Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Five Books of the Torah, Part I, Bereshit-Shemot, with Targum Onkelos and the Rashi commentary and Or HaChaim - commentary by R. Chaim ibn Attar - the Or HaChaim HaKadosh. Shklow: Tzvi Hirsch son of Aryeh Leib [Margolies] and son-in-law Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal, [1784]. Second edition of the Or HaChaim commentary on the Torah - first edition printed in Eastern Europe.
The Or HaChaim commentary was particularly cherished by R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, and in Shem HaGedolim, the Chida, who was a disciple of the Or HaChaim, relates: "…and we heard that now in Poland this commentary is held in high regard, and it was printed two more times, and this was caused by R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov who acclaimed the preeminence of R. Chaim's soul" (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, I, section 54). The Chida notes in other places of the custom which became widespread in Poland - to study the Or HaChaim commentary every Shabbat (see: Maarechet Sefarim, V, end of section 62). This edition was printed more than forty years following the printing of the first edition (Venice, 1742), and it is the first edition to be published in Eastern Europe. In 1784-1791, this Chumash with the Or HaChaim commentary was the most prevalent in Eastern Europe, and great Chassidic leaders would study it every single Shabbat. Reputedly, R. Pinchas of Korets (1726-1790) would study one whole leaf from this edition every day as a segula for recovery: "Once, the son of the rabbi [=R. Pinchas of Korets] fell ill, and he undertook to study every day one leaf of the Or HaChaim commentary from the large Chumashim of Shklow (Imrei Pinchas HaShalem, I, p. 281).
A wondrous story about this edition is retold, which took place when the publisher, R. Asher of Korets, presented this edition before R. Pinchas, who expressed great joy over these books. When he opened the second volume (not the present volume) and leafed to Parashat Re'eh, R. Pinchas saw to his dismay that the publisher had impinged upon the words of the Or HaChaim, and omitted the last two words of the sentence "Meshiach Hashem Shemo Chaim" (Devarim 16, 7). When R. Pinchas asked the publisher why he omitted the words of the Or HaChaim, the latter responded: "I knew that he was referring to himself, therefore I omitted them" (this publisher, R. Asher, was somewhat influenced by the maskilim of Zhovkva, his hometown). R. Pinchas then showed the publisher an embarrassing mistake which had crept into his edition - in the topic of Sota in Parashat Nasso, the word MeAsher was printed in place of MeIsh Acher, leaving his mark on this edition for shame, as a man suspected of adultery. (Devar Yom BeYomo, Premishla 1907, p. 110b; Zikaron Tov, Piotrkow 1892, p. 7b). See enclosed material.
[3], 70, 72-91; 78, 77-78, [1] leaves. 40 cm. Condition varies. Most leaves in good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains and wear. Several minor tears repaired with paper. First three leaves in fair-poor condition, with severe stains and dampstains, extensive wear and tears affecting text with some loss, repaired with paper. Creases, damage and many tears to title page (around border), repaired with paper. Censorship stamp and signature dated 1837. Stamps of the Beit Midrash of Bialystok. Old, damaged binding, with tooled inscription: "Chumash Or HaChaim".
The Or HaChaim commentary was particularly cherished by R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, and in Shem HaGedolim, the Chida, who was a disciple of the Or HaChaim, relates: "…and we heard that now in Poland this commentary is held in high regard, and it was printed two more times, and this was caused by R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov who acclaimed the preeminence of R. Chaim's soul" (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, I, section 54). The Chida notes in other places of the custom which became widespread in Poland - to study the Or HaChaim commentary every Shabbat (see: Maarechet Sefarim, V, end of section 62). This edition was printed more than forty years following the printing of the first edition (Venice, 1742), and it is the first edition to be published in Eastern Europe. In 1784-1791, this Chumash with the Or HaChaim commentary was the most prevalent in Eastern Europe, and great Chassidic leaders would study it every single Shabbat. Reputedly, R. Pinchas of Korets (1726-1790) would study one whole leaf from this edition every day as a segula for recovery: "Once, the son of the rabbi [=R. Pinchas of Korets] fell ill, and he undertook to study every day one leaf of the Or HaChaim commentary from the large Chumashim of Shklow (Imrei Pinchas HaShalem, I, p. 281).
A wondrous story about this edition is retold, which took place when the publisher, R. Asher of Korets, presented this edition before R. Pinchas, who expressed great joy over these books. When he opened the second volume (not the present volume) and leafed to Parashat Re'eh, R. Pinchas saw to his dismay that the publisher had impinged upon the words of the Or HaChaim, and omitted the last two words of the sentence "Meshiach Hashem Shemo Chaim" (Devarim 16, 7). When R. Pinchas asked the publisher why he omitted the words of the Or HaChaim, the latter responded: "I knew that he was referring to himself, therefore I omitted them" (this publisher, R. Asher, was somewhat influenced by the maskilim of Zhovkva, his hometown). R. Pinchas then showed the publisher an embarrassing mistake which had crept into his edition - in the topic of Sota in Parashat Nasso, the word MeAsher was printed in place of MeIsh Acher, leaving his mark on this edition for shame, as a man suspected of adultery. (Devar Yom BeYomo, Premishla 1907, p. 110b; Zikaron Tov, Piotrkow 1892, p. 7b). See enclosed material.
[3], 70, 72-91; 78, 77-78, [1] leaves. 40 cm. Condition varies. Most leaves in good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains and wear. Several minor tears repaired with paper. First three leaves in fair-poor condition, with severe stains and dampstains, extensive wear and tears affecting text with some loss, repaired with paper. Creases, damage and many tears to title page (around border), repaired with paper. Censorship stamp and signature dated 1837. Stamps of the Beit Midrash of Bialystok. Old, damaged binding, with tooled inscription: "Chumash Or HaChaim".
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Sefer HaTerumot by R. Shmuel HaSardi, with the Gidulei Teruma commentary by R. Azaria Figo (Piccio). Zhovkva, 1809. The title page states: "As in Venice". The name of the book, place of printing and other details of the title page printed in red ink.
Variant. This copy contains three pages which do not appear in all copies, featuring the approbation of the Maggid of Kozhnitz and a lengthy list of subscribers, "donors of the people", who undertook to purchase the book once it would be printed, including an interesting record of foremost Chassidic leaders.
This approbation by the Maggid of Kozhnitz was not known to those who compiled his approbations in the book Yalkut Avodat Yisrael (Brooklyn 2004 and Jerusalem 2011).
The lists of subscribers from the various cities of Poland and Galicia include the names of many of the prominent Torah scholars of that generation, including foremost Chassidic leaders. Under the city of Lublin, the Chozeh of Lublin is listed: "R. Yaakov Yitzchak HaLevi Horowitz of Łańcut" (his name is preceded by that of his great opponent - rabbi of the city: "R. Azriel HaLevi Ish Horowitz Rabbi of Lublin, known as the Rosh HaBarzel - Iron Head, for his exceptional brilliance). In the list of Kozhnitz: "The Maggid R. Yisrael, maggid and posek of Kozhnitz"; "R. Mendel of Fristik" (Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Rimanov); "R. Asher Yehoshia Rabbi of Ropsh." (=R. Asher Yeshaya of Ropshitz, son-in-law of R. Naftali of Ropshitz); his brother-in-law "R. Yaakov son of the rabbi of Linsk" (=Rebbe Yaakov Horowitz of Melitz, son of R. Naftali of Ropshitz who served at that time as rabbi of Linsk). The fact the rebbes of Rimanov and Ropshitz are listed together with the Maggid of Kozhnitz may be linked to the conference which they attended, as Rebbe Asher Yeshayahu of Ropshitz relates in one of his letters (see: Yalkut Avodat Yisrael, Jerusalem 2011, pp. 266-267. See enclosed material).
