Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
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Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $12,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Large, varied collection of printed matter, books, booklets and calendars printed in Bombay, India, encompassing an entire century, from the beginning of Hebrew printing in Bombay in 1841, until the mid-20th century. Hebrew, Judeo-Arabic and Marathi.
A collection rare in its scope, including more than 120 items: books, booklets, leaves and calendars.
This collection documents the history of Hebrew printing in Bombay, from its beginning in 1841. It contains almost half of the Hebrew books printed in Bombay, including various books printed for the Bene Israel and the Baghdadi communities, and dozens of calendars (some illustrated). Some items are lithographed.
The collection comes from the library of the renowned collector R. David Sassoon, and was the basis of the bibliographic list of works printed in Bombay published by the researcher and bibliographer Avraham Ya'ari in the book Hebrew Printing in the East (Vol. II, Jerusalem 1940, Bombay). This collection includes many items which do not appear in Ya'ari's list.
Items include: • Machzor for days of Selichot and Hatarat Nedarim. Bombay, [1841]. Lithograph. The first Hebrew book printed in Bombay. Ya'ari, no. 90. • Passover Haggadah with Sharh (Judeo-Arabic translation). Bombay, [ca. 1856]. Lithograph. Ya'ari no. 7. • Chanoch LaNa'ar. Bombay, [ca. 1856]. Lithograph. Ya'ari, no. 9. • Sefer HaPizmonim. Bombay, [1856]. Lithograph on blue paper. Ya'ari, no 11. • Sharh Ruth. [Bombay, 1859]. The first book printed in Bombay using movable type. Ya'ari no. 15. • "And on your days of joy and festivals" – Lithograph leaf. [ca. 1880]. Ya'ari, no. 23. • "Prayer for the Jews in Russia". Bombay, [1882]. Ya'ari no. 104. • "Tefillah le-Hitpallel Yahad Kol Hosei be-Tzel Memshelet Britanya", prayer for the success of the British Armed Forces. Bombay, [1914]. Ya'ari, no. 83. • Ya'arat HaDvash, Otzar HaShorashim V'Aruch, by Rabbi Yechezkel Ya'akov Rachamim. Bombay, 1890. The entire composition Shemot HaTsaddikim by Rabbi Natan of Breslov appears at the beginning of the book. Ya'ari, no. 64. • Tefillat HaChodesh – The Daily Prayers, siddur according to Sephardi rite, translated into Marathi. Bombay, 1934. Ya'ari, no. 142. Fine copy, with gilt lettering on binding: "Rachel, wife of David Ezra…Calcutta". • And more.
The establishment of Hebrew printing in Bombay is tied to the development of two Jewish communities in the city: The Bene Israel community and the community of Baghdadis led by R. David Sassoon. Thus, the books printed in Bombay can be divided into two categories – those printed for Bene Israel and those printed for the Baghdadi community. The first four books printed in Bombay, during 1841-1853, were printed by Cochin Jews who settled in the city, and were intended for the Bene Israel community. In 1855, the Beit David Society of Baghdadi Jews also began to print books. For many years, all books were printed by lithography. In 1859, Binyamin Yitzchak Ashkenazi attempted to establish a letterpress printing firm and printed the book Sharh Ruth using movable type which he cut or poured himself. However, this was the only book printed in letterpress, and Bombay remained without a printing firm for another 22 years until 1882. Beginning in 1882, several firms were founded in Bombay, primarily The Bombay Education Society's Press (established in 1882), which printed books for both the Bene Israel and the Baghdadi communities, The Anglo-Jewish and Vernacular Press (founded in 1884), the Hebrew and English Press founded by Yechezkel Shem Tov David (founded in 1887) and the press of Yehuda David Ashkenazi and his son (founded in 1900).
56 books (in 59 volumes), 5 leaves, 61 calendars and 3 cards with prayer timetables. Size and condition vary. Some with damage or lacking leaves. Some bear signatures and ownership inscriptions.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
A collection rare in its scope, including more than 120 items: books, booklets, leaves and calendars.
This collection documents the history of Hebrew printing in Bombay, from its beginning in 1841. It contains almost half of the Hebrew books printed in Bombay, including various books printed for the Bene Israel and the Baghdadi communities, and dozens of calendars (some illustrated). Some items are lithographed.
The collection comes from the library of the renowned collector R. David Sassoon, and was the basis of the bibliographic list of works printed in Bombay published by the researcher and bibliographer Avraham Ya'ari in the book Hebrew Printing in the East (Vol. II, Jerusalem 1940, Bombay). This collection includes many items which do not appear in Ya'ari's list.
Items include: • Machzor for days of Selichot and Hatarat Nedarim. Bombay, [1841]. Lithograph. The first Hebrew book printed in Bombay. Ya'ari, no. 90. • Passover Haggadah with Sharh (Judeo-Arabic translation). Bombay, [ca. 1856]. Lithograph. Ya'ari no. 7. • Chanoch LaNa'ar. Bombay, [ca. 1856]. Lithograph. Ya'ari, no. 9. • Sefer HaPizmonim. Bombay, [1856]. Lithograph on blue paper. Ya'ari, no 11. • Sharh Ruth. [Bombay, 1859]. The first book printed in Bombay using movable type. Ya'ari no. 15. • "And on your days of joy and festivals" – Lithograph leaf. [ca. 1880]. Ya'ari, no. 23. • "Prayer for the Jews in Russia". Bombay, [1882]. Ya'ari no. 104. • "Tefillah le-Hitpallel Yahad Kol Hosei be-Tzel Memshelet Britanya", prayer for the success of the British Armed Forces. Bombay, [1914]. Ya'ari, no. 83. • Ya'arat HaDvash, Otzar HaShorashim V'Aruch, by Rabbi Yechezkel Ya'akov Rachamim. Bombay, 1890. The entire composition Shemot HaTsaddikim by Rabbi Natan of Breslov appears at the beginning of the book. Ya'ari, no. 64. • Tefillat HaChodesh – The Daily Prayers, siddur according to Sephardi rite, translated into Marathi. Bombay, 1934. Ya'ari, no. 142. Fine copy, with gilt lettering on binding: "Rachel, wife of David Ezra…Calcutta". • And more.
The establishment of Hebrew printing in Bombay is tied to the development of two Jewish communities in the city: The Bene Israel community and the community of Baghdadis led by R. David Sassoon. Thus, the books printed in Bombay can be divided into two categories – those printed for Bene Israel and those printed for the Baghdadi community. The first four books printed in Bombay, during 1841-1853, were printed by Cochin Jews who settled in the city, and were intended for the Bene Israel community. In 1855, the Beit David Society of Baghdadi Jews also began to print books. For many years, all books were printed by lithography. In 1859, Binyamin Yitzchak Ashkenazi attempted to establish a letterpress printing firm and printed the book Sharh Ruth using movable type which he cut or poured himself. However, this was the only book printed in letterpress, and Bombay remained without a printing firm for another 22 years until 1882. Beginning in 1882, several firms were founded in Bombay, primarily The Bombay Education Society's Press (established in 1882), which printed books for both the Bene Israel and the Baghdadi communities, The Anglo-Jewish and Vernacular Press (founded in 1884), the Hebrew and English Press founded by Yechezkel Shem Tov David (founded in 1887) and the press of Yehuda David Ashkenazi and his son (founded in 1900).
56 books (in 59 volumes), 5 leaves, 61 calendars and 3 cards with prayer timetables. Size and condition vary. Some with damage or lacking leaves. Some bear signatures and ownership inscriptions.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
Category
The Sassoon Collection: Letters, Books Printed in India
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $7,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Large, varied collection of books, booklets and various printed matter, printed in Calcutta, India, encompassing an entire century, from the beginning of Hebrew printing in Calcutta in 1840, until the mid-20th century.
A collection rare in its scope, including more than 100 items: books, booklets, leaves and calendars. The collection documents the history of Hebrew printing in Calcutta beginning in 1840. It includes most of the first books printed in the city during the 1840s (22 of the first 26 books printed in Calcutta by R. Elazar Iraki. Nos. 1, 3-7, 9-10, 12-17, 19-26 in Ya'ari's list) and about half of all books ever printed in Calcutta. Some are lithographed.
The collection comes from the library of the renowned collector R. David Sassoon, and was the basis of the bibliographic list of works printed in Calcutta published by the researcher and bibliographer Avraham Ya'ari in the book Hebrew Printing in the East (Vol. 2, Jerusalem 1940, Calcutta). This collection also contains many items which do not appear in Ya'ari's list.
Items include: • Shir HaShirim, with Targum Yonatan ben Uziel and Judeo-Arabic translation. Calcutta, [1840]. Ya'ari, no. 1. The first lithographed book printed in Calcutta. That same year, Elazar Iraki printed Sha'arei Kedusha (in letterpress). According to Ya'ari, Shir HaShirim was printed before the Iraki printing press was established. No other lithographed books were printed in Culcutta until 1871. • Tractate Avot, with Judeo-Arabic translation. Calcutta, [1844]. Ya'ari, no. 15. Printed on bluish paper. • Raziel HaMalach. Calcutta, [1845]. Ya'ari, no. 17. Printed on bluish paper. • Imrei Shabbat, "to clarify the prohibition of riding the steam engines of the railway on Shabbat…", by R. Chaim Ya'akov HaKohen [Feinstein] "emissary of the city of Safed". Calcutta, [1874]. Ya'ari, no. 29. • Regulations of the Magen David synagogue, in Judeo-Arabic. Calcutta, [1894]. Ya'ari, no. 82. • Sefer HaAchlama, interpretation of dreams. Calcutta, 1844. Lithographed manuscript. Ya'ari, no. 117. • Lithograph – the piyyut "Melech HaMefo'ar B'Rom Hodo…", by the Magen David synagogue, 1924. Printed in honor of R. Eliyahu Moshe Dweck HaKohen on his fiftieth anniversary serving as rabbi of the Magen David synagogue in Calcutta. Ya'ari, no. 119. • Lithograph printed in gold – the piyyut "E-l Rachum Shemecha…". Ya'ari, no. 120. [Calcutta, year not indicated]. • Lithographed booklet, Haftarah of Tisha B'Av, with Judeo-Arabic translation, by "Shalom Yehoshua Iraki HaKohen teacher in Calcutta". [Year unknown]. Ya'ari, no. 123. • Chart for teaching the Hebrew Alphabet to children, with the verses of Shema Yisrael. Lithographed. [Calcutta, 1890]. Ya'ari, no. 124. • "Tachel Shana U'Virchoteha", two lithographs, with the simanim of Rosh Hashana eve. [Calcutta, year not indicated]. Ya'ari, no. 132-133. • "…prayer to recite before and after kindling Shabbat and festival candles". [Calcutta, year not indicated]. Lithograph. Ya'ari, no. 134. • Prayer booklets for various occasions (in honor of Queen Victoria, upon the coronation of King George, etc.). • Cards with timetables for prayers in the synagogue. • Large-format wall calendars. • And more.
The first Hebrew press in Calcutta was established by R. Elazar Iraki HaKohen, a Jew of Yemenite origin, in 1840. R. Iraki's press operated until 1856, producing high-quality books which compare favourably with contemporary Hebrew printing in Europe. It seems that R. Iraki himself cast the type, and indeed the type used in his press differs from European type. Iraki printed many books by Yemenite sages, including halachic books by the Maharitz (which he was the first to print) and Sefer HaPizmonim – poems by Yemenite poets. R. Iraqi was not only a craftsman, but also a Torah scholar who edited, proofread and corrected the works he printed. Among other works, he translated the Passover Haggadah which was printed in his press and added 22 of his piyyutim to Sefer HaPizmonim. His printer's device depicts hands raised for the priestly benediction and the name "Iraki" or "Iraki Katz" (Kohen Tzedek). Iraki ceased printing in 1856, lacking sufficient demand for his books. Most of the books printed by Iraki are present in this collection.
Hebrew printing in Calcutta was renewed only in 1871 by the printer Yechezkel ben Suliman Hanin, who printed a total of 10 books (including two books by the Safed emissary Rabbi Chaim Ya'akov HaKohen Feinstein). This collection contains six of the books printed by Hanin.
In 1881, the rabbi of the Magen David synagogue in Calcutta, R. Eliyahu son of Moshe Dweck HaKohen, established his own printing press. Since he was a Kohen and considered himself a successor of the first printer Iraki, he designed a printer's device similar to Iraki's, also depicting hands raised for the priestly benediction. He printed a total of six books, four of which are present in this collection.
In 1888, Rabbi Shlomo (Solomon) Tawina of Baghdad established his printing press in Calcutta. R. Shlomo Tawina was an outstanding Torah scholar and before moving to India, printed books in Baghdad. He printed many books, including many of his own works. His printing press, active until ca. 1902, was the last large press in India. This collection contains 27 books printed by Tawina.
Alongside books printed by these established presses, a number of works were printed by lithography. As early as 1840, the year of the establishment of the first Hebrew press, Isaac ben Jacob of Baghdad printed a lithographic book – Shir HaShirim with Targum Yonatan and a Judeo-Arabic translation. The establishment of Iraki's press rendered lithography unnecessary and lithographic printing was taken up anew only in 1871. This collection contains 11 lithographs.
73 books, booklets and pamphlets, 20 calendars (cards, booklets and wall calendars), 8 single leaves (some lithographs, one torn and mostly lacking), 7 cards with timetables for prayers. Total of 108 items. Size and condition vary. Some have damage or lacking leaves. Some bear signatures and ownership inscriptions.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
A collection rare in its scope, including more than 100 items: books, booklets, leaves and calendars. The collection documents the history of Hebrew printing in Calcutta beginning in 1840. It includes most of the first books printed in the city during the 1840s (22 of the first 26 books printed in Calcutta by R. Elazar Iraki. Nos. 1, 3-7, 9-10, 12-17, 19-26 in Ya'ari's list) and about half of all books ever printed in Calcutta. Some are lithographed.
The collection comes from the library of the renowned collector R. David Sassoon, and was the basis of the bibliographic list of works printed in Calcutta published by the researcher and bibliographer Avraham Ya'ari in the book Hebrew Printing in the East (Vol. 2, Jerusalem 1940, Calcutta). This collection also contains many items which do not appear in Ya'ari's list.
Items include: • Shir HaShirim, with Targum Yonatan ben Uziel and Judeo-Arabic translation. Calcutta, [1840]. Ya'ari, no. 1. The first lithographed book printed in Calcutta. That same year, Elazar Iraki printed Sha'arei Kedusha (in letterpress). According to Ya'ari, Shir HaShirim was printed before the Iraki printing press was established. No other lithographed books were printed in Culcutta until 1871. • Tractate Avot, with Judeo-Arabic translation. Calcutta, [1844]. Ya'ari, no. 15. Printed on bluish paper. • Raziel HaMalach. Calcutta, [1845]. Ya'ari, no. 17. Printed on bluish paper. • Imrei Shabbat, "to clarify the prohibition of riding the steam engines of the railway on Shabbat…", by R. Chaim Ya'akov HaKohen [Feinstein] "emissary of the city of Safed". Calcutta, [1874]. Ya'ari, no. 29. • Regulations of the Magen David synagogue, in Judeo-Arabic. Calcutta, [1894]. Ya'ari, no. 82. • Sefer HaAchlama, interpretation of dreams. Calcutta, 1844. Lithographed manuscript. Ya'ari, no. 117. • Lithograph – the piyyut "Melech HaMefo'ar B'Rom Hodo…", by the Magen David synagogue, 1924. Printed in honor of R. Eliyahu Moshe Dweck HaKohen on his fiftieth anniversary serving as rabbi of the Magen David synagogue in Calcutta. Ya'ari, no. 119. • Lithograph printed in gold – the piyyut "E-l Rachum Shemecha…". Ya'ari, no. 120. [Calcutta, year not indicated]. • Lithographed booklet, Haftarah of Tisha B'Av, with Judeo-Arabic translation, by "Shalom Yehoshua Iraki HaKohen teacher in Calcutta". [Year unknown]. Ya'ari, no. 123. • Chart for teaching the Hebrew Alphabet to children, with the verses of Shema Yisrael. Lithographed. [Calcutta, 1890]. Ya'ari, no. 124. • "Tachel Shana U'Virchoteha", two lithographs, with the simanim of Rosh Hashana eve. [Calcutta, year not indicated]. Ya'ari, no. 132-133. • "…prayer to recite before and after kindling Shabbat and festival candles". [Calcutta, year not indicated]. Lithograph. Ya'ari, no. 134. • Prayer booklets for various occasions (in honor of Queen Victoria, upon the coronation of King George, etc.). • Cards with timetables for prayers in the synagogue. • Large-format wall calendars. • And more.
The first Hebrew press in Calcutta was established by R. Elazar Iraki HaKohen, a Jew of Yemenite origin, in 1840. R. Iraki's press operated until 1856, producing high-quality books which compare favourably with contemporary Hebrew printing in Europe. It seems that R. Iraki himself cast the type, and indeed the type used in his press differs from European type. Iraki printed many books by Yemenite sages, including halachic books by the Maharitz (which he was the first to print) and Sefer HaPizmonim – poems by Yemenite poets. R. Iraqi was not only a craftsman, but also a Torah scholar who edited, proofread and corrected the works he printed. Among other works, he translated the Passover Haggadah which was printed in his press and added 22 of his piyyutim to Sefer HaPizmonim. His printer's device depicts hands raised for the priestly benediction and the name "Iraki" or "Iraki Katz" (Kohen Tzedek). Iraki ceased printing in 1856, lacking sufficient demand for his books. Most of the books printed by Iraki are present in this collection.
Hebrew printing in Calcutta was renewed only in 1871 by the printer Yechezkel ben Suliman Hanin, who printed a total of 10 books (including two books by the Safed emissary Rabbi Chaim Ya'akov HaKohen Feinstein). This collection contains six of the books printed by Hanin.
In 1881, the rabbi of the Magen David synagogue in Calcutta, R. Eliyahu son of Moshe Dweck HaKohen, established his own printing press. Since he was a Kohen and considered himself a successor of the first printer Iraki, he designed a printer's device similar to Iraki's, also depicting hands raised for the priestly benediction. He printed a total of six books, four of which are present in this collection.
In 1888, Rabbi Shlomo (Solomon) Tawina of Baghdad established his printing press in Calcutta. R. Shlomo Tawina was an outstanding Torah scholar and before moving to India, printed books in Baghdad. He printed many books, including many of his own works. His printing press, active until ca. 1902, was the last large press in India. This collection contains 27 books printed by Tawina.
Alongside books printed by these established presses, a number of works were printed by lithography. As early as 1840, the year of the establishment of the first Hebrew press, Isaac ben Jacob of Baghdad printed a lithographic book – Shir HaShirim with Targum Yonatan and a Judeo-Arabic translation. The establishment of Iraki's press rendered lithography unnecessary and lithographic printing was taken up anew only in 1871. This collection contains 11 lithographs.
73 books, booklets and pamphlets, 20 calendars (cards, booklets and wall calendars), 8 single leaves (some lithographs, one torn and mostly lacking), 7 cards with timetables for prayers. Total of 108 items. Size and condition vary. Some have damage or lacking leaves. Some bear signatures and ownership inscriptions.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
Category
The Sassoon Collection: Letters, Books Printed in India
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Large collection of 39 missives, letters and emissary letters, from the Sassoon family archives. With signatures of Eretz Israeli rabbis from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The collection includes letters of good wishes and thanks, requests for assistance, letters for emissaries travelling to Bombay, etc. Some are adorned with decorative titles or decorated with colored ink. Calligraphic signatures of rabbis from Jerusalem, Hebron, Safed and Tiberias.
Items include:
• Letter to R. Solomon David Sassoon from the heads of the Hebron community. • Letter to R. Solomon David Sassoon from the heads of the Chabad settlement in Hebron. • Two letters from Tiberias rabbis regarding the emissary R. David Asudri, 1890. • Ten letters of condolences from Eretz Israeli rabbis sent in Nissan 1894 to Farha (Flora) Sassoon upon the death of her husband, R. Solomon David Sassoon. • Three missives from Tiberias rabbis regarding the mission of R. Eliezer Mantzur Sighon in 1897. • Letter from Baghdad rabbis, to Farha (Flora) Sassoon. 1899. • Emissary letter for R. Shmuel Meyuchas of Jerusalen, sent by Sephardi Jerusalemite rabbis to Farha Sassoon. 1900. • Letter to R. Joseph Elias David Ezra, by the Rishon L'Zion R. Ya'akov Shaul Elyashar, 1891. • Letter to R. Joseph Elias David Ezra. From the rabbis of the Talmud Torah of the Sephardi community in Jerusalem, 1893.• Many more letters.
For further details see Hebrew description.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Most of the letters in this collection were printed in the book Perakim BeToldot Yahadut Bavel, by Avraham Ben Ya'akov, Jerusalem 1989. A minority were printed in Nachalat Avot, Asufat Genazim MiBeit Mishpachat Sassoon, Jerusalem 2007, and three have not yet been printed.
39 letters. Size and condition vary (most in good condition).
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
The collection includes letters of good wishes and thanks, requests for assistance, letters for emissaries travelling to Bombay, etc. Some are adorned with decorative titles or decorated with colored ink. Calligraphic signatures of rabbis from Jerusalem, Hebron, Safed and Tiberias.
Items include:
• Letter to R. Solomon David Sassoon from the heads of the Hebron community. • Letter to R. Solomon David Sassoon from the heads of the Chabad settlement in Hebron. • Two letters from Tiberias rabbis regarding the emissary R. David Asudri, 1890. • Ten letters of condolences from Eretz Israeli rabbis sent in Nissan 1894 to Farha (Flora) Sassoon upon the death of her husband, R. Solomon David Sassoon. • Three missives from Tiberias rabbis regarding the mission of R. Eliezer Mantzur Sighon in 1897. • Letter from Baghdad rabbis, to Farha (Flora) Sassoon. 1899. • Emissary letter for R. Shmuel Meyuchas of Jerusalen, sent by Sephardi Jerusalemite rabbis to Farha Sassoon. 1900. • Letter to R. Joseph Elias David Ezra, by the Rishon L'Zion R. Ya'akov Shaul Elyashar, 1891. • Letter to R. Joseph Elias David Ezra. From the rabbis of the Talmud Torah of the Sephardi community in Jerusalem, 1893.• Many more letters.
For further details see Hebrew description.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Most of the letters in this collection were printed in the book Perakim BeToldot Yahadut Bavel, by Avraham Ben Ya'akov, Jerusalem 1989. A minority were printed in Nachalat Avot, Asufat Genazim MiBeit Mishpachat Sassoon, Jerusalem 2007, and three have not yet been printed.
39 letters. Size and condition vary (most in good condition).
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
Category
The Sassoon Collection: Letters, Books Printed in India
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $18,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $22,500
Including buyer's premium
Large manuscript leaf, letter of a young girl who worked in the home of the Baal Shem of Michelstadt R. Seckel Leib Wormser, concluding with four lines in his handwriting and with his signature. Michelstadt (Germany), May 1845. German in Hebrew characters.
Letter signed by Karolinna Wolf, who writes that she cannot leave the home of "the rabbi" (the Baal Shem of Michelstadt) and come to serve as maidservant as she had pledged, since the rabbi wasn't in good health, and her services were therefore required in his home. She asks them to show consideration and return her collateral to her brother. At the foot of the letter, the Baal Shem of Michelstadt added a confirmation in his handwriting and with his signature. He attests that the girl's letter is true, and that due to his poor health, she is unable to leave his home. He signs: "So are the words of his friend, Seckel Leib son of the late R. Matityahu, residing here [?]".
R. Seckel Leib's poor health during this period can be learnt from an entry in his "Shiurim Pinkas" (a microfilm of the Pinkas is held in the Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People, No. HM-1049) from March 1845: "If not for my old age and weakness, I would dedicate… a separate letter…" (see preface to Baal Shem MiMichelstadt, Machon Yerushalayim 2006, p. 19).
R. Seckel Leib (Yitzchak Aryeh) Wormser (1768-1847) – the Baal Shem of Michelstadt, a scion of the Luria family, from the family of the Maharshal and Rashi, and a descendant of R. Eliyahu Baal Shem of Loans – the Baal Shem of Worms. In his youth, he studied under the kabbalist R. Natan Adler in Frankfurt, later returning to his hometown Michelstadt, where he served as rabbi of the town and the vicinity, and established his Beit Midrash, as well as a yeshiva which attracted many students. He was renowned as a righteous man and wonder-worker, earning him the appellation of "Baal Shem". Many flocked to him in quest of cures and salvations, even from other countries, and numerous people experienced salvations through his blessings, segulot and amulets. He was widely acclaimed by Jews and non-Jews alike. Reputedly, German soldiers who prayed by his gravesite during WWI all returned from the battlefield healthy and well. Until this day, the house he lived in boasts a memorial plaque, posted by the Michelstadt municipality, dubbing him "a friend of the people". His novellae and writings were published in the book Baal Shem MiMichelstadt (Machon Yerushalayim, 2006).
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears to folds, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper on verso.
Letter signed by Karolinna Wolf, who writes that she cannot leave the home of "the rabbi" (the Baal Shem of Michelstadt) and come to serve as maidservant as she had pledged, since the rabbi wasn't in good health, and her services were therefore required in his home. She asks them to show consideration and return her collateral to her brother. At the foot of the letter, the Baal Shem of Michelstadt added a confirmation in his handwriting and with his signature. He attests that the girl's letter is true, and that due to his poor health, she is unable to leave his home. He signs: "So are the words of his friend, Seckel Leib son of the late R. Matityahu, residing here [?]".
R. Seckel Leib's poor health during this period can be learnt from an entry in his "Shiurim Pinkas" (a microfilm of the Pinkas is held in the Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People, No. HM-1049) from March 1845: "If not for my old age and weakness, I would dedicate… a separate letter…" (see preface to Baal Shem MiMichelstadt, Machon Yerushalayim 2006, p. 19).
R. Seckel Leib (Yitzchak Aryeh) Wormser (1768-1847) – the Baal Shem of Michelstadt, a scion of the Luria family, from the family of the Maharshal and Rashi, and a descendant of R. Eliyahu Baal Shem of Loans – the Baal Shem of Worms. In his youth, he studied under the kabbalist R. Natan Adler in Frankfurt, later returning to his hometown Michelstadt, where he served as rabbi of the town and the vicinity, and established his Beit Midrash, as well as a yeshiva which attracted many students. He was renowned as a righteous man and wonder-worker, earning him the appellation of "Baal Shem". Many flocked to him in quest of cures and salvations, even from other countries, and numerous people experienced salvations through his blessings, segulot and amulets. He was widely acclaimed by Jews and non-Jews alike. Reputedly, German soldiers who prayed by his gravesite during WWI all returned from the battlefield healthy and well. Until this day, the house he lived in boasts a memorial plaque, posted by the Michelstadt municipality, dubbing him "a friend of the people". His novellae and writings were published in the book Baal Shem MiMichelstadt (Machon Yerushalayim, 2006).
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears to folds, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper on verso.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $25,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $31,250
Including buyer's premium
Large leaf handwritten by R. Moshe Sofer, the Chatam Sofer, Aggadic novellae on Megillat Esther, delivered as a "sermon for 7th Adar". [Pressburg (Bratislava)], 1831.
Large leaf, two written pages. Close to one hundred lines handwritten by the Chatam Sofer.
At the top of the pages, the Chatam Sofer wrote: "With the help of G-d, that which G-d granted me, sermon for 7th Adar 1831".
In this homily, the Chatam Sofer mentions his son the Ketav Sofer, and quotes teachings in his name: "And my son, the outstanding groom Avraham Shmuel Binyamin told me…". At the end of this passage, the Chatam Sofer wrote regarding his son's words: "And this is correct, if my son has grown wise, my heart too will rejoice".
These sections were published in Derashot Chatam Sofer (I, Klausenburg 1929, pp. 162a-163a). The section beginning "Rejoice not, O Israel" was written by the Chatam Sofer as a footnote on the first page.
[1] leaf (2 written pages, close to one hundred autograph lines). 40 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears, repaired (slightly affecting text at bottom).
Large leaf, two written pages. Close to one hundred lines handwritten by the Chatam Sofer.
At the top of the pages, the Chatam Sofer wrote: "With the help of G-d, that which G-d granted me, sermon for 7th Adar 1831".
In this homily, the Chatam Sofer mentions his son the Ketav Sofer, and quotes teachings in his name: "And my son, the outstanding groom Avraham Shmuel Binyamin told me…". At the end of this passage, the Chatam Sofer wrote regarding his son's words: "And this is correct, if my son has grown wise, my heart too will rejoice".
These sections were published in Derashot Chatam Sofer (I, Klausenburg 1929, pp. 162a-163a). The section beginning "Rejoice not, O Israel" was written by the Chatam Sofer as a footnote on the first page.
[1] leaf (2 written pages, close to one hundred autograph lines). 40 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears, repaired (slightly affecting text at bottom).
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg, rabbi of Königsberg, author of HaKetav VehaKabbalah, instructing women not to attend the prayers in the synagogue on Yom Kippur, due to an outbreak of an epidemic in Driesen (Prussia; presently Drezdenko, Poland). Königsberg, 6th Tishrei (Ten days of repentance) 1857. German in Hebrew characters.
In this letter, apparently sent to the Driesen community, the HaKetav VehaKabbalah instructs that women should refrain from attending the Kol Nidrei prayers on Yom Kippur night, "due to the epidemic which has again broken out" (free translation from Yiddish). He instructs the women to pray at home, "due to the worrisome circumstances" and concludes that this is not in conflict with the accepted practice.
The letter of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah is followed by a transcription of the letter in German, with several words in Hebrew. In the transcription, the recipient is indicated: "To the synagogue… in Driesen".
R. Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg (1785-1865), rabbi of Königsberg, a foremost rabbi of his times. He was a close disciple of R. Akiva Eger. Through his writings, he was one of the first to defend faithful Judaism from the attacks of Reform. In his book HaKetav VehaKabbalah, he follows the Gaon of Vilna's approach of connecting the Written and Oral Torah, basing himself considerably on the books and writings of the Gaon which he had access to in manuscript. He assisted in publishing the writings of the Gaon of Vilna, especially on Kabbalah, and even participated in composing the biography on the Gaon named Aliyot Eliyahu. The unique style of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah commentary influenced the celebrated commentary to the Bible of his colleague, the Malbim (his successor as rabbi of Königsberg).
[1] leaf. Approx. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks. Tears, not affecting text.
In this letter, apparently sent to the Driesen community, the HaKetav VehaKabbalah instructs that women should refrain from attending the Kol Nidrei prayers on Yom Kippur night, "due to the epidemic which has again broken out" (free translation from Yiddish). He instructs the women to pray at home, "due to the worrisome circumstances" and concludes that this is not in conflict with the accepted practice.
The letter of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah is followed by a transcription of the letter in German, with several words in Hebrew. In the transcription, the recipient is indicated: "To the synagogue… in Driesen".
R. Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg (1785-1865), rabbi of Königsberg, a foremost rabbi of his times. He was a close disciple of R. Akiva Eger. Through his writings, he was one of the first to defend faithful Judaism from the attacks of Reform. In his book HaKetav VehaKabbalah, he follows the Gaon of Vilna's approach of connecting the Written and Oral Torah, basing himself considerably on the books and writings of the Gaon which he had access to in manuscript. He assisted in publishing the writings of the Gaon of Vilna, especially on Kabbalah, and even participated in composing the biography on the Gaon named Aliyot Eliyahu. The unique style of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah commentary influenced the celebrated commentary to the Bible of his colleague, the Malbim (his successor as rabbi of Königsberg).
[1] leaf. Approx. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks. Tears, not affecting text.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Unsold
Manuscript, halachic and Aggadic novellae on the Talmud and on several Torah portions, by an unidentified author. [Europe, ca. mid-18th century].
Cursive Ashkenazic script, in different hands (part of the manuscript may have been written by the author's scribe). Many sections appear to have been written by the author, with deletions, emendations and marginal glosses. The manuscript comprises novellae on Tractates Berachot, Chullin, Zevachim and Menachot. Most of the novellae pertain to Talmudic topics in Order Kodashim. Novellae on the Torah portions appear in several places. To the best of our knowledge, this composition was never published.
The manuscript mentions several dates from the 1730s. Furthermore, the author refers several times to the books Omer Man and Birkat HaZevach, which were published in Berlin in 1739. It therefore appears that this work was composed in the 1740s.
The author, whom we were unable to identify, was a descendant of the Maharshal. This manuscript contains an important testimony on the fate of the manuscript of the Chochmat Shlomo glosses on the Talmud, by the Maharshal: " I am a descendant of the Maharshal, and the book Chochmat Shlomo was not an independent composition, rather it was written in the margins of Talmud volumes, as I personally witnessed, since I had in my possession two volumes of Sanhedrin, Bava Batra, Gittin, Kiddushin, Sotah, printed in Venice, with glosses in the margins handwritten by the Maharshal, and they were unfortunately burnt in Kraśnik with all my books" (p. 3a of the first sequence).
The author also relates of other tragedies which occurred to him: "…unfortunately, my heart's delight was burned, and what I am capable of writing during the time of my troubles, I am recording in the book with tears, and may He who has said to His world 'enough', say so to my trouble" (p. 52a). In one place, the author did not hesitate to admit to his mistake, and wrote: "I was mistaken in what I wrote until now" (p. 52b). In one place, the author mentions a manuscript he saw in Constantinople: "And I saw in Constantinople in the home of R. Chaim Kimchi a manuscript Tosafot Ri…." (p. 39b).
In several places, the author quotes Torah novellae he heard from prominent Torah scholars and leaders: "And I heard an answer in the name of R. Yitzchak Kohen of Izmir" (p. 2a of the third sequence; presumably referring to R. Yitzchak HaKohen Rappaport Rabbi of Izmir, author of Batei Kehunah, a teacher of the Chida); "And I heard from R. Chaim of Apta who studied in Prague" (p. 11b); "And R. Yaakov Krakower of Amsterdam raised the following difficulty when he was there in 1728, and it is quoted in Beit Yehuda printed by R. Leib of Głogów" (p. 16a; i.e. the book Kol Yehuda, Amsterdam 1729, see there p. 37b); "It seems to me that this was said in the name of the preacher R. Falk of Lviv" (p. 53b).
Throughout his composition, the author repeatedly quotes his "exceptional" son R. Moshe. Likewise, he brings a difficulty raised by his grandson "the exceptional groom R. Yisrael Isserl" (p. 10b).
The first page (otherwise blank) bears the heading: "Approbation" (the author presumably intended to copy an approbation he received to his work on this page, which indicates that he intended to publish the work).
[1], 2-5, [1], 1-42, [1], 43-54, 57-64; 1-6 leaves. Altogether 75 leaves (136 written pages). 20 cm. + [4] smaller manuscript leaves (7 written pages), found between the leaves of the manuscript. Fair-poor condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears and wear. Marginal open tears to many leaves, affecting text. Worming. Detached leaves and gatherings. Without binding.
Cursive Ashkenazic script, in different hands (part of the manuscript may have been written by the author's scribe). Many sections appear to have been written by the author, with deletions, emendations and marginal glosses. The manuscript comprises novellae on Tractates Berachot, Chullin, Zevachim and Menachot. Most of the novellae pertain to Talmudic topics in Order Kodashim. Novellae on the Torah portions appear in several places. To the best of our knowledge, this composition was never published.
The manuscript mentions several dates from the 1730s. Furthermore, the author refers several times to the books Omer Man and Birkat HaZevach, which were published in Berlin in 1739. It therefore appears that this work was composed in the 1740s.
The author, whom we were unable to identify, was a descendant of the Maharshal. This manuscript contains an important testimony on the fate of the manuscript of the Chochmat Shlomo glosses on the Talmud, by the Maharshal: " I am a descendant of the Maharshal, and the book Chochmat Shlomo was not an independent composition, rather it was written in the margins of Talmud volumes, as I personally witnessed, since I had in my possession two volumes of Sanhedrin, Bava Batra, Gittin, Kiddushin, Sotah, printed in Venice, with glosses in the margins handwritten by the Maharshal, and they were unfortunately burnt in Kraśnik with all my books" (p. 3a of the first sequence).
The author also relates of other tragedies which occurred to him: "…unfortunately, my heart's delight was burned, and what I am capable of writing during the time of my troubles, I am recording in the book with tears, and may He who has said to His world 'enough', say so to my trouble" (p. 52a). In one place, the author did not hesitate to admit to his mistake, and wrote: "I was mistaken in what I wrote until now" (p. 52b). In one place, the author mentions a manuscript he saw in Constantinople: "And I saw in Constantinople in the home of R. Chaim Kimchi a manuscript Tosafot Ri…." (p. 39b).
In several places, the author quotes Torah novellae he heard from prominent Torah scholars and leaders: "And I heard an answer in the name of R. Yitzchak Kohen of Izmir" (p. 2a of the third sequence; presumably referring to R. Yitzchak HaKohen Rappaport Rabbi of Izmir, author of Batei Kehunah, a teacher of the Chida); "And I heard from R. Chaim of Apta who studied in Prague" (p. 11b); "And R. Yaakov Krakower of Amsterdam raised the following difficulty when he was there in 1728, and it is quoted in Beit Yehuda printed by R. Leib of Głogów" (p. 16a; i.e. the book Kol Yehuda, Amsterdam 1729, see there p. 37b); "It seems to me that this was said in the name of the preacher R. Falk of Lviv" (p. 53b).
Throughout his composition, the author repeatedly quotes his "exceptional" son R. Moshe. Likewise, he brings a difficulty raised by his grandson "the exceptional groom R. Yisrael Isserl" (p. 10b).
The first page (otherwise blank) bears the heading: "Approbation" (the author presumably intended to copy an approbation he received to his work on this page, which indicates that he intended to publish the work).
[1], 2-5, [1], 1-42, [1], 43-54, 57-64; 1-6 leaves. Altogether 75 leaves (136 written pages). 20 cm. + [4] smaller manuscript leaves (7 written pages), found between the leaves of the manuscript. Fair-poor condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears and wear. Marginal open tears to many leaves, affecting text. Worming. Detached leaves and gatherings. Without binding.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
![Letter (19 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin, dean of the Volozhin yeshiva. Cheshvan [1888].
A](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/94.jpg "Letter from the Netziv – Regarding the Volozhin Yeshiva – Cheshvan, 18")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter (19 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin, dean of the Volozhin yeshiva. Cheshvan [1888].
Addressed to the Smilovitch (Smilavichy) community, sent with a special emissary who went there to strengthen the community's support for the Volozhin yeshiva: " …since I know that in the past they have been supporters of the Volozhin yeshiva, and in recent years they have neglected this good dead… therefore I asked the bearer of this letter, the outstanding rabbi, R. Chaim… who is aware of the prominence of the yeshiva". The Netziv then describes the virtues of the yeshiva and its growth with the acceptance of additional students: " Especially since now new students join every year, and it is the cornerstone of Torah development in this country – therefore one must strengthen this stronghold with every effort… and the merit of the Torah study of the multitudes… will stand for this rabbi to do good, and also the members of the community will attain much blessing, and the merit of Torah will serve for them… as a protection from all harm". The letter is signed with the Netziv's customary signature from those years: " One who is laden with work – Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin".
R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin – the Netziv of Volozhin (1817-1893), a foremost and outstanding Torah scholar of his generation, was the son-in-law of R. Yitzchak of Volozhin and his successor as dean of the yeshiva for decades. His father, R. Yaakov Berlin of Mir (1794-1868), immigrated to Jerusalem in 1854 and was one of the leaders of the Prushim community in Jerusalem. Known for his great diligence and brilliance, the Netziv led the Volozhin yeshiva with devotion and love for many years, until the yeshiva became the main breeding ground for Torah leaders who were the glory of Lithuanian, Russian and Polish Jewry. With his noble personality and profound, thorough erudition, he produced generations of eminent Torah scholars, yeshiva deans, dayanim and rabbis. He was also engaged in public leadership and his opinion was conclusive on all community matters in Russia and Lithuania. He responded to halachic queries which many rabbis sent to him, customarily signing his letters in those years as "one who is laden with work". He composed many books, including Hamek She'ala – novellae on She'iltot; Hamek Davar on the Torah; Responsa Meshiv Davar; Talmudic novellae and commentaries on Halachic midrashim: Mechilta, Sifra and Sifrei.
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and folding marks.
Addressed to the Smilovitch (Smilavichy) community, sent with a special emissary who went there to strengthen the community's support for the Volozhin yeshiva: " …since I know that in the past they have been supporters of the Volozhin yeshiva, and in recent years they have neglected this good dead… therefore I asked the bearer of this letter, the outstanding rabbi, R. Chaim… who is aware of the prominence of the yeshiva". The Netziv then describes the virtues of the yeshiva and its growth with the acceptance of additional students: " Especially since now new students join every year, and it is the cornerstone of Torah development in this country – therefore one must strengthen this stronghold with every effort… and the merit of the Torah study of the multitudes… will stand for this rabbi to do good, and also the members of the community will attain much blessing, and the merit of Torah will serve for them… as a protection from all harm". The letter is signed with the Netziv's customary signature from those years: " One who is laden with work – Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin".
R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin – the Netziv of Volozhin (1817-1893), a foremost and outstanding Torah scholar of his generation, was the son-in-law of R. Yitzchak of Volozhin and his successor as dean of the yeshiva for decades. His father, R. Yaakov Berlin of Mir (1794-1868), immigrated to Jerusalem in 1854 and was one of the leaders of the Prushim community in Jerusalem. Known for his great diligence and brilliance, the Netziv led the Volozhin yeshiva with devotion and love for many years, until the yeshiva became the main breeding ground for Torah leaders who were the glory of Lithuanian, Russian and Polish Jewry. With his noble personality and profound, thorough erudition, he produced generations of eminent Torah scholars, yeshiva deans, dayanim and rabbis. He was also engaged in public leadership and his opinion was conclusive on all community matters in Russia and Lithuania. He responded to halachic queries which many rabbis sent to him, customarily signing his letters in those years as "one who is laden with work". He composed many books, including Hamek She'ala – novellae on She'iltot; Hamek Davar on the Torah; Responsa Meshiv Davar; Talmudic novellae and commentaries on Halachic midrashim: Mechilta, Sifra and Sifrei.
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
![Letter handwritten and signed by R. Refael Shapiro, dean of the Volozhin yeshiva. [Volozhin?], Sivan 1915.
Rabbinic ordinat](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/95.jpg "Letter of Rabbinic Ordination and Recommendation for a Rabbinic Positi")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Refael Shapiro, dean of the Volozhin yeshiva. [Volozhin?], Sivan 1915.
Rabbinic ordination and recommendation for R. Meir Lipman son of R. Yitzchak Eliyahu – rabbi in Gruzd (Gruzdžiai). R. Refael praises him as a "p rominent Torah scholar, sharp and well-versed in Talmud and halachic literature… and he is fitting to serve as rabbi of a large city…". R. Refael signed: " So are the words of one who writes and signs in honor of the Torah and those who study it, Refael Shapiro of Volozhin".
R. Refael Shapiro, rabbi and dean of Volozhin (1837-1921), was the son of R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Kovno and son-in-law of the Netziv of Volozhin. He was renowned for his genius and diligence. In the years 1865-1881, he served as dean of the Volozhin yeshiva alongside his father-in-law the Netziv. He then went to serve as rabbi of Babruysk and other places. In 1899, when the yeshiva was reopened, he returned to Volozhin and was appointed rabbi and dean. During WWI, he fled to Minsk, where he taught Torah for some five years until his passing (this letter was written within the first year of the war, and it is unclear whether it was written in Volozhin, before R. Refael went into exile, or during the course of his wanderings). His novellae and responsa were published in the three parts of his book Torat Refael. His son-in-law was R. Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik, rabbi of Brisk, author of Chiddushei Rabbenu Chaim HaLevi.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Fair condition. Tears to folds (not affecting text), repaired at first with acidic tape, and later professionally. Dark stains from tape.
Rabbinic ordination and recommendation for R. Meir Lipman son of R. Yitzchak Eliyahu – rabbi in Gruzd (Gruzdžiai). R. Refael praises him as a "p rominent Torah scholar, sharp and well-versed in Talmud and halachic literature… and he is fitting to serve as rabbi of a large city…". R. Refael signed: " So are the words of one who writes and signs in honor of the Torah and those who study it, Refael Shapiro of Volozhin".
R. Refael Shapiro, rabbi and dean of Volozhin (1837-1921), was the son of R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Kovno and son-in-law of the Netziv of Volozhin. He was renowned for his genius and diligence. In the years 1865-1881, he served as dean of the Volozhin yeshiva alongside his father-in-law the Netziv. He then went to serve as rabbi of Babruysk and other places. In 1899, when the yeshiva was reopened, he returned to Volozhin and was appointed rabbi and dean. During WWI, he fled to Minsk, where he taught Torah for some five years until his passing (this letter was written within the first year of the war, and it is unclear whether it was written in Volozhin, before R. Refael went into exile, or during the course of his wanderings). His novellae and responsa were published in the three parts of his book Torat Refael. His son-in-law was R. Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik, rabbi of Brisk, author of Chiddushei Rabbenu Chaim HaLevi.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Fair condition. Tears to folds (not affecting text), repaired at first with acidic tape, and later professionally. Dark stains from tape.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by R. "Yisrael Meir HaKohen", author of Chafetz Chaim. Radin (Radun), Nissan 1933.
Lengthy letter (in Yiddish) from the Radin yeshiva, addressed to a family of philanthropists in Philadelphia, United States. Typewritten, with the handwritten signature of the Chafetz Chaim. The Chafetz Chaim thanks them for their support of the yeshiva in its difficult times, and blesses them " May the Eternal one give you an abundance of happiness and good health, livelihood and much success in all your endeavors… Blessing you with a kosher and joyous festival – Yisrael Meir HaKohen".
R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin (1837-1933; Otzar HaRabbanim 12262), leader of the Jewish people, was widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He was the dean of the Radin yeshiva and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishnah Berurah, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and dozens more. This letter was written in the final six months of his life, when he was over 90 years old.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Small open tear to corner.
Lengthy letter (in Yiddish) from the Radin yeshiva, addressed to a family of philanthropists in Philadelphia, United States. Typewritten, with the handwritten signature of the Chafetz Chaim. The Chafetz Chaim thanks them for their support of the yeshiva in its difficult times, and blesses them " May the Eternal one give you an abundance of happiness and good health, livelihood and much success in all your endeavors… Blessing you with a kosher and joyous festival – Yisrael Meir HaKohen".
R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin (1837-1933; Otzar HaRabbanim 12262), leader of the Jewish people, was widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He was the dean of the Radin yeshiva and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishnah Berurah, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and dozens more. This letter was written in the final six months of his life, when he was over 90 years old.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Small open tear to corner.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
![Letter (15 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Yerucham Levovitz. Mir, [Elul 1926].
Addressed to R. Yosef Shub, director of](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/97_1.jpg "Letter of Good Year Wishes with Blessings from Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz")
![Letter (15 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Yerucham Levovitz. Mir, [Elul 1926].
Addressed to R. Yosef Shub, director of](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/97_2.jpg "Letter of Good Year Wishes with Blessings from Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter (15 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Yerucham Levovitz. Mir, [Elul 1926].
Addressed to R. Yosef Shub, director of Vaad HaYeshivot in Vilna, who invited him to attend a conference of yeshiva deans with the purpose of bolstering the fundraising on behalf the Vaad. R. Yerucham writes of the difficulties in abandoning the yeshiva during the month of Elul: " …he surely understands that it is difficult for me at this point to abandon the many…", and he therefore suggests a different way of strengthening the fundraising.
R. Yerucham concludes the letter with blessings for a good year: " His good friend, who seeks his wellbeing, blesses him with a good inscription and sealing in the book of complete Tzaddikim, immediately for a good and sweet life, a year of absolute serenity and tranquil peace… Y. Levovitz".
R. Yerucham HaLevi Levovitz (1875-1936), a foremost educator and mussar leader of his generation. A student of the Beit HaTalmud of Kelm, teacher of R. Yechezkel Levenstein. He served as mashgiach in Lithuanian yeshivot, the Radin yeshiva and others. His most significant position was his long tenure as mashgiach of the Mir yeshiva, directing it during its escape to Poltova during WWI. After the yeshiva returned to Mir, he was the driving force behind the rebuilding the yeshiva, and in edifying students who would serve as the Torah leaders of the next generation. His close disciples, who referred to him as "Admor", later became the prominent yeshiva deans of our times, such as R. Chaim Shmulevitz, R. Aryeh Leib Malin (who was one of the compilers of his books of lectures Chavar Maamarim, Daat Chochma UMussar) and others.
He showed special care for students from central Europe, and gave them special mussar classes, in which he imbued them with the tenets of faith and the profound Torah thinking characteristic of Lithuanian yeshivot (these lectures were published in the five volumes of Daat Torah). R. Wolbe, who was one of his youngest disciples, writes about him in his preface to his famous 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…".
Postcard. 10.5X15 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Minor marginal tear. Postage stamp. Postmarks from the 21st and 22nd of August, 1926.
Addressed to R. Yosef Shub, director of Vaad HaYeshivot in Vilna, who invited him to attend a conference of yeshiva deans with the purpose of bolstering the fundraising on behalf the Vaad. R. Yerucham writes of the difficulties in abandoning the yeshiva during the month of Elul: " …he surely understands that it is difficult for me at this point to abandon the many…", and he therefore suggests a different way of strengthening the fundraising.
R. Yerucham concludes the letter with blessings for a good year: " His good friend, who seeks his wellbeing, blesses him with a good inscription and sealing in the book of complete Tzaddikim, immediately for a good and sweet life, a year of absolute serenity and tranquil peace… Y. Levovitz".
R. Yerucham HaLevi Levovitz (1875-1936), a foremost educator and mussar leader of his generation. A student of the Beit HaTalmud of Kelm, teacher of R. Yechezkel Levenstein. He served as mashgiach in Lithuanian yeshivot, the Radin yeshiva and others. His most significant position was his long tenure as mashgiach of the Mir yeshiva, directing it during its escape to Poltova during WWI. After the yeshiva returned to Mir, he was the driving force behind the rebuilding the yeshiva, and in edifying students who would serve as the Torah leaders of the next generation. His close disciples, who referred to him as "Admor", later became the prominent yeshiva deans of our times, such as R. Chaim Shmulevitz, R. Aryeh Leib Malin (who was one of the compilers of his books of lectures Chavar Maamarim, Daat Chochma UMussar) and others.
He showed special care for students from central Europe, and gave them special mussar classes, in which he imbued them with the tenets of faith and the profound Torah thinking characteristic of Lithuanian yeshivot (these lectures were published in the five volumes of Daat Torah). R. Wolbe, who was one of his youngest disciples, writes about him in his preface to his famous 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…".
Postcard. 10.5X15 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Minor marginal tear. Postage stamp. Postmarks from the 21st and 22nd of August, 1926.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
![Letter from R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz dean of the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva in Kamenitz (Kamenets). [Kamenitz], Tishrei 193](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/98.jpg "Letter of Good Year Wishes from Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibowitz – Kamenitz,")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,200
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter from R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz dean of the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva in Kamenitz (Kamenets). [Kamenitz], Tishrei 1934.
Lengthy letter (in Yiddish) with blessings for a good year, sent by the Kamenitz yeshiva to a family of philanthropist in Philadelphia, United States. The typewritten letter concludes with close to 6 lines handwritten and signed by R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz, the yeshiva dean, with warm and hearty blessings in Yiddish and Hebrew: " wishing you a good sealing for a good year… with longevity and good years, good health and all the blessings and success, wealth and happiness… One who blesses him and respects him, Baruch Dov Leibowitz dean of the Beit Yitzchak yeshiva".
R. Baruch Dov (Ber) Leibowitz (1864-1940), author of Birkat Shmuel, taught many disciples. He was a disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk in the Volozhin yeshiva, and the son-in-law of R. Avraham Yitzchak Zimmerman Rabbi of Hlusk. After his father-in-law went to serve as rabbi of Kremenchuk, he succeeded him in Hlusk and established a yeshiva. After a 13-year tenure, he was asked to head the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva in Slabodka. During WWI, he wandered with the yeshiva to Minsk, Kremenchuk and Vilna, finally settling in Kamenitz. He authored Birkat Shmuel on Talmudic topics. His writings are classic works of in-depth yeshiva Torah study.
[2] leaves, official stationery. 29 cm. Good condition. Minor tears to margins and folding marks.
Lengthy letter (in Yiddish) with blessings for a good year, sent by the Kamenitz yeshiva to a family of philanthropist in Philadelphia, United States. The typewritten letter concludes with close to 6 lines handwritten and signed by R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz, the yeshiva dean, with warm and hearty blessings in Yiddish and Hebrew: " wishing you a good sealing for a good year… with longevity and good years, good health and all the blessings and success, wealth and happiness… One who blesses him and respects him, Baruch Dov Leibowitz dean of the Beit Yitzchak yeshiva".
R. Baruch Dov (Ber) Leibowitz (1864-1940), author of Birkat Shmuel, taught many disciples. He was a disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk in the Volozhin yeshiva, and the son-in-law of R. Avraham Yitzchak Zimmerman Rabbi of Hlusk. After his father-in-law went to serve as rabbi of Kremenchuk, he succeeded him in Hlusk and established a yeshiva. After a 13-year tenure, he was asked to head the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva in Slabodka. During WWI, he wandered with the yeshiva to Minsk, Kremenchuk and Vilna, finally settling in Kamenitz. He authored Birkat Shmuel on Talmudic topics. His writings are classic works of in-depth yeshiva Torah study.
[2] leaves, official stationery. 29 cm. Good condition. Minor tears to margins and folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue