Auction 98 Early Printed Books, Chassidut and Kabbalah, Books Printed in Jerusalem, Letters and Manuscripts, Jewish Ceremonial Art
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Chok LeYisrael, with Yosef LaChok by the Chida. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapiro, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita, 1857. Complete five-volume set.
Two title pages for each volume. Some words on first title pages printed in red ink.
Five volumes. Bereshit: 246 leaves. Shemot: 238 leaves. Vayikra: 236 leaves. Bamidbar: 216 leaves. Devarim: 236, 229-231 leaves. 17.5-18.5 cm. Fair condition; Bamidbar and Devarim volumes in fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains and traces of former dampness. Wear and creases. Tears, including small open tears. Damage and black tape strip repairs, affecting part of title frames. Worming in several places, slightly affecting text. Detached leaves and gatherings. Inscriptions, signatures and stamps to some volumes. Old bindings, damaged, non-uniform (some leather bindings with repaired spines), partially detached, with heavy wear.
Handwritten inscriptions on front and back endpapers.
The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book records a Bereshit volume dated 1856 (based on a copy sold by Kedem in auction 19, lot 52), but the NLI copy and the present copy are dated 1857, like the other parts.
The Significance and Segulah of Reciting Chok LeYisrael Daily
The custom of reciting passages daily from the Bible, Mishnah, Talmud and Zohar was established by the Arizal, who observed this custom himself. The order printed in Chok LeYisrael is for the most part based on the writings of the Arizal in various places. The Chida added to this regimen daily halachic passages, taken from the Rambam's Mishneh Torah and Shulchan Aruch, as well as passages from ethical books. The Chida's additions are called Yosef LaChok. The purpose of the Chok LeYisrael order of study, as explained in the writings of the Arizal, is both for the perfection and tikkun of the soul, nourishing it through the study of the various parts of the Torah, and for effecting tikkunim and yichudim in the upper spheres.
Many prominent Chassidic leaders, and especially the Tzaddikim of the Chernobyl dynasty, spoke in sublime terms of the segulah of the Chok LeYisrael study regimen, and attested that it provides a tikkun for sins in matters of holiness. Rebbe Yisrael Dov of Vilednik writes in his book She'erit Yisrael (Shaar HaShovavim, homily I) that studying Chok LeYisrael serves as Tikkun HaBrit, "as I received from my master [Rebbe Mordechai of Chernobyl], that true tikkun is achieved by attaching oneself to both the Written and Oral Law, through Chok LeYisrael… and therefore in these times with the approach of the Messiah, the Yosef LaChok book has been published, authored by the Chida, disciple of R. Chaim ibn Attar the Or HaChaim, who embodies the lights of both Mashiach ben David and Mashiach ben Yosef, akin to the kabbalistic concept of an all-encompassing Tzaddik capable of effecting a tikkun for the imperfections of the entire Jewish people".
Rebbe Avraham of Trisk, son of Rebbe Mordechai of Chernobyl, writes: "And following the prayers, one should recite Chok LeYisrael, every single day unfailingly… and through this he causes G-d to be filled with mercy for the Jewish people" (Magen Avraham, 96a).
Great rabbis of previous generations have spoken of great segulot attained by reciting Chok LeYisrael. Some wrote that it is also a segulah for livelihood (the Rebbe of Shinova is said to have based this on the statement of the Talmud, "Chok means sustenance"). R. Yaakov Rokeach, in his foreword Maaseh Rokeach to Chok LeYisrael, wrote: "It is a mitzvah for every Jew to buy himself a Chok LeYisrael, to read from it every day…".
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur machzor, according to the custom of Belarus, Russia, Poland, Bohemia and Moravia (Ashkenazic rite), with a Hebrew commentary and Yiddish translation. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa, R. Aryeh Leib and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapiro, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita, 1850.
Some words on title page printed in red ink.
[2], 164 leaves. 26.5 cm. Some leaves dark. Fair-good condition. Stains. Wear and creases. Marginal tears and open tears to title page and several other leaves, partially repaired with paper. Inscriptions and large stamps to title page and other leaves.
Recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book based on a photocopy of the title page.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Sefer Chasidim by R. Yehudah HeChasid, with commentary by R. David Aptrod and the Brit Olam commentary by the Chida. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapiro, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita, 1856.
288 pages. Approx. 22 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear. Tears, including large open tear to title page, affecting title frame, and open tears to other leaves, slightly affecting text. Worming, slightly affecting text. Stamps deleted with ink. Old binding, worn.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Ein Yaakov, Part I on Tractates Berachot-Pesachim and Part II on Tractates Yoma-Yevamot. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa, R. Aryeh Leib and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapiro, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita, 1850. Two volumes.
Some words on title page in red ink.
Two volumes. Part I: [14], 9-496 pages. Part II: [2], 6, 9-432, [2], 433-481 pages. Approx. 23-24 cm. Dark paper (particularly on title pages). Overall fair condition. Stains, including traces of former dampness, dark dampstains and black inkstains. Wear. Worming, affecting text. Tears and open tears (many open tears to margins of title page of Part I), slightly affecting text, partially repaired with paper (many repairs on title page). Many handwritten inscriptions on title page of Part I. Old bindings (non-uniform), damaged (front binding of first volume detached).
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Ein Yaakov, Part I, on Tractates Berachot-Beitzah. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapiro, grandson of the rabbi of Slavita, 1862.
Two title pages. Some words on both title pages in red ink.
Ownership inscriptions in pencil.
40, 43-126, 125-245 leaves. 24 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear to some leaves. Light worming and minor tears to margins of title page and several other leaves. New binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Mishnah Tractate Brachot with the commentaries of R. Ovadiah of Bartenura and Moreh Tzedek, by R. Yosef, preacher of Kamianka. Lviv: Chaim David son of R. Aharon Segal and his cousin Ze'ev Wolf son of R. Gershon Segal, [1783]. Only edition, bibliographically unknown.
The Moreh Tzedek commentary is a digest of the halachic rulings of the Rosh and the Tur following the sequence of the Mishnah. Five approbations by rabbis of Podolia are printed at the beginning of the book: R. Meir Margolies, Rabbi of Ostroh and author of Meir Netivim, one of the foremost disciples of the Baal Shem Tov; R. Shlomo [Yitzchak] Heilprin, Rabbi of Bar and Ternopil, an admirer of the Baal Shem Tov; R. Tzvi Hirsh Meisels Rabbi of Zhovkva; R. Natan of Nemyriv; and R. Yosef Yoske Rabbi of Pidkamin.
The author, the kabbalist R. Yosef son of R. Tzvi Hirsh, was a preacher and orator in Kamianka in the Lviv region, and composed several additional books: Moreh Tzedek on Tractate Shabbat (Zhovkva, 1781); Rimonei Zahav on the Torah portions (Lviv, 1783); Meshivat Nefesh on several Psalms and on Song of Songs (Lviv, 1786).
The approbations appear to indicate that he published a commentary on Tractate Avot as well, but no such printing is known today. Not much information is known about the author; possibly he was close to Chassidism. At the end of his preface he brings a Chassidic allusion, generally attributed to R. Zusha of Anipoli, explaining the opening word of the Mishnah, MeEimatai, as an allusion to the awe (Eimah) that should accompany Torah learning. In his prefaces to the book, the author sharply attacks the rabbis and community leaders of his generation "who don't watch their flock sufficiently, to stave off evil wolves who tear the skin off their flesh…".
[2], 18 leaves. 22 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear and worming, affecting text (repaired with paper filling). Without binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Assorted collection of ten books printed in Russia-Poland in the 1800s-1830s. Halachic books, novellae and ethical books. Some include stamps, ownership inscriptions and lengthy handwritten glosses.
See Hebrew description for a list of books.
10 books. Size and condition vary. Most in new bindings. The books have not been thoroughly examined and are being sold as is.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Collection of books printed in Berditchev in the 1800s-1820s, some including signatures and ownership inscriptions.
See Hebrew description for a list of books.
12 volumes. Size and condition vary. New bindings. The books have not been thoroughly examined, and are being sold as is.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Four books by the Haflaah, R. Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main (disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch) and his son R. Tzvi Hirsch Horowitz, Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main:
• Sefer Ketubah, Part I of Haflaah, halachic and aggadic novellae on Tractate Ketubot, with Shevet Achim – teachings of brothers R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg and R. Pinchas of Frankfurt. Offenbach am Main: Tzvi Hirsch Segal Spitz of Pressburg, [1787]. First edition, printed in lifetime of author. Ownership inscription on title page: "Gifted to me by [--?] of Frankfurt am Maim, Gershon son of R. Z. of Koło, Friday, 21st Adar I 1818". Early stamp: "Gershon son of R. Z. of Koło", and additional signatures of R. Gershon. [Possibly the father of R. Aharon Engelman, Rabbi of Koło (1797-1845), author of Beit Aharon and father of four Rabbis of cities and yeshiva deans].
[1], 6, 179, [1] leaves; [2], 2-86, [1] leaves. 32 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming, affecting text. Last six leaves supplied from another copy. Stamps. New leather binding.
• Sefer HaMiknah, Part II of Haflaah, halachic and aggadic novellae on Tractate Kidushin. Offenbach: Tzvi Hirsch Segal Spitz of Pressburg, 1801. First edition, printed in lifetime of the author. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions.
Bound with: Machaneh Levi, Part I, by R. Tzvi Hirsch HaLevi Horowitz. Offenbach: Tzvi Hirsch Pressburg Segal and his son Avraham, [1801]. First edition, printed in the author's lifetime.
[6], 2-256 leaves, [2], 2-92, [1], 94-98, [1] leaves. Approx. 33 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains and wear. First leaves somewhat loose and disconnected. Early stamps. Original leather binding, worn and slightly damaged.
• Lachmei Todah, Part II of Machaneh Levi, halachic and aggadic novellae. Offenbach: Avraham Spitz Segal, [1816]. First edition, printed in author's lifetime. Ownership inscription on inside cover (partially damaged): "Belongs to my father… R. Yitzchak… HaLevi".
[1], 2-10, 258 leaves. 32.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Original leather bindings, with new spine.
R. Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, author of the Haflaah (1731-1805), served as Rabbi of Vytkiv and Lyakhavichy, during which time he was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, studying under his tutelage together with his brother R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg. In 1772 he immigrated to Germany where he began to serve as Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main, a position he held for over 33 years. He taught many students in his yeshiva, the most famous of whom was his close disciple, the Chatam Sofer.
His son, the Machaneh Levi, R. Tzvi Hirsch HaLevi Horowitz (ca. 1746-1817), Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main, succeeding his father R. Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, the Haflaah. Famous both in his generation and afterwards for his sharp acumen (even generations later, Torah scholar delivering a deep, straightforward and sharp pilpul would be compared to the Machaneh Levi). He corresponded with leading Torah scholars of his generation, including R. Akiva Eiger and his brother-in-law R. Tzvi Yehoshua HaLevi Horowitz, Rabbi of Tarnów. His sons and descendants became leading Torah scholars, including R. Yoel of Brody and R. Yaakov Yehoshua, son-in-law of R. Efraim Zalman Margaliot of Brody.
4 books in 3 volumes. Size and condition vary.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Two books bound together – first editions of books by the Chassidic masters R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg and his disciple R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Both books printed from manuscripts from the collection of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, close disciple of both authors:
• Divrei Shmuel on the Torah, by R. Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg (disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch). Lviv: printer not indicated, [1862]. First edition. Two title pages.
The book was printed from manuscripts from the collection of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, and was published by his grandson R. Moshe HaKohen [Ungar], mentioned on the second title page.
• Kedushat Levi on Pirkei Avot, by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. The book was printed from manuscripts from the collection of the Maggid of Kozhnitz. [Lviv: printer not indicated, 1862]. First edition. At end of book, Kavanah for Mikveh by the Baal Shem Tov.
[3], 5-58 leaves; [1], 2-8 leaves. Approx. 25 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, wear and tears. Worming. Stamps. Ownership inscriptions on back endpaper. New binding.
The present copy contains the half-title of Divrei Shmuel, which was only added to some copies.
The author of Divrei Shmuel, R. Shmuel Shmelke HaLevi Horowitz (1726-1778), son of R. Tzvi Hirsch, Rabbi of Chortkiv, and elder brother of R. Pinchas HaLevi, author of the Haflaah. Both brothers worked together for many years in study of Torah and service of G-d, and they were leading disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch. R. Shmelke served as Rabbi of Ritshvol (Ryczywół), Shinova (Sieniawa) and finally Nikolsburg (Mikulov). He established a yeshiva in all the places he had a rabbinic office, and his disciples included the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev and several other Chassidic masters.
His disciple, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (1740-1810), author of Kedushat Levi, was one of the most distinguished figures of the Chassidic movement. In his youth, he studied with the Pri Megadim in Lubartów, where he also met Rebbe Shmelke of Nikolsburg, who influenced him to join the Chassidic movement and frequent the court of the great Maggid of Mezeritch. From a young age, he served as Rabbi of various communities (Ryczywół, Żelechów, Pinsk). In 1785, he was appointed Rabbi of Berditchev, where he established an important Chassidic center and edified many disciples, serving there until his passing. Apart from his piety and Torah scholarship, he was known as the epitome of love for his fellow Jew, including the wicked, earning him the appellation "advocate of the Jewish people".
Kedushat Levi bears the remarkable power of endowing its reader with enthusiasm and devotion in love and fear of G-d, and merely keeping the book in the house has the capacity to mitigate decrees and protect from destructive forces, as attested by Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heschel – the Apter Rav, R. Aharon of Zhitomir and the rabbis of Munkacs in approbations to various editions of the book.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Lot 75 Sefer HaZechirah (with commentary by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) – Vilna and Grodno, 1835
Sefer HaZechirah, verses of the eight remembrances with a Chassidic commentary by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev and R. Refael son of R. Zechariah Mendel. Vilna and Grodno: Manes i zymel, 1835.
30 leaves. 19 cm. Good condition. Stains. Small marginal tears to several leaves. New binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Four books by R. Uziel Meisels of Ritshvol (Ryczywół), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch:
• Tiferet HaTzvi, on Tractate Beitzah, and novellae on Yoreh Deah. Zhovkva, 1803. First edition. Inside front board, interesting ex libris label of Yaakov Tzvi Yoskovitz, a survivor of the Łódź ghetto (and other stamps of his family on title page). Many open tears on first leaves and other leaves, repaired extensively with tape.
• Etz HaDaat Tov, novellae on Tractate Shabbat. Lviv, 1886. First edition. Signatures, stamps and ownership inscriptions.
• Tiferet Uziel – Etz HaDaat Tov, Chassidic homilies on the Bible and aggadot, Part II of Etz HaDaat Tov. Warsaw, 1863. First edition. Lacking [3] leaves with approbations and lengthy introduction. Ownership inscriptions on last page.
• Tiferet Uziel, Part I, on the Torah and Five Megillot, and Part II on the festivals, Neviim and Ketuvim. Bilgoraj, 1909. Two volumes. Copies of Rebbe of Skernevitz, with his signature on the margins of both title pages: "Yosef Tzvi son of the Rabbi of Skernevitz" – R. Yosef Tzvi Kalisch (1887-1957), of the Vorka Chassidic dynasty, served as Rabbi of Karczów and as the first Rabbi of Bnei Brak.
The author, R. Uziel Meisels (1744-1786), rabbi and yeshiva dean in Ostrovtza (Ostrowiec), Ritshvol (Ryczywół) and Neustadt (Nowe Miasto). He was acquainted with the Baal Shem Tov, and quotes his teachings in his books. After the latter's passing, he became a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, and was a close friend of his disciples: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, R. Zusha of Anipoli, and others.
4 books in 5 volumes. Size and condition vary. Stains. Worming and tears. New bindings. The books have not been thoroughly examined, and are being sold as is.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.