In the city of Drohobych: "R. Eliezer Nisan son of the great Torah scholar of Shinova" (=R. Elazar Nisan Teitelbaum, rabbi of Drohobych, son of the Yismach Moshe, and father of the Yitav Lev). The Lviv list includes "R. Aharon Rabbi of Chodorov" (=R. Aharon Sternkler, disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, father-in-law of R. Elazar Nisan, grandfather of the Yitav Lev Rebbe of Sighet. See Kedem Auction 65, item 285). Other foremost Torah leaders mentioned in the list of donors are: "R. Aryeh Leibush author of Ketzot HaChoshen and Shev Shemateta, rabbi of Stryi"; "R. Yaakovke son of the great Torah scholar of Prague"; "R. Efraim Zalman Margolies"; "R. Yaakov Oren Stein Rabbi of Lviv and the region", and more.
Signatures on the title page: "Shmuel David son of…"; "Shmuel Hei… of Janów. I acquired this book from R. Yehoshua, shochet and bodek of Munkacs, 1874".
4, [2], 9, [2], 34; 66; 47, 49-58, 60-64; 14, 17-42; 32; 19 leaves. Leaves bound out of sequence. Two leaves in middle appear twice. 36 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains to some leaves. Worming to title page and several other leaves. Old binding, with leather spine.
Variant. In the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, listing 000170811, only [1] leaf is listed after the first 4 leaves, instead of [2] as in this copy. These two leaves, containing several approbations, including the approbation of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, as well as a lengthy, detailed list of subscribers, are not recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book.
Variant. This copy contains three pages which do not appear in all copies, featuring the approbation of the Maggid of Kozhnitz and a lengthy list of subscribers, "donors of the people", who undertook to purchase the book once it would be printed, including an interesting record of foremost Chassidic leaders.
This approbation by the Maggid of Kozhnitz was not known to those who compiled his approbations in the book Yalkut Avodat Yisrael (Brooklyn 2004 and Jerusalem 2011).
The lists of subscribers from the various cities of Poland and Galicia include the names of many of the prominent Torah scholars of that generation, including foremost Chassidic leaders. Under the city of Lublin, the Chozeh of Lublin is listed: "R. Yaakov Yitzchak HaLevi Horowitz of Łańcut" (his name is preceded by that of his great opponent - rabbi of the city: "R. Azriel HaLevi Ish Horowitz Rabbi of Lublin, known as the Rosh HaBarzel - Iron Head, for his exceptional brilliance). In the list of Kozhnitz: "The Maggid R. Yisrael, maggid and posek of Kozhnitz"; "R. Mendel of Fristik" (Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Rimanov); "R. Asher Yehoshia Rabbi of Ropsh." (=R. Asher Yeshaya of Ropshitz, son-in-law of R. Naftali of Ropshitz); his brother-in-law "R. Yaakov son of the rabbi of Linsk" (=Rebbe Yaakov Horowitz of Melitz, son of R. Naftali of Ropshitz who served at that time as rabbi of Linsk). The fact the rebbes of Rimanov and Ropshitz are listed together with the Maggid of Kozhnitz may be linked to the conference which they attended, as Rebbe Asher Yeshayahu of Ropshitz relates in one of his letters (see: Yalkut Avodat Yisrael, Jerusalem 2011, pp. 266-267. See enclosed material).
In the city of Drohobych: "R. Eliezer Nisan son of the great Torah scholar of Shinova" (=R. Elazar Nisan Teitelbaum, rabbi of Drohobych, son of the Yismach Moshe, and father of the Yitav Lev). The Lviv list includes "R. Aharon Rabbi of Chodorov" (=R. Aharon Sternkler, disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, father-in-law of R. Elazar Nisan, grandfather of the Yitav Lev Rebbe of Sighet. See Kedem Auction 65, item 285). Other foremost Torah leaders mentioned in the list of donors are: "R. Aryeh Leibush author of Ketzot HaChoshen and Shev Shemateta, rabbi of Stryi"; "R. Yaakovke son of the great Torah scholar of Prague"; "R. Efraim Zalman Margolies"; "R. Yaakov Oren Stein Rabbi of Lviv and the region", and more.
Signatures on the title page: "Shmuel David son of…"; "Shmuel Hei… of Janów. I acquired this book from R. Yehoshua, shochet and bodek of Munkacs, 1874".
4, [2], 9, [2], 34; 66; 47, 49-58, 60-64; 14, 17-42; 32; 19 leaves. Leaves bound out of sequence. Two leaves in middle appear twice. 36 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains to some leaves. Worming to title page and several other leaves. Old binding, with leather spine.
Variant. In the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, listing 000170811, only [1] leaf is listed after the first 4 leaves, instead of [2] as in this copy. These two leaves, containing several approbations, including the approbation of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, as well as a lengthy, detailed list of subscribers, are not recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $25,000
Unsold
Siddur of year-round prayers, following the prayer-rite of the Arizal, by HaAdmor HaZaken Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. Slavita: Rebbe Shmuel Avraham Shapira, son of the rabbi of Slavita, 1827.
The title page states: "…superior to all siddurim preceding it from various prints, whether for the beauty of its print or for the precision of its proofing…".
The Slavita edition is considered one of the most precise editions of the Baal HaTanya's siddur. The siddur was printed in Slavita twice, in 1827 and in 1836 (the differences between the 1827 and 1836 editions are minute, affecting only the vocalization in a few places). According to the testimony of R. Lawat in his book Shaar HaKollel, the Tzemach Tzedek would pray from the Slavita edition of the siddur (presumably the one printed in 1836), and annotated it with his corrections and glosses.
The first edition printed in Slavita was up until now considered lost. Its existence was known only through an incidental mention in an approbation accorded to a siddur printed in Czernowitz (Chernivtsi) in 1853, which stated that this siddur was printed based on the format of siddurim printed in Slavita in 1827. As mentioned, this siddur had since disappeared.
This siddur contains several handwritten corrections to the vocalization and punctuation. The annotations correspond to those made by the Tzemach Tzedek in the margins of his siddur (which were printed at the end of the Torah Or siddur).
The printer, Rebbe Shmuel Avraham Shapira (1784-1864) was the son of Rebbe Moshe Shapira, rabbi of Slavita. His grandfather, R. Pinchas of Korets, attested before his birth that he bore a lofty soul. He studied under great Chassidic leaders, including R. Zushe of Anipoli, R. Baruch of Medzhybizh and the Saba of Shpoli. In 1836, following the infamous libel, his printing press was shut down and in 1839 he was incarcerated with his brother until 1856. Upon his release, he was appointed rebbe. The Beit Aharon, Rebbe of Karlin, reputedly then handed him a Kvittel, requesting he effectuate a salvation for his son-in-law Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura (Sadhora).
Some of the title page letters are printed in red ink.
1-92, [2], 93-172 leaves. Lacking 3 leaves: 13, 62 and 63. 18 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Wine stains to leaves of Passover Haggadah. Tears and damage to title page, mainly to inner margins, professionally restored, with slight damage to text. Tears and damage to many leaves, mainly to inner margins, not affecting text, professionally restored. Open tears to leaves 12, 21, 33, 49-50, 74 and leaf [1] after 92, repaired with paper, with handwritten replacement of text in a script replicating the print. Four pages from different siddurim (unidentified editions) bound at end of siddur. Ownership inscriptions. New, elaborate leather binding.
Extremely rare. The book is not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, nor in the Vinograd-Rosenfeld CD. Does not appear in the NLI catalogue, nor in the catalogue of the Chabad library in Brooklyn.
The title page states: "…superior to all siddurim preceding it from various prints, whether for the beauty of its print or for the precision of its proofing…".
The Slavita edition is considered one of the most precise editions of the Baal HaTanya's siddur. The siddur was printed in Slavita twice, in 1827 and in 1836 (the differences between the 1827 and 1836 editions are minute, affecting only the vocalization in a few places). According to the testimony of R. Lawat in his book Shaar HaKollel, the Tzemach Tzedek would pray from the Slavita edition of the siddur (presumably the one printed in 1836), and annotated it with his corrections and glosses.
The first edition printed in Slavita was up until now considered lost. Its existence was known only through an incidental mention in an approbation accorded to a siddur printed in Czernowitz (Chernivtsi) in 1853, which stated that this siddur was printed based on the format of siddurim printed in Slavita in 1827. As mentioned, this siddur had since disappeared.
This siddur contains several handwritten corrections to the vocalization and punctuation. The annotations correspond to those made by the Tzemach Tzedek in the margins of his siddur (which were printed at the end of the Torah Or siddur).
The printer, Rebbe Shmuel Avraham Shapira (1784-1864) was the son of Rebbe Moshe Shapira, rabbi of Slavita. His grandfather, R. Pinchas of Korets, attested before his birth that he bore a lofty soul. He studied under great Chassidic leaders, including R. Zushe of Anipoli, R. Baruch of Medzhybizh and the Saba of Shpoli. In 1836, following the infamous libel, his printing press was shut down and in 1839 he was incarcerated with his brother until 1856. Upon his release, he was appointed rebbe. The Beit Aharon, Rebbe of Karlin, reputedly then handed him a Kvittel, requesting he effectuate a salvation for his son-in-law Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura (Sadhora).
Some of the title page letters are printed in red ink.
1-92, [2], 93-172 leaves. Lacking 3 leaves: 13, 62 and 63. 18 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Wine stains to leaves of Passover Haggadah. Tears and damage to title page, mainly to inner margins, professionally restored, with slight damage to text. Tears and damage to many leaves, mainly to inner margins, not affecting text, professionally restored. Open tears to leaves 12, 21, 33, 49-50, 74 and leaf [1] after 92, repaired with paper, with handwritten replacement of text in a script replicating the print. Four pages from different siddurim (unidentified editions) bound at end of siddur. Ownership inscriptions. New, elaborate leather binding.
Extremely rare. The book is not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, nor in the Vinograd-Rosenfeld CD. Does not appear in the NLI catalogue, nor in the catalogue of the Chabad library in Brooklyn.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Books
Catalogue
![Likutei Amarim Tanya, by HaAdmor HaZaken Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. Zhovkva, [1798]. The title page stat](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/151.jpg "Likutei Amarim - Tanya - Zhovkva, 1798 - First Edition of the Igeret H")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Likutei Amarim Tanya, by HaAdmor HaZaken Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. Zhovkva, [1798].
The title page states: "Tanya, which is a book of collected writings… and we have added a touch… from the outstanding Torah scholar, the author, to explain the essence and topic of Teshuva, and this is a third part which was not included in the first edition printed in Slavita…" (the word Slavita is emphasized on the title page).
This edition is the second printing of the Tanya in the author's lifetime, and was presumably printed without his knowledge. This is the first edition to be printed outside Russia, and to contain chapters of Igeret HaTeshuva - Mahadura Kama at the end of the book (in Shklow 1806, the author published Igeret HaTeshuva Mahadura Batra).
The publisher R. Yaakov of Brody writes at the end of the book that he was repeatedly asked to undertake the printing of a new edition of this book, since the book was not available in his country (Galicia-Poland), due to the prohibition to export the book from Russia, where it was originally published.
The following statement appears before Igeret HaTeshuva (p. 67a): "Says the publisher: A precious gem was in my possession from the scholarly author, a manuscript booklet pertaining to repentance, and for the benefit of the public I have brought it to print".
This edition earned two important approbations from prominent rabbis. The first one from R. Moshe Tzvi Hirsh Meisels Rabbi of Zhovkva, and the second from R. Yitzchak HaLevi of Lviv, rabbi of Kraków (an elder rabbi of his generation, son-in-law of R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Amsterdam, and brother-in-law of R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam).
R. Yitzchak Shimshon Meisels Rabbi of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi), grandson of R. Moshe Tzvi Hirsh, relates in his approbation to the siddur of the Baal HaTanya that he was present when his grandfather accorded his approbation to the Tanya.
The second approbation was given by R. Yitzchak HaLevi of Lviv, rabbi of Kraków, a foremost opponent of Chassidism. He was a leading signatory on the ban against Chassidim in Kraków in 1786, and the book Tzavaat HaRivash was burnt at his behest, while this book earned his effusive approbation, with profuse praise of the author and his book.
[3], 2-74 leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear, damage and worming to final leaves, slightly affecting text. Minor worming to lower part of inner-margins of first leaves. Stamp on title page. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 623
The title page states: "Tanya, which is a book of collected writings… and we have added a touch… from the outstanding Torah scholar, the author, to explain the essence and topic of Teshuva, and this is a third part which was not included in the first edition printed in Slavita…" (the word Slavita is emphasized on the title page).
This edition is the second printing of the Tanya in the author's lifetime, and was presumably printed without his knowledge. This is the first edition to be printed outside Russia, and to contain chapters of Igeret HaTeshuva - Mahadura Kama at the end of the book (in Shklow 1806, the author published Igeret HaTeshuva Mahadura Batra).
The publisher R. Yaakov of Brody writes at the end of the book that he was repeatedly asked to undertake the printing of a new edition of this book, since the book was not available in his country (Galicia-Poland), due to the prohibition to export the book from Russia, where it was originally published.
The following statement appears before Igeret HaTeshuva (p. 67a): "Says the publisher: A precious gem was in my possession from the scholarly author, a manuscript booklet pertaining to repentance, and for the benefit of the public I have brought it to print".
This edition earned two important approbations from prominent rabbis. The first one from R. Moshe Tzvi Hirsh Meisels Rabbi of Zhovkva, and the second from R. Yitzchak HaLevi of Lviv, rabbi of Kraków (an elder rabbi of his generation, son-in-law of R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Amsterdam, and brother-in-law of R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam).
R. Yitzchak Shimshon Meisels Rabbi of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi), grandson of R. Moshe Tzvi Hirsh, relates in his approbation to the siddur of the Baal HaTanya that he was present when his grandfather accorded his approbation to the Tanya.
The second approbation was given by R. Yitzchak HaLevi of Lviv, rabbi of Kraków, a foremost opponent of Chassidism. He was a leading signatory on the ban against Chassidim in Kraków in 1786, and the book Tzavaat HaRivash was burnt at his behest, while this book earned his effusive approbation, with profuse praise of the author and his book.
[3], 2-74 leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear, damage and worming to final leaves, slightly affecting text. Minor worming to lower part of inner-margins of first leaves. Stamp on title page. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 623
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Books
Catalogue
![Bad Kodesh, two letters and Chassidic homily on Megillat Ruth, by the rebbes of Chabad. [Warsaw, 1871]. First edition. The pu](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/152.jpg "Bad Kodesh - Warsaw, 1871 - First Edition - Letter from the Baal HaTan")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Unsold
Bad Kodesh, two letters and Chassidic homily on Megillat Ruth, by the rebbes of Chabad. [Warsaw, 1871]. First edition.
The publisher states on the title page that the book is comprised of three compositions: 1. An appeal by the Baal HaTanya, R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, addressed to Tsar Paul, during his incarceration in St. Petersburg. 2. A letter written by the Baal HaTanya to his colleague R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, following his release from prison in St. Petersburg. 3. Homily on Megillat Ruth, based on Chabad teachings, by Rebbe Aharon HaLevi Horowitz of Starosel'ye, disciple of the Baal HaTanya.
In truth, the publisher erred as to the authorship of parts of this book:
The true author of the appeal at the beginning of the book, was R. Dov Ber Schneuri - the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch - son of the Baal HaTanya, who wrote it to the ruler of Belarus after being imprisoned in Vitebsk in late 1825. The letter explains, according to Kabbalah, why it is preferable to be judged by the ruler, rather than a local court, since the former can attain the truth. In the letter, several kabbalistic concepts are explained in simple terms.
Likewise, it is unclear who authored the homily on Megillat Ruth. According to the publisher, this homily was composed by Rebbe Aharon of Starosel'ye, yet it also appears in Or HaTorah (on Neviim and Ketuvim, vol. II, p. 1028), by the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Conversely, it must be noted that this homily was not included amongst the homilies on Shavuot in Avodat HaLevi by the Rebbe of Starosel'ye.
14 pages. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming to title page and other leaves, slightly affecting text (loss of a few letters), professionally restored. New binding.
Year of printing according to Wiener, Kehillat Moshe, p. 136, no. 1074.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 77.
The publisher states on the title page that the book is comprised of three compositions: 1. An appeal by the Baal HaTanya, R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, addressed to Tsar Paul, during his incarceration in St. Petersburg. 2. A letter written by the Baal HaTanya to his colleague R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, following his release from prison in St. Petersburg. 3. Homily on Megillat Ruth, based on Chabad teachings, by Rebbe Aharon HaLevi Horowitz of Starosel'ye, disciple of the Baal HaTanya.
In truth, the publisher erred as to the authorship of parts of this book:
The true author of the appeal at the beginning of the book, was R. Dov Ber Schneuri - the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch - son of the Baal HaTanya, who wrote it to the ruler of Belarus after being imprisoned in Vitebsk in late 1825. The letter explains, according to Kabbalah, why it is preferable to be judged by the ruler, rather than a local court, since the former can attain the truth. In the letter, several kabbalistic concepts are explained in simple terms.
Likewise, it is unclear who authored the homily on Megillat Ruth. According to the publisher, this homily was composed by Rebbe Aharon of Starosel'ye, yet it also appears in Or HaTorah (on Neviim and Ketuvim, vol. II, p. 1028), by the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Conversely, it must be noted that this homily was not included amongst the homilies on Shavuot in Avodat HaLevi by the Rebbe of Starosel'ye.
14 pages. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming to title page and other leaves, slightly affecting text (loss of a few letters), professionally restored. New binding.
Year of printing according to Wiener, Kehillat Moshe, p. 136, no. 1074.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 77.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Books
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Leaf bearing an ownership inscription signed "Moshe son of R. G. of Zaloshin". Kislev 1820.
R. Moshe of Zaloshin (Działoszyn) son of R. Gershon (1789-1831, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 273-276) was the author of Siddur Tikunei Shabbat, the Mishpat Tzedek commentary to Tehillim and Ge'ulat Yisrael on the Passover Haggada, which were reprinted in dozens of editions.
A prominent Tzaddik of Poland, he was the father of Rebbe Yaakov Aharon of Zaloshin and R. Yosef Gershon of Dvart (Warta). According to several sources, R. Moshe of Zaloshin was a foremost disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, but this fact is disputed by Chassidic historians (see Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 273-274). It is an established fact that the Chozeh of Lublin greatly revered him, going so far as to praise him "from the age of ten he dedicated himself to G-d". His son, Rebbe Yaakov Aharon of Zaloshin Rabbi of Alexander (Aleksandrów Łódzki), was a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and R. Bunem of Peshischa (see Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p. 252). His second son, R. Yosef Gershon Rabbi of Dvart, also served as rebbe (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p. 140).
His book Tikunei Shabbat was published anonymously in his lifetime in Warsaw, 1825. The book earned an enthusiastic approbation from R. Akiva Eiger, who terms the author "Righteous", "Outstanding in Torah and Chassidism, fearful and anxious of G-d's word". R. Efraim Zalman Margolies extols his virtues in his approbation to the aforementioned book, describing his holiness and diligent Torah study from a young age, his practice of secluding himself, his great modesty and loathing of honor, which drove him to publish the book anonymously.
Rebbe Yosef, "the Yehudi HaTov from Neustadt", who was engaged in reciting Psalms his entire life, would always keep on hand a Tehillim with the Mishpat Tzedek commentary composed by R. Moshe of Zaloshin.
At his passing, R. Meir Yeshaya Meisler of Zlotchov eulogized him, describing how he would cry exceedingly during prayer, arousing the whole congregation. R. Moshe was extensively engaged in charity, travelling around to collect funds for needy brides. His zealousness and meticulosity in Mitzva performance were exceptional. There was nothing he did not do with absolute devotion for love of his Creator. For many years, he adopted silence, writing notes when necessary. On Shabbat and Festivals, he would not speak about any secular matters, not even in the Holy Tongue.
[1] leaf. 14.5 cm. Good condition. Slight damage.
R. Moshe of Zaloshin (Działoszyn) son of R. Gershon (1789-1831, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 273-276) was the author of Siddur Tikunei Shabbat, the Mishpat Tzedek commentary to Tehillim and Ge'ulat Yisrael on the Passover Haggada, which were reprinted in dozens of editions.
A prominent Tzaddik of Poland, he was the father of Rebbe Yaakov Aharon of Zaloshin and R. Yosef Gershon of Dvart (Warta). According to several sources, R. Moshe of Zaloshin was a foremost disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, but this fact is disputed by Chassidic historians (see Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 273-274). It is an established fact that the Chozeh of Lublin greatly revered him, going so far as to praise him "from the age of ten he dedicated himself to G-d". His son, Rebbe Yaakov Aharon of Zaloshin Rabbi of Alexander (Aleksandrów Łódzki), was a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and R. Bunem of Peshischa (see Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p. 252). His second son, R. Yosef Gershon Rabbi of Dvart, also served as rebbe (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p. 140).
His book Tikunei Shabbat was published anonymously in his lifetime in Warsaw, 1825. The book earned an enthusiastic approbation from R. Akiva Eiger, who terms the author "Righteous", "Outstanding in Torah and Chassidism, fearful and anxious of G-d's word". R. Efraim Zalman Margolies extols his virtues in his approbation to the aforementioned book, describing his holiness and diligent Torah study from a young age, his practice of secluding himself, his great modesty and loathing of honor, which drove him to publish the book anonymously.
Rebbe Yosef, "the Yehudi HaTov from Neustadt", who was engaged in reciting Psalms his entire life, would always keep on hand a Tehillim with the Mishpat Tzedek commentary composed by R. Moshe of Zaloshin.
At his passing, R. Meir Yeshaya Meisler of Zlotchov eulogized him, describing how he would cry exceedingly during prayer, arousing the whole congregation. R. Moshe was extensively engaged in charity, travelling around to collect funds for needy brides. His zealousness and meticulosity in Mitzva performance were exceptional. There was nothing he did not do with absolute devotion for love of his Creator. For many years, he adopted silence, writing notes when necessary. On Shabbat and Festivals, he would not speak about any secular matters, not even in the Holy Tongue.
[1] leaf. 14.5 cm. Good condition. Slight damage.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $4,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura. Sadigura (Sadhora), Elul 1856.
Written by a scribe, and signed by the Rebbe of Sadigura: "Avraham Yaakov son of R." (the left side of the leaf is lacking, and the name of his father "Yisrael", is missing at the end of the signature).
Letter addressed to the philanthropists R. Shlomo Torchin and R. Yosef Vanderveer(?), acknowledging and blessing them for their donations. The Rebbe blesses them: "May G-d pay their reward and recompense [----] with salvation, mercy and all good forever… and because of this thing, I hereby extend my blessing to them, may G-d protect them [----] and may they be blessed and enjoy much blessing and peace…".
Unknown letter. Does not appear in the three parts of "Igrot HaRav MiRuzhin UBanav".
Rebbe Avraham Yaakov Friedman (the first) of Sadigura (1819-1883) was a prominent Rebbe and Jewish leader in his generation. He was the son and successor of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin in his Beit Midrash in Sadigura (Sadhora), the son-in-law of R. Aharon of Karlin the Beit Aharon, and from his second marriage, of R. Menachem Nachum of Shtefanesht. In Elul 1851, he was appointed Rebbe of Sadigura, in place of his father (who passed away in Cheshvan 1850) and of his eldest brother R. Shalom Yosef (who passed away Elul 11, 1851).
He served as rebbe for close to 32 years, leading a court of thousands of Chassidim and pious men. Many flocked to receive his blessings, guidance and counsel. He concealed his holiness, and only by chance was it revealed that he dealt extensively in helping the deceased attain a reparation for their soul. He conducted himself with majestic opulence and lavishness, as was customary in the Ruzhin dynasty, yet he himself was holy and ascetic, eating so little that his intestines shriveled up. He stood at the helm of Orthodox Jewry of his generation, and joined Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz under the Machzikei HaDat organization in Galicia. At his initiative, the magnificent Tiferet Yisrael synagogue in Jerusalem was completed. In his public activism, he maintained ties with prominent figures in international politics, including Sir Moses Montefiore and the British diplomat Laurence Oliphant, who came to Sadigura specifically to meet him (Derech Malchut, p. 456). He suffered the Russian government's persecution of the Ruzhin dynasty, and after he addressed a letter to Montefiore requesting his intervention in saving Russian Jewry from the Russian Tsar, he was denounced to the government of the Austro-Hungarian empire under trumped up charges of counterfeiting money, which led to his incarceration for almost two years (between 1856-1858).
[1] double leaf. 27.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Tears to folds and wear. Left side of leaf lacking (approx. a third of leaf), with loss of two-three words from each line.
Written by a scribe, and signed by the Rebbe of Sadigura: "Avraham Yaakov son of R." (the left side of the leaf is lacking, and the name of his father "Yisrael", is missing at the end of the signature).
Letter addressed to the philanthropists R. Shlomo Torchin and R. Yosef Vanderveer(?), acknowledging and blessing them for their donations. The Rebbe blesses them: "May G-d pay their reward and recompense [----] with salvation, mercy and all good forever… and because of this thing, I hereby extend my blessing to them, may G-d protect them [----] and may they be blessed and enjoy much blessing and peace…".
Unknown letter. Does not appear in the three parts of "Igrot HaRav MiRuzhin UBanav".
Rebbe Avraham Yaakov Friedman (the first) of Sadigura (1819-1883) was a prominent Rebbe and Jewish leader in his generation. He was the son and successor of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin in his Beit Midrash in Sadigura (Sadhora), the son-in-law of R. Aharon of Karlin the Beit Aharon, and from his second marriage, of R. Menachem Nachum of Shtefanesht. In Elul 1851, he was appointed Rebbe of Sadigura, in place of his father (who passed away in Cheshvan 1850) and of his eldest brother R. Shalom Yosef (who passed away Elul 11, 1851).
He served as rebbe for close to 32 years, leading a court of thousands of Chassidim and pious men. Many flocked to receive his blessings, guidance and counsel. He concealed his holiness, and only by chance was it revealed that he dealt extensively in helping the deceased attain a reparation for their soul. He conducted himself with majestic opulence and lavishness, as was customary in the Ruzhin dynasty, yet he himself was holy and ascetic, eating so little that his intestines shriveled up. He stood at the helm of Orthodox Jewry of his generation, and joined Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz under the Machzikei HaDat organization in Galicia. At his initiative, the magnificent Tiferet Yisrael synagogue in Jerusalem was completed. In his public activism, he maintained ties with prominent figures in international politics, including Sir Moses Montefiore and the British diplomat Laurence Oliphant, who came to Sadigura specifically to meet him (Derech Malchut, p. 456). He suffered the Russian government's persecution of the Ruzhin dynasty, and after he addressed a letter to Montefiore requesting his intervention in saving Russian Jewry from the Russian Tsar, he was denounced to the government of the Austro-Hungarian empire under trumped up charges of counterfeiting money, which led to his incarceration for almost two years (between 1856-1858).
[1] double leaf. 27.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Tears to folds and wear. Left side of leaf lacking (approx. a third of leaf), with loss of two-three words from each line.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $8,000
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
A handwritten wedding invitation letter, with two lines of conclusion and signature handwritten by Rebbe Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov (Zinkiv), son of R. Avraham Yehoshua Heschel, the Apter Rav. Zinkov, Kislev [1854].
Invitation to the wedding of his granddaughter, daughter of R. Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov, with the groom R. Yitzchak Yoel, son of Rebbe Gedalia Aharon of Linitz (Illintsi), on Thursday, Kislev 9, 1854. This was the last wedding which took place in the court of R. Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov, who passed away several months later.
The invitation, written at his behest by a scribe, reads: "…to the leaders of the community… of Morachwa (Staraya Murafa)… I said, can I hide from my beloved ones, who are attached to me with an ancestral covenant of powerful love, therefore I wish to inform them of the day of my celebration, so that they can rejoice on it, and please G-d, on the day of your celebration when you wed your children, my heart will rejoice and my soul will exult". The Rebbe then signs in his own handwriting: "So are the words of one who seeks the wellbeing and the good of our Jewish brethren… Yitzchak Meir son of the Rabbi of Apta".
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 great 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 great men 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 his offspring.
The groom was Rebbe Yitzchak Yoel Rabinowitz, the Rebbe of Linitz-Kontikoziva (1840-1885). In 1868, he succeeded his father, in the latter's lifetime, as rabbi and maggid in Linitz. Exiled by the Russian government who persecuted Chassidic leaders, he settled in Kontikoziva (Prybuzhany, Kherson province). His sons were Rebbe Yehoshua Heshel of Monistritch and Rebbe Pinchas of Kontikoziva (father of Rebbe Yaakov Yisrael of Kherson and R. Menachem Nachum of Kherson-Haifa) and R. Meshulam Zusia of Arel.
The following interesting account regarding scheduling the date for the wedding is brought in Shemu'ot VeSipurim, at the end of Machshevet Nachum, (p. 238) - At the beginning of the year, R. Yitzchak Meir sent a letter to his mechutan R. Gedalia Aharon of Linitz, the Chen Aharon, writing that if the latter wishes his presence at the wedding, the date of the wedding, originally scheduled for Elul 1885, will have to be brought forward to Kislev, which is what they did. Several months later, on Rosh Chodesh Adar 1855, R. Yitzchak Meir passed away, as he had foreseen.
[1] leaf. Approx. 18.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears, creases and wear. Folding marks. Tape repairs.
The invitation was published, based on this manuscript (with minor copying errors), in the book Igrot HaOhev Yisrael, Jerusalem 2000, letter 66b, p. 140.
Invitation to the wedding of his granddaughter, daughter of R. Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov, with the groom R. Yitzchak Yoel, son of Rebbe Gedalia Aharon of Linitz (Illintsi), on Thursday, Kislev 9, 1854. This was the last wedding which took place in the court of R. Yitzchak Meir of Zinkov, who passed away several months later.
The invitation, written at his behest by a scribe, reads: "…to the leaders of the community… of Morachwa (Staraya Murafa)… I said, can I hide from my beloved ones, who are attached to me with an ancestral covenant of powerful love, therefore I wish to inform them of the day of my celebration, so that they can rejoice on it, and please G-d, on the day of your celebration when you wed your children, my heart will rejoice and my soul will exult". The Rebbe then signs in his own handwriting: "So are the words of one who seeks the wellbeing and the good of our Jewish brethren… Yitzchak Meir son of the Rabbi of Apta".
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 great 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 great men 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 his offspring.
The groom was Rebbe Yitzchak Yoel Rabinowitz, the Rebbe of Linitz-Kontikoziva (1840-1885). In 1868, he succeeded his father, in the latter's lifetime, as rabbi and maggid in Linitz. Exiled by the Russian government who persecuted Chassidic leaders, he settled in Kontikoziva (Prybuzhany, Kherson province). His sons were Rebbe Yehoshua Heshel of Monistritch and Rebbe Pinchas of Kontikoziva (father of Rebbe Yaakov Yisrael of Kherson and R. Menachem Nachum of Kherson-Haifa) and R. Meshulam Zusia of Arel.
The following interesting account regarding scheduling the date for the wedding is brought in Shemu'ot VeSipurim, at the end of Machshevet Nachum, (p. 238) - At the beginning of the year, R. Yitzchak Meir sent a letter to his mechutan R. Gedalia Aharon of Linitz, the Chen Aharon, writing that if the latter wishes his presence at the wedding, the date of the wedding, originally scheduled for Elul 1885, will have to be brought forward to Kislev, which is what they did. Several months later, on Rosh Chodesh Adar 1855, R. Yitzchak Meir passed away, as he had foreseen.
[1] leaf. Approx. 18.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears, creases and wear. Folding marks. Tape repairs.
The invitation was published, based on this manuscript (with minor copying errors), in the book Igrot HaOhev Yisrael, Jerusalem 2000, letter 66b, p. 140.
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
Letter signed by Rebbe Moshe of Kobryn, addressed to R. Menachem Mendel Epstein, trustee of Kollel Reisin (Belarus) in Tiberias. [Kobryn, 1853].
Letter written by a scribe, with the signature of Rebbe Moshe of Kobryn. Addressed to R. Menachem Mendel Epstein, one of the heads of Kollel Reisin in Tiberias. The letter is inscribed on a small piece of paper, and was originally written as a continuation of R. Moshe Kobryn's letter to the heads and directors of Kollel Reisin, regarding Kollel matters (see Kedem Auction 63, item 87; Auction 66, item 49). In this letter, the Rebbe addresses R. Menachem Mendel personally.
From the contents of the letter, it appears that the recipient of this letter, R. Menachem Mendel, requested a raise in his salary for his work on behalf of the Kollel, as the administrator of the distribution. To this the Rebbe responds, "Surely if this was a regular year, I would also wish [to add?] a little", but this is not feasible: "This year --- everything was done with loans" (that year - 1853, much of the donations were not collected, and the Rebbe of Kobryn was compelled to borrow funds to provide for the Kollel members in Tiberias, see Kedem Auction 63, where the Rebbe wrote in his letter: "Know that I have not yet succeeded in collecting all the donations… to the point that I was compelled to rely on loans").
Further in the letter, the Rebbe writes: "Believe me my friend, that the vast majority of his personal funds were not yet collected… and now, may they receive life and peace from the Master of peace, as is G-d's wish and that of his close friend" (personal funds - also named Maamadot - were funds collected for the benefit of specific members of the Kollel living in Eretz Israel, by their friends, acquaintances or family members, as opposed to funds raised as a general donation for the entire Kollel. This letter discloses that not only did the Rebbe experience difficulty in soliciting general donations, he was even unable to collect the personal funds - those intended specifically for R. Menachem Mendel). In the last line, the Rebbe added his signature in his own handwriting: "The above-mentioned Moshe".
Background to this letter: For many years, R. Moshe of Kobryn would devotedly make rounds throughout Lithuania and Reisin (Belarus), collecting funds to support the Chassidic settlement in Tiberias (descendants of the large Chassidic immigration in 1777). He had been appointed to this position by his teacher, R. Mordechai of Lechovitz. The Rebbe delegated the responsibility for collecting charity for Eretz Israel funds to various gabba'im in a number of regions, and he would travel several times a year to collect these monies from the gabba'im. In 1853, R. Moshe, who was nearing his seventies, had aged considerably and could not keep up these journeys (see Auction 63 for further details).
Rebbe Moshe Polier of Kobryn (1784-1858), a great Chassidic leader, and amongst the foremost righteous men in Lithuania. He was the close disciple of Rebbe Mordechai of Lechovitz (Lyakhavichy), and prime teacher of the first Rebbe of Slonim, R. Avraham Weinberg, author of Yesod HaAvoda. Supremely holy and righteous, he benefitted from Divine Inspiration and effected salvations. He loved his fellow Jew wholeheartedly. His worship of G-d was exceptionally devout, involving his entire being. He exerted himself in prayer to the extent of fainting. Reputedly, R. Yaakov Meir Padwa Rabbi of Brisk would advise Brisk residents: "Whoever wishes to pray during the High Holidays with a prayer leader possessing all the qualities which the sages require of a cantor, should travel to Kobryn", and indeed, many would travel to attend the prayer services led by R. Moshe of Kobryn. One of the travelers related that on Rosh Hashanah eve, the synagogue was filled to capacity, yet even those standing at the extremities of the synagogue heard clearly how "his teeth chattered in fear of G-d and of His glorious splendor", while he said Barchu (see: Torat Avot, Jerusalem 1989, pp. 294-295, section 121). The Beit HaLevi (whose father-in-law was a Kobryn chassid) reputedly acclaimed him: "Moshe is true and his Torah is truth".
Following the passing of his teacher Rebbe Mordechai of Lechovitz, in 1810, R. Moshe frequented the court of the former's son, Rebbe Noach of Lechovitz, and after the demise of R. Noach in 1833, R. Moshe was appointed rebbe in Kobryn. His leadership was described as following: "Many flocks gathered around him to thirstily drink his holy words, which enthused the hearts of the Jewish people towards their Father in Heaven with their passion and fieriness… and whatever exited his holy mouth was as if a man inquired of the word of G-d… still today, over sixty years following his passing, whenever his holy name is mentioned, one senses a respectful awe together with a concealed fear… and in his old age, he would frequent the court of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, and the righteous men of the generation cherished him greatly" (Or Yesharim, Warsaw 1924, p. 63).
R. Menachem Mendel son of R. Mordechai Epstein of Minsk (d. after 1879), recipient of this letter, was known as R. Mendel Reisisher. In 1834, he immigrated from Minsk to Eretz Israel. Around 1840, he was appointed one of the three trustees of Kollel Reisin. His signature appears on many of the Kollel documents, starting from the early 1840s. R. Mendel was respected and esteemed by all sects of the Jewish community in Tiberias, and even the Arabs in Tiberias revered him. Known to be scrupulous and trustworthy in monetary matters, R. Menachem Mendel is mentioned in one of the Kollel documents, which is signed by the Torat Chaim of Kosov and Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura, as an honest, faithful person who can be relied upon. His son-in-law was R. Noach Weinberg of Tiberias, brother of the Divrei Shmuel, Rebbe of Slonim, and father of the Birkat Avraham, Rebbe of Slonim, grandfather of the current Rebbe of Slonim-Jerusalem.
A small piece of paper. Approx. 6 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Faded ink. Tears affecting text. Wear and folding marks. Some words undecipherable. Mounted on thin paper for preservation.
Letter written by a scribe, with the signature of Rebbe Moshe of Kobryn. Addressed to R. Menachem Mendel Epstein, one of the heads of Kollel Reisin in Tiberias. The letter is inscribed on a small piece of paper, and was originally written as a continuation of R. Moshe Kobryn's letter to the heads and directors of Kollel Reisin, regarding Kollel matters (see Kedem Auction 63, item 87; Auction 66, item 49). In this letter, the Rebbe addresses R. Menachem Mendel personally.
From the contents of the letter, it appears that the recipient of this letter, R. Menachem Mendel, requested a raise in his salary for his work on behalf of the Kollel, as the administrator of the distribution. To this the Rebbe responds, "Surely if this was a regular year, I would also wish [to add?] a little", but this is not feasible: "This year --- everything was done with loans" (that year - 1853, much of the donations were not collected, and the Rebbe of Kobryn was compelled to borrow funds to provide for the Kollel members in Tiberias, see Kedem Auction 63, where the Rebbe wrote in his letter: "Know that I have not yet succeeded in collecting all the donations… to the point that I was compelled to rely on loans").
Further in the letter, the Rebbe writes: "Believe me my friend, that the vast majority of his personal funds were not yet collected… and now, may they receive life and peace from the Master of peace, as is G-d's wish and that of his close friend" (personal funds - also named Maamadot - were funds collected for the benefit of specific members of the Kollel living in Eretz Israel, by their friends, acquaintances or family members, as opposed to funds raised as a general donation for the entire Kollel. This letter discloses that not only did the Rebbe experience difficulty in soliciting general donations, he was even unable to collect the personal funds - those intended specifically for R. Menachem Mendel). In the last line, the Rebbe added his signature in his own handwriting: "The above-mentioned Moshe".
Background to this letter: For many years, R. Moshe of Kobryn would devotedly make rounds throughout Lithuania and Reisin (Belarus), collecting funds to support the Chassidic settlement in Tiberias (descendants of the large Chassidic immigration in 1777). He had been appointed to this position by his teacher, R. Mordechai of Lechovitz. The Rebbe delegated the responsibility for collecting charity for Eretz Israel funds to various gabba'im in a number of regions, and he would travel several times a year to collect these monies from the gabba'im. In 1853, R. Moshe, who was nearing his seventies, had aged considerably and could not keep up these journeys (see Auction 63 for further details).
Rebbe Moshe Polier of Kobryn (1784-1858), a great Chassidic leader, and amongst the foremost righteous men in Lithuania. He was the close disciple of Rebbe Mordechai of Lechovitz (Lyakhavichy), and prime teacher of the first Rebbe of Slonim, R. Avraham Weinberg, author of Yesod HaAvoda. Supremely holy and righteous, he benefitted from Divine Inspiration and effected salvations. He loved his fellow Jew wholeheartedly. His worship of G-d was exceptionally devout, involving his entire being. He exerted himself in prayer to the extent of fainting. Reputedly, R. Yaakov Meir Padwa Rabbi of Brisk would advise Brisk residents: "Whoever wishes to pray during the High Holidays with a prayer leader possessing all the qualities which the sages require of a cantor, should travel to Kobryn", and indeed, many would travel to attend the prayer services led by R. Moshe of Kobryn. One of the travelers related that on Rosh Hashanah eve, the synagogue was filled to capacity, yet even those standing at the extremities of the synagogue heard clearly how "his teeth chattered in fear of G-d and of His glorious splendor", while he said Barchu (see: Torat Avot, Jerusalem 1989, pp. 294-295, section 121). The Beit HaLevi (whose father-in-law was a Kobryn chassid) reputedly acclaimed him: "Moshe is true and his Torah is truth".
Following the passing of his teacher Rebbe Mordechai of Lechovitz, in 1810, R. Moshe frequented the court of the former's son, Rebbe Noach of Lechovitz, and after the demise of R. Noach in 1833, R. Moshe was appointed rebbe in Kobryn. His leadership was described as following: "Many flocks gathered around him to thirstily drink his holy words, which enthused the hearts of the Jewish people towards their Father in Heaven with their passion and fieriness… and whatever exited his holy mouth was as if a man inquired of the word of G-d… still today, over sixty years following his passing, whenever his holy name is mentioned, one senses a respectful awe together with a concealed fear… and in his old age, he would frequent the court of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, and the righteous men of the generation cherished him greatly" (Or Yesharim, Warsaw 1924, p. 63).
R. Menachem Mendel son of R. Mordechai Epstein of Minsk (d. after 1879), recipient of this letter, was known as R. Mendel Reisisher. In 1834, he immigrated from Minsk to Eretz Israel. Around 1840, he was appointed one of the three trustees of Kollel Reisin. His signature appears on many of the Kollel documents, starting from the early 1840s. R. Mendel was respected and esteemed by all sects of the Jewish community in Tiberias, and even the Arabs in Tiberias revered him. Known to be scrupulous and trustworthy in monetary matters, R. Menachem Mendel is mentioned in one of the Kollel documents, which is signed by the Torat Chaim of Kosov and Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura, as an honest, faithful person who can be relied upon. His son-in-law was R. Noach Weinberg of Tiberias, brother of the Divrei Shmuel, Rebbe of Slonim, and father of the Birkat Avraham, Rebbe of Slonim, grandfather of the current Rebbe of Slonim-Jerusalem.
A small piece of paper. Approx. 6 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Faded ink. Tears affecting text. Wear and folding marks. Some words undecipherable. Mounted on thin paper for preservation.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Letter signed by Rebbetzin Shaindel Twersky, widow of Rebbe Menachem Nachum Twersky of Shpikov and daughter of Rebbe David Twersky of Tolna. [Shpikov (Shpykiv), after Nisan 1887, ca. late 1880s].
Written by a scribe, with the Rebbetzin's signature. The letter was written after the passing of her husband Rebbe Menachem Nachum Twersky of Shpikov on Rosh Chodesh Nisan 1887. In the letter, the widowed rebbetzin requests of "the philanthropist… R. Shimon Leib", that he continue supporting them as he did in the past, especially since she is presently in dire financial straits following her daughter's wedding, and burdened with heavy debts. The rebbetzin mentions in her letter the merit of her husband and father-in-law: "…in the merit of my husband and father-in-law, who are aware of the suffering of the living, especially their household members… and now, creditors are pressing me to pay off the loans which I borrowed in order to provide for my family and especially for my daughter's wedding. And whoever helps me to repay my debts, surely their (my husband's and my father-in-law's) merit will protect them, to fill their homes with blessing according to their good heart's wishes…". The letter is signed by the Rebbetzin: "Shaindel wife of R. Menachem Nachum".
The distinguished Rebbetzin Shaindel Twersky was the eldest daughter of Rebbe David Twersky of Tolna. She married (in her first marriage) Rebbe Chaim Menachem of Zinkov son of Rebbe Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov, from the Apta dynasty. From this marriage she bore two sons, Rebbe Pinchas of Zinkov and Rebbe Moshe of Zinkov, as well as two daughters, Rebbetzin Chaya Sara wife of Rebbe Yeshayahu Twersky of Makarov, and Rebbetzin Devorah (second) wife of Rebbe Feivish Hager of Zalishchik. In her second marriage, Rebbetzin Shaindel married her cousin Rebbe Menachem Nachum Twersky of Shpikov, son of Rebbe Yitzchak Twersky of Skver (brother of her father, R. David of Tolna). From this marriage she bore an only son, Rebbe Mordechai (R. Mottele) Twersky of Shpikov. Following the passing of her husband, the rebbe of Shpikov (in 1887, before he reached the age of fifty), the Chassidim housed Rebbetzin Shaindel in a lavish apartment, from where she led a kind of court of her own. The book Ketavim (Mordechai Globman, Jerusalem, 2005, p. 127) reports: "The Chassidim who frequented the court of the young Rebbe (R. Mottele), would also honor her with a visit, out of regard for her esteemed father and late husband, sometimes even giving her a Pidyon and receiving her blessing". The distinguished personality of Rebbetin Shaindel is portrayed at length in the book HaChatzer HaPenimit (Tel Aviv, 1954), by Yochanan Twersky, great-grandson of the Rebbetzin. In this book, he relates: "Almost from the day she entered her father-in-law's home in Skver, and then in Shpikov, all the needs and debts of the court were assigned to her" (ibid, p. 36). This fact is corroborated by the contents of this letter.
This letter was presumably written following the wedding of one of her daughters from her first marriage.
[1] leaf. 17.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains. Tears affecting text. Tape repairs and traces of acidic adhesive tape. Folding marks.
Written by a scribe, with the Rebbetzin's signature. The letter was written after the passing of her husband Rebbe Menachem Nachum Twersky of Shpikov on Rosh Chodesh Nisan 1887. In the letter, the widowed rebbetzin requests of "the philanthropist… R. Shimon Leib", that he continue supporting them as he did in the past, especially since she is presently in dire financial straits following her daughter's wedding, and burdened with heavy debts. The rebbetzin mentions in her letter the merit of her husband and father-in-law: "…in the merit of my husband and father-in-law, who are aware of the suffering of the living, especially their household members… and now, creditors are pressing me to pay off the loans which I borrowed in order to provide for my family and especially for my daughter's wedding. And whoever helps me to repay my debts, surely their (my husband's and my father-in-law's) merit will protect them, to fill their homes with blessing according to their good heart's wishes…". The letter is signed by the Rebbetzin: "Shaindel wife of R. Menachem Nachum".
The distinguished Rebbetzin Shaindel Twersky was the eldest daughter of Rebbe David Twersky of Tolna. She married (in her first marriage) Rebbe Chaim Menachem of Zinkov son of Rebbe Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov, from the Apta dynasty. From this marriage she bore two sons, Rebbe Pinchas of Zinkov and Rebbe Moshe of Zinkov, as well as two daughters, Rebbetzin Chaya Sara wife of Rebbe Yeshayahu Twersky of Makarov, and Rebbetzin Devorah (second) wife of Rebbe Feivish Hager of Zalishchik. In her second marriage, Rebbetzin Shaindel married her cousin Rebbe Menachem Nachum Twersky of Shpikov, son of Rebbe Yitzchak Twersky of Skver (brother of her father, R. David of Tolna). From this marriage she bore an only son, Rebbe Mordechai (R. Mottele) Twersky of Shpikov. Following the passing of her husband, the rebbe of Shpikov (in 1887, before he reached the age of fifty), the Chassidim housed Rebbetzin Shaindel in a lavish apartment, from where she led a kind of court of her own. The book Ketavim (Mordechai Globman, Jerusalem, 2005, p. 127) reports: "The Chassidim who frequented the court of the young Rebbe (R. Mottele), would also honor her with a visit, out of regard for her esteemed father and late husband, sometimes even giving her a Pidyon and receiving her blessing". The distinguished personality of Rebbetin Shaindel is portrayed at length in the book HaChatzer HaPenimit (Tel Aviv, 1954), by Yochanan Twersky, great-grandson of the Rebbetzin. In this book, he relates: "Almost from the day she entered her father-in-law's home in Skver, and then in Shpikov, all the needs and debts of the court were assigned to her" (ibid, p. 36). This fact is corroborated by the contents of this letter.
