Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
Displaying 1 - 12 of 78
Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $10,000
Sold for: $12,500
Including buyer's premium
Ancient Torah scroll, early Ashkenazi writing, with many crownlet adornments and unusual odd letters, including rare appearances of these letters. [16/17 century]. With replaced sheets from later times [c. 17/18 century].
This scroll has letters with many crownlets and unusual letters according to the custom of early scribes, including unusual crownlets, upside-down letters, spiral Peh (inner winding of the middle of the letter), odd Chet (the legs of the letter Chet are wide apart and according to Ashkenaz tradition are adorned at the ends of the legs). Special adornments of the letters Lamed, Nun and other letters. This Torah scroll was written according to early Ashkenazi tradition including the tradition regarding chaseirot and yeteirot (with a Vav and Yud or without), open and closed parshiot, large and small letters, dotted letters (special dots above selected list of letters) and the manner in the writing of the last lines of Shirat HaYam in Parshat Beshalach. The Shirat HaYam has unique changes in this scroll in the manner the words are divided among the three columns of the shira (song).
This scroll was written according to the tradition and custom of early scribes as detailed in the early book called Sefer Tagi. This tradition is brought by the Rambam in Hilchot Sefer Torah Chapter 7, Halacha 8. There he writes: "ナand he should be careful with large and small letters and with dotted letters and odd letters, such as the spiral Pehs and the crooked letters, in the manner copied from scribe to scribe, and he should be careful with the crownlets and their number, some letters have one crownlet and others have sevenナ". This manner of writing has slowly disappeared throughout the generations, due to lack of uniformity in the various versions of this tradition and relying on the Rambam's opinion that a Sefer Torah is not invalid (pasul) without the crownlets and odd lettering. The tradition of crownlets and odd letters is still preserved in some of the Ashkenazi Torah scrolls even from later times. In recent years, Torah scrolls are not written with crownlets and odd letters.
All the above is written according to a detailed opinion (19 leaves) of a researcher of the area of the many crownlets and odd letters, with details of the many differences. According to the finding of the study and the examination, some of the appearances of the many crownlets and odd letters are entirely unknown from other sources.
Some speculate that the scroll was written in Poland, but it is not clear. The replacement sheets were written in different times (most were written especially to restore this scroll).
The height of the parchment is approximately 65 cm. The maximal size including the atzei chaim is 100 cm. 72 sheets, 215 columns. 53 are original and 19 were written as restoration and were changed during various times. The ink of the original sheets has faded and was restored with early reinforcement according to the first writing.
Estimate: 20,000-30,000$
This scroll has letters with many crownlets and unusual letters according to the custom of early scribes, including unusual crownlets, upside-down letters, spiral Peh (inner winding of the middle of the letter), odd Chet (the legs of the letter Chet are wide apart and according to Ashkenaz tradition are adorned at the ends of the legs). Special adornments of the letters Lamed, Nun and other letters. This Torah scroll was written according to early Ashkenazi tradition including the tradition regarding chaseirot and yeteirot (with a Vav and Yud or without), open and closed parshiot, large and small letters, dotted letters (special dots above selected list of letters) and the manner in the writing of the last lines of Shirat HaYam in Parshat Beshalach. The Shirat HaYam has unique changes in this scroll in the manner the words are divided among the three columns of the shira (song).
This scroll was written according to the tradition and custom of early scribes as detailed in the early book called Sefer Tagi. This tradition is brought by the Rambam in Hilchot Sefer Torah Chapter 7, Halacha 8. There he writes: "ナand he should be careful with large and small letters and with dotted letters and odd letters, such as the spiral Pehs and the crooked letters, in the manner copied from scribe to scribe, and he should be careful with the crownlets and their number, some letters have one crownlet and others have sevenナ". This manner of writing has slowly disappeared throughout the generations, due to lack of uniformity in the various versions of this tradition and relying on the Rambam's opinion that a Sefer Torah is not invalid (pasul) without the crownlets and odd lettering. The tradition of crownlets and odd letters is still preserved in some of the Ashkenazi Torah scrolls even from later times. In recent years, Torah scrolls are not written with crownlets and odd letters.
All the above is written according to a detailed opinion (19 leaves) of a researcher of the area of the many crownlets and odd letters, with details of the many differences. According to the finding of the study and the examination, some of the appearances of the many crownlets and odd letters are entirely unknown from other sources.
Some speculate that the scroll was written in Poland, but it is not clear. The replacement sheets were written in different times (most were written especially to restore this scroll).
The height of the parchment is approximately 65 cm. The maximal size including the atzei chaim is 100 cm. 72 sheets, 215 columns. 53 are original and 19 were written as restoration and were changed during various times. The ink of the original sheets has faded and was restored with early reinforcement according to the first writing.
Estimate: 20,000-30,000$
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $40,000
Sold for: $37,500
Including buyer's premium
A magnificent Esther Scroll (Megillat Esther) illustrated and decorated by an artist. Central Europe [Austria?], Beginning or mid-18th century.
Ink on parchment. High-standard artistic illustrations and decorations. The writing of the scroll was combined with its illustration and decoration. The scroll is written in the style of HaMelech, i.e. each column begins with the word HaMelech, but unlike other scrolls written according to this custom, HaMelech is written in large letters, integrated into the decoration at the top of each column. Throughout the scroll, there are frames adorned with dense vegetation, with various nesting fowl: a peacock, owl, birds and eagles [one illustration is of a double-headed eagle, perhaps an emblem of the country in which the scroll was illustrated]. At the top of every column is a medal with the word HaMelech, flanked by a pair of animals: lions, hares, deer and eagles. Between the columns are varying illustrations of the figure of a king in attire that is typical for those times. Along the bottom part of the scroll are rectangular frames with illustrations portraying episodes of the Megillah story: Ahasuerus' banquet, the king stretching out his scepter to Esther, Haman leading Mordechai on the horse, Mordechai and Esther writing letters to benefit the Jews. At the beginning of the Megillah, is a single medallion with a European landscape of a castle on the top of a hill and a river with a boat. The ten sons of Haman were written inside the text [in enlarged letters] and not in a separate column as usual.
Height of parchment: 22 cm. Fair condition. Creases, faded text and illustrations in several places. Stains, ink stains. Dark stains on text and frame at the beginning of the scroll. A later childish illustration on one of the illustrations. One loose sheet.
Ink on parchment. High-standard artistic illustrations and decorations. The writing of the scroll was combined with its illustration and decoration. The scroll is written in the style of HaMelech, i.e. each column begins with the word HaMelech, but unlike other scrolls written according to this custom, HaMelech is written in large letters, integrated into the decoration at the top of each column. Throughout the scroll, there are frames adorned with dense vegetation, with various nesting fowl: a peacock, owl, birds and eagles [one illustration is of a double-headed eagle, perhaps an emblem of the country in which the scroll was illustrated]. At the top of every column is a medal with the word HaMelech, flanked by a pair of animals: lions, hares, deer and eagles. Between the columns are varying illustrations of the figure of a king in attire that is typical for those times. Along the bottom part of the scroll are rectangular frames with illustrations portraying episodes of the Megillah story: Ahasuerus' banquet, the king stretching out his scepter to Esther, Haman leading Mordechai on the horse, Mordechai and Esther writing letters to benefit the Jews. At the beginning of the Megillah, is a single medallion with a European landscape of a castle on the top of a hill and a river with a boat. The ten sons of Haman were written inside the text [in enlarged letters] and not in a separate column as usual.
Height of parchment: 22 cm. Fair condition. Creases, faded text and illustrations in several places. Stains, ink stains. Dark stains on text and frame at the beginning of the scroll. A later childish illustration on one of the illustrations. One loose sheet.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
* Megillat Kohelet [Book of Ecclesiastes Scroll]. [Europe, early 20th century].
Miniature manuscript scroll on vellum, in a handsome Hebrew scribal hand in tiny lettering. Profusely illustrated throughout with impressive colorful frames, drawings and artistic adornments. Between the text columns appear illustrations of structures with pointed roofs and turrets. Floral decorations top and bottom consisting of leaved branches bearing various types of fruits and flowers. The top margin adorned with images of doves and the bottom with decorative medallions featuring lions passant regardant.
Height of parchment: 6 cm. Height of text: 3.5 cm, in 19 lines. Good condition, few stains, sporadic peeling of color.
Unlike Esther scrolls, on which it is customary to have illustrated decorations (and at times on Song of Songs scrolls), it is rare to find a decorated Kohelet scroll illustrated with adornments and images.
* Megillah case. [Europe? Late 19th or early 20th century?].
Silver case (unmarked), private silversmith work. Secondary use of a grated cylinder with a stylized stamped and pierced decoration of putti, grape vines and wine goblets. Megillat Esther blessings engraved along the top and bottom margins. Handle for winding scroll. Embedded with turquoise gems (on the clasp and top of case). At a later date, the scroll was incorporated into this case, despite the fact that the case was originally intended for use with an Esther scroll.
Height: approximately 12 cm.
Miniature manuscript scroll on vellum, in a handsome Hebrew scribal hand in tiny lettering. Profusely illustrated throughout with impressive colorful frames, drawings and artistic adornments. Between the text columns appear illustrations of structures with pointed roofs and turrets. Floral decorations top and bottom consisting of leaved branches bearing various types of fruits and flowers. The top margin adorned with images of doves and the bottom with decorative medallions featuring lions passant regardant.
Height of parchment: 6 cm. Height of text: 3.5 cm, in 19 lines. Good condition, few stains, sporadic peeling of color.
Unlike Esther scrolls, on which it is customary to have illustrated decorations (and at times on Song of Songs scrolls), it is rare to find a decorated Kohelet scroll illustrated with adornments and images.
* Megillah case. [Europe? Late 19th or early 20th century?].
Silver case (unmarked), private silversmith work. Secondary use of a grated cylinder with a stylized stamped and pierced decoration of putti, grape vines and wine goblets. Megillat Esther blessings engraved along the top and bottom margins. Handle for winding scroll. Embedded with turquoise gems (on the clasp and top of case). At a later date, the scroll was incorporated into this case, despite the fact that the case was originally intended for use with an Esther scroll.
Height: approximately 12 cm.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
A colorful decorated Ketubah on parchment, recording the marriage of the groom Menashe ben Yitzchak ben Moshe "called Amzaleg", with the bride Simcha bat Yosef ben David ben Aharon "called ben Shabbat". Essaouira (Mogador, Morocco), Tuesday, the 12th of Sivan, 1794.
Witnesses' signatures: Moshe ebn Yosef Elmeliach, Yosef ebn Ya'akov Banebashti.
Elaborate Ketubah in good condition. Handsome Western-Sephardic handwriting. Outer frame adorned with leaves and flowers in colored ink. A frame of verses - blessing for the groom and the bride. Inner frame in brown ink decorated with rocailles and flowers.
One of the earliest Ketubot known to originate in Morocco. The first known Ketubah from Morocco written on parchment [only one other Ketubah is known to originate from the city of Mogador; it preceded this one by several years; written on paper, lacking and damaged].
Unlike the usual custom in Morocco, to hold weddings on Wednesdays (according to Chazal regulations, Tractate Ketubot, Chapter 1, Mishnah 1), this Ketubah was written for a wedding held on Tuesday.
33X40 cm. Framed in a 54X45 cm. frame. Good condition, stains, folding marks. Several tears to margins.
Witnesses' signatures: Moshe ebn Yosef Elmeliach, Yosef ebn Ya'akov Banebashti.
Elaborate Ketubah in good condition. Handsome Western-Sephardic handwriting. Outer frame adorned with leaves and flowers in colored ink. A frame of verses - blessing for the groom and the bride. Inner frame in brown ink decorated with rocailles and flowers.
One of the earliest Ketubot known to originate in Morocco. The first known Ketubah from Morocco written on parchment [only one other Ketubah is known to originate from the city of Mogador; it preceded this one by several years; written on paper, lacking and damaged].
Unlike the usual custom in Morocco, to hold weddings on Wednesdays (according to Chazal regulations, Tractate Ketubot, Chapter 1, Mishnah 1), this Ketubah was written for a wedding held on Tuesday.
33X40 cm. Framed in a 54X45 cm. frame. Good condition, stains, folding marks. Several tears to margins.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
A large illustrated amulet, meant to be hung on the wall. [Italy, 19th century].
Brown, red, green and light blue ink on paper. Impressive artistic work. In the center of the leaf, incorporated into an illustration of the Temple Menorah are the verses of the Psalm LaMenatzeach and other verses. Above the Menorah are the inscriptions Shiviti Hashem LeNegdi and other Shiviti verses. At the base of the Menorah are two vases from which branches, leaves and flowers are growing, with nesting birds. Surrounding the Menorah is a decorated colorful frame in the shape of a Hamsa. On the background of the leaf, around the Hamsa and inside it, are the words of the amulet with Hashba'ot and Holy Names for protection for those who live in the home where the amulet hangs. The amulet is bordered by three frames decorated with flowers and geometric patterns. At the top of the middle frame is the phrase "Blessed shall you be when you come in" and at the bottom: "blessed shall you be when you go out". On the sides of the frame is the Holy Name of 22 letters. At both bottom sides of the Hamsa are illustrations of Temple vessels: the golden altar, the table, Lechem HaPanim, Menorah vessels, and two illustrations of the steps leading to the Menorah. At the edges of the Hamsa is the signature of the artist: "Made by Michael Alon".
Michael Alon, a scribe born in Morocco. Alon lived in Italy. In1828 he was appointed by the Jerusalem emissary Rabbi Yosef Yisrael HaLevi as an emissary on his behalf to the small Italian communities. Later this caused a dispute between them. [See enclosed material].
Leaf, 39 cm. glued on heavy paper and framed. Overall good condition. Holes from ink burn and several [restored] tears to margins.
Brown, red, green and light blue ink on paper. Impressive artistic work. In the center of the leaf, incorporated into an illustration of the Temple Menorah are the verses of the Psalm LaMenatzeach and other verses. Above the Menorah are the inscriptions Shiviti Hashem LeNegdi and other Shiviti verses. At the base of the Menorah are two vases from which branches, leaves and flowers are growing, with nesting birds. Surrounding the Menorah is a decorated colorful frame in the shape of a Hamsa. On the background of the leaf, around the Hamsa and inside it, are the words of the amulet with Hashba'ot and Holy Names for protection for those who live in the home where the amulet hangs. The amulet is bordered by three frames decorated with flowers and geometric patterns. At the top of the middle frame is the phrase "Blessed shall you be when you come in" and at the bottom: "blessed shall you be when you go out". On the sides of the frame is the Holy Name of 22 letters. At both bottom sides of the Hamsa are illustrations of Temple vessels: the golden altar, the table, Lechem HaPanim, Menorah vessels, and two illustrations of the steps leading to the Menorah. At the edges of the Hamsa is the signature of the artist: "Made by Michael Alon".
Michael Alon, a scribe born in Morocco. Alon lived in Italy. In1828 he was appointed by the Jerusalem emissary Rabbi Yosef Yisrael HaLevi as an emissary on his behalf to the small Italian communities. Later this caused a dispute between them. [See enclosed material].
Leaf, 39 cm. glued on heavy paper and framed. Overall good condition. Holes from ink burn and several [restored] tears to margins.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
"Remember G-d from afar and Jerusalem shall rise in your hearts" – Mizrah – "From this side is the spirit of life". Jerusalem, [187-].
Large "Mizrach". On the top appears an illustration of the Temple Mount and holy sites of Jerusalem and its surroundings, with complementary explanations.
Printed on the bottom is a long Yiddish letter by Rabbi Shimon Deutsch, head of Kollel Shomrei HaChomot in Jerusalem and disciple of the Chatam Sofer (died in 1878), calling for contributions for the marriage of a young Torah scholar with a needy bride and he promises to pray for all donors at the Western Wall.
At the bottom of the letter are illustrations of the grave of Zecharya the Prophet, Cave of Machpelah and Rachel's Tomb. Impressive copy of a stamp [of Rabbi Shimon Deutsch?] with the illustration of a tree and a ladder standing on the ground with its top in the Heavens, with verses hinting to the city of Jerusalem and with the initials of the name Shimon.
[1] leaf. 52X37.5 cm, framed: 62X49 cm. Fair-good condition. Creases, tears (some glued), missing pieces at the margins. Stains. Glue stains at the margins.
Rare. Not found in the JNUL. Not listed in the book Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim by Shoshana Ha-Levi.
Large "Mizrach". On the top appears an illustration of the Temple Mount and holy sites of Jerusalem and its surroundings, with complementary explanations.
Printed on the bottom is a long Yiddish letter by Rabbi Shimon Deutsch, head of Kollel Shomrei HaChomot in Jerusalem and disciple of the Chatam Sofer (died in 1878), calling for contributions for the marriage of a young Torah scholar with a needy bride and he promises to pray for all donors at the Western Wall.
At the bottom of the letter are illustrations of the grave of Zecharya the Prophet, Cave of Machpelah and Rachel's Tomb. Impressive copy of a stamp [of Rabbi Shimon Deutsch?] with the illustration of a tree and a ladder standing on the ground with its top in the Heavens, with verses hinting to the city of Jerusalem and with the initials of the name Shimon.
[1] leaf. 52X37.5 cm, framed: 62X49 cm. Fair-good condition. Creases, tears (some glued), missing pieces at the margins. Stains. Glue stains at the margins.
Rare. Not found in the JNUL. Not listed in the book Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim by Shoshana Ha-Levi.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
"Cherem Chamur (Severe ban) – organized by Jewish leaders in the city of Vilna at the time and with the approval of the Vilna Gaon". Printed proclamation with the wording of the famous ban against Chassidism from Rosh Chodesh Iyar 1772, by rabbis and dayanim of Vilna headed by the Vilna Gaon and Rabbi Shmuel, Av Beit Din of Vilna. [Lacking place and name of printer, 19th century?].
"Our brothers, the House of Israel… new arrivals have come… suspicious cult of Chassidim… form groups among themselves… therefore the leaders must don the cloak of zealousness… to destroy and annihilate and raise our cries of bans and curses… and as we have uprooted them from this place so they shall be uprooted from all place and not leave any memory forever…".
In 1772, the first ban against the Chassidic movement was announced by the rabbis of Vilna. It was printed that year in the book Z'mir Aritzim V'Charvot Tzurim (Oleksinets, 1772), signed by the Vilna Gaon and two Batei Din in Vilna (altogether 18 signatures). The text in this proclamation has been printed in an abridged form, with an interesting change in the order of the signatures: in the book Z'mir Aritzim, the Vilna Gaon's signature appears in the first line next to the signature of Av Beit Din of Vilna. Here it appears only in the fifth line in the right column. See Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, page 219. Vinograd listed this proclamation according to the catalog of the exhibition "Aderet Eliyahu, The Gaon of Vilna: The Man and his Legacy", published by Beit HaTfutsot (Tel Aviv, 1998). This copy is the same copy that appeared in that exhibition.
Printed sheet, 40 cm. Good condition, few stains, file holes.
This proclamation does not appear in the JNUL collection and in the large libraries in the US and Europe and is not known to exist in any private library. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only copy in the world.
"Our brothers, the House of Israel… new arrivals have come… suspicious cult of Chassidim… form groups among themselves… therefore the leaders must don the cloak of zealousness… to destroy and annihilate and raise our cries of bans and curses… and as we have uprooted them from this place so they shall be uprooted from all place and not leave any memory forever…".
In 1772, the first ban against the Chassidic movement was announced by the rabbis of Vilna. It was printed that year in the book Z'mir Aritzim V'Charvot Tzurim (Oleksinets, 1772), signed by the Vilna Gaon and two Batei Din in Vilna (altogether 18 signatures). The text in this proclamation has been printed in an abridged form, with an interesting change in the order of the signatures: in the book Z'mir Aritzim, the Vilna Gaon's signature appears in the first line next to the signature of Av Beit Din of Vilna. Here it appears only in the fifth line in the right column. See Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, page 219. Vinograd listed this proclamation according to the catalog of the exhibition "Aderet Eliyahu, The Gaon of Vilna: The Man and his Legacy", published by Beit HaTfutsot (Tel Aviv, 1998). This copy is the same copy that appeared in that exhibition.
Printed sheet, 40 cm. Good condition, few stains, file holes.
This proclamation does not appear in the JNUL collection and in the large libraries in the US and Europe and is not known to exist in any private library. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only copy in the world.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $18,000
Sold for: $27,500
Including buyer's premium
Notebook of the Po'alei Tzedek tailors' association. Bacău, Romania, 1832.
Handsome illustrations in ink. Illustrated title page: "The pure notebook of the Po'alei Tzedek association". The next leaf has another title page, with an illustration of a two-headed eagle and a shield with the inscription "The year 1832", a pair of lions holding a medallion with the name of the author and the illustrator: "I, the writer and illustrator Asher David ben Rabbi Mordechai of Dărmăneşti ".
The opening leaf has an article on the virtue of having an occupation quoted from Talmudic sources. Six leaves follow with the association's regulations. After the regulations is a letter of authorization of the notebook with signatures of the Bacău community leaders. On the next leaves are the names of the members [some in their own handwriting], "Column of the association's workers". These leaves are decorated and illustrated with attractive gates, animals and fowl. Further are more leaves with entries of the association's decisions, appointing gaba'im,etc.
The notebook includes five letters of approbation and blessing to the Poalei Tzedek association by the following rabbis:
* A letter by "Aharon Moshe MiGeza Zvi of Brody" – Rabbi Aharon Moshe MiGeza Zvi (1775-1845), one of the most prominent Chasiddic leaders, disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and Rabbi Uri of Novyye Strelishcha (Strelisk), one of the first Chassidim to ascend to Jerusalem. This signature is from 1838, when he was passing through Bacău on his way to Eretz Israel (reached Eretz Israel in 1839). Rabbi Aharon Moshe encourages the society and blesses them that "their work should by doubly blessed with life for us and all the Jewish people…". [Nine lines in his handwriting].
* Letter by "Yechiel Michel ben Rabbi M. Yitzchak of Medzhybizh" – Rebbe Yechiel Michel (Drahbtisher) of Yampoli, son of Rabbi Yitzchak Drahbtisher of Medzhybizh. From his paternal side, was grandson of Rabbi Yechiel Michel, the Maggid of Zlotchov. On his maternal side, he was grandson of Rabbi Yechiel Ashkenazi son-in-law of the Besht [grandfather of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov]. Son-in-law of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl son of Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl. Rabbi Yechiel Michel writes that he happened upon Bacău, read the regulations in the notebook and they found favor in his eyes. Therefore, he blesses the society with "the G-d's blessing of success in their endeavors, children life and sustenance and they should merit ascending to Zion with joy…". [6 lines in his handwriting].
* Letter by Rabbi Yosef Landau, a leading Chassidic figure. Disciple of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv, Rabbi Baruch of Medzhybizh, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta and Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzin. Rabbi in the city of Lityn and Kamyanyets (Kaminetz) and by recommendation of his teacher Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhyn was appointed as Rabbi of Iaşi in Romania in 1834. Author of Birkat Yosef responsa. [13 lines of his handwriting].
Further in the notebook, an interesting, enigmatic letter is concealed between empty leaves which ends with the following words:
I have signed, I who worry about the Jewish people's travails and am waiting for the salvation of G-d's presence and the consolation of Zion and Jerusalem, spoken by the lowly person and an undesired vessel, Gilgul Baruch ben Eliezer.
We do not know who wrote this and if he was an important figure. Apparently, he encrypted his name.
The Bacău Tailor Association was known for its large impact on the city. The Jewish tailors instituted the modern European attire which replaced the Turkish mode of dress. The society had a synagogue [a contract of sale of a Torah scroll to the society's synagogue appears on a leaf of this notebook]. Besides being an economic guild, the spiritual elements were also stressed, such as banning work on Chol HaMoed, reciting Tehillim and studying Chumash with Rashi every Shabbat. [See enclosed article about the Tailors' Society in Bacău, based on a Romanian translation of the notebook from 1887: Yitzchak Shwartz-Kara, Notebook of the Po'alei Tzedek Tailors' Society, Bacău 1832, in the book, Kehillat Bacău, Tel-Aviv 1990, pages 225-228].
The empty leaves of the notebook were used for recording births and deaths and family inscriptions of the owner of the notebook who brought the notebook from Bacău to Eretz Israel. These leaves [21-34] will be removed from the notebook after the auction and returned to the owner.
120 leaves [most of the inscriptions and illustrations mentioned above appear in the first 20 leaves, most of the notebook leaves are empty]. 33 cm. Good condition, stains, minor wear. Moth marks to several leaves. Leather binding [damaged].
The notebook has been partially and imprecisely described in an article by Eliyahu Feldman, The Affinity of the Workers' Societies in Moldavia to the Community and Rabbinate, Sinai, Vol. 86, Tishrei-Adar 1980, pp. 73-85, according to a defective copy to which he had access.
Handsome illustrations in ink. Illustrated title page: "The pure notebook of the Po'alei Tzedek association". The next leaf has another title page, with an illustration of a two-headed eagle and a shield with the inscription "The year 1832", a pair of lions holding a medallion with the name of the author and the illustrator: "I, the writer and illustrator Asher David ben Rabbi Mordechai of Dărmăneşti ".
The opening leaf has an article on the virtue of having an occupation quoted from Talmudic sources. Six leaves follow with the association's regulations. After the regulations is a letter of authorization of the notebook with signatures of the Bacău community leaders. On the next leaves are the names of the members [some in their own handwriting], "Column of the association's workers". These leaves are decorated and illustrated with attractive gates, animals and fowl. Further are more leaves with entries of the association's decisions, appointing gaba'im,etc.
The notebook includes five letters of approbation and blessing to the Poalei Tzedek association by the following rabbis:
* A letter by "Aharon Moshe MiGeza Zvi of Brody" – Rabbi Aharon Moshe MiGeza Zvi (1775-1845), one of the most prominent Chasiddic leaders, disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and Rabbi Uri of Novyye Strelishcha (Strelisk), one of the first Chassidim to ascend to Jerusalem. This signature is from 1838, when he was passing through Bacău on his way to Eretz Israel (reached Eretz Israel in 1839). Rabbi Aharon Moshe encourages the society and blesses them that "their work should by doubly blessed with life for us and all the Jewish people…". [Nine lines in his handwriting].
* Letter by "Yechiel Michel ben Rabbi M. Yitzchak of Medzhybizh" – Rebbe Yechiel Michel (Drahbtisher) of Yampoli, son of Rabbi Yitzchak Drahbtisher of Medzhybizh. From his paternal side, was grandson of Rabbi Yechiel Michel, the Maggid of Zlotchov. On his maternal side, he was grandson of Rabbi Yechiel Ashkenazi son-in-law of the Besht [grandfather of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov]. Son-in-law of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl son of Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl. Rabbi Yechiel Michel writes that he happened upon Bacău, read the regulations in the notebook and they found favor in his eyes. Therefore, he blesses the society with "the G-d's blessing of success in their endeavors, children life and sustenance and they should merit ascending to Zion with joy…". [6 lines in his handwriting].
* Letter by Rabbi Yosef Landau, a leading Chassidic figure. Disciple of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv, Rabbi Baruch of Medzhybizh, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta and Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzin. Rabbi in the city of Lityn and Kamyanyets (Kaminetz) and by recommendation of his teacher Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhyn was appointed as Rabbi of Iaşi in Romania in 1834. Author of Birkat Yosef responsa. [13 lines of his handwriting].
Further in the notebook, an interesting, enigmatic letter is concealed between empty leaves which ends with the following words:
I have signed, I who worry about the Jewish people's travails and am waiting for the salvation of G-d's presence and the consolation of Zion and Jerusalem, spoken by the lowly person and an undesired vessel, Gilgul Baruch ben Eliezer.
We do not know who wrote this and if he was an important figure. Apparently, he encrypted his name.
The Bacău Tailor Association was known for its large impact on the city. The Jewish tailors instituted the modern European attire which replaced the Turkish mode of dress. The society had a synagogue [a contract of sale of a Torah scroll to the society's synagogue appears on a leaf of this notebook]. Besides being an economic guild, the spiritual elements were also stressed, such as banning work on Chol HaMoed, reciting Tehillim and studying Chumash with Rashi every Shabbat. [See enclosed article about the Tailors' Society in Bacău, based on a Romanian translation of the notebook from 1887: Yitzchak Shwartz-Kara, Notebook of the Po'alei Tzedek Tailors' Society, Bacău 1832, in the book, Kehillat Bacău, Tel-Aviv 1990, pages 225-228].
The empty leaves of the notebook were used for recording births and deaths and family inscriptions of the owner of the notebook who brought the notebook from Bacău to Eretz Israel. These leaves [21-34] will be removed from the notebook after the auction and returned to the owner.
120 leaves [most of the inscriptions and illustrations mentioned above appear in the first 20 leaves, most of the notebook leaves are empty]. 33 cm. Good condition, stains, minor wear. Moth marks to several leaves. Leather binding [damaged].
The notebook has been partially and imprecisely described in an article by Eliyahu Feldman, The Affinity of the Workers' Societies in Moldavia to the Community and Rabbinate, Sinai, Vol. 86, Tishrei-Adar 1980, pp. 73-85, according to a defective copy to which he had access.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $20,000
Unsold
Illustrated manuscript, Etz Chaim, Torah learned from the Ari HaKadosh by his disciple Rabbi Chaim Vital. [Eastern Europe, second half of 17th century].
Eloquent Ashkenazi writing. This composition was edited by Rabbi Meir Poppers, with introductions by him and by Rabbi Chaim Vital. Variations in the text, compared to the printed editions. Glosses on sheet margins by the scribe who wrote the manuscript and by another writer, most glosses by Rabbi Ya'akov Tzemach, Rabbi Meir Poppers and other known glosses. Some are additions or corrections from a different manuscript [the glosses were not closely examined]. At the end of the second volume are replacement leaves in the handwriting of the scribe, and indexes by another writer.
The manuscript is illustrated throughout, with impressive artistic illustrations, in ink colored in hues of gold, gray and brown. The illustrations adorn the opening of each Heichal [the composition is divided into Heichalot, each Heichal is divided into chapters]. All the illustrations differ one from another. Some illustrations are designed as architectural structures in the Eastern European style [onion-shaped roof domes, castles and tower turrets crowned by flags]. Illustrations of fowl, deer and lions. Decoration in floral and leaf patterns. In the third Heichal, Heichal Keter (Crown), is an illustration of a crown, with a lion on each side. The sixth Heichal has an illustration of a pair of winged lions with heads of birds. At the end of the manuscript is a medallion adorned with leaf patterns, with a pair of eagles on its top, and clusters of grapes on the edges [the inside of the medallion is empty. Apparently, it was intended to be used by the scribe to write a colophon]. Illustrated decoration at the ends of Heichalot 1 and 2.
Complete manuscript. 3, 257, 2, [2] leaves. Good-fair condition. High-quality paper, most leaves in good condition. Several leaves restored with glued paper [on the text in several places and on an illustration on the first title page]. Stains, few moth holes. Tears and damages to several leaves. Ancient vellum binding.
Eloquent Ashkenazi writing. This composition was edited by Rabbi Meir Poppers, with introductions by him and by Rabbi Chaim Vital. Variations in the text, compared to the printed editions. Glosses on sheet margins by the scribe who wrote the manuscript and by another writer, most glosses by Rabbi Ya'akov Tzemach, Rabbi Meir Poppers and other known glosses. Some are additions or corrections from a different manuscript [the glosses were not closely examined]. At the end of the second volume are replacement leaves in the handwriting of the scribe, and indexes by another writer.
The manuscript is illustrated throughout, with impressive artistic illustrations, in ink colored in hues of gold, gray and brown. The illustrations adorn the opening of each Heichal [the composition is divided into Heichalot, each Heichal is divided into chapters]. All the illustrations differ one from another. Some illustrations are designed as architectural structures in the Eastern European style [onion-shaped roof domes, castles and tower turrets crowned by flags]. Illustrations of fowl, deer and lions. Decoration in floral and leaf patterns. In the third Heichal, Heichal Keter (Crown), is an illustration of a crown, with a lion on each side. The sixth Heichal has an illustration of a pair of winged lions with heads of birds. At the end of the manuscript is a medallion adorned with leaf patterns, with a pair of eagles on its top, and clusters of grapes on the edges [the inside of the medallion is empty. Apparently, it was intended to be used by the scribe to write a colophon]. Illustrated decoration at the ends of Heichalot 1 and 2.
Complete manuscript. 3, 257, 2, [2] leaves. Good-fair condition. High-quality paper, most leaves in good condition. Several leaves restored with glued paper [on the text in several places and on an illustration on the first title page]. Stains, few moth holes. Tears and damages to several leaves. Ancient vellum binding.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
Imrei Binah manuscript, index to Chazal's sayings according to the alphabet. Handsome Italian-Sephardic Rashi writing. Italy, 1734. The title page is an illustrated etching in Rococo style (adornments of acanthus leaves and flower bouquets, a shell crown and an animal figure in the center).
Early writing. Not printed.
On the title page appears an opening in rhyme.
[112] written pages, 20 cm. Very high-quality paper, good condition, minor stains. Ancient worn binding with adorned leather back.
Early writing. Not printed.
On the title page appears an opening in rhyme.
[112] written pages, 20 cm. Very high-quality paper, good condition, minor stains. Ancient worn binding with adorned leather back.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $120,000
Unsold
A complete large pamphlet written in the Chatam Sofer's own handwriting, novellae on the treatise "Ein Me'Abrin Nisan B'Nisan", written at the time the Chatam Sofer served in the Mattersburg rabbinate. Autographic writing with many erasures and corrections in his own handwriting, on large-format leaves [folio].
On page [9], the Chatam Sofer mentions his teacher Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, author of the Hafla'ah with Birkat Hachaim (which means that Rabbi Horowitz was still alive at the time he wrote the pamphlet). Rabbi Pinchas Horowitz died in the month of Tamuz that same year. On page [5], the Chatam Sofer mentions "that which my elder uncle Moshe Frankfurter found difficult in his commentary on the Mechilta…". [Rabbi Moshe Frankfurter was a Dayan in Amsterdam and wrote many books]. He also copies "that which I have written in my Torah novellae Parashat Bo…".
In the city of Mattersburg, the name of the Chatam Sofer began to spread as the leading Torah authority of his times and as a pillar of Torah and halacha rulings. In Mattersburg, he stood at the helm of a yeshiva for many disciples. There he began to write some of his novellae which spread throughout the world. Two year after these novellae were written, at the beginning of 1807, the Chatam Sofer moved to serve as Rabbi of Pressburg. There he moved his famous yeshiva and from there he influentially led his generation until his death in 1840.
These novellae were printed in Chiddushei Chatam Sofer on the Talmud, Jerusalem 1969, Siman 3 (Page 18 and on).
7 leaves – 14 pages written in his own handwriting [aprox. 50 lines per page]. 36 cm. Good condition, stains, ink stains. Minor wear at the edges. Few tears to lower margins, some with minor damage to text.
On page [9], the Chatam Sofer mentions his teacher Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, author of the Hafla'ah with Birkat Hachaim (which means that Rabbi Horowitz was still alive at the time he wrote the pamphlet). Rabbi Pinchas Horowitz died in the month of Tamuz that same year. On page [5], the Chatam Sofer mentions "that which my elder uncle Moshe Frankfurter found difficult in his commentary on the Mechilta…". [Rabbi Moshe Frankfurter was a Dayan in Amsterdam and wrote many books]. He also copies "that which I have written in my Torah novellae Parashat Bo…".
In the city of Mattersburg, the name of the Chatam Sofer began to spread as the leading Torah authority of his times and as a pillar of Torah and halacha rulings. In Mattersburg, he stood at the helm of a yeshiva for many disciples. There he began to write some of his novellae which spread throughout the world. Two year after these novellae were written, at the beginning of 1807, the Chatam Sofer moved to serve as Rabbi of Pressburg. There he moved his famous yeshiva and from there he influentially led his generation until his death in 1840.
These novellae were printed in Chiddushei Chatam Sofer on the Talmud, Jerusalem 1969, Siman 3 (Page 18 and on).
7 leaves – 14 pages written in his own handwriting [aprox. 50 lines per page]. 36 cm. Good condition, stains, ink stains. Minor wear at the edges. Few tears to lower margins, some with minor damage to text.
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Auction 35 - Rare and Important Judaica
January 29, 2014
Opening: $85,000
Sold for: $106,250
Including buyer's premium
Hilchot Rav Alfas, with Rashi commentary. Part 1 – Seder Mo'ed (including Tractate Brachot and Halachot Ketanot), Part 2 – Seder Nashim (with Tractate Hullin) and Part 3 – Seder Nezikin. Amsterdam, [1643]. Printed by Emanuel Benbenishti.
The three parts include all the Hilchot HaRif [Rav Alfas] on the Talmud tractates, bound in one volume. Separate title page for each part.
On the first title page appears the signature of Rabbi "Yair Chayim Bacharach" author of the Chavat Ya'ir responsa, and another inscription [partially erased] in his handwriting and with his signature: "This book of the Rif, I have given – to my mechutan -- , Yair Chayim Bacharach".
This copy belonged to the renowned Torah scholar Rabbi Yair Chayim Bacharach Av Beit Din of Worms and author of the Chavat Ya'ir responsa. He studied from this copy and added hundreds of glosses, corrections and notes in his own handwriting on the sheet margins. This volume was the source for the glosses of the Chavat Ya'ir on the Rif in the editions of the Talmud first printed in Zhitomir in 1858-1864, and reprinted a second time by the printers of the Vilna Talmud. Since that printing, all editions of the Rif include these glosses.
This volume was bequeathed by the Zhitomir printers, the holy Shapira brothers, to their great-grandson Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Shapira of Uman who made it available to the Vilna printers who wished to reprint the glosses in a more precise fashion with the addition of glosses which were omitted from the first printing.
While examining the manuscript, we discovered that between the hundreds of glosses in the handwriting of the Chavat Ya'ir, there are dozens of glosses written in another handwriting, apparently the handwriting of Rabbi Shimshon Bacharach, father of the Chavat Ya'ir and Rabbi of Worms, who apparently bequeathed the book to his son. Astoundingly, both the Zhitomir printers and the Vilna printers did not discern this fact in spite of the clear differences between both handwritings and they printed all the glosses under the name of the Chavat Ya'ir. The importance of this volume among other qualities, is the identification of the author of the glosses, as well as a new understanding of part of the glosses [for example, sometimes Rabbi Shimshon asks a question and his son the Chavat Ya'ir answers. At other times, he comments or complements the words of his father].
Tractates Bava Kama and Bava Metzia include dozens of additional scholarly glosses in a later handwriting, most refer to glosses by the Chavat Yair. We were not able to identify the handwriting, but from the content of the glosses, they were apparently written by an exceptional Torah scholar, who prepared the glosses for print [in Zhitomir or Vilna]. The glosses were marked in parentheses, and to the best of our knowledge were not printed.
Rabbi Yair Chayim Bacharach (1638-1701) Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Worms, one of the foremost Torah leaders of his times and leading Torah authority for all following generations. Disciple of his father Rabbi Shimshon Bacharach and of Rabbi Mendel Bass Av Beit Din of Frankfurt, in 1666, was appointed Av Beit Din of Koblenz and in 1669, returned to Worms and was appointed as successor of Rabbi Aharon Te'omim and as dayan in the city. After the city of Worms was destroyed in 1689, he was exiled with all the city's Jews. After they returned to their community, he served as Av Beit din of the community succeeding his father and grandfather until his death. Known as a tremendous Torah genius and very proficient in all realms of Torah knowledge, with an incredible memory and breadth of knowledge evident in his writings. Was knowledgeable and proficient in worldly wisdom as well. Wrote dozens of works, most remain in manuscript form and some were recently printed, but he was famous for his book of responsa "Chavat Ya'ir" which he named after his mother, Chava. Although he printed only a small part of more than 600 responsa which were prepared for printing in this book, his book was accepted as one of the basic books of responsa an as an important source of Torah decisions and is often mentioned in halachic literature until this day. Among his other works is a commentary named Mekor Chaim on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, which he prepared for printing but before it reached print, the Maginei Eretz books - Turei Zahav and Magen Avraham, all which were similar to his book, were published. He therefore had to re-edit his book (printed from his handwriting in 1982-1984); the book Mar Keshisha – rules of the Talmud, printed in 1993; a huge encyclopedic work of 46 volumes was lost, only the index named Ya'ir Netiv remained. See enclosed material.
His father, Rabbi Moshe Shimshon Bacharach (1607-1670), was born to his father Rabbi Shmuel Darshan Av Beit Din of Worms, from which he was expelled with his family and the rest of the city's Jews in 1615. After his father died on the way, he reached Prague together with his mother and sisters, where he was raised by his grandfather Rabbi Yitzchak HaCohen disciple of the Maharal of Prague. Served as rabbi of several important communities. In 1729, when 22 years old, he was appointed Av Beit Din of Hodonín and a year later was chosen to serve as Rabbi of Lipník nad Bečvou where his only child, Rabbi Ya'ir Chayim, author of Chavat Ya'ir was born. In 1744, he was appointed darshan in his native city of Prague until 1750 when he was chosen to succeed his father as Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Worms. He remained in that capacity for 20 years until his death. One of the most outstanding rabbis of his knowledgeable generation, proficient in all parts of Torah knowledge, revealed and hidden, a posek and commentator, preacher and liturgical poet. A prolific writer, one of his most well-known works is the book Shemen HaMa'or (remained in manuscript). Some of his halachic responsa was printed in the book Chut HaShani edited by his son Rabbi Chaim Ya'ir, who quoted some of his father's words and piyutim in his book Chavat Ya'ir.
211 leaves; 160 leaves; 104 leaves, 21 cm. Most of the leaves are in good condition. Tears and holes to few leaves [damage to text in several places], some pages restored with reinforcement paper and adhesive tape. Stains. Moisture stains to some leaves. Ancient parchment binding, slightly damaged.
The three parts include all the Hilchot HaRif [Rav Alfas] on the Talmud tractates, bound in one volume. Separate title page for each part.
On the first title page appears the signature of Rabbi "Yair Chayim Bacharach" author of the Chavat Ya'ir responsa, and another inscription [partially erased] in his handwriting and with his signature: "This book of the Rif, I have given – to my mechutan -- , Yair Chayim Bacharach".
This copy belonged to the renowned Torah scholar Rabbi Yair Chayim Bacharach Av Beit Din of Worms and author of the Chavat Ya'ir responsa. He studied from this copy and added hundreds of glosses, corrections and notes in his own handwriting on the sheet margins. This volume was the source for the glosses of the Chavat Ya'ir on the Rif in the editions of the Talmud first printed in Zhitomir in 1858-1864, and reprinted a second time by the printers of the Vilna Talmud. Since that printing, all editions of the Rif include these glosses.
This volume was bequeathed by the Zhitomir printers, the holy Shapira brothers, to their great-grandson Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Shapira of Uman who made it available to the Vilna printers who wished to reprint the glosses in a more precise fashion with the addition of glosses which were omitted from the first printing.
While examining the manuscript, we discovered that between the hundreds of glosses in the handwriting of the Chavat Ya'ir, there are dozens of glosses written in another handwriting, apparently the handwriting of Rabbi Shimshon Bacharach, father of the Chavat Ya'ir and Rabbi of Worms, who apparently bequeathed the book to his son. Astoundingly, both the Zhitomir printers and the Vilna printers did not discern this fact in spite of the clear differences between both handwritings and they printed all the glosses under the name of the Chavat Ya'ir. The importance of this volume among other qualities, is the identification of the author of the glosses, as well as a new understanding of part of the glosses [for example, sometimes Rabbi Shimshon asks a question and his son the Chavat Ya'ir answers. At other times, he comments or complements the words of his father].
Tractates Bava Kama and Bava Metzia include dozens of additional scholarly glosses in a later handwriting, most refer to glosses by the Chavat Yair. We were not able to identify the handwriting, but from the content of the glosses, they were apparently written by an exceptional Torah scholar, who prepared the glosses for print [in Zhitomir or Vilna]. The glosses were marked in parentheses, and to the best of our knowledge were not printed.
Rabbi Yair Chayim Bacharach (1638-1701) Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Worms, one of the foremost Torah leaders of his times and leading Torah authority for all following generations. Disciple of his father Rabbi Shimshon Bacharach and of Rabbi Mendel Bass Av Beit Din of Frankfurt, in 1666, was appointed Av Beit Din of Koblenz and in 1669, returned to Worms and was appointed as successor of Rabbi Aharon Te'omim and as dayan in the city. After the city of Worms was destroyed in 1689, he was exiled with all the city's Jews. After they returned to their community, he served as Av Beit din of the community succeeding his father and grandfather until his death. Known as a tremendous Torah genius and very proficient in all realms of Torah knowledge, with an incredible memory and breadth of knowledge evident in his writings. Was knowledgeable and proficient in worldly wisdom as well. Wrote dozens of works, most remain in manuscript form and some were recently printed, but he was famous for his book of responsa "Chavat Ya'ir" which he named after his mother, Chava. Although he printed only a small part of more than 600 responsa which were prepared for printing in this book, his book was accepted as one of the basic books of responsa an as an important source of Torah decisions and is often mentioned in halachic literature until this day. Among his other works is a commentary named Mekor Chaim on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, which he prepared for printing but before it reached print, the Maginei Eretz books - Turei Zahav and Magen Avraham, all which were similar to his book, were published. He therefore had to re-edit his book (printed from his handwriting in 1982-1984); the book Mar Keshisha – rules of the Talmud, printed in 1993; a huge encyclopedic work of 46 volumes was lost, only the index named Ya'ir Netiv remained. See enclosed material.
His father, Rabbi Moshe Shimshon Bacharach (1607-1670), was born to his father Rabbi Shmuel Darshan Av Beit Din of Worms, from which he was expelled with his family and the rest of the city's Jews in 1615. After his father died on the way, he reached Prague together with his mother and sisters, where he was raised by his grandfather Rabbi Yitzchak HaCohen disciple of the Maharal of Prague. Served as rabbi of several important communities. In 1729, when 22 years old, he was appointed Av Beit Din of Hodonín and a year later was chosen to serve as Rabbi of Lipník nad Bečvou where his only child, Rabbi Ya'ir Chayim, author of Chavat Ya'ir was born. In 1744, he was appointed darshan in his native city of Prague until 1750 when he was chosen to succeed his father as Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Worms. He remained in that capacity for 20 years until his death. One of the most outstanding rabbis of his knowledgeable generation, proficient in all parts of Torah knowledge, revealed and hidden, a posek and commentator, preacher and liturgical poet. A prolific writer, one of his most well-known works is the book Shemen HaMa'or (remained in manuscript). Some of his halachic responsa was printed in the book Chut HaShani edited by his son Rabbi Chaim Ya'ir, who quoted some of his father's words and piyutim in his book Chavat Ya'ir.
211 leaves; 160 leaves; 104 leaves, 21 cm. Most of the leaves are in good condition. Tears and holes to few leaves [damage to text in several places], some pages restored with reinforcement paper and adhesive tape. Stains. Moisture stains to some leaves. Ancient parchment binding, slightly damaged.
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