Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 97 - 108 of 127
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Two letters from Rebbe Meshulam Zusia Twersky of Loiev-Chernobyl:
• Letter of gratitude for financial support, handwritten and signed by Rebbe Meshulam Zusia Twersky of Loiev-Chernobyl, addressed to his relative Rebbe Shalom Yechezkel Shraga Rubin-Halberstam of Tzieshinov-Brooklyn. Jerusalem, Sivan 1955.
The Rebbe begins by reporting: "I received his precious letter with congratulations for the bar mitzva of my son" (his son, the current Rebbe of Chernobyl), and further blesses: "May G-d help that you merit to celebrate the joyous occasions of your sons… to raise them to Torah, wedding and good deeds, and much satisfaction and fullness of joys".
[1] leaf. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Minor marginal tears (not affecting text). Folding marks and creases.
• Letter of gratitude for financial support, handwritten and signed by Rebbe Meshulam Zusia Twersky of Loiev-Chernobyl, addressed to his relative Rebbe Shalom Yechezkel Shraga Rubin-Halberstam of Tzieshinov-Brooklyn. Bnei Brak, Iyar 1960.
In his letter, the Rebbe blesses: "May you be blessed, together with your entire household, with good health and an abundance of blessing and success, and may you merit to reap much satisfaction and fullness of joys".
Further in the letter, the Rebbe reports to his relative of sensitive internal affairs taking place in the Belz court in those day, including: "Regarding the Belz Torah thoughts which were published, some Chassidim are raising their objection to this, since they have never before been published, and the Rebbe (presumably referring to Rebbe Aharon, who passed away in 1957) was particular in this regard".
Aerogram. 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor marginal tears (not affecting text). Folding marks.
Rebbe Meshulam Zusia Twersky of Loiev-Chernobyl (1910-1988), a scion of an illustrious lineage of prominent Tzaddikim: on his father's side, he descended from the Chernobyl dynasty, and from his mother's side, of the Sanz and Belz dynasties. His mother was the daughter of Rebbe Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam of Chechiav - son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, and great-granddaughter of Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz. In 1934, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, and studied for two years in Jerusalem, in the Merkaz HaRav yeshiva. In 1936, he travelled to Poland to spend the next three years with his grandfather R. Yeshaya of Chechiav. In 1939, he returned to Jerusalem, and married the daughter of the Rebbe of Stretin. Following the Holocaust, he was appointed Rebbe of Chernobyl. He combined in his leadership the style and conduct of Sanz which he absorbed from his illustrious grandfather, and many Sanz-Chechiav Chassidim accepted his authority. In 1959, he moved to Bnei Brak, where he opened the Sanz Beit Midrash. Following the arrival of the Shefa Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz-Klausenburg to Eretz Israel, R. Meshulam Zusia humbly handed over to his leadership the Beit Midrash which he had established. His sons are the current rebbes of Chernobyl, and his prominent son-in-law is R. Yisrael Hager, current Rebbe of Vizhnitz.
• Letter of gratitude for financial support, handwritten and signed by Rebbe Meshulam Zusia Twersky of Loiev-Chernobyl, addressed to his relative Rebbe Shalom Yechezkel Shraga Rubin-Halberstam of Tzieshinov-Brooklyn. Jerusalem, Sivan 1955.
The Rebbe begins by reporting: "I received his precious letter with congratulations for the bar mitzva of my son" (his son, the current Rebbe of Chernobyl), and further blesses: "May G-d help that you merit to celebrate the joyous occasions of your sons… to raise them to Torah, wedding and good deeds, and much satisfaction and fullness of joys".
[1] leaf. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Minor marginal tears (not affecting text). Folding marks and creases.
• Letter of gratitude for financial support, handwritten and signed by Rebbe Meshulam Zusia Twersky of Loiev-Chernobyl, addressed to his relative Rebbe Shalom Yechezkel Shraga Rubin-Halberstam of Tzieshinov-Brooklyn. Bnei Brak, Iyar 1960.
In his letter, the Rebbe blesses: "May you be blessed, together with your entire household, with good health and an abundance of blessing and success, and may you merit to reap much satisfaction and fullness of joys".
Further in the letter, the Rebbe reports to his relative of sensitive internal affairs taking place in the Belz court in those day, including: "Regarding the Belz Torah thoughts which were published, some Chassidim are raising their objection to this, since they have never before been published, and the Rebbe (presumably referring to Rebbe Aharon, who passed away in 1957) was particular in this regard".
Aerogram. 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor marginal tears (not affecting text). Folding marks.
Rebbe Meshulam Zusia Twersky of Loiev-Chernobyl (1910-1988), a scion of an illustrious lineage of prominent Tzaddikim: on his father's side, he descended from the Chernobyl dynasty, and from his mother's side, of the Sanz and Belz dynasties. His mother was the daughter of Rebbe Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam of Chechiav - son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, and great-granddaughter of Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz. In 1934, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, and studied for two years in Jerusalem, in the Merkaz HaRav yeshiva. In 1936, he travelled to Poland to spend the next three years with his grandfather R. Yeshaya of Chechiav. In 1939, he returned to Jerusalem, and married the daughter of the Rebbe of Stretin. Following the Holocaust, he was appointed Rebbe of Chernobyl. He combined in his leadership the style and conduct of Sanz which he absorbed from his illustrious grandfather, and many Sanz-Chechiav Chassidim accepted his authority. In 1959, he moved to Bnei Brak, where he opened the Sanz Beit Midrash. Following the arrival of the Shefa Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz-Klausenburg to Eretz Israel, R. Meshulam Zusia humbly handed over to his leadership the Beit Midrash which he had established. His sons are the current rebbes of Chernobyl, and his prominent son-in-law is R. Yisrael Hager, current Rebbe of Vizhnitz.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $400
Sold for: $525
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Levi Yitzchak Grünwald Rabbi of Tzeilem (Deutschkreutz). Brooklyn NY, 1967.
Letter of recommendation and appeal to assist a Jerusalem Torah scholar with the expenses of his children's weddings - "To support him and draw him close kindly… and the merit of this mitzva will protect all those who participate in it… Levi Yitzchak Grünwald".
R. Levi Yitzchak Grünwald (1893-1980) was an outstanding Torah scholar and a holy man. Youngest son and close disciple of his father, R. Moshe Grünwald Rabbi of Khust, author of Arugat HaBosem. He was the son-in-law of his eldest brother, R. Avraham Yosef Grünwald Rabbi of Ungvar. In 1918-1933, he served as rabbi of several Hungarian communities. In 1933, he was appointed rabbi of Tzeilem (Deutschkreutz, Austria - one of the Siebengemeinden in Burgenland), and he thereafter became known as the rabbi of Tzeilem. Following Nazi conquest of Austria in 1938, he immigrated to the United States with the blessing of Rebbe Aharon of Belz, and settled in Brooklyn, where he founded and headed the Arugat HaBosem community. He campaigned for true Torah observance in the United States, especially on matters of kashrut and purity. He was at the forefront of the establishment of the world of Torah and Chassidism in the United States, together with his nephew the Vayechi Yosef Rebbe of Pupa, whom he was closely attached to. At his funeral, the Vayechi Yosef parted from him with uncontrollable weeping.
Following his passing, Migdelot Merkachim was published - his series of responsa, novellae and homily on the Torah and Festivals.
[1] leaf, official stationery, approx. 14 autograph lines in red ink. 24.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Letter of recommendation and appeal to assist a Jerusalem Torah scholar with the expenses of his children's weddings - "To support him and draw him close kindly… and the merit of this mitzva will protect all those who participate in it… Levi Yitzchak Grünwald".
R. Levi Yitzchak Grünwald (1893-1980) was an outstanding Torah scholar and a holy man. Youngest son and close disciple of his father, R. Moshe Grünwald Rabbi of Khust, author of Arugat HaBosem. He was the son-in-law of his eldest brother, R. Avraham Yosef Grünwald Rabbi of Ungvar. In 1918-1933, he served as rabbi of several Hungarian communities. In 1933, he was appointed rabbi of Tzeilem (Deutschkreutz, Austria - one of the Siebengemeinden in Burgenland), and he thereafter became known as the rabbi of Tzeilem. Following Nazi conquest of Austria in 1938, he immigrated to the United States with the blessing of Rebbe Aharon of Belz, and settled in Brooklyn, where he founded and headed the Arugat HaBosem community. He campaigned for true Torah observance in the United States, especially on matters of kashrut and purity. He was at the forefront of the establishment of the world of Torah and Chassidism in the United States, together with his nephew the Vayechi Yosef Rebbe of Pupa, whom he was closely attached to. At his funeral, the Vayechi Yosef parted from him with uncontrollable weeping.
Following his passing, Migdelot Merkachim was published - his series of responsa, novellae and homily on the Torah and Festivals.
[1] leaf, official stationery, approx. 14 autograph lines in red ink. 24.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Printed membership form of the "Agudath Yisrael Union in Eretz Israel". Details handwritten and signed by Rebbe Pinchas Menachem Alter Rebbe of Ger, who was one of the leaders of Agudath Yisrael at that time, and dean of the Sfat Emet yeshiva. Kislev 1972.
In his personal details, the Rebbe wrote that he was born in 1926 to Rebbe "R. Avraham Mordechai", his children study in the "Ger boys' school and yeshivot", he is subscribed to the Hamodia newspaper, and he belongs to the Jerusalem branch of Agudath Yisrael. At the end of the form, comments and signatures of the members of the "Acceptance committee", who note that the rabbi is a "Member of the (limited) National Center", pays membership fees and receives the Kol Yisrael newspaper.
The Pnei Menachem - R. Pinchas Menachem Alter Rebbe of Ger (1926-1996), youngest son of the Imrei Emet of Ger. A holy and outstanding Torah scholar, he served as dean of the Sfat Emet yeshiva in Jerualem. A member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah, he was very active in communal matters, and served on the board of directors of Agudath Yisrael institutions. Following the passing of his brothers, the Beit Yisrael and Lev Simcha of Ger, he was appointed Rebbe and assumed the mantle of leadership, until his sudden passing on Motzaei Purim 1996.
[1] leaf. Approx. 22 cm. Good condition.
In his personal details, the Rebbe wrote that he was born in 1926 to Rebbe "R. Avraham Mordechai", his children study in the "Ger boys' school and yeshivot", he is subscribed to the Hamodia newspaper, and he belongs to the Jerusalem branch of Agudath Yisrael. At the end of the form, comments and signatures of the members of the "Acceptance committee", who note that the rabbi is a "Member of the (limited) National Center", pays membership fees and receives the Kol Yisrael newspaper.
The Pnei Menachem - R. Pinchas Menachem Alter Rebbe of Ger (1926-1996), youngest son of the Imrei Emet of Ger. A holy and outstanding Torah scholar, he served as dean of the Sfat Emet yeshiva in Jerualem. A member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah, he was very active in communal matters, and served on the board of directors of Agudath Yisrael institutions. Following the passing of his brothers, the Beit Yisrael and Lev Simcha of Ger, he was appointed Rebbe and assumed the mantle of leadership, until his sudden passing on Motzaei Purim 1996.
[1] leaf. Approx. 22 cm. Good condition.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $1,063
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by nine leaders and elders of the Breslov Chassidism. Jerusalem, Elul 1987.
Letter written on the stationery of the "Beit Midrash of the Breslov Chassidim" in Me'ah She'arim (known today as the "Shul"). Addressed to R. Menachem Porush, with a request for assistance in establishing a Beit Midrash for Breslov Chassidim in the distant neighborhood of Ramot [during 1982-1987, the new parts of the Ramot neighborhood (Ramot Polon and Ramot Bet) were settled by Orthodox Jews].
The letter is signed by: R. Levi Yitzchak Bender, R. Shmuel Shapiro, R. Yaakov Meir Schechter, R. Yitzchak Gelbach, R. Nachman Burstein, R. Shmuel Chechik, R. Binyamin Ze'ev Cheshin, R. Moshe Reuven Bienenstock and R. Shlomo Zalman son of R. B.Z. Cheshin.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 32.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
Letter written on the stationery of the "Beit Midrash of the Breslov Chassidim" in Me'ah She'arim (known today as the "Shul"). Addressed to R. Menachem Porush, with a request for assistance in establishing a Beit Midrash for Breslov Chassidim in the distant neighborhood of Ramot [during 1982-1987, the new parts of the Ramot neighborhood (Ramot Polon and Ramot Bet) were settled by Orthodox Jews].
The letter is signed by: R. Levi Yitzchak Bender, R. Shmuel Shapiro, R. Yaakov Meir Schechter, R. Yitzchak Gelbach, R. Nachman Burstein, R. Shmuel Chechik, R. Binyamin Ze'ev Cheshin, R. Moshe Reuven Bienenstock and R. Shlomo Zalman son of R. B.Z. Cheshin.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 32.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Lot 303 Leaves of Prayers and Calculations of Numerical Value - Handwritten by Rabbi Eliezer Berland
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Unsold
Nine leaves handwritten by R. Eliezer Berland, leader of the Breslov Shuvu Banim community. [Jerusalem].
The prayer leaves all begin with the words: "Omnipotent Master of the Universe…" and contain special prayers composed by R. Berland, with requests for various matters. The prayers include various calculations of numerical values related to the request. Most leaves were presumably written for people who turned to him in quest of advice and blessing, and some are (presumably) personal requests which the rabbi wrote for himself.
• "Master of the Universe… grant me the merit of reaching the level of Moshe Rabbenu…". • "Master of the Universe… grant me the merit of knowing the entire Talmud, Rambam, Tur, Shulchan Aruch… back to front, word for word, and all the books of our holy teacher… and may I merit 363 oceans of tears before You…". • "Master of the Universe… and may I never see any female stranger anymore…". • "Master of the Universe… grant me the most righteous wife in the world, and may I conduct myself with her in holiness and purity… and may I merit owning an apartment in Jerusalem without any debts…".
R. Eliezer Berland (b. 1938), a foremost leader of Breslov Chassidism in our times. He founded the Shuvu Banim yeshiva for Baalei Teshuva in Bnei Brak, later transferring it to the Old City of Jerusalem. The Shuvu Banim community led by R. Berland numbers today thousands of Chassidim and hundreds of families, mostly residing in the Musrara neighborhood (HaChoma HaShlishit St.) in Jerusalem, and is one of the most prominent Breslov communities in this generation.
9 leaves. Approx. 27 cm. Yellow, ruled paper. Condition varies, good to fair. Some leaves with folding marks and creases. Stains and wear.
The prayer leaves all begin with the words: "Omnipotent Master of the Universe…" and contain special prayers composed by R. Berland, with requests for various matters. The prayers include various calculations of numerical values related to the request. Most leaves were presumably written for people who turned to him in quest of advice and blessing, and some are (presumably) personal requests which the rabbi wrote for himself.
• "Master of the Universe… grant me the merit of reaching the level of Moshe Rabbenu…". • "Master of the Universe… grant me the merit of knowing the entire Talmud, Rambam, Tur, Shulchan Aruch… back to front, word for word, and all the books of our holy teacher… and may I merit 363 oceans of tears before You…". • "Master of the Universe… and may I never see any female stranger anymore…". • "Master of the Universe… grant me the most righteous wife in the world, and may I conduct myself with her in holiness and purity… and may I merit owning an apartment in Jerusalem without any debts…".
R. Eliezer Berland (b. 1938), a foremost leader of Breslov Chassidism in our times. He founded the Shuvu Banim yeshiva for Baalei Teshuva in Bnei Brak, later transferring it to the Old City of Jerusalem. The Shuvu Banim community led by R. Berland numbers today thousands of Chassidim and hundreds of families, mostly residing in the Musrara neighborhood (HaChoma HaShlishit St.) in Jerusalem, and is one of the most prominent Breslov communities in this generation.
9 leaves. Approx. 27 cm. Yellow, ruled paper. Condition varies, good to fair. Some leaves with folding marks and creases. Stains and wear.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Large collection of paper clippings and single leaves with signatures and autographic inscriptions. The collection was built by a devoted collector, who diligently amassed signatures and dedications, some of which he cut from various paper items: leaves from old books, title pages and endpapers, letters and various documents.
The collection contains over one hundred signatures of prominent rabbis and rebbes, scholars, pious and illustrious men - from various countries and eras.
See Hebrew description for the names of some of the signatories.
Approx. 185 paper items. Size and condition vary.
The collection contains over one hundred signatures of prominent rabbis and rebbes, scholars, pious and illustrious men - from various countries and eras.
See Hebrew description for the names of some of the signatories.
Approx. 185 paper items. Size and condition vary.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, responsa and halachic novellae, by R. Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas. [Constantinople], 1752-1765.
A complete composition handwritten by the author, with his calligraphic signature in several places. At the top of the first leaf: "This book of writings is by me, the least significant of the group, Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas…". The composition contains responsa and halachic novellae on topics of Choshen Mishpat and Even HaEzer. In many instances, the date of the writing is indicated. "Year 1752", "Iyar 1752", "Adar I 1753", "Rosh Chodesh Sivan 1753", "Shevat 1757", "Cheshvan 1764", and more.
A responsum from 1754 regarding the case of an agunah is recorded on p. [5a]. At the foot of the page, the author writes that he was asked by his illustrious uncle to express his opinion on the matter, as required in such cases, yet a member of the group - R. Yom Tov Ankaoua, preceded him and prepared his own ruling on this case (the illustrious uncle mentioned here is R. Avraham Meyuchas, author of Benei Avraham. R. Yom Tov Ankaoua - a Torah scholar of Constantinople, author of Shevitat Yom Tov, also a close disciple of R. Avraham Meyuchas).
On p. [18a], beside a responsum from 1755, a note in the margins that this question was posed to him by "The great Torah scholar, the exceptional dayan R. Shlomo Shefami" (R. Shlomo Shefami was also a Torah scholar and dayan of Constantinople in those days).
At the end of one responsa (p. [62a]), he writes that this responsum was endorsed by "my teacher and uncle, the great rabbi and all the Torah scholars of the yeshiva", and that this ruling was applied in 1752.
At the top of one passage on p. [63a], he wrote that he copied these teachings from the manuscript of his father R. Natan. He later deleted this passage, and added: "This topic has already been addressed in the book of my father" (probably referring to Responsa Meorot Natan, an unpublished composition which remained in manuscript, located in the Columbia University Library, MS X 893 M 53 Q.
In one place (p. [67a]), he writes: "I found this in the writings of the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Yaakov HaLevi…". This passage was also deleted, and the inscription added: "Written in the book of my father".
The author, R. Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas, was a Torah scholar of Constantinople in the 18th century and a dayan in the Constantinople Beit Din (his signature appears on Beit Din rulings, see: Bornstein-Makovetsky, Constantinople Beit Din Ledger, 1999, according to index). His father R. Natan (mentioned in this manuscript) was one of the city's renowned dayanim, and the brother of R. Avraham Meyuchas, rabbi and chief rabbi of Constantinople, author of Benei Avraham (Constantinople, 1773). R. Yehuda was a disciple of his uncle R. Avraham, and he mentions him several times in this composition. Another manuscript of responsa and novellae by R. Yehuda is extant, from 1752-1782 (NLI MS Heb. 3109).
[147] leaves (including approx. 15 blank leaves). 21 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Worming in several places. Original binding, damaged.
A complete composition handwritten by the author, with his calligraphic signature in several places. At the top of the first leaf: "This book of writings is by me, the least significant of the group, Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas…". The composition contains responsa and halachic novellae on topics of Choshen Mishpat and Even HaEzer. In many instances, the date of the writing is indicated. "Year 1752", "Iyar 1752", "Adar I 1753", "Rosh Chodesh Sivan 1753", "Shevat 1757", "Cheshvan 1764", and more.
A responsum from 1754 regarding the case of an agunah is recorded on p. [5a]. At the foot of the page, the author writes that he was asked by his illustrious uncle to express his opinion on the matter, as required in such cases, yet a member of the group - R. Yom Tov Ankaoua, preceded him and prepared his own ruling on this case (the illustrious uncle mentioned here is R. Avraham Meyuchas, author of Benei Avraham. R. Yom Tov Ankaoua - a Torah scholar of Constantinople, author of Shevitat Yom Tov, also a close disciple of R. Avraham Meyuchas).
On p. [18a], beside a responsum from 1755, a note in the margins that this question was posed to him by "The great Torah scholar, the exceptional dayan R. Shlomo Shefami" (R. Shlomo Shefami was also a Torah scholar and dayan of Constantinople in those days).
At the end of one responsa (p. [62a]), he writes that this responsum was endorsed by "my teacher and uncle, the great rabbi and all the Torah scholars of the yeshiva", and that this ruling was applied in 1752.
At the top of one passage on p. [63a], he wrote that he copied these teachings from the manuscript of his father R. Natan. He later deleted this passage, and added: "This topic has already been addressed in the book of my father" (probably referring to Responsa Meorot Natan, an unpublished composition which remained in manuscript, located in the Columbia University Library, MS X 893 M 53 Q.
In one place (p. [67a]), he writes: "I found this in the writings of the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Yaakov HaLevi…". This passage was also deleted, and the inscription added: "Written in the book of my father".
The author, R. Yehuda son of R. Natan Meyuchas, was a Torah scholar of Constantinople in the 18th century and a dayan in the Constantinople Beit Din (his signature appears on Beit Din rulings, see: Bornstein-Makovetsky, Constantinople Beit Din Ledger, 1999, according to index). His father R. Natan (mentioned in this manuscript) was one of the city's renowned dayanim, and the brother of R. Avraham Meyuchas, rabbi and chief rabbi of Constantinople, author of Benei Avraham (Constantinople, 1773). R. Yehuda was a disciple of his uncle R. Avraham, and he mentions him several times in this composition. Another manuscript of responsa and novellae by R. Yehuda is extant, from 1752-1782 (NLI MS Heb. 3109).
[147] leaves (including approx. 15 blank leaves). 21 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Worming in several places. Original binding, damaged.
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, bar mitzvah discourse. [Turkey], Elul 1796.
Semi-cursive and cursive Oriental script. The manuscript begins with the heading: "Homily which I composed for the bar mitzvah of my son Yedidi[a?] Yosef Ananou(?), Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Elul 1796, on the day he reached the age of 13 years and one day".
The manuscript contains a lengthy homily in Halacha and Aggadah, including pilpul involving the teachings of Rishonim and Acharonim. On p. [4a], the writer quotes the words of R. Shmuel Modiliano, author of Ne'eman Shmuel and Aruchat Tamid, opening with the following words: "Or one can say according to what the rabbi A.A. (=Adoni Avi? my master and father?) HaRosh wrote in Aruchat Tamid…". He further writes: "And A.A. also wrote there…". The writer's relationship with the author of Aruchat Tamid (who passed away already in 1704) is unclear.
[5] leaves (10 written pages). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Detached leaves.
Semi-cursive and cursive Oriental script. The manuscript begins with the heading: "Homily which I composed for the bar mitzvah of my son Yedidi[a?] Yosef Ananou(?), Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Elul 1796, on the day he reached the age of 13 years and one day".
The manuscript contains a lengthy homily in Halacha and Aggadah, including pilpul involving the teachings of Rishonim and Acharonim. On p. [4a], the writer quotes the words of R. Shmuel Modiliano, author of Ne'eman Shmuel and Aruchat Tamid, opening with the following words: "Or one can say according to what the rabbi A.A. (=Adoni Avi? my master and father?) HaRosh wrote in Aruchat Tamid…". He further writes: "And A.A. also wrote there…". The writer's relationship with the author of Aruchat Tamid (who passed away already in 1704) is unclear.
[5] leaves (10 written pages). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Detached leaves.
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Eliyah Mizrachi, supercommentary to Rashi on the Torah, by R. Eliyahu Mizrachi. Venice: Alvise Bragadin, [1574]. Third edition.
Approximately 50 glosses in Italian cursive script, some particularly lengthy. Some glosses consist of the writer's original novellae and commentaries, and some contain arguments on the words of the author, or proofs substantiating the author's teachings. Apart from the numerous lengthy glosses, there are dozens of corrections to the text, and interlinear additions. On p. 2a - early signature, deleted. On the verso of the last leaf, calligraphic signature (damaged and indistinct) of R. Yisrael Binyamin son of R. Yeshayahu Bassan.
Most of the glosses in this book were presumably written by R. Yeshayahu Bassan (prime teacher of the Ramchal), and some were handwritten by his son R. Yisrael Binyamin Bassan rabbi of Reggio. On p. 74b, an interesting gloss, the beginning of which was presumably written by R. Yeshayahu, and the end apparently by his son R. Yisrael Binyamin. In this gloss, the second writer (the son) brings a correction to the text of Rashi, to resolve the difficulty raised by the first writer (the father), and he writes: "And in the book Imrei Noam (by R. Yaakov di Illescos), I found that he wrote in the name of a scholar who saw that Rashi himself wrote 'batzoret', and the truth is recognizable". In his old age, the second writer added another gloss (in tremulous handwriting), writing that he found this version in an early print of Rashi on the Torah: "And now, in the year 1777, I found a Chumash printed in Lisbon in 1491, with the version 'batzoret', and it is held in the collection of Mr. Moshe Binyamin Foa (of Reggio) amongst his precious books".
The kabbalist R. Yeshayahu Bassan (1673-1734), outstanding Torah and kabbalist, foremost Italian Torah scholar, son-in-law of the elder of Italian rabbis, the Rabach (R. Binyamin HaKohen Vitali). He served as rabbi of Reggio Emilia. He authored Responsa Lachmei Toda. He was the prime teacher of the Ramchal, and the disciple of the Ramchal in Kabbalah. He was involved together with his father-in-law the Rabach in the polemic surrounding his disciple the Ramchal, and they both came to his defense.
His son, R. Yisrael Binyamin Bassan (1701-1790), was his successor as rabbi of Reggio. Childhood companion of R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto - the Ramchal, and his disciple in Kabbalah. He sent letters during the course of the polemic surrounding the Ramchal (see Igrot Ramchal UBenei Doro). On the occasion of his wedding, the Ramchal wrote a poem in his honor named Migdal Oz (later printed in Leipzig 1837). He published his father's book - Lachmei Toda (Venice, 1741), which includes a few of his responsa.
A map of Eretz Israel is presented on p. 235a.
261, 260-266 leaves. 31 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains and traces of past dampness (to most leaves), with mold to some leaves. Minor worming. Tears to title page and other leaves, repaired with paper. Early leather binding, with gilt ornaments to spine. Damage to binding and spine. On the endpaper, dedication in German dated 1908, to R. Kalonymus Rothschild, teacher and director of the boys' school in Hamburg.
Approximately 50 glosses in Italian cursive script, some particularly lengthy. Some glosses consist of the writer's original novellae and commentaries, and some contain arguments on the words of the author, or proofs substantiating the author's teachings. Apart from the numerous lengthy glosses, there are dozens of corrections to the text, and interlinear additions. On p. 2a - early signature, deleted. On the verso of the last leaf, calligraphic signature (damaged and indistinct) of R. Yisrael Binyamin son of R. Yeshayahu Bassan.
Most of the glosses in this book were presumably written by R. Yeshayahu Bassan (prime teacher of the Ramchal), and some were handwritten by his son R. Yisrael Binyamin Bassan rabbi of Reggio. On p. 74b, an interesting gloss, the beginning of which was presumably written by R. Yeshayahu, and the end apparently by his son R. Yisrael Binyamin. In this gloss, the second writer (the son) brings a correction to the text of Rashi, to resolve the difficulty raised by the first writer (the father), and he writes: "And in the book Imrei Noam (by R. Yaakov di Illescos), I found that he wrote in the name of a scholar who saw that Rashi himself wrote 'batzoret', and the truth is recognizable". In his old age, the second writer added another gloss (in tremulous handwriting), writing that he found this version in an early print of Rashi on the Torah: "And now, in the year 1777, I found a Chumash printed in Lisbon in 1491, with the version 'batzoret', and it is held in the collection of Mr. Moshe Binyamin Foa (of Reggio) amongst his precious books".
The kabbalist R. Yeshayahu Bassan (1673-1734), outstanding Torah and kabbalist, foremost Italian Torah scholar, son-in-law of the elder of Italian rabbis, the Rabach (R. Binyamin HaKohen Vitali). He served as rabbi of Reggio Emilia. He authored Responsa Lachmei Toda. He was the prime teacher of the Ramchal, and the disciple of the Ramchal in Kabbalah. He was involved together with his father-in-law the Rabach in the polemic surrounding his disciple the Ramchal, and they both came to his defense.
His son, R. Yisrael Binyamin Bassan (1701-1790), was his successor as rabbi of Reggio. Childhood companion of R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto - the Ramchal, and his disciple in Kabbalah. He sent letters during the course of the polemic surrounding the Ramchal (see Igrot Ramchal UBenei Doro). On the occasion of his wedding, the Ramchal wrote a poem in his honor named Migdal Oz (later printed in Leipzig 1837). He published his father's book - Lachmei Toda (Venice, 1741), which includes a few of his responsa.
A map of Eretz Israel is presented on p. 235a.
261, 260-266 leaves. 31 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains and traces of past dampness (to most leaves), with mold to some leaves. Minor worming. Tears to title page and other leaves, repaired with paper. Early leather binding, with gilt ornaments to spine. Damage to binding and spine. On the endpaper, dedication in German dated 1908, to R. Kalonymus Rothschild, teacher and director of the boys' school in Hamburg.
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, with the Migdal Oz commentary by R. Shem Tov ibn Gaon, with Hagahot Maimoniot. Part II. [Venice: Justinian, 1550-1551].
The book is annotated with dozens of brief glosses and corrections in early Yemenite script, identified by researchers as the handwriting of R. Shalom Shabazi, leading Yemenite Torah scholar.
R. Shalom Shabazi - the Rashash (1619-1695), known amongst Yemenite Jewry as "Abba". Leading Yemenite poet, a righteous wonder-worker, outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist, a most revered personage amongst Yemenite Jewry. He was born in Najd Al-Walid village near Taiz, southern Yemen, to the Mashta family, a distinguished family of rabbis and Torah scholars. In his youth, he travelled to Sana'a, where he was exposed to its Torah scholars and studied in its yeshivot. He later returned to Taiz where he lived and was active until his passing. R. Shalom Shabazi was tremendously proficient in all realms of the Torah, whether in revealed or hidden parts, in Kabbalah and in philosophy, and was one of the most prolific writers in his generation. He also dealt in practical Kabbalah and in astronomy. He was primarily renowned for his many poems and piyyutim, numbering over one thousand, of which over five hundred are extant today, and which contained profound kabbalistic allusions and secrets. His poems and piyyutim accompany Yemenite Jewry during their Shabbat and festivals, and at every ceremony and stage of their lives.
Stories of wonders and miracles he performed abound amongst the Yemenites. Allegedly, he would miraculously travel every week to spend Shabbat in Eretz Israel, sometimes in Jerusalem, others in Tiberias, Acre or Hebron, and when the Shabbat ended, he would return to Yemen. R. Yaakov Sapir, who visited Yemen, reported that he saw in one of R. Shalom Shabazi's compositions an explicit reference to this phenomenon: "I was in Jerusalem and I saw such and such a sight, and in Safed such and such…". In one of his poems, he writes: "My heart is in Yemen, only my soul flew to Eretz Israel, crying longingly like a doe". He is renowned for the wonders he performed to bring salvation to the people, as well as for his exceptional abilities to cure the sick, help barren women conceive, etc. He composed a work on practical Kabbalah named Goral HaChol, to prevent the Jews of his generation from turning to non-Jewish wonder-workers. His gravesite in Taiz is considered a holy pilgrimage site, visited every year by Yemenite Jewry.
Incomplete copy: 394-494, 496-534 leaves (lacking: title page and leaves 535-767, [5]). Contains the books: Haflaa-Tahara, without the books Nezikin-Shoftim. 39 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming affecting text, and tears. Large tears to first and last few leaves, affecting text with some loss. Binding damaged and detached.
The handwriting was identified as that of R. Shalom Shabazi by Prof. Aharon Gaimani and the researcher Yoel Oshri from the Department of Jewish History, Bar Ilan University (report enclosed).
The book is annotated with dozens of brief glosses and corrections in early Yemenite script, identified by researchers as the handwriting of R. Shalom Shabazi, leading Yemenite Torah scholar.
R. Shalom Shabazi - the Rashash (1619-1695), known amongst Yemenite Jewry as "Abba". Leading Yemenite poet, a righteous wonder-worker, outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist, a most revered personage amongst Yemenite Jewry. He was born in Najd Al-Walid village near Taiz, southern Yemen, to the Mashta family, a distinguished family of rabbis and Torah scholars. In his youth, he travelled to Sana'a, where he was exposed to its Torah scholars and studied in its yeshivot. He later returned to Taiz where he lived and was active until his passing. R. Shalom Shabazi was tremendously proficient in all realms of the Torah, whether in revealed or hidden parts, in Kabbalah and in philosophy, and was one of the most prolific writers in his generation. He also dealt in practical Kabbalah and in astronomy. He was primarily renowned for his many poems and piyyutim, numbering over one thousand, of which over five hundred are extant today, and which contained profound kabbalistic allusions and secrets. His poems and piyyutim accompany Yemenite Jewry during their Shabbat and festivals, and at every ceremony and stage of their lives.
Stories of wonders and miracles he performed abound amongst the Yemenites. Allegedly, he would miraculously travel every week to spend Shabbat in Eretz Israel, sometimes in Jerusalem, others in Tiberias, Acre or Hebron, and when the Shabbat ended, he would return to Yemen. R. Yaakov Sapir, who visited Yemen, reported that he saw in one of R. Shalom Shabazi's compositions an explicit reference to this phenomenon: "I was in Jerusalem and I saw such and such a sight, and in Safed such and such…". In one of his poems, he writes: "My heart is in Yemen, only my soul flew to Eretz Israel, crying longingly like a doe". He is renowned for the wonders he performed to bring salvation to the people, as well as for his exceptional abilities to cure the sick, help barren women conceive, etc. He composed a work on practical Kabbalah named Goral HaChol, to prevent the Jews of his generation from turning to non-Jewish wonder-workers. His gravesite in Taiz is considered a holy pilgrimage site, visited every year by Yemenite Jewry.
Incomplete copy: 394-494, 496-534 leaves (lacking: title page and leaves 535-767, [5]). Contains the books: Haflaa-Tahara, without the books Nezikin-Shoftim. 39 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming affecting text, and tears. Large tears to first and last few leaves, affecting text with some loss. Binding damaged and detached.
The handwriting was identified as that of R. Shalom Shabazi by Prof. Aharon Gaimani and the researcher Yoel Oshri from the Department of Jewish History, Bar Ilan University (report enclosed).
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $400
Unsold
Ratzuf Ahava, novellae on the Talmud and Tosafot, by R. Shlomo Algazi. Verona, 1649. First edition.
Several glosses in Sephardic script. One of them signed: "Shmuel Tovi—". Two signatures and ownership inscriptions in Sephardic script on the title page: "Mine… Shlomo son of R. Chaim Yehuda". "Mine for the service of my Creator, with my strength and wealth, Menachem HaLevi".
R. Shlomo son of R. Chaim son of R. Yehuda of Salonika (d. Purim 1769), grandson of R. Shlomo Amarilio. Novellae in his name are quoted by his colleague R. Elazar Nahmias who refers to him as "The complete scholar, R. Shlomo Chaim" (Hon Rav, leaf 158, 2). His epitaph in Salonica reads: "The complete scholar, pious and modest, R. Shlomo son of R. Chaim Yehuda" (Matzevot Saloniki p. 727; Beit HaAlmin shel Yehudei Saloniki, p. 463).