This letter was presumably written following the wedding of one of her daughters from her first marriage.
[1] leaf. 17.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains. Tears affecting text. Tape repairs and traces of acidic adhesive tape. Folding marks.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Letter of wedding congratulations (in Yiddish) on a postcard, handwritten and signed by Rebbetzin Shaina Rachel Friedman, widow of Rebbe Yitzchak of Bohush. Bohush (Buhuși), Kislev 1900.
Letter of wedding wishes, addressed to the Koswen family. The first lines are in scribal script (presumably written by the gabbai), followed by three lines handwritten by the Rebbetzin (free translation from Yiddish): "May you all be healthy and happy, from your close friend, I wish you all only goodness and joyful happiness".
Rebbetzin Shaina Rachel Friedman (d. 1913), widow of R. Yitzchak Friedman, first rebbe of Bohush (1835-1896), daughter of Rebbe David Hager of Zablotov (son of the Ahavat Shalom of Kosov). Her mother Pessia Lea was the daughter of R. Moshe Leib of Sassov. Her father-in-law was Rebbe Shalom Yosef Friedman, eldest son of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin. The betrothal of the Rebbetzin to Rebbe Yitzchak of Bohush was celebrated in the lifetime of their illustrious grandfather R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, with his participation. The Rebbe and his Rebbetzin bore five sons and nine daughters. The sons and sons-in-law were all prominent rebbes in their times. She was renowned for her meticulousness in all matters relating to modesty and holiness, for herself and all her descendants. Rebbetzin Shaina Rachel was the sister-in-law of the Minchat Chinuch (her sister was his second wife).
Postcard. Approx. 13X9 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear. Folding mark. Postmarks from Buhuși and Târgu Frumos, Romania.
Letter of wedding wishes, addressed to the Koswen family. The first lines are in scribal script (presumably written by the gabbai), followed by three lines handwritten by the Rebbetzin (free translation from Yiddish): "May you all be healthy and happy, from your close friend, I wish you all only goodness and joyful happiness".
Rebbetzin Shaina Rachel Friedman (d. 1913), widow of R. Yitzchak Friedman, first rebbe of Bohush (1835-1896), daughter of Rebbe David Hager of Zablotov (son of the Ahavat Shalom of Kosov). Her mother Pessia Lea was the daughter of R. Moshe Leib of Sassov. Her father-in-law was Rebbe Shalom Yosef Friedman, eldest son of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin. The betrothal of the Rebbetzin to Rebbe Yitzchak of Bohush was celebrated in the lifetime of their illustrious grandfather R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, with his participation. The Rebbe and his Rebbetzin bore five sons and nine daughters. The sons and sons-in-law were all prominent rebbes in their times. She was renowned for her meticulousness in all matters relating to modesty and holiness, for herself and all her descendants. Rebbetzin Shaina Rachel was the sister-in-law of the Minchat Chinuch (her sister was his second wife).
Postcard. Approx. 13X9 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear. Folding mark. Postmarks from Buhuși and Târgu Frumos, Romania.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $7,000
Unsold
Letter handwritten, signed and stamped by Rebbe Yaakov Moshe Safrin of Komarno. Komarno, 1905.
Letter of recommendation for R. Yaakov Yisrael [Schmerler] of Safed, who was compelled to travel abroad to repay his medical debts. The rebbe lists in this letter R. Yaakov Yisrael's lineage, up to the Tzaddikim R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, R. Meir of Premishlan, "the Bach, Taz and other righteous and holy men". The rebbe concludes the letter with a blessing: "And in the merit of this important mitzva, and in the merit of his holy ancestors, G-d will shower upon you much blessing and an abundance of success".
Rebbe Yaakov Moshe Safrin of Komarno (1861-1929), a G-dly kabbalist and holy man. Son of Rebbe Eliezer Tzvi author of Ben Beiti and Damesek Eliezer, and grandson of the Heichal Bracha. He was a disciple of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, and the Maggid of Trisk, who greatly cherished and revered him. In 1898, following his father's passing, he began leading a Chassidic community in Komarno. His prayers were recited with tremendous passion together with weeping, and many were aroused to full repentance through his prayers. He was renowned as a wonder-worker and a G-dly kabbalist benefitting from Divine Inspiration. He became known as the Chozeh of Komarno, appellation earned by astounding revelations he was privy to with Divine Inspiration. He became famous mostly after WWI, when many Polish Jews began frequenting his court, and leading rebbes of Alexander, Radomsk and Ostrovtza would send him Kvittlach for prayer and blessing. Some Jews were blessed with wealth through his blessings and advice. He authored three books which were lost in the Holocaust. His renowned son-in-law, the Minchat Elazar of Munkacs, eulogized him: "My father-in-law benefitted from Divine Inspiration. Behold, I had private matters, which apart from G-d and myself, no one knew about, and when I stood before my father-in-law, he revealed them all to me through Divine Inspiration" (Imrei Kodesh, Komarno, Bnei Brak 2003, p. 531). He was the son-in-law (in his second marriage) of the Imrei Yosef of Spinka.
[1] leaf. Approx. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to folds, slightly affecting text. Mounted of paper for reinforcement.
This letter was published in Shalshelet Komarno (Jerusalem 2001, pp. 412-413), and its picture was printed in Shoshelet Spinka (Bnei Brak 1990, p. 221).
Letter of recommendation for R. Yaakov Yisrael [Schmerler] of Safed, who was compelled to travel abroad to repay his medical debts. The rebbe lists in this letter R. Yaakov Yisrael's lineage, up to the Tzaddikim R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, R. Meir of Premishlan, "the Bach, Taz and other righteous and holy men". The rebbe concludes the letter with a blessing: "And in the merit of this important mitzva, and in the merit of his holy ancestors, G-d will shower upon you much blessing and an abundance of success".
Rebbe Yaakov Moshe Safrin of Komarno (1861-1929), a G-dly kabbalist and holy man. Son of Rebbe Eliezer Tzvi author of Ben Beiti and Damesek Eliezer, and grandson of the Heichal Bracha. He was a disciple of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, and the Maggid of Trisk, who greatly cherished and revered him. In 1898, following his father's passing, he began leading a Chassidic community in Komarno. His prayers were recited with tremendous passion together with weeping, and many were aroused to full repentance through his prayers. He was renowned as a wonder-worker and a G-dly kabbalist benefitting from Divine Inspiration. He became known as the Chozeh of Komarno, appellation earned by astounding revelations he was privy to with Divine Inspiration. He became famous mostly after WWI, when many Polish Jews began frequenting his court, and leading rebbes of Alexander, Radomsk and Ostrovtza would send him Kvittlach for prayer and blessing. Some Jews were blessed with wealth through his blessings and advice. He authored three books which were lost in the Holocaust. His renowned son-in-law, the Minchat Elazar of Munkacs, eulogized him: "My father-in-law benefitted from Divine Inspiration. Behold, I had private matters, which apart from G-d and myself, no one knew about, and when I stood before my father-in-law, he revealed them all to me through Divine Inspiration" (Imrei Kodesh, Komarno, Bnei Brak 2003, p. 531). He was the son-in-law (in his second marriage) of the Imrei Yosef of Spinka.
[1] leaf. Approx. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to folds, slightly affecting text. Mounted of paper for reinforcement.
This letter was published in Shalshelet Komarno (Jerusalem 2001, pp. 412-413), and its picture was printed in Shoshelet Spinka (Bnei Brak 1990, p. 221).
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue