Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
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Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Bnei Yissaschar, Chassidic and Kabbalistic essays on the festivals and months of the year, Part II, Tishrei-Adar, by Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech Shapiro Rabbi of Munkacs and Dinov. [Zhovkva, 1846]. First edition.
Part II of this book was published before Part I, which was first printed in Zhovkva, 1850. The date of printing is indicated in the colophon at the end of the book: "And the work was completed on Tuesday, 38th day of the Omer [23rd Iyar] 1846…".
This first edition was printed without a title page, since the censorship did not authorize the printing of this book (see below). This copy includes a fine, handwritten title page, set within a decorative border. The writer even composed an original text for the title page, including the year of printing (based on the colophon): " Bnei Yissaschar... these delicacies were prepared by the prominent rabbi and Chassid, R. Tzvi Elimelech, many followed the light of his Torah when he served as rabbi of Munkacs and the vicinity, and later… at Dinov, Poland… printed in Zhovkva 1846".
Reputedly, the author would experience exceptional holiness and elevation during Chanukah, and once, when he wished to question his prime teacher the Chozeh of Lublin as to the cause of this phenomenon, his teacher explained, even before he had a chance to ask: You originate from the tribe of Yissachar, and in your earlier incarnation you were a member of the Beit Din of the Chashmonaim, which is why you experience extra holiness during Chanukah. He therefore named his book Bnei Yissaschar. It is recorded that the Divrei Chaim of Sanz once closeted himself in his room on Rosh Hashanah before the shofar blowing, studying the book Bnei Yissaschar for several hours with great intensity, as a preparation for the shofar blowing (foreword to Yod'ei Binah, by R. Elazar Tzvi Shapiro, son of the Bnei Yissachar; Beit Shlomo, New York 2005 edition, p. 15; Shai Agnon, Sefer Sofer VeSipur, p. 457).
The printing of this first edition without a title page is also linked with a wondrous episode. There was once a scholarly young man named Yosef Tarler (1794-1854), who associated with the leading members of the Haskalah from a young age, and would frequently read heretic literature. He once heard the Bnei Yissaschar reading the verses in the Torah pertaining to the prohibition of Gid HaNasheh with great fervor. This Yosef responded with mockery, scorning the holiness of the Torah. When the Bnei Yissaschar heard of this, he retorted: "I am certain that he will eventually convert to Christianity…". Upon hearing of the Bnei Yissaschar's prediction, Yosef Tarler mockingly reported it to R. Naftali of Ropshitz, who replied in jest, "If so, it is a mitzva to follow the words of the sages". Yosef Tarler later served as kosher meat trader in Lviv, and when apprehended for forging documents of a Polish nobleman, he evaded his punishment by converting to Christianity, together with his family. He was then appointed the official censor in Lviv. When approached for permission to publish the book of the Bnei Yissaschar, following the latter's passing, the apostate censor categorically refused, arguing that he did not wish to approve the printing of the book of the one who had predicted his defection. The first edition was therefore printed without title page, in order to obscure the place and year of printing (Ohel Naftali, Warsaw 1911, pp. 98-99; Naftali Ben Menachem, Temirin, I, pp. 313-316).
Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech Langsam-Shapiro (1783-1841), a most prominent Chassidic leader, close disciple of R. Mendele of Rimanov and disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, as well as of the Rebbe of Apta and the Maggid of Kozhnitz. From a young age, he served as rabbi of various Galician towns, yet is primarily renowned as rabbi of Dinov, where he was later appointed rebbe in 1815. He also served as rabbi of Munkacs, capital of Carpatho-Russia. He authored dozens of compositions on Halachah and Aggadah, Chassidism and Kabbalah. His magnum opus, by whose name he became known throughout the Jewish world, is the book Bnei Yissaschar. His descendants branched out into many dynasties of rabbis and rebbes: Dinov, Munkacs, Bikovsk and more.
Signature on the handwritten title page: "I hereby sign my name, Yaakov Ketina". The book contains three glosses, presumably in his handwriting (pp. 22a and 26a).
R. Yaakov (Klein) Ketina (d. 1890), head of the Khust Beit Din prior to the Maharam Schick's tenure there as rabbi. He was a close disciple of the Divrei Chaim, rebbe of Sanz. He authored Rachamei HaAv and Korban HeAni, which he published anonymously (Rachamei HaAv has since been published in dozens of editions).
116 leaves + [1] handwritten and hand-decorated title page. 22 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Light wear to several leaves. Tear to leaf 9, affecting several letters. Minor worming. Stamp on title page. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 92.
Part II of this book was published before Part I, which was first printed in Zhovkva, 1850. The date of printing is indicated in the colophon at the end of the book: "And the work was completed on Tuesday, 38th day of the Omer [23rd Iyar] 1846…".
This first edition was printed without a title page, since the censorship did not authorize the printing of this book (see below). This copy includes a fine, handwritten title page, set within a decorative border. The writer even composed an original text for the title page, including the year of printing (based on the colophon): " Bnei Yissaschar... these delicacies were prepared by the prominent rabbi and Chassid, R. Tzvi Elimelech, many followed the light of his Torah when he served as rabbi of Munkacs and the vicinity, and later… at Dinov, Poland… printed in Zhovkva 1846".
Reputedly, the author would experience exceptional holiness and elevation during Chanukah, and once, when he wished to question his prime teacher the Chozeh of Lublin as to the cause of this phenomenon, his teacher explained, even before he had a chance to ask: You originate from the tribe of Yissachar, and in your earlier incarnation you were a member of the Beit Din of the Chashmonaim, which is why you experience extra holiness during Chanukah. He therefore named his book Bnei Yissaschar. It is recorded that the Divrei Chaim of Sanz once closeted himself in his room on Rosh Hashanah before the shofar blowing, studying the book Bnei Yissaschar for several hours with great intensity, as a preparation for the shofar blowing (foreword to Yod'ei Binah, by R. Elazar Tzvi Shapiro, son of the Bnei Yissachar; Beit Shlomo, New York 2005 edition, p. 15; Shai Agnon, Sefer Sofer VeSipur, p. 457).
The printing of this first edition without a title page is also linked with a wondrous episode. There was once a scholarly young man named Yosef Tarler (1794-1854), who associated with the leading members of the Haskalah from a young age, and would frequently read heretic literature. He once heard the Bnei Yissaschar reading the verses in the Torah pertaining to the prohibition of Gid HaNasheh with great fervor. This Yosef responded with mockery, scorning the holiness of the Torah. When the Bnei Yissaschar heard of this, he retorted: "I am certain that he will eventually convert to Christianity…". Upon hearing of the Bnei Yissaschar's prediction, Yosef Tarler mockingly reported it to R. Naftali of Ropshitz, who replied in jest, "If so, it is a mitzva to follow the words of the sages". Yosef Tarler later served as kosher meat trader in Lviv, and when apprehended for forging documents of a Polish nobleman, he evaded his punishment by converting to Christianity, together with his family. He was then appointed the official censor in Lviv. When approached for permission to publish the book of the Bnei Yissaschar, following the latter's passing, the apostate censor categorically refused, arguing that he did not wish to approve the printing of the book of the one who had predicted his defection. The first edition was therefore printed without title page, in order to obscure the place and year of printing (Ohel Naftali, Warsaw 1911, pp. 98-99; Naftali Ben Menachem, Temirin, I, pp. 313-316).
Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech Langsam-Shapiro (1783-1841), a most prominent Chassidic leader, close disciple of R. Mendele of Rimanov and disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, as well as of the Rebbe of Apta and the Maggid of Kozhnitz. From a young age, he served as rabbi of various Galician towns, yet is primarily renowned as rabbi of Dinov, where he was later appointed rebbe in 1815. He also served as rabbi of Munkacs, capital of Carpatho-Russia. He authored dozens of compositions on Halachah and Aggadah, Chassidism and Kabbalah. His magnum opus, by whose name he became known throughout the Jewish world, is the book Bnei Yissaschar. His descendants branched out into many dynasties of rabbis and rebbes: Dinov, Munkacs, Bikovsk and more.
Signature on the handwritten title page: "I hereby sign my name, Yaakov Ketina". The book contains three glosses, presumably in his handwriting (pp. 22a and 26a).
R. Yaakov (Klein) Ketina (d. 1890), head of the Khust Beit Din prior to the Maharam Schick's tenure there as rabbi. He was a close disciple of the Divrei Chaim, rebbe of Sanz. He authored Rachamei HaAv and Korban HeAni, which he published anonymously (Rachamei HaAv has since been published in dozens of editions).
116 leaves + [1] handwritten and hand-decorated title page. 22 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Light wear to several leaves. Tear to leaf 9, affecting several letters. Minor worming. Stamp on title page. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 92.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
![Bat Ayin, by Rebbe Avraham Dov of Ovritsh. Jerusalem: R. Yisrael Bak, [1847]. First edition.
This book is a basic text of C](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale69a-public/59.jpg "Bat Ayin – First Edition – Jerusalem, 1847")
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Bat Ayin, by Rebbe Avraham Dov of Ovritsh. Jerusalem: R. Yisrael Bak, [1847]. First edition.
This book is a basic text of Chassidic thought and contains the holiness of Eretz Israel. It was written by the disciples of the author, but it was carefully edited by Rebbe Avraham Dov after Rebbe Mordechai of Chernobyl instructed him to print it. Upon the instructions of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, the first edition of the book was printed specifically in Eretz Israel and not in the Diaspora, as the publisher states in his foreword. The Zhitomir edition (1869) contains several additional lines in the author's preface, where he writes that his book contains the holiness of Eretz Israel: "I called this book Bat Ayin, since that title has the same numerical value as my name… and because I have inserted the holiness of the Holy Land in my writings, and the land is referred to as being under the constant scrutiny of G-d's watchful eyes" (ayin in Hebrew).
Rebbe Aharon of Chernobyl writes in his approbation to the 1869 edition: "I hereby… bless… anyone who buys this book at full price, with success in all their dealings".
The author, Rebbe Avraham Dov of Ovritsh (Ovruch; 1765-1841), was a renowned chassid and disciple of R. Nachum of Chernobyl and his son R. Mordechai as well as of R. Zusha of Anipoli and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. He served as rabbi of Ovritsh for 40 years, and was known as "the holy rabbi of Ovritsh". In 1833 he immigrated to Eretz Israel, and established his Beit Midrash in Safed, where he became the leader of the Chassidic communities. Miraculous stories are told of his deliverance from the tragic earthquake in 1837, which took place during the late afternoon Mincha prayers in the synagogues. The Rebbe warned his Chassidim not to leave the synagogue, and he himself lay on the floor of the Beit Midrash while the surrounding congregation held on to his belt. The entire building collapsed with the exception of the narrow area in which the Rebbe and his followers lay (some time later, the Rebbe related that he recognized that the earthquake had not been a natural event, since the stones were cast to the sides and did not fall directly to the ground in spite of their weight. He understood that great power had been granted to the Satan, and he therefore lay submissively on the ground in fulfillment of the verse "Wait a moment until the fury passes"). After the earthquake, he restored the Safed community and did not allow his Chassidim to abandon the holy city. He died of a plague in Safed in 1841 which ceased after his passing. Many miraculous stories are told of his lofty holiness and the wonders he performed for the Jewish people.
[2], 125 leaves. Without [1] final leaf with list of subscribers. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal dampstains to some leaves. Light worming to first two leaves. Damage to final leaf, affecting edge of text. Ownership inscription and stamp on title page. New leather binding.
A short time after the printing of the first edition in Jerusalem, a second edition was printed in Zhitomir, 1850. The Zhitomir printers were evidently unaware of the earlier Jerusalem printing, and the Zhitomir edition was based on a different manuscript, leading to several variations between the two editions [see N. Ben-Menachem, Kiryat Sefer, XXXVII, 1962, pp. 401-402; B'Shaarei Sefer, Jerusalem, 1967, pp. 49-53].
S. HaLevy, no. 38; Stefansky Chassidut, no. 103.
This book is a basic text of Chassidic thought and contains the holiness of Eretz Israel. It was written by the disciples of the author, but it was carefully edited by Rebbe Avraham Dov after Rebbe Mordechai of Chernobyl instructed him to print it. Upon the instructions of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, the first edition of the book was printed specifically in Eretz Israel and not in the Diaspora, as the publisher states in his foreword. The Zhitomir edition (1869) contains several additional lines in the author's preface, where he writes that his book contains the holiness of Eretz Israel: "I called this book Bat Ayin, since that title has the same numerical value as my name… and because I have inserted the holiness of the Holy Land in my writings, and the land is referred to as being under the constant scrutiny of G-d's watchful eyes" (ayin in Hebrew).
Rebbe Aharon of Chernobyl writes in his approbation to the 1869 edition: "I hereby… bless… anyone who buys this book at full price, with success in all their dealings".
The author, Rebbe Avraham Dov of Ovritsh (Ovruch; 1765-1841), was a renowned chassid and disciple of R. Nachum of Chernobyl and his son R. Mordechai as well as of R. Zusha of Anipoli and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. He served as rabbi of Ovritsh for 40 years, and was known as "the holy rabbi of Ovritsh". In 1833 he immigrated to Eretz Israel, and established his Beit Midrash in Safed, where he became the leader of the Chassidic communities. Miraculous stories are told of his deliverance from the tragic earthquake in 1837, which took place during the late afternoon Mincha prayers in the synagogues. The Rebbe warned his Chassidim not to leave the synagogue, and he himself lay on the floor of the Beit Midrash while the surrounding congregation held on to his belt. The entire building collapsed with the exception of the narrow area in which the Rebbe and his followers lay (some time later, the Rebbe related that he recognized that the earthquake had not been a natural event, since the stones were cast to the sides and did not fall directly to the ground in spite of their weight. He understood that great power had been granted to the Satan, and he therefore lay submissively on the ground in fulfillment of the verse "Wait a moment until the fury passes"). After the earthquake, he restored the Safed community and did not allow his Chassidim to abandon the holy city. He died of a plague in Safed in 1841 which ceased after his passing. Many miraculous stories are told of his lofty holiness and the wonders he performed for the Jewish people.
[2], 125 leaves. Without [1] final leaf with list of subscribers. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal dampstains to some leaves. Light worming to first two leaves. Damage to final leaf, affecting edge of text. Ownership inscription and stamp on title page. New leather binding.
A short time after the printing of the first edition in Jerusalem, a second edition was printed in Zhitomir, 1850. The Zhitomir printers were evidently unaware of the earlier Jerusalem printing, and the Zhitomir edition was based on a different manuscript, leading to several variations between the two editions [see N. Ben-Menachem, Kiryat Sefer, XXXVII, 1962, pp. 401-402; B'Shaarei Sefer, Jerusalem, 1967, pp. 49-53].
S. HaLevy, no. 38; Stefansky Chassidut, no. 103.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000
Unsold
Be'er Mayim Chaim, "a wonderful composition on the Torah", Parts I and II on the Five Books of the Torah, by R. Chaim Thirer Rabbi of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi). Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita, 1860.
Be'er Mayim Chaim is one of the most prominent, basic books of Chassidic teachings. The Sar Shalom, Rebbe of Belz once said that the first book of ethics he ever studied was the book Be'er Mayim Chiam. The Ohev Israel of Apta wrote in his approbation to the first edition: "We are well aware of the desire and wish of that Tzaddik, who yearned his entire life to benefit the public with his holy teachings… and he brought many to repentance… and may the merit of the author stand for us, so that our souls should glow with the light of life until the coming of the Redeemer". R. Mordechai of Kremnitz (son of the Maggid of Zlotchov) relates in his approbation to the first edition, of his father's extraordinary love for the author.
Two parts in one volume. [2], 294; [2], 330 pages. Approx. 24 cm. Most leaves in good condition. Title page and several subsequent leaves in fair condition. Stains. Light dampstains. Tear to upper part of title page, affecting border. Original leather binding, with blocking to front cover, gilt decorations. Wear and damage to binding, tears to spine.
Be'er Mayim Chaim is one of the most prominent, basic books of Chassidic teachings. The Sar Shalom, Rebbe of Belz once said that the first book of ethics he ever studied was the book Be'er Mayim Chiam. The Ohev Israel of Apta wrote in his approbation to the first edition: "We are well aware of the desire and wish of that Tzaddik, who yearned his entire life to benefit the public with his holy teachings… and he brought many to repentance… and may the merit of the author stand for us, so that our souls should glow with the light of life until the coming of the Redeemer". R. Mordechai of Kremnitz (son of the Maggid of Zlotchov) relates in his approbation to the first edition, of his father's extraordinary love for the author.
Two parts in one volume. [2], 294; [2], 330 pages. Approx. 24 cm. Most leaves in good condition. Title page and several subsequent leaves in fair condition. Stains. Light dampstains. Tear to upper part of title page, affecting border. Original leather binding, with blocking to front cover, gilt decorations. Wear and damage to binding, tears to spine.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Ohev Yisrael, homilies on the Torah according to Chassidic teachings, by Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira, 1863. First edition.
The book was brought to print by the grandson of the author, Rebbe Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov. He relates in his foreword how his father, Rebbe Yitzchak Meir, son of the author, realized that each person was recording the Rebbe's teachings according to their own perception, and was concerned this would lead to misunderstanding. He therefore chose one astute, outstanding Torah scholar and designated him to record the holy teachings, after which the writings were reviewed, and when necessary corrected, by the rebbe. Later in the foreword, he explains that the book was named Ohev Yisrael, based on the author's repeated assertion that the one character trait in which he could confidently take pride, even before the Heavenly court, was his outstanding love for his fellow Jew. Before his demise, he instructed his sons to write no other praise on his tombstone but Ohev Yisrael (Lover of Jews).
R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn wrote in his approbation (to the Lemberg edition): "…he loved every Jewish person with his heart and soul, and would show great affection particularly to Torah scholars. And our fathers related to us that while he was here [in Lviv], all the leading Torah scholars of the city would arise early to come and absorb his wondrous teachings…".
[1], 117 leaves. 22.5 cm. Condition varies. First and final leaves in fair condition, many leaves in middle of book in good-fair condition. Stains, damage and wear. Worming to title page and final leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper. Many tears to three leaves following title page, affecting text, repaired. Marginal tears to other leaves, repaired. Old stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 19.
The book was brought to print by the grandson of the author, Rebbe Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov. He relates in his foreword how his father, Rebbe Yitzchak Meir, son of the author, realized that each person was recording the Rebbe's teachings according to their own perception, and was concerned this would lead to misunderstanding. He therefore chose one astute, outstanding Torah scholar and designated him to record the holy teachings, after which the writings were reviewed, and when necessary corrected, by the rebbe. Later in the foreword, he explains that the book was named Ohev Yisrael, based on the author's repeated assertion that the one character trait in which he could confidently take pride, even before the Heavenly court, was his outstanding love for his fellow Jew. Before his demise, he instructed his sons to write no other praise on his tombstone but Ohev Yisrael (Lover of Jews).
R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn wrote in his approbation (to the Lemberg edition): "…he loved every Jewish person with his heart and soul, and would show great affection particularly to Torah scholars. And our fathers related to us that while he was here [in Lviv], all the leading Torah scholars of the city would arise early to come and absorb his wondrous teachings…".
[1], 117 leaves. 22.5 cm. Condition varies. First and final leaves in fair condition, many leaves in middle of book in good-fair condition. Stains, damage and wear. Worming to title page and final leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper. Many tears to three leaves following title page, affecting text, repaired. Marginal tears to other leaves, repaired. Old stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 19.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Or HaGanuz, novellae on the Torah according to allegoric, kabbalistic and Chassidic approaches, with a second part – VeZot LiYehuda, novellae on Mishnayot "according to allegoric and kabbalistic approaches, lofty secrets", by R. Yehuda Leib HaKohen of Anipoli (Hannopil). Lviv, 1866. First edition.
The book bears approbations of great Chassidic leaders, including the only approbation to a book ever issued by the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Another approbation, by R. Mordechai of Chernobyl (the Maggid of Chernobyl), extols the segulah and protective qualities of the book: "Every person should purchase this holy book for merit and excellent protection for himself and his descendants". His holy sons – R. Aharon of Chernobyl, R. Avraham of Trisk (Turiisk) and R. David of Tolna – also mention in their approbations the segulah for protection that their father described. In the publisher's foreword, the author's grandson likewise cites the protective qualities of the book.
The author, R. Yehuda Leib HaKohen of Anipoli (d. 1807, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 33-34), was a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. According to one source, he was previously a disciple of the Vilna Gaon. He was ostensibly one of the four disciples who were at the side of the Maggid at the time of his death (together with R. Avraham HaMalach, the Baal HaTanya and R. Zusha of Anipoli). He and his friend R. Zusha of Anipoli were approached by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi to grant their approbation to the Tanya. At the time of printing, Or HaGanuz received enthusiastic approbations from prominent Chassidic leaders of the time, including the only book approbation ever given by Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, the Tzemach Tzedek. The book was also accorded approbations by R. Mordechai of Chernobyl and his holy sons – R. Aharon of Chernobyl, R. Avraham of Turiisk and R. David of Tolna, and by his nephew R. Yitzchak Yaakov of Makariv, as well as approbations by R. Chaim of Sanz and R. Yitzchak Meir of Ger, the Chiddushei HaRim.
Stamps of R. Menachem Mendel Lewi of Jerusalem on the title page. On the front endpaper – stamp of R. Shlomo Telingtor's bookshop in Jerusalem (a prominent Chassid of Boyan). Ownership inscriptions on the back endpapers.
Two parts in one volume. Part I: [1], 12; 84 leaves; Part II (separate title page): 33 leaves. 25 cm. Thin, high-quality paper. Good condition. Stains. Lower part of title page reinforced with paper. Old binding, worn.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 21.
The book bears approbations of great Chassidic leaders, including the only approbation to a book ever issued by the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Another approbation, by R. Mordechai of Chernobyl (the Maggid of Chernobyl), extols the segulah and protective qualities of the book: "Every person should purchase this holy book for merit and excellent protection for himself and his descendants". His holy sons – R. Aharon of Chernobyl, R. Avraham of Trisk (Turiisk) and R. David of Tolna – also mention in their approbations the segulah for protection that their father described. In the publisher's foreword, the author's grandson likewise cites the protective qualities of the book.
The author, R. Yehuda Leib HaKohen of Anipoli (d. 1807, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 33-34), was a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. According to one source, he was previously a disciple of the Vilna Gaon. He was ostensibly one of the four disciples who were at the side of the Maggid at the time of his death (together with R. Avraham HaMalach, the Baal HaTanya and R. Zusha of Anipoli). He and his friend R. Zusha of Anipoli were approached by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi to grant their approbation to the Tanya. At the time of printing, Or HaGanuz received enthusiastic approbations from prominent Chassidic leaders of the time, including the only book approbation ever given by Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, the Tzemach Tzedek. The book was also accorded approbations by R. Mordechai of Chernobyl and his holy sons – R. Aharon of Chernobyl, R. Avraham of Turiisk and R. David of Tolna, and by his nephew R. Yitzchak Yaakov of Makariv, as well as approbations by R. Chaim of Sanz and R. Yitzchak Meir of Ger, the Chiddushei HaRim.
Stamps of R. Menachem Mendel Lewi of Jerusalem on the title page. On the front endpaper – stamp of R. Shlomo Telingtor's bookshop in Jerusalem (a prominent Chassid of Boyan). Ownership inscriptions on the back endpapers.
Two parts in one volume. Part I: [1], 12; 84 leaves; Part II (separate title page): 33 leaves. 25 cm. Thin, high-quality paper. Good condition. Stains. Lower part of title page reinforced with paper. Old binding, worn.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 21.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $1,375
Including buyer's premium
Beit Aharon, "on Torah and worship of G-d", by Rebbe Aharon Perlow of Karlin. Brody, 1875. First edition.
Fine copy with exceptionally wide margins and original, elegant leather binding, with gilt decorations.
The book begins with a collection of Azharot Kodesh, and records of Chassidic practices from the rebbes of the Karlin-Stolin dynasty: R. Aharon HaGadol of Karlin, his son R. Asher (the first), the latter's son R. Aharon (the second, the elder), and his son R. Asher (the second, the young one).
The renowned Shabbat song – Kah Echsof Noam Shabbat by R. Aharon HaGadol of Karlin is printed on leaf 6 (p. 11). The foreword explains that this book was named Beit Aharon, since that was how R. Aharon of Karlin would refer to his writings, in reminiscence of the way his grandfather R. Aharon HaGadol, when his son R. Asher once inquired at the age of 10 as to the origins of the song Kah Echsof, replied "Beit Aharon".
Ownership inscriptions at the top of the title page: "Belongs to R. Pincha[s] Aharon son of R. Shmuel Sokolowitz", "And it now belongs to his son Shmuel son of Pinchas Aharon Sokolowitz". Owner's name embossed on the back cover: "Pinchas son of R. Shmuel".
A list was handwritten on the final leaf of the book: "Chanukah Psalms" – Psalms customarily recited in the Karlin court following the Chanukah candle lighting. This custom is recorded in the Beit Aharon VeYisrael siddur of Karlin Chassidim, after HaNerot Halalu: "Every night, following the Chanukah candle lighting, we gather in the synagogue and recite the Chanukah Psalms". This introduction is followed by a list of Psalms and prayers to be recited every night of Chanukah after candle lighting. Different Psalms are recited every night, in a specific order. The list of Psalms handwritten in this book differs slightly from the order printed in the Karlin siddur (see also Kedem Auction 67, item 277).
[4], 316, [3], [3] pages. Lacking first title page. Exceptionally wide margins. 28.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Signs of usage on first leaves. Minor worming. Marginal worming, tears and minor damage to title page and final leaf. Original, elegant leather binding, with gilt decorations. Worming, wear and damage to binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 82.
Some corrections were made to this first edition during the course of the printing, resulting in variations between the different copies. For instance, in this copy, the following announcement was printed on the final leaf: "To inform that approbations by prominent Tzaddikim of our generation for this printing are in our possession, as well as approbations and copyright warnings from Sephardi Torah scholars and rabbis… and whoever heeds our words will be secure and tranquil, and the blessing of goodness will be applied to him". In some copies, this passage was printed in a different location, with textual variations (see article by R. A. Shor, Regarding the Writing and Printing Process of the Book Beit Aharon, Beit Aharon VeYisrael, year VI issue I (31), pp. 139-147, regarding the stages of printing of this book, and the corrections made during the course of the printing, resulting in differences between the various copies of the book).
Fine copy with exceptionally wide margins and original, elegant leather binding, with gilt decorations.
The book begins with a collection of Azharot Kodesh, and records of Chassidic practices from the rebbes of the Karlin-Stolin dynasty: R. Aharon HaGadol of Karlin, his son R. Asher (the first), the latter's son R. Aharon (the second, the elder), and his son R. Asher (the second, the young one).
The renowned Shabbat song – Kah Echsof Noam Shabbat by R. Aharon HaGadol of Karlin is printed on leaf 6 (p. 11). The foreword explains that this book was named Beit Aharon, since that was how R. Aharon of Karlin would refer to his writings, in reminiscence of the way his grandfather R. Aharon HaGadol, when his son R. Asher once inquired at the age of 10 as to the origins of the song Kah Echsof, replied "Beit Aharon".
Ownership inscriptions at the top of the title page: "Belongs to R. Pincha[s] Aharon son of R. Shmuel Sokolowitz", "And it now belongs to his son Shmuel son of Pinchas Aharon Sokolowitz". Owner's name embossed on the back cover: "Pinchas son of R. Shmuel".
A list was handwritten on the final leaf of the book: "Chanukah Psalms" – Psalms customarily recited in the Karlin court following the Chanukah candle lighting. This custom is recorded in the Beit Aharon VeYisrael siddur of Karlin Chassidim, after HaNerot Halalu: "Every night, following the Chanukah candle lighting, we gather in the synagogue and recite the Chanukah Psalms". This introduction is followed by a list of Psalms and prayers to be recited every night of Chanukah after candle lighting. Different Psalms are recited every night, in a specific order. The list of Psalms handwritten in this book differs slightly from the order printed in the Karlin siddur (see also Kedem Auction 67, item 277).
[4], 316, [3], [3] pages. Lacking first title page. Exceptionally wide margins. 28.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Signs of usage on first leaves. Minor worming. Marginal worming, tears and minor damage to title page and final leaf. Original, elegant leather binding, with gilt decorations. Worming, wear and damage to binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 82.
Some corrections were made to this first edition during the course of the printing, resulting in variations between the different copies. For instance, in this copy, the following announcement was printed on the final leaf: "To inform that approbations by prominent Tzaddikim of our generation for this printing are in our possession, as well as approbations and copyright warnings from Sephardi Torah scholars and rabbis… and whoever heeds our words will be secure and tranquil, and the blessing of goodness will be applied to him". In some copies, this passage was printed in a different location, with textual variations (see article by R. A. Shor, Regarding the Writing and Printing Process of the Book Beit Aharon, Beit Aharon VeYisrael, year VI issue I (31), pp. 139-147, regarding the stages of printing of this book, and the corrections made during the course of the printing, resulting in differences between the various copies of the book).
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Zohar Chai, commentary to the Zohar based on Kabbalah and Chassidut, by the kabbalist Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin, rabbi of Zidichov (Zhydachiv) and Komarno, author of Heichal HaBracha. Lviv-Premishla (Przemyśl), 1875-1881. First edition. Complete set – five parts in five volumes.
Zohar Chai is an original and profound commentary to the Zohar, based on fundamentals of the teachings of the Arizal and the Baal Shem Tov. In this composition, the author interweaves and combines Kabbalah and Chassidism, as he does in all his works. Unlike his other compositions which were printed in his lifetime, this work was printed after his passing, by his son Rebbe Eliezer Tzvi, author of Damesek Eliezer. The first volume was published during the year of mourning, and includes a lengthy and brilliant foreword from his son, the Damesek Eliezer. In this foreword, the son describes his father's exceptional prominence in Torah and worship of G-d, and relates accounts involving his father which demonstrated the Divine Inspiration his father benefitted from and the heavenly wonders he performed, which the Damesek Eliezer personally witnessed.
One of the stories the son relates was that after his father composed the first four leaves of his commentary, he was approached with a request that he pray for a deathly ill person. His father, who saw with his Divine Inspiration that the sick person required much Heavenly mercy to recover, told the messenger: "I have no way of helping him, but I do possess four leaves which I wrote on the Zohar, go tell this sick person that I am giving these novellae on the Zohar to him as a complete gift… in this merit, perhaps his balance will become positive and he will live for many years". The messenger did as told, and as soon as he reported this to the sick person, the latter started sweating, and began regaining his health. Further in the foreword, he relates that the first four leaves of the commentary pertain to the first two lines of introduction to the Zohar. These leaves were written in summer 1857, at which point the author took a ten-year hiatus from composing his commentary. Approximately in 1867, "he saw the Baal Shem Tov in a dream, and agreed to begin composing a commentary to the Zohar… the next day, he immediately began writing". He completed the commentary several weeks before his passing. In the conclusion at the end of the fifth volume, his son and publisher relates that on two occasions before his passing, his father made him promise to publish the Zohar Chai commentary, "and I rejoice that I have honored my pledge and fulfilled the words of my father".
Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin Rabbi of Zidichov and Komarno (1806-1874), a G-dly kabbalist and leading transmitter of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, a nephew and close disciple of the Sar Beit HaZohar, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov. He was cherished by foremost Chassidic leaders – the Chozeh of Lublin (who served as his matchmaker), the Rebbe of Apta, R. Moshe Tzvi of Savran, his uncle R. Moshe of Sambor, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, and others. He authored many books on Chassidism and Kabbalah, including the Heichal HaBracha commentary to the Five Books of the Torah, based on the teachings of the Arizal and the Baal Shem Tov. The Heichal HaBracha Chumashim are considered basic books in Chassidic thought and Kabbalah. They were especially cherished by rebbes of various dynasties (the Zidichov dynasty, the Divrei Chaim and his descendants, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, and others), who extolled the exceptional holiness of the kabbalistic teachings contained in these commentaries.
Vol. I (Bereshit Part I): [4], 215 leaves. Vol. II (Bereshit Part II): [1], 216-348, 348-456, [1] leaves. Vol. III (Shemot Part I): [4], 166 leaves. Vol IV (Shemot Part II): [2], 285 [i.e. 287] leaves. Vol. V (Vayikra-Devarim): [2], 228, [5] leaves. 24.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Most leaves in very good condition, complete and without wear. Minor tears to title page of vol. I, not affecting text, repaired with tape. New bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 195.
Zohar Chai is an original and profound commentary to the Zohar, based on fundamentals of the teachings of the Arizal and the Baal Shem Tov. In this composition, the author interweaves and combines Kabbalah and Chassidism, as he does in all his works. Unlike his other compositions which were printed in his lifetime, this work was printed after his passing, by his son Rebbe Eliezer Tzvi, author of Damesek Eliezer. The first volume was published during the year of mourning, and includes a lengthy and brilliant foreword from his son, the Damesek Eliezer. In this foreword, the son describes his father's exceptional prominence in Torah and worship of G-d, and relates accounts involving his father which demonstrated the Divine Inspiration his father benefitted from and the heavenly wonders he performed, which the Damesek Eliezer personally witnessed.
One of the stories the son relates was that after his father composed the first four leaves of his commentary, he was approached with a request that he pray for a deathly ill person. His father, who saw with his Divine Inspiration that the sick person required much Heavenly mercy to recover, told the messenger: "I have no way of helping him, but I do possess four leaves which I wrote on the Zohar, go tell this sick person that I am giving these novellae on the Zohar to him as a complete gift… in this merit, perhaps his balance will become positive and he will live for many years". The messenger did as told, and as soon as he reported this to the sick person, the latter started sweating, and began regaining his health. Further in the foreword, he relates that the first four leaves of the commentary pertain to the first two lines of introduction to the Zohar. These leaves were written in summer 1857, at which point the author took a ten-year hiatus from composing his commentary. Approximately in 1867, "he saw the Baal Shem Tov in a dream, and agreed to begin composing a commentary to the Zohar… the next day, he immediately began writing". He completed the commentary several weeks before his passing. In the conclusion at the end of the fifth volume, his son and publisher relates that on two occasions before his passing, his father made him promise to publish the Zohar Chai commentary, "and I rejoice that I have honored my pledge and fulfilled the words of my father".
Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin Rabbi of Zidichov and Komarno (1806-1874), a G-dly kabbalist and leading transmitter of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, a nephew and close disciple of the Sar Beit HaZohar, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov. He was cherished by foremost Chassidic leaders – the Chozeh of Lublin (who served as his matchmaker), the Rebbe of Apta, R. Moshe Tzvi of Savran, his uncle R. Moshe of Sambor, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, and others. He authored many books on Chassidism and Kabbalah, including the Heichal HaBracha commentary to the Five Books of the Torah, based on the teachings of the Arizal and the Baal Shem Tov. The Heichal HaBracha Chumashim are considered basic books in Chassidic thought and Kabbalah. They were especially cherished by rebbes of various dynasties (the Zidichov dynasty, the Divrei Chaim and his descendants, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, and others), who extolled the exceptional holiness of the kabbalistic teachings contained in these commentaries.
Vol. I (Bereshit Part I): [4], 215 leaves. Vol. II (Bereshit Part II): [1], 216-348, 348-456, [1] leaves. Vol. III (Shemot Part I): [4], 166 leaves. Vol IV (Shemot Part II): [2], 285 [i.e. 287] leaves. Vol. V (Vayikra-Devarim): [2], 228, [5] leaves. 24.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Most leaves in very good condition, complete and without wear. Minor tears to title page of vol. I, not affecting text, repaired with tape. New bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 195.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
![Likutei Amarim Tanya, by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. Zhovkva, [1798].
The title page states: "Tanya](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale69a-public/65_1.jpg "Likutei Amarim – Tanya – Zhovkva, 1798 – First Edition of Igeret HaTes")
![Likutei Amarim Tanya, by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. Zhovkva, [1798].
The title page states: "Tanya](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale69a-public/65_2.jpg "Likutei Amarim – Tanya – Zhovkva, 1798 – First Edition of Igeret HaTes")
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Likutei Amarim Tanya, by 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…" (Slavita emphasized on 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 (the author later published Igeret HaTeshuva Mahadura Batra in Shklow 1806).
The publisher R. Yaakov of Brody writes at the end of the book that many requested he undertake printing 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 was printed before Igeret HaTeshuva (p. 67a): "Says the publisher: A precious gem was in my possession from the scholarly author, a manuscript booklet pertaining to topics of 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.
R. Yitzchak Shimshon Meisels Rabbi of Czernowitz, 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 burned at his behest, while this book earned his effusive approbation, with profuse praise of the author and his book.
[3], 2-74 leaves. 16.5 cm. Condition varies: most leaves in good condition. Title page and several other leaves in fair condition. Stains. Tears and worming to title page and subsequent leaf, affecting text with some loss, repaired with paper and text replacement. Inner margins of several leaves repaired with paper. Stamps. 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…" (Slavita emphasized on 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 (the author later published Igeret HaTeshuva Mahadura Batra in Shklow 1806).
The publisher R. Yaakov of Brody writes at the end of the book that many requested he undertake printing 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 was printed before Igeret HaTeshuva (p. 67a): "Says the publisher: A precious gem was in my possession from the scholarly author, a manuscript booklet pertaining to topics of 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.
R. Yitzchak Shimshon Meisels Rabbi of Czernowitz, 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 burned at his behest, while this book earned his effusive approbation, with profuse praise of the author and his book.
[3], 2-74 leaves. 16.5 cm. Condition varies: most leaves in good condition. Title page and several other leaves in fair condition. Stains. Tears and worming to title page and subsequent leaf, affecting text with some loss, repaired with paper and text replacement. Inner margins of several leaves repaired with paper. Stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 623.
Category
Chassidic Books – Chabad
Catalogue
![Likutei Amarim Tanya, by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. Zhovkva, [after 1805].
The title page states: "T](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale69a-public/66.jpg "Likutei Amarim – Tanya – Zhovkva, After 1805")
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Likutei Amarim Tanya, by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. Zhovkva, [after 1805].
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…" (Slavita emphasized on title page).
The Tanya was first published by the author in Slavita, 1796. The second edition was printed in Zhovkva, 1798 (see previous item), and then again in a third edition in Zhovkva, 1805, followed by several variants (this variant was listed in R. Y. Mondschein's bibliography as the fifth edition of the Tanya). These Zhovkva editions were printed during the author's lifetime, presumably without his knowledge. The approbations were omitted in this edition. The chapters of Igeret HaTeshuva – Mahadura Kama were included at the end of the book.
The publisher R. Yaakov of Brody writes at the end of the book that many asked him to undertake printing 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 topics of repentance, and for the benefit of the public I have brought it to print".
[59] leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, wear and tears. Wear and dark stains to title page. Tears to first four leaves, affecting text and title page border (repaired with paper, with some text replacement). New leather binding.
This edition has two variants, see: Yehoshua Mondschein, Torat Chabad – Bibliographies, I, Kfar Chabad, 1982, pp. 46-49.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 625.
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…" (Slavita emphasized on title page).
The Tanya was first published by the author in Slavita, 1796. The second edition was printed in Zhovkva, 1798 (see previous item), and then again in a third edition in Zhovkva, 1805, followed by several variants (this variant was listed in R. Y. Mondschein's bibliography as the fifth edition of the Tanya). These Zhovkva editions were printed during the author's lifetime, presumably without his knowledge. The approbations were omitted in this edition. The chapters of Igeret HaTeshuva – Mahadura Kama were included at the end of the book.
The publisher R. Yaakov of Brody writes at the end of the book that many asked him to undertake printing 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 topics of repentance, and for the benefit of the public I have brought it to print".
[59] leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, wear and tears. Wear and dark stains to title page. Tears to first four leaves, affecting text and title page border (repaired with paper, with some text replacement). New leather binding.
This edition has two variants, see: Yehoshua Mondschein, Torat Chabad – Bibliographies, I, Kfar Chabad, 1982, pp. 46-49.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 625.
Category
Chassidic Books – Chabad
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Or HaGanuz LaTzaddikim, "compiled from books and from the teachings of holy sages… explaining Chassidic conduct and desirable character traits, which are described in all the books of Tzaddikim…", by R. Aharon HaKohen of Apta. Zhovkva, 1800. First edition, with the approbation of the Maggid of Kozhnitz.
The book was published some four years after the printing of the Tanya by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi. The author, a prominent Chassidic Tzaddik, bases many of the thoughts in his book on the teachings of the Tanya, which he quotes and elaborates upon in almost every Torah portion.
R. Aharon HaKohen of Zelichov (Żelechów) and Apta (Opatów; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 157), author of Keter Shem Tov – the renowned compendium of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, and of the Tefilla Yeshara – Keter Nehora siddur. His book Or HaGanuz LaTzaddikim was first published anonymously.
Regarding this book, see: Ch. Lieberman, How Chassidism is Researched, in his book Ohel Rachel, I, New York 1980, pp. 7-11.
Stamp on the title page of R. "Aryeh Leib son of R. Elimelech Dov, dayan in Jerusalem" (R. Aryeh Leib son of R. Elimelech Dov Hershler, d. 1917, known as "R. Leib Dayan" – a prominent dayan in Jerusalem. A disciple of R. Shlomo Zalman Baharan, both in Torah and in public activism. He was one of the founders of the Beit Yisrael and Givat Shaul neighborhoods. He served as judge in the government court, alongside the Turkish Pasha, the Muslim Qadi and the Greek Patriarch, and represented the interests of the Jewish community with great wisdom and perspicacity). Stamps of his son R. "Chaim Todros Herschel – Jerusalem" on the leaf following the title page and on the final leaf.
A signature extending over the upper part of several leaves: "This Or HaGanuz belongs to R. Aharon son of R. Moshe son of R. Avraham".
[64] leaves. 18 cm. Fair condition. Stains and extensive wear. Dampstains. Worming to several leaves. Tears and damage to title page. Marginal tears and damage to several leaves, mostly not affecting text, repaired with paper. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 22.
The book was published some four years after the printing of the Tanya by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi. The author, a prominent Chassidic Tzaddik, bases many of the thoughts in his book on the teachings of the Tanya, which he quotes and elaborates upon in almost every Torah portion.
R. Aharon HaKohen of Zelichov (Żelechów) and Apta (Opatów; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 157), author of Keter Shem Tov – the renowned compendium of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, and of the Tefilla Yeshara – Keter Nehora siddur. His book Or HaGanuz LaTzaddikim was first published anonymously.
Regarding this book, see: Ch. Lieberman, How Chassidism is Researched, in his book Ohel Rachel, I, New York 1980, pp. 7-11.
Stamp on the title page of R. "Aryeh Leib son of R. Elimelech Dov, dayan in Jerusalem" (R. Aryeh Leib son of R. Elimelech Dov Hershler, d. 1917, known as "R. Leib Dayan" – a prominent dayan in Jerusalem. A disciple of R. Shlomo Zalman Baharan, both in Torah and in public activism. He was one of the founders of the Beit Yisrael and Givat Shaul neighborhoods. He served as judge in the government court, alongside the Turkish Pasha, the Muslim Qadi and the Greek Patriarch, and represented the interests of the Jewish community with great wisdom and perspicacity). Stamps of his son R. "Chaim Todros Herschel – Jerusalem" on the leaf following the title page and on the final leaf.
A signature extending over the upper part of several leaves: "This Or HaGanuz belongs to R. Aharon son of R. Moshe son of R. Avraham".
[64] leaves. 18 cm. Fair condition. Stains and extensive wear. Dampstains. Worming to several leaves. Tears and damage to title page. Marginal tears and damage to several leaves, mostly not affecting text, repaired with paper. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 22.
Category
Chassidic Books – Chabad
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Biurei HaZohar, commentary to the Zohar, by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi - the Baal HaTanya. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, [1816]. First edition.
A fundamental book clarifying many concepts of the Arizal's Kabbalah, according to Chassidic teachings. The commentaries to the Zohar, which the Baal HaTanya imparted to his sons and the elite of his disciples on Shabbat eves, were recorded by his son R. Dov Ber, the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch. The Baal HaTanya taught these commentaries from 19th Kislev 1801, until his final years. This book contains only a quarter of his commentaries to the Zohar (as his son writes in the foreword).
The title page states: "…and for the most part these holy writings were reviewed by the Rebbe, and he was very satisfied with them". In the foreword, his son the Mitteler Rebbe - R. Dov Ber (Schneuri) of Lubavitch describes the contents of the commentaries in the book: "…which we heard from his holy mouth, every Shabbat eve, commentaries and explanations of the essays of the Zohar, one leaf from every portion, for several years, and it is plainly visible to all that Divine Inspiration rested upon him as he revealed the light of the secrets of the Torah, in particular in his explanations of the essays, he attained their absolutely true meaning. As I heard directly from him, more than once, that throughout his life, he specifically set Shabbat as the time for studying Zohar … and he attested on himself that he only studies each Shabbat one or two leaves, but in great depth, with great toil, and investigating each word, to reach the true understanding of Kabbalah…".
At the end of the foreword, the Mitteler Rebbe describes the method of writing and arranging the book: "It is known to all those who study my father's teachings, that none of the writings contain anything of my own, except when explaining and clarifying in places where he was concise, and even that was taken from his teachings, when he elaborated further in other places…".
Rebbe Eliezer Tzvi Safrin of Komarno writes in his preface to his commentary Damesek Eliezer on the Zohar, that one of the books which were before him while he composed his commentary was the Biurei HaZohar by R. Dov Ber, son of R. Shneur Zalman.
[4], 139; 57 leaves. 20.5 cm. Printed in part on bluish paper. Uneven edges. Good-fair condition. Stains. Dark dampstains to some leaves. Worming to first and final leaves and to other leaves, slightly affecting text. Printing defect and tear to leaf 138, affecting text with some loss. Marginal tears to several leaves. Stamps to title page and in other places. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 79.
A fundamental book clarifying many concepts of the Arizal's Kabbalah, according to Chassidic teachings. The commentaries to the Zohar, which the Baal HaTanya imparted to his sons and the elite of his disciples on Shabbat eves, were recorded by his son R. Dov Ber, the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch. The Baal HaTanya taught these commentaries from 19th Kislev 1801, until his final years. This book contains only a quarter of his commentaries to the Zohar (as his son writes in the foreword).
The title page states: "…and for the most part these holy writings were reviewed by the Rebbe, and he was very satisfied with them". In the foreword, his son the Mitteler Rebbe - R. Dov Ber (Schneuri) of Lubavitch describes the contents of the commentaries in the book: "…which we heard from his holy mouth, every Shabbat eve, commentaries and explanations of the essays of the Zohar, one leaf from every portion, for several years, and it is plainly visible to all that Divine Inspiration rested upon him as he revealed the light of the secrets of the Torah, in particular in his explanations of the essays, he attained their absolutely true meaning. As I heard directly from him, more than once, that throughout his life, he specifically set Shabbat as the time for studying Zohar … and he attested on himself that he only studies each Shabbat one or two leaves, but in great depth, with great toil, and investigating each word, to reach the true understanding of Kabbalah…".
At the end of the foreword, the Mitteler Rebbe describes the method of writing and arranging the book: "It is known to all those who study my father's teachings, that none of the writings contain anything of my own, except when explaining and clarifying in places where he was concise, and even that was taken from his teachings, when he elaborated further in other places…".
Rebbe Eliezer Tzvi Safrin of Komarno writes in his preface to his commentary Damesek Eliezer on the Zohar, that one of the books which were before him while he composed his commentary was the Biurei HaZohar by R. Dov Ber, son of R. Shneur Zalman.
[4], 139; 57 leaves. 20.5 cm. Printed in part on bluish paper. Uneven edges. Good-fair condition. Stains. Dark dampstains to some leaves. Worming to first and final leaves and to other leaves, slightly affecting text. Printing defect and tear to leaf 138, affecting text with some loss. Marginal tears to several leaves. Stamps to title page and in other places. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 79.
Category
Chassidic Books – Chabad
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Ner Mitzva VeTorah Or, foundations of Chabad Chassidic thought, by Rebbe Dov Ber Shneuri – the "Mitteler Rebbe" of Chabad. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, 1820. First edition.
The book comprises two parts. The first part is entitled Shaar HaEmuna, "regarding the essence of the mitzva of faith, which is the foundation and root of all mitzvot". The chapters in this part discuss the topics of the Exodus from Egypt, the eating of Matza and the Splitting of the Sea. The second part, named Shaar HaYichud, contains a concise explanation of the kabbalistic notions of Hishtalshelut HaOlamot and Sefirot (a complete composition entitled Likutei Biurim, Warsaw 1868, was written to explain the profound meaning of Shaar HaYichud, by R. Hillel of Paritch, close disciple of the author).
Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch stated that each of the Mitteler Rebbe's books was intended for a specific type of Chassid, yet "Shaar HaYichud is the key to Chassidism", and it was written for all Chassidim (Rebbe Rayatz, Limud HaChassidut, p. 30).
Stamps and ownership inscriptions of "Yaakov Dokter – son of Avraham Segal" [of Safed].
4, [7], 133, [1]; 57 leaves. 16 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Tears and worming to title page and several other leaves, affecting text, partially repaired with paper. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 395.
The book comprises two parts. The first part is entitled Shaar HaEmuna, "regarding the essence of the mitzva of faith, which is the foundation and root of all mitzvot". The chapters in this part discuss the topics of the Exodus from Egypt, the eating of Matza and the Splitting of the Sea. The second part, named Shaar HaYichud, contains a concise explanation of the kabbalistic notions of Hishtalshelut HaOlamot and Sefirot (a complete composition entitled Likutei Biurim, Warsaw 1868, was written to explain the profound meaning of Shaar HaYichud, by R. Hillel of Paritch, close disciple of the author).
Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch stated that each of the Mitteler Rebbe's books was intended for a specific type of Chassid, yet "Shaar HaYichud is the key to Chassidism", and it was written for all Chassidim (Rebbe Rayatz, Limud HaChassidut, p. 30).
Stamps and ownership inscriptions of "Yaakov Dokter – son of Avraham Segal" [of Safed].
4, [7], 133, [1]; 57 leaves. 16 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Tears and worming to title page and several other leaves, affecting text, partially repaired with paper. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 395.
Category
Chassidic Books – Chabad
Catalogue