Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 25 - 36 of 116
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $4,000
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
Collection of Chassidic books, first and rare editions:
· Kitvei Kodesh M'Chochmei Emet, by the Ba'al Shem Tov and his disciples. Lemberg, [1862] first edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 244.
· Tosfot Chaim, Chassidic teachings on the Torah and Festivals, by Rabbi Chaim Yosef Brookstein of Pystan. Disciple of the Ba'al HaTanya and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv: Part 1 – Bereshit, Part 2 – Shmot-Vayikra, Chernivtsi, 1861-1862. Stefansky Chassidut no. 608.
· Tosfot Chaim “Part 2”. Part 3 – Bamidbar-Devarim, Part 4 – Homiletics on the Festivals and special times. Lemberg 1862. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 609.
· Brit Kehunat Olam, on Kabbalistic and Chassidic topics. Parts 1-2. By Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Katz of Koritz. Lemberg, 1848. First edition of Part 2. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 205.
· Zichron Kehuna, responsa by Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Katz of Koritz. Lvov, 1863. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 98.
· Gevurot Aryeh, by Rabbi Aryeh Leibush of Łańcut, disciple of the Magid of Kosnitz and the Chozeh of Lublin. [Lemberg, 1870]. First edition. Owner's signatures and dedications. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 108.
· Likutei Torah V'Hashas, Bamidbar. By Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Zhydachiv. Lemberg 1889. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 298.
· Kutonet Pasim, by Rabbi Ya'akov Yosef HaCohen of Polna, disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov, author of Toldot Ya'akov Yosef. Lemberg, 1866. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 245. (Bound with: Or LaShamayim, by Rabbi Meir HaLevi of Apta. [Lemberg, c. 1860]. Second edition).
· HaYashar V’Hatov, Parts 1-2. By Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Friedman of Lesko. Mukacheve, 1880-1889. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 171. Stamps of Rabbi “Binyamin Ze’ev Kraus Rabbi of Debrecen” [disciple of the Ktav Sofer].
· Ma’amar Mordechai, Rabbi Mordechai Letnir of Drohobych disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin. Lemberg, [1877]. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 319. Stamp of Rabbi Chaim Kahane of Vynohradiv and signatures of Rabbi “David Moshe”.
· Brit Avraham, Rabbi Avraham Zvi Hirsh Av Beit Din of Pilica and Pyetrykaw, disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin. Dyhernfurth, [1819]. First edition, Stefansky Chassidut no. 96. Signatures and interesting owner’s inscriptions of Rabbi Nachman Ze’ev Greenfeld of Shtenshin “who knew the author well” and was very fond of this book.
· Neot Deshe responsa, by Rabbi David Shlomo Eybeschutz author of Levushei Srad and Arvei Nachal. Lemberg, 1861. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 370.
· Beit Yisrael, Part 1, novellae on the Talmud by the Magid of Koznitz. Warsaw, 1876. [43 leaves of the first 1865 Warsaw edition including the title page were attached to the reprinting of this book - in three volumes]. Stefansky Chassidut no. 85.
· Imrat HaTzerufa, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Sokolov (disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin). Lvov (Lemberg), 1872. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 62.
14 books, varied size and condition, good to fair.
· Kitvei Kodesh M'Chochmei Emet, by the Ba'al Shem Tov and his disciples. Lemberg, [1862] first edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 244.
· Tosfot Chaim, Chassidic teachings on the Torah and Festivals, by Rabbi Chaim Yosef Brookstein of Pystan. Disciple of the Ba'al HaTanya and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv: Part 1 – Bereshit, Part 2 – Shmot-Vayikra, Chernivtsi, 1861-1862. Stefansky Chassidut no. 608.
· Tosfot Chaim “Part 2”. Part 3 – Bamidbar-Devarim, Part 4 – Homiletics on the Festivals and special times. Lemberg 1862. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 609.
· Brit Kehunat Olam, on Kabbalistic and Chassidic topics. Parts 1-2. By Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Katz of Koritz. Lemberg, 1848. First edition of Part 2. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 205.
· Zichron Kehuna, responsa by Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Katz of Koritz. Lvov, 1863. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 98.
· Gevurot Aryeh, by Rabbi Aryeh Leibush of Łańcut, disciple of the Magid of Kosnitz and the Chozeh of Lublin. [Lemberg, 1870]. First edition. Owner's signatures and dedications. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 108.
· Likutei Torah V'Hashas, Bamidbar. By Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Zhydachiv. Lemberg 1889. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 298.
· Kutonet Pasim, by Rabbi Ya'akov Yosef HaCohen of Polna, disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov, author of Toldot Ya'akov Yosef. Lemberg, 1866. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 245. (Bound with: Or LaShamayim, by Rabbi Meir HaLevi of Apta. [Lemberg, c. 1860]. Second edition).
· HaYashar V’Hatov, Parts 1-2. By Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Friedman of Lesko. Mukacheve, 1880-1889. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 171. Stamps of Rabbi “Binyamin Ze’ev Kraus Rabbi of Debrecen” [disciple of the Ktav Sofer].
· Ma’amar Mordechai, Rabbi Mordechai Letnir of Drohobych disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin. Lemberg, [1877]. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 319. Stamp of Rabbi Chaim Kahane of Vynohradiv and signatures of Rabbi “David Moshe”.
· Brit Avraham, Rabbi Avraham Zvi Hirsh Av Beit Din of Pilica and Pyetrykaw, disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin. Dyhernfurth, [1819]. First edition, Stefansky Chassidut no. 96. Signatures and interesting owner’s inscriptions of Rabbi Nachman Ze’ev Greenfeld of Shtenshin “who knew the author well” and was very fond of this book.
· Neot Deshe responsa, by Rabbi David Shlomo Eybeschutz author of Levushei Srad and Arvei Nachal. Lemberg, 1861. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut no. 370.
· Beit Yisrael, Part 1, novellae on the Talmud by the Magid of Koznitz. Warsaw, 1876. [43 leaves of the first 1865 Warsaw edition including the title page were attached to the reprinting of this book - in three volumes]. Stefansky Chassidut no. 85.
· Imrat HaTzerufa, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Sokolov (disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin). Lvov (Lemberg), 1872. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 62.
14 books, varied size and condition, good to fair.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
Large varied collection of books, including about half of the Torah books printed in Shanghai during World War II by yeshiva students, refugees who fled Europe during the Holocaust. Shanghai, 1942-1947.
Talmud and Mishnayot, Rishonim and Achronim, Halacha and Aggada, index books, mussar and Chassidic books. The collection includes books that were published in various publishing houses in Shanghai: Students of the Mir Yeshiva, the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva, the Chafetz Chaim Yeshiva, Tomchei Temimim and private publishers. Most books are stereotype printings of earlier books. The collection includes several booklets of Torah novellae and mussar articles written by yeshiva student originally printed in Shanghai.
Among the books: · Chiddushei HaRashba printed in Shanghai in 1942, apparently the first book printed by the refugees in Shanghai. The book has a special preface (after the fourth title page), describing the horrors of the war and the miracle of the salvation of the Mir Yeshiva: "Blood and fire and pillars of smoke, calls of terror from fear of the turning sword…our holy yeshiva…of about 400 Torah scholars…on the Fast of Gedalya 1940, the situation changed…On the 26th of Tishrei a ray of hope was seen and the yeshiva began to move to Vilna…At the end of the winter of 1941, the yeshiva arrived in Kobe and at the beginning of Elul moved to Shanghai. The sheets of paper are too short to contain the details of the happenings and turn of events until we settled…The holiness rested in the Beit Aharon synagogue on Posom St…The Mir Torah study hall returned to its former essence…". · Sefer Likutei Diburim, by the Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, with a kuntress about prayer by Rebbe Shalom Ber of Lubavitch. Published by the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva. Also one of the first books printed in Shanghai. · Sefat Emet, on Seder Kodshin, by Rebbe Yehuda Leib Alter of Ger. With a special preface. · Set of Mishne Torah L'HaRambam. · Set of Mishnah Berura. · 17 volumes of the Babylonian Talmud, printed gradually from 1942-1946 (without the volumes: Zevachim-Menachot; Nidah; Nedarim. Tractate Yevamot was not printed in Shanghai. The student body of the Mir Yeshiva learned this tractate in Kobe, Japan before they arrived in Shanghai and hundreds of copies of this tractate were sent to them by Rabbi Kalmanowitz from the US). · Divrei Emet, by the Chozeh of Lublin. Printed in Shanghai in 1947 at the time the last refugees left Shanghai (that year, only very few books were printed in Shanghai). · Nefesh HaChaim. · Ketzot HaChoshen (not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book or by Vinograd-Rosenfeld). · Siddur Kol Bnei Yehuda nusach Ha’Ari. By Talmud Torah Shanghai. · Tzemach Tzedek, published by Tomchei Temimim. · Chafetz Chaim, published by the students of the Chafetz Chaim Yeshiva in Radin. · Me’or Einayim, published by Mefitzei Or of the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva. · Ramatayim Tzofim (by Yitzchak Menachem Tefle in memory of his parents). · No’am Elimelech. · Or HaMeir. · “Ma’amarim” – discourses of Rabbi Yerucham HaLevi, published by the Mir Yeshiva students. Booklets: 4 [Keidan, 1940]. 7, 8, 9 [Shanghai, 1940-1946]. · Torah Or anthology, novellae written by the yeshiva students (published in memory of the young man Avraham Yitzchak Yisrael Arboz who died in Shanghai). The writers include: Rabbi Nachum Partzovitch, Rabbi Asher Lichtenstein. · More books.
A detailed list will be provided upon request.
51 books in 82 volumes. Varied size and condition. Many books have signatures of yeshiva students in the Shanghai exile.
Enclosed with the collection: · Books about the Holocaust refugees in Shanghai. In Hebrew, English and German. · Binder with newspaper clippings about that period. · The travel certificate of Ms. Lota Ashner. A list will be provided upon request.
Talmud and Mishnayot, Rishonim and Achronim, Halacha and Aggada, index books, mussar and Chassidic books. The collection includes books that were published in various publishing houses in Shanghai: Students of the Mir Yeshiva, the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva, the Chafetz Chaim Yeshiva, Tomchei Temimim and private publishers. Most books are stereotype printings of earlier books. The collection includes several booklets of Torah novellae and mussar articles written by yeshiva student originally printed in Shanghai.
Among the books: · Chiddushei HaRashba printed in Shanghai in 1942, apparently the first book printed by the refugees in Shanghai. The book has a special preface (after the fourth title page), describing the horrors of the war and the miracle of the salvation of the Mir Yeshiva: "Blood and fire and pillars of smoke, calls of terror from fear of the turning sword…our holy yeshiva…of about 400 Torah scholars…on the Fast of Gedalya 1940, the situation changed…On the 26th of Tishrei a ray of hope was seen and the yeshiva began to move to Vilna…At the end of the winter of 1941, the yeshiva arrived in Kobe and at the beginning of Elul moved to Shanghai. The sheets of paper are too short to contain the details of the happenings and turn of events until we settled…The holiness rested in the Beit Aharon synagogue on Posom St…The Mir Torah study hall returned to its former essence…". · Sefer Likutei Diburim, by the Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, with a kuntress about prayer by Rebbe Shalom Ber of Lubavitch. Published by the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva. Also one of the first books printed in Shanghai. · Sefat Emet, on Seder Kodshin, by Rebbe Yehuda Leib Alter of Ger. With a special preface. · Set of Mishne Torah L'HaRambam. · Set of Mishnah Berura. · 17 volumes of the Babylonian Talmud, printed gradually from 1942-1946 (without the volumes: Zevachim-Menachot; Nidah; Nedarim. Tractate Yevamot was not printed in Shanghai. The student body of the Mir Yeshiva learned this tractate in Kobe, Japan before they arrived in Shanghai and hundreds of copies of this tractate were sent to them by Rabbi Kalmanowitz from the US). · Divrei Emet, by the Chozeh of Lublin. Printed in Shanghai in 1947 at the time the last refugees left Shanghai (that year, only very few books were printed in Shanghai). · Nefesh HaChaim. · Ketzot HaChoshen (not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book or by Vinograd-Rosenfeld). · Siddur Kol Bnei Yehuda nusach Ha’Ari. By Talmud Torah Shanghai. · Tzemach Tzedek, published by Tomchei Temimim. · Chafetz Chaim, published by the students of the Chafetz Chaim Yeshiva in Radin. · Me’or Einayim, published by Mefitzei Or of the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva. · Ramatayim Tzofim (by Yitzchak Menachem Tefle in memory of his parents). · No’am Elimelech. · Or HaMeir. · “Ma’amarim” – discourses of Rabbi Yerucham HaLevi, published by the Mir Yeshiva students. Booklets: 4 [Keidan, 1940]. 7, 8, 9 [Shanghai, 1940-1946]. · Torah Or anthology, novellae written by the yeshiva students (published in memory of the young man Avraham Yitzchak Yisrael Arboz who died in Shanghai). The writers include: Rabbi Nachum Partzovitch, Rabbi Asher Lichtenstein. · More books.
A detailed list will be provided upon request.
51 books in 82 volumes. Varied size and condition. Many books have signatures of yeshiva students in the Shanghai exile.
Enclosed with the collection: · Books about the Holocaust refugees in Shanghai. In Hebrew, English and German. · Binder with newspaper clippings about that period. · The travel certificate of Ms. Lota Ashner. A list will be provided upon request.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $3,000
Unsold
Manuscript, compilation of Kabbalistic compositions, by early Spanish Kabbalists. [Fine Sephardic script]. Constantinople, 1562.
Early manuscript containing several Kabbalistic compositions, some were never printed and some preceded the printing era. At the end of the manuscript is the scribe's colophon: "Completed by Yitzchak ben R' Ya'akov Goakil the Sephardi, G-d in his mercy should give him male sons… it was completed on the 28th of the month of Nissan in 1562 here in greater Constantinople".
The volume is composed of the following compositions:
· Marot Elokim, by Rabbi Chanoch ben Shlomo Alkostantini (Leaves 1a-20a; missing a section in the middle of the introduction). This composition was not printed.
· Brit Menucha, by Rabbi Avraham ben Yitzchak Marmon Sefarad (Leaves 20b-99b; several leaves are bound out of order. The writer copied from an incomplete manuscript of the composition, and writes at the end; "I have found until here, no more"). This composition was first printed only in 1648 (in Amsterdam).
· Sefer HaTzaruf, by Rabbi Avraham Abulafia (Leaves 100a-128a; begins in the middle of the introduction). Sefer HaTzaruf was only recently printed (Jerusalem 2004), from another manuscript.
· Various Anthologies: Explanations of G-d’s names (Leaves 128b-129a); “The Secret of the Names and the Secret of the Letters and the Secret of the Vowels and the Force of the Actions” [by Rabbi Avraham ben David of Posquières – The Ra’avad]. (Leaves 129a-135a); Kabbalistic anthologies (Leaves 135a-137a).
On the leaf margins (of Brit Menucha) are long glosses with important content, in Sephardic script, by an unidentified writer, evidently a great Kabbalist.
The scribe, Rabbi Yitzchak ben R’ Ya’akov Goakil the Sephardi, copied several manuscripts between the years 1559-1563 [see enclosed material]. This manuscript was recorded in the book Otzar HaSefarim by Yitzchak Isaac ben Ya’akov according to the list of Moshe Steinshneider.
Ancient parcment manuscript fragments in Italian-Ashkenazi writing [13th century?] from the book Amudei Golah, were used in the process of making the binding.
[137] leaves. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Worming. Detached leaves. Leather binding [Yemen], with damages.
Early manuscript containing several Kabbalistic compositions, some were never printed and some preceded the printing era. At the end of the manuscript is the scribe's colophon: "Completed by Yitzchak ben R' Ya'akov Goakil the Sephardi, G-d in his mercy should give him male sons… it was completed on the 28th of the month of Nissan in 1562 here in greater Constantinople".
The volume is composed of the following compositions:
· Marot Elokim, by Rabbi Chanoch ben Shlomo Alkostantini (Leaves 1a-20a; missing a section in the middle of the introduction). This composition was not printed.
· Brit Menucha, by Rabbi Avraham ben Yitzchak Marmon Sefarad (Leaves 20b-99b; several leaves are bound out of order. The writer copied from an incomplete manuscript of the composition, and writes at the end; "I have found until here, no more"). This composition was first printed only in 1648 (in Amsterdam).
· Sefer HaTzaruf, by Rabbi Avraham Abulafia (Leaves 100a-128a; begins in the middle of the introduction). Sefer HaTzaruf was only recently printed (Jerusalem 2004), from another manuscript.
· Various Anthologies: Explanations of G-d’s names (Leaves 128b-129a); “The Secret of the Names and the Secret of the Letters and the Secret of the Vowels and the Force of the Actions” [by Rabbi Avraham ben David of Posquières – The Ra’avad]. (Leaves 129a-135a); Kabbalistic anthologies (Leaves 135a-137a).
On the leaf margins (of Brit Menucha) are long glosses with important content, in Sephardic script, by an unidentified writer, evidently a great Kabbalist.
The scribe, Rabbi Yitzchak ben R’ Ya’akov Goakil the Sephardi, copied several manuscripts between the years 1559-1563 [see enclosed material]. This manuscript was recorded in the book Otzar HaSefarim by Yitzchak Isaac ben Ya’akov according to the list of Moshe Steinshneider.
Ancient parcment manuscript fragments in Italian-Ashkenazi writing [13th century?] from the book Amudei Golah, were used in the process of making the binding.
[137] leaves. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Worming. Detached leaves. Leather binding [Yemen], with damages.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $12,000
Sold for: $15,000
Including buyer's premium
Pi Shnayim, a large impressive manuscript, collection of compositions by Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac son of R' Shimon Wallach, the physician from Dessau, disciple of the author of Shev Ya'akov. [Germany, c. 1703-1720, beginning of the 18th century].
Thick volume containing several halachic and aggadic works with a separate name for each composition. The general name given to the compositions is Pi Shnayim (written on the title page of the volume: Pi Shnayim – Volume Three). Among the compositions: Commentary of Breita Melechet HaMishkan, with illustrations; composition on Chochmat HaPartzuf and matters pertaining to body and soul according to "Chochmei HaEmet" (Kabbalah) and Midrashei Chazal; article about "amulets and incantations"; article about the Exodus from Egypt in gematriot; etc. Various letters and missives appear at the end of the volume.
Following are the details of the content of the manuscript:
· The first composition – Chochmat Lev – remarkable commentary on the Breita Melechet HaMishkan written by Rabbi Menachem Menlin Wallach – the uncle of Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Wallach, completed with a composition written by Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac himself. The composition by Rabbi Menachem Menlin is named Terumat HaKodesh and Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac's composition is called Terumah Chadasha. At the beginning of the composition are two detailed title pages, signed "Yitzchak Isaac son of R' Shimon Rofe Wallach", in 1711. This composition contains illustrations of the construction of the Mishkan.
· The second composition – Chochmat HaPartzuf according to Kabbalah, sources in Chazal and the Zohar, and various matters related to the connection between body and soul. The composition includes information about the body structure and form, characteristics and personality traits, the spirit, etc. The author combines extensive Torah knowledge with his understanding of nature and medicine. The work is divided into Ma'amarim, each containing several chapters. The names of the Ma'amarim are: Tzelem Elokim, Demut Adam, Kutnot Or, Dodi Tzach V'Adom, Rosho Ketem Paz, Dagul M'Revava and Ner Hashem.
In Dagul M’Revava and Rosho Ketem Paz, the author writes at length about Chochmat HaPartzuf. To illustrate his teachings, he glued to the manuscript many etchings by Picart, illustrsating faces [from the book “Caracteres des passions gravés par Bernard Picart sur les desseins de Mr. le Brun, Amsterdam”, ca. 1713]. Each of the illustrations is accompanied by a French caption and additional explanations by the author in Hebrew. Another printed leaf with illustrations of profiles is bound with the manuscript, apparently also from a book of research on this subject.
Additional compositions: The volume contains several additional compositions, as well as articles and letters bound together with the manuscript.
For a partial list, please see Hebrew description.
The author, Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac son of R’ Shimon Wallach the physician was born in Koblenz. [The Wallach family was a well-known family of renowned physicians; some were also great Torah scholars]. From the letters that appear in this volume we glean that Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Wallach studied medicine in the city of Halle around 1703 and worked as a physician in the city of Dessau. Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac was also ordained for the rabbinate and was a disciple of Rabbi Ya’akov HaCohen, author of Shev Ya’akov from whom he received a writ granting him the title Chaver and later semicha for the rabbinate. The Shev Ya’akov responsa (Siman 16) includes a long halachic question from “my young and small disciple Yitzchak called Isaac Wallach…”. The author of Shev Ya’akov praises him and refers to him with loving titles in his writings. In the letter of semicha his Torah knowledge is also praised. This manuscript also attests to the exceptional Torah wisdom of Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac as well as his knowledge in other areas. An article written by him in 1697 in Koblenz on Sefer Ilem by Yosef Shlomo Dalmidego, Yashar of Candia, was printed in the Odessa 1864 edition (page 180).
[212] written leaves (and many more empty leaves). 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Detached leaves. Contemporary binding, detached, damaged and worn.
Thick volume containing several halachic and aggadic works with a separate name for each composition. The general name given to the compositions is Pi Shnayim (written on the title page of the volume: Pi Shnayim – Volume Three). Among the compositions: Commentary of Breita Melechet HaMishkan, with illustrations; composition on Chochmat HaPartzuf and matters pertaining to body and soul according to "Chochmei HaEmet" (Kabbalah) and Midrashei Chazal; article about "amulets and incantations"; article about the Exodus from Egypt in gematriot; etc. Various letters and missives appear at the end of the volume.
Following are the details of the content of the manuscript:
· The first composition – Chochmat Lev – remarkable commentary on the Breita Melechet HaMishkan written by Rabbi Menachem Menlin Wallach – the uncle of Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Wallach, completed with a composition written by Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac himself. The composition by Rabbi Menachem Menlin is named Terumat HaKodesh and Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac's composition is called Terumah Chadasha. At the beginning of the composition are two detailed title pages, signed "Yitzchak Isaac son of R' Shimon Rofe Wallach", in 1711. This composition contains illustrations of the construction of the Mishkan.
· The second composition – Chochmat HaPartzuf according to Kabbalah, sources in Chazal and the Zohar, and various matters related to the connection between body and soul. The composition includes information about the body structure and form, characteristics and personality traits, the spirit, etc. The author combines extensive Torah knowledge with his understanding of nature and medicine. The work is divided into Ma'amarim, each containing several chapters. The names of the Ma'amarim are: Tzelem Elokim, Demut Adam, Kutnot Or, Dodi Tzach V'Adom, Rosho Ketem Paz, Dagul M'Revava and Ner Hashem.
In Dagul M’Revava and Rosho Ketem Paz, the author writes at length about Chochmat HaPartzuf. To illustrate his teachings, he glued to the manuscript many etchings by Picart, illustrsating faces [from the book “Caracteres des passions gravés par Bernard Picart sur les desseins de Mr. le Brun, Amsterdam”, ca. 1713]. Each of the illustrations is accompanied by a French caption and additional explanations by the author in Hebrew. Another printed leaf with illustrations of profiles is bound with the manuscript, apparently also from a book of research on this subject.
Additional compositions: The volume contains several additional compositions, as well as articles and letters bound together with the manuscript.
For a partial list, please see Hebrew description.
The author, Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac son of R’ Shimon Wallach the physician was born in Koblenz. [The Wallach family was a well-known family of renowned physicians; some were also great Torah scholars]. From the letters that appear in this volume we glean that Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Wallach studied medicine in the city of Halle around 1703 and worked as a physician in the city of Dessau. Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac was also ordained for the rabbinate and was a disciple of Rabbi Ya’akov HaCohen, author of Shev Ya’akov from whom he received a writ granting him the title Chaver and later semicha for the rabbinate. The Shev Ya’akov responsa (Siman 16) includes a long halachic question from “my young and small disciple Yitzchak called Isaac Wallach…”. The author of Shev Ya’akov praises him and refers to him with loving titles in his writings. In the letter of semicha his Torah knowledge is also praised. This manuscript also attests to the exceptional Torah wisdom of Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac as well as his knowledge in other areas. An article written by him in 1697 in Koblenz on Sefer Ilem by Yosef Shlomo Dalmidego, Yashar of Candia, was printed in the Odessa 1864 edition (page 180).
[212] written leaves (and many more empty leaves). 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Detached leaves. Contemporary binding, detached, damaged and worn.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $8,000
Unsold
Manuscript, Midrash HaGadol, on Vayikra by Rabbi David son of Amram HaEdni. [Yemen, end of 14th century or beginning of 15th century].
Thick volume, ancient Yemenite writing. Two columns per page.
Contains most of the text of Midrash HaGadol on Vayikra. Several leaves missing at the beginning and end. Some leaves are bound out of order and apparently a number of leaves are missing in the middle of the book as well.
Ancient marginalia, with explanation of difficult words in Hebrew or Arabic, evidently copied from Sefer HaMargalit – an early commentary on Midrash HaGadol.
Midrash HaGadol is an ancient midrashic composition on the Torah, compiled by Rabbi David son of Amram HaEdni from Eden in Yemen who lived in the time of the Rishonim, in the first half of the 14th century. The composition is based on many sources of Chazal and the Ge'onim, including works that were subsequently lost or which only partially survived, such as the Mechilta, the Sifra [Torat Cohanim], and other early Midrashim. Some of the Midrashim are not found in any other source. At the beginning of each parasha is a piyyut – “Reshut”, in a poetic style, written by the author. Midrash HaGadol was very common among Yemenite Jews and was studied by Yemenite Torah scholars and several commentaries were written on its contents.
[209] leaves. 25.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and worming. Ancient leather binding.
Enclosed is the expert opinion of Mr. Binyamin Richler, former director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts of the Jewish National and University Library in Jerusalem.
Thick volume, ancient Yemenite writing. Two columns per page.
Contains most of the text of Midrash HaGadol on Vayikra. Several leaves missing at the beginning and end. Some leaves are bound out of order and apparently a number of leaves are missing in the middle of the book as well.
Ancient marginalia, with explanation of difficult words in Hebrew or Arabic, evidently copied from Sefer HaMargalit – an early commentary on Midrash HaGadol.
Midrash HaGadol is an ancient midrashic composition on the Torah, compiled by Rabbi David son of Amram HaEdni from Eden in Yemen who lived in the time of the Rishonim, in the first half of the 14th century. The composition is based on many sources of Chazal and the Ge'onim, including works that were subsequently lost or which only partially survived, such as the Mechilta, the Sifra [Torat Cohanim], and other early Midrashim. Some of the Midrashim are not found in any other source. At the beginning of each parasha is a piyyut – “Reshut”, in a poetic style, written by the author. Midrash HaGadol was very common among Yemenite Jews and was studied by Yemenite Torah scholars and several commentaries were written on its contents.
[209] leaves. 25.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and worming. Ancient leather binding.
Enclosed is the expert opinion of Mr. Binyamin Richler, former director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts of the Jewish National and University Library in Jerusalem.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $4,250
Including buyer's premium
Zohar, by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, Part 1, Bereshit. [Mantua, 1558]. First printing of the Zohar, after rabbis removed the ban on its printing, which lasted for the first 90 years of Hebrew printing.
Ancient signatures of Damascus sages: "Shalom Diwan HaLevi, 1563, Damascus", "Shalom ben Yo[sef] Chaim of the Levi family". Ancient stamps of Rabbi Shalom Diwan HaLevi of Damascus. More signatures in Oriental and Yemenite handwriting: "Daniel ---", Rabbi "Yichye ebn Yuda Alkapach", etc.
Dozens of long glosses and hundreds of short corrections and glosses in Yemenite handwriting and additional writings from Damascus (Oriental writing) and from Yemen (cursive writing).
On the first page is an inscription signed by Rabbi Aharon Araki (similar to the handwriting of most glosses in this book), describing the content of his glosses: "Aharon the son of my father Shlomo [Birav Yosef HaCohen] Araki. After seeing the benefit of the commentary by R' Avraham Azulai in his book Zoharei Chama and also his book of glosses Or Nogah, I thought that this is the time to remove any obstructions by (the presence) of errors as much as possible. G-d should show me the wonders of his Torah and place me among those who fear His Name, Amen".
Rabbi Aharon son of Rabbi Shlomo Araki, a Torah sage and Kabbalist a foremost Yemenite scholar who lived in the 17th-18th centuries. His brother was Dayan Rabbi Pinchas son of R' Shlomo Araki, who opposed changing Sana customs. [In spite of his many activities and his greatness in Kabbalistic wisdom, Rabbi Aharon Araki sided with the rabbis who supported the preservation of early Yemenite customs at the time they began to succumb to changes according to the customs of the Ari HaKadosh].
Rabbi Shlomo Araki's teachings are mentioned several times in the writings of his disciple Rabbi Yichya Tzalach – the Maharitz, who quotes him in his books with the title "Our teacher, R' Aharon HaCohen Araki" (the Etz Chaim siddur, Part 1, Leaf 29); "…and so I have seen in the manuscript of the [Torah] Gaon of the previous generation R' Aharon son of R' Shlomo Araki in his Pesach issue" (Etz Chaim siddur, Part 2, Leaf 8); etc.
The Maharitz also mentions the glosses by Rabbi Aharon Araki on the Zohar in his Pe'ulat Tsaddik responsa (Part 3, Siman 174) on the topic of a festival which falls on Motzaei Shabbat as follows: "And I have found in the Zohar in the handwriting of R’ Aharon son of R’ Shlomo Araki in the name of Rabbi S. Alkabetz HaLevi… Until here are the things we found in the edition of the Zohar in the handwriting of Rabbi Aharon HaCohen Araki Ibn R’ Shlomo”.
Offered here is one part of the Zohar, with glosses handwritten by Rabbi Aharon HaCohen Araki. These glosses are mentioned in the Peulat Tsaddik responsa by the prominent Yemenite Torah sage, the Maharitz, who lived in the following generation and was a disciple of Rabbi Aharon Araki.
[7], 251 leaves (missing title page). 21 cm. Fair condition, worming and wear, stains and detached leaves. Many leaves have page markers (stickers), which are difficult to remove. Yemenite fabric and leather binding, damaged.
On the inner side of the front cover is a handwritten copy “from an early issue word by word without additions or omissions”, of an amazing letter by Rabbi Yosef ben Galil [a Fez Torah sage from the 13th century, during the time of the Rashba], with the story of a dream and poem revealed to him in a dream by the Rambam. (See enclosed material).
Ancient signatures of Damascus sages: "Shalom Diwan HaLevi, 1563, Damascus", "Shalom ben Yo[sef] Chaim of the Levi family". Ancient stamps of Rabbi Shalom Diwan HaLevi of Damascus. More signatures in Oriental and Yemenite handwriting: "Daniel ---", Rabbi "Yichye ebn Yuda Alkapach", etc.
Dozens of long glosses and hundreds of short corrections and glosses in Yemenite handwriting and additional writings from Damascus (Oriental writing) and from Yemen (cursive writing).
On the first page is an inscription signed by Rabbi Aharon Araki (similar to the handwriting of most glosses in this book), describing the content of his glosses: "Aharon the son of my father Shlomo [Birav Yosef HaCohen] Araki. After seeing the benefit of the commentary by R' Avraham Azulai in his book Zoharei Chama and also his book of glosses Or Nogah, I thought that this is the time to remove any obstructions by (the presence) of errors as much as possible. G-d should show me the wonders of his Torah and place me among those who fear His Name, Amen".
Rabbi Aharon son of Rabbi Shlomo Araki, a Torah sage and Kabbalist a foremost Yemenite scholar who lived in the 17th-18th centuries. His brother was Dayan Rabbi Pinchas son of R' Shlomo Araki, who opposed changing Sana customs. [In spite of his many activities and his greatness in Kabbalistic wisdom, Rabbi Aharon Araki sided with the rabbis who supported the preservation of early Yemenite customs at the time they began to succumb to changes according to the customs of the Ari HaKadosh].
Rabbi Shlomo Araki's teachings are mentioned several times in the writings of his disciple Rabbi Yichya Tzalach – the Maharitz, who quotes him in his books with the title "Our teacher, R' Aharon HaCohen Araki" (the Etz Chaim siddur, Part 1, Leaf 29); "…and so I have seen in the manuscript of the [Torah] Gaon of the previous generation R' Aharon son of R' Shlomo Araki in his Pesach issue" (Etz Chaim siddur, Part 2, Leaf 8); etc.
The Maharitz also mentions the glosses by Rabbi Aharon Araki on the Zohar in his Pe'ulat Tsaddik responsa (Part 3, Siman 174) on the topic of a festival which falls on Motzaei Shabbat as follows: "And I have found in the Zohar in the handwriting of R’ Aharon son of R’ Shlomo Araki in the name of Rabbi S. Alkabetz HaLevi… Until here are the things we found in the edition of the Zohar in the handwriting of Rabbi Aharon HaCohen Araki Ibn R’ Shlomo”.
Offered here is one part of the Zohar, with glosses handwritten by Rabbi Aharon HaCohen Araki. These glosses are mentioned in the Peulat Tsaddik responsa by the prominent Yemenite Torah sage, the Maharitz, who lived in the following generation and was a disciple of Rabbi Aharon Araki.
[7], 251 leaves (missing title page). 21 cm. Fair condition, worming and wear, stains and detached leaves. Many leaves have page markers (stickers), which are difficult to remove. Yemenite fabric and leather binding, damaged.
On the inner side of the front cover is a handwritten copy “from an early issue word by word without additions or omissions”, of an amazing letter by Rabbi Yosef ben Galil [a Fez Torah sage from the 13th century, during the time of the Rashba], with the story of a dream and poem revealed to him in a dream by the Rambam. (See enclosed material).
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Seder Selichot – piyyutim of Selichot and of Rachamim according to the early custom of Yemenite Jews. Yemen, [18th century].
Especially beautiful calligraphy, written in spacious paragraphs with enlarged opening words. Vowelized. The vowels of the opening words are written in a hollow font.
The handwriting was examined by experts and was found to be identical to the handwriting of Rabbi Yichya son of R' Yosef Tzalach, the greatest Yemen sage of those times. In his youth, he earned a living by copying holy books, a prevalent practice among Yemenite sages.
Rabbi Yichya son of R' Yosef Tzalach – the Maharitz (1715-1805), was the foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century and one of the leading later Torah authorities. Disciple of his grandfather Mari Tzalach and disciple of Rabbi Aharon HaCohen Araki, Rabbi Yichye Araki and Rabbi David Mashraki, author of Shtilei Zetim. At the age of 43, he was appointed Chief Rabbi and Ra'avad of all the Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted in Yemen and until this day, many members of the Yemenite community follow his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary and many halachic works: Zevach Todah, Sha'arei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Sha'arei Tahara on the laws of Nidah, Pe'ulat Tzaddik responsa and other books of halachic, mussar and Kabbalah.
[31] pages. 14.5 cm. Good-fair condition, wear and restored worming damages, stains. New leather binding.
Enclosed is a letter authorizing the identity of the writer, by R' Yitzchak Ratzabi, a leading expert on Yemenite manuscripts. He writes: "I recognize the handwriting of the Maharitz, apparently from his youth, which explains the slight variations from his handwritten Tiklal Etz Chaim".
Especially beautiful calligraphy, written in spacious paragraphs with enlarged opening words. Vowelized. The vowels of the opening words are written in a hollow font.
The handwriting was examined by experts and was found to be identical to the handwriting of Rabbi Yichya son of R' Yosef Tzalach, the greatest Yemen sage of those times. In his youth, he earned a living by copying holy books, a prevalent practice among Yemenite sages.
Rabbi Yichya son of R' Yosef Tzalach – the Maharitz (1715-1805), was the foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century and one of the leading later Torah authorities. Disciple of his grandfather Mari Tzalach and disciple of Rabbi Aharon HaCohen Araki, Rabbi Yichye Araki and Rabbi David Mashraki, author of Shtilei Zetim. At the age of 43, he was appointed Chief Rabbi and Ra'avad of all the Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted in Yemen and until this day, many members of the Yemenite community follow his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary and many halachic works: Zevach Todah, Sha'arei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Sha'arei Tahara on the laws of Nidah, Pe'ulat Tzaddik responsa and other books of halachic, mussar and Kabbalah.
[31] pages. 14.5 cm. Good-fair condition, wear and restored worming damages, stains. New leather binding.
Enclosed is a letter authorizing the identity of the writer, by R' Yitzchak Ratzabi, a leading expert on Yemenite manuscripts. He writes: "I recognize the handwriting of the Maharitz, apparently from his youth, which explains the slight variations from his handwritten Tiklal Etz Chaim".
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $6,500
Unsold
A long letter handwritten and signed by the renowned Rabbi Moshe Hagiz who signs: "Moshe Ze'ira (the small) of Jerusalem, called Hagiz". [Hamburg?], Tamuz 1732.
The letter, sent to Italy to "the mighty influential men… the leaders of the generation", is about public matters related to "the entire diaspora", including rabbinic decisions regarding the leadership of the communities and the distribution of the national tax burden among the various communities. Mentioned in the letter: Rabbis of the communities of Verona, Venice and Ancona, the "Va'ad HaGadol" and the "Va'ad HaKaton", and names of Italian and Ashkenazi communities. Rabbi Moshe Hagiz suggests presenting the claims before an outstanding Torah scholar who will determine the law. He adds that the matters must be decided "according to truth and justice without giving preference to any person".
The content relates that the matter discussed in this letter concerns "the entire diaspora" – many communities from various countries, and that they must receive rulings from various rabbis: "To send them the ruling of the Torah scholar of the Posen community who is the father-in-law of Rabbi Ya'akov Av Beit Din of Emden, because he governs more than 300 communities and time is necessary to gain his support…" [Rabbi Ya'akov Mordechai Katz, son of the author of Semichat Chachamim who was appointed Rabbi of Posen in 1732. He was the father-in-law of the Ya'avetz who in 1732 served as Av Beit Din of the city of Emden and in 1733 left the rabbinate and moved to Altona]. He also mentions the "ruling of the Av Beit Din of the three communities Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbek with the approbation of all three Batei Din and the students of his lofty glorious yeshiva". [Rabbi Yechezkel Katzenelbogen, author of Knesset Yechezkel, served as Av Beit Din of the three latter communities from 1713-1749].
At the end of the letter, he mentions "the ruling of the Av Beit Din of the Ashkenazi community here that I wrote above to accept”. [In those days, two communities existed in Hamburg, Ashkenazi and Sephardi].
The renowned Torah scholar Moshe Hagiz was born in Jerusalem in 1672, son of Rabbi Ya’akov Hagiz, author of Halachot Ketanot. After his father died, in his childhood, he was raised in the home of his illustrious grandfather, Rabbi Moshe Galanti “HaRav HaMagen”. Was a disciple of the leading Sephardi sages of Jerusalem and of his celebrated brother-in-law Rabbi Moshe Ibn Chaviv [son-in-law of Rabbi Ya’akov Hagiz], and exceptionally proficient in Halachic and Kabbalistic knowledge. He used to sign “HaManiach” [“the Young Moshe Ibn Hagiz”] or HaKemach [“the small Moshe Hagiz”]. During the times he travelled abroad, he would sign: “Moshe Ze’ira of Jerusalem called Hagiz” (as he did in his signature on this letter).
In 1794, his grandfather, Rabbi Moshe Galanti, who was the head of the rabbis of Jerusalem, died and the Maharam Hagiz was sent as an emissary on behalf of the Jews of Eretz Israel to Egypt and elsewhere in the diaspora. His exile lasted 40 years during which he travelled throughout Europe and resided in Livorno, Venice, Amsterdam, London, Emden and Hamburg. In the course of those years, he became used to writing in Ashkenazi script [primarily due to the printing of his books in Amsterdam and in Ashkenazi countries and to his correspondence with European rabbis].
He was involved in rabbinical issues and many important rabbis valued his opinion in Halachic and public matters. He is known for his unswerving opposition to the Shabtai follower Nechemya Hayun from Amsterdam in conjunction with the Chacham Zvi and the Ya’avetz which later forced him to move from Amsterdam to London and then to Germany, where he remained for over 20 years. In the framework of this struggle, in 1814, he printed various polemic pamphlets in Amsterdam, London and Berlin: Igeret HaKna’ot, Edut L’Yisrael, Milchama L’Hashem, Shever Poshim, etc.
He authored many books on Halacha, mussar and Kabbalah. In 1704, he began to print his book Leket HaKemach on the Shulchan Aruch in Venice and the complete edition in Amsterdam in 1707. Other books: Ele HaMitzvot on the 613 mitzvot (Amsterdam, 1797 and a revised edition in Wandsbek, 1727), Leket HaKemach on the Mishnah (Wandsbek, 1726), Tzror HaChaim, mussar and prayers (Wandsbek, 1728), Mishnat Chachamim on Pirkei Avot (Wandsbek, 1733), Shtei HaLechem responsa (Wandsbek, 1733), etc.
His teachings also appear in many books in which he printed the Torah novellae of his father, grandfathers and teachers, adding his own additions, glosses and introductions, signed “The Meniach said”. Some of the books he printed with his additions are Or Kadmon, Korban Chagiga by his grandfather Maharam Galanti, Halachot Ketanot responsa of his father, Mahari Hagiz, printed in Venice in 1703-1704, Zevach Shelamim by his grandfather Maharam Galanti, Ha’Idrot HaKedoshot, Sefer Kritot, Orach Mishor by his father the Mahari Hagiz, printed in Amsterdam 1708-1709, and many other books which he edited or for which he wrote an introduction [see article by M. Benayahu: Books written by R’ Moshe Hagiz and books he published, Elei Sefer, Vol. 2, 1976, pp. 154-160].
In 1738, he returned to Eretz Israel and resided in Tzidon and in Safed. Reports regarding the year of his death and his gravesite contradict each other. The Chida in Shem HaGedolim writes that he arrived in Tzidon in 1738 and died in Safed in 1760, near the age of 90. (See: Shem HaGedolim, Ma’arechet Gedolim, Ot 40, 123). According to a different version, he died around 1750. According to the opinion of Luntz (Yerushalayim, Year 1, 1882, pp. 119-120), he left Safed for Beirut to recover from an illness, died there and was buried in Tzidon.
Three written pages, approximately 20 cm. Fair condition, ink erosion to paper, professionally restored. (Some of the text is difficult to read due to ink reflection on verso).
The entire letter is handwritten by the Maharam Hagiz (Ashkenazi writing). His signature appears in the center of the second leaf, eight lines from the bottom.
The letter, sent to Italy to "the mighty influential men… the leaders of the generation", is about public matters related to "the entire diaspora", including rabbinic decisions regarding the leadership of the communities and the distribution of the national tax burden among the various communities. Mentioned in the letter: Rabbis of the communities of Verona, Venice and Ancona, the "Va'ad HaGadol" and the "Va'ad HaKaton", and names of Italian and Ashkenazi communities. Rabbi Moshe Hagiz suggests presenting the claims before an outstanding Torah scholar who will determine the law. He adds that the matters must be decided "according to truth and justice without giving preference to any person".
The content relates that the matter discussed in this letter concerns "the entire diaspora" – many communities from various countries, and that they must receive rulings from various rabbis: "To send them the ruling of the Torah scholar of the Posen community who is the father-in-law of Rabbi Ya'akov Av Beit Din of Emden, because he governs more than 300 communities and time is necessary to gain his support…" [Rabbi Ya'akov Mordechai Katz, son of the author of Semichat Chachamim who was appointed Rabbi of Posen in 1732. He was the father-in-law of the Ya'avetz who in 1732 served as Av Beit Din of the city of Emden and in 1733 left the rabbinate and moved to Altona]. He also mentions the "ruling of the Av Beit Din of the three communities Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbek with the approbation of all three Batei Din and the students of his lofty glorious yeshiva". [Rabbi Yechezkel Katzenelbogen, author of Knesset Yechezkel, served as Av Beit Din of the three latter communities from 1713-1749].
At the end of the letter, he mentions "the ruling of the Av Beit Din of the Ashkenazi community here that I wrote above to accept”. [In those days, two communities existed in Hamburg, Ashkenazi and Sephardi].
The renowned Torah scholar Moshe Hagiz was born in Jerusalem in 1672, son of Rabbi Ya’akov Hagiz, author of Halachot Ketanot. After his father died, in his childhood, he was raised in the home of his illustrious grandfather, Rabbi Moshe Galanti “HaRav HaMagen”. Was a disciple of the leading Sephardi sages of Jerusalem and of his celebrated brother-in-law Rabbi Moshe Ibn Chaviv [son-in-law of Rabbi Ya’akov Hagiz], and exceptionally proficient in Halachic and Kabbalistic knowledge. He used to sign “HaManiach” [“the Young Moshe Ibn Hagiz”] or HaKemach [“the small Moshe Hagiz”]. During the times he travelled abroad, he would sign: “Moshe Ze’ira of Jerusalem called Hagiz” (as he did in his signature on this letter).
In 1794, his grandfather, Rabbi Moshe Galanti, who was the head of the rabbis of Jerusalem, died and the Maharam Hagiz was sent as an emissary on behalf of the Jews of Eretz Israel to Egypt and elsewhere in the diaspora. His exile lasted 40 years during which he travelled throughout Europe and resided in Livorno, Venice, Amsterdam, London, Emden and Hamburg. In the course of those years, he became used to writing in Ashkenazi script [primarily due to the printing of his books in Amsterdam and in Ashkenazi countries and to his correspondence with European rabbis].
He was involved in rabbinical issues and many important rabbis valued his opinion in Halachic and public matters. He is known for his unswerving opposition to the Shabtai follower Nechemya Hayun from Amsterdam in conjunction with the Chacham Zvi and the Ya’avetz which later forced him to move from Amsterdam to London and then to Germany, where he remained for over 20 years. In the framework of this struggle, in 1814, he printed various polemic pamphlets in Amsterdam, London and Berlin: Igeret HaKna’ot, Edut L’Yisrael, Milchama L’Hashem, Shever Poshim, etc.
He authored many books on Halacha, mussar and Kabbalah. In 1704, he began to print his book Leket HaKemach on the Shulchan Aruch in Venice and the complete edition in Amsterdam in 1707. Other books: Ele HaMitzvot on the 613 mitzvot (Amsterdam, 1797 and a revised edition in Wandsbek, 1727), Leket HaKemach on the Mishnah (Wandsbek, 1726), Tzror HaChaim, mussar and prayers (Wandsbek, 1728), Mishnat Chachamim on Pirkei Avot (Wandsbek, 1733), Shtei HaLechem responsa (Wandsbek, 1733), etc.
His teachings also appear in many books in which he printed the Torah novellae of his father, grandfathers and teachers, adding his own additions, glosses and introductions, signed “The Meniach said”. Some of the books he printed with his additions are Or Kadmon, Korban Chagiga by his grandfather Maharam Galanti, Halachot Ketanot responsa of his father, Mahari Hagiz, printed in Venice in 1703-1704, Zevach Shelamim by his grandfather Maharam Galanti, Ha’Idrot HaKedoshot, Sefer Kritot, Orach Mishor by his father the Mahari Hagiz, printed in Amsterdam 1708-1709, and many other books which he edited or for which he wrote an introduction [see article by M. Benayahu: Books written by R’ Moshe Hagiz and books he published, Elei Sefer, Vol. 2, 1976, pp. 154-160].
In 1738, he returned to Eretz Israel and resided in Tzidon and in Safed. Reports regarding the year of his death and his gravesite contradict each other. The Chida in Shem HaGedolim writes that he arrived in Tzidon in 1738 and died in Safed in 1760, near the age of 90. (See: Shem HaGedolim, Ma’arechet Gedolim, Ot 40, 123). According to a different version, he died around 1750. According to the opinion of Luntz (Yerushalayim, Year 1, 1882, pp. 119-120), he left Safed for Beirut to recover from an illness, died there and was buried in Tzidon.
Three written pages, approximately 20 cm. Fair condition, ink erosion to paper, professionally restored. (Some of the text is difficult to read due to ink reflection on verso).
The entire letter is handwritten by the Maharam Hagiz (Ashkenazi writing). His signature appears in the center of the second leaf, eight lines from the bottom.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $7,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
A leaf handwritten by Rabbi Ya'akov Abuhatzeira, the Abir Ya'akov of Morocco.
Written on both sides, contains about 40 lines in his own handwriting.
The leaf includes a part of a homiletic from his book Doresh Tov printed in Jerusalem in 1884 by his son Rabbi Aharon Abuhatzeira. This part is printed on Leaf 49 in Drush 4 for the Dead, and discusses the secret of the sin of Adam HaRishon and the attributes of our Holy Forefathers and of Moshe Rabbeinu and their power to bring down the Shechina to this world.
Rabbi Ya'akov Abuhatzeira (1906-1980) – Abir Ya'akov was known from his youth as an outstanding Torah prodigy and as holy man, with knowledge of Kabbalistic wisdom. Rabbi and Av Beit Din in the Tafilalt community [the central community in the area of the Ziz Valley in Southern Morocco]. When in his twenties, most of the rabbis of the region were subservient to his authority. Rabbi Ya'akov was considered one of the leading Torah authorities of his times and he exchanged halachic responsa with the foremost rabbis throughout North African countries. A holy man, accustomed to miracles, many stories of wonders are told about him; including his distinction in meriting the revelation of Eliyahu (see Ma'ase Nissim, Jerusalem 1968, written according to stories and information heard directly from the Baba Sali and other rabbis of the Abuhatzeira family). His fame also spread among the non-Jewish population and the Moslems would reverently call him "Alchazan el Kabir" [the Great Rabbi].
He died on the way to Eretz Israel and was buried in the city of Damanhur, Egypt.
Some of his works: Ginzei HaMelech, Yagel Ya'akov, Yoru Mishpatecha L'Ya'akov responsa, Pituchei Chotam, Bigdei HaSrad, Machsof HaLavan, many more.
Dozens of piyyutim were composed in his honor and memory, some common until today among Moroccan Jews. The famous picture of him sitting with his legs crossed, with a holy book in his hands, hangs in numerous homes in Morocco and in Eretz Israel to this day.
His sons and grandchildren were renowned for their holiness and Torah knowledge. The most famous are Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, the Baba Sali and his brother Rabbi Yitzchak the Baba Chaki, Rabbi Meir Abuhatzeira the Baba Meir and many other important rabbis and wonder-workers.
[1] leaf, 17 cm. overall good condition, stains. Placed in an elaborate leather binding (23X31 cm), with gilt adornments and inscriptions.
Enclosed is an expert's authorization identifying the handwriting on this leaf as the handwriting of the Abir Ya'akov.
Written on both sides, contains about 40 lines in his own handwriting.
The leaf includes a part of a homiletic from his book Doresh Tov printed in Jerusalem in 1884 by his son Rabbi Aharon Abuhatzeira. This part is printed on Leaf 49 in Drush 4 for the Dead, and discusses the secret of the sin of Adam HaRishon and the attributes of our Holy Forefathers and of Moshe Rabbeinu and their power to bring down the Shechina to this world.
Rabbi Ya'akov Abuhatzeira (1906-1980) – Abir Ya'akov was known from his youth as an outstanding Torah prodigy and as holy man, with knowledge of Kabbalistic wisdom. Rabbi and Av Beit Din in the Tafilalt community [the central community in the area of the Ziz Valley in Southern Morocco]. When in his twenties, most of the rabbis of the region were subservient to his authority. Rabbi Ya'akov was considered one of the leading Torah authorities of his times and he exchanged halachic responsa with the foremost rabbis throughout North African countries. A holy man, accustomed to miracles, many stories of wonders are told about him; including his distinction in meriting the revelation of Eliyahu (see Ma'ase Nissim, Jerusalem 1968, written according to stories and information heard directly from the Baba Sali and other rabbis of the Abuhatzeira family). His fame also spread among the non-Jewish population and the Moslems would reverently call him "Alchazan el Kabir" [the Great Rabbi].
He died on the way to Eretz Israel and was buried in the city of Damanhur, Egypt.
Some of his works: Ginzei HaMelech, Yagel Ya'akov, Yoru Mishpatecha L'Ya'akov responsa, Pituchei Chotam, Bigdei HaSrad, Machsof HaLavan, many more.
Dozens of piyyutim were composed in his honor and memory, some common until today among Moroccan Jews. The famous picture of him sitting with his legs crossed, with a holy book in his hands, hangs in numerous homes in Morocco and in Eretz Israel to this day.
His sons and grandchildren were renowned for their holiness and Torah knowledge. The most famous are Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, the Baba Sali and his brother Rabbi Yitzchak the Baba Chaki, Rabbi Meir Abuhatzeira the Baba Meir and many other important rabbis and wonder-workers.
[1] leaf, 17 cm. overall good condition, stains. Placed in an elaborate leather binding (23X31 cm), with gilt adornments and inscriptions.
Enclosed is an expert's authorization identifying the handwriting on this leaf as the handwriting of the Abir Ya'akov.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $8,000
Sold for: $11,250
Including buyer's premium
Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer, with rulings of Rabbi Gur Aryeh HaLevi Pintzi. Mantua, [1723]. Printed by Yitzchak Yareh and Ya'akov Chaver Tov.
Signature on title page: "David Chaim Korinaldi" – A great sage in Italy, author of Beit David on the Mishnah. On the leaves of the books are hundreds of glosses in his handwriting, some very long. These glosses were never printed.
The Chida had seen the glosses of Rabbi David Chaim Korinaldi as he writes in his book Shem HaGedolim and he quotes them dozens of times in his books (for example: Chaim Sha'al, Shiyurei Beracha, Tuv Ayin, etc.). On the title page is a signature of his grandson Rabbi "Nissim Zerachya Azulai" and on two leaves are glosses in his handwriting (Leaves: 12, 2; 75, 1). Apparently, he attained this book from the library of his grandfather the Chida.
The glosses of Rabbi David Chaim Korinaldi contain important halachic content, he writes his opinion and questions the words of the Shulchan Aruch and brings his rulings in cases which were presented to him for his halachic decisions.
On Leaf 6b, he recounts a story which he read in the book "Mappamondo Istorico" in the "history of Chinese kings" about a Caesar "whose second wife Viti bore him a son whom she carried in her womb for 14 months and who became Caesar after him…". [The Chida brings this story in his book Yosef Ometz, Siman 94, Section 3].
On Leaf 16a, he writes at length an "open rebuke to those who dance with women even if they are single…how much more so with married women and relatives…".
On Leaf 49a, he discusses at length the propriety of wigs for women: "There is a new custom to go with uncovered hair, the hair being part of a wig. My heart tells me to ponder whether this is prohibited by Jewish law or not".
On Leaf 62b he writes about a Get sent from Algir to Tunis.
Rabbi David Chaim Korinaldi – Radak (1700-1770), author of Beit David on the six Sidrei Mishnah. Italian sage, Torah authority, grammarian and erudite in many subjects. Son-in-law of Rabbi Yitzchak ben R’ Asher Pacifico of Venice, disciple of Rabbi Natan Pinkereli of Verona. He asserted about himself that he studied Torah while suffering great affliction. Served in the rabbinate of various Italian cities. First he resided in Rovigo and later lived for a short while in Livorno and from c. 1747 he lived in Trieste. Following the printing of his book Beit David, he was hurled into a severe controversy with Rabbi David Pardo who questioned his writings many times in his book Shoshanim L’David. The Livorno rabbis made peace between them and this brought a special apology written by Rabbi David Pardo at the beginning of the second volume of his book Shoshanim L’David. During the dispute, Rabbi David Korinaldi was allegedly confronted that he was not the author of Beit David rather it was written by Rabbi Yitzchak Lamfronti who was Rabbi Korinaldi’s close friend (he quotes his responsa in his book Pachad Yitzchak) and Rabbi Pardo wrote a letter of conciliation about this: “Do not pay attention to all the things said by your adversaries, and this is the way of complainers when they cannot find fault with the composition, they complain about the author and this is the case with your pleasant book Beit David…I swear that I never thought that someone else wrote it”.
Rabbi Nissim Zerachya Azulai (1780-1836) was the son of Rabbi Avraham Azulai son of the Chida. Served as Av-Beit-Din of Manisa near Izmir and from 1826 as Dayan in Safed. He died during the Safed earthquake - When extracted from under the ruins, with his Talit and Tefillin, he died saying that he was the last reincarnation of King Assa of Judea.
88 leaves. 25 cm. Good condition. Stains. The book was restored, the title page and some leaves were washed, restored worming damages. New leather binding.
Signature on title page: "David Chaim Korinaldi" – A great sage in Italy, author of Beit David on the Mishnah. On the leaves of the books are hundreds of glosses in his handwriting, some very long. These glosses were never printed.
The Chida had seen the glosses of Rabbi David Chaim Korinaldi as he writes in his book Shem HaGedolim and he quotes them dozens of times in his books (for example: Chaim Sha'al, Shiyurei Beracha, Tuv Ayin, etc.). On the title page is a signature of his grandson Rabbi "Nissim Zerachya Azulai" and on two leaves are glosses in his handwriting (Leaves: 12, 2; 75, 1). Apparently, he attained this book from the library of his grandfather the Chida.
The glosses of Rabbi David Chaim Korinaldi contain important halachic content, he writes his opinion and questions the words of the Shulchan Aruch and brings his rulings in cases which were presented to him for his halachic decisions.
On Leaf 6b, he recounts a story which he read in the book "Mappamondo Istorico" in the "history of Chinese kings" about a Caesar "whose second wife Viti bore him a son whom she carried in her womb for 14 months and who became Caesar after him…". [The Chida brings this story in his book Yosef Ometz, Siman 94, Section 3].
On Leaf 16a, he writes at length an "open rebuke to those who dance with women even if they are single…how much more so with married women and relatives…".
On Leaf 49a, he discusses at length the propriety of wigs for women: "There is a new custom to go with uncovered hair, the hair being part of a wig. My heart tells me to ponder whether this is prohibited by Jewish law or not".
On Leaf 62b he writes about a Get sent from Algir to Tunis.
Rabbi David Chaim Korinaldi – Radak (1700-1770), author of Beit David on the six Sidrei Mishnah. Italian sage, Torah authority, grammarian and erudite in many subjects. Son-in-law of Rabbi Yitzchak ben R’ Asher Pacifico of Venice, disciple of Rabbi Natan Pinkereli of Verona. He asserted about himself that he studied Torah while suffering great affliction. Served in the rabbinate of various Italian cities. First he resided in Rovigo and later lived for a short while in Livorno and from c. 1747 he lived in Trieste. Following the printing of his book Beit David, he was hurled into a severe controversy with Rabbi David Pardo who questioned his writings many times in his book Shoshanim L’David. The Livorno rabbis made peace between them and this brought a special apology written by Rabbi David Pardo at the beginning of the second volume of his book Shoshanim L’David. During the dispute, Rabbi David Korinaldi was allegedly confronted that he was not the author of Beit David rather it was written by Rabbi Yitzchak Lamfronti who was Rabbi Korinaldi’s close friend (he quotes his responsa in his book Pachad Yitzchak) and Rabbi Pardo wrote a letter of conciliation about this: “Do not pay attention to all the things said by your adversaries, and this is the way of complainers when they cannot find fault with the composition, they complain about the author and this is the case with your pleasant book Beit David…I swear that I never thought that someone else wrote it”.
Rabbi Nissim Zerachya Azulai (1780-1836) was the son of Rabbi Avraham Azulai son of the Chida. Served as Av-Beit-Din of Manisa near Izmir and from 1826 as Dayan in Safed. He died during the Safed earthquake - When extracted from under the ruins, with his Talit and Tefillin, he died saying that he was the last reincarnation of King Assa of Judea.
88 leaves. 25 cm. Good condition. Stains. The book was restored, the title page and some leaves were washed, restored worming damages. New leather binding.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $10,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Mishnah, with the Kav V'Naki commentary. Part 1 – Zera'im Moed Nashim, and Part 2 – Nezikin Kodshim Taharot [in one volume]. Amsterdam, [1713]. Printed by Shlomo Proops.
The Six Sidrei Mishnah in one volume. Pocket edition. Separate title page for Part 2.
This volume of Mishnah belonged to Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz, author of the Tiferet Yisrael commentary on the Mishnah. It contains thousands of marginalia in his characteristic, small, handwriting and his composition Zera Yisrael – a short concise commentary on the six Sidrei Mishnah as it was first written on the sheets of this volume. The composition was first printed in Vilnius in 1854 in the lifetime of the author. This is the original composition with many variations in comparison to the printed version.
Several leaves in his handwriting appear at the beginning of this volume, with various rules for Talmudical laws [the titles of these leaves have the customary addition of Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz, the initials of "With G-d's help, Open my eyes so I can see wonders of your Torah, Amen”. See Kedem catalog, Auction 33, Item 345]. These rules were printed with variations, under the name Pa’amonei Zahav at the beginning of the printed editions of the Zera Yisrael commentary.
On the last leaf, Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz wrote the dates he began and ended study of this volume of the Mishnah. Among other inscriptions: “I have concluded Taharot Bet on the 15th of Adar on the yartzeit of my father” [Rabbi Gedalya Lifschitz, died on the 17th of Adar Aleph 1826].
On the reverse side of the title page, is a dedication from 1809: “My signature below is a testimony… that I have given the Mishnah… to the youth Zalman Dessau… Tamuz 1809 Eliyahu son of R’ Yaakov Zvi of Berlin”.
Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz (1782-1861), was known for his phenomenal composition Tiferet Yisrael on the Six Sidrei Mishnah which was embraced throughout the Jewish Diaspora and printed in hundreds of editions. Son of Rabbi Gedalia Lifschitz author of Regel Yeshara and grandson of Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz Av Beit Din of Kalov. Exalted Torah genius, a great leader of Ashkenazi Jewry who studied Torah all day wrapped in his tallit beneath his coat and donning tefillin. Known for his holiness and fear of Heaven, he served in the rabbinate of Dessau, Danzig and other cities for over fifty years. Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz published several of his father’s works, adding his own comments. Apart from his famous commentary on the Mishnah, he wrote many other works, some remained as manuscripts and were lost. In addition to Tiferet Yisrael, he also wrote another short commentary on the Mishnah named Zera Yisrael included in this manuscript.
Zera Yisrael is a short concise composition on the Six Sidrei Mishnah and as written on the title page of the printed edition: “Short adequate commentary which contains a summary of all the commentaries of Rabbi Ovadia of Bartenura, the Tosfot Yom Tov and the Vilna Gaon etc, in an amazing shortened form and precise language, in small letters and notes, each in its appropriate place”. This composition is not an abridgement of Tiferet Yisrael but an original composition. In the introduction to his commentary, the author notes several advantages of this composition: a. “For beginners who have not yet attempted to study Torah… to study the complete Torah on one foot... b. For Torah scholars – The composition shall serve as a reminder for things that they already know. c. For travelers...”.
The author highly commended this work and in his testament he instructed his sons to study it regularly: “My sons… Be careful to study at least one leaf of Mishnah with our composition Zera Yisrael each morning and review it in the evening…”. He also writes there that the edition printed in Vilnius was dominated by the “evil” censor: “Some mistakes and omissions crept into my book by the evil censor in Vilnius, therefore each of you should readily copy my corrections of the errors and omissions in the book Zera Yisrael from which I study…” [A clear example of this are the opening sections of Chapters 1 and 2 of Tractate Avodah Zara, which are clearly censor additions and do not exist in this manuscript].
Two parts in one volume: Part 1: Zera’im, Moed, Nashim. 134 leaves. Part 2: Nezikin, Kodshim, Taharot. [1], 136-325, [4] leaves. 12 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear at margins. Some glosses are cutoff, blurred or faded. New binding.
The Six Sidrei Mishnah in one volume. Pocket edition. Separate title page for Part 2.
This volume of Mishnah belonged to Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz, author of the Tiferet Yisrael commentary on the Mishnah. It contains thousands of marginalia in his characteristic, small, handwriting and his composition Zera Yisrael – a short concise commentary on the six Sidrei Mishnah as it was first written on the sheets of this volume. The composition was first printed in Vilnius in 1854 in the lifetime of the author. This is the original composition with many variations in comparison to the printed version.
Several leaves in his handwriting appear at the beginning of this volume, with various rules for Talmudical laws [the titles of these leaves have the customary addition of Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz, the initials of "With G-d's help, Open my eyes so I can see wonders of your Torah, Amen”. See Kedem catalog, Auction 33, Item 345]. These rules were printed with variations, under the name Pa’amonei Zahav at the beginning of the printed editions of the Zera Yisrael commentary.
On the last leaf, Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz wrote the dates he began and ended study of this volume of the Mishnah. Among other inscriptions: “I have concluded Taharot Bet on the 15th of Adar on the yartzeit of my father” [Rabbi Gedalya Lifschitz, died on the 17th of Adar Aleph 1826].
On the reverse side of the title page, is a dedication from 1809: “My signature below is a testimony… that I have given the Mishnah… to the youth Zalman Dessau… Tamuz 1809 Eliyahu son of R’ Yaakov Zvi of Berlin”.
Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz (1782-1861), was known for his phenomenal composition Tiferet Yisrael on the Six Sidrei Mishnah which was embraced throughout the Jewish Diaspora and printed in hundreds of editions. Son of Rabbi Gedalia Lifschitz author of Regel Yeshara and grandson of Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz Av Beit Din of Kalov. Exalted Torah genius, a great leader of Ashkenazi Jewry who studied Torah all day wrapped in his tallit beneath his coat and donning tefillin. Known for his holiness and fear of Heaven, he served in the rabbinate of Dessau, Danzig and other cities for over fifty years. Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz published several of his father’s works, adding his own comments. Apart from his famous commentary on the Mishnah, he wrote many other works, some remained as manuscripts and were lost. In addition to Tiferet Yisrael, he also wrote another short commentary on the Mishnah named Zera Yisrael included in this manuscript.
Zera Yisrael is a short concise composition on the Six Sidrei Mishnah and as written on the title page of the printed edition: “Short adequate commentary which contains a summary of all the commentaries of Rabbi Ovadia of Bartenura, the Tosfot Yom Tov and the Vilna Gaon etc, in an amazing shortened form and precise language, in small letters and notes, each in its appropriate place”. This composition is not an abridgement of Tiferet Yisrael but an original composition. In the introduction to his commentary, the author notes several advantages of this composition: a. “For beginners who have not yet attempted to study Torah… to study the complete Torah on one foot... b. For Torah scholars – The composition shall serve as a reminder for things that they already know. c. For travelers...”.
The author highly commended this work and in his testament he instructed his sons to study it regularly: “My sons… Be careful to study at least one leaf of Mishnah with our composition Zera Yisrael each morning and review it in the evening…”. He also writes there that the edition printed in Vilnius was dominated by the “evil” censor: “Some mistakes and omissions crept into my book by the evil censor in Vilnius, therefore each of you should readily copy my corrections of the errors and omissions in the book Zera Yisrael from which I study…” [A clear example of this are the opening sections of Chapters 1 and 2 of Tractate Avodah Zara, which are clearly censor additions and do not exist in this manuscript].
Two parts in one volume: Part 1: Zera’im, Moed, Nashim. 134 leaves. Part 2: Nezikin, Kodshim, Taharot. [1], 136-325, [4] leaves. 12 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear at margins. Some glosses are cutoff, blurred or faded. New binding.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $30,000
Sold for: $42,500
Including buyer's premium
Halachic responsum on the laws of mikvaot, by Rabbi Moshe Sofer Av Beit Din of Pressburg, author of Chatam Sofer [Pressburg, 1829].
Responsum from 1829, sent to Rabbi David Zvi Levinger Av Beit Din of Madier [who received semicha from the Chatam Sofer]. Written at the beginning of the responsum: "Copy of the responsum by the Gaon. Morning of the 13th of Shevat 1829".
The responsum was copied in the handwriting of a disciple and after the words "And I sign with my blessing" appears the signature of the Chatam Sofer in his own handwriting: "Moshe Sofer of Frankfurt am Main". After that, the copier wrote "Later the Gaon added these words – and it is fitting to fill in wicker baskets, etc.", and to this addition the Chatam Sofer added another signature in his own handwriting: "HaK' Moshe above".
This page is from the notebook of responsa of the Chatam Sofer partially written by the Chatam Sofer and partly by copiers. This responsum has a unique quality: After the Chatam Sofer reviewed the copy the first time and signed his approval, he added another halachic ruling to the original letter and again gave it to his disciple to copy into the notebook of responsa and then the Chatam Sofer signed the copy again to approve the addition. This phenomenon of a double signature in one letter is rare in the writings of the Chatam Sofer.
2 leaves, 20X24.3 cm. Very good condition. Adhesive tape and slight restoration at the margins of the leaves (at the connection to the binding), with damage to the ending of words on the fourth page. Some creases. Bound in an elaborate leather binding.
Enclosed is an expert’s authorization that the signatures are definitely in the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer. He also notes slight variations from the printed responsum [Yoreh Deah, Siman 213] printed according to this manuscript. Places that are problematic in the printed version are difficult to read in this manuscript. Careful reading of this manuscript can correct the wording of the responsum and render it exactly as written by the Chatam Sofer with no need for doubts and conjecture.
Responsum from 1829, sent to Rabbi David Zvi Levinger Av Beit Din of Madier [who received semicha from the Chatam Sofer]. Written at the beginning of the responsum: "Copy of the responsum by the Gaon. Morning of the 13th of Shevat 1829".
The responsum was copied in the handwriting of a disciple and after the words "And I sign with my blessing" appears the signature of the Chatam Sofer in his own handwriting: "Moshe Sofer of Frankfurt am Main". After that, the copier wrote "Later the Gaon added these words – and it is fitting to fill in wicker baskets, etc.", and to this addition the Chatam Sofer added another signature in his own handwriting: "HaK' Moshe above".
This page is from the notebook of responsa of the Chatam Sofer partially written by the Chatam Sofer and partly by copiers. This responsum has a unique quality: After the Chatam Sofer reviewed the copy the first time and signed his approval, he added another halachic ruling to the original letter and again gave it to his disciple to copy into the notebook of responsa and then the Chatam Sofer signed the copy again to approve the addition. This phenomenon of a double signature in one letter is rare in the writings of the Chatam Sofer.
2 leaves, 20X24.3 cm. Very good condition. Adhesive tape and slight restoration at the margins of the leaves (at the connection to the binding), with damage to the ending of words on the fourth page. Some creases. Bound in an elaborate leather binding.
Enclosed is an expert’s authorization that the signatures are definitely in the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer. He also notes slight variations from the printed responsum [Yoreh Deah, Siman 213] printed according to this manuscript. Places that are problematic in the printed version are difficult to read in this manuscript. Careful reading of this manuscript can correct the wording of the responsum and render it exactly as written by the Chatam Sofer with no need for doubts and conjecture.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue