Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
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Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $40,000
Estimate: $50,000 - $100,000
Sold for: $50,000
Including buyer's premium
Lettet of rabbinic ordination signed by R. Yechezkel Landau – the Noda BiYehuda, and by the dayanim of his Beit Din in Prague. Prague, 3rd Sivan 1760.
The certificate was accorded to R. David son of R. Yitzchak Eizek Bindeles of Prague, granting him the title "Morenu HaRav".
Written by a scribe, the letter concludes: "So are the words of one who is engaged in Torah and worship of G-d, together with the rabbis of the Beit Din here in Prague on Sunday, 3rd Sivan 1760". This is followed by the handwritten signature of the Noda BiYehuda: " One who speaks in honor of the Torah and those who learn it, Yechezkel Segal Landau".
The signature of the Noda BiYehuda is followed by that of the dayanim of his Beit Din, leading Prague Torah scholars: " Yehuda Leib Kassowitz of Prague" – R. Leib Kassowitz (Rassowitz; d. 1783), head of the Beit Din during the time of the Noda BiYehuda; " Yitzchak Wolf son of R. Aharon Austerlitz Segal" – R. Yitzchak Binyamin Wolf Austerlitz (d. 1762), close disciple of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, dean of the Prague yeshiva and rabbi of the Chatzer HaGadol synagogue in Prague, one of the first signatories on the rabbinic appointment of the Noda BiYehuda; " Meir son of R. F. Bomsela" – R. Meir son of R. Fishel (Fischels) Bomsela (d. 1770), disciple and associate of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, served as head of the Prague Beit Din during the time of the Noda BiYehuda, dean of the Prague yeshiva for forty years, most of the Prague Torah scholars were his disciples; " Asher Anshel son of R. Baruch Osers" – R. Ascher Anschel Osers (d. 1765), a Prague Torah scholar and dayan in the Beit Din of the Noda BiYehuda, " Shlomo Zalman son of R. Gumpel Emerich" – R. Shlomo Zalman Emerich (d. 1794), disciple of R. Netanel Weill author of Korban Netanel, rabbi of the Maisel synagogue in Prague, dayan in the Prague Beit Din from 1762, and head of the Beit Din from 1793, author of Shisha Zironei Aruga (Prague 1789).
R. Yechezkel HaLevi Segal Landau – the Noda BiYehuda (1713-1793) was a leading halachic authority of all times, relied upon by the entire Jewish nation. Already as a young man, he was renowned as a leading Torah scholar of his generation. From the age of 13 until 30, he resided in Brody, a Torah center in those times, home to the celebrated Brody Kloiz. The outstanding Torah scholars who studied there covered all realms of Torah, and produced famous compositions on the Talmud, Halacha and Kabbala.
The Noda BiYehuda served for about ten years as head of one of the four Batei Din in Brody. During his stay there, he drew close to the Kloiz scholars, such as R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov) and R. Chaim Sanzer, one of the Kloiz's leading scholars, together with whom he studied the writings of the Arizal.
In ca. 1745, he went to serve as rabbi of Yampola (Yampil), and in 1754, he was appointed as rabbi of Prague and the region. In Prague, he led his community fearlessly, becoming a foremost leader of his generation. He established a large yeshiva, where he educated thousands of disciples, including many of the leading Torah scholars of that generation (his disciple R. Elazar Fleckeles, author of Teshuva MeAhava, eulogized him: "He edified several thousands of disciples, including hundreds of rabbis and dayanim". Olat HaChodesh HaShlishi, 17, p. 85a). Thousands of questions were addressed to him from far-flung places. Approximately 850 of his responsa were published in Noda BiYehuda. His books published in his lifetime, Responsa Noda BiYehuda – Mahadura Kama, and Tzelach on Tractates Pesachim and Berachot, earned him worldwide eminence already then (Noda BiYehuda – Mahadura Tinyana, printed after his passing, Prague 1811, includes hundreds of his responsa to questions regarding his first book, addressed to him from various places).
The Chida in Shem HaGedolim describes him as an exceptionally outstanding Torah scholar who disseminated much Torah through his books and disciples, and mentions the acuity and extensive Torah wisdom apparent in his responsa and books. The Noda BiYehuda himself wrote in one of his responsa, regarding one of his novellae, that in his opinion, it was a true Torah thought (Even HaEzer, Mahadura Tinyana section 23, 2). The Chatam Sofer comments on a responsum of the Noda BiYehuda (Responsa Chatam Sofer part II, Even HaEzer, section 95): "And the words of G-d are in his mouth, truth".
[1] double leaf. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding mark.
The certificate was accorded to R. David son of R. Yitzchak Eizek Bindeles of Prague, granting him the title "Morenu HaRav".
Written by a scribe, the letter concludes: "So are the words of one who is engaged in Torah and worship of G-d, together with the rabbis of the Beit Din here in Prague on Sunday, 3rd Sivan 1760". This is followed by the handwritten signature of the Noda BiYehuda: " One who speaks in honor of the Torah and those who learn it, Yechezkel Segal Landau".
The signature of the Noda BiYehuda is followed by that of the dayanim of his Beit Din, leading Prague Torah scholars: " Yehuda Leib Kassowitz of Prague" – R. Leib Kassowitz (Rassowitz; d. 1783), head of the Beit Din during the time of the Noda BiYehuda; " Yitzchak Wolf son of R. Aharon Austerlitz Segal" – R. Yitzchak Binyamin Wolf Austerlitz (d. 1762), close disciple of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, dean of the Prague yeshiva and rabbi of the Chatzer HaGadol synagogue in Prague, one of the first signatories on the rabbinic appointment of the Noda BiYehuda; " Meir son of R. F. Bomsela" – R. Meir son of R. Fishel (Fischels) Bomsela (d. 1770), disciple and associate of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, served as head of the Prague Beit Din during the time of the Noda BiYehuda, dean of the Prague yeshiva for forty years, most of the Prague Torah scholars were his disciples; " Asher Anshel son of R. Baruch Osers" – R. Ascher Anschel Osers (d. 1765), a Prague Torah scholar and dayan in the Beit Din of the Noda BiYehuda, " Shlomo Zalman son of R. Gumpel Emerich" – R. Shlomo Zalman Emerich (d. 1794), disciple of R. Netanel Weill author of Korban Netanel, rabbi of the Maisel synagogue in Prague, dayan in the Prague Beit Din from 1762, and head of the Beit Din from 1793, author of Shisha Zironei Aruga (Prague 1789).
R. Yechezkel HaLevi Segal Landau – the Noda BiYehuda (1713-1793) was a leading halachic authority of all times, relied upon by the entire Jewish nation. Already as a young man, he was renowned as a leading Torah scholar of his generation. From the age of 13 until 30, he resided in Brody, a Torah center in those times, home to the celebrated Brody Kloiz. The outstanding Torah scholars who studied there covered all realms of Torah, and produced famous compositions on the Talmud, Halacha and Kabbala.
The Noda BiYehuda served for about ten years as head of one of the four Batei Din in Brody. During his stay there, he drew close to the Kloiz scholars, such as R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov) and R. Chaim Sanzer, one of the Kloiz's leading scholars, together with whom he studied the writings of the Arizal.
In ca. 1745, he went to serve as rabbi of Yampola (Yampil), and in 1754, he was appointed as rabbi of Prague and the region. In Prague, he led his community fearlessly, becoming a foremost leader of his generation. He established a large yeshiva, where he educated thousands of disciples, including many of the leading Torah scholars of that generation (his disciple R. Elazar Fleckeles, author of Teshuva MeAhava, eulogized him: "He edified several thousands of disciples, including hundreds of rabbis and dayanim". Olat HaChodesh HaShlishi, 17, p. 85a). Thousands of questions were addressed to him from far-flung places. Approximately 850 of his responsa were published in Noda BiYehuda. His books published in his lifetime, Responsa Noda BiYehuda – Mahadura Kama, and Tzelach on Tractates Pesachim and Berachot, earned him worldwide eminence already then (Noda BiYehuda – Mahadura Tinyana, printed after his passing, Prague 1811, includes hundreds of his responsa to questions regarding his first book, addressed to him from various places).
The Chida in Shem HaGedolim describes him as an exceptionally outstanding Torah scholar who disseminated much Torah through his books and disciples, and mentions the acuity and extensive Torah wisdom apparent in his responsa and books. The Noda BiYehuda himself wrote in one of his responsa, regarding one of his novellae, that in his opinion, it was a true Torah thought (Even HaEzer, Mahadura Tinyana section 23, 2). The Chatam Sofer comments on a responsum of the Noda BiYehuda (Responsa Chatam Sofer part II, Even HaEzer, section 95): "And the words of G-d are in his mouth, truth".
[1] double leaf. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding mark.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Emissary letter appointing R. Avraham son of Asher and R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai – father of the Chida, as emissaries on behalf of the Jerusalem community, to travel to Italy and Western Europe. The letter is addressed to the rabbis and dignitaries of the Ancona community, Italy, and is signed by the leading Torah scholars of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, [1741].
Neat scribal script (similar to the handwriting of the Chida). Calligraphic signatures of eight of Jerusalem's leading Torah scholars. The list of signees is headed by the Rishon LeTzion, R. "Eliezer Nachum" – author of Chazon Nachum (1662-1745, renowned rabbi and yeshiva dean in Turkey, immigrated to Eretz Israel were he succeeded R. Binyamin HaKohen Maali as rabbi of Jerusalem). The other signees are the dayanim of his Beit Din – leading Torah scholars of Jerusalem: R. "Nissim Chaim Moshe Mizrachi" – author of Admat Kodesh (ca. 1690-1749, succeeded R. Eliezer Nachum as Rishon LeTzion), R. "Yehuda son of R. Amram Diwan" – author of Chut HaMeshulash (d. ca. 1752), R. "Yisrael Meir son of R. Yosef Mizrachi" – author of Pri HaAretz (d. after 1749. He was the brother of R. Nissim Chaim Moshe Mizrachi and served as dean of the Beit Yaakov Yeshiva), R. "David Yekutiel HaKohen", R. "Yitzchak Aruch", R. "Yaakov Ashkenazi" and R. "Meyuchas Bechor Shmuel" author of Pri HaAdama and Mizbach Adama (1695-1771. Served as Rishon LeTzion following the passing of R. Yaakov Yisrael Algazi).
The letter is addressed to "Our brethren, our saviors in Ancona…", and depicts at length the trials and tribulations the Jerusalem community are undergoing. The Torah scholars of Jerusalem appoint R. Avraham son of R. Asher and R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai as emissaries, to raise funds from the Jews of Ancona on behalf of the Jewish settlement in Jerusalem.
Address inscribed on verso "To our dear brethren, the community of Ancona…".
R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai (1702-1765) was one of the leading Torah scholars and kabbalists in Jerusalem in his times. A member of the Beit Yaakov study hall, he served as dean of the yeshiva founded by the wealthy Mordechai Tallouk (named Gedulat Mordechai), alongside his brother-in-law R. Yona Navon. He was a dayan in the Batei Din of leading rabbis of Jerusalem, and his signature is featured together with theirs on the city regulations. His eldest son was the Chida, who quotes him extensively in his works. R. Yitzchak Zerachya was the first of a prestigious dynasty of four generations of emissaries who travelled abroad on behalf of Eretz Israel: his son the Chida – a renowned emissary, his grandsons R. Avraham Azulai and R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (sons of the Chida) and later, the grandson of R. Refael Yeshaya (son of his son R. Moshe) – R. Yehuda Zerachya Azulai.
R. Yitzchak Zerachya's companion, R. Avraham son of R. Asher (d. 1772), served as head of the Jerusalem Beit Din and dean of the Yefa'er Anavim yeshiva. In 1771 (following the passing of R. Meyuchas Bechor Shmuel, one of the signees of this letter), he was appointed Rishon LeTzion and rabbi of Jerusalem, yet he passed away a year later during an epidemic. While in Constantinople on an earlier mission on behalf of the Jerusalem community, in 1734, he published the book Shaarei Kedusha by R. Chaim Vital, based on a manuscript he found in Egypt. R. Avraham completed the mission documented in this letter on his own, after R. Yitzchak Zerachya took ill upon reaching Constantinople and was compelled to return to Eretz Israel. See A. Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 389-391. A different letter written for these two emissaries is also featured there.
[1] double leaf. 29 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Folding marks.
Neat scribal script (similar to the handwriting of the Chida). Calligraphic signatures of eight of Jerusalem's leading Torah scholars. The list of signees is headed by the Rishon LeTzion, R. "Eliezer Nachum" – author of Chazon Nachum (1662-1745, renowned rabbi and yeshiva dean in Turkey, immigrated to Eretz Israel were he succeeded R. Binyamin HaKohen Maali as rabbi of Jerusalem). The other signees are the dayanim of his Beit Din – leading Torah scholars of Jerusalem: R. "Nissim Chaim Moshe Mizrachi" – author of Admat Kodesh (ca. 1690-1749, succeeded R. Eliezer Nachum as Rishon LeTzion), R. "Yehuda son of R. Amram Diwan" – author of Chut HaMeshulash (d. ca. 1752), R. "Yisrael Meir son of R. Yosef Mizrachi" – author of Pri HaAretz (d. after 1749. He was the brother of R. Nissim Chaim Moshe Mizrachi and served as dean of the Beit Yaakov Yeshiva), R. "David Yekutiel HaKohen", R. "Yitzchak Aruch", R. "Yaakov Ashkenazi" and R. "Meyuchas Bechor Shmuel" author of Pri HaAdama and Mizbach Adama (1695-1771. Served as Rishon LeTzion following the passing of R. Yaakov Yisrael Algazi).
The letter is addressed to "Our brethren, our saviors in Ancona…", and depicts at length the trials and tribulations the Jerusalem community are undergoing. The Torah scholars of Jerusalem appoint R. Avraham son of R. Asher and R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai as emissaries, to raise funds from the Jews of Ancona on behalf of the Jewish settlement in Jerusalem.
Address inscribed on verso "To our dear brethren, the community of Ancona…".
R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai (1702-1765) was one of the leading Torah scholars and kabbalists in Jerusalem in his times. A member of the Beit Yaakov study hall, he served as dean of the yeshiva founded by the wealthy Mordechai Tallouk (named Gedulat Mordechai), alongside his brother-in-law R. Yona Navon. He was a dayan in the Batei Din of leading rabbis of Jerusalem, and his signature is featured together with theirs on the city regulations. His eldest son was the Chida, who quotes him extensively in his works. R. Yitzchak Zerachya was the first of a prestigious dynasty of four generations of emissaries who travelled abroad on behalf of Eretz Israel: his son the Chida – a renowned emissary, his grandsons R. Avraham Azulai and R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (sons of the Chida) and later, the grandson of R. Refael Yeshaya (son of his son R. Moshe) – R. Yehuda Zerachya Azulai.
R. Yitzchak Zerachya's companion, R. Avraham son of R. Asher (d. 1772), served as head of the Jerusalem Beit Din and dean of the Yefa'er Anavim yeshiva. In 1771 (following the passing of R. Meyuchas Bechor Shmuel, one of the signees of this letter), he was appointed Rishon LeTzion and rabbi of Jerusalem, yet he passed away a year later during an epidemic. While in Constantinople on an earlier mission on behalf of the Jerusalem community, in 1734, he published the book Shaarei Kedusha by R. Chaim Vital, based on a manuscript he found in Egypt. R. Avraham completed the mission documented in this letter on his own, after R. Yitzchak Zerachya took ill upon reaching Constantinople and was compelled to return to Eretz Israel. See A. Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 389-391. A different letter written for these two emissaries is also featured there.
[1] double leaf. 29 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
![Letter handwritten and signed by R. Elazar Kalir rabbi of Rechnitz and Kolin. [Kolin], 17th Cheshvan, 1794.
Letter (one lea](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/93.jpg "Letter Handwritten and Signed by Rabbi Elazar Kalir, Author of Or Chad")
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Elazar Kalir rabbi of Rechnitz and Kolin. [Kolin], 17th Cheshvan, 1794.
Letter (one leaf folded in half) with words of inspiration and friendship, sent to "Rabbi Shmuel Leib of Prague" (apparently, R. Shmuel Leib Kauder of Prague, author of Olat Shmuel).
R. Elazar opens his letter with praise of his disciple's Torah knowledge and diligence and writes that he is enclosing a copy of his book Or Chadash on tractate Pesachim (Frankfurt an der Oder, 1776) with his letter. He ends the letter with words of inspiration: " Do not forsake G-d's Torah and rely on G-d, and honor will be forthcoming".
The name of the recipient and his address are written on verso of the letter: "To Prague… R. Shmuel Leib". Apparently, this letter has never been printed.
R. Elazar Kalir (1738-1801) was one of the most renowned Torah scholars of his times. He served as rabbi of Zablodove, Rechnitz (1768-1781) and Kolin (1781-1801). In each place he also served as yeshiva dean. He edified many disciples and many of the rabbis of his generation were his close disciples. He corresponded extensively with the Noda BiYehuda and dozens of responsa in the Responsa Noda BiYehuda are addressed to him. The Noda BiYehuda esteemed him greatly although R. Elazar was decades younger than him and in one responsum addresses him with many honorary titles. In his approbation to the book Or Chadash on Pesachim, the Noda BiYehuda writes that R. Elazar's novellae befit the Rishonim. R. Baruch Jeitteles, a Prague Torah scholar, writes in the preface to his book Taam HaMelech of R. Elazar's high stature in Central
Europe after the passing of R. Yechezkel Landau: "After the death of the Noda BiYehuda, R. Elazar, author of the Or Chadash books, became the leader of the Jewish People, the one individual in our country to whom all eyes turn and many Prague Torah scholars consider him a halachic authority".
He authored: Or Chadash on the Torah (Fürth, 1766), Or Chadash on tractate Pesachim (Frankfurt an der Oder, 1776), Or Chadash on tractate Kiddushin (Vienna, 1769), Chavat Yair HeChadash (Prague, 1792) and Responsa Cheker Halacha (Vienna, 1838).
R. Shmuel Kauder (1766-1838) was one of the leading Torah scholars in Prague. He was a close associate of R. Betzalel Ronsburg, and dayan in his Beit Din in Prague. He was a prime disciple of R. Michael Bacharach Rabbi of Prague, and later of R. Elazar Kalir author of Or Chadash (R. Shmuel writes about this in the preface to his book Olat Shmuel, and in another place in his book, he calls his teacher R. Elazar "Rabbi of the entire Diaspora"). He resided in Kalady (Koloděje), and from 1812 served as rabbi in the communities of Tábor and Budweis (České Budějovice) in Bohemia. In 1835 he was appointed head of the Prague Beit Din, where he disseminated Torah and was renowned as a prominent halachic authority. Of his many writings, only Responsa Olat Shmuel (on Orach Chaim), Ahavat Emet (homily) and Zikaron BaSefer (on tractate Megillah) were published.
[1] double leaf. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
Letter (one leaf folded in half) with words of inspiration and friendship, sent to "Rabbi Shmuel Leib of Prague" (apparently, R. Shmuel Leib Kauder of Prague, author of Olat Shmuel).
R. Elazar opens his letter with praise of his disciple's Torah knowledge and diligence and writes that he is enclosing a copy of his book Or Chadash on tractate Pesachim (Frankfurt an der Oder, 1776) with his letter. He ends the letter with words of inspiration: " Do not forsake G-d's Torah and rely on G-d, and honor will be forthcoming".
The name of the recipient and his address are written on verso of the letter: "To Prague… R. Shmuel Leib". Apparently, this letter has never been printed.
R. Elazar Kalir (1738-1801) was one of the most renowned Torah scholars of his times. He served as rabbi of Zablodove, Rechnitz (1768-1781) and Kolin (1781-1801). In each place he also served as yeshiva dean. He edified many disciples and many of the rabbis of his generation were his close disciples. He corresponded extensively with the Noda BiYehuda and dozens of responsa in the Responsa Noda BiYehuda are addressed to him. The Noda BiYehuda esteemed him greatly although R. Elazar was decades younger than him and in one responsum addresses him with many honorary titles. In his approbation to the book Or Chadash on Pesachim, the Noda BiYehuda writes that R. Elazar's novellae befit the Rishonim. R. Baruch Jeitteles, a Prague Torah scholar, writes in the preface to his book Taam HaMelech of R. Elazar's high stature in Central
Europe after the passing of R. Yechezkel Landau: "After the death of the Noda BiYehuda, R. Elazar, author of the Or Chadash books, became the leader of the Jewish People, the one individual in our country to whom all eyes turn and many Prague Torah scholars consider him a halachic authority".
He authored: Or Chadash on the Torah (Fürth, 1766), Or Chadash on tractate Pesachim (Frankfurt an der Oder, 1776), Or Chadash on tractate Kiddushin (Vienna, 1769), Chavat Yair HeChadash (Prague, 1792) and Responsa Cheker Halacha (Vienna, 1838).
R. Shmuel Kauder (1766-1838) was one of the leading Torah scholars in Prague. He was a close associate of R. Betzalel Ronsburg, and dayan in his Beit Din in Prague. He was a prime disciple of R. Michael Bacharach Rabbi of Prague, and later of R. Elazar Kalir author of Or Chadash (R. Shmuel writes about this in the preface to his book Olat Shmuel, and in another place in his book, he calls his teacher R. Elazar "Rabbi of the entire Diaspora"). He resided in Kalady (Koloděje), and from 1812 served as rabbi in the communities of Tábor and Budweis (České Budějovice) in Bohemia. In 1835 he was appointed head of the Prague Beit Din, where he disseminated Torah and was renowned as a prominent halachic authority. Of his many writings, only Responsa Olat Shmuel (on Orach Chaim), Ahavat Emet (homily) and Zikaron BaSefer (on tractate Megillah) were published.
[1] double leaf. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
"Rabbonus Brief", a handwritten rabbinic contract of the Aruch LaNer, for his first rabbinic position in the district of Ladenburg, signed by leaders of the Jewish community and by the Aruch LaNer. [Ladenburg district, Germany], Elul 1828.
A contract of 16 clauses, with opening and concluding passages. Calligraphic and cursive scripts. The contract is signed by several leaders of the Jewish community of the Ladenburg district, as well as by the newly appointed rabbi, the Aruch LaNer: " Yukev son of R. Aharon Ettlingen, rabbi of the Ladenburg district".
The contract is bound in a paper cover, inscribed: "Rabbonus Brief [rabbinic contract] – 1828".
R. Yaakov Yukev Ettlinger (1798-1871), chief rabbi of Altona and the surroundings, was a foremost leader of German Jewry and one of the strongest opponents of the Reform movement. In his youth, he served as lecturer in the yeshiva of his father, R. Aharon Ettlinger (Ettlingen) in Karlsruhe, and was one of the primary disciples of R. Asher Wallerstein, son of the Shaagat Aryeh and rabbi of the city. He also studied in the Würzburg yeshiva under R. Avraham Bing, and was a colleague of Chacham Yitzchak Bernays of Hamburg and R. Elazar Bergman of Jerusalem.
In 1828, he was appointed as district rabbi of Ladenburg and settled in nearby Mannheim, where he was appointed dean of the yeshiva and rabbi of the Kloiz (at that time, R. Samson Refael Hirsch of Hamburg was his disciple). This document attests to R. Ettlinger's appointment as rabbi of the Ladenburg district.
In 1836, he went to serve as rabbi of the Three Communities (Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbeck), where he established a prominent yeshiva. R. Yaakov Ettlinger dedicated his life to disseminating Torah, and leading German rabbis were his disciples, the most renowned ones include: R. Samson Refael Hirsch; R. Azriel Hildesheimer, R. Tzvi Binyamin Auerbach Rabbi of Halberstadt and author of Nachal Eshkol, R. Getsch Schlesinger dayan in Hamburg, R. Eliyahu Munk dayan in Altona and his son R. Yehuda Munk Rabbi of Marburg, R. Zev Yitzchak HaLevi Dünner of Köln author of LiChevod Amudei HaTorah, R. Moshe Weisskopf Rabbi of Paris, and other renowned disciples who glorified German communities in that generation.
He authored the following books: Aruch LaNer on Talmudic tractates, Bikurei Yaakov, Responsa Binyan Tzion, Minchat Ani on the Torah and others. He was the founder and editor of the Orthodox periodical Shomer Tzion HaNe'eman. His books are studied until this day in Torah study halls, and his teachings are quoted extensively in Halachic literature. Already in his generation, he was considered a leading Halachic authority, and Halachic questions were referred to him from Jerusalem and throughout the Jewish world. R. Yosef Shaul Natansohn wrote in several dispensations for Agunot, that he will issue a permission only if the "Gaon of Altona" will concur with him (Shoel UMeshiv, Telitaa, II, 216; III, 87). He was the supreme authority amongst German rabbis, and even the great Torah scholar from Würzburg, R. Yitzchak Dov Bamberger, wrote regarding him: "Since then, I would bring any difficulty before one of the leading Torah scholars of the generation, R. M. Kargau and my mechutan R. Yaakov Ettlinger… before them I posed any difficult matter" (Responsa Yad HaLevi, Jerusalem 1988, p. 60). After his passing and that of the Ktav Sofer the same year, Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Deyzh termed them the righteous men of the generation (Maaglei Tzedek, I, Parashat Vaera).
[4] leaves (including cover). 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor tears. Folding marks.
A contract of 16 clauses, with opening and concluding passages. Calligraphic and cursive scripts. The contract is signed by several leaders of the Jewish community of the Ladenburg district, as well as by the newly appointed rabbi, the Aruch LaNer: " Yukev son of R. Aharon Ettlingen, rabbi of the Ladenburg district".
The contract is bound in a paper cover, inscribed: "Rabbonus Brief [rabbinic contract] – 1828".
R. Yaakov Yukev Ettlinger (1798-1871), chief rabbi of Altona and the surroundings, was a foremost leader of German Jewry and one of the strongest opponents of the Reform movement. In his youth, he served as lecturer in the yeshiva of his father, R. Aharon Ettlinger (Ettlingen) in Karlsruhe, and was one of the primary disciples of R. Asher Wallerstein, son of the Shaagat Aryeh and rabbi of the city. He also studied in the Würzburg yeshiva under R. Avraham Bing, and was a colleague of Chacham Yitzchak Bernays of Hamburg and R. Elazar Bergman of Jerusalem.
In 1828, he was appointed as district rabbi of Ladenburg and settled in nearby Mannheim, where he was appointed dean of the yeshiva and rabbi of the Kloiz (at that time, R. Samson Refael Hirsch of Hamburg was his disciple). This document attests to R. Ettlinger's appointment as rabbi of the Ladenburg district.
In 1836, he went to serve as rabbi of the Three Communities (Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbeck), where he established a prominent yeshiva. R. Yaakov Ettlinger dedicated his life to disseminating Torah, and leading German rabbis were his disciples, the most renowned ones include: R. Samson Refael Hirsch; R. Azriel Hildesheimer, R. Tzvi Binyamin Auerbach Rabbi of Halberstadt and author of Nachal Eshkol, R. Getsch Schlesinger dayan in Hamburg, R. Eliyahu Munk dayan in Altona and his son R. Yehuda Munk Rabbi of Marburg, R. Zev Yitzchak HaLevi Dünner of Köln author of LiChevod Amudei HaTorah, R. Moshe Weisskopf Rabbi of Paris, and other renowned disciples who glorified German communities in that generation.
He authored the following books: Aruch LaNer on Talmudic tractates, Bikurei Yaakov, Responsa Binyan Tzion, Minchat Ani on the Torah and others. He was the founder and editor of the Orthodox periodical Shomer Tzion HaNe'eman. His books are studied until this day in Torah study halls, and his teachings are quoted extensively in Halachic literature. Already in his generation, he was considered a leading Halachic authority, and Halachic questions were referred to him from Jerusalem and throughout the Jewish world. R. Yosef Shaul Natansohn wrote in several dispensations for Agunot, that he will issue a permission only if the "Gaon of Altona" will concur with him (Shoel UMeshiv, Telitaa, II, 216; III, 87). He was the supreme authority amongst German rabbis, and even the great Torah scholar from Würzburg, R. Yitzchak Dov Bamberger, wrote regarding him: "Since then, I would bring any difficulty before one of the leading Torah scholars of the generation, R. M. Kargau and my mechutan R. Yaakov Ettlinger… before them I posed any difficult matter" (Responsa Yad HaLevi, Jerusalem 1988, p. 60). After his passing and that of the Ktav Sofer the same year, Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Deyzh termed them the righteous men of the generation (Maaglei Tzedek, I, Parashat Vaera).
