Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 61 - 70 of 165
Lot 61 Letter of Semicha (Ordination) by the Selish Gaon R. Lipman Stein, Rabbi of Szerdahely - 1846
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Letter of ordination for the rabbinate, handwritten and signed by R. Lipman Stein, Rabbi of Szerdahely. Szerdahely, [1846].
Semicha for his disciple R. Yosef son of R. Yisrael Akiva, using interesting flowery language, in which he relates that R. Yosef has been his disciple for 13 years and was very successful in his studies and has a sharp mind and exceptional fear of Heaven. He eventually became a "perfect man" and can be relied upon to rule Halacha and monetary disputes according to the Shulchan Aruch, with clear comprehension knowing to derive one matter from another. At the end of the semicha, he signs: "Lipman of Szerdahely and its region".
The Selish Gaon R. Eliezer Lipman Stein (1778-1851) was a prominent rabbi in his times. He served as Rabbi of Gyöngyös (Dindish) and in 1837 repositioned to the Selish (Vynohradiv) rabbinate. In 1839, he wished to move to Eretz Israel and the Chatam Sofer turned to wealthy individuals to support him financially, and wrote: "…I know him from the past, that he is a great rabbi and very esteemed. He has served in several rabbinates in our county…" (Likutei Michtavim 55). He was delayed on the way and never succeeded in reaching Eretz Israel. In 1841, he was appointed Rabbi of Szerdahely and his ten-year tenure ended with his death in the month of Av 1851. Among his works, the following were printed: the Evel Moshe booklet - eulogy for the Chatam Sofer, and a booklet presenting disapproval of changing the place of the bimah in the synagogue. See: Ishim B'Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, pp. 66-67. His progeny were also famous for Torah knowledge and fear of Heaven: his son R. Mordechai Aryeh Leib Stein Rabbi of Grosswardein (Oradea, died in 1861), a disciple of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz; his son-in-law R. Elazar Furst Rabbi of Gyöngyös (died in 1883), author of Ir Shushan.
Apparently, the disciple who received the semicha was a primary disciple of R. Lipman Stein, who studied by him for 13 years [evidently, he was already his disciple at the time R. Lipman still resided in the cities of Gyöngyös and Selish, and R. Yosef followed his rebbe to Szerdahely, because in 1846, R. Lipman had only served for five years in the Szerdahely rabbinate].
Leaf, approximately 23 cm. Good-fair condition, wear and minor tears. Sealed with red wax (blurred).
Semicha for his disciple R. Yosef son of R. Yisrael Akiva, using interesting flowery language, in which he relates that R. Yosef has been his disciple for 13 years and was very successful in his studies and has a sharp mind and exceptional fear of Heaven. He eventually became a "perfect man" and can be relied upon to rule Halacha and monetary disputes according to the Shulchan Aruch, with clear comprehension knowing to derive one matter from another. At the end of the semicha, he signs: "Lipman of Szerdahely and its region".
The Selish Gaon R. Eliezer Lipman Stein (1778-1851) was a prominent rabbi in his times. He served as Rabbi of Gyöngyös (Dindish) and in 1837 repositioned to the Selish (Vynohradiv) rabbinate. In 1839, he wished to move to Eretz Israel and the Chatam Sofer turned to wealthy individuals to support him financially, and wrote: "…I know him from the past, that he is a great rabbi and very esteemed. He has served in several rabbinates in our county…" (Likutei Michtavim 55). He was delayed on the way and never succeeded in reaching Eretz Israel. In 1841, he was appointed Rabbi of Szerdahely and his ten-year tenure ended with his death in the month of Av 1851. Among his works, the following were printed: the Evel Moshe booklet - eulogy for the Chatam Sofer, and a booklet presenting disapproval of changing the place of the bimah in the synagogue. See: Ishim B'Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, pp. 66-67. His progeny were also famous for Torah knowledge and fear of Heaven: his son R. Mordechai Aryeh Leib Stein Rabbi of Grosswardein (Oradea, died in 1861), a disciple of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz; his son-in-law R. Elazar Furst Rabbi of Gyöngyös (died in 1883), author of Ir Shushan.
Apparently, the disciple who received the semicha was a primary disciple of R. Lipman Stein, who studied by him for 13 years [evidently, he was already his disciple at the time R. Lipman still resided in the cities of Gyöngyös and Selish, and R. Yosef followed his rebbe to Szerdahely, because in 1846, R. Lipman had only served for five years in the Szerdahely rabbinate].
Leaf, approximately 23 cm. Good-fair condition, wear and minor tears. Sealed with red wax (blurred).
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Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Letter handwritten by R. Koppel Reich with his full signature "Koppel son of R. Yechezkel Reich". Vrbové (Verbó), 1885.
Letter regarding community matters, to R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz Rabbi of Santov (Abaújszántó) - a plan for a public convention of the Orthodox communities of "rabbis… to convene as soon as possible… to think of ideas to benefit the public…". The beginning of the letter reveals that a similar convention of 40 rabbis from Hungarian and Transylvanian communities was organized, however R. Koppel Reich feared that that convention would create a rift among the various communities. Therefore, he is consulting R. Lifshitz about cancelling that convention quietly and without discord.
R. Koppel Reich (1838-1929), eminent Torah scholar and leader of Orthodox Hungarian Jewry. Grandson of R. Ya'akov Koppel Charif Rabbi of Vrbové (Verbó), author of Chiddushei Ya'avetz. Disciple of the Ktav Sofer. Son-in-law and successor of R. Yisrael Shoyer, Rabbi of Sobotište. From 1872, he served as Rabbi of Vrbové and in 1890 was appointed Ra'avad of Budapest and leader of the Orthodox Office of Hungarian Communities. For over 50 years, he stood at the helm of Hungarian Orthodox Jewry which he led with supremacy and wisdom.
The recipient, R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz, Rabbi of Santov (Abaújszántó; died in Cheshvan 1904), son and successor of R. Yitzchak Natan Lifshitz (died in 1877) in the Santov rabbinate. In 1896, R. Aryeh Leib was appointed President of the Orthodox Office in Budapest. He was elected at an assembly initiated by the author of the Yitav Lev, Rabbi of Sighet, in the home of the Pressburg Rabbi, author of Shevet Sofer.
Leaf, 23 cm. Approximately 22 autograph lines. Good-fair condition. Torn into two parts at the middle folding crease (not affecting text).
Letter regarding community matters, to R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz Rabbi of Santov (Abaújszántó) - a plan for a public convention of the Orthodox communities of "rabbis… to convene as soon as possible… to think of ideas to benefit the public…". The beginning of the letter reveals that a similar convention of 40 rabbis from Hungarian and Transylvanian communities was organized, however R. Koppel Reich feared that that convention would create a rift among the various communities. Therefore, he is consulting R. Lifshitz about cancelling that convention quietly and without discord.
R. Koppel Reich (1838-1929), eminent Torah scholar and leader of Orthodox Hungarian Jewry. Grandson of R. Ya'akov Koppel Charif Rabbi of Vrbové (Verbó), author of Chiddushei Ya'avetz. Disciple of the Ktav Sofer. Son-in-law and successor of R. Yisrael Shoyer, Rabbi of Sobotište. From 1872, he served as Rabbi of Vrbové and in 1890 was appointed Ra'avad of Budapest and leader of the Orthodox Office of Hungarian Communities. For over 50 years, he stood at the helm of Hungarian Orthodox Jewry which he led with supremacy and wisdom.
The recipient, R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz, Rabbi of Santov (Abaújszántó; died in Cheshvan 1904), son and successor of R. Yitzchak Natan Lifshitz (died in 1877) in the Santov rabbinate. In 1896, R. Aryeh Leib was appointed President of the Orthodox Office in Budapest. He was elected at an assembly initiated by the author of the Yitav Lev, Rabbi of Sighet, in the home of the Pressburg Rabbi, author of Shevet Sofer.
Leaf, 23 cm. Approximately 22 autograph lines. Good-fair condition. Torn into two parts at the middle folding crease (not affecting text).
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Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $4,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Two leaves (4 pages) handwritten by R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn, Rabbi of Lviv, Author of Sho'el U'Meshiv.Responsum on Sefirat Ha'Omer. [Lviv, ca. 1847-1857].
The responsum was not written at one time, but in sections written at various times. This is clearly discernable in the variations of ink and size of letters. Each time, R. Yosef Shaul added another passage of novellae and at times he noted the date of the addition: "I have been asked on Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Iyar of 1847…"; "In the winter of 1851, on the 15th of Kislev on Tuesday night, I studied with my disciples… and was asked by my sharp disciple R. Avraham grandson of my great-uncle, author of Yam HaTalmud…"; "On Erev Shabbat Kodesh Acharei 1857, 22nd to the Omer, I have received a letter from R. Efraim Zalman Tobir Dayan of Zabolotiv…".
Marks and erasures of a copier (perhaps R. Yosef Shaul himself). The responsum was printed in his book of responsa Sho'el U'Meshiv, Fourth edition, Part 3, Siman 127 as one unit, whereas this manuscript shows that the writing of this responsum evolved for more than 10 years.
R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn, author of Sho'el U'Meshiv (1808-1875), was an illustrious Galician Torah scholar. In his youth, he wrote the renowned books Mefarshei HaYam on Tractate Bava Kamma and Magen Giborim on the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim together with his brother-in-law Rabbi Mordechai Ze'ev Ettinger. He wrote thousands of responsa and many books: The Sho'el U'Meshiv responsa - 15 volumes; Divrei Shaul on the Torah, on the Rambam and on the Shulchan Aruch, Yedot Nedarim, and more. From 1857, he served as Chief Rabbi of the Lviv community which was the largest and most dominant community in Galicia. At his death, he was eulogized by Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Spitzer (son-in-law of the Chatam Sofer) who said: "Torah genius among geniuses, Rabbi of Israel… all the Torah leaders of our times sent him difficult questions… was raised in holiness to Torah study and G-d's service… Forty years ago, my father-in-law, my teacher, the Chatam Sofer spoke his lengthy praises and called him a ‘Gaon'…".
[2] leaves (4 pages), 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains.
The responsum was not written at one time, but in sections written at various times. This is clearly discernable in the variations of ink and size of letters. Each time, R. Yosef Shaul added another passage of novellae and at times he noted the date of the addition: "I have been asked on Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Iyar of 1847…"; "In the winter of 1851, on the 15th of Kislev on Tuesday night, I studied with my disciples… and was asked by my sharp disciple R. Avraham grandson of my great-uncle, author of Yam HaTalmud…"; "On Erev Shabbat Kodesh Acharei 1857, 22nd to the Omer, I have received a letter from R. Efraim Zalman Tobir Dayan of Zabolotiv…".
Marks and erasures of a copier (perhaps R. Yosef Shaul himself). The responsum was printed in his book of responsa Sho'el U'Meshiv, Fourth edition, Part 3, Siman 127 as one unit, whereas this manuscript shows that the writing of this responsum evolved for more than 10 years.
R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn, author of Sho'el U'Meshiv (1808-1875), was an illustrious Galician Torah scholar. In his youth, he wrote the renowned books Mefarshei HaYam on Tractate Bava Kamma and Magen Giborim on the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim together with his brother-in-law Rabbi Mordechai Ze'ev Ettinger. He wrote thousands of responsa and many books: The Sho'el U'Meshiv responsa - 15 volumes; Divrei Shaul on the Torah, on the Rambam and on the Shulchan Aruch, Yedot Nedarim, and more. From 1857, he served as Chief Rabbi of the Lviv community which was the largest and most dominant community in Galicia. At his death, he was eulogized by Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Spitzer (son-in-law of the Chatam Sofer) who said: "Torah genius among geniuses, Rabbi of Israel… all the Torah leaders of our times sent him difficult questions… was raised in holiness to Torah study and G-d's service… Forty years ago, my father-in-law, my teacher, the Chatam Sofer spoke his lengthy praises and called him a ‘Gaon'…".
[2] leaves (4 pages), 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains.
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Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $15,000
Sold for: $18,750
Including buyer's premium
Two manuscripts: Commentary of the Vilna Gaon (Gra) on Tikkunei HaZohar; Hadrat Kodesh, kabbalistic entries and anthologies of teachings of the Gra. Copied by scribes, with many corrections and notations of Kabbalist R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver, some in his own handwriting and some copied by his scribes. [Lithuania-Poland, early 19th century].
These manuscripts originated in the home of R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver, and he studied them and illuminated them with glosses in his own handwriting. The manuscript was written for him by several scribes [apparently, primarily by his son R. Yosef Chaver and partly by other scribes]. The manuscript contains more than 100 glosses by R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver, some with signatures at beginning or end: "N.L. [Nir'e Li] Yitzchak" ("So it seems to me, Yitzchak"), initials of the inscription "Nir'e Li Yitzchak", and "Yitzchak" [he signed "Yitzchak" mostly on glosses in his own handwriting]. Some glosses were written by the scribe [his son R. Yosef] while copying the book (in "windows", parentheses in the text, or in the margins), and some were added at a later time to the margins. The glosses contain textual corrections and kabbalistic notations.
At the beginning and end of the first volume are ownership inscriptions in the handwriting of: "Yisrael Yosef son of R. Y. Heilprin", who attributes the composition to R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver: "This book was authored by… R. Yitzchak Isaac and Rabbi of Suwałki...". Signatures of R. "Yitzchak Zvi Rakovsky" [descendant of R. Eizik Chaver].
Extensive parts of the text were apparently written by his son R. Yosef Chaver (see Kedem Catalog, Auction 33, item 351), who added many of his father's glosses while writing [and his own as well]. At the beginning of Vol. 1 (until leaf 44) are glosses (textual corrections) in a different hand, signed "N.L.A.".
Vol. 1 contains the Gra's commentary on Tikkunei HaZohar from the introduction to Tikkunei HaZohar until the end of Tikkun 57. From p. 151b are further glosses of R. Eizik Chaver, and other additions. Vol. 2 contains the Vilna Gaon's commentary on Tikkunei HaZohar from Tikkun 58 until the end (Tikkun 70). Afterward is an essay by R. Moshe Shlomo of Tulchyn, disciple of the Vilna Gaon. A new pagination opens Sefer Hadrat Kodesh. This part of the manuscript has many corrections (of copying errors), in the margins and between the lines.
In the margins of Hadrat Kodesh are inscriptions next to several sections in a later writing: "Printed in Sefer HaYetzirah" [with the Gra's commentary]; "Printed in Sifra D'Tzni'uta [with the Gra's commentary]; "Printed in Yahel Or" [printed in Vilna, 1882].
Kabbalist R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver (1787-1852, Otzar HaRabbanim 11168) was one of the major promoters of the writings of the Vilna Gaon. At the early age of fourteen, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Shklov (disciple of Vilna Gaon) already noted his readiness to study Kabbalistic wisdom. Even in his youth, his name spread as a Torah prodigy, erudite in all facets of Torah, and he served as rabbi of several prominent communities: Prozina, Razini, Vawkavysk. From 1837-1849, served in the Tykocin rabbinate and in 1849 relocated to the Suwałki rabbinate and served as rabbi for four years. Exalted genius, among the leading Torah giants and rabbinical authorities of his times, he completed the Talmud 60 times. Composed dozens of books on revealed and kabbalistic Torah topics, of which only some were published, including many Kabbalistic books on the teachings of the Vilna Gaon, halachic responsa and books on Talmudical treatises.
His son, R. Yosef Chaver (died Cheshvan 1875) served as Rabbi of Parysów, Knyszyn and Jedwabne [in the Lomza region, Poland]. Author of Zero'ah Netuyah on the Passover Haggadah, Nefesh Naki - a eulogy on his father, Sha'ar Yosef, Tzefirat Tif'arah, etc. His illustrious father venerated him for his Kabbalistic knowledge, and in his testament, Rabbi Yitzchak Eizik Chaver requested that his son the Rabbi of Knyszyn "study my homiletic writings - because he is very proficient in the homiletic study and he will be able to choose the good writings with leanings towards the truth of the Torah".
Two volumes composed of approx. 295 leaves. Vol. 1: 1-31, [1], 32-111, [1], 112-151, [1] leaves. 21 cm. Neat handsome writing, on bluish paper. Condition varies, good-fair. Wear and stains. First leaf partially detached. Worming to all leaves, slightly affecting text. Detached and damaged binding.
Vol. 2: 1-79, [1], 1-21, 21-59, [1] leaves (leaf 57 of the second pagination was erroneously bound between leaves 57 and 58 of the first pagination; leaf 34 of the second pagination was erroneously bound between leaves 71 and 72 of the first pagination). 21 cm. Neat handsome writing, on bluish paper. Condition varies, fair. Stains. Dampstains to first leaves. The corners of the last leaves are torn and damaged with lacking text (leaves 24-59, including the leaves which were bound out of order). Open tears to margins of some other leaves. Worming. Cardboard binding.
Tikkunei HaZohar with the Gra's commentary was printed in Vilna, 1867. Sections of Hadrat Kodesh were printed in the book Yahel Or (Vilna, 1882) and in other books of the teachings of the Gra. The book was first printed by Mossad HaRav Kook (Jerusalem, 2014), by R. David Kamenetsky. This manuscript is mentioned there in the introduction, titled "Manuscript 3".
These glosses of R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver on the Gra's commentary on Tikkunei HaZohar have not yet been printed, but another manuscript with copies of glosses from this manuscript was sent to Jerusalem to R. Yitzchak Eizik's disciple Kabbalist R. Yitzchak Kahane of Kolno, author of Toldot Yitzchak (part of that manuscript can be found in the NLI in Jerusalem). Here are the original manuscripts from which those manuscripts sent to the author of Toldot Yitzchak were copied.
Enclosed is an expert report, by R. David Kamenetsky, who inspected and researched this manuscript. The primary source of this description is the enclosed article he wrote (in 2008) as well as his introduction to Hadrat Kodesh (published by Mossad HaRav Kook, Jerusalem, 2014).
These manuscripts originated in the home of R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver, and he studied them and illuminated them with glosses in his own handwriting. The manuscript was written for him by several scribes [apparently, primarily by his son R. Yosef Chaver and partly by other scribes]. The manuscript contains more than 100 glosses by R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver, some with signatures at beginning or end: "N.L. [Nir'e Li] Yitzchak" ("So it seems to me, Yitzchak"), initials of the inscription "Nir'e Li Yitzchak", and "Yitzchak" [he signed "Yitzchak" mostly on glosses in his own handwriting]. Some glosses were written by the scribe [his son R. Yosef] while copying the book (in "windows", parentheses in the text, or in the margins), and some were added at a later time to the margins. The glosses contain textual corrections and kabbalistic notations.
At the beginning and end of the first volume are ownership inscriptions in the handwriting of: "Yisrael Yosef son of R. Y. Heilprin", who attributes the composition to R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver: "This book was authored by… R. Yitzchak Isaac and Rabbi of Suwałki...". Signatures of R. "Yitzchak Zvi Rakovsky" [descendant of R. Eizik Chaver].
Extensive parts of the text were apparently written by his son R. Yosef Chaver (see Kedem Catalog, Auction 33, item 351), who added many of his father's glosses while writing [and his own as well]. At the beginning of Vol. 1 (until leaf 44) are glosses (textual corrections) in a different hand, signed "N.L.A.".
Vol. 1 contains the Gra's commentary on Tikkunei HaZohar from the introduction to Tikkunei HaZohar until the end of Tikkun 57. From p. 151b are further glosses of R. Eizik Chaver, and other additions. Vol. 2 contains the Vilna Gaon's commentary on Tikkunei HaZohar from Tikkun 58 until the end (Tikkun 70). Afterward is an essay by R. Moshe Shlomo of Tulchyn, disciple of the Vilna Gaon. A new pagination opens Sefer Hadrat Kodesh. This part of the manuscript has many corrections (of copying errors), in the margins and between the lines.
In the margins of Hadrat Kodesh are inscriptions next to several sections in a later writing: "Printed in Sefer HaYetzirah" [with the Gra's commentary]; "Printed in Sifra D'Tzni'uta [with the Gra's commentary]; "Printed in Yahel Or" [printed in Vilna, 1882].
Kabbalist R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver (1787-1852, Otzar HaRabbanim 11168) was one of the major promoters of the writings of the Vilna Gaon. At the early age of fourteen, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Shklov (disciple of Vilna Gaon) already noted his readiness to study Kabbalistic wisdom. Even in his youth, his name spread as a Torah prodigy, erudite in all facets of Torah, and he served as rabbi of several prominent communities: Prozina, Razini, Vawkavysk. From 1837-1849, served in the Tykocin rabbinate and in 1849 relocated to the Suwałki rabbinate and served as rabbi for four years. Exalted genius, among the leading Torah giants and rabbinical authorities of his times, he completed the Talmud 60 times. Composed dozens of books on revealed and kabbalistic Torah topics, of which only some were published, including many Kabbalistic books on the teachings of the Vilna Gaon, halachic responsa and books on Talmudical treatises.
His son, R. Yosef Chaver (died Cheshvan 1875) served as Rabbi of Parysów, Knyszyn and Jedwabne [in the Lomza region, Poland]. Author of Zero'ah Netuyah on the Passover Haggadah, Nefesh Naki - a eulogy on his father, Sha'ar Yosef, Tzefirat Tif'arah, etc. His illustrious father venerated him for his Kabbalistic knowledge, and in his testament, Rabbi Yitzchak Eizik Chaver requested that his son the Rabbi of Knyszyn "study my homiletic writings - because he is very proficient in the homiletic study and he will be able to choose the good writings with leanings towards the truth of the Torah".
Two volumes composed of approx. 295 leaves. Vol. 1: 1-31, [1], 32-111, [1], 112-151, [1] leaves. 21 cm. Neat handsome writing, on bluish paper. Condition varies, good-fair. Wear and stains. First leaf partially detached. Worming to all leaves, slightly affecting text. Detached and damaged binding.
Vol. 2: 1-79, [1], 1-21, 21-59, [1] leaves (leaf 57 of the second pagination was erroneously bound between leaves 57 and 58 of the first pagination; leaf 34 of the second pagination was erroneously bound between leaves 71 and 72 of the first pagination). 21 cm. Neat handsome writing, on bluish paper. Condition varies, fair. Stains. Dampstains to first leaves. The corners of the last leaves are torn and damaged with lacking text (leaves 24-59, including the leaves which were bound out of order). Open tears to margins of some other leaves. Worming. Cardboard binding.
Tikkunei HaZohar with the Gra's commentary was printed in Vilna, 1867. Sections of Hadrat Kodesh were printed in the book Yahel Or (Vilna, 1882) and in other books of the teachings of the Gra. The book was first printed by Mossad HaRav Kook (Jerusalem, 2014), by R. David Kamenetsky. This manuscript is mentioned there in the introduction, titled "Manuscript 3".
These glosses of R. Yitzchak Eizik Chaver on the Gra's commentary on Tikkunei HaZohar have not yet been printed, but another manuscript with copies of glosses from this manuscript was sent to Jerusalem to R. Yitzchak Eizik's disciple Kabbalist R. Yitzchak Kahane of Kolno, author of Toldot Yitzchak (part of that manuscript can be found in the NLI in Jerusalem). Here are the original manuscripts from which those manuscripts sent to the author of Toldot Yitzchak were copied.
Enclosed is an expert report, by R. David Kamenetsky, who inspected and researched this manuscript. The primary source of this description is the enclosed article he wrote (in 2008) as well as his introduction to Hadrat Kodesh (published by Mossad HaRav Kook, Jerusalem, 2014).
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Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
A letter of request for support on behalf of the settlement of the Vilna Gaon's disciples in the communities of Safed and Jerusalem. Signed by the Vilna Gaon's disciple R. Yisrael of Shklov and by other leading disciples. Jerusalem and Safed, Kislev 1830.
Written as a personal letter of request, given to the emissary R. Zvi Hirsch son of Yehuda, with an empty space to be completed by the emissary with the donor's name. "After blessings… to report the welfare of the holy cities of Jerusalem and the Galilee and its settlers… disciples of the Holy… Gaon R. Eliyahu of Vilna".
Signed by Rabbis: "Chaim Cohen who was Rabbi of Pinsk and its region" [served approximately 20 years as rabbi of Pinsk, his authority was also accepted by the Chassidim, immigrated to Safed in 1826 and served in its rabbinate until his death in 1831]; "Yisrael author of Taklin Chadtin of Safed" [Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov, disciple of the Gra]; "Nathan Neta son of Rabbi Mendel of Jerusalem" [called the Great Rabbi Neta, one of the leaders of the group of the first aliya of the Gaon's disciples in 1809, his father Rabbi Mendel of Shklov immigrated one year earlier and prepared the ground for this aliya. Died in Jerusalem in Tishrei 1846, and his tombstone is inscribed "Rabbi, pious and humble"]; "Nathan Neta son of Rabbi Saadia of Jerusalem" [tsaddik and chassid, had the merit to serve the Gra and read mishnayot by heart before him. His father Rabbi Saadia was the leader and rabbi of the Gra's disciples who immigrated to Jerusalem. Died in 1849]; "Aryeh Leib son of Rabbi Yosef Leon" [a head of the Ashkenazi settlement in Safed]; "Aryeh son of Rabbi Yerachmiel… trustee of Kollel Jerusalem" [Rabbi Aryeh Leib son of Rabbi Yerachmiel Marcus of Keidan (1800-1877), trustee of the Kollel Perushim in Jerusalem and a founder of the Hurva Synagogue]; "Shlomo Zalman son of Zev Wolf HaCohen" [emissary from Eretz Israel, father-in-law of Rabbi Yaakov Sapir, died in Calcutta, India in 1847]. See enclosed material regarding all those who signed.
23 cm, high-quality paper, very good condition. Tiny tears to right margin.
Written as a personal letter of request, given to the emissary R. Zvi Hirsch son of Yehuda, with an empty space to be completed by the emissary with the donor's name. "After blessings… to report the welfare of the holy cities of Jerusalem and the Galilee and its settlers… disciples of the Holy… Gaon R. Eliyahu of Vilna".
Signed by Rabbis: "Chaim Cohen who was Rabbi of Pinsk and its region" [served approximately 20 years as rabbi of Pinsk, his authority was also accepted by the Chassidim, immigrated to Safed in 1826 and served in its rabbinate until his death in 1831]; "Yisrael author of Taklin Chadtin of Safed" [Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov, disciple of the Gra]; "Nathan Neta son of Rabbi Mendel of Jerusalem" [called the Great Rabbi Neta, one of the leaders of the group of the first aliya of the Gaon's disciples in 1809, his father Rabbi Mendel of Shklov immigrated one year earlier and prepared the ground for this aliya. Died in Jerusalem in Tishrei 1846, and his tombstone is inscribed "Rabbi, pious and humble"]; "Nathan Neta son of Rabbi Saadia of Jerusalem" [tsaddik and chassid, had the merit to serve the Gra and read mishnayot by heart before him. His father Rabbi Saadia was the leader and rabbi of the Gra's disciples who immigrated to Jerusalem. Died in 1849]; "Aryeh Leib son of Rabbi Yosef Leon" [a head of the Ashkenazi settlement in Safed]; "Aryeh son of Rabbi Yerachmiel… trustee of Kollel Jerusalem" [Rabbi Aryeh Leib son of Rabbi Yerachmiel Marcus of Keidan (1800-1877), trustee of the Kollel Perushim in Jerusalem and a founder of the Hurva Synagogue]; "Shlomo Zalman son of Zev Wolf HaCohen" [emissary from Eretz Israel, father-in-law of Rabbi Yaakov Sapir, died in Calcutta, India in 1847]. See enclosed material regarding all those who signed.
23 cm, high-quality paper, very good condition. Tiny tears to right margin.
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Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
Letter by R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman Tzoref "Sheli'ach Zion", to "the elder notable… R. Shlomo Ber Sokritriya" of Pesaro. Livorno, 25th of Cheshvan [1850].
R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman Tzoref was leader of the Perushim - disciples of the Vilna Gaon in Jerusalem, and was one of the first ten Ashkenazim who settled in Jerusalem. Ascended to Eretz Israel in 1811 and joined the small Ashkenazi community in Safed, headed by R. Menachem Mendel of Shklov. About a year after he arrived in Safed, an epidemic broke out in the Galilee to which many succumbed causing R. Tzoref to flee Safed to Jerusalem. [In those days, Ashkenazim could not settle in Jerusalem due to the heavy debts left by the followers of R. Yehuda HeChassid, and the fact that Arabs considered all Ashkenazim guarantors for these debts. R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman and his family were among the first to settle in Jerusalem in those times, concealing their origin and disguising their identity by donning Sephardic garb]. R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman convinced R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow to join him in Jerusalem and together with nine families, he moved from Safed to Jerusalem, becoming the nucleus of the Ashkenazi settlement of the Vilna Gaon's disciples in Jerusalem. R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman was one of the central pillars of the community and close assistant of R. Menachem Mendel of Shklov. His good connections with the local government and with the Russian and Austrian consuls facilitated canceling the debt of the Ashkenazi community and attaining authorization from the Sultan to rebuild the Hurva of Rabbi Yehuda he-Hasid. At that time, he traveled as a "Sheli'ach Zion" (emissary) to collect donations for the yishuv in Eretz Israel. His activities in restoring the Hurva provoked the Jerusalem Arab population and he was murdered by several Arabs who struck him with swords after a previous unsuccessful assassination attempt by an Arab gunman. R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman Tzoref is today considered one of the first terror victims in Eretz Israel. His sons and grandchildren used the surname Solomon. R. Yoel Moshe Solomon, one of the founders of Nahalat Shiv'a and Petach Tikva is his grandson.
This letter by Avraham Shlomo Zalman Tzoref was written during his stay in Livorno, less than a year before his death.
Leaf, 24.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding creases. On the verso is the address and postmarks.
R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman Tzoref was leader of the Perushim - disciples of the Vilna Gaon in Jerusalem, and was one of the first ten Ashkenazim who settled in Jerusalem. Ascended to Eretz Israel in 1811 and joined the small Ashkenazi community in Safed, headed by R. Menachem Mendel of Shklov. About a year after he arrived in Safed, an epidemic broke out in the Galilee to which many succumbed causing R. Tzoref to flee Safed to Jerusalem. [In those days, Ashkenazim could not settle in Jerusalem due to the heavy debts left by the followers of R. Yehuda HeChassid, and the fact that Arabs considered all Ashkenazim guarantors for these debts. R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman and his family were among the first to settle in Jerusalem in those times, concealing their origin and disguising their identity by donning Sephardic garb]. R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman convinced R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow to join him in Jerusalem and together with nine families, he moved from Safed to Jerusalem, becoming the nucleus of the Ashkenazi settlement of the Vilna Gaon's disciples in Jerusalem. R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman was one of the central pillars of the community and close assistant of R. Menachem Mendel of Shklov. His good connections with the local government and with the Russian and Austrian consuls facilitated canceling the debt of the Ashkenazi community and attaining authorization from the Sultan to rebuild the Hurva of Rabbi Yehuda he-Hasid. At that time, he traveled as a "Sheli'ach Zion" (emissary) to collect donations for the yishuv in Eretz Israel. His activities in restoring the Hurva provoked the Jerusalem Arab population and he was murdered by several Arabs who struck him with swords after a previous unsuccessful assassination attempt by an Arab gunman. R. Avraham Shlomo Zalman Tzoref is today considered one of the first terror victims in Eretz Israel. His sons and grandchildren used the surname Solomon. R. Yoel Moshe Solomon, one of the founders of Nahalat Shiv'a and Petach Tikva is his grandson.
This letter by Avraham Shlomo Zalman Tzoref was written during his stay in Livorno, less than a year before his death.
Leaf, 24.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding creases. On the verso is the address and postmarks.
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Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,500
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, novellae on Tractate Bava Metzi'a. Autograph of R. Nachum (Weisfish) of Szadek. [Jerusalem, c. 1850s-1860s].
R. Nachum Rabbi of Szadek (1813-1868), son of Rabbi Moshe Avraham Loewy-Weisfish was a Polish Torah scholar and disciple of the author of Chemdat Shlomo. At the age of 18, he was ordained by his teacher and thereafter served for several years as rabbi of Szadek, Poland. In 1843, together with his two brothers, R. Asher Lemel, Rabbi of Golina and Rabbi Ya'akov Eliyahu Leib, he ascended to Eretz Israel following a dream beheld by all three brothers prevailing upon them to ascend to Eretz Israel. Most of the day, he would sit wrapped in his tallit and donning his tefillin and assiduously studied the Torah. He established the Ran Yeshiva in which he delivered scholarly discourses to young Jerusalem Torah scholars. Together with the tsaddik Rabbi Yosef Zundel of Salant, he studied Kabbalah from the Kabbalist Rabbi Yehuda HaCohen. Died in a cholera plague in 1868. Inscribed on his tombstone on the Mount of Olives: "Holy pure man, at the age of eight began searching for G-d and dedicated all his days to Torah study, fasting and abstinence. He studied Torah day and night without respite. He merited studying and teaching Torah and had many disciples…pious and humble…".
Leaf, 23.5 cm. Written on both sides, more than 70 autograph lines. Good condition. Stains. Minor damages to margins.
Enclosed is a report by an expert of rabbinic manuscripts, which confirms that the leaf is an autograph of R. Nachum of Szadek.
R. Nachum Rabbi of Szadek (1813-1868), son of Rabbi Moshe Avraham Loewy-Weisfish was a Polish Torah scholar and disciple of the author of Chemdat Shlomo. At the age of 18, he was ordained by his teacher and thereafter served for several years as rabbi of Szadek, Poland. In 1843, together with his two brothers, R. Asher Lemel, Rabbi of Golina and Rabbi Ya'akov Eliyahu Leib, he ascended to Eretz Israel following a dream beheld by all three brothers prevailing upon them to ascend to Eretz Israel. Most of the day, he would sit wrapped in his tallit and donning his tefillin and assiduously studied the Torah. He established the Ran Yeshiva in which he delivered scholarly discourses to young Jerusalem Torah scholars. Together with the tsaddik Rabbi Yosef Zundel of Salant, he studied Kabbalah from the Kabbalist Rabbi Yehuda HaCohen. Died in a cholera plague in 1868. Inscribed on his tombstone on the Mount of Olives: "Holy pure man, at the age of eight began searching for G-d and dedicated all his days to Torah study, fasting and abstinence. He studied Torah day and night without respite. He merited studying and teaching Torah and had many disciples…pious and humble…".
Leaf, 23.5 cm. Written on both sides, more than 70 autograph lines. Good condition. Stains. Minor damages to margins.
Enclosed is a report by an expert of rabbinic manuscripts, which confirms that the leaf is an autograph of R. Nachum of Szadek.
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Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $6,000
Unsold
Large manuscript, complete composition on Mishneh Torah by the Rambam and its commentaries. Handwritten by the author (unidentified), with additions and erasures. [Eastern Europe, c. 19th century].
Complete edited hitherto unprinted composition. As a rule, the content is concise and clear - dissertation on the teachings of the Rishonim and the achronim. The Vilna Gaon's commentary on the Shulchan Aruch is often cited in the manuscript. The composition begins with clarifying the sources of the Rambam and determining the correct version of the Rambam and its commentaries and the ensuing halachic rulings in the Shulchan Aruch and its commentaries. The author notes the specific printing of the Mishne Torah he used for his exposition, for example: "Berdychiv printing" [published in 1808 or 1818]; "From here on, the Amsterdam printing of the Rambam".
The colophons at the beginning and end of the chapters clearly show that the author toiled in studying the Rambam and in editing a clear systematic commentary on his teachings. See for example leaf [122]: "Hilchot Chanukah have been completed clearly clearly with G-d's help and Part 1 of the Rambam has been completed clearly clearly with G-d's help, G-d shall give me the merit to complete Part 2 of the Rambam...". Title at top of leaf [202]: "Rambam Hilchot Shechita clear". On leaf [215]: "Hilchot Shechita have been completed clearly clearly and all of Part 2 of the Rambam has been completed… clearly". Title of leaf [216]: "Rambam with Magid Mishne on the laws of damages to possessions clear with G-d's help" (the author frequently uses the following expressions: "And here it is not appropriate to protract the explanation", "clearly with G-d's help", "clearly clearly with G-d's help").
[345] leaves, approximately 24 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Wear damages to bottom margins, slightly affecting text (the damages to the text of the first leaves are more significant). Minor worming affecting text. Several detached or partially detached leaves. New binding.
Enclosed are another 3 leaves - small scrap of a beginning of a letter ("To my son the rabbi"), and two leaves of Torah novellae [by other writers. One of these leaves: leaf 14 of an autograph manuscript of Or Yekarot on Tractate Ohalot by R. Asher son of R. Yekutiel Zalman Luria of Mogilev (printed in Jerusalem in 1899 with his commentary on additional tractates of Seder Taharot)].
Complete edited hitherto unprinted composition. As a rule, the content is concise and clear - dissertation on the teachings of the Rishonim and the achronim. The Vilna Gaon's commentary on the Shulchan Aruch is often cited in the manuscript. The composition begins with clarifying the sources of the Rambam and determining the correct version of the Rambam and its commentaries and the ensuing halachic rulings in the Shulchan Aruch and its commentaries. The author notes the specific printing of the Mishne Torah he used for his exposition, for example: "Berdychiv printing" [published in 1808 or 1818]; "From here on, the Amsterdam printing of the Rambam".
The colophons at the beginning and end of the chapters clearly show that the author toiled in studying the Rambam and in editing a clear systematic commentary on his teachings. See for example leaf [122]: "Hilchot Chanukah have been completed clearly clearly with G-d's help and Part 1 of the Rambam has been completed clearly clearly with G-d's help, G-d shall give me the merit to complete Part 2 of the Rambam...". Title at top of leaf [202]: "Rambam Hilchot Shechita clear". On leaf [215]: "Hilchot Shechita have been completed clearly clearly and all of Part 2 of the Rambam has been completed… clearly". Title of leaf [216]: "Rambam with Magid Mishne on the laws of damages to possessions clear with G-d's help" (the author frequently uses the following expressions: "And here it is not appropriate to protract the explanation", "clearly with G-d's help", "clearly clearly with G-d's help").
[345] leaves, approximately 24 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Wear damages to bottom margins, slightly affecting text (the damages to the text of the first leaves are more significant). Minor worming affecting text. Several detached or partially detached leaves. New binding.
Enclosed are another 3 leaves - small scrap of a beginning of a letter ("To my son the rabbi"), and two leaves of Torah novellae [by other writers. One of these leaves: leaf 14 of an autograph manuscript of Or Yekarot on Tractate Ohalot by R. Asher son of R. Yekutiel Zalman Luria of Mogilev (printed in Jerusalem in 1899 with his commentary on additional tractates of Seder Taharot)].
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Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $7,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter by R. Yisrael Meir HaCohen (Kagan) of Radin, author of the Chafetz Chaim, with his signature and stamp. Radin (Raduň), 25th of Elul 1928.
Official stationery of the Chafetz Chaim, with his signature "Yisrael Meir HaCohen" and his stamp. The letter was sent to "the benefactor… Mr. Bacharach of the city of Hamburg", thanking him for his past donation to the Radin yeshiva and requesting that he increase his support due to the difficult financial straits of the yeshiva. The letter contains blessings for the New Year.
Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaCohen of Radin (1837-1933, Otzar HaRabbanim 12262), widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He headed the Radin Yeshiva, and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishnah Berurah, Shmirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and many more. This is a letter written in his later years, at the age of about 89 [trembling is discernable in his signature].
17 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampness traces on bottom margin. Folding creases and wear. Mounted on paper for restoration.
Official stationery of the Chafetz Chaim, with his signature "Yisrael Meir HaCohen" and his stamp. The letter was sent to "the benefactor… Mr. Bacharach of the city of Hamburg", thanking him for his past donation to the Radin yeshiva and requesting that he increase his support due to the difficult financial straits of the yeshiva. The letter contains blessings for the New Year.
Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaCohen of Radin (1837-1933, Otzar HaRabbanim 12262), widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He headed the Radin Yeshiva, and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishnah Berurah, Shmirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and many more. This is a letter written in his later years, at the age of about 89 [trembling is discernable in his signature].
17 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampness traces on bottom margin. Folding creases and wear. Mounted on paper for restoration.
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Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Long (2-page) letter, handwritten and signed by R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, sent to R. Yonah Merzbach, Rabbi in Darmstadt. Sivan 1935.
Halachic responsum on the laws of Even HaEzer, regarding giving a get (divorce) to a woman who "alternates between states of insanity and stability". R. Chaim Ozer mentions a pamphlet on this subject by R. Yechiel Ya'akov Weinberg "teacher in the Beit Midrash LaRabbanim in Berlin in his country" [author of Seridei Esh, printed in his book, Part 1, Siman 62]. This responsum was partially printed in the Achiezer responsa, Vol. 3, Siman 17. R. Chaim Ozer opens with an apology for his delayed response which was due to the fact that at first, he planned to respond to Rabbi Weinberg's pamphlet "to debate and discuss the things he wrote and to thoroughly clarify the matter", by "my weak state of health and my burdens, which have greatly increased, postponed my reply". To permit the husband to give the get, he finally decided to respond briefly, without discussing all the words of Rabbi Weinberg in his pamphlet [this passage was not printed in his book Achiezer].
Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski (1863-1940), pre-eminent Torah leader of his generation, at the age of 11 began his studies at the Volozhin Yeshiva from R. Chaim of Brisk. At 24, he was appointed rabbi in Vilna. From a young age, he was active in public affairs and his opinion was the deciding factor in all public issues which arose throughout the Jewish world for almost 50 years. The first three parts of the Achiezer responsa were printed by the author himself (Vilna, 1922-1939), and Part 4 was printed from compilations (Bnei Brak, 1986).
2 leaves, official stationery, 28.5 cm. Approximately 38 autograph lines. Good condition. Wear and file holes.
Halachic responsum on the laws of Even HaEzer, regarding giving a get (divorce) to a woman who "alternates between states of insanity and stability". R. Chaim Ozer mentions a pamphlet on this subject by R. Yechiel Ya'akov Weinberg "teacher in the Beit Midrash LaRabbanim in Berlin in his country" [author of Seridei Esh, printed in his book, Part 1, Siman 62]. This responsum was partially printed in the Achiezer responsa, Vol. 3, Siman 17. R. Chaim Ozer opens with an apology for his delayed response which was due to the fact that at first, he planned to respond to Rabbi Weinberg's pamphlet "to debate and discuss the things he wrote and to thoroughly clarify the matter", by "my weak state of health and my burdens, which have greatly increased, postponed my reply". To permit the husband to give the get, he finally decided to respond briefly, without discussing all the words of Rabbi Weinberg in his pamphlet [this passage was not printed in his book Achiezer].
Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski (1863-1940), pre-eminent Torah leader of his generation, at the age of 11 began his studies at the Volozhin Yeshiva from R. Chaim of Brisk. At 24, he was appointed rabbi in Vilna. From a young age, he was active in public affairs and his opinion was the deciding factor in all public issues which arose throughout the Jewish world for almost 50 years. The first three parts of the Achiezer responsa were printed by the author himself (Vilna, 1922-1939), and Part 4 was printed from compilations (Bnei Brak, 1986).
2 leaves, official stationery, 28.5 cm. Approximately 38 autograph lines. Good condition. Wear and file holes.
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