Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
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Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
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Two letters – one by Rebbe Meir of Premishlan, the second by Rebbe Avraham David, the Gaon of Buchach. [Beginning of 19th century].
Both letters were sent to a Jew who unfaithfully and dishonestly managed the assets of another Jew. When called to a din-Torah by the Gaon of Buchach he refused to come before the Beit Din [see attached material on details of that event]. As a result, the Gaon of Buchach sent him a warning letter: "I am warning Rabbi Mordechai son of Rabbi Isaac… not to cause any delay or evasion from reaching a mutual conclusion with Rabbi Gavriel according to the Beit Din and Torah law…".
Following the request of the Gaon of Buchach, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan added a letter in his holy handwriting and signature: "Who am I the lowly to back the words of The Gaon, but I have come to recommend… that he should repay the good and not do the contrary chalila, because Hashem sees all men's actions. These are my words, The One Who Cautions [and requests / sees?], Meir".
People tell that because of the resentment of these great tzaddikim, the recipient of the letter lost all his possessions and remained poor until his death and on his tombstone it is written: "… poor and needy because of the resentment of Rabbi Meir". The Holy Rebbe Meir of Premishlan (1783-1850, Otzar HaRabbanim 12948; Encyclopedia of Chassidut, C, 49-51), was one of the Chassidic luminaries. Son of Rabbi Aharon Leib of Premishlan and grandson of "Rabbi Meir HaGadol" of Premishlan disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov. Wonders are told of his generosity in distributing charity. He was well known for distributing all his possessions to charity without leaving anything for himself and he would not go to sleep before he gave all the charity money in his home. His outstanding teacher was Rabbi Mordechai of Kremnitz, but he was also close to the Seer of Lublin. He was especially renowned for his righteousness and his ruach hakodesh that could foresee the future. [See attached material on the special relationship he had with the Gaon of Buchach].
Rebbe Avraham David Wahrman, The Gaon of Buchach (1771-1841, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, A, pages 88-72), a leading rabbi in Torah and Chassidut of his generation. After his marriage, he became close to Chassidut and formed a bond with the great rebbes of his generation, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov, Rabbi Moshe Lieb of Sasov, Rabbi Chaim of Tschernowitz and Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Nadvorna. At the age of 20 he was appointed as Rabbi of Jazłowiec; Rebbe Meir of Premishlan who passed through the city felt the kedusha that permeated the place and said that it was in the merit of the Gaon of Buchach. In 1814, he succeeded his father-in-law and teacher, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Kara, author of Neta Sha'ashuim, as Rabbi of Buchach. He was an illustrious genuis and tzaddik and wrote many books including: Da'at Kedoshim, Eshel Avraham [printed inside the Shulchan Aruch editions], Birkat David etc.
There are many famous stories of the wonders of the great powers of the Tzaddik of Premishlan. Also, his manuscripts and possessions are renowned for their great segulot. People tell of his grandson Rebbe Ya'akov of Shatz who survived the Holocaust although he was on the brink of death a number of times and he credited his wondrous salvation to the spice box of the Tzaddik of Premishlan that he carried on his body. Another story is told of a Chassid of the Tzaddik of Premishlan who came to part from the Tzaddik before departing for Eretz Yisrael. The Tzaddik gave him one of his possessions and commanded him that if a storm breaks out in the middle of the sea he should take this object and throw it into the sea and say: "This object is from the possessions of Meir ben Yenta" and immediately the sea will rest from its wrath, and this is what happened [see attached material]. Also this letter was held for years by its owners as a segula for protection and success.
Chassidic leaders attribute vast powers to the possessions of a tzaddik to bring great salvation, and the saying of the Besht is famous that man's possessions belong to the root of his soul. Therefore, a tzaddik's possession is a segula for fear of Heaven and wisdom as written in the Talmud Yerushalmi, "Rabbi Meir's staff was in his hand and it would teach him".
Letter of Rebbe Meir of Premishlam; 11X9.5 cm. The letter of the Da'at Kedoshim: 11X10 cm. Good-fair condition, stains and folding marks. Place in fancy leather binding.
Both letters were sent to a Jew who unfaithfully and dishonestly managed the assets of another Jew. When called to a din-Torah by the Gaon of Buchach he refused to come before the Beit Din [see attached material on details of that event]. As a result, the Gaon of Buchach sent him a warning letter: "I am warning Rabbi Mordechai son of Rabbi Isaac… not to cause any delay or evasion from reaching a mutual conclusion with Rabbi Gavriel according to the Beit Din and Torah law…".
Following the request of the Gaon of Buchach, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan added a letter in his holy handwriting and signature: "Who am I the lowly to back the words of The Gaon, but I have come to recommend… that he should repay the good and not do the contrary chalila, because Hashem sees all men's actions. These are my words, The One Who Cautions [and requests / sees?], Meir".
People tell that because of the resentment of these great tzaddikim, the recipient of the letter lost all his possessions and remained poor until his death and on his tombstone it is written: "… poor and needy because of the resentment of Rabbi Meir". The Holy Rebbe Meir of Premishlan (1783-1850, Otzar HaRabbanim 12948; Encyclopedia of Chassidut, C, 49-51), was one of the Chassidic luminaries. Son of Rabbi Aharon Leib of Premishlan and grandson of "Rabbi Meir HaGadol" of Premishlan disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov. Wonders are told of his generosity in distributing charity. He was well known for distributing all his possessions to charity without leaving anything for himself and he would not go to sleep before he gave all the charity money in his home. His outstanding teacher was Rabbi Mordechai of Kremnitz, but he was also close to the Seer of Lublin. He was especially renowned for his righteousness and his ruach hakodesh that could foresee the future. [See attached material on the special relationship he had with the Gaon of Buchach].
Rebbe Avraham David Wahrman, The Gaon of Buchach (1771-1841, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, A, pages 88-72), a leading rabbi in Torah and Chassidut of his generation. After his marriage, he became close to Chassidut and formed a bond with the great rebbes of his generation, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov, Rabbi Moshe Lieb of Sasov, Rabbi Chaim of Tschernowitz and Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Nadvorna. At the age of 20 he was appointed as Rabbi of Jazłowiec; Rebbe Meir of Premishlan who passed through the city felt the kedusha that permeated the place and said that it was in the merit of the Gaon of Buchach. In 1814, he succeeded his father-in-law and teacher, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Kara, author of Neta Sha'ashuim, as Rabbi of Buchach. He was an illustrious genuis and tzaddik and wrote many books including: Da'at Kedoshim, Eshel Avraham [printed inside the Shulchan Aruch editions], Birkat David etc.
There are many famous stories of the wonders of the great powers of the Tzaddik of Premishlan. Also, his manuscripts and possessions are renowned for their great segulot. People tell of his grandson Rebbe Ya'akov of Shatz who survived the Holocaust although he was on the brink of death a number of times and he credited his wondrous salvation to the spice box of the Tzaddik of Premishlan that he carried on his body. Another story is told of a Chassid of the Tzaddik of Premishlan who came to part from the Tzaddik before departing for Eretz Yisrael. The Tzaddik gave him one of his possessions and commanded him that if a storm breaks out in the middle of the sea he should take this object and throw it into the sea and say: "This object is from the possessions of Meir ben Yenta" and immediately the sea will rest from its wrath, and this is what happened [see attached material]. Also this letter was held for years by its owners as a segula for protection and success.
Chassidic leaders attribute vast powers to the possessions of a tzaddik to bring great salvation, and the saying of the Besht is famous that man's possessions belong to the root of his soul. Therefore, a tzaddik's possession is a segula for fear of Heaven and wisdom as written in the Talmud Yerushalmi, "Rabbi Meir's staff was in his hand and it would teach him".
Letter of Rebbe Meir of Premishlam; 11X9.5 cm. The letter of the Da'at Kedoshim: 11X10 cm. Good-fair condition, stains and folding marks. Place in fancy leather binding.
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Letters
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Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $1,800
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Semicha on parchment, by the Gaon Rabbi Yom Tov Bandi, Av Beit Din of Prostitz. Prague, Rosh Chodesh Adar 1705. Fine calligraphy frame with a drawing of flowers and a human figure.
The Semicha’s wording is eloquent and interesting, with numerous rhymes: “And Mordechai went out with garments… and… Hashem has gifted him… this precious young man… May there be many like him in Israel… and I have spoken and signed [the present paper]… Yom Tov son of Zalman, here in Prostitz”.
The Gaon Rabbi Yom Tov Bandi was among the leading sages of his generation, served as a Dayan Borerut – Rabbinical conciliator, [Moreh Shaveh = who had enough authority to judge without the usually requested tribunal of three, a highly trusted function only very select Geonim have filled in their generations] in Prague, he also served as rabbi of the Prostitz community. Passed away in 1729, and his tombstone in Prague bears descriptions that are very rare in that generation: “The Rabbi Gaon Av Beit Din of Prostitz and the surroundings and Dayan Moreh Shaveh of Prague]... enlightened the eyes of Israel with his novellae, his responsa and sermons at the synagogue”. (Prague Families, page 26).
His five sons were famous rabbis, Rabbi Eliezer Bandi Av Beit Din of Bumslo, Rabbi Avraham Bandi author of the “Zera Avraham” (father in law of Rabbi Elazar Falklash’s grandfather) and more. See enclosed material.
17 cm. Good condition. Slightly faded ink.
The Semicha’s wording is eloquent and interesting, with numerous rhymes: “And Mordechai went out with garments… and… Hashem has gifted him… this precious young man… May there be many like him in Israel… and I have spoken and signed [the present paper]… Yom Tov son of Zalman, here in Prostitz”.
The Gaon Rabbi Yom Tov Bandi was among the leading sages of his generation, served as a Dayan Borerut – Rabbinical conciliator, [Moreh Shaveh = who had enough authority to judge without the usually requested tribunal of three, a highly trusted function only very select Geonim have filled in their generations] in Prague, he also served as rabbi of the Prostitz community. Passed away in 1729, and his tombstone in Prague bears descriptions that are very rare in that generation: “The Rabbi Gaon Av Beit Din of Prostitz and the surroundings and Dayan Moreh Shaveh of Prague]... enlightened the eyes of Israel with his novellae, his responsa and sermons at the synagogue”. (Prague Families, page 26).
His five sons were famous rabbis, Rabbi Eliezer Bandi Av Beit Din of Bumslo, Rabbi Avraham Bandi author of the “Zera Avraham” (father in law of Rabbi Elazar Falklash’s grandfather) and more. See enclosed material.
17 cm. Good condition. Slightly faded ink.
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Letters
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Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $200
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
A long letter from the Rabbis and heads of the community in Rome to the community of Pesaro. Rome, 1697.
"Like a woman in childbirth so is this city from trial and tribulations… from the burden of king and officers, taxes and levies and each day's curses are more than the day before… our debtors have not enough to pay even the interest of the debt and the Jews in Rome have become impoverished because only some ten households are left in our community… and about 6000 poor, barefoot and bare souls are like a drop in the sea…".
An important and interesting letter about one of the wealthy Jews of the community of Rome who settled in Pesaro. The community of Rome which was in financial distress and was very dependent on heads of households, of which only ten were left, turned to the community of Pesaro requesting assistance to prevent confiscation of their property and their expulsion.
Signed: "Mordechai ben Shabtai of Laritzia" and "Yitzchak ben Mordechai of Castalia".
The letter throws light on the internal problems of Italian communities of that era and primarily reflects the difficult situation of the community in Rome at that time.
2.5 written pages. 27 cm. High-quality paper, good-fair condition. Tears and stains to margins and folds with minor damage to text. Paper paste.
"Like a woman in childbirth so is this city from trial and tribulations… from the burden of king and officers, taxes and levies and each day's curses are more than the day before… our debtors have not enough to pay even the interest of the debt and the Jews in Rome have become impoverished because only some ten households are left in our community… and about 6000 poor, barefoot and bare souls are like a drop in the sea…".
An important and interesting letter about one of the wealthy Jews of the community of Rome who settled in Pesaro. The community of Rome which was in financial distress and was very dependent on heads of households, of which only ten were left, turned to the community of Pesaro requesting assistance to prevent confiscation of their property and their expulsion.
Signed: "Mordechai ben Shabtai of Laritzia" and "Yitzchak ben Mordechai of Castalia".
The letter throws light on the internal problems of Italian communities of that era and primarily reflects the difficult situation of the community in Rome at that time.
2.5 written pages. 27 cm. High-quality paper, good-fair condition. Tears and stains to margins and folds with minor damage to text. Paper paste.
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Letters
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Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Letter by the Dayan Uri Feibelman of Altona to the notables of the Mantua congregation. Altona, [c. 1735].
The letter was written in light of a disagreement which erupted in 1732 between the Mantua congregation leaders and four of the ten affluent residents, who refused to pay taxes to the congregation fund for assets which they owned out of town. The argument exceeded the borders of Mantua and after the rabbis of Italy were divided in their opinions and did not reach an agreement, the matter was brought before the Torah giants of Eastern Europe by Rabbi Moshe Chagiz. At least thirty rabbis took part in this polemic, among them: Rabbi Ya’akov Emden, Rabbi David Oppenheim, author of Shev Ya’akov, author of Knesset Yechezkel Av Beit Din of Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbek, as well as a few of the local Dayanim. [For additional detailed information related to this matter see: Kovetz Beit Aharon VeYisrael, issues 69-71].
The following letter is a Halachic ruling written by Rabbi Uri Feibelman (passed away in 1735), Dayan in Altona [for additional information related to him see attached material], in which he supports the Mantua congregation leaders.
20 cm. Good condition. Mildew stain.
The letter was written in light of a disagreement which erupted in 1732 between the Mantua congregation leaders and four of the ten affluent residents, who refused to pay taxes to the congregation fund for assets which they owned out of town. The argument exceeded the borders of Mantua and after the rabbis of Italy were divided in their opinions and did not reach an agreement, the matter was brought before the Torah giants of Eastern Europe by Rabbi Moshe Chagiz. At least thirty rabbis took part in this polemic, among them: Rabbi Ya’akov Emden, Rabbi David Oppenheim, author of Shev Ya’akov, author of Knesset Yechezkel Av Beit Din of Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbek, as well as a few of the local Dayanim. [For additional detailed information related to this matter see: Kovetz Beit Aharon VeYisrael, issues 69-71].
The following letter is a Halachic ruling written by Rabbi Uri Feibelman (passed away in 1735), Dayan in Altona [for additional information related to him see attached material], in which he supports the Mantua congregation leaders.
20 cm. Good condition. Mildew stain.
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Letters
Catalogue
Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $500
Unsold
Letter by Rabbi Shlomo Palovitz, which contains a copy of another letter sent to Pressburg in 1834. “A copy of words written by Rabbi Yehuda Brandburg - Torah scholar from Trieste - to the Gaon [Chatam Sofer], which contains a copy of a writing owned by [Rabbi] Avraham Shlomo Zalman, fundraiser from Jerusalem: “I have heard from Rabbi Yechiel… who had left the town of Tatuan and found the wording of a letter which fell into the hands of the outstanding Kabbalist and Dayan Rabbi Yuda Ha-Levi… and was originally found in an open area in 1785 on a special stone placed on the ground, which, at the time of the foundation of… bore all kinds of adornments in golden letters saying as follows: in 1829, there will be wars… 1831 will die the Pope in Rome, in 1832, there will be great wars all over the world… in 1837 the world will know Gd’s Redemption, in 1838-39, G-d will gather his children and rule the world…”.
The following is written on the verso of the leaf: “copied from the sage of Trieste’s writings [author of the “Ketav Sofer”]. Predicts events which will happen between the years 1829 and 1838”.
Rabbi Avraham Shlomo Zalman Tzoref of Jerusalem was sent to Italy on a fundraising mission for the associated Ashkenazi and Sephardic Kollelot during fall 1829, his mission lasted over three years. See A. Ya’ari, “Sheluchei Eretz Israel” pp. 774-777.
Rabbi Yehuda Brandburg of Trieste’s name appears in the “Chatam Sofer” responsum in several places, [since the Chatam Sofer] replied to his questions. See “Ishim Be-Teshuvot Ha-Chatam Sofer” p. 145 and refer to the enclosed material.
18.5 cm leaf, written on both sides, greenish paper, good condition, stains and folding marks.
The following is written on the verso of the leaf: “copied from the sage of Trieste’s writings [author of the “Ketav Sofer”]. Predicts events which will happen between the years 1829 and 1838”.
Rabbi Avraham Shlomo Zalman Tzoref of Jerusalem was sent to Italy on a fundraising mission for the associated Ashkenazi and Sephardic Kollelot during fall 1829, his mission lasted over three years. See A. Ya’ari, “Sheluchei Eretz Israel” pp. 774-777.
Rabbi Yehuda Brandburg of Trieste’s name appears in the “Chatam Sofer” responsum in several places, [since the Chatam Sofer] replied to his questions. See “Ishim Be-Teshuvot Ha-Chatam Sofer” p. 145 and refer to the enclosed material.
18.5 cm leaf, written on both sides, greenish paper, good condition, stains and folding marks.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $180
Sold for: $525
Including buyer's premium
Two piskei din (Torah law decisions) in the handwriting of Rabbi Alexander Sender, Rabbi of Paderborn and Westfalia (Northern Germany). 1772.
One of the decisions was sent to the "heads of the community who dwell in Zalsch-Katz…". The decisions show the absolute status of a Jewish rabbi in those days: "the strength of my order to fine and forbid shechita to the sheliach tzibbur and the sho'chet u'vodek… ". At that time in northern Germany, the Jews were scattered in villages and a district rabbi was appointed over all the small communities. Both decisions have his signature: "Alexander Sender in the state of P. B. [Paderborn] and Lipa [Westfalia]".
Hebrew and Yiddish.
[2] leaves [3 written pages]. Varied size, good condition, stains and folding marks.
One of the decisions was sent to the "heads of the community who dwell in Zalsch-Katz…". The decisions show the absolute status of a Jewish rabbi in those days: "the strength of my order to fine and forbid shechita to the sheliach tzibbur and the sho'chet u'vodek… ". At that time in northern Germany, the Jews were scattered in villages and a district rabbi was appointed over all the small communities. Both decisions have his signature: "Alexander Sender in the state of P. B. [Paderborn] and Lipa [Westfalia]".
Hebrew and Yiddish.
[2] leaves [3 written pages]. Varied size, good condition, stains and folding marks.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $1,200
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Document and letter collection from the community of Pest (Budapest). [End of the 18th century]. Important and versatile collection, including letters by the community leaders of Budapest, letters addressed to them by leaders of other communities, among which, a letter from the Pressburg community during the Chatam Sofer’s lifetime, meeting protocols, reports, contracts and various documents. Several dozens of Pest’s community members are mentioned in those documents and important signatures appear on those papers, some of which are valuable autographs by community officers and chiefs.
Among the documents: a 1825 reply letter, handwritten and signed by the Gaon Rabbi Israel Segal Wahrman [who was the town’s rabbi and Av Beit Din]. The Gaon Rabbi Shimon Oppenheim Kromonea [disciple of the “Noda Bi-Yehuda” and Rosh Av Beit Din of Budapest for over fifty years] and the Gaon Rabbi Azriel Brill [Dayan in Budapest for forty years and author of the “Hadrat Kodesh”] also signed this response letter. There are additional signatures by the Gaon Rabbi David Goldstein of Pressburg [disciple of the “Chatam Sofer”], the Gaon Rabbi Chaim Brill of Pressburg [one of the Chatam Sofer’s Yeshiva’s Gabbaim], the famous wealthy man Rabbi Shlomo Rosenthal [Mahr] of Budapest [among the leaders of Hungarian Jewry at that time. Signed on two documents], the officer Rabbi Hersh Yaffe of Pressburg [served as Mohel in Pressburg, mentioned in the Brit Mila booklet of the Chatam Sofer].
25 documents, most are in Yiddish, written on thick papers. Varying sizes and conditions (overall good condition). Some [of the documents] bear whole wax seals. Bound together in a fine, new binding.
Among the documents: a 1825 reply letter, handwritten and signed by the Gaon Rabbi Israel Segal Wahrman [who was the town’s rabbi and Av Beit Din]. The Gaon Rabbi Shimon Oppenheim Kromonea [disciple of the “Noda Bi-Yehuda” and Rosh Av Beit Din of Budapest for over fifty years] and the Gaon Rabbi Azriel Brill [Dayan in Budapest for forty years and author of the “Hadrat Kodesh”] also signed this response letter. There are additional signatures by the Gaon Rabbi David Goldstein of Pressburg [disciple of the “Chatam Sofer”], the Gaon Rabbi Chaim Brill of Pressburg [one of the Chatam Sofer’s Yeshiva’s Gabbaim], the famous wealthy man Rabbi Shlomo Rosenthal [Mahr] of Budapest [among the leaders of Hungarian Jewry at that time. Signed on two documents], the officer Rabbi Hersh Yaffe of Pressburg [served as Mohel in Pressburg, mentioned in the Brit Mila booklet of the Chatam Sofer].
25 documents, most are in Yiddish, written on thick papers. Varying sizes and conditions (overall good condition). Some [of the documents] bear whole wax seals. Bound together in a fine, new binding.
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Letters
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Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $250
Unsold
Handwritten lamentation about the Reform Movement Rabbis’ meeting, by Rabbi Aharon Fuld, Frankfurt am Main, 1844.
“An assembly of… Rabbis, who seek to destroy us… and their ways cannot be adopted”, the lamentation continues with words on Torah law violations, the encouragement of assimilation, the authorization of a woman’s remarrying without a Get and the denial of the Final Redemption. The lamentation ends with the following words: “May those evil ways come to an end and may we have the merit of offering sacrifices in Zion”. Signed “A. Fuld”.
Rabbi Aharon Fuld (1790–1847), of the sages of Frankfurt am Main, disciple of the “Hafla’ah” and member of the Rabbinical tribunal of Rabbi Zalman Trier and Rabbi Ber Adler. The Maharatz Chajes writes about him in the Minchat Kena’ot “The great Rabbi, elder Chassid, Rabbi Zalman Trier, Av Beit Din of Frankfurt am Main, with two of the leading sages of the generation Rabbi Aharon Fuld and the Great Rabbi Ber Adler”. Corresponded a lot with the “Chatam Sofer”, Rabbi Akiva Eiger and more. Was among the greatest fighters against the Reform Movement in his generation, this lamentation was written after the Reform Movement Members’ gathering in Braunschweig 1844, during which decisions were made to change the wording of the prayers and abolish several Torah laws (such as allowing intermarriages, changing the laws of circumcision, and more). The “Ketav Sofer” organized a petition signed by rabbis.
Rabbi Aharon authored several books: the “Beit Aharon” responsum and glosses and remarks on the Shem Ha-Gedolim. (More about him in enclosed material, with a photocopy of his handwriting).
2 pages, 17 cm. Good condition.
“An assembly of… Rabbis, who seek to destroy us… and their ways cannot be adopted”, the lamentation continues with words on Torah law violations, the encouragement of assimilation, the authorization of a woman’s remarrying without a Get and the denial of the Final Redemption. The lamentation ends with the following words: “May those evil ways come to an end and may we have the merit of offering sacrifices in Zion”. Signed “A. Fuld”.
Rabbi Aharon Fuld (1790–1847), of the sages of Frankfurt am Main, disciple of the “Hafla’ah” and member of the Rabbinical tribunal of Rabbi Zalman Trier and Rabbi Ber Adler. The Maharatz Chajes writes about him in the Minchat Kena’ot “The great Rabbi, elder Chassid, Rabbi Zalman Trier, Av Beit Din of Frankfurt am Main, with two of the leading sages of the generation Rabbi Aharon Fuld and the Great Rabbi Ber Adler”. Corresponded a lot with the “Chatam Sofer”, Rabbi Akiva Eiger and more. Was among the greatest fighters against the Reform Movement in his generation, this lamentation was written after the Reform Movement Members’ gathering in Braunschweig 1844, during which decisions were made to change the wording of the prayers and abolish several Torah laws (such as allowing intermarriages, changing the laws of circumcision, and more). The “Ketav Sofer” organized a petition signed by rabbis.
Rabbi Aharon authored several books: the “Beit Aharon” responsum and glosses and remarks on the Shem Ha-Gedolim. (More about him in enclosed material, with a photocopy of his handwriting).
2 pages, 17 cm. Good condition.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $250
Sold for: $313
Including buyer's premium
Shana Tova and rabbinical matters letter, by Rabbi Shimon Segal Walentin. Yankowitz, on the eve of Rosh Ha-Shana 1838.
The letter was sent to Rabbi Elyakim Getz Shwerin Av Beit Din of Baia and opens with blessings of “Shana Tova and blessings from the Almighty”- “I wish to let my rabbi know that today I have received the new rabbinical script he has prepared, written and signed by the members of my community”.
Rabbi Shimon Segal Walentin, Av Beit Din of Yankowitz near Baia, was among the rabbis who signed in the first Hungarian rabbinical gathering against the Neologists, which took place in Paks in 1844. (See enclosed expert authentication).
22 cm. Good condition, wrinkles and letter folding. Long address caption on the back of the letter, wax seal.
The letter was sent to Rabbi Elyakim Getz Shwerin Av Beit Din of Baia and opens with blessings of “Shana Tova and blessings from the Almighty”- “I wish to let my rabbi know that today I have received the new rabbinical script he has prepared, written and signed by the members of my community”.
Rabbi Shimon Segal Walentin, Av Beit Din of Yankowitz near Baia, was among the rabbis who signed in the first Hungarian rabbinical gathering against the Neologists, which took place in Paks in 1844. (See enclosed expert authentication).
22 cm. Good condition, wrinkles and letter folding. Long address caption on the back of the letter, wax seal.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $16,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Three letters, handwritten, signed and stamped, by three genius Rosh Yeshivot of Lithuania; Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik Av Beit Din of Brisk, Rabbi Yitzchak Ya’akov Rabinowitz Av Beit Din of Ponevezh and Rabbi Yosef Yehudah Leib Bloch Rosh Yeshiva of Telz. [Brisk, Ponevezh and Shadova], [1908-1909].
The letters were sent to Rabbi Yehudah Leib Landau, Av Beit Din of Johannesburg, South Africa, and concern a request for assistance for a lonesome and destitute woman from the congregation of Shadova (where Rabbi Yosef Yehudah Leib Bloch served at the time as rabbi), whose husband is in Johannesburg for many years and is financially prevented from returning to Lithuania. In their letter the giants of the generation request that the Johannesburg residents gather assistance for the unfortunate woman and enable the father to return to his family. At the end of the letter Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik concludes: “and in such a grave matter there is no need to add on unnecessary words… and those who have mercy G-D will have mercy upon them and bless them”. [It is interesting to observe how Torah giants invest of their energy to promote a private appeal which exhibits sincere concern for the entire Jewish people].
The Ga’on Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik (1853-1918, Otzar HaRabbanim 6090) was born in Volozhin to this father the Ga’on Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin and author of Beit HaLevi. Married the daughter of Rabbi Refael Shapiro Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin and granddaughter of the Natziv. In the following years he was appointed as Rosh Yeshiva in Volozhin. Upon the closing of the Yeshiva he served as rabbi in Brisk as successor to his father, where prominent disciples gathered to study Torah from him. Bequeathed a new method of study of Torah for generations and was among the leaders of his generation. Son of the Ga’on Rabbi Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik “The Rabbi of Brisk”.
The Ga’on Rabbi Yitzchak Ya’akov Rabinowitz [Rabbi Itzeleh Ponovizher] (1853-1919, Otzar HaRabbanim 11378) was among the disciples of the Beit HaLevi and studied with his son, Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik, as a learning companion for approximately two years. In 1889 was summoned by the Saba of Slabodka to head the Slabodka Yeshiva. In 1894 left Slabodka and served in the rabbinate of Grozed and later on in Ponevezh. In all places where he was he spread Torah and established a new method of study. Was known as a wellspring, and his reasoning and method of thought are famous in the Yeshiva world until this very day. Passed away in the typhus epidemic after great involvement in visiting ill residents of his town who were inflicted by the epidemic. Remnants of his Chiddushei Torah were printed in his book Zecher Yitzchak.
The Ga’on Rabbi Yosef Yehudah Bloch (1859-1930, Otzar HaRabbanim 8896), among the disciples of Volozhin and Kelm and among the greatest leaders of the Musar movement and its noblemen. Married the daughter of Rabbi Eliezer Gordon of Telz and was appointed as Rosh Meitivta and Mashgiach in his yeshiva. After the first Musar Polemic, left the Yeshiva and served as Rabbi in Varna and Shadova. Upon the demise of his father-in-law in 1910 he returned to Telz and served as his successor as Av Beit Din of the city as well as Rosh Yeshiva. Founder of the Telz method of study and Musar. His Torah was printed in the books Shiurei Halachah and Shiurei Da’at.
[3] pages. The three letters were written on two attached leaves; each letter on a separate page. 21 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and stains.
The letters were sent to Rabbi Yehudah Leib Landau, Av Beit Din of Johannesburg, South Africa, and concern a request for assistance for a lonesome and destitute woman from the congregation of Shadova (where Rabbi Yosef Yehudah Leib Bloch served at the time as rabbi), whose husband is in Johannesburg for many years and is financially prevented from returning to Lithuania. In their letter the giants of the generation request that the Johannesburg residents gather assistance for the unfortunate woman and enable the father to return to his family. At the end of the letter Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik concludes: “and in such a grave matter there is no need to add on unnecessary words… and those who have mercy G-D will have mercy upon them and bless them”. [It is interesting to observe how Torah giants invest of their energy to promote a private appeal which exhibits sincere concern for the entire Jewish people].
The Ga’on Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik (1853-1918, Otzar HaRabbanim 6090) was born in Volozhin to this father the Ga’on Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin and author of Beit HaLevi. Married the daughter of Rabbi Refael Shapiro Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin and granddaughter of the Natziv. In the following years he was appointed as Rosh Yeshiva in Volozhin. Upon the closing of the Yeshiva he served as rabbi in Brisk as successor to his father, where prominent disciples gathered to study Torah from him. Bequeathed a new method of study of Torah for generations and was among the leaders of his generation. Son of the Ga’on Rabbi Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik “The Rabbi of Brisk”.
The Ga’on Rabbi Yitzchak Ya’akov Rabinowitz [Rabbi Itzeleh Ponovizher] (1853-1919, Otzar HaRabbanim 11378) was among the disciples of the Beit HaLevi and studied with his son, Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik, as a learning companion for approximately two years. In 1889 was summoned by the Saba of Slabodka to head the Slabodka Yeshiva. In 1894 left Slabodka and served in the rabbinate of Grozed and later on in Ponevezh. In all places where he was he spread Torah and established a new method of study. Was known as a wellspring, and his reasoning and method of thought are famous in the Yeshiva world until this very day. Passed away in the typhus epidemic after great involvement in visiting ill residents of his town who were inflicted by the epidemic. Remnants of his Chiddushei Torah were printed in his book Zecher Yitzchak.
The Ga’on Rabbi Yosef Yehudah Bloch (1859-1930, Otzar HaRabbanim 8896), among the disciples of Volozhin and Kelm and among the greatest leaders of the Musar movement and its noblemen. Married the daughter of Rabbi Eliezer Gordon of Telz and was appointed as Rosh Meitivta and Mashgiach in his yeshiva. After the first Musar Polemic, left the Yeshiva and served as Rabbi in Varna and Shadova. Upon the demise of his father-in-law in 1910 he returned to Telz and served as his successor as Av Beit Din of the city as well as Rosh Yeshiva. Founder of the Telz method of study and Musar. His Torah was printed in the books Shiurei Halachah and Shiurei Da’at.
[3] pages. The three letters were written on two attached leaves; each letter on a separate page. 21 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and stains.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $1,200
Unsold
A letter of Torah thoughts by Rabbi Yoseph Zundel Hutner. Eišiškės, 1903. [Not printed].
The letter was sent to Rabbi Yitzchak Meisel (Otzar HaRabbanim 10810) with a response to Rabbi Yitchak's comments on his book. With effort, he answers a question on the Tiferet Yisrael and he writes: "A most difficult question and such a mistake is very surprising for such a great man and to establish the words of chachamim that they should not be found mistaken G-d forbid, I shall give a hard-pressed explanation…".
Rabbi Yoseph Zundel Hutner (1846-1899), a great Lithuanian Torah genius learned chavruta with Rabbi Meir Simcha HaCohen for a number of years. When Rabbi Yoseph Zundel was offered the rabbinate of his native city, Dvinsk, he feared that the rabbinate of such a large city may hinder his studies, so he passed the offer on to his companion the author of Or Sameach. From 1881, Rabbi Yoseph Zundel served in the rabbinate of Deretchin and from 1897 he was Rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva in Eišiškės. He wrote Chevel Yoseph [a general name for his renowned books on the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch], Ulam HaMishpat, Chadrei Deah, Ginzei Chaim and Chukei Ha'Azara.
The Chafetz Chaim admired him as a holy man and often sent people who turned to him for advice and salvation to Rabbi Yoseph Zundel saying, "He is a great tzaddik – go to him and he will pray for you". A famous story is told about the Chafetz Chaim who sent a special emissary to Rabbi Yoseph Zundel for a blessing. Since he did not understand the meaning, the emissary feared to deliver Rabbi Yoseph Zundel's blessing: That the Chafetz Chaim merit going barefoot and carrying stones [e.g. that he should merit being a Cohen Gadol who carries the stones of the choshen and go barefoot in the Beit HaMikdash]. When the Chafetz Chaim heard the blessing, he responded that even one of the blessings is sufficient, meaning he should merit serving in the Beit HaMikdash as a regular Cohen… The Chafetz Chaim even asked him for an approbation for his book Likutei Halachot.
21 cm, c. 20 lines in his holy handwriting and his signature. Very good condition.
The letter was sent to Rabbi Yitzchak Meisel (Otzar HaRabbanim 10810) with a response to Rabbi Yitchak's comments on his book. With effort, he answers a question on the Tiferet Yisrael and he writes: "A most difficult question and such a mistake is very surprising for such a great man and to establish the words of chachamim that they should not be found mistaken G-d forbid, I shall give a hard-pressed explanation…".
Rabbi Yoseph Zundel Hutner (1846-1899), a great Lithuanian Torah genius learned chavruta with Rabbi Meir Simcha HaCohen for a number of years. When Rabbi Yoseph Zundel was offered the rabbinate of his native city, Dvinsk, he feared that the rabbinate of such a large city may hinder his studies, so he passed the offer on to his companion the author of Or Sameach. From 1881, Rabbi Yoseph Zundel served in the rabbinate of Deretchin and from 1897 he was Rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva in Eišiškės. He wrote Chevel Yoseph [a general name for his renowned books on the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch], Ulam HaMishpat, Chadrei Deah, Ginzei Chaim and Chukei Ha'Azara.
The Chafetz Chaim admired him as a holy man and often sent people who turned to him for advice and salvation to Rabbi Yoseph Zundel saying, "He is a great tzaddik – go to him and he will pray for you". A famous story is told about the Chafetz Chaim who sent a special emissary to Rabbi Yoseph Zundel for a blessing. Since he did not understand the meaning, the emissary feared to deliver Rabbi Yoseph Zundel's blessing: That the Chafetz Chaim merit going barefoot and carrying stones [e.g. that he should merit being a Cohen Gadol who carries the stones of the choshen and go barefoot in the Beit HaMikdash]. When the Chafetz Chaim heard the blessing, he responded that even one of the blessings is sufficient, meaning he should merit serving in the Beit HaMikdash as a regular Cohen… The Chafetz Chaim even asked him for an approbation for his book Likutei Halachot.
21 cm, c. 20 lines in his holy handwriting and his signature. Very good condition.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 14 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 2, 2011
Opening: $120
Sold for: $150
Including buyer's premium
The Chafetz Chaim Yeshiva in Radin. Blank handwritten receipt. [1930’s]. Yiddish and English.
Blessing from the Chafetz Chaim in Yiddish to the donors [printed copy of handwritten signature]. The receipt contains the stamp of Rabbi “Yisrael Meir HaCohen author of Chafetz Chaim and Mishnah Berurah”.
11.5X35 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. With loose stub.
Blessing from the Chafetz Chaim in Yiddish to the donors [printed copy of handwritten signature]. The receipt contains the stamp of Rabbi “Yisrael Meir HaCohen author of Chafetz Chaim and Mishnah Berurah”.
11.5X35 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. With loose stub.
Category
Letters
Catalogue