition". The "Kuntressim" section of his book in particular is renowned for its profundity and incisive questions, and was considered at that time one of the prominent books of in-depth study.
R. Yitzchak Bachar David exchanged halachic correspondence with R. Yechezkel Landau, the Noda BiYehuda, who referred to him with great reverence. This correspondence resulted from the famous responsum of the Noda BiYehuda, which stirred up the Torah world at the time, in which he ruled that a certain woman in Brody who had committed adultery was forbidden to her husband. Following this ruling, the Noda BiYehuda and R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov), who were being harassed by powerful members of the community – relatives of this woman whom he had forbidden, were compelled to leave Brody, and R. Gershon of Kitov immigrated to Eretz Israel (for further details, see Kedem Auction 63, item 13, and adjoining article). On his way, he passed through Constantinople, where he met R. Yitzchak Bachar David and showed him the responsum of the Noda BiYehuda. The Divrei Emet countered with a lengthy responsum addressed to the Noda BiYehuda, in which he disagrees with his ruling, and the latter responded with a letter refuting the objections of the Divrei Emet. The responsum of the Noda BiYehuda to the Divrei Emet was published in his responsa book (Noda BiYehuda, Even HaEzer, Mahadura Kama, section 73). At the top of the responsum, the Noda BiYehuda wrote: "Says Yechezkel: My responsum reached the hands of the renowned Torah scholar, R. Yitzchak Bachar David in Constantinople, and he replied with a lengthy responsum…". At the beginning of the responsum, the Noda BiYehuda expresses his great esteem for the Divrei Emet with dozens of praises and titles of honor. Further in the responsum, the Noda BiYehuda mentions R. Gershon of Kitov as the one who made the connection between them, and apologizes for having the audacity to counter the objections of the Divrei Emet. Reputedly, the Divrei Emet did not agree to the refutations of the Noda BiYehuda to his objections, and instructed the Brody community to convene a Beit Din and, with his sanction, permit this woman to her husband, which is indeed what they did (as recorded by R. Refael Natan Nata Rabinowitz, in his glosses to Shem HaGedolim, which were published in Yeshurun, 23, p. 271).
This veneration for the Divrei Emet was sustained by the disciples of the Noda BiYehuda. R. Elazar Fleckeles refers to him as "The holy, G-dly man, the great Torah scholar R. Yitzchak Bachar David…" (Responsa Teshuva MeAhava, Part I, section 168), and in a different place, he writes about his teachings: "Penetrating, erudite and true teachings, fortunate is the eye who saw these" (ibid, part III, in the notes following responsum 408). His colleague R. Betzalel Ronsburg wrote about the Divrei Emet: "…and one must obey him, since he is the master, and all his words are like glowing embers" (Pitchei Niddah, p. 61b).
In the following generation, esteem for the book Divrei Emet is found in the responsa of R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn, author of Shoel UMeshiv. In one instance, he writes: "And behold, today I had the merit of holding a wonderful book, which I have been longing to see for many years, and that is the book Divrei Emet by the great Torah scholar, Bachar David…" (Responsa Shoel UMeshiv, Mahadura Telitaa, section 157). The Shoel UMeshiv then quotes him in several responsa, and concludes one of them with (Mahadura Reviaa, end of section 45): "…and in Birkat HaZevach… he brought this difficulty… and in Tumim… he deliberates on it… and look in Ketzot HaChoshen… who discussed this at length, him and his brother, and had they seen the words of the Divrei Emet on this topic, which address every point in this topic, they would have reveled in the fragrance of his Torah". The reprinting of his book in Halberstadt, Germany, in 1861, demonstrates the high demand for this book in Western Europe.
Another composition authored by R. Yitzchak Bachar David is known of, apart from his book Divrei Emet. Several copyings of it survived in the possession of Constantinople Torah scholars. This work is named Zichronot, and was published in part, in 1977, from a copying belonging to R. Shlomo Eliezer Alfandari, under the name Maarachot Divrei Emet, with the glosses of R. Alfandari. The large part of it remains in manuscript form.
Another composition he authored is this work on Shemot Gittin, which as mentioned was quoted extensively in halachic literature, was heretofore believed to be lost, and has only now reappeared.
R. Avraham Bachar Yitzchak, one of the three sons of the Divrei Emet, who were all Torah scholars and rabbis in Constantinople. The other two sons were R. Yaakov and R. David.
R. [Nissim] Yaakov Bachar David, grandson of the Divrei Emet, was a renowned Constantinople Torah scholar, who served as Chacham Bashi from 1841. At the beginning of his approbation to Shemen HaTov by R. Yaakov son of Yosef HaRofeh (Constantinople 1849), he is referred to with the titles: "The exceptional rabbi, filled with honor of G-d, our master and king, who is crowned with royalty, R. Yaakov Bachar David". He is likewise referred to prominently at the head of his approbation to Yismach Moshe by R. Shabtai Galipoliti (Izmir, 1868), and by R. Chaim Palachi in his book Chukot HaChaim (Choshen Mishpat, section 91; see enclosed material).
[49] leaves. 17 cm. Fair condition. Several leaves in poor condition. Stains and dampstains. Worming and mold to all leaves. Severe damage to first leaves, in lower left corner, affecting text. Lighter damage to other leaves, with loss of words. Original leather binding, damaged.
Complete manuscript, in Sephardic cursive script typical of the place and period, with intervals between the paragraphs for inserting additions.
The front endpaper states: "This booklet was arranged and composed by R. Y.B.D. (Yitzchak Bachar David)".
The manuscript was in the possession of the grandson of the author, R. Yaakov son of R. David, who wrote beneath the above inscription: "And I, his grandson, Yaakov Bachar David, added Ashkenazi names". Indeed, throughout the composition, additions handwritten by R. Yaakov are found, many of them consisting of Ashkenazi names (such as Hinda, Hirsh, Wolf, Zalman, Mindel, Feiga, Freida, and others).
In several places, glosses and additions in neat, tiny script, one of them signed: "A.B.Y.". One can surmise that this writer is the son of the author, R. Avraham Bachar Yitzchak. A few glosses from other writers.
This composition, which is quoted extensively in halachic literature and was heretofore deemed lost, is a fundamental work on the rigorous laws of writing a get. The composition documents the rulings of the Divrei Emet, a foremost halachic authority of that generation, for practical usage, as applied in his Beit Din in Constantinople. The Chida mentions this composition in Shem HaGedolim (Maarechet Sefarim, Divrei Emet): "And he has another, lovely composition on the names in divorce documents". This composition, which contains rulings and practical instructions regarding the spelling of names in divorce documents, was available to many of the leading later poskim, while still in manuscript form, and they relied upon it for complex questions concerning these laws. Up until now, this composition was only known from the many citations found in halachic literature, and no copying of it was extant. The composition had gone missing and was considered lost, and only now did it resurface, with the addition of glosses from the author's son and grandson.
The leading Acharonim who quote this work include R. Chaim Moda'i in his book Tiv Gittin (who mentions it under the name: "Nimukim of R. Yitzchak Bachar David"), R. Eliezer de Toledo in his book Mishnat Rabbi Eliezer (who refers to it: "The booklet of Shemot Gittin in manuscript of R. Y.B.D., rabbi of our city"), R. Refael Chaim Menachem Frandji in his book Yismach Lev ("The booklet Shemot Gittin in manuscript, by the famous rabbi, author of Divrei Emet"), R. Aharon Avraham Arroyo in his book Mayim HaChaim ("The words of the Divrei Emet, in the booklet on Gittin in manuscript form, which is available to us"), R. Shmuel son of Chaim Moshe in his book Shemen HaMishcha ("the great R. Y.B.D. author of Divrei Emet, in the manuscript Seder HaGet"), and others. The contents of these citations appear in this manuscript of Shemot Gittin (see enclosed material).
Apart from its halachic significance, the composition contains valuable material regarding the sources of men and women's names, the modifications the names underwent, and other interesting information (such as the secular names used in Constantinople and the vicinity in those days, their meaning in Hebrew, their hypocorism, and more; see Hebrew adjoining article). In several places, the author brings proof from divorce documents drawn up in earlier periods, in Constantinople and other places.
The last three leaves of the manuscript contain (in a different handwriting) Seder HaGet – instructions and directions on writing and handing over a get – in Ladino.
R. Yitzchak Bachar David (ca. 1695-ca. 1752), author of Divrei Emet, a native of Constantinople and one of its foremost Torah scholars. The Chida refers to him in his books as "The leader of the generation" and other such remarkable titles. He served as dayan in Constantinople, alongside the Machaneh Efraim and other foremost Torah scholars, and later, as rabbi. His renown spread throughout the Jewish world already in his lifetime, and the Noda BiYehuda sent him his famous responsum with R. Gershon of Kitov, addressing him with extraordinary titles of honor – see below. After his passing, his book Divrei Emet was published (Constantinople 1760), and it includes halachic responsa, "Kuntressim" with novellae on Talmudic topics, and some of his sermons. Though the book contains only a small part of his teachings, it gained fame already in his generation as a basic book in Halacha and pilpul, and its author's greatness was recognized through it, as the Chida writes (Shem HaGedolim, ibid): "…R. Y. Bachar David… he was the leader of Constantinople rabbis, and his book demonstrates the splendor of his glorious preeminence, and his wide-ranging erudition". The "Kuntressim" section of his book in particular is renowned for its profundity and incisive questions, and was considered at that time one of the prominent books of in-depth study.
R. Yitzchak Bachar David exchanged halachic correspondence with R. Yechezkel Landau, the Noda BiYehuda, who referred to him with great reverence. This correspondence resulted from the famous responsum of the Noda BiYehuda, which stirred up the Torah world at the time, in which he ruled that a certain woman in Brody who had committed adultery was forbidden to her husband. Following this ruling, the Noda BiYehuda and R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov), who were being harassed by powerful members of the community – relatives of this woman whom he had forbidden, were compelled to leave Brody, and R. Gershon of Kitov immigrated to Eretz Israel (for further details, see Kedem Auction 63, item 13, and adjoining article). On his way, he passed through Constantinople, where he met R. Yitzchak Bachar David and showed him the responsum of the Noda BiYehuda. The Divrei Emet countered with a lengthy responsum addressed to the Noda BiYehuda, in which he disagrees with his ruling, and the latter responded with a letter refuting the objections of the Divrei Emet. The responsum of the Noda BiYehuda to the Divrei Emet was published in his responsa book (Noda BiYehuda, Even HaEzer, Mahadura Kama, section 73). At the top of the responsum, the Noda BiYehuda wrote: "Says Yechezkel: My responsum reached the hands of the renowned Torah scholar, R. Yitzchak Bachar David in Constantinople, and he replied with a lengthy responsum…". At the beginning of the responsum, the Noda BiYehuda expresses his great esteem for the Divrei Emet with dozens of praises and titles of honor. Further in the responsum, the Noda BiYehuda mentions R. Gershon of Kitov as the one who made the connection between them, and apologizes for having the audacity to counter the objections of the Divrei Emet. Reputedly, the Divrei Emet did not agree to the refutations of the Noda BiYehuda to his objections, and instructed the Brody community to convene a Beit Din and, with his sanction, permit this woman to her husband, which is indeed what they did (as recorded by R. Refael Natan Nata Rabinowitz, in his glosses to Shem HaGedolim, which were published in Yeshurun, 23, p. 271).
This veneration for the Divrei Emet was sustained by the disciples of the Noda BiYehuda. R. Elazar Fleckeles refers to him as "The holy, G-dly man, the great Torah scholar R. Yitzchak Bachar David…" (Responsa Teshuva MeAhava, Part I, section 168), and in a different place, he writes about his teachings: "Penetrating, erudite and true teachings, fortunate is the eye who saw these" (ibid, part III, in the notes following responsum 408). His colleague R. Betzalel Ronsburg wrote about the Divrei Emet: "…and one must obey him, since he is the master, and all his words are like glowing embers" (Pitchei Niddah, p. 61b).
In the following generation, esteem for the book Divrei Emet is found in the responsa of R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn, author of Shoel UMeshiv. In one instance, he writes: "And behold, today I had the merit of holding a wonderful book, which I have been longing to see for many years, and that is the book Divrei Emet by the great Torah scholar, Bachar David…" (Responsa Shoel UMeshiv, Mahadura Telitaa, section 157). The Shoel UMeshiv then quotes him in several responsa, and concludes one of them with (Mahadura Reviaa, end of section 45): "…and in Birkat HaZevach… he brought this difficulty… and in Tumim… he deliberates on it… and look in Ketzot HaChoshen… who discussed this at length, him and his brother, and had they seen the words of the Divrei Emet on this topic, which address every point in this topic, they would have reveled in the fragrance of his Torah". The reprinting of his book in Halberstadt, Germany, in 1861, demonstrates the high demand for this book in Western Europe.
Another composition authored by R. Yitzchak Bachar David is known of, apart from his book Divrei Emet. Several copyings of it survived in the possession of Constantinople Torah scholars. This work is named Zichronot, and was published in part, in 1977, from a copying belonging to R. Shlomo Eliezer Alfandari, under the name Maarachot Divrei Emet, with the glosses of R. Alfandari. The large part of it remains in manuscript form.
Another composition he authored is this work on Shemot Gittin, which as mentioned was quoted extensively in halachic literature, was heretofore believed to be lost, and has only now reappeared.
R. Avraham Bachar Yitzchak, one of the three sons of the Divrei Emet, who were all Torah scholars and rabbis in Constantinople. The other two sons were R. Yaakov and R. David.
R. [Nissim] Yaakov Bachar David, grandson of the Divrei Emet, was a renowned Constantinople Torah scholar, who served as Chacham Bashi from 1841. At the beginning of his approbation to Shemen HaTov by R. Yaakov son of Yosef HaRofeh (Constantinople 1849), he is referred to with the titles: "The exceptional rabbi, filled with honor of G-d, our master and king, who is crowned with royalty, R. Yaakov Bachar David". He is likewise referred to prominently at the head of his approbation to Yismach Moshe by R. Shabtai Galipoliti (Izmir, 1868), and by R. Chaim Palachi in his book Chukot HaChaim (Choshen Mishpat, section 91; see enclosed material).
[49] leaves. 17 cm. Fair condition. Several leaves in poor condition. Stains and dampstains. Worming and mold to all leaves. Severe damage to first leaves, in lower left corner, affecting text. Lighter damage to other leaves, with loss of words. Original leather binding, damaged.
Category
Manuscripts – Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $7,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $10,625
Including buyer's premium
Artistically illustrated manuscript, laws of Shechita and Bedika (ritual slaughter and inspection), created by the artist Yaakov Yisrael Montefiore. [Ancona, late 18th century or early 19th century]. Hebrew and Italian.
The manuscript was prepared for "The esteemed Yitzchak son of the elderly R. Yehuda of Pacifico, from the city of Ancona", as is stated on the two title pages. Includes two compositions: "Laws of Shechita – in questions and answers, and their Italian translation" and "Laws of Bedika – with questions and answers, and their Italian translation". The compositions contain a summary of these laws, in form of questions and answers, in Hebrew and Italian alternately.
Each composition has its own title page, illustrated with masterly drawings. The artist signed his name at the foot of each title page: "Created by Yaakov Yisrael son of Yosef Chaim Montefiore".
The first title page features an illustration of two roosters, and the second title page depicts a horned animal. The leaf following the second title page contains a color illustration of a lung.
At the end of the second composition are two pages with color charts, intended to aid in the inspection of lungs (see in this work, pp. 74-76, list of "invalid appearances"). The charts are ornamented in Rococo style with seashells, rocaille and Acanthus leaves.
Every page is delineated with a square border.
The artist, Yisrael Yaakov Montefiore (b. 1748), was a member of the Montefiore family living in Ancona (the Italian branch of Sir Moses Montefiore's family). An illustrated calendar he produced was sold in the past in Kedem (Auction 25, item 10).
[2], 1-23 pages; [2], 1-89, [2] pages + [12] blank leaves. 18 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains, dampstains. Tears from ink corrosion to borders of some leaves, repaired. Fine, early leather binding, with gilt blocking.
The manuscript was prepared for "The esteemed Yitzchak son of the elderly R. Yehuda of Pacifico, from the city of Ancona", as is stated on the two title pages. Includes two compositions: "Laws of Shechita – in questions and answers, and their Italian translation" and "Laws of Bedika – with questions and answers, and their Italian translation". The compositions contain a summary of these laws, in form of questions and answers, in Hebrew and Italian alternately.
Each composition has its own title page, illustrated with masterly drawings. The artist signed his name at the foot of each title page: "Created by Yaakov Yisrael son of Yosef Chaim Montefiore".
The first title page features an illustration of two roosters, and the second title page depicts a horned animal. The leaf following the second title page contains a color illustration of a lung.
At the end of the second composition are two pages with color charts, intended to aid in the inspection of lungs (see in this work, pp. 74-76, list of "invalid appearances"). The charts are ornamented in Rococo style with seashells, rocaille and Acanthus leaves.
Every page is delineated with a square border.
The artist, Yisrael Yaakov Montefiore (b. 1748), was a member of the Montefiore family living in Ancona (the Italian branch of Sir Moses Montefiore's family). An illustrated calendar he produced was sold in the past in Kedem (Auction 25, item 10).
[2], 1-23 pages; [2], 1-89, [2] pages + [12] blank leaves. 18 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains, dampstains. Tears from ink corrosion to borders of some leaves, repaired. Fine, early leather binding, with gilt blocking.
Category
Manuscripts – Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, thick volume containing many compositions on Practical Kabbalah, segulot and Hashbaot, texts of amulets, lots, cures, and more; written by R. Yehuda son of Aharon Hoter. [Yemen, second half of 19th century]. Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic.
Neat Yemenite script, with kabbalistic diagram, Angels' seals and unusual letters, Magen David emblems, tables and sketches containing kabbalistic combinations of names and letters.
Many leaves contain texts of amulets, Hashbaot and segulot, for protection, success, recovery and salvation in various situations. To name a few: "For a place of danger", "To cause an enemy to die", "To see and not be seen", "To annul evil gossip and incline people in your favor", "A good amulet for all situations", "To bring peace between husband and wife", "So that snakes should not harm", "So that thieves should not enter the house", "To see Paradise in a dream", "For one who wishes sustenance and livelihood", "For protection on a journey", "For pregnancy", "For protection from miscarriage", "To protect a home from thieves", "To succeed in having the journey shortened", "To compel a judge or dayan to comply with one's wishes", and more.
The beginning of the manuscript contains a composition named "Sod Nikudei Shemot" – the different ways of vocalizing the name of G-d and their actions (including: "To annul sorcery so that it may have no power over him", "to be a person who is successful in his endeavors", "To protect from harm while travelling on a ship and on any body of water", "After achieving preeminence, not to lose this position", and more).
The names of the other compositions include: "Goralot Daniel", "Yichud LeAdam Meshuamam", "Sefer HaMifalot", "Kabbalah Maasit", "Sefer HaChol L'M. Shalom Shabazi", "Sefer HaPe'ulot", "Sefer HaShe'elot by R. Avraham ibn Ezra", "Chochmat HaTechuna", "Sefer HaPirkus", and others.
Leaves [8-12] contain various "secrets": "The secret of the letters of the Tetragrammaton", "Secret of the ways of G-d", "Secret of the forty luminaries", "Secret of the travels of the Jewish people leaving Egypt", "Secret of one who wishes to use Hashbaot of angels", "Secret of the names of the four rivers" and more.
On leaf [17]: "Said the author, we saw in the compilations of the sage R. Menachem Recanati a composition of the Amidah prayer regarding the request to destroy the enemies of Israel, and we decided to copy it…".
The writer's colophon appears on p. [168a]: "…Yuda son of Haron Hoter, may G-d grant me the merit of producing many books… and it was completed on Rosh Chodesh Shevat...".
Several familial inscriptions from the writer, regarding the birth of his daughter in 1881, his son in 1883, and another son in 1899. In two places, glosses signed with a calligraphic signature: "Yuda son of Haron Hoter".
Pieces of paper and handwritten leaves are interspersed between the leaves of this volume (some contain records of dreams, names of sick people requiring amulets, and more). At the end of the volume, gatherings of leaves and single leaves were inserted – some from other manuscripts on segulot and lots.
The writer, R. Yehuda son of Aharon Hoter, was one of the first immigrants from Yemen to settle in Jerusalem. He was presumably born in Sanaa. In 1876 and again ca. 1841, he travelled to Alexandria, Egypt, for commerce or some other reason, and eventually returned to Yemen. On his second trip, he first visited Jerusalem, and ca. 1884, he immigrated and settled there. In Jerusalem, he was very active as one of the Torah scholars and leaders of the Yemenite community and was also renowned as an expert scribe. Several manuscripts he wrote are extant, including his composition Ofer HaAyalim, a historic documentation of the tribulations of the first Yemenite immigrants to Jerusalem (see: Yosef Tovi, the Ofer HaAyalim Booklet by R. Yehuda son of Aharon Hoter HaKohen, Moreshet Yehudei Teiman, Jerusalem 1977, pp. 150-165). This manuscript may have been written whilst he was still in Yemen, yet it contains several glosses or additions written in Jerusalem (one of the blank leaves contains lists of names written in Jerusalem, including names of rabbis, philanthropist and lobbyists, such as: Baron Rothschild, Baron Hirsch, R. Natan Bamberger Rabbi of Würzburg, and others. On other blank leaves, texts of documents written in Jerusalem were copied: Ketubah, letter of attorney, divorce document).
Several leaves bear stamps of "R. Rachamim Chaim Katz… of Jerusalem".
[170] leaves + [67] leaves. 23 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, tears and wear. Many detached leaves. Original leather binding, damaged.
Neat Yemenite script, with kabbalistic diagram, Angels' seals and unusual letters, Magen David emblems, tables and sketches containing kabbalistic combinations of names and letters.
Many leaves contain texts of amulets, Hashbaot and segulot, for protection, success, recovery and salvation in various situations. To name a few: "For a place of danger", "To cause an enemy to die", "To see and not be seen", "To annul evil gossip and incline people in your favor", "A good amulet for all situations", "To bring peace between husband and wife", "So that snakes should not harm", "So that thieves should not enter the house", "To see Paradise in a dream", "For one who wishes sustenance and livelihood", "For protection on a journey", "For pregnancy", "For protection from miscarriage", "To protect a home from thieves", "To succeed in having the journey shortened", "To compel a judge or dayan to comply with one's wishes", and more.
The beginning of the manuscript contains a composition named "Sod Nikudei Shemot" – the different ways of vocalizing the name of G-d and their actions (including: "To annul sorcery so that it may have no power over him", "to be a person who is successful in his endeavors", "To protect from harm while travelling on a ship and on any body of water", "After achieving preeminence, not to lose this position", and more).
The names of the other compositions include: "Goralot Daniel", "Yichud LeAdam Meshuamam", "Sefer HaMifalot", "Kabbalah Maasit", "Sefer HaChol L'M. Shalom Shabazi", "Sefer HaPe'ulot", "Sefer HaShe'elot by R. Avraham ibn Ezra", "Chochmat HaTechuna", "Sefer HaPirkus", and others.
Leaves [8-12] contain various "secrets": "The secret of the letters of the Tetragrammaton", "Secret of the ways of G-d", "Secret of the forty luminaries", "Secret of the travels of the Jewish people leaving Egypt", "Secret of one who wishes to use Hashbaot of angels", "Secret of the names of the four rivers" and more.
On leaf [17]: "Said the author, we saw in the compilations of the sage R. Menachem Recanati a composition of the Amidah prayer regarding the request to destroy the enemies of Israel, and we decided to copy it…".
The writer's colophon appears on p. [168a]: "…Yuda son of Haron Hoter, may G-d grant me the merit of producing many books… and it was completed on Rosh Chodesh Shevat...".
Several familial inscriptions from the writer, regarding the birth of his daughter in 1881, his son in 1883, and another son in 1899. In two places, glosses signed with a calligraphic signature: "Yuda son of Haron Hoter".
Pieces of paper and handwritten leaves are interspersed between the leaves of this volume (some contain records of dreams, names of sick people requiring amulets, and more). At the end of the volume, gatherings of leaves and single leaves were inserted – some from other manuscripts on segulot and lots.
The writer, R. Yehuda son of Aharon Hoter, was one of the first immigrants from Yemen to settle in Jerusalem. He was presumably born in Sanaa. In 1876 and again ca. 1841, he travelled to Alexandria, Egypt, for commerce or some other reason, and eventually returned to Yemen. On his second trip, he first visited Jerusalem, and ca. 1884, he immigrated and settled there. In Jerusalem, he was very active as one of the Torah scholars and leaders of the Yemenite community and was also renowned as an expert scribe. Several manuscripts he wrote are extant, including his composition Ofer HaAyalim, a historic documentation of the tribulations of the first Yemenite immigrants to Jerusalem (see: Yosef Tovi, the Ofer HaAyalim Booklet by R. Yehuda son of Aharon Hoter HaKohen, Moreshet Yehudei Teiman, Jerusalem 1977, pp. 150-165). This manuscript may have been written whilst he was still in Yemen, yet it contains several glosses or additions written in Jerusalem (one of the blank leaves contains lists of names written in Jerusalem, including names of rabbis, philanthropist and lobbyists, such as: Baron Rothschild, Baron Hirsch, R. Natan Bamberger Rabbi of Würzburg, and others. On other blank leaves, texts of documents written in Jerusalem were copied: Ketubah, letter of attorney, divorce document).
Several leaves bear stamps of "R. Rachamim Chaim Katz… of Jerusalem".
[170] leaves + [67] leaves. 23 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, tears and wear. Many detached leaves. Original leather binding, damaged.
Category
Manuscripts – Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Unsold
Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, with the comments of the Raavad, and with the Kesef Mishneh commentary by R. Yosef Karo. Third volume (out of four), parts Haflaa – Tahara. Venice: Bragadin, 1574. First edition of Kesef Mishneh.
Copy previously owned by the kabbalist R. Gedalia Hayon, father-in-law of the Rashash, founder of the Beit El kabbalists' yeshiva. A handwritten inscription occupies the center of the title page: "This belongs to the chief rabbi Gedalia Hayon". An inscription was added beside the year of printing: "Here Jerusalem". Another inscription (partly deleted) in the upper margin of the title page: "This book of [--] R. Gedalia [Hayon]…".
R. Gedalia Hayon (d.1751) was a G-dly kabbalist and wonder-worker. He was the teacher and father-in-law of the prominent kabbalist R. Shalom Sharabi (the Rashash). He founded the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists in Jerusalem in 1737, and headed it until his passing in 1751. The leading Jerusalem kabbalists studied there, including R. Gershon of Kitov, brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov. The Chida was also his disciple, and describes his holiness and piety: "R. Gedalia Hayon, he is the holy one… he would always increase in holiness, and he delved into Kabbalah and the kavanot of the Arizal with all his strength… in holiness, seclusion and asceticism, and in our generation he was exceptionally pious, and he would pray for the sick, and occasionally, a sick person would be informed in a dream that he had been saved through the prayers of the pious one" (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Gedolim, Gimmel). The Chida quotes his teachings in his books, referring to him as "the exceptionally pious rabbi" and other such titles.
The comments of the Raavad in this volume were numbered in early Sephardic script (654-1577).
[20], 451, [1] leaves. 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains to some leaves. Worming to some leaves. Tears to title page, not affecting text, repaired with paper. Title page and last leaf reinforced with tape. Part of the printer's device (an illustration of a woman) on verso of title page partially scraped off. Some darkened and stained leaves. New binding.
Copy previously owned by the kabbalist R. Gedalia Hayon, father-in-law of the Rashash, founder of the Beit El kabbalists' yeshiva. A handwritten inscription occupies the center of the title page: "This belongs to the chief rabbi Gedalia Hayon". An inscription was added beside the year of printing: "Here Jerusalem". Another inscription (partly deleted) in the upper margin of the title page: "This book of [--] R. Gedalia [Hayon]…".
R. Gedalia Hayon (d.1751) was a G-dly kabbalist and wonder-worker. He was the teacher and father-in-law of the prominent kabbalist R. Shalom Sharabi (the Rashash). He founded the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists in Jerusalem in 1737, and headed it until his passing in 1751. The leading Jerusalem kabbalists studied there, including R. Gershon of Kitov, brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov. The Chida was also his disciple, and describes his holiness and piety: "R. Gedalia Hayon, he is the holy one… he would always increase in holiness, and he delved into Kabbalah and the kavanot of the Arizal with all his strength… in holiness, seclusion and asceticism, and in our generation he was exceptionally pious, and he would pray for the sick, and occasionally, a sick person would be informed in a dream that he had been saved through the prayers of the pious one" (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Gedolim, Gimmel). The Chida quotes his teachings in his books, referring to him as "the exceptionally pious rabbi" and other such titles.
The comments of the Raavad in this volume were numbered in early Sephardic script (654-1577).
[20], 451, [1] leaves. 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains to some leaves. Worming to some leaves. Tears to title page, not affecting text, repaired with paper. Title page and last leaf reinforced with tape. Part of the printer's device (an illustration of a woman) on verso of title page partially scraped off. Some darkened and stained leaves. New binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership – Leading Rabbis and Chassidic Luminaries – Signatures and Stamps, Inscriptions and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Unsold
Pnei Yehoshua on the Talmud, by R. Yaakov Yehoshua Rabbi of Metz, Lviv and Frankfurt. Complete set in four volumes, printed in Frankfurt and Fürth ca. 1752-1780. Second edition of the first three parts, and first edition of Part IV.
On the title page of vol. II: Handwritten signatures of prominent Torah scholars from the renowned Brody Kloiz, during the times of the Noda BiYehuda and the Baal Shem Tov (18th century): R. Chaim Sanzer, R. David Tevele of Brody (later rabbi of Lissa) and R. Menachem Nachum Heilprin (later rabbi of Starokostiantyniv), grandson of R. Chaim Sanzer.
Four volumes: • Part I, on Tractate Berachot and Order Mo'ed. Frankfurt am Main [second, emended edition, presumably printed in the author's lifetime, since he is mentioned on the title page as amongst the living – between 1752-1756]. • Part II, on Tractates Ketubot, Gittin and Kiddushin. Fürth, [1766. Second edition]. • Part III, on Tractates Bava Kama and Bava Metzia. Fürth, [1779. Second edition]. • Part IV, on Tractates Chullin, Makot and Shevuot, and on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat. Fürth, [1780. First edition].
Signatures and ownership inscriptions in all the volumes, from rabbis and study halls in Vilkomir (Ukmergė) and Aniksht (Anykščiai; famous Lithuanian towns), and a few handwritten glosses. On the title page of Part II (on Tractate Ketubot): Two signatures of the holy kabbalist R. Chaim Sanzer, head of the Kloiz Torah scholars: "Chaim", "Chaim of Sanz"; signature of R. David Tevele of Brody: "David… Tevele of Brody" (also a Torah scholar of the Brody Kloiz at that time, prior to serving as rabbi of Lissa); many signatures of R. Menachem Nachum Heilprin of Brody, grandson of the aforementioned R. Chaim Sanzer.
R. Chaim Sanzer (1720-1783), a holy, G-dly man, outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist. A leading Torah scholar of the famous Brody Kloiz. R. Chaim headed the Kloiz already in 1745, at the time when R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov) and the Noda BiYehuda studied there. He delved extensively in the study of Kabbalah, and in prayers with kabbalistic kavanot, engaging considerably in asceticism and fasts. He studied the writings of the Arizal with his colleague the Noda BiYehuda, and a halachic correspondence they exchanged was published in Responsa Noda BiYehuda, with mutual expressions of affection and reverence.
The Baal Shem Tov described his greatness in effusive terms, despite the fact R. Chaim himself did not adopt the way of the Baal Shem Tov, rather fiercely opposing it, according to various traditions. The Baal Shem Tov nonetheless greatly revered him, accepted his opposition with love, and spoke often of his great stature. A Chassidic tradition relates that R. Chaim sent R. Moshe Ostrer, author of Arugat HaBosem, a leading Torah scholar of the Brody Kloiz, to determine the character of the Baal Shem Tov. When R. Moshe took leave of the Baal Shem Tov, the latter requested that when he returns to R. Chaim, he should report all the strange practices he had witnessed, to cause R. Chaim to laugh heartily, since R. Chaim never laughed so, being that his soul originated from that of R. Yochanan ben Zakai, who maintained that a person is proscribed from laughing unrestrainedly in this world. The Baal Shem Tov stated that "whoever causes him pleasure so that he laughs, will thereby acquire a portion in the World to Come" (Shemen HaTov, Piotrków 1905). A different source reports that the Baal Shem Tov sent him his disciples to relay to him tales of the wonders he had performed, so that he should laugh, saying: "The entire celestial entourage rejoices when he is happy and content" (Gedulat Rabbenu Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, Șimleu Silvaniei 1941). Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Munkacs, author of Darchei Teshuva, relates in his book Tiferet Banim (Parashat Devarim) that the Baal Shem Tov sent R. Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Chortkov to him to request a blessing for offspring, and in the merit of the words of R. Chaim who blessed him "that he should merit sons who illuminate the Diaspora", he bore his holy sons, R. Pinchas author of Haflaa and R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg (see: Tiferet Banim, Bardejov 1921, p. 136b).
Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov quotes the Baal Shem Tov who attested that he was a spark from the soul of R. Yochanan ben Zakai. His disciple the Maggid of Mezeritch stated that R. Chaim Sanzer even resembled R. Yochanan ben Zakai in his features (Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov, Rubinstein edition, p. 304). R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef, quotes Torah thoughts from R. Chaim Sanzer repeatedly in his books. See for instance in Ketonet Pasim (Parashat Tazria), where he writes: "And so I heard in the name of my mechutan, the pious R. Chaim Sanzer". R. Tzvi, son of R. Chaim Sanzer, was the son-in-law of the Toldot Yaakov Yosef. Their common granddaughter was orphaned of her mother at a young age and was raised in the home of her grandfather, the Toldot Yaakov Yosef. She later married Rebbe Avraham Dov Ber Auerbach Rabbi of Chmelnik, who was one of the Chassidic leaders in his times, and had frequented the court of the Baal Shem Tov in his youth.
R. Chaim was very influential in the Lviv and Brody regions. He was involved in the famous Cleves divorce affair. He was likewise concerned by the amulets polemic which erupted between R. Yaakov Emden and R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, and sided with R. Yaakov Emden. Of his many writings, only a few books were published: his glosses on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim (Zhitomir 1861) and Ne'dar BaKodesh on Tractate Avot (Lviv 1862).
R. Menachem Nachum Heilprin – whose signature appears many times on the same title page – was the son of R. Shmuel Aharon Rabbi of Matzeyev (Lukov, Ukraine), son of R. Chaim Sanzer. R. Menachem Nachum served as rabbi of Starokostiantyniv, and was buried in Brody. He was presumably named after his great-grandfather R. Menachem Nachum, father of R. Chaim, and his surname was derived from that of his paternal grandmother, wife of R. Chaim, who was the daughter of R. Yosef Heilprin of Brody.
R. David Tevele, Rabbi of Lissa (d. Tevet 1792), was a leading Torah scholar of the Brody Kloiz. He was the son of R. Natan Nota Rabbi of Brody. A foremost Torah scholar in the times of the Noda BiYehuda, and one of the ten Brody scholars involved in the Cleves divorce polemic. He served as rabbi of Zaslov (Iziaslav) and Horchov, and in 1776 was appointed rabbi of Lissa. All the leading Torah scholars of the generation accepted his authority and he exchanged halachic correspondence with many of them, especially with the Noda BiYehuda, R. Meshulam Igra, R. Chaim Kohen of Lviv, R. Meir Posner of Schottland author of Beit Meir, R. Meir Weil of Berlin and R. Akiva Eiger (who in his youth was a cherished disciple of R. David Tevele in Lissa). One of his famous disciples was R. Baruch Fränkel, author of Baruch Taam.
He endeavored to quieten the polemic against the Chassidic movement, his words carrying weight amongst the leaders of his generation. Historic literature of Polish Chassidism includes two stories relating to this: Shem HaGedolim HaChadash (Maarechet Gedolim, Pe, entry R. Pinchas author of Haflaa) records that R. Tzvi Hirsh HaLevi, author of Likutei Tzvi, possessed a letter written by the Haflaa to R. David Tevele of Lissa, requesting that the latter speak to R. Yosef of Poznań, to ask his father-in-law the Noda BiYehuda, rabbi of Prague, not to distress the holy R. Michel of Zlotchov, nor disrupt him from his worship of G-d, since his intent is solely for the sake of Heaven, as R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg testified. Another source recounts that when the Noda BiYehuda, opposing the book Toldot Yaakov Yosef, wished to issue a ban commanding the book to be burnt, R. Shmelke and his brother the Haflaa wrote to R. Tevele of Lissa requesting he quieten the polemic, and R. Tevele wrote a letter to the Noda BiYehuda asking him not to quarrel with disciples of the Baal Shem Tov and of the Maggid of Mezeritch, since "though their ways differ from ours, their intent is for the sake of Heaven". The Noda BiYehuda obeyed him and withdrew (Shemen HaTov, Piotrków 1905, p. 94, section 85, quoting the introduction to Nefesh David). In his book Nefesh David on the Torah, printed in Przemysl in 1878, R. David Tevele quotes a thought in the name of the Maggid of Mezeritch (Nefesh David, Parashat Vayeira, p. 6a).
Part I: [1], 52; 66; 50; 36; 27; 28; 10, [1] leaves. Part II: 4, 214, 219-296, 23 leaves. Part III: [2], 152, [2] leaves. Part IV: [1], 81 leaves.
4 volumes. Approx. 31 cm. Overall good to good-fair condition. Wear and stains. Slight worming. Marginal damage and paper repairs to several leaves. Matching early half-leather bindings, with marbled paper sides. Bindings slightly worn and damaged.
Enclosed: Report from R. Yitzchak Yeshaya Weiss attesting to the authenticity of the signatures of R. Chaim Sanzer, R. David Tevele of Brody and R. Menachem Nachum Heilprin Rabbi of Starokostiantyniv.
On the title page of vol. II: Handwritten signatures of prominent Torah scholars from the renowned Brody Kloiz, during the times of the Noda BiYehuda and the Baal Shem Tov (18th century): R. Chaim Sanzer, R. David Tevele of Brody (later rabbi of Lissa) and R. Menachem Nachum Heilprin (later rabbi of Starokostiantyniv), grandson of R. Chaim Sanzer.
Four volumes: • Part I, on Tractate Berachot and Order Mo'ed. Frankfurt am Main [second, emended edition, presumably printed in the author's lifetime, since he is mentioned on the title page as amongst the living – between 1752-1756]. • Part II, on Tractates Ketubot, Gittin and Kiddushin. Fürth, [1766. Second edition]. • Part III, on Tractates Bava Kama and Bava Metzia. Fürth, [1779. Second edition]. • Part IV, on Tractates Chullin, Makot and Shevuot, and on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat. Fürth, [1780. First edition].
Signatures and ownership inscriptions in all the volumes, from rabbis and study halls in Vilkomir (Ukmergė) and Aniksht (Anykščiai; famous Lithuanian towns), and a few handwritten glosses. On the title page of Part II (on Tractate Ketubot): Two signatures of the holy kabbalist R. Chaim Sanzer, head of the Kloiz Torah scholars: "Chaim", "Chaim of Sanz"; signature of R. David Tevele of Brody: "David… Tevele of Brody" (also a Torah scholar of the Brody Kloiz at that time, prior to serving as rabbi of Lissa); many signatures of R. Menachem Nachum Heilprin of Brody, grandson of the aforementioned R. Chaim Sanzer.
R. Chaim Sanzer (1720-1783), a holy, G-dly man, outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist. A leading Torah scholar of the famous Brody Kloiz. R. Chaim headed the Kloiz already in 1745, at the time when R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov) and the Noda BiYehuda studied there. He delved extensively in the study of Kabbalah, and in prayers with kabbalistic kavanot, engaging considerably in asceticism and fasts. He studied the writings of the Arizal with his colleague the Noda BiYehuda, and a halachic correspondence they exchanged was published in Responsa Noda BiYehuda, with mutual expressions of affection and reverence.
The Baal Shem Tov described his greatness in effusive terms, despite the fact R. Chaim himself did not adopt the way of the Baal Shem Tov, rather fiercely opposing it, according to various traditions. The Baal Shem Tov nonetheless greatly revered him, accepted his opposition with love, and spoke often of his great stature. A Chassidic tradition relates that R. Chaim sent R. Moshe Ostrer, author of Arugat HaBosem, a leading Torah scholar of the Brody Kloiz, to determine the character of the Baal Shem Tov. When R. Moshe took leave of the Baal Shem Tov, the latter requested that when he returns to R. Chaim, he should report all the strange practices he had witnessed, to cause R. Chaim to laugh heartily, since R. Chaim never laughed so, being that his soul originated from that of R. Yochanan ben Zakai, who maintained that a person is proscribed from laughing unrestrainedly in this world. The Baal Shem Tov stated that "whoever causes him pleasure so that he laughs, will thereby acquire a portion in the World to Come" (Shemen HaTov, Piotrków 1905). A different source reports that the Baal Shem Tov sent him his disciples to relay to him tales of the wonders he had performed, so that he should laugh, saying: "The entire celestial entourage rejoices when he is happy and content" (Gedulat Rabbenu Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, Șimleu Silvaniei 1941). Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Munkacs, author of Darchei Teshuva, relates in his book Tiferet Banim (Parashat Devarim) that the Baal Shem Tov sent R. Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Chortkov to him to request a blessing for offspring, and in the merit of the words of R. Chaim who blessed him "that he should merit sons who illuminate the Diaspora", he bore his holy sons, R. Pinchas author of Haflaa and R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg (see: Tiferet Banim, Bardejov 1921, p. 136b).
Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov quotes the Baal Shem Tov who attested that he was a spark from the soul of R. Yochanan ben Zakai. His disciple the Maggid of Mezeritch stated that R. Chaim Sanzer even resembled R. Yochanan ben Zakai in his features (Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov, Rubinstein edition, p. 304). R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef, quotes Torah thoughts from R. Chaim Sanzer repeatedly in his books. See for instance in Ketonet Pasim (Parashat Tazria), where he writes: "And so I heard in the name of my mechutan, the pious R. Chaim Sanzer". R. Tzvi, son of R. Chaim Sanzer, was the son-in-law of the Toldot Yaakov Yosef. Their common granddaughter was orphaned of her mother at a young age and was raised in the home of her grandfather, the Toldot Yaakov Yosef. She later married Rebbe Avraham Dov Ber Auerbach Rabbi of Chmelnik, who was one of the Chassidic leaders in his times, and had frequented the court of the Baal Shem Tov in his youth.
R. Chaim was very influential in the Lviv and Brody regions. He was involved in the famous Cleves divorce affair. He was likewise concerned by the amulets polemic which erupted between R. Yaakov Emden and R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, and sided with R. Yaakov Emden. Of his many writings, only a few books were published: his glosses on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim (Zhitomir 1861) and Ne'dar BaKodesh on Tractate Avot (Lviv 1862).
R. Menachem Nachum Heilprin – whose signature appears many times on the same title page – was the son of R. Shmuel Aharon Rabbi of Matzeyev (Lukov, Ukraine), son of R. Chaim Sanzer. R. Menachem Nachum served as rabbi of Starokostiantyniv, and was buried in Brody. He was presumably named after his great-grandfather R. Menachem Nachum, father of R. Chaim, and his surname was derived from that of his paternal grandmother, wife of R. Chaim, who was the daughter of R. Yosef Heilprin of Brody.
R. David Tevele, Rabbi of Lissa (d. Tevet 1792), was a leading Torah scholar of the Brody Kloiz. He was the son of R. Natan Nota Rabbi of Brody. A foremost Torah scholar in the times of the Noda BiYehuda, and one of the ten Brody scholars involved in the Cleves divorce polemic. He served as rabbi of Zaslov (Iziaslav) and Horchov, and in 1776 was appointed rabbi of Lissa. All the leading Torah scholars of the generation accepted his authority and he exchanged halachic correspondence with many of them, especially with the Noda BiYehuda, R. Meshulam Igra, R. Chaim Kohen of Lviv, R. Meir Posner of Schottland author of Beit Meir, R. Meir Weil of Berlin and R. Akiva Eiger (who in his youth was a cherished disciple of R. David Tevele in Lissa). One of his famous disciples was R. Baruch Fränkel, author of Baruch Taam.
He endeavored to quieten the polemic against the Chassidic movement, his words carrying weight amongst the leaders of his generation. Historic literature of Polish Chassidism includes two stories relating to this: Shem HaGedolim HaChadash (Maarechet Gedolim, Pe, entry R. Pinchas author of Haflaa) records that R. Tzvi Hirsh HaLevi, author of Likutei Tzvi, possessed a letter written by the Haflaa to R. David Tevele of Lissa, requesting that the latter speak to R. Yosef of Poznań, to ask his father-in-law the Noda BiYehuda, rabbi of Prague, not to distress the holy R. Michel of Zlotchov, nor disrupt him from his worship of G-d, since his intent is solely for the sake of Heaven, as R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg testified. Another source recounts that when the Noda BiYehuda, opposing the book Toldot Yaakov Yosef, wished to issue a ban commanding the book to be burnt, R. Shmelke and his brother the Haflaa wrote to R. Tevele of Lissa requesting he quieten the polemic, and R. Tevele wrote a letter to the Noda BiYehuda asking him not to quarrel with disciples of the Baal Shem Tov and of the Maggid of Mezeritch, since "though their ways differ from ours, their intent is for the sake of Heaven". The Noda BiYehuda obeyed him and withdrew (Shemen HaTov, Piotrków 1905, p. 94, section 85, quoting the introduction to Nefesh David). In his book Nefesh David on the Torah, printed in Przemysl in 1878, R. David Tevele quotes a thought in the name of the Maggid of Mezeritch (Nefesh David, Parashat Vayeira, p. 6a).
Part I: [1], 52; 66; 50; 36; 27; 28; 10, [1] leaves. Part II: 4, 214, 219-296, 23 leaves. Part III: [2], 152, [2] leaves. Part IV: [1], 81 leaves.
4 volumes. Approx. 31 cm. Overall good to good-fair condition. Wear and stains. Slight worming. Marginal damage and paper repairs to several leaves. Matching early half-leather bindings, with marbled paper sides. Bindings slightly worn and damaged.
Enclosed: Report from R. Yitzchak Yeshaya Weiss attesting to the authenticity of the signatures of R. Chaim Sanzer, R. David Tevele of Brody and R. Menachem Nachum Heilprin Rabbi of Starokostiantyniv.
Category
Books of Important Ownership – Leading Rabbis and Chassidic Luminaries – Signatures and Stamps, Inscriptions and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $112,500
Including buyer's premium
Korban Chagiga, treatises pertaining to the Festival offerings, and other topics in Halachah and Aggadah, by R. Moshe Galante Rabbi of Jerusalem. Venice, [1704]. First edition.
The title page bears the signature of R. Meir Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh, author of Meir Netivim: "I purchased it here Horodenka, Meir son of the great luminary R. Tzvi Hirsh".
The last leaf features Russian censor stamps. One stamp is deleted with paper stuck over it. The text of the stamp is in Russian, with the addition of the word "Ostroh" in Hebrew. Another two censor stamps, one of them from Radyvyliv.
R. Meir Margolies (1700/1708-1790), was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, already in 1737, before the latter became renowned. Reputedly, his teacher the Baal Shem Tov requested that he write his name in the siddur he prayed from, to enable him to mention R. Meir in prayer, and the latter did so. His signature in the siddur of the Baal Shem Tov was preserved until this day (Kevutzat Yaakov, Berditchev 1896, p. 52b; MiBeit Genazim, Brooklyn 2010, p. 230). R. Meir refers to his teacher the Baal Shem Tov in several places in his books as "my teacher" and "my colleague". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he describes the level of learning Torah for the sake of Heaven: "…as I was instructed by my teachers who were prominent in Torah and Chassidism, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…". In his book Meir Netivim (part II, end of Parashat Vayigash), he quotes a segulah from his teacher for dissipating anger: "I learnt from my teacher that a wonderful segulah for dissipating anger is to say the verse…". His son R. Betzalel, his successor as rabbi of Ostroh, wrote in his approbation to Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov (Berditchev 1815 edition): "...and as I heard from my father… who from his youth was one of the Torah scholars associated with the Baal Shem Tov, and R. Meir would frequently extol his virtues…". Rebbe Yitzchak Izek of Komarno attested in his book Netiv Mitzvotecha (Netiv HaTorah, pathway 1): "Our teacher R. Yisrael son of Eliezer… he was accorded sixty warriors, souls of righteous men, to protect him, and one of them was the Meir Netivim".
R. Meir Margolies was a leading and prominent rabbi in his times. In his youth, he served as rabbi of Yazlovets and Horodenka. In 1755, he was appointed rabbi of the Lviv region, an area covering a huge territory, which included the city of Brody (R. Meir served as rabbi of the Lviv region, but not of the city of Lviv itself, which had its own rabbi. After the Partition of Poland in 1772, this region was divided between Poland and Austria, and R. Meir served as rabbi of the Polish section). In 1766, he was appointed by the King of Poland as chief rabbi of Ukraine and Galicia. In 1776, he received an official letter of appointment from the King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski (the rabbinical appointment, in gilt letters, is preserved until this day in the Dubnow archives in New York). In 1777, he was appointed, in addition to his position as rabbi of the Lviv region, as rabbi of Ostroh and the vicinity. R. Meir was a member of the famous Brody Kloiz most of his life. He was closely attached to the Kloiz Torah scholars, and quotes their teachings extensively in his book.
The Meir Netivim was one of the foremost halachic authorities in his times in matters of Agunot. In 1768, a pogrom struck Uman and its surroundings, and thousands of Jews were murdered. This tragic episode generated numerous complex questions of Agunot. Many of the responsa recorded in his book Meir Netivim pertain to Agunot. He describes there the trepidation and anguish which overcame him whenever he approached such a question (section 62). Reputedly, he would undertake to fast on the day he was to sign on a permission for an Agunah (Meorei Galicia, III, p. 940).
R. Meir authored several prominent compositions in revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in Halacha and in homily. His series of books was named Or Olam, and includes his books on Halacha, homily and Kabbalah: His renowned book Responsa Meir Netivim, two parts (Polonne 1791), Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh 1794), HaDerech HaTov VehaYashar (Polonne 1795) and Kotnot Or (Berditchev 1816).
The signature appearing in this book was presumably from his tenure as rabbi of Horodenka, in the lifetime of his teacher the Baal Shem Tov, ca. 1742-1754 (see his approbation from 1754 to the book Chiddushei R. Ze'ev HaLevi, Zhovkva 1771; Responsa Meir Netivim, end of section 31; Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, III, p. 939). Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov brings a story regarding the Baal Shem Tov which R. Meir related (of the Baal Shem Tov's remarkable faith and his distribution of money to charity), an incident he personally witnessed, which took place during his residence in Horodenka (Rubinstein edition, p. 246). R. Meir would honor his father exceedingly after the latter's passing, and whenever he mentioned his father's name in his signatures, responsa and approbations, he always added the title: "The great luminary", as is seen in this signature. Moreover, in Kotnot Or (Berditchev 1816), a book which enumerates the 613 commandments in form of rhymes and acrostics, the rhymes in the section of the positive commandments are acrostics spelling "Meir son of the great luminary, outstanding in Torah and fear of G-d, R. Tzvi Hirsh".
56 leaves. 25.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains. Minor tears and worming to several leaves. Owners' stamps. New leather binding.
The title page bears the signature of R. Meir Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh, author of Meir Netivim: "I purchased it here Horodenka, Meir son of the great luminary R. Tzvi Hirsh".
The last leaf features Russian censor stamps. One stamp is deleted with paper stuck over it. The text of the stamp is in Russian, with the addition of the word "Ostroh" in Hebrew. Another two censor stamps, one of them from Radyvyliv.
R. Meir Margolies (1700/1708-1790), was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, already in 1737, before the latter became renowned. Reputedly, his teacher the Baal Shem Tov requested that he write his name in the siddur he prayed from, to enable him to mention R. Meir in prayer, and the latter did so. His signature in the siddur of the Baal Shem Tov was preserved until this day (Kevutzat Yaakov, Berditchev 1896, p. 52b; MiBeit Genazim, Brooklyn 2010, p. 230). R. Meir refers to his teacher the Baal Shem Tov in several places in his books as "my teacher" and "my colleague". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he describes the level of learning Torah for the sake of Heaven: "…as I was instructed by my teachers who were prominent in Torah and Chassidism, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…". In his book Meir Netivim (part II, end of Parashat Vayigash), he quotes a segulah from his teacher for dissipating anger: "I learnt from my teacher that a wonderful segulah for dissipating anger is to say the verse…". His son R. Betzalel, his successor as rabbi of Ostroh, wrote in his approbation to Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov (Berditchev 1815 edition): "...and as I heard from my father… who from his youth was one of the Torah scholars associated with the Baal Shem Tov, and R. Meir would frequently extol his virtues…". Rebbe Yitzchak Izek of Komarno attested in his book Netiv Mitzvotecha (Netiv HaTorah, pathway 1): "Our teacher R. Yisrael son of Eliezer… he was accorded sixty warriors, souls of righteous men, to protect him, and one of them was the Meir Netivim".
R. Meir Margolies was a leading and prominent rabbi in his times. In his youth, he served as rabbi of Yazlovets and Horodenka. In 1755, he was appointed rabbi of the Lviv region, an area covering a huge territory, which included the city of Brody (R. Meir served as rabbi of the Lviv region, but not of the city of Lviv itself, which had its own rabbi. After the Partition of Poland in 1772, this region was divided between Poland and Austria, and R. Meir served as rabbi of the Polish section). In 1766, he was appointed by the King of Poland as chief rabbi of Ukraine and Galicia. In 1776, he received an official letter of appointment from the King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski (the rabbinical appointment, in gilt letters, is preserved until this day in the Dubnow archives in New York). In 1777, he was appointed, in addition to his position as rabbi of the Lviv region, as rabbi of Ostroh and the vicinity. R. Meir was a member of the famous Brody Kloiz most of his life. He was closely attached to the Kloiz Torah scholars, and quotes their teachings extensively in his book.
The Meir Netivim was one of the foremost halachic authorities in his times in matters of Agunot. In 1768, a pogrom struck Uman and its surroundings, and thousands of Jews were murdered. This tragic episode generated numerous complex questions of Agunot. Many of the responsa recorded in his book Meir Netivim pertain to Agunot. He describes there the trepidation and anguish which overcame him whenever he approached such a question (section 62). Reputedly, he would undertake to fast on the day he was to sign on a permission for an Agunah (Meorei Galicia, III, p. 940).
R. Meir authored several prominent compositions in revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in Halacha and in homily. His series of books was named Or Olam, and includes his books on Halacha, homily and Kabbalah: His renowned book Responsa Meir Netivim, two parts (Polonne 1791), Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh 1794), HaDerech HaTov VehaYashar (Polonne 1795) and Kotnot Or (Berditchev 1816).
The signature appearing in this book was presumably from his tenure as rabbi of Horodenka, in the lifetime of his teacher the Baal Shem Tov, ca. 1742-1754 (see his approbation from 1754 to the book Chiddushei R. Ze'ev HaLevi, Zhovkva 1771; Responsa Meir Netivim, end of section 31; Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, III, p. 939). Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov brings a story regarding the Baal Shem Tov which R. Meir related (of the Baal Shem Tov's remarkable faith and his distribution of money to charity), an incident he personally witnessed, which took place during his residence in Horodenka (Rubinstein edition, p. 246). R. Meir would honor his father exceedingly after the latter's passing, and whenever he mentioned his father's name in his signatures, responsa and approbations, he always added the title: "The great luminary", as is seen in this signature. Moreover, in Kotnot Or (Berditchev 1816), a book which enumerates the 613 commandments in form of rhymes and acrostics, the rhymes in the section of the positive commandments are acrostics spelling "Meir son of the great luminary, outstanding in Torah and fear of G-d, R. Tzvi Hirsh".
56 leaves. 25.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains. Minor tears and worming to several leaves. Owners' stamps. New leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership – Leading Rabbis and Chassidic Luminaries – Signatures and Stamps, Inscriptions and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
Kotnot Or, 613 commandments in rhyme and acrostics, by R. Meir Margolies Rabbi of the Lviv region and Ostroh, author of Meir Netivim, foremost disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. With the Shemen LaMaor HaGadol, by his son R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh (who added at the beginning of the book a special prayer which he composed, to be recited before saying the order of commandments). [Berditchev (Berdychiv): Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal, 1816]. First edition.
Various signatures and inscriptions, including the signature of Rebbe Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov, son of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta: "Yitzchak Meir son of R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, here Mezhibuzh"; signature of his grandson R. Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz: "Yechiel son of R. Meshulam Zusia son of R. Yitzchak Meir, whose signature appears above". Another two of his signatures on the title page: "Yechiel Heshel"; additional inscriptions handwritten by a descendant of the author: "This book was established and composed by my grandfather… R. Meir Rabbi of […] and of Ostroh and the vicinity, who composed Meir Netivim […] and Sod Yachin UBoaz"; "Ostroh".
R. Yitzchak Meir of Apta-Zinkov (1776-1855), a leading Rebbe of his generation, was the eldest son of R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta (Opatów). His descendants married the children of prominent Chassidic leaders and he was the progenitor of many Chassidic dynasties. After his father's passing, thousands of Chassidim followed him, and he transferred his court from Medzhybizh to Zinkov. Just like his father, he was reputed for his love of his fellow Jew, and drew many Jews closer to their father in Heaven. His long life was replete with acts of charity and kindness, and he would pray and effect salvations for each and every member of the Jewish people who turned to him. He was the beloved mechutan of leading Chassidic leaders of his generation (R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, R. Moshe Tzvi Savran and others) and many of the Tzaddikim of his generation sought his advice on all their matters. One of his granddaughters married Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz, who was very close to his illustrious grandfather. Many important dynasties of rebbes and rabbis descended from him.
Rebbe Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (1843-1916), a leading Ukrainian rebbe. He was the son of R. Meshulam Zusha Heshel of Zinkov (son of R. Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov and grandson of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta), and son-in- law of Rebbe Yehoshua Rokeach of Belz. He served as rebbe in the town of Murovani Kurylivtsi, Podolia and would frequently travel to the Podolian towns where his Chassidim resided. He passed away during a visit to his Chassidim in Kishinev. His sons-in-law and grandsons served as rebbes, one of them was Rebbe Yitzhak Yeshaya Halberstam of Tshechov (youngest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz).
Kotnot Or contains the order of the 613 commandments in poems, rhyme and acrostics. "Each commandment has three stanzas and each stanza three words". The section on positive commandments is named Kotnot Or, and the section on negative commandments, Or Torah. All the poems in the section of positive commandments are acrostics spelling out: "Meir son of the great luminary, outstanding in Torah and fear, R. Tzvi Hirsh" (in some poems, "renowned" replaces "outstanding"), whilst the poems in the section on negative commandments are acrostics of "Meir, small in wisdom and intellect". On the right-hand pages, twenty lines of rhymes are printed, one line per commandment.
A commentary to the rhymes, named Shemen LaMaor HaGadol, is printed at the foot of the right-hand pages and on the left-hand pages. This commentary was composed by the publisher and son of the author - R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh. The publisher R. Betzalel, who also wrote a lengthy foreword to the book, suggests there to read every day one page containing twenty commandments, and he even printed at the beginning of the book a short supplication to recite before reading the commandments.
At the beginning of the book, a notice is printed, informing that due to the heavy costs of printing, the approbations were not printed, and only the names of those who accorded an approbation to the book are listed, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Zusha of Anipoli, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, R. Yosef of Kaminka and others.
34, [1] leaves. 20 cm. Blueish-greenish paper. Good condition. Stains. Paper repairs to verso of title page. Worming and tears (repaired with paper) to final leaf, not affecting text. Worming and minor tears to several other leaves. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 247.
Various signatures and inscriptions, including the signature of Rebbe Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov, son of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta: "Yitzchak Meir son of R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, here Mezhibuzh"; signature of his grandson R. Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz: "Yechiel son of R. Meshulam Zusia son of R. Yitzchak Meir, whose signature appears above". Another two of his signatures on the title page: "Yechiel Heshel"; additional inscriptions handwritten by a descendant of the author: "This book was established and composed by my grandfather… R. Meir Rabbi of […] and of Ostroh and the vicinity, who composed Meir Netivim […] and Sod Yachin UBoaz"; "Ostroh".
R. Yitzchak Meir of Apta-Zinkov (1776-1855), a leading Rebbe of his generation, was the eldest son of R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta (Opatów). His descendants married the children of prominent Chassidic leaders and he was the progenitor of many Chassidic dynasties. After his father's passing, thousands of Chassidim followed him, and he transferred his court from Medzhybizh to Zinkov. Just like his father, he was reputed for his love of his fellow Jew, and drew many Jews closer to their father in Heaven. His long life was replete with acts of charity and kindness, and he would pray and effect salvations for each and every member of the Jewish people who turned to him. He was the beloved mechutan of leading Chassidic leaders of his generation (R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, R. Moshe Tzvi Savran and others) and many of the Tzaddikim of his generation sought his advice on all their matters. One of his granddaughters married Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz, who was very close to his illustrious grandfather. Many important dynasties of rebbes and rabbis descended from him.
Rebbe Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (1843-1916), a leading Ukrainian rebbe. He was the son of R. Meshulam Zusha Heshel of Zinkov (son of R. Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov and grandson of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta), and son-in- law of Rebbe Yehoshua Rokeach of Belz. He served as rebbe in the town of Murovani Kurylivtsi, Podolia and would frequently travel to the Podolian towns where his Chassidim resided. He passed away during a visit to his Chassidim in Kishinev. His sons-in-law and grandsons served as rebbes, one of them was Rebbe Yitzhak Yeshaya Halberstam of Tshechov (youngest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz).
Kotnot Or contains the order of the 613 commandments in poems, rhyme and acrostics. "Each commandment has three stanzas and each stanza three words". The section on positive commandments is named Kotnot Or, and the section on negative commandments, Or Torah. All the poems in the section of positive commandments are acrostics spelling out: "Meir son of the great luminary, outstanding in Torah and fear, R. Tzvi Hirsh" (in some poems, "renowned" replaces "outstanding"), whilst the poems in the section on negative commandments are acrostics of "Meir, small in wisdom and intellect". On the right-hand pages, twenty lines of rhymes are printed, one line per commandment.
A commentary to the rhymes, named Shemen LaMaor HaGadol, is printed at the foot of the right-hand pages and on the left-hand pages. This commentary was composed by the publisher and son of the author - R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh. The publisher R. Betzalel, who also wrote a lengthy foreword to the book, suggests there to read every day one page containing twenty commandments, and he even printed at the beginning of the book a short supplication to recite before reading the commandments.
At the beginning of the book, a notice is printed, informing that due to the heavy costs of printing, the approbations were not printed, and only the names of those who accorded an approbation to the book are listed, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Zusha of Anipoli, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, R. Yosef of Kaminka and others.
34, [1] leaves. 20 cm. Blueish-greenish paper. Good condition. Stains. Paper repairs to verso of title page. Worming and tears (repaired with paper) to final leaf, not affecting text. Worming and minor tears to several other leaves. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 247.
Category
Books of Important Ownership – Leading Rabbis and Chassidic Luminaries – Signatures and Stamps, Inscriptions and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
Kol Bochim – Kinat Setarim, kabbalistic commentary to Megillat Eichah, by R. Avraham Galante of Safed (disciple of the R. Moshe Cordovero and close associate of the Arizal). Prague: Moses son of Joseph Betzalel Katz, [1621].
On the first leaves, ownership inscriptions and signatures in various handwritings, indicating that this illustrious copy was handed down from one generation to another in the family of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. The book features the signatures of his father and grandfather, as well as stamps and owners' signatures of his descendants, rebbes of Zinkov and Krilovitz.
On the fourth leaf: Signature of R. Aryeh Leib, grandfather of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta: "Aryeh Leib son of R. Shimshon of Tarnogród". On the first leaf, signature of his son R. Shmuel, father of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta: "This book belongs to me and this is my name Shmuel son of the rabbi and dean of [Neustadt]". On the verso of the fourth leaf, ownership inscription in an early handwriting (from the 18th century): "This book belongs to the renowned rabbi… the holy light" (the inscription is interrupted, and does not indicate the name of the rabbi. The title "holy light" was used for Chassidic rebbes, and this inscription may be referring to the Rebbe of Apta or one of the rebbes from his dynasty).
The front endpaper bears the stamp of Rebbe Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (Murovani Kurylivtsi; descendant of the Ohev Yisrael): "Yechiel Heshel, Krilovitz, Podolia" (this stamp also appears on the fourth leaf), with a handwritten inscription beside it: "The book Galante is from the books and estate of my father the Rebbe (this inscription was possibly handwritten by Rebbe Yechiel of Krilovitz). On the first leaf (beside the signature of R. Shmuel father of the Ohev Yisrael), a stamp of the Rebbe of Krilovitz (from an earlier period): "[Yechi]el son of R. M.Z. of Zinkov".
Early signature on pp. 21a and 27a: "So says Avraham son of R. Reuven".
R. Aryeh Leib (1697-1734), grandfather of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, was the son of R. Shimshon of Tarnogród. He served as rabbi and dean of Neustadt, and passed away at the young age of 37. His son R. Shmuel wrote about him: "The prominent rabbi, perspicacious and erudite…, the renowned Chassid… pious and modest, amongst the disciples of Hillel… no wisdom eluded him… master in wisdom yet young in years…".
R. Shmuel of Zhmigrad son of R. Aryeh Leib (1720?-1803) was the father of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. His son the Ohev Yisrael wrote about him: "The exceptional, outstanding and renowned leader… of distinguished lineage, R. Shmuel son of the rabbi and dean of Neustadt".
Rebbe Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (1843-1916), a leading Ukrainian rebbe. He was the son of R. Meshulam Zusha Heshel of Zinkov (son of R. Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov and grandson of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta), and son-in-law of Rebbe Yehoshua Rokeach of Belz. He served as rebbe in the town of Krilovitz, Podolia and would frequently travel to the Podolian towns where his Chassidim resided. He passed away during a visit to his Chassidim in Kishinev. His sons-in-law and grandsons served as rebbes, one of them was Rebbe Yeshaya Halberstam of Tshechov (son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz).
It appears that this copy reached the Rebbe of Krilovitz as an inheritance from his ancestor Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta (1748-1825, son of R. Shmuel of Zhmigrad whose signature appears in this book). The Ohev Yisrael was an elder and leading rebbe of his times.
Incomplete copy. [4], 2-16, 15-44, [2], 45-58 leaves (originally: [9], 2-16, 15-44, [2], 45-66 leaves – lacking 13 leaves: [5] first leaves and 8 final leaves – 59-66). 17.5 cm. Fair condition. Large stains and dampstains. Light worming to several leaves. Tears and damage to many leaves, mostly to margins (repaired with paper), generally slightly affecting text. Many marginal tears to last four leaves, affecting text (primarily of final leaf). New leather binding.
On the first leaves, ownership inscriptions and signatures in various handwritings, indicating that this illustrious copy was handed down from one generation to another in the family of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. The book features the signatures of his father and grandfather, as well as stamps and owners' signatures of his descendants, rebbes of Zinkov and Krilovitz.
On the fourth leaf: Signature of R. Aryeh Leib, grandfather of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta: "Aryeh Leib son of R. Shimshon of Tarnogród". On the first leaf, signature of his son R. Shmuel, father of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta: "This book belongs to me and this is my name Shmuel son of the rabbi and dean of [Neustadt]". On the verso of the fourth leaf, ownership inscription in an early handwriting (from the 18th century): "This book belongs to the renowned rabbi… the holy light" (the inscription is interrupted, and does not indicate the name of the rabbi. The title "holy light" was used for Chassidic rebbes, and this inscription may be referring to the Rebbe of Apta or one of the rebbes from his dynasty).
The front endpaper bears the stamp of Rebbe Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (Murovani Kurylivtsi; descendant of the Ohev Yisrael): "Yechiel Heshel, Krilovitz, Podolia" (this stamp also appears on the fourth leaf), with a handwritten inscription beside it: "The book Galante is from the books and estate of my father the Rebbe (this inscription was possibly handwritten by Rebbe Yechiel of Krilovitz). On the first leaf (beside the signature of R. Shmuel father of the Ohev Yisrael), a stamp of the Rebbe of Krilovitz (from an earlier period): "[Yechi]el son of R. M.Z. of Zinkov".
Early signature on pp. 21a and 27a: "So says Avraham son of R. Reuven".
R. Aryeh Leib (1697-1734), grandfather of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, was the son of R. Shimshon of Tarnogród. He served as rabbi and dean of Neustadt, and passed away at the young age of 37. His son R. Shmuel wrote about him: "The prominent rabbi, perspicacious and erudite…, the renowned Chassid… pious and modest, amongst the disciples of Hillel… no wisdom eluded him… master in wisdom yet young in years…".
R. Shmuel of Zhmigrad son of R. Aryeh Leib (1720?-1803) was the father of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. His son the Ohev Yisrael wrote about him: "The exceptional, outstanding and renowned leader… of distinguished lineage, R. Shmuel son of the rabbi and dean of Neustadt".
Rebbe Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (1843-1916), a leading Ukrainian rebbe. He was the son of R. Meshulam Zusha Heshel of Zinkov (son of R. Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov and grandson of the Ohev Yisrael of Apta), and son-in-law of Rebbe Yehoshua Rokeach of Belz. He served as rebbe in the town of Krilovitz, Podolia and would frequently travel to the Podolian towns where his Chassidim resided. He passed away during a visit to his Chassidim in Kishinev. His sons-in-law and grandsons served as rebbes, one of them was Rebbe Yeshaya Halberstam of Tshechov (son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz).
It appears that this copy reached the Rebbe of Krilovitz as an inheritance from his ancestor Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta (1748-1825, son of R. Shmuel of Zhmigrad whose signature appears in this book). The Ohev Yisrael was an elder and leading rebbe of his times.
Incomplete copy. [4], 2-16, 15-44, [2], 45-58 leaves (originally: [9], 2-16, 15-44, [2], 45-66 leaves – lacking 13 leaves: [5] first leaves and 8 final leaves – 59-66). 17.5 cm. Fair condition. Large stains and dampstains. Light worming to several leaves. Tears and damage to many leaves, mostly to margins (repaired with paper), generally slightly affecting text. Many marginal tears to last four leaves, affecting text (primarily of final leaf). New leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership – Leading Rabbis and Chassidic Luminaries – Signatures and Stamps, Inscriptions and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Siddur Beit VeShaarei Tefilla, with commentaries and textual corrections by R. Shlomo Zalman Katz Hanau; with Shaarei Tefillah (separate title page), regarding the correct pronunciation of prayers, by R. Shlomo Zalman Katz Hanau. Dyhernfurth: R. Yechiel Michel May, 1794.
Stamps of the library of the "Beit Midrash of the Ashkenazi community in London – Jews' College London" on the title page. At the end of the Shacharit prayers (p. 43b), various additions were inscribed in early Ashkenazic script, including Psalm 83 (recited in Ashkenazi communities every day at the conclusion of Shacharit). These additions were presumably handwritten by R. Tzvi Hirsch Rabbi of Berlin.
R. Tzvi Hirsch Levin Rabbi of Berlin (1721-1800, Otzar HaRabbanim 17206), a leading Torah scholar of his generation. A grandson of Chacham Tzvi, he was the son of R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Głogów and Amsterdam and brother of R. Shaul Lowenstam Rabbi of Amsterdam. He served as rabbi in Głogów, London, Halberstadt and Mannheim. In 1772, he was appointed rabbi of the capital city of Berlin, a position he held for 27 years.
His son, R. Shlomo Hirschell-Berlin (1761-1843), rabbi of Prenzlau and London. In 1802, he succeeded his father as rabbi of the Ashkenazi community in London and Great Britain, until his passing in 1842. All his descendants married into families of distinguished lineage, and went to live in Poland following his directives not to reside in England, for a reason he did not disclose (Kelilat Yofi, pp. 134-135).
R. Shlomo Hirschell's extensive library was sold after his passing to the library of the Ashkenazi community in London, including several books containing glosses and additions from his father, R. Tzvi Hirsch Berlin. Based on these glosses, the surviving Torah novellae of R. Tzvi Hirsch were published in the book Tzava Rav. The latter would sign many of his glosses and letters with the acronym Tzava (Tzvi Ben Aryeh; similar to his grandfather who would sign Tzvi – acronym of Tzvi ben Yaakov), and his book was named Tzava Rav based on this acronym.
Incomplete copy (lacking end of Shaarei Tefilla): [11], 2-[120] leaves (mispagination); 24 leaves (originally: 29 leaves – lacking last 5 leaves). 18.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Title page and two subsequent leaves in fair condition: Marginal tears, repaired with paper. Old binding with worn leather spine.
Stamps of the library of the "Beit Midrash of the Ashkenazi community in London – Jews' College London" on the title page. At the end of the Shacharit prayers (p. 43b), various additions were inscribed in early Ashkenazic script, including Psalm 83 (recited in Ashkenazi communities every day at the conclusion of Shacharit). These additions were presumably handwritten by R. Tzvi Hirsch Rabbi of Berlin.
R. Tzvi Hirsch Levin Rabbi of Berlin (1721-1800, Otzar HaRabbanim 17206), a leading Torah scholar of his generation. A grandson of Chacham Tzvi, he was the son of R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Głogów and Amsterdam and brother of R. Shaul Lowenstam Rabbi of Amsterdam. He served as rabbi in Głogów, London, Halberstadt and Mannheim. In 1772, he was appointed rabbi of the capital city of Berlin, a position he held for 27 years.
His son, R. Shlomo Hirschell-Berlin (1761-1843), rabbi of Prenzlau and London. In 1802, he succeeded his father as rabbi of the Ashkenazi community in London and Great Britain, until his passing in 1842. All his descendants married into families of distinguished lineage, and went to live in Poland following his directives not to reside in England, for a reason he did not disclose (Kelilat Yofi, pp. 134-135).
R. Shlomo Hirschell's extensive library was sold after his passing to the library of the Ashkenazi community in London, including several books containing glosses and additions from his father, R. Tzvi Hirsch Berlin. Based on these glosses, the surviving Torah novellae of R. Tzvi Hirsch were published in the book Tzava Rav. The latter would sign many of his glosses and letters with the acronym Tzava (Tzvi Ben Aryeh; similar to his grandfather who would sign Tzvi – acronym of Tzvi ben Yaakov), and his book was named Tzava Rav based on this acronym.
Incomplete copy (lacking end of Shaarei Tefilla): [11], 2-[120] leaves (mispagination); 24 leaves (originally: 29 leaves – lacking last 5 leaves). 18.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Title page and two subsequent leaves in fair condition: Marginal tears, repaired with paper. Old binding with worn leather spine.
Category
Books of Important Ownership – Leading Rabbis and Chassidic Luminaries – Signatures and Stamps, Inscriptions and Dedications
Catalogue
![Darash Moshe, commentary on Talmudic Aggadot, by R. Moshe of Bisenz (Bzenec). Kraków: Isaac son of Aaron Prostitz, [1589]. C](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale66-public/124_1.jpg "Darash Moshe – Kraków, 1589 – Copy of the Kabbalist Rabbi Natan Adler")
![Darash Moshe, commentary on Talmudic Aggadot, by R. Moshe of Bisenz (Bzenec). Kraków: Isaac son of Aaron Prostitz, [1589]. C](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale66-public/124_2.jpg "Darash Moshe – Kraków, 1589 – Copy of the Kabbalist Rabbi Natan Adler")
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Unsold
Darash Moshe, commentary on Talmudic Aggadot, by R. Moshe of Bisenz (Bzenec). Kraków: Isaac son of Aaron Prostitz, [1589].
Copy previously owned by R. Natan Adler. On the back endpaper, several ownership inscriptions, including one lengthy one: "Belongs to the Torah leader, exceptional rabbi, outstanding in Torah and piety, perspicacious and sharp-witted, R. Natan son of R. Shimon Adler Katz".
Handwritten glosses (in Ashkenazic script) in two places (pp. 11b and 70a).
R. Natan HaKohen Adler Katz (1742-1800), was born in Frankfurt am Main to R. Yaakov Shimon Adler. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and eminent kabbalist. He headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt, and was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer – the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as "My prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles. He suffered much persecution from the residents of his city, who even forbade him from holding prayers services in his Beit Midrash conforming with his singular kabbalistic customs. He served for a while as rabbi of Boskowitz (Boskovice), yet later returned to his home and Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
70 [i.e. 71] leaves. Lacking [1] final leaf (of poems in praise of the book). Mispagination. 28.5 cm. Condition varies. Stains. Large, dark stains to title page and three subsequent leaves. Tears to title page, repaired. Most leaves in good-fair condition. Leaves trimmed close to text, slightly affecting text in several leaves. Minor damage. New leather binding.
Copy previously owned by R. Natan Adler. On the back endpaper, several ownership inscriptions, including one lengthy one: "Belongs to the Torah leader, exceptional rabbi, outstanding in Torah and piety, perspicacious and sharp-witted, R. Natan son of R. Shimon Adler Katz".
Handwritten glosses (in Ashkenazic script) in two places (pp. 11b and 70a).
R. Natan HaKohen Adler Katz (1742-1800), was born in Frankfurt am Main to R. Yaakov Shimon Adler. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and eminent kabbalist. He headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt, and was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer – the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as "My prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles. He suffered much persecution from the residents of his city, who even forbade him from holding prayers services in his Beit Midrash conforming with his singular kabbalistic customs. He served for a while as rabbi of Boskowitz (Boskovice), yet later returned to his home and Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
70 [i.e. 71] leaves. Lacking [1] final leaf (of poems in praise of the book). Mispagination. 28.5 cm. Condition varies. Stains. Large, dark stains to title page and three subsequent leaves. Tears to title page, repaired. Most leaves in good-fair condition. Leaves trimmed close to text, slightly affecting text in several leaves. Minor damage. New leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership – Leading Rabbis and Chassidic Luminaries – Signatures and Stamps, Inscriptions and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $12,500
Including buyer's premium
Ohel Yaakov, Part I, homilies on Bereshit, by R. Yaakov Kranz – the Maggid of Dubno. Józefów, 1830. First edition.
Signature of the first Rebbe of Warka on the title page: "Yitzchak son of R. Sh. of Warka".
Stamps on every single page of the book, of his grandson, the Rebbe of Otvosk (Otwock): "Simcha Bunim son of R. Mordechai Menachem Mendel of Warka, presently in Otvosk". Ownership inscription on title page: "Belongs to R. Simcha Bunim son of the righteous rabbi". Stamps on title page and several other leaves of the grandson of the Rebbe of Otvosk: "Simcha Bunim Rajewski, Białobrzegi".
Rebbe Yitzchak Kalish Rabbi of Warka (1779-1848), renowned Chassidic leader in Poland, about whom many stories of wonders and revelations of Divine Inspiration circulated. He was a close disciple of Rebbe David of Lelov, the Chozeh of Lublin, the Yehudi HaKadosh of Peshischa and R. Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, and close friend of the Rebbe of Kotsk and the Chiddushei HaRim. In 1829, he began leading his followers, which numbered many thousands. He was renowned for his tremendous love and devotion to the community as well as individuals. Most of his sayings and the stories about him, revolve around love for one's fellow Jew. In his times, Poland was under the rule of the Russian Czar, who constantly enacted new decrees against the Jews. The Rebbe of Warka was one of the leading lobbyists before the authorities and devoted himself to trying to annul and mitigate decrees. To that end, he resided for extended periods of time in Warsaw, where he would meet with the various government officials to try and win them over, and in many cases, he met success. He was very active in bolstering Torah observance, and fought the Maskilim who incited the authorities against faithful Judaism. In 1835, the government forbade setting up Eruv wires across the town, and the Rebbe of Warka was successful in having the decree rescinded within a short time (in the archives of the Polish government, an interesting correspondence between the Rebbe and the authorities about this matter was preserved. See: Yismach Yisrael, 15, Bnei Brak 2017). His descendants include the dynasties of Warka, Skierniewice and Amshinov.
It is interesting to note the phenomenon of this book being owned by Chassidic rebbes, despite the fact that its author, the Maggid of Dubno, was an opponent of Chassidism and a close associate of the Gaon of Vilna. Furthermore, his books contain criticism against Chassidism (see for instance his words on Behaalotecha, p. 24b, Warsaw 1903 edition). This ownership may have been inspired by the statement of the Rebbe of Kotsk, who was a close friend of the Rebbe of Warka, regarding the teachings of the Maggid of Dubno: "In his parables, the Maggid of Dubno attained the truth in three things…" (for further detail, see: Siach Sarfei Kodesh, IV, Bnei Brak 1989, p. 74).
His grandson, Rebbe Simcha Bunim of Warka-Otvosk (1851-1907), son of Rebbe Mordechai Menachem Mendel Kalish of Warka. He was appointed rebbe at the age of 17 (in 1868), and led his Chassidim in Warka. He was full of love for Eretz Israel, and twice immigrated there. Following his first attempt to settle in Eretz Israel with his family and disciples, and his banishment by the Turkish authorities, he relocated to the spa-town of Otvosk, and became known by that name. Many years later, he immigrated alone and settled in Tiberias, where he passed away a month and a half later. He was renowned for his love of Mitzvot and the halachic stringencies he practiced, for his conservative approach and fierce opposition to the Enlightenment movement. His three sons succeeded him as rebbes.
R. Simcha Bunim Rajewski, grandson of Rebbe Simcha Bunim Kalish, was the son of Rebbetzin Tzivia, daughter of the rebbe, and R. Yeshaya Elimelech Rajewski Rabbi of Białobrzegi, son-in-law of the rebbe. The couple were childless for many years. Reputedly, one Yom Kippur eve, Rebbetzin Tzivia cried and begged her brother Rebbe Menachem Mendel to bring about a salvation for her. Her brother stipulated that she should not turn anymore to doctors, and he would thereby be able to help her. She indeed later bore three sons, one of whom was R. Simcha Bunim Rajewski, who was named after his illustrious grandfather (they all perished in the Holocaust).
[2], 115, 12 leaves. 22.5 cm. Blueish paper. Stamps on title page and every leaf. Fair condition. Stains. Worming to every leaf, repaired. Severe worming to approx. 10 leaves, with extensive damage to text (each leaf was professionally restored with paper). Marginal tears and damage to title page and other leaves (primarily first and last leaves, repaired). New, elegant leather binding.
Signature of the first Rebbe of Warka on the title page: "Yitzchak son of R. Sh. of Warka".
Stamps on every single page of the book, of his grandson, the Rebbe of Otvosk (Otwock): "Simcha Bunim son of R. Mordechai Menachem Mendel of Warka, presently in Otvosk". Ownership inscription on title page: "Belongs to R. Simcha Bunim son of the righteous rabbi". Stamps on title page and several other leaves of the grandson of the Rebbe of Otvosk: "Simcha Bunim Rajewski, Białobrzegi".
Rebbe Yitzchak Kalish Rabbi of Warka (1779-1848), renowned Chassidic leader in Poland, about whom many stories of wonders and revelations of Divine Inspiration circulated. He was a close disciple of Rebbe David of Lelov, the Chozeh of Lublin, the Yehudi HaKadosh of Peshischa and R. Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, and close friend of the Rebbe of Kotsk and the Chiddushei HaRim. In 1829, he began leading his followers, which numbered many thousands. He was renowned for his tremendous love and devotion to the community as well as individuals. Most of his sayings and the stories about him, revolve around love for one's fellow Jew. In his times, Poland was under the rule of the Russian Czar, who constantly enacted new decrees against the Jews. The Rebbe of Warka was one of the leading lobbyists before the authorities and devoted himself to trying to annul and mitigate decrees. To that end, he resided for extended periods of time in Warsaw, where he would meet with the various government officials to try and win them over, and in many cases, he met success. He was very active in bolstering Torah observance, and fought the Maskilim who incited the authorities against faithful Judaism. In 1835, the government forbade setting up Eruv wires across the town, and the Rebbe of Warka was successful in having the decree rescinded within a short time (in the archives of the Polish government, an interesting correspondence between the Rebbe and the authorities about this matter was preserved. See: Yismach Yisrael, 15, Bnei Brak 2017). His descendants include the dynasties of Warka, Skierniewice and Amshinov.
It is interesting to note the phenomenon of this book being owned by Chassidic rebbes, despite the fact that its author, the Maggid of Dubno, was an opponent of Chassidism and a close associate of the Gaon of Vilna. Furthermore, his books contain criticism against Chassidism (see for instance his words on Behaalotecha, p. 24b, Warsaw 1903 edition). This ownership may have been inspired by the statement of the Rebbe of Kotsk, who was a close friend of the Rebbe of Warka, regarding the teachings of the Maggid of Dubno: "In his parables, the Maggid of Dubno attained the truth in three things…" (for further detail, see: Siach Sarfei Kodesh, IV, Bnei Brak 1989, p. 74).
His grandson, Rebbe Simcha Bunim of Warka-Otvosk (1851-1907), son of Rebbe Mordechai Menachem Mendel Kalish of Warka. He was appointed rebbe at the age of 17 (in 1868), and led his Chassidim in Warka. He was full of love for Eretz Israel, and twice immigrated there. Following his first attempt to settle in Eretz Israel with his family and disciples, and his banishment by the Turkish authorities, he relocated to the spa-town of Otvosk, and became known by that name. Many years later, he immigrated alone and settled in Tiberias, where he passed away a month and a half later. He was renowned for his love of Mitzvot and the halachic stringencies he practiced, for his conservative approach and fierce opposition to the Enlightenment movement. His three sons succeeded him as rebbes.
R. Simcha Bunim Rajewski, grandson of Rebbe Simcha Bunim Kalish, was the son of Rebbetzin Tzivia, daughter of the rebbe, and R. Yeshaya Elimelech Rajewski Rabbi of Białobrzegi, son-in-law of the rebbe. The couple were childless for many years. Reputedly, one Yom Kippur eve, Rebbetzin Tzivia cried and begged her brother Rebbe Menachem Mendel to bring about a salvation for her. Her brother stipulated that she should not turn anymore to doctors, and he would thereby be able to help her. She indeed later bore three sons, one of whom was R. Simcha Bunim Rajewski, who was named after his illustrious grandfather (they all perished in the Holocaust).
[2], 115, 12 leaves. 22.5 cm. Blueish paper. Stamps on title page and every leaf. Fair condition. Stains. Worming to every leaf, repaired. Severe worming to approx. 10 leaves, with extensive damage to text (each leaf was professionally restored with paper). Marginal tears and damage to title page and other leaves (primarily first and last leaves, repaired). New, elegant leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership – Leading Rabbis and Chassidic Luminaries – Signatures and Stamps, Inscriptions and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 66 - Rare and Important Items
May 15, 2019
Opening: $15,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $25,000
Sold for: $18,750
Including buyer's premium
Volume comprising eight books on fear of G-d, Midrash, Kabbalah and ethics, printed in Lviv and Russia-Poland, ca. 1830-1850.
On the title page of the book Yoreh Chata'im (Lviv, 1837), handwritten signature: "Eliezer" – signature of the first Rebbe of Dzikov, R. Eliezer Horowitz, son of Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz. On the title page of Midrash Shocher Tov – Midrash Mishlei (bound at the beginning of this volume), stamp of his daughter's son-in-law, R. "Mordechai David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Stitshin". On the endpapers: Ownership inscriptions in Hebrew and Latin characters, attesting that the book belongs to "The rabbi, luminary of the Diaspora, of distinguished lineage… R. Elimelech… Stitshin".
This book was passed down from one generation to the next in the family of Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov, through his grandson Rebbe Mordechai David of Stitshin. According to family tradition, the signature "Eliezer" is the signature of Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov. Enclosed with the book is a note handwritten by Rebbe Alter Eliezer Kahana of Spinka-Zidichov (1937-2009), attesting that this is indeed the signature of his ancestor Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov. Likewise, he writes that there used to be in this volume a signature or stamp of his ancestor Rebbe Chanina Horowitz of Ulanov (son-in-law of Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov, and father-in-law of Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Stitshin).
This volume includes the following books: • Midrash Shocher Tov – Midrash Mishlei. Lemberg 1850. • Sefer HaBahir, attributed to the tanna R. Nechunia ben HaKana. [Place and year of printing not indicated – this edition is not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, nor does it appear in the catalog of the NLI]. • Maaseh Hashem, anthology of Aggadot and miraculous stories, selected from the Zohar and other books, [Russia-Poland, ca. 1830]. • Sefer HaYirah, by Rabbenu Yonah Gerondi. Lviv, [1849]. • Totzaot Chaim, summary of Reshit Chochma. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1830]. • Yoreh Chata'im, summary of the laws of repentance from Sefer HaRoke'ach, and selections on ethical topics, by R. Yitzchak Elis. [Lviv, 1837]. • Ketav Yosher, ethics and practices according to Kabbalah, by R. Shmuel Ostrer of Brody. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1830]. • Torat HaAdam, ethics and Kabbalah, by R. Shmuel Ostrer of Brody. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1830].
The first Rebbe of the Dzikov dynasty, R. Eliezer Horowitz, rabbi of Dzikov (Tarnobrzeg; 1790-1861), third son of the renowned Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz. He was the close disciple of his father, and of the "Saba" of Radoshitz, the Aryeh Debei Ila'i, R. Tzvi Hirsh of Ziditchov and R. Tzvi Hirsh of Rimanov. In his youth, he frequented the courts of the Chozeh of Lublin and the Maggid of Kozhnitz. He served as rebbe to thousands of followers, and was reputed as the perpetuator of his father's Chassidic legacy. The Tzaddikim of his generation praised him profusely. R. Moshe of Radomyshl, a disciple of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk, testified regarding Rebbe Eliezer's way: "This is the way adopted by R. Elimelech of Lizhensk". Rebbe Meir of Premishlan attested: "Whenever Meir comes to Heaven, he finds that R. Eliezer is already there". He entertained close ties with the Divrei Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz, and their descendants married each other.
This book was bequeathed to his nephew and son-in-law, Rebbe Chanina Horowitz Rabbi of Ulanów (1822-1881; son of R. Yaakov Horowitz of Melitz, and grandson of R. Naftali Horowitz of Ropshitz), who was the father-in-law of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Shapiro Rabbi of Munkacs author of Darchei Teshuva, and of Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Stitshin, whose stamp appears in the first book of this volume.
Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum (d. Kislev 1819 in Safed), son of R. Nachum Tzvi Teitelbaum (brother of the Yitav Lev and son of the Yismach Moshe). He served as rabbi of Stitshin (Szczucin) and Drohobych. He was the cousin of the Minchat Elazar Rebbe of Munkacs, and of the Kedushat Yom Tov Rebbe of Sighet. In 1902, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Meron and in Safed, and was known as the Rebbe of Drohobych. His son was Rebbe Yitzchak Teitelbaum of Husakov, father of Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum – Rebbe of Husakov-Beer Sheva.
Eight books bound together: [20] leaves; 15 leaves; 19 leaves; [8] leaves; 20 leaves; [20] leaves; 8 leaves; 28 leaves. 18.5 cm. Some books on blueish-greenish paper. Condition varies, good-fair to fair. Stains and wear. Worming. Tears to several leaves. Original binding, damaged, with torn leather spine.
On the title page of the book Yoreh Chata'im (Lviv, 1837), handwritten signature: "Eliezer" – signature of the first Rebbe of Dzikov, R. Eliezer Horowitz, son of Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz. On the title page of Midrash Shocher Tov – Midrash Mishlei (bound at the beginning of this volume), stamp of his daughter's son-in-law, R. "Mordechai David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Stitshin". On the endpapers: Ownership inscriptions in Hebrew and Latin characters, attesting that the book belongs to "The rabbi, luminary of the Diaspora, of distinguished lineage… R. Elimelech… Stitshin".
This book was passed down from one generation to the next in the family of Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov, through his grandson Rebbe Mordechai David of Stitshin. According to family tradition, the signature "Eliezer" is the signature of Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov. Enclosed with the book is a note handwritten by Rebbe Alter Eliezer Kahana of Spinka-Zidichov (1937-2009), attesting that this is indeed the signature of his ancestor Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov. Likewise, he writes that there used to be in this volume a signature or stamp of his ancestor Rebbe Chanina Horowitz of Ulanov (son-in-law of Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov, and father-in-law of Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Stitshin).
This volume includes the following books: • Midrash Shocher Tov – Midrash Mishlei. Lemberg 1850. • Sefer HaBahir, attributed to the tanna R. Nechunia ben HaKana. [Place and year of printing not indicated – this edition is not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, nor does it appear in the catalog of the NLI]. • Maaseh Hashem, anthology of Aggadot and miraculous stories, selected from the Zohar and other books, [Russia-Poland, ca. 1830]. • Sefer HaYirah, by Rabbenu Yonah Gerondi. Lviv, [1849]. • Totzaot Chaim, summary of Reshit Chochma. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1830]. • Yoreh Chata'im, summary of the laws of repentance from Sefer HaRoke'ach, and selections on ethical topics, by R. Yitzchak Elis. [Lviv, 1837]. • Ketav Yosher, ethics and practices according to Kabbalah, by R. Shmuel Ostrer of Brody. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1830]. • Torat HaAdam, ethics and Kabbalah, by R. Shmuel Ostrer of Brody. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1830].
The first Rebbe of the Dzikov dynasty, R. Eliezer Horowitz, rabbi of Dzikov (Tarnobrzeg; 1790-1861), third son of the renowned Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz. He was the close disciple of his father, and of the "Saba" of Radoshitz, the Aryeh Debei Ila'i, R. Tzvi Hirsh of Ziditchov and R. Tzvi Hirsh of Rimanov. In his youth, he frequented the courts of the Chozeh of Lublin and the Maggid of Kozhnitz. He served as rebbe to thousands of followers, and was reputed as the perpetuator of his father's Chassidic legacy. The Tzaddikim of his generation praised him profusely. R. Moshe of Radomyshl, a disciple of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk, testified regarding Rebbe Eliezer's way: "This is the way adopted by R. Elimelech of Lizhensk". Rebbe Meir of Premishlan attested: "Whenever Meir comes to Heaven, he finds that R. Eliezer is already there". He entertained close ties with the Divrei Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz, and their descendants married each other.
This book was bequeathed to his nephew and son-in-law, Rebbe Chanina Horowitz Rabbi of Ulanów (1822-1881; son of R. Yaakov Horowitz of Melitz, and grandson of R. Naftali Horowitz of Ropshitz), who was the father-in-law of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Shapiro Rabbi of Munkacs author of Darchei Teshuva, and of Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Stitshin, whose stamp appears in the first book of this volume.
Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum (d. Kislev 1819 in Safed), son of R. Nachum Tzvi Teitelbaum (brother of the Yitav Lev and son of the Yismach Moshe). He served as rabbi of Stitshin (Szczucin) and Drohobych. He was the cousin of the Minchat Elazar Rebbe of Munkacs, and of the Kedushat Yom Tov Rebbe of Sighet. In 1902, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Meron and in Safed, and was known as the Rebbe of Drohobych. His son was Rebbe Yitzchak Teitelbaum of Husakov, father of Rebbe Mordechai David Teitelbaum – Rebbe of Husakov-Beer Sheva.
Eight books bound together: [20] leaves; 15 leaves; 19 leaves; [8] leaves; 20 leaves; [20] leaves; 8 leaves; 28 leaves. 18.5 cm. Some books on blueish-greenish paper. Condition varies, good-fair to fair. Stains and wear. Worming. Tears to several leaves. Original binding, damaged, with torn leather spine.
Category
Books of Important Ownership – Leading Rabbis and Chassidic Luminaries – Signatures and Stamps, Inscriptions and Dedications
Catalogue