[1], 19, 25-32, 37-44, 41-152, [1] leaves. Mispagination. 19.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Some leaves in fair condition. Stains and extensive wear. Severe dampstains to some leaves. Worming. Marginal creases. Only back cover remains, damaged, with worming.
Several glosses in Sephardic script. One of them signed: "Shmuel Tovi—". Two signatures and ownership inscriptions in Sephardic script on the title page: "Mine… Shlomo son of R. Chaim Yehuda". "Mine for the service of my Creator, with my strength and wealth, Menachem HaLevi".
R. Shlomo son of R. Chaim son of R. Yehuda of Salonika (d. Purim 1769), grandson of R. Shlomo Amarilio. Novellae in his name are quoted by his colleague R. Elazar Nahmias who refers to him as "The complete scholar, R. Shlomo Chaim" (Hon Rav, leaf 158, 2). His epitaph in Salonica reads: "The complete scholar, pious and modest, R. Shlomo son of R. Chaim Yehuda" (Matzevot Saloniki p. 727; Beit HaAlmin shel Yehudei Saloniki, p. 463).
[1], 19, 25-32, 37-44, 41-152, [1] leaves. Mispagination. 19.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Some leaves in fair condition. Stains and extensive wear. Severe dampstains to some leaves. Worming. Marginal creases. Only back cover remains, damaged, with worming.
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Two (incomplete) books printed in Venice in 1589-1600 with glosses in Sephardic script (typical of Greece and the Balkans, ca. 18th and early 19th century].
• Tur Orach Chaim, with Beit Yosef. Venice: [Zuan de Gara, 1589]. Scholarly glosses in Sephardic script. Most glosses open with the writer's signature: "A.A." (Amar Avraham - So said Avraham) - the distinctive signature of R. Avraham Alkalai, author of Zechor LeAvraham (1749-1811), an outstanding Torah scholar renowned for his diligence. Born in Salonika, he was a disciple of R. Yosef ibn Ya'ish. In 1780, he was invited to serve as dayan and posek in Dupnitsa (Bulgaria), and following the passing of the rabbi of the city, R. Avraham Sid, he succeeded him. In 1810, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, to the holy city of Safed. He authored: Responsa Chesed LeAvraham, and his renowned composition Zechor LeAvraham, which became a basic book for study of Halacha, and is mentioned extensively in Halachic literature.
Most of the book lacking. [1], 2-24, 96 leaves (originally: [1], 2-24, 460 leaves). 35.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Marginal creases. Damage. Detached leaves and gatherings. Worming. Signatures and ownership inscriptions of "Chacham… Yitzchak Liggi" and of "Yosef Chananel Liggi". Front board detached.
• Midrash Shmuel, commentary to Tractate Avot, by R. Shmuel di Uceda. [Venice: Daniel Zanetti, 1600. Fourth edition. The title page states "Third printing", and this is indeed the third edition printed in Venice, not accounting for the third edition printed earlier in Krakow, 1594].
With many brief and lengthy glosses in Oriental script, from various writers.
Lacking title page. 2-251, [1] leaves. 20 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains and wear. Severe dampstains to many leaves. Tears affecting text, with some loss. Leaf 2 torn and partially lacking. Without binding.
• Tur Orach Chaim, with Beit Yosef. Venice: [Zuan de Gara, 1589]. Scholarly glosses in Sephardic script. Most glosses open with the writer's signature: "A.A." (Amar Avraham - So said Avraham) - the distinctive signature of R. Avraham Alkalai, author of Zechor LeAvraham (1749-1811), an outstanding Torah scholar renowned for his diligence. Born in Salonika, he was a disciple of R. Yosef ibn Ya'ish. In 1780, he was invited to serve as dayan and posek in Dupnitsa (Bulgaria), and following the passing of the rabbi of the city, R. Avraham Sid, he succeeded him. In 1810, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, to the holy city of Safed. He authored: Responsa Chesed LeAvraham, and his renowned composition Zechor LeAvraham, which became a basic book for study of Halacha, and is mentioned extensively in Halachic literature.
Most of the book lacking. [1], 2-24, 96 leaves (originally: [1], 2-24, 460 leaves). 35.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Marginal creases. Damage. Detached leaves and gatherings. Worming. Signatures and ownership inscriptions of "Chacham… Yitzchak Liggi" and of "Yosef Chananel Liggi". Front board detached.
• Midrash Shmuel, commentary to Tractate Avot, by R. Shmuel di Uceda. [Venice: Daniel Zanetti, 1600. Fourth edition. The title page states "Third printing", and this is indeed the third edition printed in Venice, not accounting for the third edition printed earlier in Krakow, 1594].
With many brief and lengthy glosses in Oriental script, from various writers.
Lacking title page. 2-251, [1] leaves. 20 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains and wear. Severe dampstains to many leaves. Tears affecting text, with some loss. Leaf 2 torn and partially lacking. Without binding.
Category
Manuscripts and Glosses - Oriental Rabbis
Catalogue