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: $500
Sold for: $813
Including buyer's premium
Tochachat Megula VehaTzad Nachash, two polemic books by R. Yosef Ergas, against the Sabbatian Nechemia Hayyun. London, [1715].
Tochachat Megula is a scathing attack by R. Yosef Ergas, author of Shomer Emunim HaKadmon, on the Sabbatian Nechemia Hayyun, who had published his Sabbatian views in his book Oz L'Elokim. In response to Tochachat Megula, Hayyun published his book Shalhevet Kah, printed in Amsterdam 1714, and R. Yosef Ergas rejoined with the booklet HaTzad Nachash.
On the verso of the title page, foreword of the publisher, R. Moshe Chagiz - leading opponent of Hayyun.
Copy of R. Mordechai Shmuel Ghirondi Rabbi of Padua. At the top of the title page, handwritten signature: "Mordechai Shmuel Ghirondi of Padua".
R. Mordechai Shmuel Ghirondi (1799-1852), Rabbi of Padua, was a kabbalist, bibliographer, teacher in the rabbinical seminary of Padua and researcher of the biographies of Italian rabbis. He served as rabbi of Padua since 1831, for 21 years. He composed several books on Halacha and ethics, yet is renowned primarily for his book Toldot Gedolei Yisrael U’Geonei Italia (Trieste, 1853). One of the leading Torah scholars of his generation praised his eminence in Kabbalah: "I have never seen anyone well-versed in Kabbalah like the kabbalist R. Mordechai Shmuel… Ghirondi". His son, R. Efraim Refael Ghirondi, describes his father: "A father to the poor… humble like Hillel, brought many to repentance… very well-versed in responsa and Halacha, rabbis of his time posed halachic questions to him, and his wise responsa to them are written in his book of responsa named Kevutzat Kesef which remains in manuscript…".
Stamps of the researcher R. Shmuel Schönblum ("S.S.") on the title page and other leaves.
[2], 62 leaves. 19 cm. Light-colored, thick, high-quality paper. Good condition. Stains. Small hole to center of leaves throughout book. Handwritten markings and references in margins. Library stamps. New leather binding.
Tochachat Megula was presumably first published in 1714, but no copies are extant of that edition. This edition is a reprint of Tochachat Megula, together with the first edition of HaTzad Nachash (see: M. Friedman, Letters Relating to the Nehemia Hiya Hayon Controversy, Sefunot, X, 1966, p. 618, no. 20).
Tochachat Megula is a scathing attack by R. Yosef Ergas, author of Shomer Emunim HaKadmon, on the Sabbatian Nechemia Hayyun, who had published his Sabbatian views in his book Oz L'Elokim. In response to Tochachat Megula, Hayyun published his book Shalhevet Kah, printed in Amsterdam 1714, and R. Yosef Ergas rejoined with the booklet HaTzad Nachash.
On the verso of the title page, foreword of the publisher, R. Moshe Chagiz - leading opponent of Hayyun.
Copy of R. Mordechai Shmuel Ghirondi Rabbi of Padua. At the top of the title page, handwritten signature: "Mordechai Shmuel Ghirondi of Padua".
R. Mordechai Shmuel Ghirondi (1799-1852), Rabbi of Padua, was a kabbalist, bibliographer, teacher in the rabbinical seminary of Padua and researcher of the biographies of Italian rabbis. He served as rabbi of Padua since 1831, for 21 years. He composed several books on Halacha and ethics, yet is renowned primarily for his book Toldot Gedolei Yisrael U’Geonei Italia (Trieste, 1853). One of the leading Torah scholars of his generation praised his eminence in Kabbalah: "I have never seen anyone well-versed in Kabbalah like the kabbalist R. Mordechai Shmuel… Ghirondi". His son, R. Efraim Refael Ghirondi, describes his father: "A father to the poor… humble like Hillel, brought many to repentance… very well-versed in responsa and Halacha, rabbis of his time posed halachic questions to him, and his wise responsa to them are written in his book of responsa named Kevutzat Kesef which remains in manuscript…".
Stamps of the researcher R. Shmuel Schönblum ("S.S.") on the title page and other leaves.
[2], 62 leaves. 19 cm. Light-colored, thick, high-quality paper. Good condition. Stains. Small hole to center of leaves throughout book. Handwritten markings and references in margins. Library stamps. New leather binding.
Tochachat Megula was presumably first published in 1714, but no copies are extant of that edition. This edition is a reprint of Tochachat Megula, together with the first edition of HaTzad Nachash (see: M. Friedman, Letters Relating to the Nehemia Hiya Hayon Controversy, Sefunot, X, 1966, p. 618, no. 20).
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $700
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Gedi Mekulas, commentary to the Chad Gadya piyyut from the Passover Haggadah, by R. Avraham Aberle of Norden, Ostfriesland (East Frisia). [Altona, 1770].
This copy appears to have belonged to the author, who added handwritten glosses and emendations in several places. At the end of the preface, correction of the numerical value of his name Avraham. In several places, corrections of mistakes and printing errors. At the end of the commentary to VeAta Maya, in a passage relating to the non-Jewish nations and Christianity, he writes regretfully of the passage he was compelled to omit in print: "Here, a precious jewel was lost in print, for fear of the oppressor". He is presumably referring to the Christian censorship which did not allow him to print anything derogatory about the non-Jews or Christianity.
In the final leaf, the author relates to the polemic surrounding the authorship of the Zohar, and he tries to resolve their arguments. This book may be the author's response to the book Mitpachat Sefarim by R. Yaakov Emden (who lived at that time in Altona, and printed the book in his home in 1766).
32 pages. 17 cm. Good condition. Stains and light wear. Old leather binding.
Yaari 164; Otzar HaHaggadot 254.
This copy appears to have belonged to the author, who added handwritten glosses and emendations in several places. At the end of the preface, correction of the numerical value of his name Avraham. In several places, corrections of mistakes and printing errors. At the end of the commentary to VeAta Maya, in a passage relating to the non-Jewish nations and Christianity, he writes regretfully of the passage he was compelled to omit in print: "Here, a precious jewel was lost in print, for fear of the oppressor". He is presumably referring to the Christian censorship which did not allow him to print anything derogatory about the non-Jews or Christianity.
In the final leaf, the author relates to the polemic surrounding the authorship of the Zohar, and he tries to resolve their arguments. This book may be the author's response to the book Mitpachat Sefarim by R. Yaakov Emden (who lived at that time in Altona, and printed the book in his home in 1766).
32 pages. 17 cm. Good condition. Stains and light wear. Old leather binding.
Yaari 164; Otzar HaHaggadot 254.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $425
Including buyer's premium
Machaneh Efraim, on the Rambam's Mishneh Torah, by R. Efraim Navon. Sudylkiv, 1835.
Handwritten inscription on the front endpaper: "This precious Machaneh Efraim belongs to our teacher, the illustrious and world-renowned… R. Yehoshua Eizek, rabbi of Slonim". On the same page, signature: "Yaakov Ben Tzion Shapiro" (presumably a descendant of R. Eizel Charif).
R. Yehoshua Eizek Shapira (1801-1873), known as R. Eizel Charif of Slonim, was renowned throughout the Jewish world as a tremendous, brilliant and astute Torah scholar, who mastered the entire Torah. Already in his youth, he was proficient in both the Babylonian and the Jerusalem Talmuds. In 1832, he was appointed dean of the Minsk yeshiva. He later served as rabbi of Kalvarija, Kutno, Tiktin (Tykocin) and Slonim in Lithuania. He authored many compositions reputed for their depth and brilliance. The most renowned ones are Emek Yehoshua and Noam Yerushalmi on tractates of the Jerusalem Talmud. R. Eizel Charif was also famous for his perspicacity and wit in worldly matters, and many of his riddles and witty comments became widespread amongst the masses, and were even published in special anthologies (attributing to him most folk jokes about the wisdom and wit of rabbis in general).
Ownership stamps of R. "Yosef Ferber director and dean of the Or Yisrael yeshiva, Slabodka-Kovno" - R. Yosef Ferber (d. 1970), later founder and director of the Heichal HaTalmud yeshiva in Tel Aviv. Foremost disciple of the Saba of Slabodka, who even selected him as the groom of his granddaughter Rebbetzin Rivka Leah (daughter of his son-in-law - the brilliant Torah scholar R. Shlomo Yehuda Leib Palchinsky, a rabbi in Dvinsk). R. Y. Ferber's brother-in-law was from the Shapiro family, a descendant of R. Eizel Charif. This copy of Machaneh Efraim, previously owned by R. Eizel Charif, may have reached R. Y. Ferber through the family of this brother-in-law.
[2], 65, 67-68; 44 leaves. 37.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Original binding, damaged. Front board detached. Leather spine, damaged.
Handwritten inscription on the front endpaper: "This precious Machaneh Efraim belongs to our teacher, the illustrious and world-renowned… R. Yehoshua Eizek, rabbi of Slonim". On the same page, signature: "Yaakov Ben Tzion Shapiro" (presumably a descendant of R. Eizel Charif).
R. Yehoshua Eizek Shapira (1801-1873), known as R. Eizel Charif of Slonim, was renowned throughout the Jewish world as a tremendous, brilliant and astute Torah scholar, who mastered the entire Torah. Already in his youth, he was proficient in both the Babylonian and the Jerusalem Talmuds. In 1832, he was appointed dean of the Minsk yeshiva. He later served as rabbi of Kalvarija, Kutno, Tiktin (Tykocin) and Slonim in Lithuania. He authored many compositions reputed for their depth and brilliance. The most renowned ones are Emek Yehoshua and Noam Yerushalmi on tractates of the Jerusalem Talmud. R. Eizel Charif was also famous for his perspicacity and wit in worldly matters, and many of his riddles and witty comments became widespread amongst the masses, and were even published in special anthologies (attributing to him most folk jokes about the wisdom and wit of rabbis in general).
Ownership stamps of R. "Yosef Ferber director and dean of the Or Yisrael yeshiva, Slabodka-Kovno" - R. Yosef Ferber (d. 1970), later founder and director of the Heichal HaTalmud yeshiva in Tel Aviv. Foremost disciple of the Saba of Slabodka, who even selected him as the groom of his granddaughter Rebbetzin Rivka Leah (daughter of his son-in-law - the brilliant Torah scholar R. Shlomo Yehuda Leib Palchinsky, a rabbi in Dvinsk). R. Y. Ferber's brother-in-law was from the Shapiro family, a descendant of R. Eizel Charif. This copy of Machaneh Efraim, previously owned by R. Eizel Charif, may have reached R. Y. Ferber through the family of this brother-in-law.
[2], 65, 67-68; 44 leaves. 37.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Original binding, damaged. Front board detached. Leather spine, damaged.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Unsold
Chiddushei Kiddushin by the Rashba. Berlin, 1733. Second edition of this part.
Signatures on the title page: "R. Bendit Teissl[ich?]", "Avraham", "David son of R. Efraim Fishel". In the center of the page, signature: "Natan", this may be the signature of R. Natan Adler.
R. Natan HaKohen Adler Katz (1842-1900), an outstanding Torah scholar of Frankfurt am Main, who was well-versed in Kabbalah. He was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer - the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as: "My prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles.
[1], 3-81 leaves. 19.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains and light wear. Minor damage. Original binding, damaged and partially detached.
Signatures on the title page: "R. Bendit Teissl[ich?]", "Avraham", "David son of R. Efraim Fishel". In the center of the page, signature: "Natan", this may be the signature of R. Natan Adler.
R. Natan HaKohen Adler Katz (1842-1900), an outstanding Torah scholar of Frankfurt am Main, who was well-versed in Kabbalah. He was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer - the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as: "My prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles.
[1], 3-81 leaves. 19.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains and light wear. Minor damage. Original binding, damaged and partially detached.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $813
Including buyer's premium
Shaarei Dura, laws of Issur V'Heter, by R. Yitzchak of Dura (Düren), with glosses (by R. Yisrael Isserlein) and Mevo She'arim (by R. Natan Nata Shapiro). Jeßnitz, [1724].
Copy of R. Moshe Grünwald author of Arugat HaBosem, and of his son R. Avraham Yosef Rabbi of Ungvar (Uzhhorod). Stamps of R. "Moshe Grünwald Rabbi of Khust and the region", and of his son R. "Avraham Yosef Grünwald, rabbi of Ungvar and the region".
Early signatures: "Avraham son of R. Beirach"; "I acquired it… Yaakov of ---"; "Yaakov Meir Tzvi Friedland" (R. Yaakov Meir Tzvi Friedlander, rabbi and yeshiva dean of Šurany, Hungary, author of Derech Yama, d. Cheshvan 1847. Grandfather of R. Shaul Brach who published some of his novellae. See: Ishim BiTeshuvot HaChatam Sofer, p. 195); "Yehuda [Leib…?]"; "Avraham [of Łask?]"; "…Avraham A… Kohen of Nikolsburg, presently in Oben"; and other signatures (deleted).
Handwritten glosses from various writers.
R. Moshe son of R. Amram Grünwald (1853-1910, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav p. 521), leading rabbi and yeshiva dean in Hungary. A disciple of R. Menachem Katz Prostitz of Tzeilem and of the Ketav Sofer in Pressburg. Already in his youth, he directed a yeshiva in his birthplace Charna (Csorna), later serving as rabbi of several Hungarian communities and from 1893, of Khust. Though he was a product of the Chatam Sofer's yeshiva, he was drawn to Chassidism and would frequent the courts of the rebbes of Belz and Sighet. In Khust, he set up his glorious court and expanded his yeshiva, which became one of the largest yeshivot in Hungary. Students from throughout the country and beyond flocked to his yeshiva, and many Hungarian rabbis were his disciples. He was renowned for his compositions on Halacha and Aggadah named Arugat HaBosem. His son was R. Yaakov Yechizkiya Grünwald Rabbi and Rebbe of Pupa (Pápa), and his grandson was Rebbe Yosef Grünwald of Pupa, who established the Pupa Chassidic dynasty in the United States after the Holocaust. His son R. Avraham Yosef Grünwald (d. 1928) served as rabbi of Makava (Makó), Khust and Ungvar.
[3], 66, 8 leaves. 32 cm. Fair condition. Stains and light wear. Dampstains. Worming. Marginal paper repairs to title page, affecting border. Old binding, with damage and worming.
Copy of R. Moshe Grünwald author of Arugat HaBosem, and of his son R. Avraham Yosef Rabbi of Ungvar (Uzhhorod). Stamps of R. "Moshe Grünwald Rabbi of Khust and the region", and of his son R. "Avraham Yosef Grünwald, rabbi of Ungvar and the region".
Early signatures: "Avraham son of R. Beirach"; "I acquired it… Yaakov of ---"; "Yaakov Meir Tzvi Friedland" (R. Yaakov Meir Tzvi Friedlander, rabbi and yeshiva dean of Šurany, Hungary, author of Derech Yama, d. Cheshvan 1847. Grandfather of R. Shaul Brach who published some of his novellae. See: Ishim BiTeshuvot HaChatam Sofer, p. 195); "Yehuda [Leib…?]"; "Avraham [of Łask?]"; "…Avraham A… Kohen of Nikolsburg, presently in Oben"; and other signatures (deleted).
Handwritten glosses from various writers.
R. Moshe son of R. Amram Grünwald (1853-1910, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav p. 521), leading rabbi and yeshiva dean in Hungary. A disciple of R. Menachem Katz Prostitz of Tzeilem and of the Ketav Sofer in Pressburg. Already in his youth, he directed a yeshiva in his birthplace Charna (Csorna), later serving as rabbi of several Hungarian communities and from 1893, of Khust. Though he was a product of the Chatam Sofer's yeshiva, he was drawn to Chassidism and would frequent the courts of the rebbes of Belz and Sighet. In Khust, he set up his glorious court and expanded his yeshiva, which became one of the largest yeshivot in Hungary. Students from throughout the country and beyond flocked to his yeshiva, and many Hungarian rabbis were his disciples. He was renowned for his compositions on Halacha and Aggadah named Arugat HaBosem. His son was R. Yaakov Yechizkiya Grünwald Rabbi and Rebbe of Pupa (Pápa), and his grandson was Rebbe Yosef Grünwald of Pupa, who established the Pupa Chassidic dynasty in the United States after the Holocaust. His son R. Avraham Yosef Grünwald (d. 1928) served as rabbi of Makava (Makó), Khust and Ungvar.
[3], 66, 8 leaves. 32 cm. Fair condition. Stains and light wear. Dampstains. Worming. Marginal paper repairs to title page, affecting border. Old binding, with damage and worming.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $1,375
Including buyer's premium
Shev Shemateta, novellae on fundamental Talmudic principles, by R. Aryeh Leib HaKohen Heller, author of Ketzot HaChoshen and Avnei Milu'im. Lviv, 1872.
Many signatures and ownership inscriptions from several writers, including signatures and an inscription from the Maharshag in his youth. An inscription dedicating the book to the Maharshag, and another ownership inscription from the one who purchased the book from the Maharshag. Scholarly glosses and dozens of handwritten corrections from various writers.
The first inscription in the book is the ownership inscription of "Aharon Chaim of Bonyhád", who acquired the book in 1877. The second inscription is a dedication signed by "Aharon Chaim Salzer of Pest", giving the book as a gift to his friend "the young student Shimon Grünfeld". The third inscription was written by "Shimon Grünfeld of Khust", testifying that he received the book as a gift "from the outstanding student Aharon Chaim Salzer from the capital city of Pest". Another three signatures of the student "Shimon Grünfeld of Khust" (his association with Khust is presumably from the period he studied in the Khust yeshiva under the Maharam Schick), and another signature: "Shimon Grünfeld". Many signatures and stamps of "Yerucham Tzvi HaKohen". On the back endpaper, ownership inscription of Yerucham Tzvi HaKohen, who acquired the book in exchange for other books in 1884 "from the young Torah scholar R. Shimon G.F.". Other signatures of "Shlomo Aharon…".
This book was in the possession of the young student and Torah scholar R. Shimon Grünfeld in ca. 1877-1884. This student later became known as one of the most prominent rabbis of Hungary - R. Shimon Grünfeld, the Maharshag, rabbi of Szemihaly (Bűdszentmihály; 1860-1930), disciple of the Kol Aryeh, the Maharam Schick and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He served as dayan in Munkacs, and from 1907, as rabbi and yeshiva dean in Szemihaly, and was considered one of the foremost rabbis of Hungary (in those days, people would say that there were three leading rabbis in Hungary: the Maharshag, R. Yeshaya Silberstein of Waitzen and R. Mordechai Winkler author of Levushei Mordechai). Many Hungarian rabbis were his disciples. He left behind over two thousand halachic responsa, most of which were printed in the three parts of Responsa Maharshag.
80 leaves. 24.5 cm. Dry, slight brittle paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal damage and minor tears to title page. Two leaves in middle trimmed, not affecting text. Old binding, damaged. Index in (late) handwriting found between the leaves of the book.
Many signatures and ownership inscriptions from several writers, including signatures and an inscription from the Maharshag in his youth. An inscription dedicating the book to the Maharshag, and another ownership inscription from the one who purchased the book from the Maharshag. Scholarly glosses and dozens of handwritten corrections from various writers.
The first inscription in the book is the ownership inscription of "Aharon Chaim of Bonyhád", who acquired the book in 1877. The second inscription is a dedication signed by "Aharon Chaim Salzer of Pest", giving the book as a gift to his friend "the young student Shimon Grünfeld". The third inscription was written by "Shimon Grünfeld of Khust", testifying that he received the book as a gift "from the outstanding student Aharon Chaim Salzer from the capital city of Pest". Another three signatures of the student "Shimon Grünfeld of Khust" (his association with Khust is presumably from the period he studied in the Khust yeshiva under the Maharam Schick), and another signature: "Shimon Grünfeld". Many signatures and stamps of "Yerucham Tzvi HaKohen". On the back endpaper, ownership inscription of Yerucham Tzvi HaKohen, who acquired the book in exchange for other books in 1884 "from the young Torah scholar R. Shimon G.F.". Other signatures of "Shlomo Aharon…".
This book was in the possession of the young student and Torah scholar R. Shimon Grünfeld in ca. 1877-1884. This student later became known as one of the most prominent rabbis of Hungary - R. Shimon Grünfeld, the Maharshag, rabbi of Szemihaly (Bűdszentmihály; 1860-1930), disciple of the Kol Aryeh, the Maharam Schick and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He served as dayan in Munkacs, and from 1907, as rabbi and yeshiva dean in Szemihaly, and was considered one of the foremost rabbis of Hungary (in those days, people would say that there were three leading rabbis in Hungary: the Maharshag, R. Yeshaya Silberstein of Waitzen and R. Mordechai Winkler author of Levushei Mordechai). Many Hungarian rabbis were his disciples. He left behind over two thousand halachic responsa, most of which were printed in the three parts of Responsa Maharshag.
80 leaves. 24.5 cm. Dry, slight brittle paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal damage and minor tears to title page. Two leaves in middle trimmed, not affecting text. Old binding, damaged. Index in (late) handwriting found between the leaves of the book.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Torat Moshe, commentary to the Five Books of the Torah in three parts, by R. Moshe Sofer, author of Chatam Sofer. Pressburg (Bratislava), [1879]-1893. First edition.
The handwritten signature of the publisher, R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Erloi - grandson of the author, appears at the foot of the divisional title pages of the three parts (excluding the title page preceding Bamidbar). The title pages state that "Any book which does not bear my stamp is stolen…", though this copy has R. Shimon Sofer's handwritten signature and not his stamp: "Shimon son of R. A.Sh.B. (Avraham Shmuel Binyamin) Sofer, rabbi of Erloi".
R. Shimon Sofer author of Hitorerut Teshuva (1850-1944), son of the Ketav Sofer. He served as rabbi of Erloi (Erlau) from 1881. An elder leader of the generation, and prominent rabbi from the family of the Chatam Sofer. He perished in the Holocaust at the age of 94, in Sivan 1944. His grandson was Rebbe Yochanan, rebbe of Erloi (1923-2016).
Three parts in one volume. [1], 16, 21-24, 29-52; [1], 24, 32-35, 37-40, 45-52, 57-69, 72-92; [1], 66; 60; 80 leaves. Many leaves bound out of sequence. Lacking 27 leaves throughout book. Title page of Shemot bound in place of that of Bereshit, as well as at beginning of Bamidbar (which originally did not have a title page). Approx. 23 cm. Exceptionally dry and brittle paper. Fair condition. Some leaves in fair-poor condition. Stains and wear. Damage and large open tears to many leaves, affecting text. Leaves trimmed with damage to text in several places. Some detached leaves. Old binding.
The handwritten signature of the publisher, R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Erloi - grandson of the author, appears at the foot of the divisional title pages of the three parts (excluding the title page preceding Bamidbar). The title pages state that "Any book which does not bear my stamp is stolen…", though this copy has R. Shimon Sofer's handwritten signature and not his stamp: "Shimon son of R. A.Sh.B. (Avraham Shmuel Binyamin) Sofer, rabbi of Erloi".
R. Shimon Sofer author of Hitorerut Teshuva (1850-1944), son of the Ketav Sofer. He served as rabbi of Erloi (Erlau) from 1881. An elder leader of the generation, and prominent rabbi from the family of the Chatam Sofer. He perished in the Holocaust at the age of 94, in Sivan 1944. His grandson was Rebbe Yochanan, rebbe of Erloi (1923-2016).
Three parts in one volume. [1], 16, 21-24, 29-52; [1], 24, 32-35, 37-40, 45-52, 57-69, 72-92; [1], 66; 60; 80 leaves. Many leaves bound out of sequence. Lacking 27 leaves throughout book. Title page of Shemot bound in place of that of Bereshit, as well as at beginning of Bamidbar (which originally did not have a title page). Approx. 23 cm. Exceptionally dry and brittle paper. Fair condition. Some leaves in fair-poor condition. Stains and wear. Damage and large open tears to many leaves, affecting text. Leaves trimmed with damage to text in several places. Some detached leaves. Old binding.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Unsold
Responsa Chatam Sofer, parts I, II and III. Orach Chaim, Yoreh De'ah and Choshen Mishpat, by R. Moshe Sofer Rabbi of Pressburg. Vienna, 1895.
At the top of the first title page, signature of R. Reuven Chaim Klein, son-in-law of R. Yeshayale of Kerestir: "Reuven Chaim Klein son of R. Tz.D.", and his stamp from the time he was being supported by his father-in-law in Kerestir: "Reuven Chaim Klein - Bodrogkeresztúr".
The book contains dozens of lengthy handwritten glosses (mostly in ink, several in pencil). In some of the glosses, he mentions cases he was asked to rule on (see for instance Yoreh De'ah p. 10b: "…in the case which I was asked to rule on several times…"). The glosses were written over the course of many years, and the style of writing varies in accordance with the age (they were presumably all written by R. Reuven Chaim himself).
R. Reuven Chaim Klein (1884-perished in the Holocaust 1942), son-in-law of the renowned Tzaddik Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir, and son of R. Tzvi Dov Klein of Munkacs (a prominent Munkacs Chassid). He was a disciple of the Darchei Teshuva of Munkacs and of R. Netanel Fried author of Penei Mevin. In 1902, R. Yeshayale of Kerestir selected him as a groom for his eldest daughter, Rebbetzin Rivka Feiga, and he supported him generously for ten years. In 1912, he was appointed rabbi of Snina, eastern Slovakia, a position he held for over thirty years. He also headed the yeshiva there, and edified many disciples. In 1938, he published his book Responsa Mateh Reuven on Yoreh De'ah. At the beginning of his book, he dedicates several lines in memory of his father-in-law: "…in memory of the prominent Tzaddik… pillar of kindness… R. Yeshaya son of R. Moshe of Kerestir, and my mother-in-law, the pious rebbetzin… whose home was open to all like the home of Avraham our forefather, they supported me in their home for many years with great honor… words will not suffice to describe the great kindness they bestowed upon me over the course of their life…". During the Holocaust, when the Nazis deported all the resident of Snina to an extermination camp, one of the town's Christian governors offered to shelter him, yet R. Reuven Chaim refused, stating that he preferred to remain with his disciples and members of his community. In 1942, he was murdered in a camp close to Lublin.
[3], 2-78 leaves; [5], 2-146, [1] leaves; [2], 2-82 leaves. (A handwritten inscription on the endpaper indicates that leaves 43-44 of Yoreh De'ah are lacking, thought these leaves were presumably replaced from another copy). 39 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Fair-poor condition. Worming. Wear and tears. Detached leaves. Binding detached and very damaged.
At the top of the first title page, signature of R. Reuven Chaim Klein, son-in-law of R. Yeshayale of Kerestir: "Reuven Chaim Klein son of R. Tz.D.", and his stamp from the time he was being supported by his father-in-law in Kerestir: "Reuven Chaim Klein - Bodrogkeresztúr".
The book contains dozens of lengthy handwritten glosses (mostly in ink, several in pencil). In some of the glosses, he mentions cases he was asked to rule on (see for instance Yoreh De'ah p. 10b: "…in the case which I was asked to rule on several times…"). The glosses were written over the course of many years, and the style of writing varies in accordance with the age (they were presumably all written by R. Reuven Chaim himself).
R. Reuven Chaim Klein (1884-perished in the Holocaust 1942), son-in-law of the renowned Tzaddik Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir, and son of R. Tzvi Dov Klein of Munkacs (a prominent Munkacs Chassid). He was a disciple of the Darchei Teshuva of Munkacs and of R. Netanel Fried author of Penei Mevin. In 1902, R. Yeshayale of Kerestir selected him as a groom for his eldest daughter, Rebbetzin Rivka Feiga, and he supported him generously for ten years. In 1912, he was appointed rabbi of Snina, eastern Slovakia, a position he held for over thirty years. He also headed the yeshiva there, and edified many disciples. In 1938, he published his book Responsa Mateh Reuven on Yoreh De'ah. At the beginning of his book, he dedicates several lines in memory of his father-in-law: "…in memory of the prominent Tzaddik… pillar of kindness… R. Yeshaya son of R. Moshe of Kerestir, and my mother-in-law, the pious rebbetzin… whose home was open to all like the home of Avraham our forefather, they supported me in their home for many years with great honor… words will not suffice to describe the great kindness they bestowed upon me over the course of their life…". During the Holocaust, when the Nazis deported all the resident of Snina to an extermination camp, one of the town's Christian governors offered to shelter him, yet R. Reuven Chaim refused, stating that he preferred to remain with his disciples and members of his community. In 1942, he was murdered in a camp close to Lublin.
[3], 2-78 leaves; [5], 2-146, [1] leaves; [2], 2-82 leaves. (A handwritten inscription on the endpaper indicates that leaves 43-44 of Yoreh De'ah are lacking, thought these leaves were presumably replaced from another copy). 39 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Fair-poor condition. Worming. Wear and tears. Detached leaves. Binding detached and very damaged.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $400
Including buyer's premium
Assorted collection of title pages from various books, some featuring ownership inscriptions and signatures of rabbis.
The collection consists of title pages of books from the 17th and 18th century, including: Levush HaButz VehaArgaman - Venice, 1620; Torat Moshe (Alshech) - Venice, 1600; and more (see Hebrew description for full list).
Some of the leaves bear signatures, ownership inscriptions and dedications, including signatures and dedications from rabbis (see partial list in Hebrew description).
16 title pages (some with a few more leaves from the book). Size and condition vary.
The collection consists of title pages of books from the 17th and 18th century, including: Levush HaButz VehaArgaman - Venice, 1620; Torat Moshe (Alshech) - Venice, 1600; and more (see Hebrew description for full list).
Some of the leaves bear signatures, ownership inscriptions and dedications, including signatures and dedications from rabbis (see partial list in Hebrew description).
16 title pages (some with a few more leaves from the book). Size and condition vary.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Siddur Or MiTzion, Ashkenazi rite. Jerusalem: Levin-Epstein, 1977.
On the front endpaper, ownership inscription and address handwritten by R. Chaim Kanievsky: "B.S.D., Kanievsky, Rashbam 23".
The Steipler and his son R. Chaim were particular to pray from Or MiTzion siddurim, which follow the Ashkenazi rite of Poland-Lithuania, without any changes or innovations. Orchot Rabbenu HaKehilot Yaakov (I, p. 348) reports: "My teacher (R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky - the Steipler, father of R. Chaim)… would pray all the years only from siddurim published by Levin-Epstein or Eshkol… even though the Names were written with two Yuds…".
[1], 111 leaves. 20 cm. Good condition. Usage stains and light wear. Small dampstains to final leaves. Original binding.
On the front endpaper, ownership inscription and address handwritten by R. Chaim Kanievsky: "B.S.D., Kanievsky, Rashbam 23".
The Steipler and his son R. Chaim were particular to pray from Or MiTzion siddurim, which follow the Ashkenazi rite of Poland-Lithuania, without any changes or innovations. Orchot Rabbenu HaKehilot Yaakov (I, p. 348) reports: "My teacher (R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky - the Steipler, father of R. Chaim)… would pray all the years only from siddurim published by Levin-Epstein or Eshkol… even though the Names were written with two Yuds…".
[1], 111 leaves. 20 cm. Good condition. Usage stains and light wear. Small dampstains to final leaves. Original binding.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedications
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