Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 205 - 216 of 353
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $8,000
Sold for: $10,625
Including buyer's premium
Interesting letter from Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, with his full signature: "Tzvi Hirsh son of R. A. Rabbi of Liska". Liska (Olaszliszka), Iyar 1872.
Addressed to his relative R. Avraham HaLevi Kelner, posek in Nagykövesd (Veľký Kamenec). The Rebbe apologizes for his refusal to get involved in appointing a rabbi as dayan and posek, and in appointing a Shochet and Bodek in one of the villages: "Behold, when he was by me last week, I did not fulfill his wish in the matter at hand and I did not explain to him my motive for this… behold, I have always totally refrained from dealing with these three issues, i.e. Shochet and Bodek, dayanim and poskim, since these are lofty matters, therefore I have removed this yoke from my shoulders and left these weighty decisions to those who are greater than myself…".
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Friedman, rabbi of Liska (1798-1874), a leading Hungarian rebbe, from the first generation of the Chassidic movement in Hungary. A disciple of the Yismach Moshe, Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was renowned as a wonder-worker, and people flocked to him from all over the country to receive his blessings. He authored Ach Pri Tevua, HaYashar VehaTov, and others. His illustrious disciple was R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, who used to sign: "Who was the close attendant of the pious rabbi of Liska".
[1] leaf. 28 cm. Written by a scribe with the handwritten signature of the Rebbe. Fair condition. Tears and stains. Slight damage to text. Marginal paper repairs. Mounted on paper for preservation.
Addressed to his relative R. Avraham HaLevi Kelner, posek in Nagykövesd (Veľký Kamenec). The Rebbe apologizes for his refusal to get involved in appointing a rabbi as dayan and posek, and in appointing a Shochet and Bodek in one of the villages: "Behold, when he was by me last week, I did not fulfill his wish in the matter at hand and I did not explain to him my motive for this… behold, I have always totally refrained from dealing with these three issues, i.e. Shochet and Bodek, dayanim and poskim, since these are lofty matters, therefore I have removed this yoke from my shoulders and left these weighty decisions to those who are greater than myself…".
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Friedman, rabbi of Liska (1798-1874), a leading Hungarian rebbe, from the first generation of the Chassidic movement in Hungary. A disciple of the Yismach Moshe, Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was renowned as a wonder-worker, and people flocked to him from all over the country to receive his blessings. He authored Ach Pri Tevua, HaYashar VehaTov, and others. His illustrious disciple was R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, who used to sign: "Who was the close attendant of the pious rabbi of Liska".
[1] leaf. 28 cm. Written by a scribe with the handwritten signature of the Rebbe. Fair condition. Tears and stains. Slight damage to text. Marginal paper repairs. Mounted on paper for preservation.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $4,400
Unsold
Leaf of novellae on Talmudic topics (two written pages), handwritten by Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Liska (Olaszliszka).
Novellae on the topic of Kotevet HaGasa (measurement equivalent to a plump date). Autograph, with minor emendations and deletions. Published in his book HaYashar VehaTov (Munkacs, 1880. Talmudic novellae, leaf 15).
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Friedman, rabbi of Liska (1798-1874), a leading Hungarian rebbe, from the first generation of the Chassidic movement in Hungary. A disciple of the Yismach Moshe, Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was renowned as a wonder-worker, and people flocked to him from all over the country to receive his blessings. He authored Ach Pri Tevua, HaYashar VehaTov, and others. His illustrious disciple was R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, who used to sign: "Who was the close attendant of the pious rabbi of Liska".
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 25.5 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears.
Novellae on the topic of Kotevet HaGasa (measurement equivalent to a plump date). Autograph, with minor emendations and deletions. Published in his book HaYashar VehaTov (Munkacs, 1880. Talmudic novellae, leaf 15).
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Friedman, rabbi of Liska (1798-1874), a leading Hungarian rebbe, from the first generation of the Chassidic movement in Hungary. A disciple of the Yismach Moshe, Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was renowned as a wonder-worker, and people flocked to him from all over the country to receive his blessings. He authored Ach Pri Tevua, HaYashar VehaTov, and others. His illustrious disciple was R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, who used to sign: "Who was the close attendant of the pious rabbi of Liska".
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 25.5 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Chaim Elazar Shapiro author of Minchat Elazar. Munkacs (Mukachevo), Tishrei 1933.
The leaf begins with a letter from the Rebbe's attendant, R. Chaim Dov Gross, "writing at the behest of the Rebbe", acknowledging the receipt of the kvittel with the Pidyon Nefesh - "It was received by the Rebbe, and the Rebbe instructed me to send a loving reply, with blessings for the new year, for a good final sealing and a good year, replete with all good things… life, blessing, abundance and success… and all his heart's wishes for the good and for blessing…".
Beneath the letter, the following addition (one and a half lines), handwritten and signed by the Rebbe: "I hereby seek their wellbeing, and extend my blessings for the new year and for a good final sealing, a year of salvation and speedy redemption, together with the entire Jewish nation, Chaim Elazar Shapiro".
Rebbe Chaim Elazar Shapiro Rabbi of Munkacs (1872-1937) was a leading Torah scholar, halachic authority, rebbe and kabbalist in his generation. He was the son of R. Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Munkacs author of Darchei Teshuva, and grandson of R. Shlomo Shapiro Rabbi of Munkacs author of Shem Shlomo. A scion of the illustrious lineage of R. Tzvi Elimelech of Dynów author of Bnei Yissaschar. He battled to preserve the sanctity of the Jewish people, and his teachings in Halacha and Kabbalah were disseminated throughout the Jewish world. His books include: Responsa Minchat Elazar, Shaar Yissachar, Nimukei Orach Chaim, Divrei Torah - 9 parts, and more.
[1] leaf, official stationery of the Rebbe, with additional heading of the presidency of Kollel Munkacs in Eretz Israel. 23 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
The leaf begins with a letter from the Rebbe's attendant, R. Chaim Dov Gross, "writing at the behest of the Rebbe", acknowledging the receipt of the kvittel with the Pidyon Nefesh - "It was received by the Rebbe, and the Rebbe instructed me to send a loving reply, with blessings for the new year, for a good final sealing and a good year, replete with all good things… life, blessing, abundance and success… and all his heart's wishes for the good and for blessing…".
Beneath the letter, the following addition (one and a half lines), handwritten and signed by the Rebbe: "I hereby seek their wellbeing, and extend my blessings for the new year and for a good final sealing, a year of salvation and speedy redemption, together with the entire Jewish nation, Chaim Elazar Shapiro".
Rebbe Chaim Elazar Shapiro Rabbi of Munkacs (1872-1937) was a leading Torah scholar, halachic authority, rebbe and kabbalist in his generation. He was the son of R. Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Munkacs author of Darchei Teshuva, and grandson of R. Shlomo Shapiro Rabbi of Munkacs author of Shem Shlomo. A scion of the illustrious lineage of R. Tzvi Elimelech of Dynów author of Bnei Yissaschar. He battled to preserve the sanctity of the Jewish people, and his teachings in Halacha and Kabbalah were disseminated throughout the Jewish world. His books include: Responsa Minchat Elazar, Shaar Yissachar, Nimukei Orach Chaim, Divrei Torah - 9 parts, and more.
[1] leaf, official stationery of the Rebbe, with additional heading of the presidency of Kollel Munkacs in Eretz Israel. 23 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter from Rebbe Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam, with a concluding note in his handwriting and with his signature. Kraków, [1934].
The letter is addressed to R. Chaim Shaul Schöndorf in Nuremberg. Written on an official postcard from the Rebbe's court in Kraków, the letter contains the Rebbe's blessings for a complete recovery, and confirmation of the receipt of Pidyon Nefesh monies.
The letter is written by a scribe on the Rebbe's behalf, with the addition of approximately two lines handwritten and signed by the Rebbe: "So are the words of one who seeks his wellbeing and blesses him with a complete recovery, Yitzchak Yeshaya son of the righteous rabbi of Sanz".
Rebbe Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam of Chechiav (1864-1943, perished in the Holocaust, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut II, pp. 412-413) was the youngest son of Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Son-in-law of R. Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (Murovani Kurylivtsi), who was the son-in-law of R. Yehoshua of Belz, and in his second marriage, of R. Yaakov Tzvi of Parysów. His father, R. Chaim of Sanz, attested that he possesses a holy soul. He absorbed Chassidism from his older brothers: R. Yechezkel Shraga of Shinova (Sieniawa), R. Baruch of Gorlitz (Gorlice) and R. David of Kshanow (Chrzanów). After his marriage, he settled in Belz and learned Torah from his wife's grandfather, Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz. At the age of nineteen, he was appointed rabbi of Chechiav (Czchów) and was since referred to as R. Yeshayale Chechiaver. He later moved to Satmar, ultimately establishing his court in Kraków. He earned the reputation of a righteous and pious miracle worker, with thousands of followers flocking to his court. Upon the German invasion of Kraków, he was confined to a ghetto. After escaping to Lviv, he wandered from place to place before settling in Bochnia. The Germans searched for him, eventually locating the bunker he was hiding in and murdering all its inhabitants. According to another version, he was murdered together with R. Meir of Vielipoli (Wielopole Skrzyńskie) in the town square, both wrapped in their prayer shawls.
Official postcard, with printed letterhead: "Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam, Kraków"; the Rebbe's name and address are printed in Polish on the verso. 15X10 cm. Very good condition. Postage stamp removed. Light stains.
The letter is addressed to R. Chaim Shaul Schöndorf in Nuremberg. Written on an official postcard from the Rebbe's court in Kraków, the letter contains the Rebbe's blessings for a complete recovery, and confirmation of the receipt of Pidyon Nefesh monies.
The letter is written by a scribe on the Rebbe's behalf, with the addition of approximately two lines handwritten and signed by the Rebbe: "So are the words of one who seeks his wellbeing and blesses him with a complete recovery, Yitzchak Yeshaya son of the righteous rabbi of Sanz".
Rebbe Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam of Chechiav (1864-1943, perished in the Holocaust, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut II, pp. 412-413) was the youngest son of Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Son-in-law of R. Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (Murovani Kurylivtsi), who was the son-in-law of R. Yehoshua of Belz, and in his second marriage, of R. Yaakov Tzvi of Parysów. His father, R. Chaim of Sanz, attested that he possesses a holy soul. He absorbed Chassidism from his older brothers: R. Yechezkel Shraga of Shinova (Sieniawa), R. Baruch of Gorlitz (Gorlice) and R. David of Kshanow (Chrzanów). After his marriage, he settled in Belz and learned Torah from his wife's grandfather, Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz. At the age of nineteen, he was appointed rabbi of Chechiav (Czchów) and was since referred to as R. Yeshayale Chechiaver. He later moved to Satmar, ultimately establishing his court in Kraków. He earned the reputation of a righteous and pious miracle worker, with thousands of followers flocking to his court. Upon the German invasion of Kraków, he was confined to a ghetto. After escaping to Lviv, he wandered from place to place before settling in Bochnia. The Germans searched for him, eventually locating the bunker he was hiding in and murdering all its inhabitants. According to another version, he was murdered together with R. Meir of Vielipoli (Wielopole Skrzyńskie) in the town square, both wrapped in their prayer shawls.
Official postcard, with printed letterhead: "Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam, Kraków"; the Rebbe's name and address are printed in Polish on the verso. 15X10 cm. Very good condition. Postage stamp removed. Light stains.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $15,000
Unsold
Letter signed by Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam. Bobov (Bobowa), Tishrei 1904.
Addressed to the philanthropist R. Yeshaya Moshe Gross, with heartfelt blessings from the Rebbe: "…I hereby bless him that G-d should raise his prestige in wealth and honor, and help him see exceptional blessing in his business and in all his endeavors… And may they reap only satisfaction from all their descendants, and may he and his entire family continue being completely healthy, and may only good be heard in all his matters in his home".
The letter concludes with blessings for the new year: "Who seeks his wellbeing wholeheartedly, and blesses him with a positive sealing for a good year, blessed with all good, Shlomo Halberstam".
R. Shlomo Halberstam, first Rebbe of Bobov (1847-1905) was the grandson of the Divrei Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz and of Rebbe Eliezer Horowitz of Dzikov-Ropshitz. He was orphaned in his childhood of his father, R. Meir Natan Halberstam, and was raised and educated by his two illustrious grandfathers. After his marriage to the daughter of Rebbe Yehoshua of Kaminka, he was appointed in 1864 as rabbi of Bukowsko (at the young age of 17), and later of Ushpitzin (Oświęcim). In 1875, he was one of the grandchildren selected by R. Chaim of Sanz to publish his book Responsa Divrei Chaim. In 1878, he went to serve as rabbi of Vishnitsa, where he established a yeshiva in ca. 1880. He would deliver daily lectures in the yeshiva before hundreds of students. This yeshiva, which was the first to be established in Galicia, produced hundreds of Galician rabbis and dayanim. In 1892, he was appointed rabbi of Bobov, which he became renowned for. He served as rebbe to thousands of Chassidim, particularly working on drawing youths to Chassidism, developing Bobov into a large center of thousands of young Chassidim, who transformed Galician Jewry by disseminating Torah and Chassidism. He founded a large yeshiva in Bobov, with dozens of secondary branches in surrounding cities. R. Shlomo was a leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia and joined the Machzikei HaDat organization (in contrast to the other rebbes of the Sanz dynasty who did not endorse this organization). He wrote numerous halachic responsa. His son, Rebbe Ben Tzion, prepared his writings for print before WWI, but the composition was lost during the war. His son Rebbe Ben Tzion Halberstam, the Kedushat Tzion, was the father of Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam (the second), Rebbe of Bobov-USA - who established the large center of Bobov Chassidism in the United States.
His grandfather the Divrei Chaim cherished and revered him greatly, and in a halachic letter of 1871, he addresses him in terms of great honor (Responsa Divrei Chaim, Yoreh De'ah, section 32). In that responsum, his grandfather requests: "Please pray for me since I am very weak, may G-d help him with a long life… seeking the wellbeing of your Torah and awaiting to see you in peace".
[1] leaf. Approx. 21.5 cm. Thin, acidic paper. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Dark folding marks and creases. Mounted on paper for preservation.
Addressed to the philanthropist R. Yeshaya Moshe Gross, with heartfelt blessings from the Rebbe: "…I hereby bless him that G-d should raise his prestige in wealth and honor, and help him see exceptional blessing in his business and in all his endeavors… And may they reap only satisfaction from all their descendants, and may he and his entire family continue being completely healthy, and may only good be heard in all his matters in his home".
The letter concludes with blessings for the new year: "Who seeks his wellbeing wholeheartedly, and blesses him with a positive sealing for a good year, blessed with all good, Shlomo Halberstam".
R. Shlomo Halberstam, first Rebbe of Bobov (1847-1905) was the grandson of the Divrei Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz and of Rebbe Eliezer Horowitz of Dzikov-Ropshitz. He was orphaned in his childhood of his father, R. Meir Natan Halberstam, and was raised and educated by his two illustrious grandfathers. After his marriage to the daughter of Rebbe Yehoshua of Kaminka, he was appointed in 1864 as rabbi of Bukowsko (at the young age of 17), and later of Ushpitzin (Oświęcim). In 1875, he was one of the grandchildren selected by R. Chaim of Sanz to publish his book Responsa Divrei Chaim. In 1878, he went to serve as rabbi of Vishnitsa, where he established a yeshiva in ca. 1880. He would deliver daily lectures in the yeshiva before hundreds of students. This yeshiva, which was the first to be established in Galicia, produced hundreds of Galician rabbis and dayanim. In 1892, he was appointed rabbi of Bobov, which he became renowned for. He served as rebbe to thousands of Chassidim, particularly working on drawing youths to Chassidism, developing Bobov into a large center of thousands of young Chassidim, who transformed Galician Jewry by disseminating Torah and Chassidism. He founded a large yeshiva in Bobov, with dozens of secondary branches in surrounding cities. R. Shlomo was a leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia and joined the Machzikei HaDat organization (in contrast to the other rebbes of the Sanz dynasty who did not endorse this organization). He wrote numerous halachic responsa. His son, Rebbe Ben Tzion, prepared his writings for print before WWI, but the composition was lost during the war. His son Rebbe Ben Tzion Halberstam, the Kedushat Tzion, was the father of Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam (the second), Rebbe of Bobov-USA - who established the large center of Bobov Chassidism in the United States.
His grandfather the Divrei Chaim cherished and revered him greatly, and in a halachic letter of 1871, he addresses him in terms of great honor (Responsa Divrei Chaim, Yoreh De'ah, section 32). In that responsum, his grandfather requests: "Please pray for me since I am very weak, may G-d help him with a long life… seeking the wellbeing of your Torah and awaiting to see you in peace".
[1] leaf. Approx. 21.5 cm. Thin, acidic paper. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Dark folding marks and creases. Mounted on paper for preservation.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
![Letter on a postcard from Rebbe Sinai Halberstam Rabbi of Zhmigrod. "Wysowa" (Wysowa-Zdrój, Poland), [ca. 1934]. In this lett](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/275_1.jpg "Letter from Rebbe Sinai Halberstam of Zhmigrod - Blessings for a Compl")
![Letter on a postcard from Rebbe Sinai Halberstam Rabbi of Zhmigrod. "Wysowa" (Wysowa-Zdrój, Poland), [ca. 1934]. In this lett](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/275_2.jpg "Letter from Rebbe Sinai Halberstam of Zhmigrod - Blessings for a Compl")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $800
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter on a postcard from Rebbe Sinai Halberstam Rabbi of Zhmigrod. "Wysowa" (Wysowa-Zdrój, Poland), [ca. 1934].
In this letter, addressed to R. Chaim Shaul Schöndorf in Nuremberg, the Rebbe's extends his blessings and encouragement for a "complete and speedy recovery from Heaven, and may he still merit to recount in full health of all his tribulations, and inform me of good tidings…". Most of the letter is written by a scribe, though the final eight lines are handwritten and signed by the Rebbe (on the verso of the postcard): "Who seek his wellbeing wholeheartedly, and blesses him from the depth of my heart with the above blessings, and entreat G-d to fulfill my blessings in him… Who awaits his speedy recovery, Sinai Halberstam".
Rebbe Sinai Halberstam of Zhmigrod (1871-1941), son of Rebbe Baruch of Gorlitz (Gorlice) and grandson of R. Chaim of Sanz (Nowy Sącz), was named Sinai at the behest of his grandfather the Divrei Chaim (see sources quoted below for the reasons behind this name). Renowned as holy from birth, he conducted himself with extreme holiness, would awaken every night at midnight to study Zohar until the morning prayers, and earned the reputation of a wonder-worker. He served as rabbi of Gorlitz, Koloshitz (Kołaczyce) and Zhmigrod (Nowy Żmigród). From 1904, he became the Rebbe of Zhmigrod. A foremost Rebbe of the Sanz dynasty, he was a diligent Torah scholar and preacher, a pious man reputed for the scope of his prayers. Near the end of his life, he relocated to Kraków.
His grandson R. Moshe Halberstam - later one of the rabbis of the Eidah HaChareidit Beit Din - travelled in his youth from Jerusalem to Kraków, to lay Tefillin in honor of his Bar-mitzva beside his grandfather, though unfortunately, WWII broke out just then. The grandson miraculously succeeded in returning to Eretz Israel, while the elderly grandfather escaped the Nazis to the Omsk forest, where he died of starvation. The family miraculously obtained a white cloth for his burial and even succeeded in laying a tombstone on his grave, but his writings were lost during the Holocaust (Rabbeinu HaKadosh MiTzanz, II, p. 369; Meorei Galicia, II, p. 528).
Postcard (written on both sides). 10.5X15 cm. Fair condition. Tears. Open tears at edges. Postage stamps removed. Stamps of the Rebbe in Hebrew and Polish.
In this letter, addressed to R. Chaim Shaul Schöndorf in Nuremberg, the Rebbe's extends his blessings and encouragement for a "complete and speedy recovery from Heaven, and may he still merit to recount in full health of all his tribulations, and inform me of good tidings…". Most of the letter is written by a scribe, though the final eight lines are handwritten and signed by the Rebbe (on the verso of the postcard): "Who seek his wellbeing wholeheartedly, and blesses him from the depth of my heart with the above blessings, and entreat G-d to fulfill my blessings in him… Who awaits his speedy recovery, Sinai Halberstam".
Rebbe Sinai Halberstam of Zhmigrod (1871-1941), son of Rebbe Baruch of Gorlitz (Gorlice) and grandson of R. Chaim of Sanz (Nowy Sącz), was named Sinai at the behest of his grandfather the Divrei Chaim (see sources quoted below for the reasons behind this name). Renowned as holy from birth, he conducted himself with extreme holiness, would awaken every night at midnight to study Zohar until the morning prayers, and earned the reputation of a wonder-worker. He served as rabbi of Gorlitz, Koloshitz (Kołaczyce) and Zhmigrod (Nowy Żmigród). From 1904, he became the Rebbe of Zhmigrod. A foremost Rebbe of the Sanz dynasty, he was a diligent Torah scholar and preacher, a pious man reputed for the scope of his prayers. Near the end of his life, he relocated to Kraków.
His grandson R. Moshe Halberstam - later one of the rabbis of the Eidah HaChareidit Beit Din - travelled in his youth from Jerusalem to Kraków, to lay Tefillin in honor of his Bar-mitzva beside his grandfather, though unfortunately, WWII broke out just then. The grandson miraculously succeeded in returning to Eretz Israel, while the elderly grandfather escaped the Nazis to the Omsk forest, where he died of starvation. The family miraculously obtained a white cloth for his burial and even succeeded in laying a tombstone on his grave, but his writings were lost during the Holocaust (Rabbeinu HaKadosh MiTzanz, II, p. 369; Meorei Galicia, II, p. 528).
Postcard (written on both sides). 10.5X15 cm. Fair condition. Tears. Open tears at edges. Postage stamps removed. Stamps of the Rebbe in Hebrew and Polish.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Collection of letters and signatures of rebbes and rabbis from the distinguished Sanz and Belz lineages:
• A slip of paper with the signature and stamp of Rebbe Yechiel Natan Halberstam Rabbi of Bardiov (Bardejov).
Rebbe Yechiel Natan Halberstam of Bardiov (1865-1933), son and successor of Rebbe Moshe Halberstam of Bardiov, and son-in-law of Rebbe Aryeh Leibush Halberstam of Kshanov. In 1885, he was appointed rabbi of Alt-Sanz (Stary Sącz), near Sanz (Nowy Sącz; city of his grandfather the Divrei Chaim). In 1904, he succeeded his father as rabbi of Bardiov. Many Gorlitz Chassidim, especially those located in the various counties of Hungary, accepted his authority (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p. 226).
• Letter on a postcard, handwritten and signed by Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam of Nitra and Bardiov. Nitra, 1937.
Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Zalman Leib Halberstam of Nitra and Bardiov (perished in the Holocaust, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut I, p. 531), son-in-law and successor of Rebbe Yechiel Natan Halberstam of Bardiov.
• Letter handwritten and stamped by Rebbe Alter Shalom Elimelech Goldberg (descendant of the Sar Shalom, first rebbe of Belz). The letter is in rhyme, and forms an acrostic of his name. Warsaw, ca. 1920s.
R. Alter Shalom Elimelech Goldberg (d. 1938), rabbi and rebbe in Warsaw, renowned as a holy man and a wonder-worker. Son of R. Naftali Goldberg, son-in-law of Rebbe Moshe Rokach of Koruv (son of Rebbe Shalom Rokach, first Rebbe of Belz).
• Letter on postcard, handwritten and signed by Rebbe Yehuda Zundel Rokach of Chelm. Chełm, ca. 1920s.
Rebbe Yehuda Zundel Rokach (perished in the Holocaust), descendant of the Sar Shalom of Belz. Son of Rebbe Todros Rokach of Nemirov, grandson of Rebbe Moshe Rokach of Koruv (son of Rebbe Shalom Rokach, first Rebbe of Belz). He served as rebbe in Reisha (Rzeszów), and in the 1920s, in Chelm.
• Letter (2 pages) handwritten and signed by R. Yoel Twersky (grandson of Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz), addressed to his aunt Chaykele, who lived in the United States. Belz, 1930s.
Rebbe Yoel Twersky (perished in the Holocaust), son of Rebbe Yitzchak Nachum Twersky Rabbi of Rawa-Ruska - son-in-law of R. Yissachar Dov of Belz (regarding his father and his aunt - his father's sister, see Kedem Auction 66 - Item 58).
5 items. Size and condition vary.
• A slip of paper with the signature and stamp of Rebbe Yechiel Natan Halberstam Rabbi of Bardiov (Bardejov).
Rebbe Yechiel Natan Halberstam of Bardiov (1865-1933), son and successor of Rebbe Moshe Halberstam of Bardiov, and son-in-law of Rebbe Aryeh Leibush Halberstam of Kshanov. In 1885, he was appointed rabbi of Alt-Sanz (Stary Sącz), near Sanz (Nowy Sącz; city of his grandfather the Divrei Chaim). In 1904, he succeeded his father as rabbi of Bardiov. Many Gorlitz Chassidim, especially those located in the various counties of Hungary, accepted his authority (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p. 226).
• Letter on a postcard, handwritten and signed by Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam of Nitra and Bardiov. Nitra, 1937.
Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Zalman Leib Halberstam of Nitra and Bardiov (perished in the Holocaust, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut I, p. 531), son-in-law and successor of Rebbe Yechiel Natan Halberstam of Bardiov.
• Letter handwritten and stamped by Rebbe Alter Shalom Elimelech Goldberg (descendant of the Sar Shalom, first rebbe of Belz). The letter is in rhyme, and forms an acrostic of his name. Warsaw, ca. 1920s.
R. Alter Shalom Elimelech Goldberg (d. 1938), rabbi and rebbe in Warsaw, renowned as a holy man and a wonder-worker. Son of R. Naftali Goldberg, son-in-law of Rebbe Moshe Rokach of Koruv (son of Rebbe Shalom Rokach, first Rebbe of Belz).
• Letter on postcard, handwritten and signed by Rebbe Yehuda Zundel Rokach of Chelm. Chełm, ca. 1920s.
Rebbe Yehuda Zundel Rokach (perished in the Holocaust), descendant of the Sar Shalom of Belz. Son of Rebbe Todros Rokach of Nemirov, grandson of Rebbe Moshe Rokach of Koruv (son of Rebbe Shalom Rokach, first Rebbe of Belz). He served as rebbe in Reisha (Rzeszów), and in the 1920s, in Chelm.
• Letter (2 pages) handwritten and signed by R. Yoel Twersky (grandson of Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz), addressed to his aunt Chaykele, who lived in the United States. Belz, 1930s.
Rebbe Yoel Twersky (perished in the Holocaust), son of Rebbe Yitzchak Nachum Twersky Rabbi of Rawa-Ruska - son-in-law of R. Yissachar Dov of Belz (regarding his father and his aunt - his father's sister, see Kedem Auction 66 - Item 58).
5 items. Size and condition vary.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $938
Including buyer's premium
Official stationery of Rebbe "Yisrael Perlow, Stolin, Minsk governate", with a handwritten list of Psalms customarily recited on one night of Chanukah. [Stolin, Belarus, before 1922?].
This leaf contains a handwritten list documenting a Karlin Chassidic custom - a list of Psalms and prayers to be recited on Thursday night of Chanukah. The list was presumably written by one of the associates or attendants of the Rebbe (it may have been written by the rebbe's close attendant, the renowned R. Yisrael Binyamin Gleuberman).
Karlin Chassidim would customarily return to the synagogue following the Chanukah candle lighting in their homes, and recite together some Psalms with great passion. The Beit Aharon VeYisrael siddur of Karlin Chassidim states after HaNerot Halalu: "Every night, after the Chanukah candle lighting, we gather in the synagogue and recite the Chanukah Psalms". This introduction is followed by a list of Psalms and prayers to be recited every night after candle lighting. Different Psalms are recited every night, in a particular order. None of the editions of this siddur record the specific order of Psalms recited on Thursday night of Chanukah, nor is it documented in the Karlin Chanukah customs (see: Beit Aharon VeYisrael anthology, 92, pp. 121-122). This leaf was presumably written before the first Karlin siddur was printed in 1922.
Rebbe Yisrael Perlow of Karlin Stolin, known as "the Yenuka" (1868-1921), was orphaned from his father R. Asher of Stolin in his childhood, and was appointed rebbe at the young age of four and a half (!). He was the son-in-law of R. David Twersky of Zlatopoli. He passed away at the age of 53, and was buried in Frankfurt, and was since known amongst Karlin Chassidim as "The Frankfurter". He left behind six sons and four daughters: Rebbe Moshe of Stolin, Rebbe Avraham Elimelech of Karlin, Rebbe Yochanan of Lutsk, Rebbe Yaakov of Detroit, R. Aharon of Warsaw and R. Asher of Stolin. Most of his descendants perished in the Holocaust. The only surviving scion of this distinguished family was his youngest son, Rebbe Yochanan of Lutsk and Detroit (1900-1955) - grandfather of the current rebbe of Karlin-Stolin and his brother, the rebbe of Lutsk.
The Beit Aharon VeYisrael siddur was first printed in Piotrkow 1922, following to the precise directives of Rebbe Yisrael Perlow of Karlin. During the course of the siddur's preparation for print, the Rebbe passed away on the second day of Rosh Hashana, 1921. The siddur was reprinted in Brooklyn 1952 by his son Rebbe Yochanan, with many additions. Neither of the two editions contain this order of Psalms and prayers for Thursday night of Chanukah, and this early custom presumably ceased at the time, and is no longer observed today.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 20 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains. Wear. Tears affecting text. Mounted on paper for preservation. Old tape repairs to recto. Folding marks.
This leaf contains a handwritten list documenting a Karlin Chassidic custom - a list of Psalms and prayers to be recited on Thursday night of Chanukah. The list was presumably written by one of the associates or attendants of the Rebbe (it may have been written by the rebbe's close attendant, the renowned R. Yisrael Binyamin Gleuberman).
Karlin Chassidim would customarily return to the synagogue following the Chanukah candle lighting in their homes, and recite together some Psalms with great passion. The Beit Aharon VeYisrael siddur of Karlin Chassidim states after HaNerot Halalu: "Every night, after the Chanukah candle lighting, we gather in the synagogue and recite the Chanukah Psalms". This introduction is followed by a list of Psalms and prayers to be recited every night after candle lighting. Different Psalms are recited every night, in a particular order. None of the editions of this siddur record the specific order of Psalms recited on Thursday night of Chanukah, nor is it documented in the Karlin Chanukah customs (see: Beit Aharon VeYisrael anthology, 92, pp. 121-122). This leaf was presumably written before the first Karlin siddur was printed in 1922.
Rebbe Yisrael Perlow of Karlin Stolin, known as "the Yenuka" (1868-1921), was orphaned from his father R. Asher of Stolin in his childhood, and was appointed rebbe at the young age of four and a half (!). He was the son-in-law of R. David Twersky of Zlatopoli. He passed away at the age of 53, and was buried in Frankfurt, and was since known amongst Karlin Chassidim as "The Frankfurter". He left behind six sons and four daughters: Rebbe Moshe of Stolin, Rebbe Avraham Elimelech of Karlin, Rebbe Yochanan of Lutsk, Rebbe Yaakov of Detroit, R. Aharon of Warsaw and R. Asher of Stolin. Most of his descendants perished in the Holocaust. The only surviving scion of this distinguished family was his youngest son, Rebbe Yochanan of Lutsk and Detroit (1900-1955) - grandfather of the current rebbe of Karlin-Stolin and his brother, the rebbe of Lutsk.
The Beit Aharon VeYisrael siddur was first printed in Piotrkow 1922, following to the precise directives of Rebbe Yisrael Perlow of Karlin. During the course of the siddur's preparation for print, the Rebbe passed away on the second day of Rosh Hashana, 1921. The siddur was reprinted in Brooklyn 1952 by his son Rebbe Yochanan, with many additions. Neither of the two editions contain this order of Psalms and prayers for Thursday night of Chanukah, and this early custom presumably ceased at the time, and is no longer observed today.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 20 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains. Wear. Tears affecting text. Mounted on paper for preservation. Old tape repairs to recto. Folding marks.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
![Letter from Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow. Jerusalem, [ca. 1920s-1930s]. Written on the Rebbe's official stationery (rare),](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/278.jpg "Letter of Blessings and Guidance from Rebbe Avraham Elimelech of Karli")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Letter from Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow. Jerusalem, [ca. 1920s-1930s].
Written on the Rebbe's official stationery (rare), from his visit to Eretz Israel, with the heading: "Avraham Elimelech Perlow - Karlin Karolinska 13/18 - Presently in the Holy City of Jerusalem". Written by a scribe, with the addition of one line handwritten and signed by the Rebbe.
Letter acknowledging receipt of Maamadot funds sent by the young Torah scholar R. Moshe Meir Kirschenbaum, with many blessings: "…and I hereby wish to bless him, may he be blessed from the Source of blessings and salvations, with all good things, only goodness and kindness shall pursue him always, and may G-d fulfill all his heart's desires for the good". The letter continues with guidance for studying Torah with diligence: "He must remember and think carefully, since diligence and assiduity in Torah study bring many benefits, and it is a shame for the wasted time, and great is study which brings to action, and one must expend great effort in practical study of Shulchan Aruch, and may we experience salvation with much good, and celebrate the festival of matzot in happiness, joy and kashrut…". The letter concludes with additional blessings handwritten by the Rebbe, with his signature: "…and blesses him with success in spiritual and material matters, Avraham Elimelech son of the Tzaddik".
Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow (1891-1942, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 57), most prominent of the six sons of Rebbe Yisrael, the Yenuka of Stolin (known as the "Frankfurter"). Most of his father's Chassidim in Russia and Eretz Israel followed him, and so as to avoid disputes with the Chassidim of his brother Rebbe Moshe of Stolin, he established his court in Karlin, near Pinsk. He founded the Karlin yeshiva in Luninets. He visited Jerusalem several times. His last visit to Eretz Israel coincided with the outbreak of WWII. When he heard that the Nazis had invaded his town, he wished to return there to be with his community. His Chassidim tried to dissuade him from doing so, but he insisted and travelled back on the last ship leaving Eretz Israel for Europe. He perished in the Holocaust together with his descendants.
[1] leaf, official stationery. Approx. 20 cm. Good condition. Light wear to folds. Filing holes.
Written on the Rebbe's official stationery (rare), from his visit to Eretz Israel, with the heading: "Avraham Elimelech Perlow - Karlin Karolinska 13/18 - Presently in the Holy City of Jerusalem". Written by a scribe, with the addition of one line handwritten and signed by the Rebbe.
Letter acknowledging receipt of Maamadot funds sent by the young Torah scholar R. Moshe Meir Kirschenbaum, with many blessings: "…and I hereby wish to bless him, may he be blessed from the Source of blessings and salvations, with all good things, only goodness and kindness shall pursue him always, and may G-d fulfill all his heart's desires for the good". The letter continues with guidance for studying Torah with diligence: "He must remember and think carefully, since diligence and assiduity in Torah study bring many benefits, and it is a shame for the wasted time, and great is study which brings to action, and one must expend great effort in practical study of Shulchan Aruch, and may we experience salvation with much good, and celebrate the festival of matzot in happiness, joy and kashrut…". The letter concludes with additional blessings handwritten by the Rebbe, with his signature: "…and blesses him with success in spiritual and material matters, Avraham Elimelech son of the Tzaddik".
Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow (1891-1942, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 57), most prominent of the six sons of Rebbe Yisrael, the Yenuka of Stolin (known as the "Frankfurter"). Most of his father's Chassidim in Russia and Eretz Israel followed him, and so as to avoid disputes with the Chassidim of his brother Rebbe Moshe of Stolin, he established his court in Karlin, near Pinsk. He founded the Karlin yeshiva in Luninets. He visited Jerusalem several times. His last visit to Eretz Israel coincided with the outbreak of WWII. When he heard that the Nazis had invaded his town, he wished to return there to be with his community. His Chassidim tried to dissuade him from doing so, but he insisted and travelled back on the last ship leaving Eretz Israel for Europe. He perished in the Holocaust together with his descendants.
[1] leaf, official stationery. Approx. 20 cm. Good condition. Light wear to folds. Filing holes.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Two letters from Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow of Karlin:
• Letter acknowledging receipt of Maamadot funds from the Chassid R. Yosef Eliyahu Kirschenbaum, with blessings: "May he be blessed by the Source of blessing and salvations, with all good things. May only goodness and kindness pursue him all his life, and may G-d rescue him from all his troubles, and send him blessing and success in all his endeavors for the good, may he be immediately written and sealed in the book of Tzaddikim for life, for a good and happy year…". Written by a scribe, with several words handwritten and signed by the Rebbe: "With only goodness and satisfaction from his descendants. Avraham Elimelech son of the righteous rabbi". [Karlin, no date indicated. Ca. 1920s-1930s].
[1] leaf. 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Filing holes and minor tears.
• Letter acknowledging receipt of Maamadot funds from the Chassid R. Yosef Eliyahu Kirschenbaum, with blessings: "May he be blessed by G-d, source of blessing and salvations, with all good things. May only goodness and kindness pursue him all his life, and may he celebrate a kosher Passover in joy and happiness …". Written by a scribe, with the Rebbe's signature. [Jerusalem, no date indicated. Ca. 1920s-1930s].
[1] leaf. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains. Filing holes.
Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow (1891-1942, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 57), most prominent of the six sons of Rebbe Yisrael, the Yenuka of Stolin (known as the "Frankfurter"). Most of his father's Chassidim in Russia and Eretz Israel followed him, and so as to avoid disputes with the Chassidim of his brother Rebbe Moshe of Stolin, he established his court in Karlin, near Pinsk. He founded the Karlin yeshiva in Luninets. He visited Jerusalem several times. His last visit to Eretz Israel coincided with the outbreak of WWII. When he heard that the Nazis had invaded his town, he wished to return there to be with his community. His Chassidim tried to dissuade him from doing so, but he insisted and travelled back on the last ship leaving Eretz Israel for Europe. He perished in the Holocaust together with his descendants.
• Letter acknowledging receipt of Maamadot funds from the Chassid R. Yosef Eliyahu Kirschenbaum, with blessings: "May he be blessed by the Source of blessing and salvations, with all good things. May only goodness and kindness pursue him all his life, and may G-d rescue him from all his troubles, and send him blessing and success in all his endeavors for the good, may he be immediately written and sealed in the book of Tzaddikim for life, for a good and happy year…". Written by a scribe, with several words handwritten and signed by the Rebbe: "With only goodness and satisfaction from his descendants. Avraham Elimelech son of the righteous rabbi". [Karlin, no date indicated. Ca. 1920s-1930s].
[1] leaf. 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Filing holes and minor tears.
• Letter acknowledging receipt of Maamadot funds from the Chassid R. Yosef Eliyahu Kirschenbaum, with blessings: "May he be blessed by G-d, source of blessing and salvations, with all good things. May only goodness and kindness pursue him all his life, and may he celebrate a kosher Passover in joy and happiness …". Written by a scribe, with the Rebbe's signature. [Jerusalem, no date indicated. Ca. 1920s-1930s].
[1] leaf. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains. Filing holes.
Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow (1891-1942, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 57), most prominent of the six sons of Rebbe Yisrael, the Yenuka of Stolin (known as the "Frankfurter"). Most of his father's Chassidim in Russia and Eretz Israel followed him, and so as to avoid disputes with the Chassidim of his brother Rebbe Moshe of Stolin, he established his court in Karlin, near Pinsk. He founded the Karlin yeshiva in Luninets. He visited Jerusalem several times. His last visit to Eretz Israel coincided with the outbreak of WWII. When he heard that the Nazis had invaded his town, he wished to return there to be with his community. His Chassidim tried to dissuade him from doing so, but he insisted and travelled back on the last ship leaving Eretz Israel for Europe. He perished in the Holocaust together with his descendants.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Five letters from R. Yaakov Meir Biederman of Warsaw, president of the administration of "Kupat Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes, Kollel Polin" in Poland. Warsaw and Otwock, 1931-1934.
• Letter in his handwriting and with his signature, addressed to R. Yehuda Leib Graubart, regarding fundraising and distribution of charity boxes in Canada - "While the proceeds to the fund from our country do not cover even half their requirements". Warsaw, Nisan 1931.
• Interesting polemic letter in his handwriting and with his signature, addressed to the directors of Kollel Polin, regarding a controversy against the Kollel management, and directives on various matters. He writes: "I am very surprised at R. Tzvi Pesach Frank, who supports our opponents… I just saw a declaration issued by a new union…". R. Yaakov Meir also relates to the matter which was being debated at that time, whether to include Polish Jews living in Bnei Brak in the list of the Kollel recipients, and mentions in this context the request which R. Kook sent his brother-in-law and son-in-law (the Rebbe of Ger). He likewise mentions the demands of "the rabbi of Bnei Brak, who pressures me with various tactics to allocate him a special portion as rabbi of the Kollel members". Warsaw, Iyar 1932.
• Letter in his handwriting and with his signature, addressed to R. Avraham Fish and R. Yaakov Henich Sankevitz in Jerusalem. Various directives regarding the Kollel, and reconciling the Kollel management in Jerusalem. Otwock, Av 1934.
• Letter from the Kollel administration, addressed to R. Avraham Fish secretary of the Kollel in Jerusalem. Signed by the members of the board: "Yaakov Meir son of R. B. Biederman"; "Yechezkel Spiegelglass" and "Natan Pinchas Ehrlich". Warsaw, Nisan 1932.
• Letter from the Kollel board of directors, addressed to R. Avraham Fish - secretary of the Kollel in Jerusalem, signed by the president of the Kollel, R. "Yaakov Meir son of R. B. Biederman". Warsaw, Iyar 1934.
R. Yaakov Meir Biederman (1870-1941, perished in the Holocaust), outstanding Torah scholar, who edited the books of his father-in-law the Sefat Emet, Rebbe of Ger. He served as dayan and on the board of rabbis of the Warsaw community. He was the father-in-law of his brother-in-law the Imrei Emet, Rebbe of Ger, in the latter's second marriage (his daughter bore Rebbe Pinchas Menachem of Ger), and father-in-law of the Beit Yisrael in his first marriage. R. Yaakov Meir was a foremost Chassid in the Ger court, and administrated the Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes fund in Poland. Together with his brother-in-law R. Mendel of Pabianitz, he endeavored to negotiate and reconcile all parties in the Kollel administration, whose matters were indirectly related to internal conflict in Poland between the Chassidic courts of Ger, Alexander, Porisov, Amshinov and other dynasties. These letters disclose details related to those affairs, and of the implication of various figures in these controversies.
Five letters, three of them on official stationery. Size and condition vary. Wear and filing holes, slightly affecting text.
• Letter in his handwriting and with his signature, addressed to R. Yehuda Leib Graubart, regarding fundraising and distribution of charity boxes in Canada - "While the proceeds to the fund from our country do not cover even half their requirements". Warsaw, Nisan 1931.
• Interesting polemic letter in his handwriting and with his signature, addressed to the directors of Kollel Polin, regarding a controversy against the Kollel management, and directives on various matters. He writes: "I am very surprised at R. Tzvi Pesach Frank, who supports our opponents… I just saw a declaration issued by a new union…". R. Yaakov Meir also relates to the matter which was being debated at that time, whether to include Polish Jews living in Bnei Brak in the list of the Kollel recipients, and mentions in this context the request which R. Kook sent his brother-in-law and son-in-law (the Rebbe of Ger). He likewise mentions the demands of "the rabbi of Bnei Brak, who pressures me with various tactics to allocate him a special portion as rabbi of the Kollel members". Warsaw, Iyar 1932.
• Letter in his handwriting and with his signature, addressed to R. Avraham Fish and R. Yaakov Henich Sankevitz in Jerusalem. Various directives regarding the Kollel, and reconciling the Kollel management in Jerusalem. Otwock, Av 1934.
• Letter from the Kollel administration, addressed to R. Avraham Fish secretary of the Kollel in Jerusalem. Signed by the members of the board: "Yaakov Meir son of R. B. Biederman"; "Yechezkel Spiegelglass" and "Natan Pinchas Ehrlich". Warsaw, Nisan 1932.
• Letter from the Kollel board of directors, addressed to R. Avraham Fish - secretary of the Kollel in Jerusalem, signed by the president of the Kollel, R. "Yaakov Meir son of R. B. Biederman". Warsaw, Iyar 1934.
R. Yaakov Meir Biederman (1870-1941, perished in the Holocaust), outstanding Torah scholar, who edited the books of his father-in-law the Sefat Emet, Rebbe of Ger. He served as dayan and on the board of rabbis of the Warsaw community. He was the father-in-law of his brother-in-law the Imrei Emet, Rebbe of Ger, in the latter's second marriage (his daughter bore Rebbe Pinchas Menachem of Ger), and father-in-law of the Beit Yisrael in his first marriage. R. Yaakov Meir was a foremost Chassid in the Ger court, and administrated the Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes fund in Poland. Together with his brother-in-law R. Mendel of Pabianitz, he endeavored to negotiate and reconcile all parties in the Kollel administration, whose matters were indirectly related to internal conflict in Poland between the Chassidic courts of Ger, Alexander, Porisov, Amshinov and other dynasties. These letters disclose details related to those affairs, and of the implication of various figures in these controversies.
Five letters, three of them on official stationery. Size and condition vary. Wear and filing holes, slightly affecting text.
Category
Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
![Letter handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Betzalel Alter of Ger. [Otwock?, undated]. Addressed to the philanthropist R. Leibe](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/281.jpg "Letter of Recommendation from Rabbi Moshe Betzalel Alter of Ger")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $800
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Betzalel Alter of Ger. [Otwock?, undated].
Addressed to the philanthropist R. Leibel Epstein, recommendation to assist R. Itche Meir Alter (brother-in-law of R. Moshe Betzalel), who was in need of financial support, since he used to be wealthy and later lost his money. R. Moshe Betzalel concludes the letter: "The words of one who respects and admires him, and blesses him with a happy festival, Moshe Betzalel son of the rabbi of Ger".
R. Moshe Betzalel Alter (1869-perished in the Holocaust 1943), second son of the Sefat Emet, rebbe of Ger, and son-in-law of his uncle R. Shimon Chaim Alter brother of the Sefat Emet. He was renowned as a holy, ascetic and G-d fearing man, who worshipped G-d with exceptional devotion. He only slept for two hours every night, and would rise at two o'clock in the morning, delving into Torah study and worship of G-d with great diligence throughout the day and evening, until midnight. He was amongst the foremost leaders of the Ger dynasty. He totally accepted the authority of his brother, the Imrei Emet, and led the Chassidim on his behalf. He was involved in communal matters, and letters he wrote against reading secular newspapers and literature are well known. His brother the rebbe relied on him and wished to appoint him as his successor, as he wrote in his will: "…and behold, the community needs a leader, and I have decided to hand over the leadership to my brother R. Moshe Betzalel, he is attached to me wholeheartedly, and he will draw your hearts to our Father in Heaven… and he will bring down kindness, blessing and success from Heaven, to do good for you always" (ultimately, R. Moshe Betzalel perished in the Holocaust, and his brother changed his will to appoint his son R. Yisrael, the Beit Yisrael as his successor). With the outbreak of WWII, he was exiled together with his brother to Warsaw, where his son R. Yitzchak Meir (son-in-law of the Imrei Emet) was killed in bombardments. In the Warsaw ghetto, R. Moshe Betzalel survived thanks to his enrollment in a workshop. Most of the time, he sat in a corner of the shoe factory, while the Chassidim concealed his engagement in Torah and worship of G-d from the supervisors. Eventually, he was taken to the Treblinka extermination camp. Most of his descendants, including his sons, daughters and their numerous family members, perished in the Holocaust (apart from several descendants who survived and immigrated to Eretz Israel, including his son R. Avraham Mordechai Alter, father-in-law of the Penei Menachem, rebbe of Ger).
For a certain time, R. Moshe Betzalel changed his last name to Format, due to a Polish law exempting an only child from conscription. R. Moshe Betzalel succeeded in obtaining a new "identity", of an only child of the Format family. Even once he was able to return to his original name, he continued using the name Format, or both names together, as in the heading of this stationery which states: "Moshe Betzalel Alter-Format - Gora Kalwaria - presently in Otwock".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 14 cm. Approx. 13 autograph lines and signature. Very good condition. Folding marks.
Addressed to the philanthropist R. Leibel Epstein, recommendation to assist R. Itche Meir Alter (brother-in-law of R. Moshe Betzalel), who was in need of financial support, since he used to be wealthy and later lost his money. R. Moshe Betzalel concludes the letter: "The words of one who respects and admires him, and blesses him with a happy festival, Moshe Betzalel son of the rabbi of Ger".
R. Moshe Betzalel Alter (1869-perished in the Holocaust 1943), second son of the Sefat Emet, rebbe of Ger, and son-in-law of his uncle R. Shimon Chaim Alter brother of the Sefat Emet. He was renowned as a holy, ascetic and G-d fearing man, who worshipped G-d with exceptional devotion. He only slept for two hours every night, and would rise at two o'clock in the morning, delving into Torah study and worship of G-d with great diligence throughout the day and evening, until midnight. He was amongst the foremost leaders of the Ger dynasty. He totally accepted the authority of his brother, the Imrei Emet, and led the Chassidim on his behalf. He was involved in communal matters, and letters he wrote against reading secular newspapers and literature are well known. His brother the rebbe relied on him and wished to appoint him as his successor, as he wrote in his will: "…and behold, the community needs a leader, and I have decided to hand over the leadership to my brother R. Moshe Betzalel, he is attached to me wholeheartedly, and he will draw your hearts to our Father in Heaven… and he will bring down kindness, blessing and success from Heaven, to do good for you always" (ultimately, R. Moshe Betzalel perished in the Holocaust, and his brother changed his will to appoint his son R. Yisrael, the Beit Yisrael as his successor). With the outbreak of WWII, he was exiled together with his brother to Warsaw, where his son R. Yitzchak Meir (son-in-law of the Imrei Emet) was killed in bombardments. In the Warsaw ghetto, R. Moshe Betzalel survived thanks to his enrollment in a workshop. Most of the time, he sat in a corner of the shoe factory, while the Chassidim concealed his engagement in Torah and worship of G-d from the supervisors. Eventually, he was taken to the Treblinka extermination camp. Most of his descendants, including his sons, daughters and their numerous family members, perished in the Holocaust (apart from several descendants who survived and immigrated to Eretz Israel, including his son R. Avraham Mordechai Alter, father-in-law of the Penei Menachem, rebbe of Ger).
For a certain time, R. Moshe Betzalel changed his last name to Format, due to a Polish law exempting an only child from conscription. R. Moshe Betzalel succeeded in obtaining a new "identity", of an only child of the Format family. Even once he was able to return to his original name, he continued using the name Format, or both names together, as in the heading of this stationery which states: "Moshe Betzalel Alter-Format - Gora Kalwaria - presently in Otwock".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 14 cm. Approx. 13 autograph lines and signature. Very good condition. Folding marks.
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Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
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