Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Collection of Books by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Chajes – First Editions – 1836-1850
Opening: $250
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Five books by Maharatz Chajes – R. Tzvi Hirsch Chajes, Rabbi of Zhovkva. First editions, printed in author's lifetime:
• Torat Neviim, or Eleh HaMitzvot. Zhovkva, 1836. First edition. On endpaper, next to title page, mounted portrait of R. Tzvi Hirsch Chajes. Ownership inscription on title page: "Its price with the binding is two silver rubles… I purchased it in Kiev in Tishrei 1887, Baruch Esman" [R. Baruch Esman of Kiev (1836-1910), author of Chad VeChalak].
• Ateret Tzvi, comprising six treatises. Zhovkva, 1840-1841. First editions of all parts. Divisional title pages for each part. Lacking two leaves in middle. Next to title page, mounted portrait of R. Tzvi Hirsch Chajes.
• Darchei Horaah. Zhovkva, 1842. First edition. On last page, letter by the Chatam Sofer on printing two of his responsa to the author.
• Mevo HaTalmud. Zhovkva, 1845. First edition. Signature on title page.
• Responsa Moharatz, three parts. Zhovkva, 1849-1850. First edition. All three parts in one volume, with divisional title pages for each part. Ownership inscriptions on title pages: "Price of all three parts with binding… I purchased it in Kiev, Adar Rishon 1889, Baruch Esman" [R. Baruch Esman of Kiev (1836-1910), author of Chad VeChalak]. Several glosses, apparently in his handwriting.
The author, R. Tzvi Hirsch Chajes, known as Maharatz Chajes (1806-1856) was a leading Torah scholar of his generation, Rabbi of Zhovkva from the age of 23. His glosses have been printed in many Talmud editions beginning in 1840. A variegated figure who combined Torah and secular knowledge. Fought for traditional Judaism against the Haskalah.
5 books. Varying size and condition. Bookplates. Old bindings. The books have not been thoroughly examined, and are being sold as is.
Provenance: Collection of Prof. Jordan S. Penkower.
Classical Works and Miscellanea
Classical Works and Miscellanea