Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 61 - 72 of 104
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Two letters handwritten and signed by R. Isser Zalman Meltzer, addressed to R. Meir Berlin (Bar-Ilan). Jerusalem, 1927 and 1940.
In the first letter, dated 1927, R. Isser Zalman describes at length the correct methods rabbis should use to influence the youth and act on religious matters. Most of the letter discusses ways of bolstering the tithing of produce in the agricultural settlements in Eretz Israel, by appointing a person specifically responsible for the tithing, who would travel from one settlement to the other, and exercise his influence "on the youth to take this into account, since it affects the public, and something which the public requires must be done, even if it goes against their views".
In the second letter, dated Cheshvan 1940, he discusses the salary of R. Yeshaya Kieselstein, rabbi of Binyamina.
R. Isser Zalman Meltzer (1870-1954), author of Even HaEzel, disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk in the Volozhin yeshiva. He served as rabbi and dean of Slutzk. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1924 and was appointed head lecturer in the Etz Chaim yeshiva. He was one of the leaders of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. His son-in-law was R. Aharon Kotler, dean of the Kletzk and Lakewood yeshivot.
The recipient of the letter, R. Meir Berlin - Bar-Ilan (1880-1949), youngest son of the Netziv of Volozhin and a leader of the Mizrachi movement. He was very active in rabbinical matters and in strengthening religious observance. He helped reestablish the Lithuanian yeshivot in Eretz Israel, and rescue the Mir yeshiva during the Holocaust. He was the initiator and founder of the Encyclopedia Talmudit project.
2 letters, on official stationery. Approx. 28 cm. Good-fair condition. Filing holes and minor marginal tears. Folding marks. Tears to date of first letter (repaired with tape).
In the first letter, dated 1927, R. Isser Zalman describes at length the correct methods rabbis should use to influence the youth and act on religious matters. Most of the letter discusses ways of bolstering the tithing of produce in the agricultural settlements in Eretz Israel, by appointing a person specifically responsible for the tithing, who would travel from one settlement to the other, and exercise his influence "on the youth to take this into account, since it affects the public, and something which the public requires must be done, even if it goes against their views".
In the second letter, dated Cheshvan 1940, he discusses the salary of R. Yeshaya Kieselstein, rabbi of Binyamina.
R. Isser Zalman Meltzer (1870-1954), author of Even HaEzel, disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk in the Volozhin yeshiva. He served as rabbi and dean of Slutzk. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1924 and was appointed head lecturer in the Etz Chaim yeshiva. He was one of the leaders of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. His son-in-law was R. Aharon Kotler, dean of the Kletzk and Lakewood yeshivot.
The recipient of the letter, R. Meir Berlin - Bar-Ilan (1880-1949), youngest son of the Netziv of Volozhin and a leader of the Mizrachi movement. He was very active in rabbinical matters and in strengthening religious observance. He helped reestablish the Lithuanian yeshivot in Eretz Israel, and rescue the Mir yeshiva during the Holocaust. He was the initiator and founder of the Encyclopedia Talmudit project.
2 letters, on official stationery. Approx. 28 cm. Good-fair condition. Filing holes and minor marginal tears. Folding marks. Tears to date of first letter (repaired with tape).
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler, addressed to R. Shlomo Blazer. London, Shevat 1933.
Embossed stamp of R. Dessler at the top of the leaf, with his name and address in London.
This letter was written to R. Shlomo Blazer, son of R. Yitzchak Blazer of St. Petersburg, as a response to his request that R. Dessler write an article about the illustrious R. Yisrael Salanter. R. Dessler explains in this letter: "Concerning the article portraying the spiritual figure of this great Torah giant, it appears to me that we will not succeed thereby in fulfilling our obligation… and who do we have greater than the outstanding Torah scholar and Tzaddik, his father [R. Itzele Blazer], and what is found in his writings [in his book Or Yisrael, Vilna 1900, Netivot Or section] is what can be said, and who has the audacity to come after the king…". Further in the letter, he writes that in the meantime, he is enclosing a copying of four letters handwritten by his grandfather R. Yisrael Salanter, for publication.
R. Shlomo Blazer, son of R. Itzele Blazer, was the editor of Shaarei Tzion - a Torah-musar anthology which appeared in Jerusalem in 1921-1939. In the honor of the 50th yahrzeit of R. Yisrael Salanter - founder of the musar movement, an anthology entirely dedicated to his memory was published (booklets 3-5, Kislev-Shevat 1933). To this end, the editor asked R. Dessler (grandson of R. Yisrael Salanter’s daughter) to write an article about R. Yisrael. Ultimately, the anthology included the copyings of the letters which R. Dessler sent, mentioned in this letter, as well as a few lines from this letter. The complete letter was not published.
R. Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler (1892-1953), a pious Torah scholar, was one of the leading authors of musar literature in our generation, and a descendant of R. Yisrael of Salant, founder of the musar movement. A product of the Kelm yeshiva, he was the son-in-law of R. Nachum Ze’ev Ziv of Kelm. He arrived in England in 1927 and served as rabbi of Dalston, London, later founding the Gateshead Kollel and other Torah institutes throughout England. In his final years, he served as mashgiach of the Ponevezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. His profound lectures constructed upon the fundamentals of ethics, Kabbalah and Chassidism were published by his disciples in the book Sichot U’Maamarim, in the five volumes of Michtav Me’Eliyahu and in Sefer Zikaron Michtav Me’Eliyahu, which have become the basis for profound study of musar in this generation.
[1] leaf. 25.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Minor creases.
Embossed stamp of R. Dessler at the top of the leaf, with his name and address in London.
This letter was written to R. Shlomo Blazer, son of R. Yitzchak Blazer of St. Petersburg, as a response to his request that R. Dessler write an article about the illustrious R. Yisrael Salanter. R. Dessler explains in this letter: "Concerning the article portraying the spiritual figure of this great Torah giant, it appears to me that we will not succeed thereby in fulfilling our obligation… and who do we have greater than the outstanding Torah scholar and Tzaddik, his father [R. Itzele Blazer], and what is found in his writings [in his book Or Yisrael, Vilna 1900, Netivot Or section] is what can be said, and who has the audacity to come after the king…". Further in the letter, he writes that in the meantime, he is enclosing a copying of four letters handwritten by his grandfather R. Yisrael Salanter, for publication.
R. Shlomo Blazer, son of R. Itzele Blazer, was the editor of Shaarei Tzion - a Torah-musar anthology which appeared in Jerusalem in 1921-1939. In the honor of the 50th yahrzeit of R. Yisrael Salanter - founder of the musar movement, an anthology entirely dedicated to his memory was published (booklets 3-5, Kislev-Shevat 1933). To this end, the editor asked R. Dessler (grandson of R. Yisrael Salanter’s daughter) to write an article about R. Yisrael. Ultimately, the anthology included the copyings of the letters which R. Dessler sent, mentioned in this letter, as well as a few lines from this letter. The complete letter was not published.
R. Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler (1892-1953), a pious Torah scholar, was one of the leading authors of musar literature in our generation, and a descendant of R. Yisrael of Salant, founder of the musar movement. A product of the Kelm yeshiva, he was the son-in-law of R. Nachum Ze’ev Ziv of Kelm. He arrived in England in 1927 and served as rabbi of Dalston, London, later founding the Gateshead Kollel and other Torah institutes throughout England. In his final years, he served as mashgiach of the Ponevezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. His profound lectures constructed upon the fundamentals of ethics, Kabbalah and Chassidism were published by his disciples in the book Sichot U’Maamarim, in the five volumes of Michtav Me’Eliyahu and in Sefer Zikaron Michtav Me’Eliyahu, which have become the basis for profound study of musar in this generation.
[1] leaf. 25.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Minor creases.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $700
Unsold
Printed invitation to the wedding of the groom R. Dov Schwartzman, with the bride Sara Pesha, R. Aharon Kotler’s only daughter. [New York, Kislev 1946].
Two letters were written on the back of the invitation, one handwritten and signed by R. Aharon Kotler, and the second handwritten and signed by his wife, Rebbetzin Chana Perel Kotler. The envelope, addressed to R. Shabtai Yagel and his family in Ramat Gan, is enclosed.
R. Aharon Kotler writes: "…please accept our great appreciation for your faithful blessings, which emanate from the depth of your pure heart, and whoever blesses shall be blessed by G-d with all good forever, may you reap much satisfaction from all your sons… may you merit to disseminate Torah in prosperity… One who loves him eternally, Aharon Kotler". Rebbetzin Chana Perel writes: "Please accept my thanks as well… may we merit to inform and be informed of only good news, and may you be blessed with all goodness and much satisfaction from your dear sons... One who esteems and honors you for your great stature, Chana Perel Kotler".
R. Aharon Kotler (1892-1962), disciple of the Alter of Slabodka, and a prominent, outstanding Torah scholar. (While he was still a young student, the Or Same’ach predicted that he would be the "R. Akiva Eger" of the next generation). He was the son-in-law of R. Isser Zalman Meltzer. He served as lecturer and dean of the Slutsk yeshiva, and during WWI, he fled with the yeshiva students to Poland, reestablishing the yeshiva in Kletsk. He was one of the yeshiva deans closely associated with R. Chaim Ozer and the Chafetz Chaim. A founder of Vaad HaYeshivot and member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in Lithuania. During the Holocaust, he escaped to the United States, and established the famous Lakewood yeshiva in New Jersey (a yeshiva which changed the face of the yeshiva world in the United States, by inculcating its students with the passion and absolute devotion to Torah study, which was typical of Lithuanian yeshivot). He was one of the heads of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in the United States, and of Chinuch HaAtzma’i in Eretz Israel.
[1] double leaf. 15 cm. Heavy stock paper. Good condition. Light stains. Marginal filing holes.
Envelope enclosed. The stamps were removed.
Two letters were written on the back of the invitation, one handwritten and signed by R. Aharon Kotler, and the second handwritten and signed by his wife, Rebbetzin Chana Perel Kotler. The envelope, addressed to R. Shabtai Yagel and his family in Ramat Gan, is enclosed.
R. Aharon Kotler writes: "…please accept our great appreciation for your faithful blessings, which emanate from the depth of your pure heart, and whoever blesses shall be blessed by G-d with all good forever, may you reap much satisfaction from all your sons… may you merit to disseminate Torah in prosperity… One who loves him eternally, Aharon Kotler". Rebbetzin Chana Perel writes: "Please accept my thanks as well… may we merit to inform and be informed of only good news, and may you be blessed with all goodness and much satisfaction from your dear sons... One who esteems and honors you for your great stature, Chana Perel Kotler".
R. Aharon Kotler (1892-1962), disciple of the Alter of Slabodka, and a prominent, outstanding Torah scholar. (While he was still a young student, the Or Same’ach predicted that he would be the "R. Akiva Eger" of the next generation). He was the son-in-law of R. Isser Zalman Meltzer. He served as lecturer and dean of the Slutsk yeshiva, and during WWI, he fled with the yeshiva students to Poland, reestablishing the yeshiva in Kletsk. He was one of the yeshiva deans closely associated with R. Chaim Ozer and the Chafetz Chaim. A founder of Vaad HaYeshivot and member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in Lithuania. During the Holocaust, he escaped to the United States, and established the famous Lakewood yeshiva in New Jersey (a yeshiva which changed the face of the yeshiva world in the United States, by inculcating its students with the passion and absolute devotion to Torah study, which was typical of Lithuanian yeshivot). He was one of the heads of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in the United States, and of Chinuch HaAtzma’i in Eretz Israel.
[1] double leaf. 15 cm. Heavy stock paper. Good condition. Light stains. Marginal filing holes.
Envelope enclosed. The stamps were removed.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
Six postcards, with brief letters handwritten and signed by R. Aharon Kotler. [Lakewood, Tishrei 1951-1958].
Blessings for "a good final sealing, for a year of life and peace, so blesses Aharon Kotler". Addressed to R. Avraham Yehoshua Twersky in Manhattan, New York.
R. Aharon Kotler (1892-1962), disciple of the Alter of Slabodka, and a prominent, outstanding Torah scholar. (While he was still a young student, the Or Same’ach predicted that he would be the "R. Akiva Eger" of the next generation). He was the son-in-law of R. Isser Zalman Meltzer. He served as lecturer and dean of the Slutsk yeshiva, and during WWI, he fled with the yeshiva students to Poland, reestablishing the yeshiva in Kletsk. He was one of the yeshiva deans closely associated with R. Chaim Ozer and the Chafetz Chaim. A founder of Vaad HaYeshivot and member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in Lithuania. During the Holocaust, he escaped to the United States, and established the famous Lakewood yeshiva in New Jersey (a yeshiva which changed the face of the yeshiva world in the United States, by inculcating its students with the passion and absolute devotion to Torah study, which was typical of Lithuanian yeshivot). He was one of the heads of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in the United States, and of Chinuch HaAtzma’i in Eretz Israel.
6 postcards. Approx. 14X7.5-8.5 cm. Good condition.
Blessings for "a good final sealing, for a year of life and peace, so blesses Aharon Kotler". Addressed to R. Avraham Yehoshua Twersky in Manhattan, New York.
R. Aharon Kotler (1892-1962), disciple of the Alter of Slabodka, and a prominent, outstanding Torah scholar. (While he was still a young student, the Or Same’ach predicted that he would be the "R. Akiva Eger" of the next generation). He was the son-in-law of R. Isser Zalman Meltzer. He served as lecturer and dean of the Slutsk yeshiva, and during WWI, he fled with the yeshiva students to Poland, reestablishing the yeshiva in Kletsk. He was one of the yeshiva deans closely associated with R. Chaim Ozer and the Chafetz Chaim. A founder of Vaad HaYeshivot and member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in Lithuania. During the Holocaust, he escaped to the United States, and established the famous Lakewood yeshiva in New Jersey (a yeshiva which changed the face of the yeshiva world in the United States, by inculcating its students with the passion and absolute devotion to Torah study, which was typical of Lithuanian yeshivot). He was one of the heads of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in the United States, and of Chinuch HaAtzma’i in Eretz Israel.
6 postcards. Approx. 14X7.5-8.5 cm. Good condition.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $800
Unsold
Letter of Torah thoughts (16 lines) discussing the activity of transferring between domains on Shabbat, handwritten by R. Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz - the Chazon Ish. [Bnei Brak, 1950-1953].
Section (unsigned) of a letter from the Chazon Ish to his beloved disciple R. Binyamin Yehoshua Zilber. The letter was written in response to the book of R. Binyamin on the laws of Shabbat - Mekor Halacha, published in 1950, in which he innovated a conflict between Rashi and Tosafot on the topic of transferring between domains on Shabbat. The Chazon Ish did not agree with the idea suggested by R. Binyamin, and he therefore writes that in his opinion there is no disagreement between Rashi and Tosafot on this topic, and the words of the Tosafot are merely explaining those of Rashi. The Chazon Ish writes on the matter: "And although we are pained by our lack of understanding of Rashi’s commentary, one should not consequently innovate that Rashi held…".
R. Binyamin Zilber, recipient of the letter, stood his ground and wrote back to the Chazon Ish, refuting each of the latter’s objections. This exchange of letters between the Chazon Ish and his disciple was printed in later editions of Mekor Halacha (leaf 12). The letter of the Chazon Ish was reprinted in Teshuvot UKetavim MiMaran HaChazon Ish (p. 57).
R. Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz (1879-1953), author of the Chazon Ish, a foremost scholar in Halacha and Jewish philosophy in our generations. A preeminent Torah scholar and hidden righteous man, his first book Chazon Ish was published in 1911 anonymously, and he thereafter became known under that title. In his great modesty, he would sign his name with his acronym only: Ish. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1933, where he became recognized as the leading Torah authority, and stood at the helm of the resurrection of the Torah world in our generation.
Recipient of the letter: R. Binyamin Yehoshua Zilber (1916-2008), a leading Torah scholar and halachic authority in our generation, a proponent of the Novardok branch of the musar movement. He studied in the Novardok yeshivot in Europe and in Bnei Brak, where he drew close to the Chazon Ish who affectionately dubbed him "R. Binyamin the Tzaddik". After his marriage, he studied in the Ohel Torah Beit Midrash in Jerusalem, and after several years, returned to Bnei Brak. He authored and published dozens of books on Halacha and ethics, including: Mekor Halacha and Brit Olam on the laws of Shabbat, Responsa Az Nidberu - 14 parts; Mekor Baruch on Chayei Adam; books on the commandments pertaining to the land and more. In his later years, he lived in Beitar Illit and was a member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah of Agudat Yisrael.
[1] leaf. 20.5 cm. (Top of letter cropped; it may have contained personal matters, "censored" by the recipient). Good-fair condition. Ink stains and dampstains. Wear. Minor marginal tears, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Section (unsigned) of a letter from the Chazon Ish to his beloved disciple R. Binyamin Yehoshua Zilber. The letter was written in response to the book of R. Binyamin on the laws of Shabbat - Mekor Halacha, published in 1950, in which he innovated a conflict between Rashi and Tosafot on the topic of transferring between domains on Shabbat. The Chazon Ish did not agree with the idea suggested by R. Binyamin, and he therefore writes that in his opinion there is no disagreement between Rashi and Tosafot on this topic, and the words of the Tosafot are merely explaining those of Rashi. The Chazon Ish writes on the matter: "And although we are pained by our lack of understanding of Rashi’s commentary, one should not consequently innovate that Rashi held…".
R. Binyamin Zilber, recipient of the letter, stood his ground and wrote back to the Chazon Ish, refuting each of the latter’s objections. This exchange of letters between the Chazon Ish and his disciple was printed in later editions of Mekor Halacha (leaf 12). The letter of the Chazon Ish was reprinted in Teshuvot UKetavim MiMaran HaChazon Ish (p. 57).
R. Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz (1879-1953), author of the Chazon Ish, a foremost scholar in Halacha and Jewish philosophy in our generations. A preeminent Torah scholar and hidden righteous man, his first book Chazon Ish was published in 1911 anonymously, and he thereafter became known under that title. In his great modesty, he would sign his name with his acronym only: Ish. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1933, where he became recognized as the leading Torah authority, and stood at the helm of the resurrection of the Torah world in our generation.
Recipient of the letter: R. Binyamin Yehoshua Zilber (1916-2008), a leading Torah scholar and halachic authority in our generation, a proponent of the Novardok branch of the musar movement. He studied in the Novardok yeshivot in Europe and in Bnei Brak, where he drew close to the Chazon Ish who affectionately dubbed him "R. Binyamin the Tzaddik". After his marriage, he studied in the Ohel Torah Beit Midrash in Jerusalem, and after several years, returned to Bnei Brak. He authored and published dozens of books on Halacha and ethics, including: Mekor Halacha and Brit Olam on the laws of Shabbat, Responsa Az Nidberu - 14 parts; Mekor Baruch on Chayei Adam; books on the commandments pertaining to the land and more. In his later years, he lived in Beitar Illit and was a member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah of Agudat Yisrael.
[1] leaf. 20.5 cm. (Top of letter cropped; it may have contained personal matters, "censored" by the recipient). Good-fair condition. Ink stains and dampstains. Wear. Minor marginal tears, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $800
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Lengthy letter (55 lines) discussing the laws of blessings, handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (the Steipler). Bnei Brak, [1958].
The letter is addressed to R. Gavriel Krausz, head of the Manchester Beit Din. Most of the letter was printed in Mekor HaBracha - R. Gavriel’s book on the laws of blessings (1995 edition, pp. 142-145), apart from the final five lines.
At the beginning of the letter, the Steipler writes in his typical humility: "It is very difficult for me to respond on a Torah topic which I am not currently engaged in, since he probably assumes that I just need to read it and respond, but unfortunately, it is not so, I possess neither erudition nor astuteness, and if I were to respond properly, I would have to interrupt all my regular study programs for a few days".
The letter discusses whether frozen and solidified fruit juice should be regarded as food - in which case an olive-size portion would have to be consumed to require an after-blessing, or like drink, in which case a Reviit is required. The Steipler determines that it is viewed as food, yet at the end of the letter, he characteristically and modestly draws back, writing: "Even though I am inclined… that it is considered as food, I am not issuing on this a practical ruling, since I am unfortunately not qualified to rule, all the more so since I did not study the topic properly, only superficially".
At the end of the letter, the Steipler writes several lines regarding the distribution of his books Kehillot Yaakov abroad. He adds the following blessing: "And may G-d send his blessing to him and to his entire family, and a complete recovery to all those who require healing, among the other sick people of Israel".
R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (1899-1985), an extraordinary Torah leader of the past generation. He was known as the Steipler, an appellation derived from his hometown Hornostaipil, Ukraine. A foremost student of the Novardok yeshivot in Ukraine and Poland, he was reputed as one of the most diligent and scholarly students in the yeshiva world. Following his marriage to the sister of the Chazon Ish, he was appointed dean of the Novardok yeshiva in Pinsk, and in 1934, he immigrated to Eretz Israel to serve as dean of the Beit Yosef Novardok yeshiva in Bnei Brak. For many years, he lived in Bnei Brak in the same house as his brother-in-law, the Chazon Ish. After the yeshiva shut down, he continued his studies in Kollel Chazon Ish and in his home, and authored the Kehillot Yaakov series on most Talmudic topics and tractates. He was known as a wonder-worker benefiting from Divine Inspiration, and many sought his blessings and counsel.
Aerogram (2 pages). 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Ink stains. Strip of acidic adhesive tape to margin, affecting a few words. Folding marks.
The letter is addressed to R. Gavriel Krausz, head of the Manchester Beit Din. Most of the letter was printed in Mekor HaBracha - R. Gavriel’s book on the laws of blessings (1995 edition, pp. 142-145), apart from the final five lines.
At the beginning of the letter, the Steipler writes in his typical humility: "It is very difficult for me to respond on a Torah topic which I am not currently engaged in, since he probably assumes that I just need to read it and respond, but unfortunately, it is not so, I possess neither erudition nor astuteness, and if I were to respond properly, I would have to interrupt all my regular study programs for a few days".
The letter discusses whether frozen and solidified fruit juice should be regarded as food - in which case an olive-size portion would have to be consumed to require an after-blessing, or like drink, in which case a Reviit is required. The Steipler determines that it is viewed as food, yet at the end of the letter, he characteristically and modestly draws back, writing: "Even though I am inclined… that it is considered as food, I am not issuing on this a practical ruling, since I am unfortunately not qualified to rule, all the more so since I did not study the topic properly, only superficially".
At the end of the letter, the Steipler writes several lines regarding the distribution of his books Kehillot Yaakov abroad. He adds the following blessing: "And may G-d send his blessing to him and to his entire family, and a complete recovery to all those who require healing, among the other sick people of Israel".
R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (1899-1985), an extraordinary Torah leader of the past generation. He was known as the Steipler, an appellation derived from his hometown Hornostaipil, Ukraine. A foremost student of the Novardok yeshivot in Ukraine and Poland, he was reputed as one of the most diligent and scholarly students in the yeshiva world. Following his marriage to the sister of the Chazon Ish, he was appointed dean of the Novardok yeshiva in Pinsk, and in 1934, he immigrated to Eretz Israel to serve as dean of the Beit Yosef Novardok yeshiva in Bnei Brak. For many years, he lived in Bnei Brak in the same house as his brother-in-law, the Chazon Ish. After the yeshiva shut down, he continued his studies in Kollel Chazon Ish and in his home, and authored the Kehillot Yaakov series on most Talmudic topics and tractates. He was known as a wonder-worker benefiting from Divine Inspiration, and many sought his blessings and counsel.
Aerogram (2 pages). 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Ink stains. Strip of acidic adhesive tape to margin, affecting a few words. Folding marks.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $425
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten, signed and stamped by R. Chaim Shmuelevitz, dean of the Mir Yeshiva. Jerusalem, 1975.
Approbation to the book Minchat Yachid on the Minchat Chinuch, authored by "the prominent Torah scholar, one of the senior students of our yeshiva, who studies with utmost diligence and delves into the depths of halacha, with erudition and great astuteness", R. Yechiel Zilberberg.
R. Chaim Shmuelevitz (1902-1979), grandson of the Alter of Novardok and son-in-law of R. Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, began lecturing in the Mir yeshiva in 1936. During WWII, he headed the yeshiva during its exile in Japan and Shanghai. In 1947, after the war, he immigrated to Jerusalem and joined his father-in-law R. E.Y. Finkel, who had escaped Europe earlier and established the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He served as dean of the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem for many years. A foremost Torah scholar, renowned for his diligence and his brilliant discourses which encompassed many Talmudic topics. His Torah novellae were published in Sichot Mussar and Shaarei Chaim. The book Sefer HaZikaron L’HaGrach Shmuelevitz was written in his memory.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Fair condition. Extensive wear to paper folds.
Approbation to the book Minchat Yachid on the Minchat Chinuch, authored by "the prominent Torah scholar, one of the senior students of our yeshiva, who studies with utmost diligence and delves into the depths of halacha, with erudition and great astuteness", R. Yechiel Zilberberg.
R. Chaim Shmuelevitz (1902-1979), grandson of the Alter of Novardok and son-in-law of R. Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, began lecturing in the Mir yeshiva in 1936. During WWII, he headed the yeshiva during its exile in Japan and Shanghai. In 1947, after the war, he immigrated to Jerusalem and joined his father-in-law R. E.Y. Finkel, who had escaped Europe earlier and established the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He served as dean of the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem for many years. A foremost Torah scholar, renowned for his diligence and his brilliant discourses which encompassed many Talmudic topics. His Torah novellae were published in Sichot Mussar and Shaarei Chaim. The book Sefer HaZikaron L’HaGrach Shmuelevitz was written in his memory.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Fair condition. Extensive wear to paper folds.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $425
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by R. Elazar Menachem Shach, addressed to R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. [Bnei Brak], Shevat 1972.
Typescript letter, hand signed by R. Shach. R. Shach appeals to R. Elyashiv to donate "no less than 100 lira per year, to support the Chinuch HaAtzma’i…". At the beginning of the letter, R. Shach writes that "as a member of the directorate of Chinuch HaAtzma’i", he is deeply cognizant of the difficulties involved in managing educational institutions, and of the necessity for external financial support - "…and I know this with absolute certainty, with no exaggeration whatsoever".
R. Elazar Menachem Man Shach (1898-2002) was born in Lithuania, and studied in his youth in the Ponovezh, Slabodka and Slutsk yeshivot. He served as lecturer in the Kletsk yeshiva in Poland, and as dean of the Karlin yeshiva in Luninitz. During the Holocaust, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, and served as lecturer in the Kletsk yeshiva in Rechovot. He was later appointed lecturer and dean of the Ponovezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. A member and leader of Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah, Chinuch HaAtzma’i and Vaad HaYeshivot, he stood at the helm of the Torah world for decades.
Already in the early 1970s, R. Shach entertained close ties with R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (1910-2012), and conferred with him on halachic and communal matters. In 1973, they jointly went to war to safeguard observance of Halachah, against rabbis who wished to be lenient on marital laws and allow marriage with mamzerim. In 1989, with the establishment of the Degel HaTorah party by R. Shach, R. Elyashiv made his first public statement of support for R. Shach. In his final years (when he was close to one hundred years old), R. Shach transferred to R. Elyashiv the leadership of all the communal organizations he founded for Torah Jewry (the Degel HaTorah party, the Yated Ne’eman paper, Lev L’Achim and the She’erit Yisrael Kashrut system).
[1] leaf, official stationery. 24.5 cm. Good condition. Creases and folding marks.
Typescript letter, hand signed by R. Shach. R. Shach appeals to R. Elyashiv to donate "no less than 100 lira per year, to support the Chinuch HaAtzma’i…". At the beginning of the letter, R. Shach writes that "as a member of the directorate of Chinuch HaAtzma’i", he is deeply cognizant of the difficulties involved in managing educational institutions, and of the necessity for external financial support - "…and I know this with absolute certainty, with no exaggeration whatsoever".
R. Elazar Menachem Man Shach (1898-2002) was born in Lithuania, and studied in his youth in the Ponovezh, Slabodka and Slutsk yeshivot. He served as lecturer in the Kletsk yeshiva in Poland, and as dean of the Karlin yeshiva in Luninitz. During the Holocaust, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, and served as lecturer in the Kletsk yeshiva in Rechovot. He was later appointed lecturer and dean of the Ponovezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. A member and leader of Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah, Chinuch HaAtzma’i and Vaad HaYeshivot, he stood at the helm of the Torah world for decades.
Already in the early 1970s, R. Shach entertained close ties with R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (1910-2012), and conferred with him on halachic and communal matters. In 1973, they jointly went to war to safeguard observance of Halachah, against rabbis who wished to be lenient on marital laws and allow marriage with mamzerim. In 1989, with the establishment of the Degel HaTorah party by R. Shach, R. Elyashiv made his first public statement of support for R. Shach. In his final years (when he was close to one hundred years old), R. Shach transferred to R. Elyashiv the leadership of all the communal organizations he founded for Torah Jewry (the Degel HaTorah party, the Yated Ne’eman paper, Lev L’Achim and the She’erit Yisrael Kashrut system).
[1] leaf, official stationery. 24.5 cm. Good condition. Creases and folding marks.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Draft letter (unsigned) handwritten by R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, addressed to his mechutan R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (the Steipler). Jerusalem, Cheshvan 1974.
Response to a letter from the Steipler, in which the latter apparently sought R. Elyashiv’s counsel on whether to act as mediator between two parties (presumably in a case of a dispute within the administration of a yeshiva). R. Elyashiv writes: "I received his honor’s letter… and behold, he writes that he does not understand the benefit which will emerge from it, and he is only writing to satisfy the pleas of... Although I also don’t know if anything will come of it, since many have already attempted to address the topic, and wasted their time and energy, with no success; there may possibly still be benefit in trying to send other, more prominent people, who will be acceptable to both sides, maybe they will be successful in mediating between them and bringing them to an agreement… and may G-d pour a spirit from above… to bring peace to the world, to the public and to individuals…". (According to various oral sources, the Steipler indeed travelled to Jerusalem together with R. Elazar Menachem Shach upon receiving R. Elyashiv’s letter, and met with the yeshiva staff, in attempt to reconcile the various sides).
R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (1910-2012), a foremost Halachic authority for over seventy years. He was reputed for his outstanding diligence and profound and wide-ranging knowledge of all realms of the Torah, enabling him to issue a clear ruling on any matter. In the last twenty years of his life, he led the Torah world in Eretz Israel and throughout the world. His eldest daughter married R. Chaim Kanievsky. His illustrious mechutan, R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky - the Steipler (1899-1985), held R. Elyashiv in high esteem, and would refer halachic questions to him, as well as names to mention in prayer and for blessing.
[1] leaf. 23 cm. Approx. 18 autograph lines. Good condition.
Response to a letter from the Steipler, in which the latter apparently sought R. Elyashiv’s counsel on whether to act as mediator between two parties (presumably in a case of a dispute within the administration of a yeshiva). R. Elyashiv writes: "I received his honor’s letter… and behold, he writes that he does not understand the benefit which will emerge from it, and he is only writing to satisfy the pleas of... Although I also don’t know if anything will come of it, since many have already attempted to address the topic, and wasted their time and energy, with no success; there may possibly still be benefit in trying to send other, more prominent people, who will be acceptable to both sides, maybe they will be successful in mediating between them and bringing them to an agreement… and may G-d pour a spirit from above… to bring peace to the world, to the public and to individuals…". (According to various oral sources, the Steipler indeed travelled to Jerusalem together with R. Elazar Menachem Shach upon receiving R. Elyashiv’s letter, and met with the yeshiva staff, in attempt to reconcile the various sides).
R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (1910-2012), a foremost Halachic authority for over seventy years. He was reputed for his outstanding diligence and profound and wide-ranging knowledge of all realms of the Torah, enabling him to issue a clear ruling on any matter. In the last twenty years of his life, he led the Torah world in Eretz Israel and throughout the world. His eldest daughter married R. Chaim Kanievsky. His illustrious mechutan, R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky - the Steipler (1899-1985), held R. Elyashiv in high esteem, and would refer halachic questions to him, as well as names to mention in prayer and for blessing.
[1] leaf. 23 cm. Approx. 18 autograph lines. Good condition.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $600
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Feinstein. New York, 9th Kislev 1973.
Call to assist the Kaminetz Yeshiva in building a bomb shelter in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War: "The Kaminetz Yeshiva in Jerusalem is well-known… R. Yitzchak Sheiner has now arrived here from Jerusalem… regarding a very urgent matter of life and death concerning the yeshiva students, i.e. building a bomb shelter for protection during war, which they do not have. Although we trust G-d that he will bestow peace, this is still important…". R. Moshe ends with a blessing for those who will donate to this cause.
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost Halachic authority in the United States, was the leader of Orthodox Jewry, chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah and dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored: Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe - Talmudic novellae and Darash Moshe - novellae on the Torah.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 26 cm. Good condition. Dampstains. Folding marks.
Call to assist the Kaminetz Yeshiva in building a bomb shelter in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War: "The Kaminetz Yeshiva in Jerusalem is well-known… R. Yitzchak Sheiner has now arrived here from Jerusalem… regarding a very urgent matter of life and death concerning the yeshiva students, i.e. building a bomb shelter for protection during war, which they do not have. Although we trust G-d that he will bestow peace, this is still important…". R. Moshe ends with a blessing for those who will donate to this cause.
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost Halachic authority in the United States, was the leader of Orthodox Jewry, chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah and dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored: Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe - Talmudic novellae and Darash Moshe - novellae on the Torah.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 26 cm. Good condition. Dampstains. Folding marks.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Letter of approbation by R. Moshe Feinstein. New York, Tammuz 1984.
Typewritten on official stationery, with the signature of R. Moshe Feinstein.
The letter of approbation is addressed to R. Tzvi Yabrov for the booklets he published in his youth, Bedin Birkot HaNehenin and BeDin Bat Kohen LeInyan Achilat Teruma (Bnei Brak 1984, mimeographed edition).
In his letter, R. Moshe blesses: "May G-d grant him success with this work, and may he merit to author additional important books, bringing grandeur and glory to Torah".
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost Halachic authority in the United States, was the leader of Orthodox Jewry, chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah and dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored: Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe - Talmudic novellae and Darash Moshe - novellae on the Torah.
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Typewritten on official stationery, with the signature of R. Moshe Feinstein.
The letter of approbation is addressed to R. Tzvi Yabrov for the booklets he published in his youth, Bedin Birkot HaNehenin and BeDin Bat Kohen LeInyan Achilat Teruma (Bnei Brak 1984, mimeographed edition).
In his letter, R. Moshe blesses: "May G-d grant him success with this work, and may he merit to author additional important books, bringing grandeur and glory to Torah".
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost Halachic authority in the United States, was the leader of Orthodox Jewry, chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah and dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored: Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe - Talmudic novellae and Darash Moshe - novellae on the Torah.
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $500
Including buyer's premium
Letter of approbation for a book (7 lines), handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Feinstein. New York, Marcheshvan 1976.
Approbation for the book Mekor HaBracha - laws of blessings, authored by R. Gavriel Krausz, head of the Manchester Beit Din. In his approbation, R. Moshe Feinstein writes: "Since the book contains practical halachic rulings, and I am not able to study each topic individually, it cannot be considered as if I myself am also issuing these rulings, but I can say that he is a great man, who is well-versed in the laws of blessings, and his words should be given due regard". At the end of the letter, R. Moshe blesses: "And may G-d grant him success in Torah and in all areas, and may G-d’s name be sanctified through him".
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost halachic authority in the United States, a leader of Orthodox Jewry and chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. He was the dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored: Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe - Talmudic novellae and Darash Moshe - novellae on the Torah.
[1] leaf. Official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
The letter of approbation was printed in the book Mekor HaBracha (London, 1977). The second edition of the book, which was printed in 1986 after the passing of R. Moshe Feinstein, contains a eulogy in his memory.
Approbation for the book Mekor HaBracha - laws of blessings, authored by R. Gavriel Krausz, head of the Manchester Beit Din. In his approbation, R. Moshe Feinstein writes: "Since the book contains practical halachic rulings, and I am not able to study each topic individually, it cannot be considered as if I myself am also issuing these rulings, but I can say that he is a great man, who is well-versed in the laws of blessings, and his words should be given due regard". At the end of the letter, R. Moshe blesses: "And may G-d grant him success in Torah and in all areas, and may G-d’s name be sanctified through him".
R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), foremost halachic authority in the United States, a leader of Orthodox Jewry and chairman of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. He was the dean of the Tiferet Yerushalayim yeshiva in New York. He authored: Responsa Igrot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe - Talmudic novellae and Darash Moshe - novellae on the Torah.
[1] leaf. Official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
The letter of approbation was printed in the book Mekor HaBracha (London, 1977). The second edition of the book, which was printed in 1986 after the passing of R. Moshe Feinstein, contains a eulogy in his memory.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue