Auction 94 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
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Noam Elimelech, Chassidic essays on the Torah, by R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, with Likutei Shoshana and Igeret HaKodesh. [Shklow: Aryeh Leib son of Shneur Phoebus, ca. 1790]. Second edition.
Rare edition of the Noam Elimelech, printed in Shklow, presumably between 1789 and 1794. The place of printing and name of printer are alluded to on the title page of this edition (lacking in the present copy; see Kedem, auction 89, item no. 42).
Noam Elimelech was one of the first Chassidic books, and is considered until this day to be one of the fundamental works on Chassidut. The book contains the essential part of the doctrine of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk on Chassidut, purity of thought and attachment to G-d. R. Elimelech had five disciples, who disseminated Chassidut to the Jewish people: the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, R. Eizik of Kaliv and R. Mendel of Rymanów.
Since its publishing, the book was deemed sacred to all, to the extent that R. Mendel of Rymanów stated that only on Friday after immersing in honor of Shabbat is one able to grasp a little of the pure and lofty thoughts it contains. The Maggid of Kozhnitz would only welcome the Shabbat after studying his teacher's book (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 236). He said that R. Elimelech would appear – after his passing – to his disciple R. Naftali of Ropshitz, to teach him Noam Elimelech (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod, 1999, p. 250). The Divrei Chaim of Sanz once remarked that he could compose a commentary on the Noam Elimelech just like the Beit Yosef did on the Tur, since it contained such profundity (ibid., p. 235). Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov once saw in a dream a house full of books, about which he was told that one book was the Noam Elimelech, and all the other books the house was filled with were commentaries to the Noam Elimelech (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 193). R. Eizik of Kaliv, after writing several hundreds of papers of commentary to the Noam Elimelech, heard a Divine Voice asking how he had the audacity to write a commentary to the Noam Elimelech, of which even angels and other celestial beings struggle to understand even one word or letter (ibid., p. 80, section 194).
Noam Elimelech was reprinted in numerous editions (until 1982, it had been printed in over 50 editions, and since then in dozens more). Many keep the book as a segulah, and some special miniature format editions were published to serve as amulets for protection and success. Many put it at the head of an ill person as a segulah and protection, for a speedy recovery and to be saved from any misfortune. This book is known to be a segulah for women experiencing difficult labor (several Jewish hospitals worldwide have a Noam Elimelech placed in a velvet pouch in the delivery rooms as segulah for easy births). This segulah is already mentioned in Shulchan Melachim by R. Moshe Tzvi Landau of Kleinwardein, who writes in the laws pertaining to women giving birth: "And the custom of placing a holy book wrapped in a cloth under the head of a women in labor has already become widespread – and the custom is to place the books Noam Elimelech and Or HaChochmah" (pp. 38b-39a, Beregsaz 1931 edition).
[1], 1, 3-89, 70-97; 19 leaves. Lacking title page. 23.5 cm. Most leaves wide margined. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and wax stains. Minor wear. Minor open tears. Minor worming. Some leaves remargined for conformity (these leaves may have been supplied from a different copy). New leather binding.
This is the first Chassidic book printed in Shklow, which in those days was the stronghold of opponents to Chassidut. The bibliographer Chaim Lieberman in his book Ohel Rachel (I, pp. 176-177) writes that this edition was probably published between 1789 and 1794, and calls attention to the interesting phenomenon of printing a Chassidic book in Shklow at that time. He contends that almost no Chassidic books were printed in Shklow, apart from a few Chabad books printed after 1803. At the end of his thesis, he suggests that this edition may have been printed especially for Galician Jewry, and the place of printing was concealed to enable the book to be smuggled over the border more easily. Since the prohibition of printing kabbalistic books in Galicia was only enacted in 1794, he surmises that the book may have been printed only after 1794 (based on this, listing 000313521 of the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book gives the estimated date of 1795; other places however record the year of printing as 1790).
Meor Einayim, Chassidic essays on the Torah, by Rebbe Menachem Nachum [Twersky] of Chernobyl. Slavita: [R. Moshe Shapira, 1798]. First edition.
Meor Einayim is a fundamental work of the Chassidic movement, and one of the first Chassidic compositions presenting the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezeritch. The author, the maggid R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl (1730-1798, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 168-175), was one of the founders of Chassidut and the progenitor of the Chernobyl dynasty. He studied directly from the Baal Shem Tov and was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. He served as maggid in Norynsk, Pohrebyshche and Chernobyl. He acceded to his disciples' entreaties to print his teachings and delegated the task to his disciple R. Eliyahu son of R. Zev Wolf Katz, instructing him to publish his writings in the "fine and exceptional printing press established in Slavita…" (the printing press of R. Moshe Shapira, then in its early years).
The book was allegedly originally eighteen times longer, but when arranging it for printing, R. Nachum of Chernobyl commanded his disciples to burn many leaves, leaving only the teachings which were divinely inspired. His writings were divided by his disciples into two parts, one part on the Torah, including selections, published under the title Meor Einayim (the present book), and a second part pertaining to Talmudic aggadot, named Yismach Lev. The two parts were printed in Slavita the same year. In later editions, the two parts were combined and published together, under the title Meor Einayim. R. Nachum of Chernobyl passed away during the course of the book's preparation for print.
Chassidic leaders ascribed great importance and holiness to the book, studying it every day and preserving it as a protection. The Chozeh of Lublin and R. Yitzchak of Skver (grandson of the author) reputedly said that the book has the power to light up the person's soul, similarly to the Zohar, and R. Yitzchak Eizik of Komarno asserted that Meor Einayim should never depart from before one's eyes, as all the teachings it contains are lofty and holy.
[2], 1-2, 7-8, 11-66, 68-160 leaves. Lacking 7 leaves: 3-6, 9-10, 67. Leaves 1-2 bound out of sequence. 20.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Many stains, including dampstains. Wear. Tears, including marginal open tears to title page and first and final leaves, slightly affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Worming affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Some leaves presumably supplied from other copies. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings in several places. Stamps, including stamp of the "Synagogue of Kollel Reisin in Tiberias". New leather binding.
Without Yismach Lev, printed concurrently.
Likutei Moharan (Kama and Tinyana), by R. Nachman of Breslov. [Breslov: printed in the home of his disciple R. Natan of Breslov, 1821]. Second edition.
Divisional title pages.
The place of printing of the first edition of each part is emphasized on each title page: the word "Ostroh" is enlarged on the title page of Part I – "…wonderful things added to the first edition printed 13 years ago – in Ostroh" (in the present copy, this sentence is torn and lacking, and was replaced in photocopy); and the word "Mohyliv" is enlarged on the title page of Part II – "This holy book was printed already ten years ago, and is now being reprinted with the addition of references… and with the addition of several new novellae which were not mentioned at all in the first books printed – in Mohyliv".
These books were arranged and printed by R. Natan of Breslov (Moharnat), disseminator of his teacher's doctrine. Disappointed with the quantity of errors which crept into the first edition, Moharnat decided to establish a special printing press in his home in Breslov for the purpose of printing the books of his prime teacher in holiness and purity. In the book Yemei Moharnat, he describes the difficulties in establishing the printing press: "…G-d helped me and placed in my heart thoughts and wonderful ideas, until I merited that year to establish a printing press and to print the books of our teacher, Likutei Moharan Kama and Tinyana…". R. Natan then recounts the many difficulties in obtaining paper (books from these printings are very rare, and were printed on unprocessed paper of uneven size), and the difficulties in obtaining governmental license. The press was eventually closed by the authorities and R. Natan was compelled to flee the city.
4, 122, [1]; [1], 44 leaves. 21.5 cm. Good-fair condition, first and final leaves in fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Large open tears to first title page (with significant damage to text on both sides of lower part of leaf), and open tears to several other leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper (with photocopy and handwritten text replacements). Worming, affecting text, repaired with paper. Abrasions to final leaves, affecting text, with loss. New leather binding.
Yismach Moshe on the Torah – Chassidic and Kabbalistic homilies, following the order of the weekly Torah portions, by R. Moshe Teitelbaum, Av Beit Din of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely). Parts I-V, on the Books of Bereshit, Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim. Lviv: various printers, 1848-1861. Complete set in five volumes. First edition of all five parts, with a separate title page for each part.
Copy belonging to R. Shmuel Fränkel of Dorog. At the top of the title page of the Shemot volume, there is an ownership inscription in his handwriting and with his signature: "G-d graced me with this, the young Shmuel Fränkel MiBach". On the title page of the volume Shemot and Bamidbar are the owners' stamps of his son-in-law, R. Yaakov Tzvi Katz, Av Beit Din of Hajdúszoboszló.
R. Shmuel Fränkel (1815-1881), prominent Chassidic rabbi in Hungary, renowned as an exalted Tzadik and wonder-worker. Close disciple of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He also frequented the court of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska. He lived in Komádi (Hungary; earning the title of "R. Shmuel Komader"), and in Berettyóújfalu. He would sign "MiBach", and is referred to as such on the title page of his book Imrei Shefer (according to some, this acronym stands for "MiBeit Chalfon", while others interpret it as "MeHar Chadash", after his place of residence Berettyóújfalu). In 1874, he was appointed rabbi of Hajdúdorog, Hungary. His descendants include many prominent rabbis and personalities. The Torah institutions of the Dorog Chassidut today were established in his memory.
The Yismach Moshe series was arranged and prepared for print by the author's grandson and close disciple, Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev, and his glosses and additions, introduced with the words "the editor says", are included in several places.
A brief foreword by the Yitav Lev was printed at the beginning of the Bereshit volume. Approbations by the Divrei Chaim and the Yitav Lev are printed at the beginning of the Bamidbar volume.
The author, R. Moshe Teitelbaum, rabbi of Ujhel (1759-1841), was the progenitor of the Sighet and Satmar dynasties, as well as other prominent Chassidic dynasties. Renowned already in his youth as an outstanding Torah scholar, he had the merit of studying in the Beit Midrash of the Gaon of Vilna, and holding Torah discussions with him (see: R. Yosef Moshe Sofer, HaGaon HaKadosh Baal Yismach Moshe, Brooklyn, 1984, pp. 25-26). He served as rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa) and Ujhel. He embraced Chassidut in his later years, and became a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. In 1808, he was appointed rabbi of Ujhel and began disseminating Chassidut in Hungary. He was renowned in his times as a Kabbalist and wonder-worker and frequently gave out amulets. His books include: Responsa Heshiv Moshe on halachah, Yismach Moshe on the Tanach, and Tefillah LeMoshe on Tehillim.
Set in five volumes: Bereshit: [1], 116 leaves. The final leaf is lacking (replaced with a photocopy). Shemot: 90 leaves. Printing errors: On leaves 43-44 and 79-80 (pages 43a and 44b are lacking: p. 44a is printed instead of the original text of p. 43a, and p. 43b is printed instead of the original text of p. 44b; pages 79b and 80a are lacking: the text of p. 80b is printed instead of the original text of p. 79b, and the text of p. 79a is printed instead of the original text of p. 80a). Leaves 27-28 bound out of sequence. Vayikra: 42 leaves. Leaves 25-26 bound out of order. Bamidbar: [1], 49 leaves. Devarim: 72, [1] leaves. 23 cm. Condition of volumes varies. First, second and fifth in fair condition; third and fourth in good-fair condition. Stains, including large, dark dampstains (primarily to the first volume). Worming, affecting text (extensive worming to volumes Shemot and Devarim), partially repaired with paper filling. Leaves trimmed, affecting text (primarily in volumes Bamidbar and Devarim). Stamps. New bindings (uniform).
Davar BeIto on Order Moed – Part II of a six-part work on the Six Orders of the Mishnah, by R. Shimon Lichtenstadt of Prague. Pressburg: Anton Schmid, 1841. Only edition.
Bound with: Maayan HaYeshuah, on Order Nezikin – Part IV of a six-part work on the Six Orders of the Mishnah, by R. Shimon Lichtenstadt of Prague. Pressburg: Anton Schmidt, 1847. Only edition.
Important ownership. On the first title page, signatures of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, author of Ach Pri Tevua, and of his son-in-law and successor Rebbe Chaim Friedlander of Liska, author of Tal Chaim.
On the title pages of both books, later signatures (in pencil), dated 1922: "Aharon Yitzchak Yoel Berger Katz (of Satmar, son-in-law of R. Avraham Shlomo of Szamosújvár [Gherla], see: Beit Vaad LaChachamim, Kislev 1929, year 9, booklet 3, p. 1).
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Friedman, rabbi of Liska (Olaszliszka; 1798-1874), a leading Hungarian rebbe, from the first generation of the Chassidic movement in Hungary. A disciple of the Yismach Moshe, Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was renowned as a wonder-worker, and people flocked to him to receive his blessings. He authored Ach Pri Tevua and HaYashar VehaTov. His illustrious disciple was R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, who used to sign: "Who was the close attendant of the Tzadik of Liska".
His son-in-law and successor, Rebbe Chaim Friedlander – rabbi of Liska (d. 1904), son of R. Moshe Friedlander, rabbi of Kleinwardein. He succeeded his father-in-law as rabbi and rebbe of Liska in 1874. He authored Tal Chaim on the Talmud, and Tal Chaim UVracha on the Torah. Served as rabbi for thirty years, disseminating Torah and fear of G-d in Liska and beyond, and the place became a Torah center under his leadership. He passed away on 9 Iyar 1904, and was succeeded by his eldest son R. Tzvi Hirsh, who led the community until the Holocaust (see: Sh. Goldstein, Sefer HaZichronot LeBeit Liska, Haifa, 1968, pp. 124-125).
[3], 4-48 leaves; [2], 3-53 leaves. 25 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Some wear. New binding.
R. Shimon Lichtenstadt's work on the Six Orders of the Mishnah was printed as six individual books in Pressburg in 1839-1853 (each part with its own title). The present volume comprises two parts of the work.
Sefer HaYashar, commentaries and novellae on the Talmud, by Rabbenu Yaakov son of Rabbenu Meir – Rabbenu Tam, a Tosafist. Vienna: Georg Hrashansky, [1811]. First edition, printed by R. Daniel Prostitz head of the Pressburg Beit Din, with approbations by R. Mordechai Banet and the Chatam Sofer.
Important ownership – on the final leaf (leaf 87) and in the middle of the book (leaves 8, 22 and 59), stamps of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar – from the time he lived in his hometown Sighet (in his youth, after the passing of his father in 1904, before 1906): "Yoel Teitelbaum son of the late Tzadik, M. Sighet".
On the title page and other leaves, stamps of R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz, rabbi of Svaliava and head of the Munkacs Beit Din, uncle and prime teacher of Rebbe Yosef Meir Weiss, the Imrei Yosef, first rebbe of Spinka.
At the top of the title page, ownership inscription of R. Eliezer Segal, who purchased the book from R. Kalman Segal of Pressburg, with a handwritten dedication (deleted), recording the gifting of the book to R. Yaakov Shalom son of R. Fishel Sofer of Pressburg, by the Chevrah DeBachurim of Pressburg.
Three handwritten glosses (leaves 77, 78 and 84).
R. Yaakov Shalom Sofer, rabbi of Topoltshan (Topoľčany; 1813-1851; see: HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, p. 235-239), close disciple of the Chatam Sofer from the age of 11 until his marriage. Born in Pressburg to R. Mordechai Efraim Fishel Sofer of Pressburg (1786-1843; leading Torah scholar in Pressburg and associate of the Chatam Sofer; father of R. Chaim Sofer, rabbi of Budapest author of Machaneh Chaim and R. Eliezer Zussman-Sofer, rabbi of Paks), he was circumcised by the Chatam Sofer. His teacher the Chatam Sofer held him in high esteem. Reputedly, on the Friday night before his passing, the Chatam Sofer appeared to R. Yaakov Shalom Sofer in a dream and offered him to join him in the Next World. He replied that it required consideration since it would be difficult for him to abandon his young children. On Motza'ei Shabbat, the dream repeated itself, at which point R. Yaakov Shalom Sofer replied that he would happily accompany his teacher. He indeed passed away the next day, after relating his dream to his brother R. Naftali Sofer. This story is alluded to in his epitaph.
R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz (1824-1894), rabbi of Svaliava and later head of the Munkacs Beit Din, author of Beit Yitzchak. He was the prime teacher of his nephew, R. Yosef Meir Weiss, first rebbe of Spinka, author of Imrei Yosef. Born in Munkacs to R. Avraham Weisz (who was like a son to R. Yitzchak Eizik of Kaliv). R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz was a progenitor of Chassidut in Transylvania in the mid-19th century, and the disciple of foremost rebbes: Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov author of Bnei Yissaschar, Rebbe Yehuda Tzvi of Rozdil author of Daat Kedoshim (the book was compiled by R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz), Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik of Zidichov (who acclaimed him as one of the "sixty mighty men surrounding him", and relied upon him to edit his writings in Chassidut and Kabbalah). He also frequented the courts of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Chaim of Kosov, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Rimanov and Rebbe Meir of Premishlan. His son-in-law was Rebbe Elimelech Lőwy, son of the first rebbe of Tosh, R. Meshulam Feish Lőwy. The Maharshag, R. Shimon Grünfeld, rabbi of Szemihály, described R. Yitzchak Eizik: "and I knew that he was a great kabbalist, almost unique in the country in this wisdom" (Responsa Maharshag, part I, Orach Chaim section 30). From his large collection of writings, only the following were published: Toldot Yitzchak on the Torah, Divrei Yitzchak, and Beit Yitzchak on Tractate Megillah.
Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar (1887-1979), a leader of his generation, president of the Edah HaCharedit in Jerusalem and leader of American Orthodox Jewry, one of the founding pillars of Chassidic Jewry after the Holocaust. Born in Sighet, he was the son of the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of the Yitav Lev, who both served as rabbis of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației) and were leaders of Chassidic Jewry in the Maramureș region. He was renowned from his youth as a leading Torah scholar, for his perspicacity and intellectual capacities, as well as for his holiness and outstanding purity. After his marriage to the daughter of Rebbe Avraham Chaim Horowitz of Polaniec, he settled in Satmar and taught Torah and Chassidut to an elite group of disciples and followers. He served as rabbi of Irshava, Karoly (Carei; from 1925), and Satmar (Satu Mare; from 1934), managing in each of these places a large yeshiva and Chassidic court. He stood at the helm of faithful, uncompromising Orthodox Jewry in the Maramureș region. During the Holocaust, he was rescued through the famous Kastner Train, and after a journey through Bergen-Belsen, Switzerland and Eretz Israel, he reached the United States, where he established one of the largest Chassidic groups in the world.
[3], 2-87 leaves (misfoliation). Approx. 37 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Stamps. New leather binding.
Mishnat Avraham, on the laws of Sefer Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot, by R. Avraham son of R. Tzvi Yoffe. Zhitomir: Avraham Shalom Shadov, 1868. First edition, published by the sons of the author R. Mordechai Tzvi Yoffe posek in Zhitomir, R. Yehoshua Zalman Yoffe and R. Moshe Yoffe shochet in Zhitomir.
The title page states that the teachings were compiled from halachic literature and from manuscript responsa of R. Avraham Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov), R. Shabtai of Rashkov (scribe of the Baal Shem Tov), R. Yaakov of Smila (disciple of the Baal HaTanya) and R. Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch (the Tzemach Tzedek).
Copy of R. Yosef Meir Weiss, the Imrei Yosef, first rebbe of Spinka, with his full signature at the top of the title page: "Yosef Meir son of R. Shmuel Tzvi of Munkacs". Stamp of his great-grandson Rebbe Nachman Kahana, rabbi of Karlsburg, with a handwritten inscription stating that Rebbe Kahana is an offspring of Rebbe Yosef Meir Weiss.
The first rebbe of Spinka, R. Yosef Meir Weiss, author of Imrei Yosef (1838-1909), founder of the Spinka Chassidic dynasty. Son of R. Shmuel Tzvi Weiss, head of the Munkacs Beit Din. A prominent Torah scholar and Chassidic leader, disciple of the Maharam Ash, R. Meir Eisenstädter, rabbi of Ungvar and his son R. Menachem Eisenstädter, rabbi of Ungvar. He also studied under Rebbe Shmuel Shmelke of Selish, author of Tzror HaChaim, and under his uncle R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz of Svaliava.
He embraced Chassidut at a young age, frequenting as a young boy the court of the Sar Shalom of Belz, who declared already then that he had "a beautiful brain". He would also travel to the courts of Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Vizhnitz and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, though his prime teacher was his relative Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik of Zidichov, who considered him his most prominent disciple and would spend several hours a day studying with him.
In 1870, his teacher R. Yitzchak Eizik of Zidichov appointed him as rebbe, yet he refused to lead Chassidim as long as his teacher was alive. Only during 1876 did he begin leading Chassidim in his town Spinka, Maramureș region, upon the directive of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. His fame spread rapidly throughout Hungary and Galicia, and thousands of Chassidim became his followers, including prominent Torah leaders such as R. Shalom Mordechai Schwadron of Berzan, and others. Likewise, he maintained close ties with the Tzadikim of his times, Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam of Sighet, the Yitav Lev, R. Yechezkel Shraga of Shinova, the Divrei Yechezkel, and others.
R. Yosef Meir Weiss was renowned for his exceptional knowledge of both revealed Torah and kabbalah. The Divrei Chaim of Sanz cherished him and drew him close, and would discuss kabbalah extensively with him, something he would not do with anyone else (A. Surasky, Shoshelet Spinka, p. 97). The Spinka Chassidut followed the Zidichov rite both in prayer and in practice. His prayers, which greatly inspired his Chassidim, were known to be tremendously, superhumanly powerful. Wondrous stories are related about him, and he earned the reputation of a wonder-worker whose blessings and advice were pronounced with Divine Inspiration. His son, Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik attested that he performed great wonders with his blessings and prayers, helping barren women conceive and healing the sick; to the extent he could almost declare that no word he uttered went unanswered (Asara Maamarot foreword to the book Imrei Yosef). Even after his passing, his gravesite served as focal point for prayer and salvation. In 1972, his was reinterred in Eretz Israel, in the special section for Spinka Chassidim in the Segulah cemetery in Petach Tikva.
His great-grandson was Rebbe Nachman Kahana of Bnei Brak (1905-1976), son of R. Tzvi Hirsh Kahana of Spinka (son of R. Nachman Kahana of Spinka author of Orchot Chaim, son-in-law of the Imrei Yosef). He served as rabbi in Karlsburg (present day: Alba Iulia), and after the Holocaust, immigrated to Eretz Israel, settling in Masmiyya and Bnei Brak. A prominent Torah scholar and Chassidic leader, he associated with the Torah leaders of his time, including the Chazon Ish. The Steipler considered him a leading halachic authority and one of the Tzadikim of the generation, after hearing that the Chazon Ish highly regarded him for his Torah and piety.
[4], 5-86 leaves. 27 cm. Fair-good condition. Dark stains. Wear and tears. Marginal paper repairs to title page. Minor worming. Stamps. New binding.
Zeh Yenachamenu, the Mechilta with commentaries by R. Moshe Frankfurt. Amsterdam: Shlomo Proops, [1712]. First edition. Approbations by R. Shlomo Ayllon, rabbi of Amsterdam; Maharshashach (R. Shmuel Schotten HaKohen), rabbi of Frankfurt am Main; and R. Yehuda Mehler of Bingen.
Copy of the Rebbe of Sochatchov, author of Shem MiShmuel, with many stamps on the title page and margins of the book: "Shmuel son of R. A[vraham] Bornsztain – Sochatchov, Warsaw province".
There are dozens of glosses of varying length on the leaves of the book. Most are in Ashkenazic script from the period of the book's printing (ca. second half of the 18th century). Some glosses are in a later Ashkenazic script (similar to the handwriting of the Shem MiShmuel).
The second rebbe of Sochatchov, R. Shmuel Bornsztain, author of Shem MiShmuel (1856-1926). Born to his father, Rebbe Avraham Bornsztain, author of Avnei Nezer, in his grandfather's house in Kotzk, Rebbe Mendele "the Seraph" of Kotzk. In 1910 he succeeded his father as rebbe, and was one of the greatest rebbes of his generation. He is known as the Shem MiShmuel after the name of his book of deep Chassidic thought, which was printed in seven parts.
[3], 64 leaves. 36 cm. Particularly wide margins. Good-fair condition. Many stains and wear. Several tears. Paper repairs. Worming to margins of last leaves. Library stamps. Non-original cloth binding.
Tiv Gittin, on Shemot Gittin by the author of Beit Shmuel, with Yad Efrayim, by R. Efrayim Zalman Margolies of Brody. Lemberg (Lviv): David Tzvi Schrenzel, 1859. With approbation of R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn, and additions and notes by him.
Important ownership – copy of the Rebbe of Veretzky-Zidichov, R. Menashe Eichenstein, author of Alfei Menashe (son-in-law of Rebbe Yehoshua of Dzikov), and his nephew the Rebbe of Dzikov, R. Yehudale Hager-Horowitz.
Many inscriptions on the title page and its verso, including some signatures of Rebbe "Menashe Eichenstein"; "Veretzky". On the title page and margins of the book, many stamps of Rebbe Yehudale of Dzikov from the time he served as dayan in Klausenburg: "Yehuda Hager – Dayan – Klausenburg" / "Ioda Hager – Rabin – Cluj". Dozens of glosses and notes in Rebbe Yehudale's handwriting (some deleted by him with ink). A gloss in Rashi script (possibly in the handwriting of the Alfei Menashe), on p. 35b.
Rebbe Menashe Eichenstein (1865-1934), son and successor of Rebbe Yissachar Berish of Veretzky-Zidichov, and son-in-law of Rebbe Yehoshua Horowitz of Dzikov-Ropshitz. Outstanding Torah scholar, author of Alfei Menashe on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat, Torat HaAsham on the laws of purity, Mateh Menashe on Shabbat and holidays, and Alfei Menashe on the Torah. He served as rabbi of Reisha (Rzeszów) from 1904, succeeding R. Yehoshua Heshel Wallerstein. After World War I he settled in Munkacs, and from 1924 he served as rabbi and rebbe in Veretzky, succeeding his father.
Rebbe Yehuda Horowitz-Hager of Dzikov (1905-1989, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 3-4), son of Rebbe Alter Yechezkel Eliyahu of Dzikov, from the Ropshitz dynasty. He was raised in Grosswardein by his maternal grandfather Rebbe Yisrael Hager of Vizhnitz, the Ahavat Yisrael, and married the daughter of his uncle, Rebbe Chaim Meir Hager of Vizhnitz (adopting his surname, Hager). In 1936-1944, he served as dayan and posek in Klausenburg. After the Holocaust, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Jerusalem, where he served as rosh mesivta in the Beit Yosef Tzvi (Dushinsky) yeshiva, and accumulated many disciples. He was very close with the Chazon Ish. He refused to lead a community, yet many Chassidim and admirers gathered around him. Near the end of his life, he lived in London, where he served as rebbe. He was known for his tremendous diligence, holiness, and great devotion in his worship of G-d, and exerted himself his entire life in Torah study. Most of his novellae on halachah and aggadah were recorded with great concision in the margins of the books in his large library. These novellae were published in the Gilyonei Mahari series.
[2], 3-63; 11 leaves. 35 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and creases. New binding, with leather spine.
Nahar Shalom – Rechovot HaNahar commentary on R. Chaim Vital's Etz Chaim, by R. Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi (the Rashash). Jerusalem: Nisan Bak, 1867. First edition (parts of the book were printed previously in Emet VeShalom, Thessaloniki, 1806).
Copy of Rebbe Yehudah Hager-Horowitz of Dzikov. Handwritten inscriptions on the front and back endpapers: "Y. Horowitz, Jerusalem, Shmuel HaNavi no. 1". On the title page and margins of the book, many stamps of Rebbe Yehudale of Dzikov from the time he served as dayan in Klausenburg: "Yehuda Hager – Dayan – Klausenburg" / "Ioda Hager – Rabin – Cluj". Two glosses in his own handwriting (pp. 25b-26a).
Rebbe Yehuda Horowitz-Hager of Dzikov (1905-1989, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 3-4), son of Rebbe Alter Yechezkel Eliyahu of Dzikov, from the Ropshitz dynasty. He was raised in Grosswardein by his maternal grandfather Rebbe Yisrael Hager of Vizhnitz, the Ahavat Yisrael, and married the daughter of his uncle Rebbe Chaim Meir Hager of Vizhnitz (adopting his surname, Hager). In 1936-1944, he served as dayan and posek in Klausenburg. After the Holocaust, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Jerusalem, where he served as lecturer in the Beit Yosef Tzvi (Dushinsky) yeshiva, and accumulated many disciples. He was very close with the Chazon Ish. He refused to lead a community, yet many Chassidim and admirers gathered around him. Near the end of his life, he lived in London, where he served as rebbe. He was known for his tremendous diligence, holiness, and great devotion in his worship of G-d. He exerted himself his entire life in Torah study. Most of his novellae on halachah and aggadah were recorded with great concision in the margins of the books in his large library. These novellae were published in the Gilyonei Mahari series.
[1], 2-37 leaves. 33.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Wear and tears. Open tears to title page, to leaf 2 and to two last leaves, affecting text. Repaired with paper filling. Light worming. Old binding, loose, worn and damaged.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Part III – laws of Passover and festivals, by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. [Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira – grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita, 1855].
The present copy contains some 15 handwritten glosses, in the margins or body of the text – presumably, most or all handwritten by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Another volume from this edition (Zhitomir, 1855) – the Choshen Mishpat part, is also known to have been in the possession of the Tzemach Tzedek, and there too, the Tzemach Tzedek added glosses in his handwriting and replaced censorship omissions (see Kedem, auction 72, item no. 132).
On leaf 115, handwritten replacement of words omitted by the censor (section 480, 3). The first three editions of Shulchan Aruch HaRav were not censored; however, starting with the fourth edition (Warsaw, 1838), the censors started removing passages and sometimes even entire sections of the Shulchan Aruch. The censorship was especially strict in regards to halachic works related to Choshen Mishpat and sections pertaining to non-Jews (see: R. Yehoshua Mondshine, Sifrei Halacha Shel Admor HaZaken – Bibliography, p. 36 onwards).
R. Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch (1789-1866) – third rebbe in the Chabad Chassidic dynasty. Grandson and close disciple of Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya, and son-in-law of his uncle, the Mitteler Rebbe, R. Dov Ber Shneuri. He was orphaned of his mother at the age of three, and was raised as a cherished son in the home of his grandfather the Baal HaTanya, remaining faithfully at his side for many years. After the passing of his father-in-law the Mitteler Rebbe in 1827, he began leading the Chabad Chassidut, a position he held for over 36 years.
Under the Tzemach Tzedek's leadership, the Chabad Chassidic court expanded greatly, until it became the largest faction of Russian Jewry. Hundreds of thousands of Jews from throughout Belarus, Lithuania and Ukraine followed the Tzemach Tzedek, cleaving to him with absolute devotion. The Tzemach Tzedek was the authoritative figure in all personal and communal matters of Belarus Jewry – "Every marital match, divorce and business deal, was only concluded with his blessing. Every dispute was brought to be judged before him.
Without his approbation, no community appointed a rabbi nor Shochet… all the needs of the Jewish people were beknown to him, their business dealings, familial and communal lives" (Alexander Ziskind Rabinowitz – Azar, History of the Schneersohn Family, HaAsif, 1889, p. 166).
The Tzemach Tzedek participated in various conferences convened by the Tsarist government, to determine many crucial communal matters relating to Russian Jewry. During these conferences, he fiercely opposed the maskilim who wished to revise the Jewish education system.
The Tzemach Tzedek was a leading halachic authority of his generation. He issued thousands of responsa (many of which were lost in the great fire of 1859. The remaining responsa were printed in the Responsa series Tzemach Tzedek, which includes over one thousand responsa to rabbis and dayanim). The Tzemach Tzedek also disseminated the teachings of his grandfather the Baal HaTanya, whether via his thousands of oral discourses, or through his prolific writing – in Halacha, Chassidut and Kabbalah. The books that the Tzemach Tzedek edited and published – Torah Or and Likutei Torah were heavily censored by the Russian authorities; dozens of sections of the original text were omitted and censored. These sections were copied by his disciples and some were later printed as supplements to new editions of Torah Or and Likutei Torah. R. Eliyahu Yosef Rivlin, author of Ohalei Yosef, a foremost disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek, was in the possession of a copy of Likutei Torah, the volumes of which were filled with marginalia – copyings from the manuscript of his teacher Tzemach Tzedek, including sectioned omitted by the censorship and not yet printed (see: R. Yehoshua Mondshine, HaMasa HaAcharon, pp. 140-143, and in the notes).
Incomplete copy. 3-128; 88 leaves. Lacking 14 leaves: title page and four following leaves, and nine final leaves (originally: [3], 128; 97 leaves). 21 cm. Poor-fair condition. Significant stains and extensive wear. Tears and significant worming, with extensive damage to text. Detached leaves. Without binding. Glosses: some trimmed and faded. Worming and tears, affecting some glosses.
Early Chabad Manuscript ("bichel") – Chassidic discourses by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, written during his lifetime. [Lubavitch, ca. 1810s-1850s].
The present "bichel" appears to have been in the possession of R. Yissachar Dov Ber son of R. Tzvi Hirsch HaLevi Horowitz, rabbi and posek in Lubavitch for ten years, an associate and frequent visitor in the home of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. R. Yissachar Ber was known as a collector of important manuscripts, which he used to bind into "bichels" together with responsa and novellae that he wrote or copied himself (see below). Inscription on the verso of one leaf: "My friend the exalted and wondrous leader, R. Yissachar Dov Ber".
The volume is comprised of several booklets, and contains about forty Chassidic discourses – mostly by the Tzemach Tzedek, including some by his grandfather the Baal HaTanya, and by his father-in-law and uncle, the Mittleler Rebbe of Lubavitch.
This volume contains booklets in various hands, some of which are similar to the handwriting of the Tzemach Tzedek. In several places, the script is highly reminiscent of the handwriting of the Tzemach Tzedek (see for example the discourse beginning "Hinach Yafa Raayati" and the discourse beginning "Zohar VaYeshev…").
There are also booklets containing many marginal glosses and additions, some in a hand extremely similar to that of the Tzemach Tzedek.
The Tzemach Tzedek's practice was to emend and clarify the Chassidic discourses written by his copyists and to add many glosses and additions in the margins, as stated in Beit Rebbi: "His writings in manuscript are truly innumerable… both his own writings and those of others, which he clarified, refined, added additional glosses and discussed in depth" (Beit Rebbi, part 3, chapter 5). The director of the Chabad library, R. Shalom Dov Ber Levine, writes: "Nearly eighty volumes of his autograph manuscripts are extant in the library… or in his scribe's handwriting, to whom the Tzemach Tzedek would give his writings to copy, after which the Tzemach Tzedek would go over these volumes and emend them with many additions" (Lubavitch Library, pp. 28-29).
The present volume may also include manuscripts by other prominent writers who have not been identified.
Headings and dates at the beginning of some discourses: "Tuesday of Parashat Tazria 1810"; "Shabbat Teshuvah 1836"; "Shabbat Parashat Yitro" (1836); "Parashat Mishpatim of the same year"; "Written on 3rd Tammuz"; "Parashat Ki Tetze"; and more.
Most of the discourses copied in the present "bichel" were printed in the books of the Tzemach Tzedek, the Mitteler Rebbe and the Baal HaTanya, with textual variations, omissions and additions. To the best of our research, two of the discourses have never been printed (the discourse beginning "Lehavin Inyan HaMabul…" and the discourse beginning "Nishmat Kol Chai…").
Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch (1789-1866) – third rebbe in the Chabad Chassidic dynasty. Grandson and close disciple of Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya, and son-in-law of his uncle, R. Dov Ber, the Mitteler Rebbe. He was orphaned of his mother at the age of three, and was raised and educated in the home of his grandfather the Baal HaTanya, remaining faithfully at his side for many years. After the passing of his father-in-law the Mitteler Rebbe in 1827, he began leading the Chabad Chassidism, a position he held for over 36 years.
During the Tzemach Tzedek's leadership, the Chabad Chassidic court expanded greatly, until it became the largest faction of Russian Jewry. Hundreds of thousands of Jews from throughout Belarus, Lithuania and Ukraine followed the Tzemach Tzedek, cleaving to him with absolute devotion. The Tzemach Tzedek was the authoritative figure in all personal and communal matters of the Jewish community – "Every marital match, divorce and business deal was concluded only with his blessing. Every dispute was brought to be judged before him. Without his approbation, no community appointed a rabbi nor shochet… all the needs of the Jewish people were known to him, their business dealings, their family and social lives, and he was the spirit in all their actions. He was the bond to which myriads of followers attached themselves, and he planted love, brotherhood and peace in their hearts" (Alexander Ziskind Rabinowitz – Azar, History of the Schneersohn Family, HaAsif, 1889, p. 166).
The Tzemach Tzedek participated in conferences convened by the Tsarist government to determine many crucial communal matters relating to Russian Jewry, and he fiercely opposed the plans of the Maskilim to make changes to the Jewish study programs and education.
The Tzemach Tzedek was a leading halachic authority of his generation. He issued thousands of halachic responsa (many of which perished in a fire in 1859; the remaining responsa were printed in the Tzemach Tzedek series of responsa, containing over a thousand responsa to rabbis and dayanim). The Tzemach Tzedek also disseminated the teachings of his grandfather the Baal HaTanya, both through his thousands of oral discourses, and his prolific writing in Halacha, Chassidism and Kabbalah.
The books that the Tzemach Tzedek edited and published, Torah Or and Likutei Torah, were heavily censored by the Russian authorities; dozens of sections of the original text were omitted and censored. These sections were copied by his disciples in their "bichels" and in the margins of their copies of the books. Some were later printed as supplements to new editions of Torah Or and Likutei Torah. R. Eliyahu Yosef Rivlin, author of Ohalei Yosef, a foremost disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek, owned a copy of Likutei Torah, filled with marginalia copied from the autograph manuscript of his teacher the Tzemach Tzedek, including sections omitted by the censorship and not yet printed (see: R. Yehoshua Mondshine, HaMasa HaAcharon, pp. 140-143, and in the notes).
R. Yissachar Ber Horowitz, a disciple of R. Yehuda Leib (the Maharil) of Yanovitch (Janavičy; brother of the Baal HaTanya) and of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. After his marriage, he settled in Yanovitch, where he worked as a teacher and studied under his relative the Maharil of Yanovitch. He later served as teacher and posek in Rahachow, and was in frequent halachic correspondence with his teacher the Maharil, the Tzemach Tzedek and other leading rabbis of the generation. In 1827, he was appointed posek in Bichov-Chodosh (Novyy Pikov), and in 1833, in Lubavitch, a position he held for 10 years. He later served as posek in Konotop, where he remained until his passing. He dealt primarily in halachic rulings and arrangement of divorces. Since he frequently conferred with his teachers, he remained in possession of many manuscripts of the Maharil of Yanovitch and of the Tzemach Tzedek, which he bound into "bichels, " together with his own halachich novellae and notations. These volumes are the source of many responsa in the responsa books of the Tzemach Tzedek, in the supplements to the Maharil's book She'erit Yehudah, and in the Yagdil Torah series of anthologies. The present item may be one of those "bichels" which R. Yissachar Ber bound together with the writings of his teacher the Tzemach Tzedek (see R. Shalom Dov Ber Levine, MiBeis HaGenozim, pp. 127-130).
[269] leaves (including approx. 8 blank leaves), written on both sides. Originally contained additional leaves (leaves numbered: 2-154, 171-242, 254-287, 289-298). Size of leaves varies. Approx. 23 cm. Condition varies – most leaves in good-fair condition; several gatherings in fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming and tears, including open tears, affecting text. Original binding, damaged and worn, with extensive worming.