Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 51 - 60 of 165
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $4,000
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
Interesting letter signed by Rebbe "Meshulam Feish Segal Lőwy". Ebelsberg, 1950.
Sent to the celebrated R. Efraim Fishel, "Rabbi of R.P" [Regensburg?]. On verso is a draft of a halachic responsum (on the laws of Kiddush Levana) in the handwriting of the recipient R. Efraim Fishel Hershkowitz [Rabbi of Hallein]. The letter begins addressing the sale of Chumashim [apparently, the Komarno Chumashim Hechal HaBeracha] that belonged to R. Efraim Fishel, "at the time the Chumashim left the printing press, I took from the new ones…". The letter contains halachic questions on the topic of Kiddush Levana in the northern countries in which the moon cannot be seen for several months. Also discussed is the subject of conditional burial.
The Tosher Rebbe, R. Meshulam Feish Segal Lőwy (1922-2015), son of R. Mordechai of Demecser, grandson of R. Meshulam Feish Lőwy of Tosh (the first), stayed in the DP camp in Ebelsberg, Germany after the Holocaust, in 1951 he immigrated to Montreal, Canada and in 1963 established the Beit HaLevi enclave of Tosh Chassidism. He was celebrated for his long prayers and devout conduct; serving G-d with incredible devotion. Many flocked to spend Shabbat in his presence, among them some of the leading Chassidic figures in the US and Canada. Some of his Torah thoughts were printed in the series of the Avodat Avodah books. This letter was printed (with a few mistakes) in Avodat Avodah - Michtevei Kodesh" (Kiryat Tosh Canada, 2016), Letter no. 51.
The recipient, R. Efraim Fishel Hershkowitz (1922-2017), became a leading posek in the US. Born in Mukacheve, he was a disciple of the author of Chakal Yitzchak of Spinka. After the Holocaust he served as Rabbi of Hallein (Austria) and in the Regensburg DP camp. In those days, he became very close to the Klausenburg-Sanz Rebbe. Upon his arrival in the US, the Klausenburg Rebbe appointed him Ra'avad of the Beit Din of the US Sanz-Klausenburg community, a position he held for over 60 years. R. Hershkowitz was known by the title "Hallein Rabbi" and was celebrated as a prominent posek and Torah figure in American Charedi circles. He was asked to speak at public assemblies and his approbations appear in hundreds of halachic books printed in our times.
Leaf, 28.5 cm. Written on both sides. Good condition. Wear and minor stains.
Sent to the celebrated R. Efraim Fishel, "Rabbi of R.P" [Regensburg?]. On verso is a draft of a halachic responsum (on the laws of Kiddush Levana) in the handwriting of the recipient R. Efraim Fishel Hershkowitz [Rabbi of Hallein]. The letter begins addressing the sale of Chumashim [apparently, the Komarno Chumashim Hechal HaBeracha] that belonged to R. Efraim Fishel, "at the time the Chumashim left the printing press, I took from the new ones…". The letter contains halachic questions on the topic of Kiddush Levana in the northern countries in which the moon cannot be seen for several months. Also discussed is the subject of conditional burial.
The Tosher Rebbe, R. Meshulam Feish Segal Lőwy (1922-2015), son of R. Mordechai of Demecser, grandson of R. Meshulam Feish Lőwy of Tosh (the first), stayed in the DP camp in Ebelsberg, Germany after the Holocaust, in 1951 he immigrated to Montreal, Canada and in 1963 established the Beit HaLevi enclave of Tosh Chassidism. He was celebrated for his long prayers and devout conduct; serving G-d with incredible devotion. Many flocked to spend Shabbat in his presence, among them some of the leading Chassidic figures in the US and Canada. Some of his Torah thoughts were printed in the series of the Avodat Avodah books. This letter was printed (with a few mistakes) in Avodat Avodah - Michtevei Kodesh" (Kiryat Tosh Canada, 2016), Letter no. 51.
The recipient, R. Efraim Fishel Hershkowitz (1922-2017), became a leading posek in the US. Born in Mukacheve, he was a disciple of the author of Chakal Yitzchak of Spinka. After the Holocaust he served as Rabbi of Hallein (Austria) and in the Regensburg DP camp. In those days, he became very close to the Klausenburg-Sanz Rebbe. Upon his arrival in the US, the Klausenburg Rebbe appointed him Ra'avad of the Beit Din of the US Sanz-Klausenburg community, a position he held for over 60 years. R. Hershkowitz was known by the title "Hallein Rabbi" and was celebrated as a prominent posek and Torah figure in American Charedi circles. He was asked to speak at public assemblies and his approbations appear in hundreds of halachic books printed in our times.
Leaf, 28.5 cm. Written on both sides. Good condition. Wear and minor stains.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $40,000
Sold for: $62,500
Including buyer's premium
Handwritten leaf, ruling signed by the Nodah B'Yehuda. Prague, 1762.
Ruling of arbitration concerning the construction of a brick wall for the Chevra Kaddisha Gomlei Chassadim in the courtyard of the Prague synagogue. Sribal writing signed by the Nodah B'Yehuda: "Yechezkel Segal Landau".
The ruling was written after two community heads who served simultaneously as gaba'im of the synagogue and of the Chevra Kaddisha approached the Nodah B'Yehuda: "R. Yitzchak Austrelitz, the head of our community and R. Yosef Kreplach community notable, gaba'im of the synagogue came before me…". The document continues to record that the Chevra Kaddisha wishes to build a brick wall to replace the wooden wall which was there until then (fear lest it be a fire hazard), and this wall will somewhat encroach upon the area of the synagogue court.
R. Yechezkel Segal Landau, the Nodah B'Yehuda (1714-1793), renowned Rabbi of Prague and leading posek and Torah scholar of his times was born in Apta and after his marriage relocated to Brody. There he was appointed Rabbi of the sages of the famous kloiz in which he studied Torah day and night and among other subjects also received kabbalistic teachings from R. Chaim Sanzer, who praised him with superlative terms of regard. In 1734, he was appointed dayan in Brody and his fame as a posek began to spread. At that early stage of his life, serious questions related to releasing agunot were referred to his expert command of halacha. In 1746, he was appointed Rabbi of Yampil and from 1755 Rabbi of Prague succeeding R. David Oppenheim. In Prague, he headed the yeshiva and his authority and far-reaching influence spread throughout the Diaspora. He had many eminent disciples such as R. Avraham Danzig, author of Chayei Adam, R. Elazar Fleckeles, author of Teshuva MeAhava, R. David Deutsch, author of Ohel David, etc. The Nodah B'Yehuda was actively involved in the great polemics of his times. He was active in arbitrating the dispute between R. Ya'akov Emden and R. Yehonatan Eybeshutz, was one of the leading speakers in the affair of the Cleves Get and fiercely fought the German maskilim (Enlightenment Movement). He was famed as a posek for posterity by his two-volume book of responsa Nodah B'Yehuda, one of the basic and most important books of responsa and halacha, and most of his rulings were fixed as the halacha for following generations. Among his other compositions: Zion L'Nefesh Chaya (Tzalach) on Talmudic tractates, Dagul M'Revava - Glosses on the Shulchan Aruch, etc. Much has already been written on his attitude towards Chassidism and its leaders. The Nodah B'Yehuda was related to the wife of the Ba'al Shem Tov but opposed Chassidism. However, some claim that his opinion of Chassidism was ambiguous and complex. Great Chassidic leaders held him in high esteem. It is told that the Ba'al Shem Tov said: we could not harm the Nodah B'Yehuda since "in his soul, holy sparks of souls are hidden" (Gelman, HaNodah B'Yehuda U'Mishnato, p. 63).
[1] (folded) leaf, 28 cm. Good condition. Few stains. Folding creases.
Below the ruling is a (German) signature of Carlos Fischer - the German Christian censor, from later time - 1824. The top of the leaf bears two official stamps.
Ruling of arbitration concerning the construction of a brick wall for the Chevra Kaddisha Gomlei Chassadim in the courtyard of the Prague synagogue. Sribal writing signed by the Nodah B'Yehuda: "Yechezkel Segal Landau".
The ruling was written after two community heads who served simultaneously as gaba'im of the synagogue and of the Chevra Kaddisha approached the Nodah B'Yehuda: "R. Yitzchak Austrelitz, the head of our community and R. Yosef Kreplach community notable, gaba'im of the synagogue came before me…". The document continues to record that the Chevra Kaddisha wishes to build a brick wall to replace the wooden wall which was there until then (fear lest it be a fire hazard), and this wall will somewhat encroach upon the area of the synagogue court.
R. Yechezkel Segal Landau, the Nodah B'Yehuda (1714-1793), renowned Rabbi of Prague and leading posek and Torah scholar of his times was born in Apta and after his marriage relocated to Brody. There he was appointed Rabbi of the sages of the famous kloiz in which he studied Torah day and night and among other subjects also received kabbalistic teachings from R. Chaim Sanzer, who praised him with superlative terms of regard. In 1734, he was appointed dayan in Brody and his fame as a posek began to spread. At that early stage of his life, serious questions related to releasing agunot were referred to his expert command of halacha. In 1746, he was appointed Rabbi of Yampil and from 1755 Rabbi of Prague succeeding R. David Oppenheim. In Prague, he headed the yeshiva and his authority and far-reaching influence spread throughout the Diaspora. He had many eminent disciples such as R. Avraham Danzig, author of Chayei Adam, R. Elazar Fleckeles, author of Teshuva MeAhava, R. David Deutsch, author of Ohel David, etc. The Nodah B'Yehuda was actively involved in the great polemics of his times. He was active in arbitrating the dispute between R. Ya'akov Emden and R. Yehonatan Eybeshutz, was one of the leading speakers in the affair of the Cleves Get and fiercely fought the German maskilim (Enlightenment Movement). He was famed as a posek for posterity by his two-volume book of responsa Nodah B'Yehuda, one of the basic and most important books of responsa and halacha, and most of his rulings were fixed as the halacha for following generations. Among his other compositions: Zion L'Nefesh Chaya (Tzalach) on Talmudic tractates, Dagul M'Revava - Glosses on the Shulchan Aruch, etc. Much has already been written on his attitude towards Chassidism and its leaders. The Nodah B'Yehuda was related to the wife of the Ba'al Shem Tov but opposed Chassidism. However, some claim that his opinion of Chassidism was ambiguous and complex. Great Chassidic leaders held him in high esteem. It is told that the Ba'al Shem Tov said: we could not harm the Nodah B'Yehuda since "in his soul, holy sparks of souls are hidden" (Gelman, HaNodah B'Yehuda U'Mishnato, p. 63).
[1] (folded) leaf, 28 cm. Good condition. Few stains. Folding creases.
Below the ruling is a (German) signature of Carlos Fischer - the German Christian censor, from later time - 1824. The top of the leaf bears two official stamps.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
Manuscript, halachic ruling concerning chalitza, handwritten and signed by R. Shmuel Landau. Prague, 1808.
The ruling begins with the words, "It happened in our community…", and deals with a question which arose in Prague regarding chalitza. After the place for the chalitza was fixed, one of the dayanim was prevented from attending the ritual. R. Shmuel Landau ruled leniently to permit concluding the chalitza in the presence of a different assembly of a Beit Din. The ruling is signed at the end: "Shmuel". After the signature, he adds the details of the event: "This occurred in Prague on Tuesday the 26th of Sivan, 1808, at the time Rivka the daughter of Zelig performed chalitza with her brother-in-law Sinai son of Avraham from here".
R. Shmuel HaLevi (Segal) Landau (ca. 1750-1834; according to another opinion, he died in Tishrei 1837) was a famous sage of his times. Son and successor of the Noda B'Yehuda in the Prague rabbinate. His responsa and homilies were printed in his father's books, the Nodah B'Yehuda series and in his book Shivat Zion and elsewhere. He served as dayan in Prague in his father's lifetime and headed the senior yeshiva in the city. After his father's death, R. Shmuel was not appointed as Rabbi of Prague due to various disputes among community leaders who did not want to accept the testament of the Nodah B'Yehuda to appoint R. Shmuel as his successor, but his authority was recognized in the entire Jewish Diaspora as a leading Torah scholar and dayan of Prague, which was a center of Torah scholars and poskim. He was very active in bolstering religious adherence, in fighting the Reform Movement and their "religious revisions", as well as opposing Frankism in his city (which eventually led to his imprisonment). He exchanged halachic correspondence with the Chatam Sofer, who mentions R. Shmuel several times in his books with great esteem [see the responsum of the Chatam Sofer (Part 8, Siman 65), in which he relates that only twice did he retract a halachic ruling, once after he accepted the opinion of R. Ephraim Zalman Margolioth and again at the time he conceded to the opinion of R. Shmuel Landau on the matter of writing names for gittin].
[1] leaf, 19 cm. Stains. Folding creases.
The ruling begins with the words, "It happened in our community…", and deals with a question which arose in Prague regarding chalitza. After the place for the chalitza was fixed, one of the dayanim was prevented from attending the ritual. R. Shmuel Landau ruled leniently to permit concluding the chalitza in the presence of a different assembly of a Beit Din. The ruling is signed at the end: "Shmuel". After the signature, he adds the details of the event: "This occurred in Prague on Tuesday the 26th of Sivan, 1808, at the time Rivka the daughter of Zelig performed chalitza with her brother-in-law Sinai son of Avraham from here".
R. Shmuel HaLevi (Segal) Landau (ca. 1750-1834; according to another opinion, he died in Tishrei 1837) was a famous sage of his times. Son and successor of the Noda B'Yehuda in the Prague rabbinate. His responsa and homilies were printed in his father's books, the Nodah B'Yehuda series and in his book Shivat Zion and elsewhere. He served as dayan in Prague in his father's lifetime and headed the senior yeshiva in the city. After his father's death, R. Shmuel was not appointed as Rabbi of Prague due to various disputes among community leaders who did not want to accept the testament of the Nodah B'Yehuda to appoint R. Shmuel as his successor, but his authority was recognized in the entire Jewish Diaspora as a leading Torah scholar and dayan of Prague, which was a center of Torah scholars and poskim. He was very active in bolstering religious adherence, in fighting the Reform Movement and their "religious revisions", as well as opposing Frankism in his city (which eventually led to his imprisonment). He exchanged halachic correspondence with the Chatam Sofer, who mentions R. Shmuel several times in his books with great esteem [see the responsum of the Chatam Sofer (Part 8, Siman 65), in which he relates that only twice did he retract a halachic ruling, once after he accepted the opinion of R. Ephraim Zalman Margolioth and again at the time he conceded to the opinion of R. Shmuel Landau on the matter of writing names for gittin].
[1] leaf, 19 cm. Stains. Folding creases.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Endpaper (from a book), with signatures and self-dedications handwritten by R. Yaakov Moshe Levenstam, son and successor of R. Shaul, Rabbi of Amsterdam. [Amsterdam, before 1790].
Ownership inscription: "Yaakov Moshe son of… R. Shaul - From R. Moshe Kassil".
A detailed genealogy of the families of the Chacham Zvi and of R. Heshel of Krakow appears under this inscription: "Yaakov Moshe son of R. Shaul, son-in-law of R. Avraham Kahane and son of R. Aryeh Leib, son-in-law of the Chacham Zvi and son of R. Shaul son of R. Heshel son of R. Yaakov of Lublin".
R. Yaakov Moshe Levenstam (1744-1815) succeeded his father R. Shaul (1717-1790) as Rabbi of Amsterdam in 1793. Son-in-law of his uncle R. Tzvi Hirsch, Rabbi of Berlin (1721-1800). Before he moved to Amsterdam, he served as Rabbi of Wielen (Rhineland), Germany.
Leaf, approx. 32 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Other handwritten signatures and inscriptions.
Ownership inscription: "Yaakov Moshe son of… R. Shaul - From R. Moshe Kassil".
A detailed genealogy of the families of the Chacham Zvi and of R. Heshel of Krakow appears under this inscription: "Yaakov Moshe son of R. Shaul, son-in-law of R. Avraham Kahane and son of R. Aryeh Leib, son-in-law of the Chacham Zvi and son of R. Shaul son of R. Heshel son of R. Yaakov of Lublin".
R. Yaakov Moshe Levenstam (1744-1815) succeeded his father R. Shaul (1717-1790) as Rabbi of Amsterdam in 1793. Son-in-law of his uncle R. Tzvi Hirsch, Rabbi of Berlin (1721-1800). Before he moved to Amsterdam, he served as Rabbi of Wielen (Rhineland), Germany.
Leaf, approx. 32 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Other handwritten signatures and inscriptions.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $18,000
Sold for: $35,000
Including buyer's premium
Single leaf (two handwritten pages - over 100 lines) handwritten by R. Moshe Sofer, the Chatam Sofer - novellae for Yom Kippur and Sukkot. [Pressburg (Bratislava), 1831].
Large leaf, handwritten on both sides. One side contains the title "Granted to me by G-d for Yom Kippur, 1831", and the second side contains the title "Granted to me by G-d for Sukkot, 1831".
These paragraphs were printed in Drashot Chatam Sofer (part I, pages 34b and 51b-52a). The leaf contains the complete Torah novellae for Yom Kippur and Sukkot, 1831.
The Chatam Sofer would write and organize all his novellae, sermons, lessons and Torah responsa. As he described in one of his letters, "I have written all the Torah thoughts with which G-d has enlightened me, and they are available to all who wish to copy them, just as earlier generations did before the advent of the printing press". Out of fondness of his holy Torah novellae, his descendants and disciples would preserve his holy manuscripts, as a segula for fear of Heaven and salvation.
Single leaf, [2] written pages. Approximately 104 handwritten lines. 25X40 cm. Good condition. Stains.
Large leaf, handwritten on both sides. One side contains the title "Granted to me by G-d for Yom Kippur, 1831", and the second side contains the title "Granted to me by G-d for Sukkot, 1831".
These paragraphs were printed in Drashot Chatam Sofer (part I, pages 34b and 51b-52a). The leaf contains the complete Torah novellae for Yom Kippur and Sukkot, 1831.
The Chatam Sofer would write and organize all his novellae, sermons, lessons and Torah responsa. As he described in one of his letters, "I have written all the Torah thoughts with which G-d has enlightened me, and they are available to all who wish to copy them, just as earlier generations did before the advent of the printing press". Out of fondness of his holy Torah novellae, his descendants and disciples would preserve his holy manuscripts, as a segula for fear of Heaven and salvation.
Single leaf, [2] written pages. Approximately 104 handwritten lines. 25X40 cm. Good condition. Stains.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Long autograph letter (2 large closely-written pages) signed by R. Simcha Bunim Ginz-Eiger, who signed: "Bunim Ginz of E.S." [Eisenstadt]. "Ma.D." [Mattersdorf], 1822.
Family letter to his son R. Moshe Ginz, to his daughter-in-law Ms. Ritcha and to his granddaughter Tzirel. The letter is mainly composed of Torah discussion; however, it opens and closes with family matters and regards to various people. Before the signature, R. Eiger reports of happy family tidings upon the birth of a son to his brother R. Akiva Eiger and a daughter to his brother's son-in-law, the Chatam Sofer: "Before I conclude this letter, I bless you with a triple blessing, upon the bar-mitzvah of Zvi Yehuda, and upon the birth of a son to my brother, and the birth of a daughter to his son-in-law, Rabbi of the Pressburg community. G-d should always bring us joy with good tidings. While visiting Eisenstadt staying at my brother's home, I received a letter from my brother with the blessed news of the birth of his son…".
At the end of the letter are three lines in the handwriting of one of R. Bunim's sons, who also writes of the joyous news in the home of their uncle R. Akiva Eiger and his son-in-law the Chatam Sofer: "I too... send regards and triple good wishes upon the birth of a son to our modest sister, and a son to our uncle R. Akiva and a daughter to his son-in-law, G-d should continue always bringing us joy and good tidings to send one to another".
Rabbi Simcha Bunim Ginz-Eiger Rabbi of Mattersdorf (Mattersburg) (1770-1829), younger brother and Torah companion of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, was an outstanding Torah genius of his times. He served as Rabbi of Rogoźno (Posen region), and in 1810 succeeded the Chatam Sofer in the Mattersdorf rabbinate. The Chatam Sofer sent him many responsa, and his high regard for R. Simcha Bunim is obvious from the titles used in these responsa. Dozens of responsa written to Rabbi Simcha Bunim appear in the responsa of his brother Rabbi Akiva Eiger, and he refers to him with great esteem: "…If my brother the Torah genius agrees with this…"; "I was very happy to see that you approved of my thoughts" (at the end of the book Drush V'Chiddush); "…And if this does not seem acceptable to my brother, my words shall be void" (ibid); "…All these are hidden from my blind eyes, perhaps you have ways to understand me and explain our Rabbis' words properly" (ibid); "My lowly opinion is nullified before your great opinion" (Ginzei Rabbi Akiva Eiger, 13); "Inform me your lofty thoughts about this… Your friend, who is attached to you with love" (a compilation with a collection of about 40 letters of correspondence between the great brothers named Alei Esev was published in London in 1995). Among his famous sons and sons-in-law are R. Moshe Ginz-Schlesinger who wrote this manuscript; R. Yosef Ginz-Schlesinger (son-in-law of his uncle's wife); R. Shmuel and his renowned son-in-law Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Ulman Av Beit Din of Makova and author of Yeri'ot Shlomo.
His son, the recipient of this letter: R. Moshe Ginz-Schlesinger (died 1857), beloved disciple of his uncle Rabbi Akiva Eiger. Served as rabbi in Wieluń (near Posen). In 1830, he was accepted to the Hamburg Kloiz in the Beit Midrash of Rabbi Leib son of R. Shaul (see Igrot Sofrim, Letters of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, 22, Rabbi Akiva Eiger writes to his brother Rabbi Bunim: "…to give good tidings that your son my friend the clever Rabbi Moshe became a resident of the Beit Midrash in Hamburg…"). He prepared for print much of the teachings of his uncle Rabbi Akiva Eiger, as cited in the introduction of Drush V'Chidush. His name is repeatedly mentioned in the writings of Rabbi Akiva Eiger and of the Chatam Sofer. See: Chachmei Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbek (Hamburg, 1908, p. 119).
Leaf, approximately 24 cm. Written on both sides. Fair condition, worn margins (repaired with paper filling).
Family letter to his son R. Moshe Ginz, to his daughter-in-law Ms. Ritcha and to his granddaughter Tzirel. The letter is mainly composed of Torah discussion; however, it opens and closes with family matters and regards to various people. Before the signature, R. Eiger reports of happy family tidings upon the birth of a son to his brother R. Akiva Eiger and a daughter to his brother's son-in-law, the Chatam Sofer: "Before I conclude this letter, I bless you with a triple blessing, upon the bar-mitzvah of Zvi Yehuda, and upon the birth of a son to my brother, and the birth of a daughter to his son-in-law, Rabbi of the Pressburg community. G-d should always bring us joy with good tidings. While visiting Eisenstadt staying at my brother's home, I received a letter from my brother with the blessed news of the birth of his son…".
At the end of the letter are three lines in the handwriting of one of R. Bunim's sons, who also writes of the joyous news in the home of their uncle R. Akiva Eiger and his son-in-law the Chatam Sofer: "I too... send regards and triple good wishes upon the birth of a son to our modest sister, and a son to our uncle R. Akiva and a daughter to his son-in-law, G-d should continue always bringing us joy and good tidings to send one to another".
Rabbi Simcha Bunim Ginz-Eiger Rabbi of Mattersdorf (Mattersburg) (1770-1829), younger brother and Torah companion of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, was an outstanding Torah genius of his times. He served as Rabbi of Rogoźno (Posen region), and in 1810 succeeded the Chatam Sofer in the Mattersdorf rabbinate. The Chatam Sofer sent him many responsa, and his high regard for R. Simcha Bunim is obvious from the titles used in these responsa. Dozens of responsa written to Rabbi Simcha Bunim appear in the responsa of his brother Rabbi Akiva Eiger, and he refers to him with great esteem: "…If my brother the Torah genius agrees with this…"; "I was very happy to see that you approved of my thoughts" (at the end of the book Drush V'Chiddush); "…And if this does not seem acceptable to my brother, my words shall be void" (ibid); "…All these are hidden from my blind eyes, perhaps you have ways to understand me and explain our Rabbis' words properly" (ibid); "My lowly opinion is nullified before your great opinion" (Ginzei Rabbi Akiva Eiger, 13); "Inform me your lofty thoughts about this… Your friend, who is attached to you with love" (a compilation with a collection of about 40 letters of correspondence between the great brothers named Alei Esev was published in London in 1995). Among his famous sons and sons-in-law are R. Moshe Ginz-Schlesinger who wrote this manuscript; R. Yosef Ginz-Schlesinger (son-in-law of his uncle's wife); R. Shmuel and his renowned son-in-law Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Ulman Av Beit Din of Makova and author of Yeri'ot Shlomo.
His son, the recipient of this letter: R. Moshe Ginz-Schlesinger (died 1857), beloved disciple of his uncle Rabbi Akiva Eiger. Served as rabbi in Wieluń (near Posen). In 1830, he was accepted to the Hamburg Kloiz in the Beit Midrash of Rabbi Leib son of R. Shaul (see Igrot Sofrim, Letters of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, 22, Rabbi Akiva Eiger writes to his brother Rabbi Bunim: "…to give good tidings that your son my friend the clever Rabbi Moshe became a resident of the Beit Midrash in Hamburg…"). He prepared for print much of the teachings of his uncle Rabbi Akiva Eiger, as cited in the introduction of Drush V'Chidush. His name is repeatedly mentioned in the writings of Rabbi Akiva Eiger and of the Chatam Sofer. See: Chachmei Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbek (Hamburg, 1908, p. 119).
Leaf, approximately 24 cm. Written on both sides. Fair condition, worn margins (repaired with paper filling).
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $6,000
Sold for: $9,375
Including buyer's premium
Long (2-page) autograph letter signed by R. Shlomo Eiger, to "…Rabbi of Krotoszyn". Posen (Poznań), 26th of Kislev 1845.
Autograph in small close clear handwriting. Bearing his unique signature, which combines Hebrew and Polish: "S. Eiger הק"ש איגר" (his first initial and surname in Hebrew). This letter was written as a rejoinder to a polemic letter sent to him by R. Shmuel Mendelson of the Krotoszyn rabbinate, but it was never sent. An inscription was added to the beginning of the letter: "I have not sent this letter, however I responded to that which he said to investigate the three people which he mentioned by name, and he told me to write again briefly". The letter is about a responsum (cited in the R. Shlomo Eiger responsa, Orach Chaim, Siman 3) send by R. Shlomo Eiger at the beginning of the month of Kislev 1856, to the Krotoszyn community regarding a halachic controversy in the city which evolved around changing the customs of a synagogue which was rebuilt after the old one was consumed by fire. In the responsum printed in the aforementioned book, the name of R. Shmuel Mendelson is mentioned as one party involved in this halachic dispute. In general, R. Shlomo agreed to the ruling of R. Shmuel, however in some of the issues of this polemic, R. Shlomo concurred with the opinion of Dayan R. Yisrael Goldschmidt (disciple of R. Akiva Eiger) who was in disaccord with that ruling.
From this letter, we can derive that R. Shmuel sent R. Shlomo in response a letter protesting his involvement in this matter, deviating from his father's practice of not entangling himself in disputes against rabbis of other cities. R. Shlomo responded at the beginning of this letter: "…Please forgive me if I say that I do not believe that which you wrote that my father did not justify opinions which were in opposition to that of the prevailing rabbi, but always respected the prevailing rabbi's opinion - how can I believe such a derogatory statement about him. However, I do believe that in matters which did not pertain to Torah law, he respected the rabbi, but what can I do if you did not understand the places in which I wrote not to do anything which does not comply with the opinion of the prevailing rabbi… I also do not understand why you claim that I justified the opposing opinion over yours. I actually, rejected the opposing opinion concerning the main practical aspect of the discussion and justified your ruling not to nullify the old custom…".
R. Shlomo Eiger (1786-1852), a leading Torah scholar in his times, second son of R. Akiva Eiger (and brother-in-law of the Chatam Sofer) was among the most learned and wealthy Warsaw residents and after he lost his fortune during the 1831 Battle of Warsaw (R. Shlomo Eiger, R. Chaim Davidson and R. Berish Meisels supported the revolt), he was appointed to the Kalish rabbinate. In 1840, he succeeded his father as Rabbi of Posen. He edited and published his father's responsa and novellae adding a few of his own novellae to these books. In addition, his books Gilyon Maharsha on the Talmud and on the Shulchan Aruch were also printed. The book Rabbi Shlomo Eiger responsa printed by Mossad HaRav Kook (Jerusalem, 1983-1985) and Sefer Ha'Ikarim - explanations of halachic principles (Jerusalem, 1991-1996) are composed of his writings.
Leaf, 20 cm. approximately 42 autograph lines written on both sides. Good-fair condition. Wear, holes and tears, scarcely affecting text.
Autograph in small close clear handwriting. Bearing his unique signature, which combines Hebrew and Polish: "S. Eiger הק"ש איגר" (his first initial and surname in Hebrew). This letter was written as a rejoinder to a polemic letter sent to him by R. Shmuel Mendelson of the Krotoszyn rabbinate, but it was never sent. An inscription was added to the beginning of the letter: "I have not sent this letter, however I responded to that which he said to investigate the three people which he mentioned by name, and he told me to write again briefly". The letter is about a responsum (cited in the R. Shlomo Eiger responsa, Orach Chaim, Siman 3) send by R. Shlomo Eiger at the beginning of the month of Kislev 1856, to the Krotoszyn community regarding a halachic controversy in the city which evolved around changing the customs of a synagogue which was rebuilt after the old one was consumed by fire. In the responsum printed in the aforementioned book, the name of R. Shmuel Mendelson is mentioned as one party involved in this halachic dispute. In general, R. Shlomo agreed to the ruling of R. Shmuel, however in some of the issues of this polemic, R. Shlomo concurred with the opinion of Dayan R. Yisrael Goldschmidt (disciple of R. Akiva Eiger) who was in disaccord with that ruling.
From this letter, we can derive that R. Shmuel sent R. Shlomo in response a letter protesting his involvement in this matter, deviating from his father's practice of not entangling himself in disputes against rabbis of other cities. R. Shlomo responded at the beginning of this letter: "…Please forgive me if I say that I do not believe that which you wrote that my father did not justify opinions which were in opposition to that of the prevailing rabbi, but always respected the prevailing rabbi's opinion - how can I believe such a derogatory statement about him. However, I do believe that in matters which did not pertain to Torah law, he respected the rabbi, but what can I do if you did not understand the places in which I wrote not to do anything which does not comply with the opinion of the prevailing rabbi… I also do not understand why you claim that I justified the opposing opinion over yours. I actually, rejected the opposing opinion concerning the main practical aspect of the discussion and justified your ruling not to nullify the old custom…".
R. Shlomo Eiger (1786-1852), a leading Torah scholar in his times, second son of R. Akiva Eiger (and brother-in-law of the Chatam Sofer) was among the most learned and wealthy Warsaw residents and after he lost his fortune during the 1831 Battle of Warsaw (R. Shlomo Eiger, R. Chaim Davidson and R. Berish Meisels supported the revolt), he was appointed to the Kalish rabbinate. In 1840, he succeeded his father as Rabbi of Posen. He edited and published his father's responsa and novellae adding a few of his own novellae to these books. In addition, his books Gilyon Maharsha on the Talmud and on the Shulchan Aruch were also printed. The book Rabbi Shlomo Eiger responsa printed by Mossad HaRav Kook (Jerusalem, 1983-1985) and Sefer Ha'Ikarim - explanations of halachic principles (Jerusalem, 1991-1996) are composed of his writings.
Leaf, 20 cm. approximately 42 autograph lines written on both sides. Good-fair condition. Wear, holes and tears, scarcely affecting text.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Autograph letter with the full signature of R. Eliyahu Guttmacher. [Greiditz, ca. 1850s-1860s].
Family letter [in Yiddish] sent to his eldest son, R. Zvi Guttmacher - "G-d should be with you my beloved son R. Z. and my dear daughter-in-law Reina". The letter notifies the recipient of a family joyous occasion, apparently in the family of his son "Shlomo Bunam" who is mentioned in the letter. The letter is signed: "From your father, Eli' son of R.S. here in Greiditz".
R. Eliyahu Guttmacher Rabbi of Greiditz (1796-1875), disciple of R. Akiva Eiger, served as Rabbi of Pleszew until 1851, thereafter moved to serve in the Greiditz rabbinate. His eldest son, R. Zvi Hirsh, succeeded him as Rabbi of Pleszew. Famed as a holy kabbalist, in his senior years his name spread throughout the Jewish world as a wonder-worker with amazing stories of the great miracles and deliverance attained by the blessings of "der Greidetzer Tsaddik".
After his son, R. Zvi Hirsh (in 1871) died childless, his father published his son's books Nachalat Zvi and Ken Meforeshet (Lviv, 1873). In the introduction to Ken Meforeshet, R. Eliyahu promises: "If someone seeks deliverance from G-d… he should study Mishnah with the Rav (Bartenura) and with Tosfot Yom Tov and with my son's commentary and then stand and pray in any language he knows… and detail his request so he will be answered…".
Leaf, 20.5 cm. 10 autograph lines. Good condition.
Family letter [in Yiddish] sent to his eldest son, R. Zvi Guttmacher - "G-d should be with you my beloved son R. Z. and my dear daughter-in-law Reina". The letter notifies the recipient of a family joyous occasion, apparently in the family of his son "Shlomo Bunam" who is mentioned in the letter. The letter is signed: "From your father, Eli' son of R.S. here in Greiditz".
R. Eliyahu Guttmacher Rabbi of Greiditz (1796-1875), disciple of R. Akiva Eiger, served as Rabbi of Pleszew until 1851, thereafter moved to serve in the Greiditz rabbinate. His eldest son, R. Zvi Hirsh, succeeded him as Rabbi of Pleszew. Famed as a holy kabbalist, in his senior years his name spread throughout the Jewish world as a wonder-worker with amazing stories of the great miracles and deliverance attained by the blessings of "der Greidetzer Tsaddik".
After his son, R. Zvi Hirsh (in 1871) died childless, his father published his son's books Nachalat Zvi and Ken Meforeshet (Lviv, 1873). In the introduction to Ken Meforeshet, R. Eliyahu promises: "If someone seeks deliverance from G-d… he should study Mishnah with the Rav (Bartenura) and with Tosfot Yom Tov and with my son's commentary and then stand and pray in any language he knows… and detail his request so he will be answered…".
Leaf, 20.5 cm. 10 autograph lines. Good condition.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
A long autograph letter signed by R. "Moshe Schick of Brezová". Svätý Jur, 1853.
A letter of Torah thoughts. Sent to his disciple R. Gershon Banet [who had left for the Pressburg Yeshiva], with congratulatory blessings upon his engagement - "...and if, in fact, my time is limited, nevertheless, as I have heard that you have become engaged to be married, I will wish you congratulations and will answer you sparingly...". The letter proceeds with discussion of novellae and questions raised by his disciple, and closes with greetings: "...and I hereby close with a blessing for life and peace and all the best, may G-d be with you... from your friend and your mentor... Moshe Schick of Brezová".
The letter is addressed on the back page in the Maharam Schick's handwriting: "To the young man, the groom, wonderful and exceptional in Torah and in fear of G-d, Gershon Wolf Banet, studying in Pressburg".
The renowned R. Moshe Schick - Maharam Schick (1807-1879, Otzar HaRabbanim 15194), was one of the Chatam Sofer's illustrious disciples. He was exceptionally gifted, a luminary of his generation, and one of the leaders of Hungarian Jewry. He was a renowned Rosh Yeshiva and a leader in the struggle against the Reform movement. He began to learn at the Chatam Sofer's yeshiva at the age of 14 and quickly became one of his eminent disciples. He served in the rabbinate of Svätý Jur near Pressburg for many years, after which he officiated as Rabbi of Chust, where he established a large yeshiva and reared many illustrious disciples. He served in Chust until his death. He left behind a rich treasure of Torah writings, including Halachic responsa, homilies, and novellae on the Talmud and the 613 commandments.
The recipient of the letter: R. Gershon Wolf (Binyamin Ze'ev) Banet (born c. 1830, died in 1910), served as Av Bet Din of Ungvár, son-in-law and successor to R. Shlomo Gansfried, author of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Grandson of R. Mordechai Banet, Rabbi of Stomfa, and progenitor of the Banet and Benedikt families. The book Meshiv Ta'am (Jerusalem, 1985) was published from his manuscripts.
[2] leaves (2 handwritten pages of approximately 36 lines, and a handwritten address on the fourth page). 21 cm. Good condition, wear and folding marks.
Although this letter indicates explicitly that R. Gershon Wolf Banet studied under the Maharam Schick and under the Ktav Sofer, for some reason his name was not recorded in the registry of the Ktav Sofer's disciples in the book The Chatam Sofer and his Disciples, nor in the registry of the Maharam Schick's disciples in Darkei Moshe HaChadash.
A letter of Torah thoughts. Sent to his disciple R. Gershon Banet [who had left for the Pressburg Yeshiva], with congratulatory blessings upon his engagement - "...and if, in fact, my time is limited, nevertheless, as I have heard that you have become engaged to be married, I will wish you congratulations and will answer you sparingly...". The letter proceeds with discussion of novellae and questions raised by his disciple, and closes with greetings: "...and I hereby close with a blessing for life and peace and all the best, may G-d be with you... from your friend and your mentor... Moshe Schick of Brezová".
The letter is addressed on the back page in the Maharam Schick's handwriting: "To the young man, the groom, wonderful and exceptional in Torah and in fear of G-d, Gershon Wolf Banet, studying in Pressburg".
The renowned R. Moshe Schick - Maharam Schick (1807-1879, Otzar HaRabbanim 15194), was one of the Chatam Sofer's illustrious disciples. He was exceptionally gifted, a luminary of his generation, and one of the leaders of Hungarian Jewry. He was a renowned Rosh Yeshiva and a leader in the struggle against the Reform movement. He began to learn at the Chatam Sofer's yeshiva at the age of 14 and quickly became one of his eminent disciples. He served in the rabbinate of Svätý Jur near Pressburg for many years, after which he officiated as Rabbi of Chust, where he established a large yeshiva and reared many illustrious disciples. He served in Chust until his death. He left behind a rich treasure of Torah writings, including Halachic responsa, homilies, and novellae on the Talmud and the 613 commandments.
The recipient of the letter: R. Gershon Wolf (Binyamin Ze'ev) Banet (born c. 1830, died in 1910), served as Av Bet Din of Ungvár, son-in-law and successor to R. Shlomo Gansfried, author of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Grandson of R. Mordechai Banet, Rabbi of Stomfa, and progenitor of the Banet and Benedikt families. The book Meshiv Ta'am (Jerusalem, 1985) was published from his manuscripts.
[2] leaves (2 handwritten pages of approximately 36 lines, and a handwritten address on the fourth page). 21 cm. Good condition, wear and folding marks.
Although this letter indicates explicitly that R. Gershon Wolf Banet studied under the Maharam Schick and under the Ktav Sofer, for some reason his name was not recorded in the registry of the Ktav Sofer's disciples in the book The Chatam Sofer and his Disciples, nor in the registry of the Maharam Schick's disciples in Darkei Moshe HaChadash.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Autograph letter with the full signature of R. Yehuda Assad Rabbi of Szerdahely (Dunaszerdahely), to his mechutan R. David Bichler Rabbi of Pásztó. Szerdahely, Cheshvan 1860.
Interesting letter with an account by R. Yehuda of a polemic letter he received opposing R. Bichler. The content implies that the polemic evolved around the appointment of R. Aharon Bichler (son-in-law of R. Yehuda Assad) to the Jászberény rabbinate.
R. Yehudah Assad (1796-1866), illustrious Torah scholar and head of yeshiva in Hungary, disciple of R. Aharon Suditz and of R. Mordechai [Maharam] Bennet, served in the Senica (Semnitz) and Dunaszerdahely rabbinates. Recommended to the rabbinate by the Chatam Sofer. Among his works: Mahari responsa - Yehuda Ya'aleh, Mahari novellae on the Talmud, Divrei Mahari on the Torah.
The recipient is R. David Bichler Rabbi of Pásztó, father of R. Aharon Bichler-Suditz who was R. Yehuda Assad's son-in-law. R. Aharon was appointed as Rabbi of Jászberény between 1861 and 1863 [in his book HaChatam Sofer V'Talmidav, p. 478, Kinstlicher writes that R. Aharon Bichler was appointed to the Jászberény rabbinate in 1861, but it is appears from a letter by R. Yehuda Assad (featured in Kedem Auction 53, Item 68) that he was only appointed in 1863].
Folded leaf, approx. 25 cm. 24 autograph lines. On the verso, are post stamps, a wax seal and address. Good condition. Minor tears to margins. Folding creases and wear.
Interesting letter with an account by R. Yehuda of a polemic letter he received opposing R. Bichler. The content implies that the polemic evolved around the appointment of R. Aharon Bichler (son-in-law of R. Yehuda Assad) to the Jászberény rabbinate.
R. Yehudah Assad (1796-1866), illustrious Torah scholar and head of yeshiva in Hungary, disciple of R. Aharon Suditz and of R. Mordechai [Maharam] Bennet, served in the Senica (Semnitz) and Dunaszerdahely rabbinates. Recommended to the rabbinate by the Chatam Sofer. Among his works: Mahari responsa - Yehuda Ya'aleh, Mahari novellae on the Talmud, Divrei Mahari on the Torah.
The recipient is R. David Bichler Rabbi of Pásztó, father of R. Aharon Bichler-Suditz who was R. Yehuda Assad's son-in-law. R. Aharon was appointed as Rabbi of Jászberény between 1861 and 1863 [in his book HaChatam Sofer V'Talmidav, p. 478, Kinstlicher writes that R. Aharon Bichler was appointed to the Jászberény rabbinate in 1861, but it is appears from a letter by R. Yehuda Assad (featured in Kedem Auction 53, Item 68) that he was only appointed in 1863].
Folded leaf, approx. 25 cm. 24 autograph lines. On the verso, are post stamps, a wax seal and address. Good condition. Minor tears to margins. Folding creases and wear.
Catalogue