[4] leaves (including cover). 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor tears. Folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter (11 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Yerucham Leibowitz. Mir, Nissan 1934.
Letter of recommendation for the yeshiva student Mr. Eliyahu Zorkes, in advance of his immigration to the Holy Land: "… He studied in our yeshiva for two years with diligence and grew in sharpness and knowledge and correct understanding…".
R. Yerucham HaLevi Leibowitz (1875-1936), a leading educator and Torah scholar of his times, affiliated with the Mussar Movement. Disciple of Beit HaTalmud in Kelm and teacher of R. Yechezkel Levenstein. He served as mashgiach in Lithuanian yeshivot, in the Radin Yeshiva and others. His most productive position was his long tenure as mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva, which he directed in its move to Poltava during WWI. After the return of the yeshiva to Mir, he was the backbone of its reconstruction, raising close disciples, including many illustrious yeshiva deans of our times. R. Chaim Shmuelevitz and R. Aryeh Leib Malin, who edited the books of his discourses, Chever Maamarim and Daat Chochmah UMussar, were among these disciples.
He showed special care for the students from Central Europe and delivered classes especially for them, illuminating the basic tenets of faith and the deep Torah thinking of Lithuanian yeshivot (some were later printed in the five volumes of Daat Torah).
Rabbi Wolbe, one of the youngest disciples of Rabbi Leibowitz, wrote in the preface to his well-known book Alei Shur: "…How does a Torah man look, after becoming a different person? Come with me… and see the beauty… The author of this book, in his youth… was brought close to a giant among men, the light of our eyes, who resurrects the dead with his speech, R. Yerucham HaLevi… in the Mir Yeshiva…".
[1] leaf, official stationery of the Mir Yeshiva. 27.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears to folds, with adhesive tape repairs on verso.
Letter of recommendation for the yeshiva student Mr. Eliyahu Zorkes, in advance of his immigration to the Holy Land: "… He studied in our yeshiva for two years with diligence and grew in sharpness and knowledge and correct understanding…".
R. Yerucham HaLevi Leibowitz (1875-1936), a leading educator and Torah scholar of his times, affiliated with the Mussar Movement. Disciple of Beit HaTalmud in Kelm and teacher of R. Yechezkel Levenstein. He served as mashgiach in Lithuanian yeshivot, in the Radin Yeshiva and others. His most productive position was his long tenure as mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva, which he directed in its move to Poltava during WWI. After the return of the yeshiva to Mir, he was the backbone of its reconstruction, raising close disciples, including many illustrious yeshiva deans of our times. R. Chaim Shmuelevitz and R. Aryeh Leib Malin, who edited the books of his discourses, Chever Maamarim and Daat Chochmah UMussar, were among these disciples.
He showed special care for the students from Central Europe and delivered classes especially for them, illuminating the basic tenets of faith and the deep Torah thinking of Lithuanian yeshivot (some were later printed in the five volumes of Daat Torah).
Rabbi Wolbe, one of the youngest disciples of Rabbi Leibowitz, wrote in the preface to his well-known book Alei Shur: "…How does a Torah man look, after becoming a different person? Come with me… and see the beauty… The author of this book, in his youth… was brought close to a giant among men, the light of our eyes, who resurrects the dead with his speech, R. Yerucham HaLevi… in the Mir Yeshiva…".
[1] leaf, official stationery of the Mir Yeshiva. 27.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears to folds, with adhesive tape repairs on verso.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $500
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $4,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter from the Bnei Brak municipality, to "The rabbi and tzaddik, the Gaon of Steipel", with an enclosed bank check – "…Grant from the Bnei Brak municipality to participate in the printing of his books". A response letter (4 lines), handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, appears on the leaf, in which he refuses to accept the grant. [Bnei Brak, Nissan 1985].
This letter, written in the last months of the Steipler's life (he passed away in Av 1985; the handwriting is indicative of his old age and frailty), is addressed to the mayor, R. Moshe Irenstein: "…T o the Mayor, I do not accept any help with the exception of taxes from which the Torah exempts me, because thank G-d, I am not poor. My regards and honor... Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky".
The Steipler, in his righteousness, refused the funds – sent at the decision of the municipality to support the city's rabbis towards Pesach – and returned the check to the mayor.
R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (1899-1985), one of the most prominent Torah leaders of the past generation. He was known as the Steipler, 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. In his youth, he published his book Shaarei Tevuna and after seeing the book, the Chazon Ish chose him as a match for his younger sister Pesha Miriam. After his marriage, he served as 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 resumed 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 who benefitted from Divine Inspiration, and many sought his blessings and counsel.
[1] leaf, official stationery of the Mayor of Bnei Brak, 23.5 cm + bank check + envelope. Good-fair condition. Creases and folding marks.
This letter, written in the last months of the Steipler's life (he passed away in Av 1985; the handwriting is indicative of his old age and frailty), is addressed to the mayor, R. Moshe Irenstein: "…T o the Mayor, I do not accept any help with the exception of taxes from which the Torah exempts me, because thank G-d, I am not poor. My regards and honor... Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky".
The Steipler, in his righteousness, refused the funds – sent at the decision of the municipality to support the city's rabbis towards Pesach – and returned the check to the mayor.
R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (1899-1985), one of the most prominent Torah leaders of the past generation. He was known as the Steipler, 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. In his youth, he published his book Shaarei Tevuna and after seeing the book, the Chazon Ish chose him as a match for his younger sister Pesha Miriam. After his marriage, he served as 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 resumed 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 who benefitted from Divine Inspiration, and many sought his blessings and counsel.
[1] leaf, official stationery of the Mayor of Bnei Brak, 23.5 cm + bank check + envelope. Good-fair condition. Creases and folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
![Manuscript, Hilchot Ishut of the Mishneh Torah by the Rambam. Oriental script [Yemen, first half of the 14th century].
24 c](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/152.jpg "Manuscript, Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, Hilchot Ishut – Yemen, 14th C")
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Unsold
Manuscript, Hilchot Ishut of the Mishneh Torah by the Rambam. Oriental script [Yemen, first half of the 14th century].
24 consecutive leaves containing chapters 2-13 of Hilchot Ishut in their entirety (two leaves of chapters 4 and 5 are bound out of sequence), with a short section from the end of chapter 1 and most of chapter 14. Several glosses and corrections in a later hand.
[24] leaves. Approx. 30 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Coarse tears, primarily to margins. Tears affecting text to first two leaves. Repairs with paper. New binding.
Enclosed: Expert report from Dr. Benjamin Richler, emeritus director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts in the NLI.
24 consecutive leaves containing chapters 2-13 of Hilchot Ishut in their entirety (two leaves of chapters 4 and 5 are bound out of sequence), with a short section from the end of chapter 1 and most of chapter 14. Several glosses and corrections in a later hand.
[24] leaves. Approx. 30 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Coarse tears, primarily to margins. Tears affecting text to first two leaves. Repairs with paper. New binding.
Enclosed: Expert report from Dr. Benjamin Richler, emeritus director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts in the NLI.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Yemenite rite Tiklal siddur with commentaries, prayers for every day, Jewish festivals, holidays and fast days. [Yemen, ca. 1653].
This Tiklal siddur is written in a neat, early Yemenite script, characteristic of the 17th century, with predominantly supralinear vocalization. In "windows" within the text, the scribe wrote (relatively short) commentaries, most by Rabbi Yitzchak (Mahari) Wanneh. Each commentary is titled with the letter "Peh" (perush = commentary). The Passover Haggadah contains a full-length commentary attributed to R. Yitzchak Wanneh, written as a surrounding border to the Haggadah text. The siddur also contains many glosses – some long – in other Yemenite hands, containing additional commentary.
At the beginning of the siddur are [7] leaves with additions and supplements, in a later, simple script (characteristic of the 19th/20th centuries).
The manuscript contains: prayers for every day, prayers for Shabbat, Pirkei Avot, songs for Shabbat and Motzei Shabbat, prayers for Rosh Chodesh, prayers for Passover, Passover Haggadah, prayers for Shavuot, Azharot of R. Shlomo ibn Gabirol, prayers for fast days, Megillat Eichah and Kinot, prayers for the High Holidays, prayers for Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret, Hoshaanot, a prayer for rain, Hakafot and Piyyutim for Simchat Torah, prayers for Chanukah and Purim, Purim songs, Megillat Esther (with Tafsir), eulogies, Selichot, "Maranot", Seder HaAvodah for Yom Kippur (by R. Avraham ibn Ezra), blessings, leap years and calendars of the Tekufot, texts for Ketubot, Gittin and contracts.
[166] leaves, approx. 29.5 cm. Lacking leaves at the beginning and end. Condition varies, good-fair to fair-poor. Many stains. Wear and tears. Minor worming. New binding.
The Tekufot calendars begin from the year 1653; this was the basis for our assessment of the date of this work's authorship.
This Tiklal siddur is written in a neat, early Yemenite script, characteristic of the 17th century, with predominantly supralinear vocalization. In "windows" within the text, the scribe wrote (relatively short) commentaries, most by Rabbi Yitzchak (Mahari) Wanneh. Each commentary is titled with the letter "Peh" (perush = commentary). The Passover Haggadah contains a full-length commentary attributed to R. Yitzchak Wanneh, written as a surrounding border to the Haggadah text. The siddur also contains many glosses – some long – in other Yemenite hands, containing additional commentary.
At the beginning of the siddur are [7] leaves with additions and supplements, in a later, simple script (characteristic of the 19th/20th centuries).
The manuscript contains: prayers for every day, prayers for Shabbat, Pirkei Avot, songs for Shabbat and Motzei Shabbat, prayers for Rosh Chodesh, prayers for Passover, Passover Haggadah, prayers for Shavuot, Azharot of R. Shlomo ibn Gabirol, prayers for fast days, Megillat Eichah and Kinot, prayers for the High Holidays, prayers for Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret, Hoshaanot, a prayer for rain, Hakafot and Piyyutim for Simchat Torah, prayers for Chanukah and Purim, Purim songs, Megillat Esther (with Tafsir), eulogies, Selichot, "Maranot", Seder HaAvodah for Yom Kippur (by R. Avraham ibn Ezra), blessings, leap years and calendars of the Tekufot, texts for Ketubot, Gittin and contracts.
[166] leaves, approx. 29.5 cm. Lacking leaves at the beginning and end. Condition varies, good-fair to fair-poor. Many stains. Wear and tears. Minor worming. New binding.
The Tekufot calendars begin from the year 1653; this was the basis for our assessment of the date of this work's authorship.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Yemenite rite Tiklal siddur, with novellae and commentary by Rabbi Yitzchak (Mahari) Wanneh – prayers for every day, Shabbat, festivals, holidays and fast days. [Yemen, late 17th century or early 18th century].
Early Yemenite script (characteristic of the time of R. Shalom Shabazi), with predominantly supralinear vocalization. Leaves [182-186] and leaves [201-202] were replaced in later handwriting [ca. 19th century]. "Windows" with long commentaries were incorporated by the scribe into the text of most pages, titled "Chiddushin" ("Novellae") and "Perush" ("Commentary"). Most of these commentaries are attributed to Mahari Wanneh. The length of these commentaries (shortened in most copies of the Tiklal from that time) render this manuscript unique.
Several glosses, some long, in other Yemenite hands, containing additional commentary.
The manuscript contains: daily prayers, prayers for Shabbat, Pirkei Avot (with novellae), Tikun Shabbat Malkata, Tikunei Shabbat, songs for Shabbat and Motzei Shabbat, prayers for Rosh Chodesh and Passover, Passover Haggadah (with commentary by the Mahari Wanneh), prayers for Shavuot, Azharot of R. Shlomo ibn Gabirol, prayers for fast days, Megillat Eichah and Kinot, prayers for the High Holidays, Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret, Hoshaanot, prayer for rain, Hakafot and Piyyutim for Simchat Torah, prayers for Chanuka and Purim and Purim songs, Megillat Esther (with Tafsir), eulogies, Selichot, "Maranot", Seder HaAvodah of Yom Kippur (by R. Avraham ibn Ezra), blessings, leap years and calendar of the Tekufot, texts for Ketubot, Gittin and contracts.
[234] leaves, approx. 30 cm. Lacking leaves at the beginning, middle and end. Condition varies, fair to fair-poor. Slightly faded ink on many leaves. Many stains. Wear and tears, affecting text (paper repairs to margins of most leaves). Worming affecting text (repaired). New binding, with leather spine.
The manuscript is missing the beginning of the Tekufot calendars; they begin from the year 1730. Two of the leaves that were replaced in later handwriting (201-202) feature calendars of Tekufot beginning with 1868.
Early Yemenite script (characteristic of the time of R. Shalom Shabazi), with predominantly supralinear vocalization. Leaves [182-186] and leaves [201-202] were replaced in later handwriting [ca. 19th century]. "Windows" with long commentaries were incorporated by the scribe into the text of most pages, titled "Chiddushin" ("Novellae") and "Perush" ("Commentary"). Most of these commentaries are attributed to Mahari Wanneh. The length of these commentaries (shortened in most copies of the Tiklal from that time) render this manuscript unique.
Several glosses, some long, in other Yemenite hands, containing additional commentary.
The manuscript contains: daily prayers, prayers for Shabbat, Pirkei Avot (with novellae), Tikun Shabbat Malkata, Tikunei Shabbat, songs for Shabbat and Motzei Shabbat, prayers for Rosh Chodesh and Passover, Passover Haggadah (with commentary by the Mahari Wanneh), prayers for Shavuot, Azharot of R. Shlomo ibn Gabirol, prayers for fast days, Megillat Eichah and Kinot, prayers for the High Holidays, Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret, Hoshaanot, prayer for rain, Hakafot and Piyyutim for Simchat Torah, prayers for Chanuka and Purim and Purim songs, Megillat Esther (with Tafsir), eulogies, Selichot, "Maranot", Seder HaAvodah of Yom Kippur (by R. Avraham ibn Ezra), blessings, leap years and calendar of the Tekufot, texts for Ketubot, Gittin and contracts.
[234] leaves, approx. 30 cm. Lacking leaves at the beginning, middle and end. Condition varies, fair to fair-poor. Slightly faded ink on many leaves. Many stains. Wear and tears, affecting text (paper repairs to margins of most leaves). Worming affecting text (repaired). New binding, with leather spine.
The manuscript is missing the beginning of the Tekufot calendars; they begin from the year 1730. Two of the leaves that were replaced in later handwriting (201-202) feature calendars of Tekufot beginning with 1868.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
![Monetary contract, signed by the 18th century dayanim of the Sanaa Beit Din, R. Pinchas Shlomo [HaKohen Iraqi] and R. Yichye](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/155.jpg "Contract Signed by the Maharitz Tzalach and Rabbi Pinchas Shlomo Iraqi")
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,125
Including buyer's premium
Monetary contract, signed by the 18th century dayanim of the Sanaa Beit Din, R. Pinchas Shlomo [HaKohen Iraqi] and R. Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach, the Maharitz. [Sanaa, Yemen, 1771].
Long Judeo-Arabic monetary contract concerning the daughters of Suleiman Elgamal (Gamliel), undersigned by the renowned Sanaa dayanim. The calligraphic rabbinic signature of the Maharitz appears second.
The first signatory, R. Pinchas son of Shlomo HaKohen Iraqi (1695-ca. 1771), was the author of Matte Oz and served as a dayan in the central Beit Din of Sanaa beginning in 1747 (succeeding R. Yosef Bashari). In 1757, after the passing of the head of the Beit Din, R. Saadia Qati'i, R. Pinchas was appointed in his place and served in that position until his death (at which time he was succeeded by the Maharitz). Interestingly, although the year of R. Pinchas Iraqi's passing is recorded in all sources as 1770, the present contract bearing his dated signature from 1771 proves otherwise. According to the tradition of Sanaa Jews, prayers at the gravesite of Mori Pinchas HaKohen "are answered immediately" (Halacha UMesorah, XXIII, Elul 1949, p. 164). R. Pinchas signed this contract in plain handwriting (as opposed to the calligraphic signature common among many Yemenite sages), which correlates with the testimony of Yemenite elders that the writing of Dayan Mori Pinchas HaKohen "was not so neat" (Halacha UMesorah, ibid).
The second signee, R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach – the Maharitz (1715-1805), was the foremost Yemenite rabbi of the 18th century and a leading halachic authority. He was a disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraqi, R. Yichye Iraqi, and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". In 1757, the Maharitz was appointed as a member of the Sanaa Beit Din (after the death of R. Saadia Qati'i). Eventually, the Maharitz was promoted to the position of Chief Rabbi of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for decades. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and his customs and rulings are adhered to by many Yemenite Jews to this day. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, as well as many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
[1] leaf. 17 cm. 28 handwritten lines. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Folding marks. Tears and wear to folds and margins.
Long Judeo-Arabic monetary contract concerning the daughters of Suleiman Elgamal (Gamliel), undersigned by the renowned Sanaa dayanim. The calligraphic rabbinic signature of the Maharitz appears second.
The first signatory, R. Pinchas son of Shlomo HaKohen Iraqi (1695-ca. 1771), was the author of Matte Oz and served as a dayan in the central Beit Din of Sanaa beginning in 1747 (succeeding R. Yosef Bashari). In 1757, after the passing of the head of the Beit Din, R. Saadia Qati'i, R. Pinchas was appointed in his place and served in that position until his death (at which time he was succeeded by the Maharitz). Interestingly, although the year of R. Pinchas Iraqi's passing is recorded in all sources as 1770, the present contract bearing his dated signature from 1771 proves otherwise. According to the tradition of Sanaa Jews, prayers at the gravesite of Mori Pinchas HaKohen "are answered immediately" (Halacha UMesorah, XXIII, Elul 1949, p. 164). R. Pinchas signed this contract in plain handwriting (as opposed to the calligraphic signature common among many Yemenite sages), which correlates with the testimony of Yemenite elders that the writing of Dayan Mori Pinchas HaKohen "was not so neat" (Halacha UMesorah, ibid).
The second signee, R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach – the Maharitz (1715-1805), was the foremost Yemenite rabbi of the 18th century and a leading halachic authority. He was a disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraqi, R. Yichye Iraqi, and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". In 1757, the Maharitz was appointed as a member of the Sanaa Beit Din (after the death of R. Saadia Qati'i). Eventually, the Maharitz was promoted to the position of Chief Rabbi of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for decades. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and his customs and rulings are adhered to by many Yemenite Jews to this day. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, as well as many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
[1] leaf. 17 cm. 28 handwritten lines. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Folding marks. Tears and wear to folds and margins.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $6,000
Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000
Sold for: $12,500
Including buyer's premium
Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, with Hasagot HaRaavad and Maggid Mishneh, and the Kesef Mishneh commentary by R. Yosef Karo. Venice: Bragadin, 1574-1575. Complete set, four parts in four volumes. Separate title page for each part.
First edition of the Kesef Mishneh commentary, the majority of the volumes printed in the lifetime of the author. On the title pages of Parts I, II and III, R. Yosef Karo is mentioned as amongst the living; whilst on the title page of Part IV, he is already mentioned as deceased ("zatzal"). At the end of Part IV, there is a postface from the proofreader, R. Chizkiyah Fano, informing of the passing of the author R. Yosef Karo during the course of the printing (on 13th Nissan 1575). This is followed by a poem composed by R. Avraham Hayun, disciple of the author, in praise of the Kesef Mishneh composition.
All four volumes bear early signatures, ownership inscriptions and glosses by various writers:
The title page of Vol. III bears an ownership inscription in Yemenite script which appears to be the handwriting of the prominent Yemenite rabbi, R. Yichye Tzalach, the Maharitz: " Property of the synagogue of Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach, purchased from donations… the donors should merit Torah". Another ownership inscription on the title page: "…Yosef son of Sueliman Al-Iraqi… ". This volume also bears glosses in Sephardi script from the time of printing, by several writers (some glosses refer to the text of the Rambam while others refer to the words of the Kesef Mishneh). Several additional glosses in a Yemenite script (possibly in the handwriting of the Maharitz).
On the verso of the title page of Vol. IV is an ownership inscription in an early Sephardi script: "Purchased by Avraham son of R. Yehuda ibn Yaish" – possibly R. Avraham ibn Yaish, a prominent Constantinople sage that taught Torah in the community of expelled Jews in Bursa and exchanged responsa with R. Yosef Karo. M. Benayahu surmises that he may have immigrated to Safed to study Torah from R. Yosef Karo and from the Mabit (see: Benayahu, Yosef Bechiri, p. 320). This volume bears a few glosses in Sephardi script, by several writers, as well as a a signature on the title page, slightly trimmed: "This book belongs to Refael Yitzchak Yerushal[mi?]", possibly R. Refael Yitzchak Yerushalmi, an 18th century Constantinople dayan.
The title page of Vol. II bear signatures in Italian script: "…In 1771, this fell to my possession, Yisrael Pugliesi son of R. Shlomo", "Purchased by Shimon Yedidya, Yisrael and Matitia Yosef Pugliesi from their private funds". Several glosses in Italian script appear on the leaves of this volume, as well as an ownership inscription on the last page in square script: "G-d has merited me to complete this second part here in Casale, so He should grant me the merit to complete the other books, and above all, G-d should grant me the merit to immigrate to Jerusalem my birthplace… Ch.D.Sh.".
An inscription in Italian script appears on the title page of Vol. I: "…the derogatory words about pagans do not refer to Christians" (Benayahu in Haskama UReshut BiDefusei Venetzia, p. 192, notes that this inscription, which appears in several books, was written by an apostate censor). An Italian censor signature appears alongside this inscription. One leaf bears a gloss in Italian script.
Four volumes. Vol. I: [22], 316 leaves. Vol. II: [10], 217, [1] leaves. Vol. III: [20], 451 leaves. Lacking [1] final leaf. Vol IV: [10], 297, [9] leaves. Approx. 29 cm. Condition varies. Stains. Worming. Vol. I and Vol. II in overall fair condition. Vol. I: Extensive dampstains and traces of past dampness to title page and additional leaves with many signs of mildew. Tears repaired with paper to last leaves. Vol. II: Worming in many places, at times affecting text. Vol. III and Vol. IV are in overall good-fair condition. Repaired tears to title page of Vol. III (the title page is mounted on paper for reinforcement concealing the illustration on verso). Dampstains to last leaves. Vol. IV is printed on light-colored high-quality paper. Worming. Minor traces of past dampness. Stamps to some of the volumes. New, uniform bindings.
First edition of the Kesef Mishneh commentary, the majority of the volumes printed in the lifetime of the author. On the title pages of Parts I, II and III, R. Yosef Karo is mentioned as amongst the living; whilst on the title page of Part IV, he is already mentioned as deceased ("zatzal"). At the end of Part IV, there is a postface from the proofreader, R. Chizkiyah Fano, informing of the passing of the author R. Yosef Karo during the course of the printing (on 13th Nissan 1575). This is followed by a poem composed by R. Avraham Hayun, disciple of the author, in praise of the Kesef Mishneh composition.
All four volumes bear early signatures, ownership inscriptions and glosses by various writers:
The title page of Vol. III bears an ownership inscription in Yemenite script which appears to be the handwriting of the prominent Yemenite rabbi, R. Yichye Tzalach, the Maharitz: " Property of the synagogue of Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach, purchased from donations… the donors should merit Torah". Another ownership inscription on the title page: "…Yosef son of Sueliman Al-Iraqi… ". This volume also bears glosses in Sephardi script from the time of printing, by several writers (some glosses refer to the text of the Rambam while others refer to the words of the Kesef Mishneh). Several additional glosses in a Yemenite script (possibly in the handwriting of the Maharitz).
On the verso of the title page of Vol. IV is an ownership inscription in an early Sephardi script: "Purchased by Avraham son of R. Yehuda ibn Yaish" – possibly R. Avraham ibn Yaish, a prominent Constantinople sage that taught Torah in the community of expelled Jews in Bursa and exchanged responsa with R. Yosef Karo. M. Benayahu surmises that he may have immigrated to Safed to study Torah from R. Yosef Karo and from the Mabit (see: Benayahu, Yosef Bechiri, p. 320). This volume bears a few glosses in Sephardi script, by several writers, as well as a a signature on the title page, slightly trimmed: "This book belongs to Refael Yitzchak Yerushal[mi?]", possibly R. Refael Yitzchak Yerushalmi, an 18th century Constantinople dayan.
The title page of Vol. II bear signatures in Italian script: "…In 1771, this fell to my possession, Yisrael Pugliesi son of R. Shlomo", "Purchased by Shimon Yedidya, Yisrael and Matitia Yosef Pugliesi from their private funds". Several glosses in Italian script appear on the leaves of this volume, as well as an ownership inscription on the last page in square script: "G-d has merited me to complete this second part here in Casale, so He should grant me the merit to complete the other books, and above all, G-d should grant me the merit to immigrate to Jerusalem my birthplace… Ch.D.Sh.".
An inscription in Italian script appears on the title page of Vol. I: "…the derogatory words about pagans do not refer to Christians" (Benayahu in Haskama UReshut BiDefusei Venetzia, p. 192, notes that this inscription, which appears in several books, was written by an apostate censor). An Italian censor signature appears alongside this inscription. One leaf bears a gloss in Italian script.
Four volumes. Vol. I: [22], 316 leaves. Vol. II: [10], 217, [1] leaves. Vol. III: [20], 451 leaves. Lacking [1] final leaf. Vol IV: [10], 297, [9] leaves. Approx. 29 cm. Condition varies. Stains. Worming. Vol. I and Vol. II in overall fair condition. Vol. I: Extensive dampstains and traces of past dampness to title page and additional leaves with many signs of mildew. Tears repaired with paper to last leaves. Vol. II: Worming in many places, at times affecting text. Vol. III and Vol. IV are in overall good-fair condition. Repaired tears to title page of Vol. III (the title page is mounted on paper for reinforcement concealing the illustration on verso). Dampstains to last leaves. Vol. IV is printed on light-colored high-quality paper. Worming. Minor traces of past dampness. Stamps to some of the volumes. New, uniform bindings.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $5,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript volume containing several works of practical kabbalah – amulets, Hashbaot, kabbalistic combinations of Divine Names, Segulot, Mazalot, Goralot and more, with kabbalistic illustrations and sketches. [Yemen, 18th century].
Written in Yemenite script by several writers, the present manuscript contains a broad collection of practical kabbalah, and incorporates numerous tables, circles and sketches, some in brown ink.
The manuscript opens with a composition entitled Sefer HaMargalit, a compilation of many topics related to practical kabbalah (not to be confused with the commentary on Midrash HaGadol bearing the same name). This composition is attributed to R. Shalom Shabazi and his son R. Shimon and has not yet seen print. It includes prayers, combinations of Divine Names and Hashbaot for use in various situations, Galgalei Mazalot, Divine Names corresponding to the 12 Mazalot, laws of amulets and their practical application, charts of the Tekufot and months with the names of the Mazalot and the angels and with combinations of Divine Names, Angelic script, texts for amulets and Segulot for various matters, and more. Numerous kabbalistic illustrations and sketches appear in this work. This work is followed by several leaves of the work Moed David on Mazalot. At the end of the volume are three works in Judeo-Arabic, including a work which contains Segulot and Angelic script, and a work titled Bab al-Tanjim (on astrology).
[110] leaves. 16.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, affecting the text of some leaves. Old damaged leather binding.
Enclosed: Expert report from Dr. Benjamin Richler, emeritus director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts in the NLI.
Written in Yemenite script by several writers, the present manuscript contains a broad collection of practical kabbalah, and incorporates numerous tables, circles and sketches, some in brown ink.
The manuscript opens with a composition entitled Sefer HaMargalit, a compilation of many topics related to practical kabbalah (not to be confused with the commentary on Midrash HaGadol bearing the same name). This composition is attributed to R. Shalom Shabazi and his son R. Shimon and has not yet seen print. It includes prayers, combinations of Divine Names and Hashbaot for use in various situations, Galgalei Mazalot, Divine Names corresponding to the 12 Mazalot, laws of amulets and their practical application, charts of the Tekufot and months with the names of the Mazalot and the angels and with combinations of Divine Names, Angelic script, texts for amulets and Segulot for various matters, and more. Numerous kabbalistic illustrations and sketches appear in this work. This work is followed by several leaves of the work Moed David on Mazalot. At the end of the volume are three works in Judeo-Arabic, including a work which contains Segulot and Angelic script, and a work titled Bab al-Tanjim (on astrology).
[110] leaves. 16.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, affecting the text of some leaves. Old damaged leather binding.
Enclosed: Expert report from Dr. Benjamin Richler, emeritus director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts in the NLI.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue