Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $4,000
Including buyer's premium
Commentary to Mishnayot by the Rambam and Laws of the Rosh on Tractate Sanhedrin – 16-leaf section of the first edition of the Babylonian Talmud, printed by Daniel Bomberg. [Venice: Bomberg, 1520].
Inscription on the first leaf, handwritten and signed by the kabbalist, R. Aharon Berechiah of Modena: " The land and the fullness thereof are G-d's, and He granted this to His young servant, Aharon Berechiah son of R. Moshe of Modena, 1599".
The kabbalist, R. Aharon Berechiah of Modena, author of Maavar Yabok (d. 1639), a leading kabbalist and spiritual leader in Italy. Born to a family of distinguished lineage – "an early family of French exiles" – who settled in Modena, Italy (his relative R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena also belonged to this family). R. Aharon Berechiah was a disciple of the renowned kabbalist R. Menachem Azariah (the Rama) of Fano, who first taught him the kabbalah of R. Moshe Cordovero and later that of the Arizal. He subsequently studied under R. Yisrael Sarug – a disciple of the Arizal and the one who brought the teachings of the Arizal to Italy. The Chida describes the greatness and holiness of R. Aharon Berechiah in his book Shem HaGedolim (in his entry): " I heard that he had a maggid, and I heard much about his power and wonders".
Shortly after 1610, R. Aharon Berechiah was rabbinically ordained by the rabbis of Safed, and he is one of the few Torah scholars who were ordained by the Safed rabbis when in the Diaspora. He received his ordination based on the recommendation of the emissary R. Yosef Chaim, who stayed in his home and testified to his preeminence and holiness before the Safed Torah scholars. The text of the ordination was published in Responsa Maharitatz HaChadashot (Jerusalem 1979, Part II, no. 201), without the names of the rabbis, yet it may be assumed that the signatories included the following Safed Torah scholars of that time: R. Moshe Galante, R. Yom Tov Tzahalon, R. Avraham Gabriel, R. Chiya HaRofeh, R. Suleiman ibn Ohana and R. Masoud Azulai.
R. Aharon Berechiah of Modena is renowned for instituting prayer orders and customs accepted throughout the Jewish world. In ca. 1617, R. Aharon Berechiah established a society in his city named Me'irei Shachar, and he compiled for them special prayers and supplications to be recited in early morning. Several years later, he published this order of prayers and supplication as Ashmoret HaBoker (Mantua 1624). As he writes in his work Magen Aharon (in manuscript), this siddur was accepted in many cities in Italy – Florence, Verona, Mantua, Reggio and Pisa.
His many works on the Zohar and kabbalah remained in manuscript, but he became renowned throughout the generations for his book Maavar Yabok, which was accepted throughout the Jewish world. This book, which was published in his lifetime, in 1626 in Mantua, is the main and most important source for the conduct of a person in illness and death, orders of Taharah (purification after death) and burial, prayers by gravesites and more. This classic work was reprinted in dozens of editions until this day, also in abridged versions, and it is quoted extensively in books of Halachah and customs.
His book Maavar Yabok became widely accepted already in his times, as he himself testifies (in his preface to Magen Aharon). It was also recognized by the rabbis of Safed.
Leaves 115-129, [1], of Tractate Sanhedrin. Final leaf contains a "registro" table (list of gatherings, to facilitate bookbinding). 37 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains (including dampstains). Worming (primarily to inner margins). Detached leaves.
Inscription on the first leaf, handwritten and signed by the kabbalist, R. Aharon Berechiah of Modena: " The land and the fullness thereof are G-d's, and He granted this to His young servant, Aharon Berechiah son of R. Moshe of Modena, 1599".
The kabbalist, R. Aharon Berechiah of Modena, author of Maavar Yabok (d. 1639), a leading kabbalist and spiritual leader in Italy. Born to a family of distinguished lineage – "an early family of French exiles" – who settled in Modena, Italy (his relative R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena also belonged to this family). R. Aharon Berechiah was a disciple of the renowned kabbalist R. Menachem Azariah (the Rama) of Fano, who first taught him the kabbalah of R. Moshe Cordovero and later that of the Arizal. He subsequently studied under R. Yisrael Sarug – a disciple of the Arizal and the one who brought the teachings of the Arizal to Italy. The Chida describes the greatness and holiness of R. Aharon Berechiah in his book Shem HaGedolim (in his entry): " I heard that he had a maggid, and I heard much about his power and wonders".
Shortly after 1610, R. Aharon Berechiah was rabbinically ordained by the rabbis of Safed, and he is one of the few Torah scholars who were ordained by the Safed rabbis when in the Diaspora. He received his ordination based on the recommendation of the emissary R. Yosef Chaim, who stayed in his home and testified to his preeminence and holiness before the Safed Torah scholars. The text of the ordination was published in Responsa Maharitatz HaChadashot (Jerusalem 1979, Part II, no. 201), without the names of the rabbis, yet it may be assumed that the signatories included the following Safed Torah scholars of that time: R. Moshe Galante, R. Yom Tov Tzahalon, R. Avraham Gabriel, R. Chiya HaRofeh, R. Suleiman ibn Ohana and R. Masoud Azulai.
R. Aharon Berechiah of Modena is renowned for instituting prayer orders and customs accepted throughout the Jewish world. In ca. 1617, R. Aharon Berechiah established a society in his city named Me'irei Shachar, and he compiled for them special prayers and supplications to be recited in early morning. Several years later, he published this order of prayers and supplication as Ashmoret HaBoker (Mantua 1624). As he writes in his work Magen Aharon (in manuscript), this siddur was accepted in many cities in Italy – Florence, Verona, Mantua, Reggio and Pisa.
His many works on the Zohar and kabbalah remained in manuscript, but he became renowned throughout the generations for his book Maavar Yabok, which was accepted throughout the Jewish world. This book, which was published in his lifetime, in 1626 in Mantua, is the main and most important source for the conduct of a person in illness and death, orders of Taharah (purification after death) and burial, prayers by gravesites and more. This classic work was reprinted in dozens of editions until this day, also in abridged versions, and it is quoted extensively in books of Halachah and customs.
His book Maavar Yabok became widely accepted already in his times, as he himself testifies (in his preface to Magen Aharon). It was also recognized by the rabbis of Safed.
Leaves 115-129, [1], of Tractate Sanhedrin. Final leaf contains a "registro" table (list of gatherings, to facilitate bookbinding). 37 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains (including dampstains). Worming (primarily to inner margins). Detached leaves.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedication
Catalogue
![Responsa Beit Yaakov, by R. Yaakov Rabbi of Tsoyzmer (Sandomierz). [Dyhernfurth], 1696. First edition. Copy of the holy kabb](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/64.jpg "Beit Yaakov – Dyhernfurth, 1696 – First Edition – Signature of Rabbi N")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $20,000
Estimate: $50,000 - $80,000
Sold for: $37,500
Including buyer's premium
Responsa Beit Yaakov, by R. Yaakov Rabbi of Tsoyzmer (Sandomierz). [Dyhernfurth], 1696. First edition.
Copy of the holy kabbalist, R. Naftali Katz, author of Semichat Chachamim. His signature appears at the foot of the title page: "Naftali HaKohen of Ostroh" (as he was accustomed to signing, see: Rappaport-Hartstein, Shalshelet Zahav, Ahavat Shalom publication, Jerusalem 2001, introduction, p. 17).
At the beginning of the book, approbations by the rabbis of Vaad Arba Aratzot, including an approbation by "Naftali HaKohen, residing in Poznan and the region" – that is R. Naftali Katz, author of Semichat Chachamim, to whom this copy belonged.
R. Naftali Katz (1650-1719), a holy, G-dly man, a foremost and prominent kabbalist in Ashkenazic countries. He served as rabbi of Ostroh, Posen and Frankfurt am Main. From a young age, R. Naftali Katz adopted awesome and holy practices and studied with outstanding diligence, until he knew the entire Talmud by heart. At the age of thirty(!) he was appointed rabbi of Ostroh and the entire district of Ukraine, a position previously held by outstanding Torah leaders such as the Maharsha. In 1689, he succeeded R. Yeshaya Horowitz, grandson of the Shelah, as rabbi of Posen – a major and important city, where illustrious rabbis such as the Shelah, the Levushim and the Maharal of Prague had served. At that time, when he was only forty years old, he was appointed head of the Vaad Arba Aratzot, a position which was in effect the highest Torah authority in all Ashkenazic countries. In 1704, he was appointed rabbi of Frankfurt am Main, capital of Torah study in Germany. R. Naftali was a foremost kabbalist in Germany, and engaged in practical kabbalah, hashbaot and writing amulets. After the great fire in Frankfurt am Main in 1711, he was compelled to flee, after non-Jewish residents of the city accused him of causing the fire with his practical kabbalah. After much wandering, he set out for Eretz Israel, yet fell ill in Constantinople, were he passed away. His gravesite in Constantinople
serves until this day as a pilgrimage destination for prayer and salvation.
He earned worldwide fame for his book Semichat Chachamim on Tractate Berachot, which includes an important kabbalistic preface. He composed kabbalistic poems, supplications and prayers, and would recite them in the middle of the night when he would arise to lament the exile of the Divine Presence. A small part of these was printed in the book Beit Rachel. His testament was published in dozens of editions under the title of Tzavaat Rabbi Naftali Katz.
Astounding events occurred at the time of his passing in Constantinople, demonstrating to all his wondrous abilities and exceptional holiness. As recorded in Shaar Naftali URefuat HaNefesh (and other books), many Jews of the city passed before him, and he revealed to each one which soul he was reincarnating. ?Reputedly, when the Baal Shem Tov arrived in Constantinople on his way to Eretz Israel, R. Naftali Katz appeared to him in a dream and revealed to him that he would not merit to immigrate to Eretz Israel, just like he himself hadn't and had passed away in Constantinople. The Baal Shem Tov therefore returned to his town, Medzhybizh.
R. Naftali Katz left behind upstanding generations of Tzaddikim and leading Torah scholars. His son-in-law, R. Moshe Rokeach, son of R. Elazar Rokeach author of Arbaa Turei Even, was an ancestor of the Sar Shalom, rebbe of Belz, progenitor of the Belz dynasty.
128, [8] leaves. Misfoliation. Several leaves bound out of place. Without additional title page, included in some copies only. 30.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal open tears to title page and other leaves, repaired with paper. Other tears to title page and following leaf, repaired. Worming to several leaves. Stamps. New leather binding.
Signature of the Semichat Chachamim as Amulet and Segulah for Salvations
Divrei David (Husiatyn 1904, p. 60) brings a wondrous story related by rebbe David Moshe of Chortkov: "The Baal Shem Tov was once in Istanbul on his way to the Holy Land, and he heard people enthusing over amulets which R. Naftali Hakohen gave out, using Holy Names. The Baal Shem Tov requested an amulet, and when he opened it, he discovered that it only contained R. Naftali's name – 'Naftali HaKohen' – this name alone was effective for all the cases which R. Naftali gave his amulets for".
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedication
Catalogue
![Korban Netanel, novellae on Piskei HaRosh to Orders Moed and Nashim, by R. Netanel Weil. Karlsruhe, [1755].
Copy of R. Yech](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/65_1.jpg "Korban Netanel – Copy of the Noda BiYehuda, with His Handwritten Gloss")
![Korban Netanel, novellae on Piskei HaRosh to Orders Moed and Nashim, by R. Netanel Weil. Karlsruhe, [1755].
Copy of R. Yech](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/65_2.jpg "Korban Netanel – Copy of the Noda BiYehuda, with His Handwritten Gloss")
![Korban Netanel, novellae on Piskei HaRosh to Orders Moed and Nashim, by R. Netanel Weil. Karlsruhe, [1755].
Copy of R. Yech](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/65_3.jpg "Korban Netanel – Copy of the Noda BiYehuda, with His Handwritten Gloss")
![Korban Netanel, novellae on Piskei HaRosh to Orders Moed and Nashim, by R. Netanel Weil. Karlsruhe, [1755].
Copy of R. Yech](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/65_4.jpg "Korban Netanel – Copy of the Noda BiYehuda, with His Handwritten Gloss")
![Korban Netanel, novellae on Piskei HaRosh to Orders Moed and Nashim, by R. Netanel Weil. Karlsruhe, [1755].
Copy of R. Yech](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/65_5.jpg "Korban Netanel – Copy of the Noda BiYehuda, with His Handwritten Gloss")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Korban Netanel, novellae on Piskei HaRosh to Orders Moed and Nashim, by R. Netanel Weil. Karlsruhe, [1755].
Copy of R. Yechezkel Landau Rabbi of Prague, author of Noda BiYehuda. Inscription written by his son on the title page: "This book belongs to my father, the renowned R. Yechezkel HaLevi Landau, rabbi and dean here in the community of Prague, capital city". The name Yechezkel in Atbash cipher was written beneath the inscription.
Many inscriptions on the front endpaper and three back endpapers, mostly in German, attesting that the book belongs to the "chief rabbi of Prague", R. Yechezkel Landau "from the city of Apta in Poland". One of the inscriptions is signed (in German and Hebrew) by "Wolf Elbogen". Another inscription is dated July 1790.
Gloss on p. 50b, handwritten by the Noda BiYehuda, relating critically to the words of the author: " Begging the pardon of the honorable author who did not understand the meaning…".
R. Yechezkel HaLevi Segal Landau (1713-1793) was a leading Halachic authority of all times, which the entire Jewish nation relied upon. He was born in Apta, Poland, to a family of distinguished lineage. From a young age, he was renowned as a leading Torah scholar of his generation. From the age of 13 until 30, he resided in Brody, a thriving Torah center in those times, home to the celebrated Kloiz – Beit Midrash renowned for the study of all realms of Torah, and for the famous compositions on the Talmud, in Halachah and in Kabbalah which it produced. He served for about ten years as the rabbi of one of the four Batei Din in Brody. During his stay inBrody, he became close to the Kloiz scholars, including R. Chaim Sanzer and R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov). During those years, he studied the Arizal's writings together with R. Chaim Sanzer, a leading scholar in the Kloiz.
In ca. 1745, he went to serve as rabbi of Jampol, and in 1754, he began serving 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 there, in which he educated thousands of disciples, including many of the leaders 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 Tractate Pesachim and Berachot, earned him worldwide fame already then (Noda BiYehuda – Mahadura Tinyana, printed after his passing, Prague 1811, includes hundreds of his responsa to questions about his first book, addressed to him from various places).
The Chida in Shem HaGedolim greatly praises the book Noda BiYehuda as well as its author, describing 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 a responsum regarding one of his novellae, that in his opinion it is a true Torah thought (Even HaEzer, Mahadura Tinyana, section 23, 2). The Chatam Sofer relates to this responsum in one of his responsa (Part II, Even HaEzer, section 95): "The words of G-d are in his mouth, truth".
The author of this book, R. Netanel Weil (1687-1769), was a leading Torah scholar in the times of the Noda BiYehuda. A disciple of R. Avraham Broda. He served as rabbi of Prague until the expulsion of the Jews from Bohemia in 1744 (approx. a decade before the Noda BiYehuda came to Prague), when he went to serve as rabbi in Germany, first in Schwartzwald (Black Forest), and later in Karlsruhe (at the end of this book, he relates his life story from the day of his birth until his arrival in Karlsruhe). He was renowned for posterity for his book Korban Netanel, which was first published as an independent book and later incorporated in the Talmud editions of Vilna and Slavita, and since printed in all Talmud editions until this day. The Noda BiYehuda exchanged halachic correspondence with him. The Noda BiYehuda quotes the Korban Netanel in his books, and even differs from him (see their disagreement on the issue of immersing in hot water on Shabbat; Responsa Noda BiYehuda, Mahadura Tinyana, Orach Chaim, sections 24-25). The son of the Korban Netanel, R. Yedidia Tia Weil, was a disciple of the Noda BiYehuda in Prague (the Noda BiYehuda refers to him in a letter to the Korban Netanel: "His son, my friend, the great rabbi, R. Tia"; Responsa Noda BiYehuda, Mahadura Kama, Even HaEzer, section 37).
Inscription on the final leaf: "I studied under the outstanding rabbi, R. Tia Weil, son of the author of Korban Netanel, Leib son of … Segal".
[2], 148, [3] leaves. 32 cm. Good condition. Stains (dark stains to several leaves). Tears to several leaves. Open tears to one index leaf at end of book, affecting text (repaired with paper). New leather binding.
Copy of R. Yechezkel Landau Rabbi of Prague, author of Noda BiYehuda. Inscription written by his son on the title page: "This book belongs to my father, the renowned R. Yechezkel HaLevi Landau, rabbi and dean here in the community of Prague, capital city". The name Yechezkel in Atbash cipher was written beneath the inscription.
Many inscriptions on the front endpaper and three back endpapers, mostly in German, attesting that the book belongs to the "chief rabbi of Prague", R. Yechezkel Landau "from the city of Apta in Poland". One of the inscriptions is signed (in German and Hebrew) by "Wolf Elbogen". Another inscription is dated July 1790.
Gloss on p. 50b, handwritten by the Noda BiYehuda, relating critically to the words of the author: " Begging the pardon of the honorable author who did not understand the meaning…".
R. Yechezkel HaLevi Segal Landau (1713-1793) was a leading Halachic authority of all times, which the entire Jewish nation relied upon. He was born in Apta, Poland, to a family of distinguished lineage. From a young age, he was renowned as a leading Torah scholar of his generation. From the age of 13 until 30, he resided in Brody, a thriving Torah center in those times, home to the celebrated Kloiz – Beit Midrash renowned for the study of all realms of Torah, and for the famous compositions on the Talmud, in Halachah and in Kabbalah which it produced. He served for about ten years as the rabbi of one of the four Batei Din in Brody. During his stay inBrody, he became close to the Kloiz scholars, including R. Chaim Sanzer and R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov). During those years, he studied the Arizal's writings together with R. Chaim Sanzer, a leading scholar in the Kloiz.
In ca. 1745, he went to serve as rabbi of Jampol, and in 1754, he began serving 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 there, in which he educated thousands of disciples, including many of the leaders 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 Tractate Pesachim and Berachot, earned him worldwide fame already then (Noda BiYehuda – Mahadura Tinyana, printed after his passing, Prague 1811, includes hundreds of his responsa to questions about his first book, addressed to him from various places).
The Chida in Shem HaGedolim greatly praises the book Noda BiYehuda as well as its author, describing 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 a responsum regarding one of his novellae, that in his opinion it is a true Torah thought (Even HaEzer, Mahadura Tinyana, section 23, 2). The Chatam Sofer relates to this responsum in one of his responsa (Part II, Even HaEzer, section 95): "The words of G-d are in his mouth, truth".
The author of this book, R. Netanel Weil (1687-1769), was a leading Torah scholar in the times of the Noda BiYehuda. A disciple of R. Avraham Broda. He served as rabbi of Prague until the expulsion of the Jews from Bohemia in 1744 (approx. a decade before the Noda BiYehuda came to Prague), when he went to serve as rabbi in Germany, first in Schwartzwald (Black Forest), and later in Karlsruhe (at the end of this book, he relates his life story from the day of his birth until his arrival in Karlsruhe). He was renowned for posterity for his book Korban Netanel, which was first published as an independent book and later incorporated in the Talmud editions of Vilna and Slavita, and since printed in all Talmud editions until this day. The Noda BiYehuda exchanged halachic correspondence with him. The Noda BiYehuda quotes the Korban Netanel in his books, and even differs from him (see their disagreement on the issue of immersing in hot water on Shabbat; Responsa Noda BiYehuda, Mahadura Tinyana, Orach Chaim, sections 24-25). The son of the Korban Netanel, R. Yedidia Tia Weil, was a disciple of the Noda BiYehuda in Prague (the Noda BiYehuda refers to him in a letter to the Korban Netanel: "His son, my friend, the great rabbi, R. Tia"; Responsa Noda BiYehuda, Mahadura Kama, Even HaEzer, section 37).
Inscription on the final leaf: "I studied under the outstanding rabbi, R. Tia Weil, son of the author of Korban Netanel, Leib son of … Segal".
[2], 148, [3] leaves. 32 cm. Good condition. Stains (dark stains to several leaves). Tears to several leaves. Open tears to one index leaf at end of book, affecting text (repaired with paper). New leather binding.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedication
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $9,375
Including buyer's premium
Knesset HaGedolah, Orach Chaim part, selected rulings from Halachic literature, following the order of Shulchan Aruch, by R. Chaim Benveniste. Livorno, 1791. Second edition.
Copy of R. Akiva Eger. On the title page, ownership inscriptions handwritten by one of the sons-in-law of R. Akiva Eger: " Belongs to the prominent Torah scholar, leader of the entire diaspora, holy and pure, pious and very humble, more than any other person, beloved to all… R. Akiva Eger, rabbi and dean in Pozna [Poznań]"; " Belongs to my father-in-law, outstanding and elite Torah scholar… R. Akiva Eger".
The book contains three glosses handwritten by R. Akiva Eger, on pages: 128a, 142a and 156b. The first gloss is in Rashi script (regarding R. Akiva Eger's practice of occasionally writing his glosses in Rashi script, see: MiBet HaGenazim, Brooklyn, 2010, p. 233; Responsa Ginat Vradim HaShalem, Orach Chaim, Jerusalem, 2008, p. 8; Kedem Auction 66, item 108). These glosses were published in Moriah, year 19, issues V-VI (221-222), Kislev 1993, pp. 24-25.
R. Akiva Eger mentions the book Knesset HaGedolah dozens of times in his works (additional glosses he wrote on Knesset HaGedolah, Even HaEzer, were published in Moriah, year 6, issues X-XI [71-72], Sivan 1976, p. 23).
R. Akiva (Güns) Eger (1761-1837), a leading Torah scholar in his times, was born in Eisenstadt to R. Moshe Güns and Gittel – daughter of the first R. Akiva Eger (rabbi of Pressburg, author of Mishnat D'Rabbi Akiva). Before he reached the age of 13, he began studying in the Breslau yeshiva under the tutelage of his uncle and teacher R. Binyamin Wolf Eger and at the age of fifteen, he was already delivering Torah lectures. After getting married in 1778, he moved to Lissa (Leszno) to the home of his father-in-law R. Itzek Margolies. In spite of his young age, he was regarded as one of the leading scholars of the city, which was the hub of Torah study at that time.
In 1792, he was appointed rabbi of Märkisch Friedland (Mirosławiec) and established a yeshiva there. In 1815, he began serving as rabbi of Posen (Poznań), a position he held over 20 years, until his passing in 1837. In Posen as well, he founded a yeshiva and taught many disciples. He was a holy person with Divine Inspiration, though supremely humble and gracious, he knew how to insist upon the honor due to the Torah and the rabbinate. He issued numerous regulations and established many public institutions. He replied to the thousands of questions addressed to him from around the world and recorded many novellae.
His descendants were also leading Torah scholars: R. Shlomo Eger (1786-1852), one of Warsaw's most influential Jews and his father's successor in the Posen rabbinate, author of Gilyon Maharsha and other books; R. Avraham Eger of Rawicz who edited his father's writings (with his own additions signed "A.A.B.H.H.", acronym of the Hebrew "Amar Avraham ben HaRav HaMechaber" [Avraham, son of the author says]); his renowned son-in-law R. Moshe Sofer, the Chatam Sofer, who after the death of his first wife, married the daughter of R. Akiva Eger (Rebbetzin Sorel, who bore him R. Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Wolf – the Ketav Sofer, and R. Shimon Sofer – rabbi of Kraków).
R. Akiva Eger devoted his entire life to Torah study and was known for his amazing proficiency and profound definitions which became basic tenets of Torah learning until our times. His books and novellae are key Torah texts for yeshiva students and poskim alike. R. Elazar Menachem Shach, author of Avi Ezri, writes in his approbation to the book Pote'ach She'arim – Teachings of R. Akiva Eger (Jerusalem, 1985) "For us, R. Akiva Eger, his opinions and reasoning are as conclusive as one of the Rishonim…".
His works include: Responsa of R. Akiva Eger, published by his sons in his lifetime, under his instruction. After his passing, his sons continued publishing his novellae in Drush VeChiddush, and additional volumes of his responsa series. Other responsa and novellae are being published until this day based on manuscripts (the books Kushiot Atzumot, Ketav VeChotam, Michtavei R. Akiva Eger and others). His various books were reprinted in many editions, including some annotated and expanded editions, which were enriched with related selections of his Torah teachings appearing in other places.
The glosses of R. Akiva Eger are valued in the yeshiva world and by Torah scholars for their perspicacity and profundity, and they invest much effort in studying them. He himself considered his glosses a composition worth publishing, as is apparent from his letters to his son R. Avraham Eger, printed at the beginning of Hagahot Rabbenu Akiva Eger, Berlin 1862. Especially renowned are his glosses to the Talmud, named Gilyon HaShas (first printed in his lifetime in the Prague and Vilna editions of the Talmud), his glosses to the Shulchan Aruch, and Tosefot R. Akiva Eger on the Mishnah. Over the years, his glosses to various books were published in later editions of those books and in Torah anthologies. R. Chaim Berlin related regarding his father, the Netziv of Volozhin: " And literally one word of R. Akiva Eger would resolve in his eyes several pages of pilpul in other books" (Meromei Sadeh, I, Jerusalem 1956, foreword).
3; 162 leaves. 29 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor tears and wear to a few leaves. Stamps. New leather binding.
Copy of R. Akiva Eger. On the title page, ownership inscriptions handwritten by one of the sons-in-law of R. Akiva Eger: " Belongs to the prominent Torah scholar, leader of the entire diaspora, holy and pure, pious and very humble, more than any other person, beloved to all… R. Akiva Eger, rabbi and dean in Pozna [Poznań]"; " Belongs to my father-in-law, outstanding and elite Torah scholar… R. Akiva Eger".
The book contains three glosses handwritten by R. Akiva Eger, on pages: 128a, 142a and 156b. The first gloss is in Rashi script (regarding R. Akiva Eger's practice of occasionally writing his glosses in Rashi script, see: MiBet HaGenazim, Brooklyn, 2010, p. 233; Responsa Ginat Vradim HaShalem, Orach Chaim, Jerusalem, 2008, p. 8; Kedem Auction 66, item 108). These glosses were published in Moriah, year 19, issues V-VI (221-222), Kislev 1993, pp. 24-25.
R. Akiva Eger mentions the book Knesset HaGedolah dozens of times in his works (additional glosses he wrote on Knesset HaGedolah, Even HaEzer, were published in Moriah, year 6, issues X-XI [71-72], Sivan 1976, p. 23).
R. Akiva (Güns) Eger (1761-1837), a leading Torah scholar in his times, was born in Eisenstadt to R. Moshe Güns and Gittel – daughter of the first R. Akiva Eger (rabbi of Pressburg, author of Mishnat D'Rabbi Akiva). Before he reached the age of 13, he began studying in the Breslau yeshiva under the tutelage of his uncle and teacher R. Binyamin Wolf Eger and at the age of fifteen, he was already delivering Torah lectures. After getting married in 1778, he moved to Lissa (Leszno) to the home of his father-in-law R. Itzek Margolies. In spite of his young age, he was regarded as one of the leading scholars of the city, which was the hub of Torah study at that time.
In 1792, he was appointed rabbi of Märkisch Friedland (Mirosławiec) and established a yeshiva there. In 1815, he began serving as rabbi of Posen (Poznań), a position he held over 20 years, until his passing in 1837. In Posen as well, he founded a yeshiva and taught many disciples. He was a holy person with Divine Inspiration, though supremely humble and gracious, he knew how to insist upon the honor due to the Torah and the rabbinate. He issued numerous regulations and established many public institutions. He replied to the thousands of questions addressed to him from around the world and recorded many novellae.
His descendants were also leading Torah scholars: R. Shlomo Eger (1786-1852), one of Warsaw's most influential Jews and his father's successor in the Posen rabbinate, author of Gilyon Maharsha and other books; R. Avraham Eger of Rawicz who edited his father's writings (with his own additions signed "A.A.B.H.H.", acronym of the Hebrew "Amar Avraham ben HaRav HaMechaber" [Avraham, son of the author says]); his renowned son-in-law R. Moshe Sofer, the Chatam Sofer, who after the death of his first wife, married the daughter of R. Akiva Eger (Rebbetzin Sorel, who bore him R. Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Wolf – the Ketav Sofer, and R. Shimon Sofer – rabbi of Kraków).
R. Akiva Eger devoted his entire life to Torah study and was known for his amazing proficiency and profound definitions which became basic tenets of Torah learning until our times. His books and novellae are key Torah texts for yeshiva students and poskim alike. R. Elazar Menachem Shach, author of Avi Ezri, writes in his approbation to the book Pote'ach She'arim – Teachings of R. Akiva Eger (Jerusalem, 1985) "For us, R. Akiva Eger, his opinions and reasoning are as conclusive as one of the Rishonim…".
His works include: Responsa of R. Akiva Eger, published by his sons in his lifetime, under his instruction. After his passing, his sons continued publishing his novellae in Drush VeChiddush, and additional volumes of his responsa series. Other responsa and novellae are being published until this day based on manuscripts (the books Kushiot Atzumot, Ketav VeChotam, Michtavei R. Akiva Eger and others). His various books were reprinted in many editions, including some annotated and expanded editions, which were enriched with related selections of his Torah teachings appearing in other places.
The glosses of R. Akiva Eger are valued in the yeshiva world and by Torah scholars for their perspicacity and profundity, and they invest much effort in studying them. He himself considered his glosses a composition worth publishing, as is apparent from his letters to his son R. Avraham Eger, printed at the beginning of Hagahot Rabbenu Akiva Eger, Berlin 1862. Especially renowned are his glosses to the Talmud, named Gilyon HaShas (first printed in his lifetime in the Prague and Vilna editions of the Talmud), his glosses to the Shulchan Aruch, and Tosefot R. Akiva Eger on the Mishnah. Over the years, his glosses to various books were published in later editions of those books and in Torah anthologies. R. Chaim Berlin related regarding his father, the Netziv of Volozhin: " And literally one word of R. Akiva Eger would resolve in his eyes several pages of pilpul in other books" (Meromei Sadeh, I, Jerusalem 1956, foreword).
3; 162 leaves. 29 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor tears and wear to a few leaves. Stamps. New leather binding.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedication
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Passover Haggadah, with the Ge'ulat Shlomo commentary, by R. Shlomo Zalman Reiner of Bolechov (Bolekhiv). Lviv, 1850.
The front endpaper bears two signatures in his handwriting : "Meir son of R. Yehuda" and " Meir son of R. Yehuda, residing here, Ungvar and the district".
Above these signatures, another signature appears: "Meir Ash". Apparently, this signature belongs to R. Meir son of R. Yehuda Ash, grandson of the Maharam Ash Rabbi of Ungvar.
[14] leaves. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear. Worming. Old binding, damaged and detached.
Yaari 702; Otzar HaHaggadot 955.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedication
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Responsa Or HaMeir, by R. Yehuda Meir Shapiro Rabbi of Piotrkow. Piotrkow (Piotrków Trybunalski), 1926.
On the flyleaf, dedication handwritten and signed by the author, R. Meir Shapiro, to the editor of Der Yiddisher Record, a Chicago-based weekly: " A remembrance of love to my friend… Mr. Leib Gellman, editor of Der Yiddisher Record, from the author, Yehuda Meir Shapiro, rabbi and dean of Piotrkow, Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1927…".
R. Yehuda Meir Shapiro (1887-1933), rabbi of Piotrkow and Lublin, dean of the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva and initiator of the Daf HaYomi, president of Agudat Yisrael in Poland and leading rabbi in his times. He was one of the youngest and most dominant rabbis in the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. One of the most renowned figures in recent times. A yeshiva dean, sharp and witty, an outstanding scholar in Halachah and Aggadah. A chassid closely attached to his rebbes. An excellent orator, and extremely accomplished person. An active and dynamic communal worker, a member of the Polish Sejm. Always full of grace, his conduct was regal. R. Meir passed away without leaving any offspring, yet he himself would say that he has two children – the first being the Daf HaYomi, and the second – the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva.
[3], 162 pages. 33.5 cm. Dry paper. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear. Front endpaper (bearing dedication) detached, with marginal tears. Original binding (gilt-lettered title), with damage and tears.
On the flyleaf, dedication handwritten and signed by the author, R. Meir Shapiro, to the editor of Der Yiddisher Record, a Chicago-based weekly: " A remembrance of love to my friend… Mr. Leib Gellman, editor of Der Yiddisher Record, from the author, Yehuda Meir Shapiro, rabbi and dean of Piotrkow, Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1927…".
R. Yehuda Meir Shapiro (1887-1933), rabbi of Piotrkow and Lublin, dean of the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva and initiator of the Daf HaYomi, president of Agudat Yisrael in Poland and leading rabbi in his times. He was one of the youngest and most dominant rabbis in the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. One of the most renowned figures in recent times. A yeshiva dean, sharp and witty, an outstanding scholar in Halachah and Aggadah. A chassid closely attached to his rebbes. An excellent orator, and extremely accomplished person. An active and dynamic communal worker, a member of the Polish Sejm. Always full of grace, his conduct was regal. R. Meir passed away without leaving any offspring, yet he himself would say that he has two children – the first being the Daf HaYomi, and the second – the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva.
[3], 162 pages. 33.5 cm. Dry paper. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear. Front endpaper (bearing dedication) detached, with marginal tears. Original binding (gilt-lettered title), with damage and tears.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedication
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
All six parts of Mishnah Berurah, commentary to Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, by R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin, author of Chafetz Chaim. [Warsaw-Piotrkow, 1884-1907. Vols. I, III, IV and V are presumably first editions. Vols. II and VI are stereotype editions].
Some of the volumes bear penciled "Mugeh" ("inspected") inscriptions, handwritten by the Chafetz Chaim. The flyleaf of the Hilchot Shabbat volume bears an ownership inscription attesting that the book belongs to R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz: "Belongs to… R. Baruch Dov Ber Leibowitz, dean of the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva". The other five volumes bear ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Moshe Finkel, a dean of the Knesset Yisrael yeshiva in Slabodka and Hebron. Handwritten gloss on p. 42 of vol. III.
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.
R. Moshe Finkel (1884-1925), son of R. Natan Tzvi Finkel, Alter of Slabodka and son-in-law of the Slabodka yeshiva dean R. Moshe Mordechai Epstein. He was renowned as one of the most outstanding and brilliant students in Lithuanian yeshivot, and R. Chaim Brisk and R. Meir Simcha of Dvinsk, who were amazed by his Torah knowledge and depth of understanding, foresaw that he would be a future Torah luminary. In 1913, he began lecturing in the Slabodka yeshiva. In Adar 1925, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, and was appointed one of the deans of the Knesset Yisrael – Slabodka yeshiva in Hebron. He passed away on Chol HaMoed Sukkot 1925, at the young age of 42, during the lifetime of his illustrious father.
6 volumes. Vol. I: 151, [1] leaves. Vol. II: 155 leaves. Vol. III: [1], 2-195 leaves (lacking leaf 1 with introduction to laws of Shabbat). Vol. IV: [1], 196-290 leaves. Vol. V: 153, [1] leaves. Vol. VI: 164 leaves. Approx. 23 cm. Dry paper. Condition varies, fair to good-fair. Stains and wear. Worming. Detached leaves and few tears. Original bindings, mostly detached. Damage and worming to bindings.
The Mishnah Berurah series on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim was composed and published by the author of the Chafetz Chaim over the course of 27 years. He toiled greatly in studying the halachot and labored to reach true halachic conclusions (sometimes studying the same topic more than 36 times). These books were accepted by the entire Jewish world and reprinted in many editions. The Chafetz Chaim was accustomed to examine each and every book for defective printing or exchanged leaves, and would personally write "Mugeh" ("inspected") on each book which passed his inspection.
Some of the volumes bear penciled "Mugeh" ("inspected") inscriptions, handwritten by the Chafetz Chaim. The flyleaf of the Hilchot Shabbat volume bears an ownership inscription attesting that the book belongs to R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz: "Belongs to… R. Baruch Dov Ber Leibowitz, dean of the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva". The other five volumes bear ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Moshe Finkel, a dean of the Knesset Yisrael yeshiva in Slabodka and Hebron. Handwritten gloss on p. 42 of vol. III.
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.
R. Moshe Finkel (1884-1925), son of R. Natan Tzvi Finkel, Alter of Slabodka and son-in-law of the Slabodka yeshiva dean R. Moshe Mordechai Epstein. He was renowned as one of the most outstanding and brilliant students in Lithuanian yeshivot, and R. Chaim Brisk and R. Meir Simcha of Dvinsk, who were amazed by his Torah knowledge and depth of understanding, foresaw that he would be a future Torah luminary. In 1913, he began lecturing in the Slabodka yeshiva. In Adar 1925, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, and was appointed one of the deans of the Knesset Yisrael – Slabodka yeshiva in Hebron. He passed away on Chol HaMoed Sukkot 1925, at the young age of 42, during the lifetime of his illustrious father.
6 volumes. Vol. I: 151, [1] leaves. Vol. II: 155 leaves. Vol. III: [1], 2-195 leaves (lacking leaf 1 with introduction to laws of Shabbat). Vol. IV: [1], 196-290 leaves. Vol. V: 153, [1] leaves. Vol. VI: 164 leaves. Approx. 23 cm. Dry paper. Condition varies, fair to good-fair. Stains and wear. Worming. Detached leaves and few tears. Original bindings, mostly detached. Damage and worming to bindings.
The Mishnah Berurah series on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim was composed and published by the author of the Chafetz Chaim over the course of 27 years. He toiled greatly in studying the halachot and labored to reach true halachic conclusions (sometimes studying the same topic more than 36 times). These books were accepted by the entire Jewish world and reprinted in many editions. The Chafetz Chaim was accustomed to examine each and every book for defective printing or exchanged leaves, and would personally write "Mugeh" ("inspected") on each book which passed his inspection.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedication
Catalogue
![Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Pesachim. Oz VeHadar edition, [2005].
The volume of Gemara which R. Elyashiv, foremost halachic](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/70_1.jpg "Tractate Pesachim – The Gemara of Rabbi Elyashiv")
![Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Pesachim. Oz VeHadar edition, [2005].
The volume of Gemara which R. Elyashiv, foremost halachic](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/70_2.jpg "Tractate Pesachim – The Gemara of Rabbi Elyashiv")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Unsold
Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Pesachim. Oz VeHadar edition, [2005].
The volume of Gemara which R. Elyashiv, foremost halachic authority of our times, studied from.
On the front endpaper, inscription handwritten and signed by his grandson, R. Aryeh Elyashiv, attesting that "My grandfather used this Gemara while delivering lectures on this tractate, and he prepared his lectures with this Gemara".
R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (1910-2012) was among the world's greatest halachic authorities for over seventy years. He was renowned for his exceptional diligence and his vast knowledge in all realms of the Torah, which enabled him to issue clear halachic rulings in every area. He led the Torah world in Eretz Israel and the Diaspora for many years, and his opinion was conclusive on every rabbinic and halachic issue that arose in the various branches of Orthodox Jewry throughout the world.
In 1943, R. Elyashiv was appointed rabbi of the Tiferet Bachurim society in Jerusalem, in place of his father, founder of the society, R. Avraham Elyashiv, rabbi of Homel. For close to 70 years, R. Elyashiv delivered a daily Talmud lecture in Tiferet Bachurim. For most of that period, the lectures were attended primarily by laymen, merchants and tradesmen. However, in the final twenty years of his life, outstanding Torah scholars joined the lectures, thirstily absorbing the precious novellae and gems which they discovered in these lectures, and the level of the lectures rose accordingly. The lectures from this final period were recorded and published in the He'arot series by the Torah scholars attending the lectures.
Multiple paginations. 30 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Many creases, some caused by dampness. Damage to binding.
The volume of Gemara which R. Elyashiv, foremost halachic authority of our times, studied from.
On the front endpaper, inscription handwritten and signed by his grandson, R. Aryeh Elyashiv, attesting that "My grandfather used this Gemara while delivering lectures on this tractate, and he prepared his lectures with this Gemara".
R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (1910-2012) was among the world's greatest halachic authorities for over seventy years. He was renowned for his exceptional diligence and his vast knowledge in all realms of the Torah, which enabled him to issue clear halachic rulings in every area. He led the Torah world in Eretz Israel and the Diaspora for many years, and his opinion was conclusive on every rabbinic and halachic issue that arose in the various branches of Orthodox Jewry throughout the world.
In 1943, R. Elyashiv was appointed rabbi of the Tiferet Bachurim society in Jerusalem, in place of his father, founder of the society, R. Avraham Elyashiv, rabbi of Homel. For close to 70 years, R. Elyashiv delivered a daily Talmud lecture in Tiferet Bachurim. For most of that period, the lectures were attended primarily by laymen, merchants and tradesmen. However, in the final twenty years of his life, outstanding Torah scholars joined the lectures, thirstily absorbing the precious novellae and gems which they discovered in these lectures, and the level of the lectures rose accordingly. The lectures from this final period were recorded and published in the He'arot series by the Torah scholars attending the lectures.
Multiple paginations. 30 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Many creases, some caused by dampness. Damage to binding.
Category
Books with Signatures, Glosses and Dedication
Catalogue