Auction 96 Early Printed Books, Chassidut and Kabbalah, Books Printed in Jerusalem, Letters and Manuscripts
Shaar Gan Eden, foundations of kabbalah, by R. Yaakov Koppel Lipshitz of Mezeritch. Korets: Avraham son of Yitzchak Eizik and Eliyahu son of Yaakov [HaLevi], [1803]. First edition. With an approbation by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
The books of R. Yaakov Koppel of Mezeritch, Shaar Gan Eden and the Kol Yaakov siddur, are adapted and edited compilations of the writings of R. Moshe Cordovero, R. Chaim Vital and R. Yisrael Sarug, with the addition of his own novellae.
The approbation of the rabbis of Mezeritch attests to the high regard the Baal Shem Tov had for the writings of the kabbalist R. Yaakov (while they were still in manuscript before publication): "Everyone knows that the writings of this author were examined by the Baal Shem Tov, who would ardently bind the writings of this author by hand, for he was a faithful servant and a great and wise kabbalist in this science". This testimony is repeated with further details on the title page: "When that work was brought before [the Baal Shem Tov], both Shaar Gan Eden… and the prayer book he authored, the holy mouth read two or three sections from them, hugged them and kissed them, and he put the above holy writings upon his head… nodding in approval, 'Happy is the people that has such'". R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev writes in his approbation of the author: "He was a faithful kabbalist, and all his statements are made with Ruach HaKodesh". Many Chassidic masters cite Shaar Gan Eden in their books, and use its statements as the basis for their own teachings.
[2], 33, 35-84 leaves. Lacking leaf 34. 30 cm. Bluish paper. Fair condition. Many stains. Tears, including a large open tear on the title page, affecting text on both sides of the leaf, repaired with paper filling (with photocopy text replacement). Worming, affecting text, partially repaired with paper. Close trimming, affecting headers of leaves in several places. New binding.
Approbations of the Noda BiYehudah, the Haflaah, R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam, R. Betzalel Margaliot Rabbi of Ostroh, Rabbi Refael HaKohen Rabbi of Hamburg and other rabbis. At the beginning of Seder Nashim are approbations of R. Elazar Kallir Rabbi of Kolín and Rabbi David Tzvi Auerbach Rabbi of Kremenets [father-in-law of R. Natan of Breslov].
The author, R. Meshulam Feivish HaLevi Horowitz (born ca. 1710, died between 1785-1790) was born and lived his entire life in Kremenets (Eastern Galicia), where he taught Torah. R. Elazar Kallir extols him in his approbation, calling him "holy from the womb" and stating that "only his Torah is his trade, learning Torah for its own sake". The Noda BiYehudah offers him uncharacteristically extensive praise in his own approbation, declaring him to be like one of the early generations and reputed unique among Torah learners. The author of Haflaah, in his approbation, calls him "my dear friend, the extraordinary, well-reputed rabbi, sharp and proficient".
His daughter Gittel wed R. Avraham the Malach, son of the Maggid of Mezeritch (their grandson was R. Yisrael of Ruzhin). Many stories of this match circulate among the Chassidic dynasties of his descendants. Rebbe Chaim Meir Yechiel of Mogielnica relates that when the Maggid of Mezeritch sought "a daughter of a Torah scholar" for his son R. Avraham, he asked that Heaven reveal to him the greatest Torah scholar of that generation, and the one revealed to him was R. Feivel of Kremenets (Toldot HaNiflaot, Warsaw 1899, no. 123). In another source, it is recounted that the Maggid of Mezeritch desired to have R. Meshulam Feivish's daughter marry his son, since she was the daughter of a Torah scholar studying Torah for its own sake in holiness and purity (Toldot HaMishnat Chachamim at the end of Mishnat Chachamim, Beit Avot edition, Brooklyn, 2014, p. 694; see there for further stories regarding the match, his extraordinary meeting with the Maggid of Mezeritch and his view of the great holiness of the Maggid and his son R. Avraham).
Six title pages in the present copy – one for each order of Mishnah. The first title page is general and illustrated. Moed and Nashim have special frames for the respective order. Nezikin has an illustrated title page identical to the first general title page. Kodashim and Taharot have an unillustrated frame.
The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book documents a copy with only four title pages, without the title pages for Kodashim and Taharot.
Six volumes. Zera'im: [2], 33 leaves. Missing leaf [3], with the end of the approbations and introduction of the publisher, the author's son R. Menachem Manis of Kremenets. Leaves 9-10 are bound after leaf 6. Moed: [1], 15 leaves. Nashim: [1], 18 leaves. Missing leaves 19-22. Nezikin: [1], 20 leaves. Kodashim: [1], 24 leaves. Taharot: [1], 46 leaves. 19-20.5 cm. Varying condition of volumes; volumes I-III in fair-good to fair condition; volumes IV-VI in good condition. Stains. Tears, including open tears to title page and second leaf in first volume, affecting illustrated title frame and text, repaired with paper filling. Worming in several volumes, affecting text, partially repaired with tape. New (uniform) bindings.
• Sefer Ketubah, Part I of Haflaah, halachic and aggadic novellae on Tractate Ketubot. Offenbach am Main: Tzvi Hirsch Segal Spitz of Pressburg, [1787].
• 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.
• Netivot Lashavet, novellae on Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer by R. Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, the Haflaah. Lviv (Lemberg): Yehudah Leib Balaban, 1837. First edition. Stamp of R. "Moshe Eberstark, Rabbi of Bilyi Kamin". Rabbi Moshe Eberstark of Bilyi Kamin (1858-1915), disciple of R. Naftali Goldberg, author of Beit Levi, and son-in-law of R. Efraim of Łańcut.
• Lachmei Todah, Part II of Machaneh Levi, halachic and aggadic novellae. Offenbach: Avraham Spitz Segal, [1816]. First edition, printed in author's lifetime. Missing leaves 187-188 (in their place leaves 183-184 are bound for a second time).
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, when a Torah scholar would deliver a deep, straightforward and sharp pilpul, he 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.
5 books in 4 volumes. Varying size and condition. New bindings.
Lot 61 Divrei Shmuel (By Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg) – First Edition – Lviv, 1862 – Two Title Pages
Divrei Shmuel on the Torah, by R. Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg (disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch). Lemberg (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.
The author, R. Shmuel Shmelke HaLevi Horowitz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg (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 was known from a young age for his brilliance and holiness. He served as Rabbi of Ritshvol (Ryczywół) and subsequently of Shinova (Sieniawa). He established a yeshiva in all the places he had a rabbinic office, teaching students who later became important Chassidic leaders: R. Yisrael Hopstein, the Maggid of Kozhnitz; R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev; R. Avraham Chaim of Zlotchov, author of Orach LaChaim; R. Meir Kristianpoller, Rabbi of Brody; R. Moshe Leib of Sassov (who studied under him for 13 years) and R. Yaakov Yitzchak, the Chozeh of Lublin (who studied under him for about 18 years). These disciples embraced Chassidut due to his influence.
In 1772, the two brothers began to serve in different countries: R. Shmelke was appointed Rabbi of Nikolsburg (Mikulov), a central Moravian community; and R. Pinchas immigrated to Germany to serve as Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main. His faithful students from Poland, R. Moshe Leib of Sassov and the Chozeh of Lublin, followed him to study in the yeshiva he opened in Nikolsburg. His close disciples in the Nikolsburg yeshiva included R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, R. Yitzchak Eizik of Kaliv, R. Shlomo Buchner Rabbi of Chrzanów (disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk) and R. Mordechai Benet (later Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Moravia).
Ownership inscription on title page (in pencil): "Book of Yisrael HaLevi Kodoner Blachowitz".
[3], 5-58 leaves. 24.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Marginal worming. Small tears to title page, one tear repaired with tape. New binding.
The present copy contains the half-title, which was only added to some copies.
Three 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: Gerson Letteres, 1803. First edition.
[2], 16; 29 leaves. 35.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears, including several open tears affecting text. Light worming. Close trimming, slightly affecting title frame and text in several places. New leather binding.
• Tiferet Uziel, Chassidic homilies on the Torah, Neviim and Ketuvim and Aggadah, Part II of Etz HaDaat Tov. Warsaw: Natan Schriftgisser, 1863. First edition.
[5], 7-8, 10-53, [1] leaves. Missing leaf 9. Approx. 31 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains. Worming, affecting text. Margins of title page repaired with tape. New leather binding.
• Etz HaDaat Tov, novellae on Tractate Shabbat. Lviv (Lemberg): U. W. Salat, 1886. First edition.
[2], 29, 31-93 leaves. 31 cm. Dry paper, good-fair condition. Stains. Tears to title page and other leaves, including open tears affecting text, repaired with tape. Light worming. New binding.
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.
Noam Megadim UKevod HaTorah, homiletics, pilpul, ethics and Chassidut on the Torah portions, by R. Eliezer HaLevi Horowitz, Rabbi of Tarnogród. Lviv: Aharon son of Chaim David Segal, [1807]. First edition. With approbations from Chassidic masters, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Chozeh of Lublin, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta and the Yismach Moshe.
The author, R. Eliezer HaLevi Horowitz, Rabbi of Tarnogród (d. 1806), a holy and eminent Torah scholar, disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and the Maggid of Zlotchov. In this book, he quotes numerous Torah teachings from prominent early Chassidic masters. The book bears 11 approbations by foremost leaders of that generation, highlighting the holiness and asceticism of the author. The Chozeh of Lublin writes in his approbation: "…All his ways were for the sake of heaven, to give satisfaction to G-d, and he was extraordinary and exceptional in both halachot and aggadot, as he was a great preacher…". The Maggid of Kozhnitz writes in his approbation: "All the words of the book are founded to teach the way of holiness and true humility".
[4], 102; 76, [2] leaves. 22 cm. Most leaves in good-fair condition, first and last leaves in fair condition. Stains, including dark stains to title page and large dampstains and dark stains to other leaves. Light wear. Tears, including small marginal tears to title page and marginal open tears to last three leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper and paper filling (with handwritten replacements of several words; these leaves were apparently supplied from another copy). New leather binding.
At the end of the book are [2] leaves with names of pre-subscribers, including leading Torah scholars and Chassidic Tzaddikim, including the Chozeh of Lublin, R. Naftali of Ropshitz, R. Efraim Zalman Margaliot of Brody and others.
Maayan HaChochmah, on the Five Books of the Torah, Neviim, Ketuvim, Tehillim, Pirkei Avot and selected novellae on Aggadot, by Rebbe Asher Tzvi, the Maggid of Ostroh. Korets: Avraham Madpis, [1816].
First edition printed in the author's lifetime, a few weeks before his passing (the book was printed on Chanukah 1816 and the author passed away a few weeks later on 16 Shevat 1817). With approbations of Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, who calls him "the kabbalist, a divine man" and says "it is known that everything he said was spoken with Ruach HaKodesh", blessing those assisting in the matter with "blessings of good, and may they dwell securely and peacefully until the coming of the Messiah".
Rebbe Asher Tzvi of Ostroh (ca. 1740-1817), a leading disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, a holy person and pious kabbalist. Served as a maggid in Ostroh and was known as one of the foremost rebbes of his times. His approbations appear on many Chassidic and kabbalistic books from the 1780s-1790s [on his approbation to Meor Einayim, Slavita 1798, he is called "the pious rabbi, holy man of G-d"]. In 1804 he moved to Korets, where he served as rebbe and rabbi.
Blurred and damaged signatures to title page and following leaf.
[2], 116 leaves. 21.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Wear. Tears, including large open tears to first two leaves and several other leaves, affecting text to both sides of title page and other places, repaired with paper filling (with handwritten replacements of part of the text). Worming affecting text, partially repaired with paper filling. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New leather binding.
Teshuot Chen, Chassidic discourses on the Torah portions, by R. Gedaliah of Linitz. Berditchev: Shmuel son of Yissachar Segal, 1816. First edition.
The author, R. Gedaliah of Linitz (1738-1803), disseminated Torah in Myropil and Ostropil, and at the end of his life in Linitz (Illintsi). During his youth he was in the company of the Baal Shem Tov several times, and in his book he also cites teachings of the Baal Shem Tov he heard firsthand. A close disciple of R. Aryeh Leib, the Mochiach of Polonne, author of Kol Aryeh (a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov), he also received Torah from other leading disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, and he cites many of their teachings in the present book.
The author disseminated the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and was one of the primary sources of Shivchei HaBesht (which often cites R. Gedaliah). He was reputedly held in high regard by the Baal Shem Tov, despite his young age; "although he was only 18 or 20 years old, the Baal Shem Tov nevertheless honored him greatly as one of his leading disciples" (his grandson R. Yehoshua Heshel of Monistritch, Torat Avot, section Erech Avot). The discourses in the present book were written and published by his disciple R. Yehudah Leib of Linitz (son of R. Dov Ber of Linitz, author of Shivchei HaBesht).
Stamps on title page and an additional leaf: "Moshe Reinman of Kozmir (Kazimierza)".
[5], 45 leaves. Approx. 21 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including light traces of former dampness. Tears, including open tears to last leaf, affecting text, repaired with paper filling (with photocopy and handwritten replacements of missing text). Worming, affecting text, partially repaired with paper filling and tape. New leather binding.
Tzemach Hashem LiTzvi, Chassidic discourses on the Torah, by Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna. [Berditchev (Berdychiv): R. Yisrael Bak, ca. 1818]. First edition.
The author, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Nadvorna (1740-1802, Encyclopedia LaChassidut III, pp. 604-607), was one of the leading third-generation Chassidic rebbes. Disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and close disciple of R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov, who said that Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh was the greatest of his disciples and that Eliyahu HaNavi desired his company. His disciples include R. Menachem Mendel of Kosov, R. Tzvi Hirsch of Zidichov, R. Avraham David of Buchach and others. He wrote several works, and was most famous for his primary work Tzemach Hashem LiTzvi. His Alfa Beita was published in many editions, and R. Eliezer Papo copied it and included it as part of his work, Pele Yoetz.
Handwritten (pencil) inscription on p. 40a: "[Mo]she HaLevi Segal Fried Fartig Mikolish".
[3], 28; 138 leaves. Misordering of leaves 1-6 of the first sequence. 21.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including large dampstains and dark stains. Light wear. Tears, including open tears, affecting text on several leaves, repaired with paper filling (with photocopy replacement of words). Worming, affecting text. Last leaves may have been supplied from another copy. Stamp deleted by rubbing on title page. New leather binding.
Includes leaf [3], with the third approbation and addenda from the Torah portions of Ki Tisa and Shemini, which is only present in some copies.
Date of printing after A. Yaari, "The Hebrew Press in Berditchev", Kiryat Sefer, 21, 1944-1945, pp. 120-121 (Hebrew). The decoration on the title page – a Torah shield – is the emblem of R. Yisrael Bak's press.
Kedushat Levi. Hrubieszów: Menachem Mendel Finkelstein, Moshe Zicker and Shaul Moshe Goldstein, [1818]. Third edition of the commentary on the Torah, printed based on the first edition printed in Berditchev by the author's sons.
Ownership inscription: "G-d graced me with this [book], Shalom son of R. Shmuel Zichrowitz of Góra Kalwaria", and his stamp: "Shalom Zachrowitz of Góra". Additional stamps: "Avraham Shlomo son of R. Yosef Stambler".
[1], 78, 27, 15 leaves. 23 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Wear. Tears, including marginal open tears to title page and several other leaves, slightly affecting text to one leaf, repaired with paper. Stamps. New leather binding.
Pri HaAretz, Chassidic and kabbalistic discourses on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, [1814]. First edition.
This book contains a collection of discourses which R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk delivered in Tiberias, following his immigration to Eretz Israel (in 1777).
Pri HaAretz is one of the most profound and difficult to understand Chassidic books.
Lacking final nine leaves, with the selection of Igrot HaKodesh – letters of guidance in worship of G-d, which R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and R. Avraham of Kalisk sent from Eretz Israel to their disciples in Belarus.
Inscription on title page (in pencil).
[2], 27 leaves. Lacking [9] final leaves. 19.5 cm. Fair condition, last leaves in fair-poor condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text (heavy worming to last leaves). Tear to title page and tears to several other leaves, repaired with paper (on title page, slightly affecting text). Close trimming, slightly affecting headers of leaves. Old binding, broken and detached, without spine.
Shaar HaTefillah, on prayer, by R. Chaim Thirer, Rabbi of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi), author of Be'er Mayim Chaim and Sidduro Shel Shabbat. Sudylkiv: Eliezer son of Mordechai Bilitch, [1825]. First edition.
The Shomer Emunim writes that Shaar HaTefillah was written in the Holy Land with such awesome enthusiasm that sometimes the author was unable to write and merely dictated to his attendant. When he dictated a certain paragraph at the tomb of R. Shimon ben Yochai in Meron, the attendant saw him flying around in the air.
Printed here for the first time is the author's well-known responsum regarding the recitation of "Leshem Yichud", in which he rebuts the opinion of the Noda BiYehudah who criticized its recital.
R. Chaim Thirer of Czernowitz (ca. 1740s – ca. 1813) was a Chassidic master, a disciple of the Maggid of Zlotchov, and served as Rabbi of Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Botoşani, Kishinev (Chișinău) and Czernowitz (Chernivtsi).
He was reputed as a holy man, and wondrous tales about him abound. A Chassidic legend tells that after he immersed himself before Shabbat, his appearance would change and his height would increase by a handsbreadth. Near the end of his life, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Safed in 1813, where he composed Shaar HaTefillah and was later buried. His classic works Sidduro Shel Shabbat, Be'er Mayim Chaim and Shaar HaTefillah are unique for their clarity and conviction, as well as the enthusiastic Chassidic emotion which they exude. His books have been printed in many editions, and they are Chassidic classics.
10, 102, 113-115 leaves. 21.5 cm. Bluish paper. Fair condition. Stains. Worming in many places, mostly to inner margins of leaves, affecting text. Small marginal tears to several leaves. Stamps. New leather binding.
This book was printed in Sudylkiv. Although "Mohyliv" deceptively appears in large font, the smaller font before "Mohyliv" states that the book was printed in Sudylkiv by Eliezer son of Mordechai Bilitch, "directed and proofread by R. Tzvi Ze'ev son of R. David Rubenstein who was a printer in Mohyliv" (see: A. Yaari, "The Hebrew Press in Mohyliv on the Dniester", Kiryat Sefer, 23, p. 312 [Hebrew]).