Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
Displaying 1 - 12 of 37
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Small Torah scroll. [Eastern Europe, c. 18th century].
Ashkenazi handwriting, characteristic to Russia or Eastern-Europe, 18th century. Bereshit and Shemot have unique, elaborate crown-like adornments on the Tagim (serifs). This is a rare phenomenon, since halachic requirements forbid adding adornments and decorations to a Torah scroll, but these adornments were done in a permissible manner – they are an extension of the Tagim.
Height of parchment: 25 cm, Atzei Haim: 50 cm. Overall good-fair condition. Stains, repairs with parchment and repairs to the writing.
Ashkenazi handwriting, characteristic to Russia or Eastern-Europe, 18th century. Bereshit and Shemot have unique, elaborate crown-like adornments on the Tagim (serifs). This is a rare phenomenon, since halachic requirements forbid adding adornments and decorations to a Torah scroll, but these adornments were done in a permissible manner – they are an extension of the Tagim.
Height of parchment: 25 cm, Atzei Haim: 50 cm. Overall good-fair condition. Stains, repairs with parchment and repairs to the writing.
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Objects
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $250
Sold for: $350
Including buyer's premium
Esther scroll. Ashkenazi Bet Yosef writing. [20th century].
HaMelech scroll [most columns begin with the word “HaMelech”]. With adornments at the top of the columns.
Height of parchment: 43.5 cm. 42 lines in each column. Fair condition, stains and creases. Tears [completed with glued parchment] on the last page. Housed in a case, with damages.
HaMelech scroll [most columns begin with the word “HaMelech”]. With adornments at the top of the columns.
Height of parchment: 43.5 cm. 42 lines in each column. Fair condition, stains and creases. Tears [completed with glued parchment] on the last page. Housed in a case, with damages.
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Objects
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $250
Sold for: $600
Including buyer's premium
Esther scroll, ink on thin parchment, Sephardic (Vellish) scribal writing. 14 lines. HaMelech scroll [most columns begin with the word “HaMelech”]. Rolled on a wooden pole with a carved olivewood case, with illustrations of holy sites, black inscriptions [Jerusalem, Western wall and Rachel's Tomb] and a colorful decorative frame. Jerusalem, 20th century.
Height of parchment: 5 cm. Maximum height including handles and carved case: approximately 22 cm. Good condition. break to upper handle.
Height of parchment: 5 cm. Maximum height including handles and carved case: approximately 22 cm. Good condition. break to upper handle.
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Objects
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $300
Sold for: $450
Including buyer's premium
Esther Scroll, ink on parchment, fines scribal writing, "Beit Yossef" script, with some ornamentations. [19th-20th century].
In the words "Chor Karpas Utchelet" appears an odd "ח" (the legs of the letter "ח" are wide apart adorned on both its tips – an early custom according to Ashkenaz tradition, common in scribal script until the 17th century). At the end of the page "Ten sons of Haman" appears a drawing of a wine goblet [for the Mitzvah of the day to drink and celebrate] and an illustration of grapes appears at the end of the last word of the scroll.
Height of parchment ca. 41 cm. 40 lines. Good-fair condition, faded ink and damaged letters.
In the words "Chor Karpas Utchelet" appears an odd "ח" (the legs of the letter "ח" are wide apart adorned on both its tips – an early custom according to Ashkenaz tradition, common in scribal script until the 17th century). At the end of the page "Ten sons of Haman" appears a drawing of a wine goblet [for the Mitzvah of the day to drink and celebrate] and an illustration of grapes appears at the end of the last word of the scroll.
Height of parchment ca. 41 cm. 40 lines. Good-fair condition, faded ink and damaged letters.
Category
Objects
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Likutei Amarim Tanya, with Igeret HaTeshuva and Igeret HaKodesh. By the Admor HaZaken Rebbe Shneor Zalman of Liadi. [Kopust, later than 1836]. Bound with: Sha'arei Kedusha, by Rabbi Chaim Vital, Kopust, 1836.
[1], 36, 41-44, [4], 6, [30] leaves; [24] leaves. 17.5 cm. Good-fair condition, wear and stains, detached bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 631.
On the back leaf is a Russian stamp stating that "The books have been censored by the Kopust Rabbi L. Yaffe". This stamp also appears on other copies and on the two editions printed in Kopust in those years. According to Mondshein's opinion (Torat Chabad, Vol. 1, p. 71), the books were printed underground and did not receive the censor's approval. Therefore, no note of the place of printing appears on the title page, besides a forged inscription. The stamp of the rabbi’s approval is also forged. [See enclosed copy of Rabbi Mondshein's article in which he writes that the censor stamps were required during the 1837 "book decree". To authorize the propriety of the books printed before the decree, the books were submitted for censorship to the regional authority on behalf of the censor which was often the local rabbi. That censor usually stamped the book adding his own signature. Therefore, the place where the book was stamped had no actual connection to the place of printing since the Jew possessed books in his home which were printed in various places and not specifically in the place or country in which he resided. Copies of these editions which originate from various places were stamped by the same Rabbi of Kopust]. The book Sha’arei Kedusha, printed at the beginning of 1836 is bound with this book. Possibly, this edition of Likutei Amarim Tanya was also printed at the beginning of 1836, before the new law of the “Book Decree” was legislated and therefore, the books were authorized by the local rabbi on behalf of the authorities, while they were still in the printing press.
[1], 36, 41-44, [4], 6, [30] leaves; [24] leaves. 17.5 cm. Good-fair condition, wear and stains, detached bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 631.
On the back leaf is a Russian stamp stating that "The books have been censored by the Kopust Rabbi L. Yaffe". This stamp also appears on other copies and on the two editions printed in Kopust in those years. According to Mondshein's opinion (Torat Chabad, Vol. 1, p. 71), the books were printed underground and did not receive the censor's approval. Therefore, no note of the place of printing appears on the title page, besides a forged inscription. The stamp of the rabbi’s approval is also forged. [See enclosed copy of Rabbi Mondshein's article in which he writes that the censor stamps were required during the 1837 "book decree". To authorize the propriety of the books printed before the decree, the books were submitted for censorship to the regional authority on behalf of the censor which was often the local rabbi. That censor usually stamped the book adding his own signature. Therefore, the place where the book was stamped had no actual connection to the place of printing since the Jew possessed books in his home which were printed in various places and not specifically in the place or country in which he resided. Copies of these editions which originate from various places were stamped by the same Rabbi of Kopust]. The book Sha’arei Kedusha, printed at the beginning of 1836 is bound with this book. Possibly, this edition of Likutei Amarim Tanya was also printed at the beginning of 1836, before the new law of the “Book Decree” was legislated and therefore, the books were authorized by the local rabbi on behalf of the authorities, while they were still in the printing press.
Category
Chabad – Books and Objects, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $500
Unsold
Sha'ar HaTeshuva, Part 2, by the "Middle" Rebbe Dov Ber Schneerson, son of the "Elder" Rebbe author of the Tanya. [Kopust? / or Shklow?, 1818]. First edition.
(Missing title page), [1], 42; 1-2, 5-81, [1] leaves. 15.5 cm. Blue-greenish paper, fair condition, stains and worm damages. Wear. Fabric binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 586. According to the opinion of C. Leiberman, the book was printed in Kopust but many bibliographers listed Shklow as place of printing.
(Missing title page), [1], 42; 1-2, 5-81, [1] leaves. 15.5 cm. Blue-greenish paper, fair condition, stains and worm damages. Wear. Fabric binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 586. According to the opinion of C. Leiberman, the book was printed in Kopust but many bibliographers listed Shklow as place of printing.
Category
Chabad – Books and Objects, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $700
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Be'urei HaZohar, by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi (Ba'al HaTanya). Kopust, [1816]. Printed by Rabbi Yisrael Yaffe. First edition.
One of the first books of Chassidic articles with the teachings of the Admor HaZaken, printed after his death in 1813. "Be'urei HaZohar by the famous great Rebbe Dov Ber containing the teachings he heard from his father Rebbe… Shneor Zalman, who lectured every Shabbat eve to his sons, and turned to the Rebbe (Dov Ber) to write all the teachings which he heard from his holy mouth, because he knew that he would not swerve from his good intentions…".
In the beginning of the book is “a letter send to all “anshei shlomeinu”, an introduction by the “Middle” Rebbe Dov Ber.
Ancient owner’s signature: “Belongs to Nachum ben R’ ---, called by all Nachum Mazal”.
[4], 139; 44 leaves (lacking Leaves 45-57). 20 cm. Bluish paper, good-fair condition, moisture stains, wear, tears with lacking text to the two last leaves. Ancient worn binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 79.
One of the first books of Chassidic articles with the teachings of the Admor HaZaken, printed after his death in 1813. "Be'urei HaZohar by the famous great Rebbe Dov Ber containing the teachings he heard from his father Rebbe… Shneor Zalman, who lectured every Shabbat eve to his sons, and turned to the Rebbe (Dov Ber) to write all the teachings which he heard from his holy mouth, because he knew that he would not swerve from his good intentions…".
In the beginning of the book is “a letter send to all “anshei shlomeinu”, an introduction by the “Middle” Rebbe Dov Ber.
Ancient owner’s signature: “Belongs to Nachum ben R’ ---, called by all Nachum Mazal”.
[4], 139; 44 leaves (lacking Leaves 45-57). 20 cm. Bluish paper, good-fair condition, moisture stains, wear, tears with lacking text to the two last leaves. Ancient worn binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 79.
Category
Chabad – Books and Objects, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $1,200
Unsold
Imrei Binah, on the monotheism in the first verse of Kri'at Shema, Sha'ar HaKri'at Shema, Sha'ar HaTzitzit and Sha'ar HaTefillin, by "The famous great Rebbe Dov Ber Shai". Kopust, [1821]. Printed by Rabbi Yisrael Yaffe. First edition printed in the lifetime of the second Chabad rebbe, Rabbi Dov Ber Schneerson called the "Middle Rebbe".
21, 56, [1-marked: 67], 55-140 leaves. 20.5 cm. High-quality paper, good-fair condition, worm damages. Restored first and last leaves. Blurred signatures: "Lifshitz", "Yisrael Leib". Elaborate semi-leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 55.
21, 56, [1-marked: 67], 55-140 leaves. 20.5 cm. High-quality paper, good-fair condition, worm damages. Restored first and last leaves. Blurred signatures: "Lifshitz", "Yisrael Leib". Elaborate semi-leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 55.
Category
Chabad – Books and Objects, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $1,800
Unsold
Sha'arei HaYichud V'HaEmuna, commentary on the Tanya [on Sha'ar HaYichud V'HaEmuna], by Rabbi Aharon HaLevi "The one singular disciple of our great rabbi… Rabbi Shnuer Zalman [from Liadi] who was his student for thirty years and did not move from him until he revealed all the secrets of his wisdom…". Shklow, [1820]. First edition.
Rebbe Aharon HaLevi Horowitz of Strashelye (1766-1829, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Vol. 1, pp. 147-151), a prominent disciple of the author of the Tanya. After the death of his rabbi in 1813, some of the Chassidim of the Admor HaZaken ordained Rabbi Aharon as his successor. Consequently, Rabbi Aharon established his own court and this instigated a fierce dispute between him and Rebbe Dov Ber ("The Middle Rebbe"), son and successor of the Ba'al HaTanya. The two also disagreed on the exegesis of the Tanya and on other issues of service of G-d. Nonetheless, his compositions and melodies were accepted by Chabad Chassidism. His many writings on Chassidism and Kabbalah were printed and are counted among basic Chassidic literature. Besides the first editions, his books were not reprinted for many years and are therefore rare.
Comlete copy, [18], 4, 4, 9-56, 60, 52, 44, [2], 28, [4] leaves. Mispaginated. Light bluish paper. 16.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Minor restoration to title page and to several leaves. Worm marks to few leaves. Attractive new leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut no. 582.
Rebbe Aharon HaLevi Horowitz of Strashelye (1766-1829, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Vol. 1, pp. 147-151), a prominent disciple of the author of the Tanya. After the death of his rabbi in 1813, some of the Chassidim of the Admor HaZaken ordained Rabbi Aharon as his successor. Consequently, Rabbi Aharon established his own court and this instigated a fierce dispute between him and Rebbe Dov Ber ("The Middle Rebbe"), son and successor of the Ba'al HaTanya. The two also disagreed on the exegesis of the Tanya and on other issues of service of G-d. Nonetheless, his compositions and melodies were accepted by Chabad Chassidism. His many writings on Chassidism and Kabbalah were printed and are counted among basic Chassidic literature. Besides the first editions, his books were not reprinted for many years and are therefore rare.
Comlete copy, [18], 4, 4, 9-56, 60, 52, 44, [2], 28, [4] leaves. Mispaginated. Light bluish paper. 16.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Minor restoration to title page and to several leaves. Worm marks to few leaves. Attractive new leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut no. 582.
Category
Chabad – Books and Objects, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $400
Unsold
Collections of books, Tzemach Tzedek, authored by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson of Lubavitch, first editions printed in Vilna 1870-1884:
• Tzemach Tzedek responsa – Even HaEzer, Parts 1-2. • Tzemach Tzedek responsa – Yoreh Deah Parts 1-3. • Tzemach Tzedek – novellae on the six Sidrei Mishna and on the Talmud. • Tzemach Tzedek – rulings, on all four parts of the Shulchan Aruch, Parts 1-2. [At the end of Choshen Mishpat, on p. 138 are the author's words on the teachings of the Vilna Gaon: "In my lowly state, I did not merit understanding his holy words". Other copies exist in which this leaf was replaced with a "revised" leaf wherein the question was changed to "And this is not a response"].
For a complete list, please see Hebrew description.
