Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 21 - 30 of 165
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Seder Get L'Arusah (arrangement of a divorce bill [Get] for a betrothed woman [arusah]), by R. Yishmael HaCohen, rabbi of Modena, author of Zera Emet. [Italy, 18th century or beginning of 19th century].
The manuscript is composed of 138 detailed clauses of all the practical steps and laws for writing a get for an arusah, including the conduct of the husband, the scribe and the witnesses and the manner the get is delivered to the woman. Cursive, neat Italian Hebrew script, with many handwritten additions by the author. In these additions, the author mentions several times the arrangement of a get titled Michtav L'Chizkiyahu by R. Chizkiya Mordechai Bassan (Pnei Yitzchak, Mantova, 1743), and the arrangement of a get in the Shemesh Tzedakah responsa by R. Shimshon Morpurgo (Venice, 1743).
R. David Sassoon (Ohel David, Manuscript no. 927) attributes this manuscript to R. Yishmael HaCohen of Modena. The style of writing indicates that this is an autograph of the author, with revisions and additions. The handwriting is similar to the handwriting in another document written by R. Yishmael HaCohen with his signature "Dictates and signs" (Shenot Dor VaDor, Vol. 1, pp. 328-329 - see enclosed photocopy).
R. Yishmael HaCohen, Rabbi of Modena (1724-1810), was a leading Italian sage and prominent posek. In 1782, after the death of his brother R. David HaCohen, rabbi of Modena, he began serving as Rabbi of Modena, which was one of the largest Torah centers in 18th century Italy. For decades, R. Yishmael was Rabbi and leader in Modena and in actuality of entire Italy. During this era, R. Yishmael's opinions were the final deciding factor of halachic issues, community matters and all Jewish affairs in Italy. "His rulings were unequivocally accepted and he was famed as a genius posek and as the determining opinion" (the biography of the author at the beginning of the book Shevach Pesach, Jerusalem, 1997). At the time the Jewish "Sanhedrin" was instituted by Napoleon in 1806, R. Yishmael HaCohen wrote a detailed response to 12 questions asked by Napoleon about the relativity between the state law and the Jewish law [the primary reason Napoleon wanted to institute the "Sanhedrin" was his wish to "adjust the faith" of the Jews to their "obligations as French [citizens]"]. At that time, R. Yishmael HaCohen was 83 years old and he could not travel to participate in the session of the Sanhedrin, but his wise and unflinching words constituted the halachic basis of the words of the "Sanhedrin" of the Jewish sages who represented the Italian region. The three parts of his book Zera Emet responsa on the Shulchan Aruch (Livorno, 1783-1812) only cover the parts of Orach Chaim and Yoreh Deah, but his works on Even HaEzer and on Choshen Mishpat are still in manuscripts. This is a remnant of the Torah teachings of that illustrious posek on Even HaEzer with many novellae of practical halacha on the laws of writing and delivering a divorce document.
Many compositions about arranging gittin were written by leading poskim, Rishonim and Achronim. Certain specifics required for a get of an arusah [a woman who had received kiddushin, yet did not enter the chuppah] differ from the regular get of a married woman. Most books about arrangements of a get do not discuss a get for an arusah, due to the rarity of separating the kiddushin rites from the chuppah [the early custom of doing so has been cancelled in most Jewish communities and at the time this composition was written this separation was only practiced in certain areas of northern Italy and Oriental countries. For details regarding the various customs of erusin and nisu'in, see essay by David Sassoon, Igrot Paras V'Teiman, HaTzofeh L'Chochmat Yisrael, 9, Budapest 1925, pp. 211-212].
5 pages. 29 cm. Good condition. New binding.
Provenance: Sassoon family collection. Ohel David, Manuscript no. 927.
The manuscript is composed of 138 detailed clauses of all the practical steps and laws for writing a get for an arusah, including the conduct of the husband, the scribe and the witnesses and the manner the get is delivered to the woman. Cursive, neat Italian Hebrew script, with many handwritten additions by the author. In these additions, the author mentions several times the arrangement of a get titled Michtav L'Chizkiyahu by R. Chizkiya Mordechai Bassan (Pnei Yitzchak, Mantova, 1743), and the arrangement of a get in the Shemesh Tzedakah responsa by R. Shimshon Morpurgo (Venice, 1743).
R. David Sassoon (Ohel David, Manuscript no. 927) attributes this manuscript to R. Yishmael HaCohen of Modena. The style of writing indicates that this is an autograph of the author, with revisions and additions. The handwriting is similar to the handwriting in another document written by R. Yishmael HaCohen with his signature "Dictates and signs" (Shenot Dor VaDor, Vol. 1, pp. 328-329 - see enclosed photocopy).
R. Yishmael HaCohen, Rabbi of Modena (1724-1810), was a leading Italian sage and prominent posek. In 1782, after the death of his brother R. David HaCohen, rabbi of Modena, he began serving as Rabbi of Modena, which was one of the largest Torah centers in 18th century Italy. For decades, R. Yishmael was Rabbi and leader in Modena and in actuality of entire Italy. During this era, R. Yishmael's opinions were the final deciding factor of halachic issues, community matters and all Jewish affairs in Italy. "His rulings were unequivocally accepted and he was famed as a genius posek and as the determining opinion" (the biography of the author at the beginning of the book Shevach Pesach, Jerusalem, 1997). At the time the Jewish "Sanhedrin" was instituted by Napoleon in 1806, R. Yishmael HaCohen wrote a detailed response to 12 questions asked by Napoleon about the relativity between the state law and the Jewish law [the primary reason Napoleon wanted to institute the "Sanhedrin" was his wish to "adjust the faith" of the Jews to their "obligations as French [citizens]"]. At that time, R. Yishmael HaCohen was 83 years old and he could not travel to participate in the session of the Sanhedrin, but his wise and unflinching words constituted the halachic basis of the words of the "Sanhedrin" of the Jewish sages who represented the Italian region. The three parts of his book Zera Emet responsa on the Shulchan Aruch (Livorno, 1783-1812) only cover the parts of Orach Chaim and Yoreh Deah, but his works on Even HaEzer and on Choshen Mishpat are still in manuscripts. This is a remnant of the Torah teachings of that illustrious posek on Even HaEzer with many novellae of practical halacha on the laws of writing and delivering a divorce document.
Many compositions about arranging gittin were written by leading poskim, Rishonim and Achronim. Certain specifics required for a get of an arusah [a woman who had received kiddushin, yet did not enter the chuppah] differ from the regular get of a married woman. Most books about arrangements of a get do not discuss a get for an arusah, due to the rarity of separating the kiddushin rites from the chuppah [the early custom of doing so has been cancelled in most Jewish communities and at the time this composition was written this separation was only practiced in certain areas of northern Italy and Oriental countries. For details regarding the various customs of erusin and nisu'in, see essay by David Sassoon, Igrot Paras V'Teiman, HaTzofeh L'Chochmat Yisrael, 9, Budapest 1925, pp. 211-212].
5 pages. 29 cm. Good condition. New binding.
Provenance: Sassoon family collection. Ohel David, Manuscript no. 927.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, "Seder Shefar Hatikkun that holy individuals are accustomed to recite on Yom Kippur eve after the evening prayers". [Italy, 1791].
Manuscript on thick, high-quality paper. Square vowelized script. Illuminated title page. The bottom of the title page contains the inscription "this book was purchased by Mordechai Yosef della Rocca, 1791". The title page states that the Tikkun is taken from Sefer Otzar Nechmad (based on Sefer Chemdat Yamim), "by the honored rabbi of the Omron family", but this text differs from the one in Sefer Otzar Nechmad. The beginning of the tikkun states "this is the organized study for Yom Kippur eve after evening services in Catalan synagogues". At the end of the tikkun, Tractate Yoma is printed in its entirety, as well as a prayer for livelihood. The end of the manuscript contains prayers to be said at dawn on Yom Kippur. The final page states "Kaddish should be said for the souls of the deceased…".
[62] leaves. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Binding with leather spine; slightly damaged.
Manuscript on thick, high-quality paper. Square vowelized script. Illuminated title page. The bottom of the title page contains the inscription "this book was purchased by Mordechai Yosef della Rocca, 1791". The title page states that the Tikkun is taken from Sefer Otzar Nechmad (based on Sefer Chemdat Yamim), "by the honored rabbi of the Omron family", but this text differs from the one in Sefer Otzar Nechmad. The beginning of the tikkun states "this is the organized study for Yom Kippur eve after evening services in Catalan synagogues". At the end of the tikkun, Tractate Yoma is printed in its entirety, as well as a prayer for livelihood. The end of the manuscript contains prayers to be said at dawn on Yom Kippur. The final page states "Kaddish should be said for the souls of the deceased…".
[62] leaves. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Binding with leather spine; slightly damaged.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $11,250
Including buyer's premium
A leaf handwritten by the Chida, novellae on Tractate Megillah.
12 lines handwritten by the Chida. Novellae on the subject of fulfilling the mitzvah of Purim Se'udah at night. The content was printed in the Chida's book Petach Einayim (Tractate Megillah 7b), with variations and later editing.
The Chida - R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806), a leading rabbinical authority, Kabbalist, exalted genius, prolific author and famous rabbinical emissary. Born in Jerusalem to R. Raphael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, a Jerusalem scholar and great-grandson of Kabbalist Rabbi Avraham Azulai, author of Chesed Le'Avraham. From his early years, he was a disciple of leading Jerusalem scholars and kabbalists, including Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar, the Or HaChaim HaKadosh. He began studying kabbalah at the Beit E-l Yeshiva for Kabbalists headed by Rabbi Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi, the holy Rashash and was a contemporary of Rabbi Yom Tov Algazi who studied with him in the yeshiva.
In 1753, he embarked on his first mission as a rabbinical emissary on behalf of the Hebron community. During the course of his five years of travel, he passed through Italy, Germany, Holland, England and France. During this mission, his name began to spread. Wherever he traversed, he attracted a great deal of attention and many acknowledged his greatness. In 1873, the Chida embarked on an additional mission on behalf of the Hebron community which left a profound imprint on all the places he visited. At the end of this journey, he settled in Livorno, Italy to serve as rabbi and there he published most of his books.
The Chida was among the greatest authors of all times and composed more than 80 works in all facets of Torah, including his composition Birkei Yosef, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch which has greatly impacted the area of halachic rulings. His books were heralded throughout the entire Jewish Diaspora with high regard. He wrote the majority of his compositions while preoccupied with travelling or with other matters, and with access to very few books, attesting to his overwhelming genius and phenomenal memory. In each city the Chida visited, he would inspect the local libraries and search unknown manuscripts and compositions written by Torah scholars. Due to the great respect and admiration he evoked, he was granted authorization to enter large libraries and museums, such as the National Library of France, in which he spent many hours copying important manuscripts. The vast knowledge he gleaned during these opportunities are infused into all his books, particularly in his bibliographic masterpiece Shem HaGedolim.
Leaf, 10X14.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
Enclosed is an expert's report identifying the handwriting as that of the Chida.
12 lines handwritten by the Chida. Novellae on the subject of fulfilling the mitzvah of Purim Se'udah at night. The content was printed in the Chida's book Petach Einayim (Tractate Megillah 7b), with variations and later editing.
The Chida - R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806), a leading rabbinical authority, Kabbalist, exalted genius, prolific author and famous rabbinical emissary. Born in Jerusalem to R. Raphael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, a Jerusalem scholar and great-grandson of Kabbalist Rabbi Avraham Azulai, author of Chesed Le'Avraham. From his early years, he was a disciple of leading Jerusalem scholars and kabbalists, including Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar, the Or HaChaim HaKadosh. He began studying kabbalah at the Beit E-l Yeshiva for Kabbalists headed by Rabbi Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi, the holy Rashash and was a contemporary of Rabbi Yom Tov Algazi who studied with him in the yeshiva.
In 1753, he embarked on his first mission as a rabbinical emissary on behalf of the Hebron community. During the course of his five years of travel, he passed through Italy, Germany, Holland, England and France. During this mission, his name began to spread. Wherever he traversed, he attracted a great deal of attention and many acknowledged his greatness. In 1873, the Chida embarked on an additional mission on behalf of the Hebron community which left a profound imprint on all the places he visited. At the end of this journey, he settled in Livorno, Italy to serve as rabbi and there he published most of his books.
The Chida was among the greatest authors of all times and composed more than 80 works in all facets of Torah, including his composition Birkei Yosef, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch which has greatly impacted the area of halachic rulings. His books were heralded throughout the entire Jewish Diaspora with high regard. He wrote the majority of his compositions while preoccupied with travelling or with other matters, and with access to very few books, attesting to his overwhelming genius and phenomenal memory. In each city the Chida visited, he would inspect the local libraries and search unknown manuscripts and compositions written by Torah scholars. Due to the great respect and admiration he evoked, he was granted authorization to enter large libraries and museums, such as the National Library of France, in which he spent many hours copying important manuscripts. The vast knowledge he gleaned during these opportunities are infused into all his books, particularly in his bibliographic masterpiece Shem HaGedolim.
Leaf, 10X14.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
Enclosed is an expert's report identifying the handwriting as that of the Chida.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,500
Unsold
Letter by R. Shmuel Shemaya, son of Avraham David Papo, to R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai - the Chida. Ancona, [1777].
The letter opens with titles of lofty praise and tribute (5 lines) to the Chida. Thereafter, the writer writes about his astonishment that he did not receive a letter from the Chida for a long time: "Why have I been forgotten… much time has elapsed and I have not merited receiving your pleasant letters...". Further, he writes of a dream in which the Chida appeared to him: "And twice or three times I have merited speaking to you in a dream and enjoyed your shining countenance…".
On the verso, in another handwriting, is a copy of a letter addressed to the "G-dly kabbalist R. Peretz HaLevi…", without a signature.
R. Shmuel Shemaya Papo, son of R. Avraham David Papo, Rabbi of Ragusa and Ancona. Father of R. Avraham David who was the son-in-law of the kabbalist R. Moshe Zacuto - the Remez. R. Shmuel Shemaya was a sage in Ancona and upon the arrival of the Chida during his travels, the two met and thereafter exchanged correspondence (see enclosed material). In his book Ma'agal Tov (p. 6), the Chida writes of his travels and of his meeting with R. Shmuel Shemaya: "…And we have arrived in Ancona… and several of the sages including the two great luminaries R. S. Papo and R. Y. Peretz…". In the copy of T'fateh Aruch by the Maharam Zacuto, which he received from R. Shmuel Shemaya Papo, the Chida writes: "Book… I received from the perfect tsaddik descendant of the author… Dayan R. Shmuel Shemaya son of R. Avraham son of R. Shmuel, son-in-law and disciple of the author… here in Ancona…" (see enclosed material).
[1] leaf, 26.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and tears to margins.
The letter opens with titles of lofty praise and tribute (5 lines) to the Chida. Thereafter, the writer writes about his astonishment that he did not receive a letter from the Chida for a long time: "Why have I been forgotten… much time has elapsed and I have not merited receiving your pleasant letters...". Further, he writes of a dream in which the Chida appeared to him: "And twice or three times I have merited speaking to you in a dream and enjoyed your shining countenance…".
On the verso, in another handwriting, is a copy of a letter addressed to the "G-dly kabbalist R. Peretz HaLevi…", without a signature.
R. Shmuel Shemaya Papo, son of R. Avraham David Papo, Rabbi of Ragusa and Ancona. Father of R. Avraham David who was the son-in-law of the kabbalist R. Moshe Zacuto - the Remez. R. Shmuel Shemaya was a sage in Ancona and upon the arrival of the Chida during his travels, the two met and thereafter exchanged correspondence (see enclosed material). In his book Ma'agal Tov (p. 6), the Chida writes of his travels and of his meeting with R. Shmuel Shemaya: "…And we have arrived in Ancona… and several of the sages including the two great luminaries R. S. Papo and R. Y. Peretz…". In the copy of T'fateh Aruch by the Maharam Zacuto, which he received from R. Shmuel Shemaya Papo, the Chida writes: "Book… I received from the perfect tsaddik descendant of the author… Dayan R. Shmuel Shemaya son of R. Avraham son of R. Shmuel, son-in-law and disciple of the author… here in Ancona…" (see enclosed material).
[1] leaf, 26.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and tears to margins.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
Emissary letter on behalf of the fund of Rabbi Meir Ba'al HaNess in Tiberias, to the emissary Rabbi Binyamin Nechmad who traveled to Baghdad, Arabistan, Kurdistan, "Calcutta and Bombay and all cities of India as well as to Persia and large city of Bukhara". Tiberias, [1865].
Handwritten on a large parchment sheet; the upper margins are cut in the shape of a dome. Semi-cursive Sephardic (Rashi) script, with some emphasized words written in large square script.
At the bottom of the sheet are 29 signatures of Tiberian rabbis, in Oriental calligraphy. Among the signatories are: "Senior" rabbi, Rabbi Chaim Shmuel HaKohen (Konverti); Rabbi Ya'akov Abulafia; Rabbi Shimon Abadi; Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Abulafia; Rabbi Mordechai Karasanti; Rabbi Menasheh Arzi HaKohen; Rabbi Yedidya HaKohen; Rabbi Chaim Asmaga; Rabbi David Esudri; Rabbi David Netanel Rofeh; Rabbi Avraham Alchadif; Rabbi Baruch Toledano; and many others.
Parchment sheet, 49X64 cm, framed. Good-fair condition. Stains. Creases on parchment. Unexamined out of the frame.
Handwritten on a large parchment sheet; the upper margins are cut in the shape of a dome. Semi-cursive Sephardic (Rashi) script, with some emphasized words written in large square script.
At the bottom of the sheet are 29 signatures of Tiberian rabbis, in Oriental calligraphy. Among the signatories are: "Senior" rabbi, Rabbi Chaim Shmuel HaKohen (Konverti); Rabbi Ya'akov Abulafia; Rabbi Shimon Abadi; Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Abulafia; Rabbi Mordechai Karasanti; Rabbi Menasheh Arzi HaKohen; Rabbi Yedidya HaKohen; Rabbi Chaim Asmaga; Rabbi David Esudri; Rabbi David Netanel Rofeh; Rabbi Avraham Alchadif; Rabbi Baruch Toledano; and many others.
Parchment sheet, 49X64 cm, framed. Good-fair condition. Stains. Creases on parchment. Unexamined out of the frame.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $6,000
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
Parchment megillah containing two stories of deliverance of North African Jewery. [Tangier, Morocco, second half of 19th century].
Ink on parchment, engraved wood.
Charming square script on two parchment sheets. 10 columns, with purple borderlines. Rolled on original wooden handle.
This scroll is composed of two megillot which were read on the two days of "Purim Katan" celebrated in Tangier and in Morocco. The first is the story of the "Purim de las Bombas" deliverance which is followed by the megillah of the salvation of "Sebastian's Purim".
"Purim de las Bombas" (Purim of the bombs) was instituted as a festival for posterity among Tangier Jews after the miracle of the salvation of the Jews of the city in 1849, after French ships bombed the city of Tangier from the sea and the Jewish neighborhood was not harmed in the least. In commemoration of that miracle, sages from Tangier instituted the celebration of Purim Katan each year on the 21st of the month of Av. The story of this deliverance was written for commemoration and was read each year in public, like Megillat Esther, and this day of salvation was celebrated with song and praise.
"Sebastian's Purim" was instituted following the miracle of the deliverance of Morrocan Jews in 1578, at the time Sebastian the King of Portugal attempted to conquer Moroccan cities from the hands of King Moulay Abd Al-Malik. He was joined by King Moulay Muhammed, who formerly served as King of Morocco before his kingdom was seized by Abd Al-Malik. The King of Portugal send a mighty army of 17,000 soldiers in a fleet of 500 ships to Morocco. Using brilliant strategy, the Moroccan army beguiled the Portuguese army deep into their country. The latter marched for five days under the unrelenting boiling Moroccan sun carrying their heavy equipment and finally the battle was fought near the town of El Ksar el Kebir. Within four hours, the Portuguese army was defeated. 8000 soldiers lay dead in the battlefield and another 15,000 were taken into captivity. King Sebastian of Portugal as well as King Abd Al-Malik of Morocco were among the fallen. The third king, Moulay Mohammed drowned himself following the defeat, so all three kings died in one day. From that time, this battle was known as the Battle of the Three Kings. This war directly impacted the fate of Moroccan Jews. Reputedly, two anusim from the Portuguese army told the Jews of Morocco that the King of Portugal had intended to convert the Jews to Christianity after his occupation of Moroccan cities. In commemoration of this miracle of salvation, Moroccan Jews fixed a Purim Katan each year on the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul, with songs and praise and abstaining from work. Moroccan Jews call this festival "Sebastian's Purim" or "Purim de los Cristianos" (Purim of the Christians). The tidings of the death of King Sebastian of Portugal spread to faraway Jewish communities and the Maharit who lived in Safed writes: "In the year of 1579, a meteor was seen for 40 days in the west… It was a sign of the death of the King of Portugal named Sebastian, while fighting in Africa…" (Teshuvot V'Piskei Maharit HeChadashim, Jerusalem 1978, p. 22). This Purim is celebrated by Moroccan Jews up until recent times, and was commemorated by reading a megillah in public, like the reading of Megillat Esther.
Only a few such megillot, written in the form of a scroll (and not in a pamphlet), are known to exist. We do not know of any other parchment copies in the form of a megillah (a scan of a similar megillah written on paper is held in NLI, from the collection of Bill Gross).
Height of parchment: 13.5 cm. wooden handle: 37 cm. Good condition. Stains. Holes in beginning of first sheet. Several breaks to wooden handle. Without lace for tying.
Ink on parchment, engraved wood.
Charming square script on two parchment sheets. 10 columns, with purple borderlines. Rolled on original wooden handle.
This scroll is composed of two megillot which were read on the two days of "Purim Katan" celebrated in Tangier and in Morocco. The first is the story of the "Purim de las Bombas" deliverance which is followed by the megillah of the salvation of "Sebastian's Purim".
"Purim de las Bombas" (Purim of the bombs) was instituted as a festival for posterity among Tangier Jews after the miracle of the salvation of the Jews of the city in 1849, after French ships bombed the city of Tangier from the sea and the Jewish neighborhood was not harmed in the least. In commemoration of that miracle, sages from Tangier instituted the celebration of Purim Katan each year on the 21st of the month of Av. The story of this deliverance was written for commemoration and was read each year in public, like Megillat Esther, and this day of salvation was celebrated with song and praise.
"Sebastian's Purim" was instituted following the miracle of the deliverance of Morrocan Jews in 1578, at the time Sebastian the King of Portugal attempted to conquer Moroccan cities from the hands of King Moulay Abd Al-Malik. He was joined by King Moulay Muhammed, who formerly served as King of Morocco before his kingdom was seized by Abd Al-Malik. The King of Portugal send a mighty army of 17,000 soldiers in a fleet of 500 ships to Morocco. Using brilliant strategy, the Moroccan army beguiled the Portuguese army deep into their country. The latter marched for five days under the unrelenting boiling Moroccan sun carrying their heavy equipment and finally the battle was fought near the town of El Ksar el Kebir. Within four hours, the Portuguese army was defeated. 8000 soldiers lay dead in the battlefield and another 15,000 were taken into captivity. King Sebastian of Portugal as well as King Abd Al-Malik of Morocco were among the fallen. The third king, Moulay Mohammed drowned himself following the defeat, so all three kings died in one day. From that time, this battle was known as the Battle of the Three Kings. This war directly impacted the fate of Moroccan Jews. Reputedly, two anusim from the Portuguese army told the Jews of Morocco that the King of Portugal had intended to convert the Jews to Christianity after his occupation of Moroccan cities. In commemoration of this miracle of salvation, Moroccan Jews fixed a Purim Katan each year on the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul, with songs and praise and abstaining from work. Moroccan Jews call this festival "Sebastian's Purim" or "Purim de los Cristianos" (Purim of the Christians). The tidings of the death of King Sebastian of Portugal spread to faraway Jewish communities and the Maharit who lived in Safed writes: "In the year of 1579, a meteor was seen for 40 days in the west… It was a sign of the death of the King of Portugal named Sebastian, while fighting in Africa…" (Teshuvot V'Piskei Maharit HeChadashim, Jerusalem 1978, p. 22). This Purim is celebrated by Moroccan Jews up until recent times, and was commemorated by reading a megillah in public, like the reading of Megillat Esther.
Only a few such megillot, written in the form of a scroll (and not in a pamphlet), are known to exist. We do not know of any other parchment copies in the form of a megillah (a scan of a similar megillah written on paper is held in NLI, from the collection of Bill Gross).
Height of parchment: 13.5 cm. wooden handle: 37 cm. Good condition. Stains. Holes in beginning of first sheet. Several breaks to wooden handle. Without lace for tying.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $10,000
Sold for: $13,750
Including buyer's premium
Leaf (two written pages) in the handwriting of R. Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, author of the Hafla'ah, novellae on Tractate Nidah.
The leaf contains novellae on Tractate Nidah, from page 5a to page 6b. These novellae have not been printed.
R. Pinchas HaLevi Ish Horowitz, author of the Hafla'ah (1731-1805), close disciple of R. Dov Ber the Magid of Mezeritch [studied under his tutelage together with his brother R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg]. For more than 30 years, he served as Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main, the hub of Torah study in Germany at that time. The Chatam Sofer was among his disciples. He authored important books, including HaMikneh on Tractate Kiddushin, Ketubah on Tractate Ketubot and Hafla'ah on several tractates and on the Shulchan Aruch, giving him his cognomen "Ba'al HaHafla'a".
[1] leaf (2 written pages), 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains and creases, wear and tears to margins.
Enclosed is an expert's report identifying the handwriting as that of the Ba'al Hafla'ah.
The leaf contains novellae on Tractate Nidah, from page 5a to page 6b. These novellae have not been printed.
R. Pinchas HaLevi Ish Horowitz, author of the Hafla'ah (1731-1805), close disciple of R. Dov Ber the Magid of Mezeritch [studied under his tutelage together with his brother R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg]. For more than 30 years, he served as Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main, the hub of Torah study in Germany at that time. The Chatam Sofer was among his disciples. He authored important books, including HaMikneh on Tractate Kiddushin, Ketubah on Tractate Ketubot and Hafla'ah on several tractates and on the Shulchan Aruch, giving him his cognomen "Ba'al HaHafla'a".
[1] leaf (2 written pages), 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains and creases, wear and tears to margins.
Enclosed is an expert's report identifying the handwriting as that of the Ba'al Hafla'ah.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $10,000
Unsold
Letter written by a scribe, with the full signature of R. Aharon of Chernobyl, "Aharon son of the famous R. Mordechai". 10th of Elul [ca. late 1860s].
Letter of family greetings sent to his son-in-law R. David Moshe of Chortkiv and to his daughter Rebbetzin Faiga, and to his grandchildren R. Menachem [Nachum] Mordechai and his wife Sheva, and "the dear groom Yisrael". The letter ends with blessings for the New Year.
R. Aharon Twersky of Chernobyl (1787-1871), foremost Chassidic leader in his times and prominent luminary of the Jewish world in the mid-19th century. He was the eldest son of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl and succeeded his ancestors as Rebbe in the city of Chernobyl. In his youth, he was educated by his grandfather Rebbe Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl, author of Meor Einayim. During his father's lifetime, R. Aharon already filled a central role in the Chassidic world, and his father wrote that in his great holiness, he safeguards his generation. After his father's death in 1838, his eight sons served as rebbes in various cities, however, his eldest son succeeded his father in Chernobyl, esteemed by all his brothers, who gave him deference in their private matters as well [as can be seen by the superlative titles he was given by his brother, R. Avraham the Maggid of Turiysk, who himself was rebbe to thousands of Chassidim]. R. Aharon recognized the authority allotted to him and addressed the public with resolute and decisive terms. For example, in one letter he writes: "I inform them that even if they live as long as Metushelach, they will not know and understand even one thousandth of the good I have done for them in those days, with G-d's help".
R. Aharon lived a long life and merited seeing many of his descendants serve as rebbes, since he was accustomed to appointing his grandsons as rebbes in his lifetime. The most outstanding rebbe among his descendants was the recipient of this letter, his son-in-law R. David Moshe of Chortkiv (1827-1903), who was greatly esteemed by his father-in-law, as he writes in this letter when blessing his son-in-law's Chassidim: "All who are attached with ties of love to the light of the holiness of my holy and pure son-in-law". His daughter, Rebbetzin Faiga, recipient of this letter, was the maternal granddaughter of R. Aharon of Tetiyev, a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov. His grandson R. Menachem Nachum Mordechai, mentioned in the letter, died at a young age in 1870, and his widow Rebbetzin Sheva remarried Rebbe Yisrael of Sadigura. His grandson Yisrael, mentioned in the letter, is Rebbe Yisrael of Chortkiv (1854-1933), an eminent rebbe and leader from the early 1900s until the 1930s.
Leaf, approximately 26 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears and damages to margins (not affecting text), wear and stains.
Letter of family greetings sent to his son-in-law R. David Moshe of Chortkiv and to his daughter Rebbetzin Faiga, and to his grandchildren R. Menachem [Nachum] Mordechai and his wife Sheva, and "the dear groom Yisrael". The letter ends with blessings for the New Year.
R. Aharon Twersky of Chernobyl (1787-1871), foremost Chassidic leader in his times and prominent luminary of the Jewish world in the mid-19th century. He was the eldest son of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl and succeeded his ancestors as Rebbe in the city of Chernobyl. In his youth, he was educated by his grandfather Rebbe Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl, author of Meor Einayim. During his father's lifetime, R. Aharon already filled a central role in the Chassidic world, and his father wrote that in his great holiness, he safeguards his generation. After his father's death in 1838, his eight sons served as rebbes in various cities, however, his eldest son succeeded his father in Chernobyl, esteemed by all his brothers, who gave him deference in their private matters as well [as can be seen by the superlative titles he was given by his brother, R. Avraham the Maggid of Turiysk, who himself was rebbe to thousands of Chassidim]. R. Aharon recognized the authority allotted to him and addressed the public with resolute and decisive terms. For example, in one letter he writes: "I inform them that even if they live as long as Metushelach, they will not know and understand even one thousandth of the good I have done for them in those days, with G-d's help".
R. Aharon lived a long life and merited seeing many of his descendants serve as rebbes, since he was accustomed to appointing his grandsons as rebbes in his lifetime. The most outstanding rebbe among his descendants was the recipient of this letter, his son-in-law R. David Moshe of Chortkiv (1827-1903), who was greatly esteemed by his father-in-law, as he writes in this letter when blessing his son-in-law's Chassidim: "All who are attached with ties of love to the light of the holiness of my holy and pure son-in-law". His daughter, Rebbetzin Faiga, recipient of this letter, was the maternal granddaughter of R. Aharon of Tetiyev, a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov. His grandson R. Menachem Nachum Mordechai, mentioned in the letter, died at a young age in 1870, and his widow Rebbetzin Sheva remarried Rebbe Yisrael of Sadigura. His grandson Yisrael, mentioned in the letter, is Rebbe Yisrael of Chortkiv (1854-1933), an eminent rebbe and leader from the early 1900s until the 1930s.
Leaf, approximately 26 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears and damages to margins (not affecting text), wear and stains.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $8,000
Unsold
Letter with the full signature of R. "Avraham Yaakov son of R. Yisrael" of Sadigura, sent to his son. Undated [probably written in the summer of 1864, to his son R. Shlomo'nyu, during the time he stayed in Vienna for medical care].
The upper half of the letter is lacking, only the last five lines remain - blessings and good wishes (written by a scribe), with the Rebbe's signature: "…and as from time to time, I bestow my blessing upon you that G-d should send you help and speedy salvation, and that I should merit seeing you soon in complete health… with a life of gratification, blessings and peace from the Master of Peace. Your father… Avraham Yaakov son of R. Yisrael".
R. Avraham Yaakov (the First) of Sadigura (1819-1883), a notable rebbe in his times and leader of Charedi Jewry. Son and successor of his holy father, R. Yisrael of Ruzhyn, in his Beit Midrash in Sadigura. Son-in-law of Rebbe Aharon of Karlin, author of Beit Aharon, and by second marriage son-in-law of his brother R. Menachem Nachum of Shtefaneshty. He was rebbe to thousands of Chassidim and many thronged to receive his blessings, counsel and guidance. A holy man, he concealed his great stature, and only by chance the many tikkunim he performed for souls of the dead at their behest from heaven were revealed. He was known for his royal conduct following the Ruzhyn Rebbes' demeanor of wealth and prosperity, but he himself was holy and abstained from food until his intestines completely shriveled. He stood at the helm of Charedi Jewry in his times, and joined the Belzer Rebbe in founding Machzikei HaDat in Galicia. He initiated the completion of the magnificent Tiferet Yisrael synagogue in Jerusalem. He suffered from the Russian government's pursuit of the House of Ruzhyn. Following his letter to Montefiore requesting him to help save Russian Jewry from the Tsar, the Russian authorities turned to the Austro-Hungarian Empire with a libel of counterfeit money, resulting in the imprisonment of R. Avraham Yaakov for two years (from 1856-1858).
His son, the recipient of this letter, is R. Shlomo'nyu, who was sickly and died in his father's lifetime. Glorious dynasties of rebbes branched from his other descendants, which led the Jewish world in various countries: his sons R. Yisrael of Sadigura and R. Yitzchak of Boyan, the dynasties of the Rebbes of Boyan, Sadigura, Bohush (Buhuși), Shtefenesht, Husiatyn, Drohobych, Koptchintz, etc.
Leaf, approximately 14.5X8 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear and tears. Lacking upper half of letter.
This letter was printed in the book Igrot HaRav HaKadosh M'Ruzhyn U'Vanav, Part 2, Igeret (letter) 114, p. 255.
The upper half of the letter is lacking, only the last five lines remain - blessings and good wishes (written by a scribe), with the Rebbe's signature: "…and as from time to time, I bestow my blessing upon you that G-d should send you help and speedy salvation, and that I should merit seeing you soon in complete health… with a life of gratification, blessings and peace from the Master of Peace. Your father… Avraham Yaakov son of R. Yisrael".
R. Avraham Yaakov (the First) of Sadigura (1819-1883), a notable rebbe in his times and leader of Charedi Jewry. Son and successor of his holy father, R. Yisrael of Ruzhyn, in his Beit Midrash in Sadigura. Son-in-law of Rebbe Aharon of Karlin, author of Beit Aharon, and by second marriage son-in-law of his brother R. Menachem Nachum of Shtefaneshty. He was rebbe to thousands of Chassidim and many thronged to receive his blessings, counsel and guidance. A holy man, he concealed his great stature, and only by chance the many tikkunim he performed for souls of the dead at their behest from heaven were revealed. He was known for his royal conduct following the Ruzhyn Rebbes' demeanor of wealth and prosperity, but he himself was holy and abstained from food until his intestines completely shriveled. He stood at the helm of Charedi Jewry in his times, and joined the Belzer Rebbe in founding Machzikei HaDat in Galicia. He initiated the completion of the magnificent Tiferet Yisrael synagogue in Jerusalem. He suffered from the Russian government's pursuit of the House of Ruzhyn. Following his letter to Montefiore requesting him to help save Russian Jewry from the Tsar, the Russian authorities turned to the Austro-Hungarian Empire with a libel of counterfeit money, resulting in the imprisonment of R. Avraham Yaakov for two years (from 1856-1858).
His son, the recipient of this letter, is R. Shlomo'nyu, who was sickly and died in his father's lifetime. Glorious dynasties of rebbes branched from his other descendants, which led the Jewish world in various countries: his sons R. Yisrael of Sadigura and R. Yitzchak of Boyan, the dynasties of the Rebbes of Boyan, Sadigura, Bohush (Buhuși), Shtefenesht, Husiatyn, Drohobych, Koptchintz, etc.
Leaf, approximately 14.5X8 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear and tears. Lacking upper half of letter.
This letter was printed in the book Igrot HaRav HaKadosh M'Ruzhyn U'Vanav, Part 2, Igeret (letter) 114, p. 255.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $18,000
Unsold
Autograph letter by R. Mordechai Rabbi of Korets and of Lutsk, signed "Mordechai". [Korets, ca. early 1800s].
Halachic question regarding the writing of names on Gittin (divorce bills), sent to R. Ephraim Zalman Margolioth of Brody, author of Beit Efraim [the response to this question was printed in the Beit Efraim responsa, Hilchot Gittin, Siman 109. Noted in the index, that the responsum was sent to Korets]. In this letter, R. Mordechai mentions the previous rabbi of the city, R. Yitzchak Isaac HaCohen, author of Brit Kehunat Olam who was Rabbi of Korets: "And upon my arrival here, I have found the custom of those who arranged gittin in the days of the famed Torah scholar R. Isaac HaCohen".
R. Mordechai [Margolioth] Rabbi of Korets (died after 1822, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, Vol. 3, p. 218) was the son of R. Pinchas Rabbi of Kolky and relative of the recipient, R. Ephraim Zalman Margolioth. He served as Rabbi of Korets from ca. 1798. His approbations appear in many books printed in his lifetime from 1798-1822 and in all the approbations, he is highly lauded which indicated his high status in his era of great Torah luminaries. Most of his approbations were for kabbalist and Chassidic books such as: Or Torah by the Magid of Mezritch, Or HaMe'ir by R. Ze'ev of Zhitomir, Kedushat Levi by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv, etc. From ca. 1816-1818, he also served as Rabbi of Lutsk while retaining his position in the Korets rabbinate. Recently, an "ohel" (tent) was constructed above his gravesite in Korets by the Ohalei Tsaddikim association (see enclosed material).
His only daughter wed R. Yosef of Lublin and of Torchin, son and successor of the Chozeh of Lublin (in his approbation to the book Or P'nei Moshe, R. Mordechai mentions his visit to the Chozeh of Lublin). His son-in-law Rebbe Yosef died at a young age in 1818,
leaving two girls. One married R. Menachem Nachum of Makariv-Chernobyl, and a long line of important Rebbes descended from her progeny.
Leaf, 22 cm. Greenish paper. 25 handwritten lines. Good condition. Minor damages to margins and slight creases. One of the words of the last line was originally written on a folding crease.
Enclosed is a report by an expert on rabbinical manuscripts, who writes about the rabbi who wrote the letter and about the item.
Halachic question regarding the writing of names on Gittin (divorce bills), sent to R. Ephraim Zalman Margolioth of Brody, author of Beit Efraim [the response to this question was printed in the Beit Efraim responsa, Hilchot Gittin, Siman 109. Noted in the index, that the responsum was sent to Korets]. In this letter, R. Mordechai mentions the previous rabbi of the city, R. Yitzchak Isaac HaCohen, author of Brit Kehunat Olam who was Rabbi of Korets: "And upon my arrival here, I have found the custom of those who arranged gittin in the days of the famed Torah scholar R. Isaac HaCohen".
R. Mordechai [Margolioth] Rabbi of Korets (died after 1822, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, Vol. 3, p. 218) was the son of R. Pinchas Rabbi of Kolky and relative of the recipient, R. Ephraim Zalman Margolioth. He served as Rabbi of Korets from ca. 1798. His approbations appear in many books printed in his lifetime from 1798-1822 and in all the approbations, he is highly lauded which indicated his high status in his era of great Torah luminaries. Most of his approbations were for kabbalist and Chassidic books such as: Or Torah by the Magid of Mezritch, Or HaMe'ir by R. Ze'ev of Zhitomir, Kedushat Levi by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv, etc. From ca. 1816-1818, he also served as Rabbi of Lutsk while retaining his position in the Korets rabbinate. Recently, an "ohel" (tent) was constructed above his gravesite in Korets by the Ohalei Tsaddikim association (see enclosed material).
His only daughter wed R. Yosef of Lublin and of Torchin, son and successor of the Chozeh of Lublin (in his approbation to the book Or P'nei Moshe, R. Mordechai mentions his visit to the Chozeh of Lublin). His son-in-law Rebbe Yosef died at a young age in 1818,
leaving two girls. One married R. Menachem Nachum of Makariv-Chernobyl, and a long line of important Rebbes descended from her progeny.
Leaf, 22 cm. Greenish paper. 25 handwritten lines. Good condition. Minor damages to margins and slight creases. One of the words of the last line was originally written on a folding crease.
Enclosed is a report by an expert on rabbinical manuscripts, who writes about the rabbi who wrote the letter and about the item.
Catalogue