10 books in 5 volumes. Varied size and condition. Good-fair to fair condition.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 502, 503, 504.
• Tzemach Tzedek responsa – Even HaEzer, Parts 1-2. • Tzemach Tzedek responsa – Yoreh Deah Parts 1-3. • Tzemach Tzedek – novellae on the six Sidrei Mishna and on the Talmud. • Tzemach Tzedek – rulings, on all four parts of the Shulchan Aruch, Parts 1-2. [At the end of Choshen Mishpat, on p. 138 are the author's words on the teachings of the Vilna Gaon: "In my lowly state, I did not merit understanding his holy words". Other copies exist in which this leaf was replaced with a "revised" leaf wherein the question was changed to "And this is not a response"].
For a complete list, please see Hebrew description.
10 books in 5 volumes. Varied size and condition. Good-fair to fair condition.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 502, 503, 504.
Category
Chabad – Books and Objects, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $250
Unsold
Four books of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, author of Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch.
• “Tzemach Tzedek”, responsa. Even HaEzer, Part 1. Vilnius, 1870. First edition. (Stamp of Rabbi Avraham Katz Weisbord of Smolensk). • “Tzemach Tzedek”, responsa. Even HaEzer, Part 2. Vilnius, 1872. First edition. • “Derech Emuna”, called also “Sefer HaChakira”, Poltava, [1912]. First edition. Bound with: • "Additions to the book Derech Emuna", and homiletics for Chanukah. Berdychiv, [1913]. First edition.
Four books in three volumes. Varied size and condition.
• “Tzemach Tzedek”, responsa. Even HaEzer, Part 1. Vilnius, 1870. First edition. (Stamp of Rabbi Avraham Katz Weisbord of Smolensk). • “Tzemach Tzedek”, responsa. Even HaEzer, Part 2. Vilnius, 1872. First edition. • “Derech Emuna”, called also “Sefer HaChakira”, Poltava, [1912]. First edition. Bound with: • "Additions to the book Derech Emuna", and homiletics for Chanukah. Berdychiv, [1913]. First edition.
Four books in three volumes. Varied size and condition.
Category
Chabad – Books and Objects, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 44 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
March 11, 2015
Opening: $400
Unsold
Collection of Chabad Chassidic books, containing books of significant and first editions:
• Likutei Torah, Part 3. Devarim and the Tishrei festivals, compilations of teachings of the Admor HaZaken Rebbe Shnuer Zalman. Zhitomir, 1848. Printed by Rabbi Chanina Lipa, Rabbi Aryeh Leib and Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel Shapira. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 297. (Inscription signed by Rabbi "Efraim Eliezer HaCohen [Yoles]). • Derech Mitzvotecha (Part 1), Ta'amei HaMitzvot. By the author of Tzemach Tzedek, Poltava, [1911]. First edition. • Derech Mitzvotecha – Part 2, explanation of words of prayer. By the author of Tzemach Tzedek. Poltava, [1912]. First edition. • Derech Mitzvotecha (Part 1), Ta’amei HaMitzvot. By the author of Tzemach Tzedek, Poltava, [1914]. Second edition. • Derech Emuna – Sefer HaChakira, by the author of Tzemach Tzedek. Poltava, [1912]. First edition. • Chana Ariel, Chabad homiletics on the Torah. Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac HaLevi Epstein Av Beit Din of Homyel. Parts 3-5. Berdychiv, [1912].
6 books, 25-25.5 cm. Varied condition, good to good-fair.
• Likutei Torah, Part 3. Devarim and the Tishrei festivals, compilations of teachings of the Admor HaZaken Rebbe Shnuer Zalman. Zhitomir, 1848. Printed by Rabbi Chanina Lipa, Rabbi Aryeh Leib and Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel Shapira. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 297. (Inscription signed by Rabbi "Efraim Eliezer HaCohen [Yoles]). • Derech Mitzvotecha (Part 1), Ta'amei HaMitzvot. By the author of Tzemach Tzedek, Poltava, [1911]. First edition. • Derech Mitzvotecha – Part 2, explanation of words of prayer. By the author of Tzemach Tzedek. Poltava, [1912]. First edition. • Derech Mitzvotecha (Part 1), Ta’amei HaMitzvot. By the author of Tzemach Tzedek, Poltava, [1914]. Second edition. • Derech Emuna – Sefer HaChakira, by the author of Tzemach Tzedek. Poltava, [1912]. First edition. • Chana Ariel, Chabad homiletics on the Torah. Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac HaLevi Epstein Av Beit Din of Homyel. Parts 3-5. Berdychiv, [1912].
6 books, 25-25.5 cm. Varied condition, good to good-fair.
Category
Chabad – Books and Objects, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue