Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 37 - 48 of 116
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $4,000
Unsold
A letter of request to support the settlement of the Gra's disciples in the communities of Safed and Jerusalem. Signed by the Gra's disciple Rabbi Yisrael of Shklow and by the leading disciples of the Gra's community. Jerusalem and Safed, Kislev 1830.
Written as a personal letter of request sent to the emissary Rabbi Zvi Hirsh ben Yehuda, with an empty space for completing the name of the philanthropist by the emissary.
Signed by: "Chaim Cohen who was Rabbi of Pinsk and its region" [served approximately 20 years in the Pinsk rabbinate and was accepted also by Chassidim, immigrated to Safed in 1826 and served in its rabbinate until his death in 1831]; "Yisrael author of Taklin Chadtin of Safed" [Rabbi Yisrael of Shklow disciple of the Gra]; "Nathan Neta son of the Chassid Rabbi Mendel of Jerusalem" [called the Great Rabbi Neta, one of the leaders of the group of the first aliya of the Gra's disciples in 1809, his father Rabbi Mendel of Shklow immigrated one year earlier and prepared the ground for this aliya. Died in Jerusalem on Tishrei 1846, and on his tombstone are the words "Rabbi, Chassid and Humble”]. “Nathan Neta ben Rabbi Se’adya Jerusalem” [Tzaddik and Chassid, had the merit to serve the Gra and cite mishnayot by heart before him. His father, Rabbi Se’adya was the leader and rabbi of the Gra’s disciples who immigrated to Jerusalem. Died in 1849]; “Aryeh Leib son of Rabbi Yosef Leon” [a head of the Ashkenazi settlement in Safed]; “Aryeh the Trustee Jerusalem” [Rabbi Aryeh Leib son of Rabbi Yerachmiel Marcus of Keidan (1800-1877), trustee of the Kollel Perushim in Jerusalem and a founder of the Hurva Synagogue]; “Shlomo Zalman ben Wolf HaCohen” [emissary from Eretz Israel, son-in-law of Rabbi Ya’akov Sapir, died in Calcutta, India in 1847].
23 cm. high-quality paper, good condition. Few damages to margins.
A similar certificate was printed from a manuscript in the memorial book Eshed HaNechalim, Bnei Brak, 1992, pp. 212-213.
Written as a personal letter of request sent to the emissary Rabbi Zvi Hirsh ben Yehuda, with an empty space for completing the name of the philanthropist by the emissary.
Signed by: "Chaim Cohen who was Rabbi of Pinsk and its region" [served approximately 20 years in the Pinsk rabbinate and was accepted also by Chassidim, immigrated to Safed in 1826 and served in its rabbinate until his death in 1831]; "Yisrael author of Taklin Chadtin of Safed" [Rabbi Yisrael of Shklow disciple of the Gra]; "Nathan Neta son of the Chassid Rabbi Mendel of Jerusalem" [called the Great Rabbi Neta, one of the leaders of the group of the first aliya of the Gra's disciples in 1809, his father Rabbi Mendel of Shklow immigrated one year earlier and prepared the ground for this aliya. Died in Jerusalem on Tishrei 1846, and on his tombstone are the words "Rabbi, Chassid and Humble”]. “Nathan Neta ben Rabbi Se’adya Jerusalem” [Tzaddik and Chassid, had the merit to serve the Gra and cite mishnayot by heart before him. His father, Rabbi Se’adya was the leader and rabbi of the Gra’s disciples who immigrated to Jerusalem. Died in 1849]; “Aryeh Leib son of Rabbi Yosef Leon” [a head of the Ashkenazi settlement in Safed]; “Aryeh the Trustee Jerusalem” [Rabbi Aryeh Leib son of Rabbi Yerachmiel Marcus of Keidan (1800-1877), trustee of the Kollel Perushim in Jerusalem and a founder of the Hurva Synagogue]; “Shlomo Zalman ben Wolf HaCohen” [emissary from Eretz Israel, son-in-law of Rabbi Ya’akov Sapir, died in Calcutta, India in 1847].
23 cm. high-quality paper, good condition. Few damages to margins.
A similar certificate was printed from a manuscript in the memorial book Eshed HaNechalim, Bnei Brak, 1992, pp. 212-213.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Ma'asei Chiya, novellae on the Talmud and responsa, by Rabbi Chiya Rofeh. [Furth, 1727]. Second edition.
Copy belonging to Rabbi Avraham Danzig, author of Chayei Adam. His signature, "Avraham ben R' M. [Michel] of Danzig", appears in two places [Leaf 36/a and Leaf 77/b]. On Leaf 1 is the remainder of another signature. Additional ownership inscriptions.
Rabbi Avraham Danzig (1748-1821) a leading Torah scholar in his times, disciple-companion and mechutan of the Vilna Gaon, authored basic halachic books: Chayei Adam, Nishmat Adam, Chochmat Adam, and others. Son of Rabbi Yechiel Michel ben R' Shmuel, author of Nechamot Zion. In his youth, Rabbi Avraham studied in Prague and was the disciple of the Nodah B'Yehuda and of Rabbi Yosef Lieberman, Prague Torah prodigies. The latter granted him a writ titling him Chaver at the age of 18, and wrote among other praises: "Young of age but with a settled mind like the elderly, a disciple who adds to the wisdom of his teachers… proficient in the Talmud and the poskim… he is fluent in his Torah learning…". After his marriage, he settled in Vilnius and basked in the presence of the Vilna Gaon discussing Torah with him. Eventually, he became his mechutan, as Rabbi Avraham's son wed the Vilna Gaon's granddaughter. His reverence of the Vilna Gaon knew no bounds and he expressed his veneration in the eulogies he delivered for him. In the beginning of his book Zichru Torat Moshe, he documented the study schedule of "my mechutan, our Master, Marana v'Rabana Geon Yisrael u'Kedosho Rabbeinu Eliyahu Chassid…", and wrote that this schedule is "As commanded to us by Moshe Rabbeinu". In his book Chayei Adam, Rabbi Avraham introduces many teachings in the name of the Vilna Gaon, however he also disagrees with him in several places. This caused dissent; therefore in his book Chochmat Adam, Rabbi Avraham refrained from quoting the Gaon so as not to openly disagree with him.
He refused to serve in the rabbinate, following his grandfather's footsteps, dealing in trade for his livelihood, with Torah study his main priority (as recounted in his famous introduction to Chochmat Adam). In spite of this refusal, he was one of the leaders of the Vilnius community and was constantly asked for his opinion on Torah matters, and in the city of Vilnius his agreement was sought on all issues.
Rabbi Avraham had strong connections with the prominent rabbis of his times. Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, together with Rabbi Ya’akov of Lisa, author of Chavot Da’at encouraged him to publish his book Chochmat Adam. He exchanged halachic correspondence with Rabbi Meir Pozner, author of Beit Meir.
His books were accepted in the entire Jewish world as basic halachic books written in the generation of Torah sages, the days of the Vilna Gaon. They became the primary books of Torah rulings in Lithuania until the time of the Mishnah Brura which quotes him everywhere and heavily relies on his rulings. Many of the greatest Torah authorities of his generation and those who lived thereafter quote his books at length and discuss his writings, valuing his opinion.
In the beginning of the second edition of Chayei Adam, he wrote: “Since I am certain that in G-d’s kindness, my works both on Orach Chaim and on Yoreh Deah did not disappoint… and will be printed and reprinted until the Redemption, because even in my lifetime… they have been accepted and have spread throughout the Jewish world, that also after my death they undoubtedly will be even more accepted”. The fact that all over Lithuania and Russia “Chayei Adam societies” were established, attests to their impressive success. These societies began in the author’s lifetime as his friend Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin wrote: “A man assisted by his Master… whose book Chayei Adam… spread throughout the Jewish world”.
Even outside of Lithuania, his books became rudimentary study books as can be learned from the Chatam Sofer who affirmed that Torah authorities can rely on the rulings in these books whenever they cannot find the time to study the halachic sources themselves.
Rabbi Avraham wrote piyyutim and prayers, including the Tefillah Zaka, said at the beginning of Yom Kippur. He lived to the age of 73 - the gematriya of his book Chayei Adam.
1-52, 57-59, [1], 61-109 leaves. Missing: the title page and the page of approbation, Leaves 53-56 (Leaves 57-59 and Leaf [1] are bound twice). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear, worming and tears. Ownership inscriptions. Non-original binding.
Enclosed is another copy for replacing the missing leaves.
Copy belonging to Rabbi Avraham Danzig, author of Chayei Adam. His signature, "Avraham ben R' M. [Michel] of Danzig", appears in two places [Leaf 36/a and Leaf 77/b]. On Leaf 1 is the remainder of another signature. Additional ownership inscriptions.
Rabbi Avraham Danzig (1748-1821) a leading Torah scholar in his times, disciple-companion and mechutan of the Vilna Gaon, authored basic halachic books: Chayei Adam, Nishmat Adam, Chochmat Adam, and others. Son of Rabbi Yechiel Michel ben R' Shmuel, author of Nechamot Zion. In his youth, Rabbi Avraham studied in Prague and was the disciple of the Nodah B'Yehuda and of Rabbi Yosef Lieberman, Prague Torah prodigies. The latter granted him a writ titling him Chaver at the age of 18, and wrote among other praises: "Young of age but with a settled mind like the elderly, a disciple who adds to the wisdom of his teachers… proficient in the Talmud and the poskim… he is fluent in his Torah learning…". After his marriage, he settled in Vilnius and basked in the presence of the Vilna Gaon discussing Torah with him. Eventually, he became his mechutan, as Rabbi Avraham's son wed the Vilna Gaon's granddaughter. His reverence of the Vilna Gaon knew no bounds and he expressed his veneration in the eulogies he delivered for him. In the beginning of his book Zichru Torat Moshe, he documented the study schedule of "my mechutan, our Master, Marana v'Rabana Geon Yisrael u'Kedosho Rabbeinu Eliyahu Chassid…", and wrote that this schedule is "As commanded to us by Moshe Rabbeinu". In his book Chayei Adam, Rabbi Avraham introduces many teachings in the name of the Vilna Gaon, however he also disagrees with him in several places. This caused dissent; therefore in his book Chochmat Adam, Rabbi Avraham refrained from quoting the Gaon so as not to openly disagree with him.
He refused to serve in the rabbinate, following his grandfather's footsteps, dealing in trade for his livelihood, with Torah study his main priority (as recounted in his famous introduction to Chochmat Adam). In spite of this refusal, he was one of the leaders of the Vilnius community and was constantly asked for his opinion on Torah matters, and in the city of Vilnius his agreement was sought on all issues.
Rabbi Avraham had strong connections with the prominent rabbis of his times. Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, together with Rabbi Ya’akov of Lisa, author of Chavot Da’at encouraged him to publish his book Chochmat Adam. He exchanged halachic correspondence with Rabbi Meir Pozner, author of Beit Meir.
His books were accepted in the entire Jewish world as basic halachic books written in the generation of Torah sages, the days of the Vilna Gaon. They became the primary books of Torah rulings in Lithuania until the time of the Mishnah Brura which quotes him everywhere and heavily relies on his rulings. Many of the greatest Torah authorities of his generation and those who lived thereafter quote his books at length and discuss his writings, valuing his opinion.
In the beginning of the second edition of Chayei Adam, he wrote: “Since I am certain that in G-d’s kindness, my works both on Orach Chaim and on Yoreh Deah did not disappoint… and will be printed and reprinted until the Redemption, because even in my lifetime… they have been accepted and have spread throughout the Jewish world, that also after my death they undoubtedly will be even more accepted”. The fact that all over Lithuania and Russia “Chayei Adam societies” were established, attests to their impressive success. These societies began in the author’s lifetime as his friend Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin wrote: “A man assisted by his Master… whose book Chayei Adam… spread throughout the Jewish world”.
Even outside of Lithuania, his books became rudimentary study books as can be learned from the Chatam Sofer who affirmed that Torah authorities can rely on the rulings in these books whenever they cannot find the time to study the halachic sources themselves.
Rabbi Avraham wrote piyyutim and prayers, including the Tefillah Zaka, said at the beginning of Yom Kippur. He lived to the age of 73 - the gematriya of his book Chayei Adam.
1-52, 57-59, [1], 61-109 leaves. Missing: the title page and the page of approbation, Leaves 53-56 (Leaves 57-59 and Leaf [1] are bound twice). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear, worming and tears. Ownership inscriptions. Non-original binding.
Enclosed is another copy for replacing the missing leaves.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Maharam Lublin responsa. Metz, [1769]. Printed by Moshe Maya.
On the title page and the last page are signatures, including that of "Yehoshua Heshel Babad of Ternopil and its district". Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel Babad (1754-1838), author of Sefer Yehoshua, grandfather and teacher of the author of Minchat Chinuch, descendent of the author of Pnei Yehoshua and of Rebbe Heshel of Cracow. He served in the Buzynove rabbinate succeeding the author of Pri Tevua until he was appointed as Rabbi of Ternopil in 1801, replacing his cousin Rabbi Shmuel Flankenfeld. In 1828, he was chosen Rabbi of Lublin, but was pursued by influential residents of the city because of his Chassidic leanings, causing him to return to the Ternopil rabbinate. He was one of the Torah leaders of his times and taught many students; several Galicia sages were his disciples including his famous grandson, Rabbi Yosef Babad, author of the Minchat Chinuch who eventually also became Rabbi of Ternopil. He was renowned for his opposition to Yosef Perel, a leading maskil (member of the Enlightenment movement) in Galicia who lived the city. Some of his writings were printed in Sefer Yehoshua (Zhovkva, 1829), in which appear Torah thoughts exchanged with Torah sages of his time, his mechutan Rabbi Efraim Zalman Margaliot, author of Ketzot HaChoshen, the author of Chavot Da'at, etc.
Additional signatures on the title page: "Yosef Babad, Av Beit Din of Lvov and its district" [the identity of the person who signed is unclear. The handwriting is similar to that of the author of the Minchat Chinuch but we do not know that he served as Av Beit Din of Lvov]; "Yosef Yoel Deutsch" (died in 1853, Ishim B'Tsehuvot HaChatam Sofer, pp. 169-170). Disciple of Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel Babad and childhood friend of his grandson, author of Minchat Chinuch, son-in-law of Rabbi Moshe David Ashkenazi, Av Beit Din of Tolcsva and Safed. Served as Dayan in Ternopil from 1830-1840, afterward as Av Beit Din of Khodorov and Monastyrishche. Author of the Yad Yosef responsa; "Yisrael Menachem Mendel… Av Beit Din of Trembwola" – author of Bigdei Kavod on Tractate Avot, printed together with the commentary of his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Moshe Simcha Rappaport, in the book Bigdei HaKodesh, Lvov, 1806. At the end of his signature is another inscription in his handwriting: "Sold to the signed below. This book belonged to the Mukacheve Rebbes, author of Darkei Teshuva and his son, author of Minchat Eliezer. On the title page and on the leaves of the book are many stamps of the father and son ["Zvi Hirsh Shapira" and "Chaim Elazar Shapira Av Beit Din of Mukacheve"].
Rebbe Zvi Hirsh Shapira, author of Darkei Teshuva (1845-1914, Encyclopedia Le'Chassidut Vol 3, pp. 618-620), son of Rabbi Shlomo Shapira, Av Beit Din of Mukacheve, author of Shem Shlomo, son of Rabbi Elazar of Lantzhut, son of Rabbi Zvi Elimelech of Dinow, author of Pnei Yissaschar. A prominent rabbi of his days in Torah knowledge and Chassidism, he succeeded his father in the Mukacheve rabbinate, strengthening this Chassidism followed by thousands. Founder of Kollel Munkatch, and Nesi Eretz Israel. Wrote Darkei Teshuva, Be'er Lachai Ro'I, Zvi Tiferet, etc. His son, Rabbi Chaim Elazar Shapira, a leading sage of Torah, Halacha and Chassidism in his times and great Kabbalist (1872-1937, Otzar HaRabbanim, 6243). His teachings of Halacha and Kabbalah spread all over the Diaspora. He wrote the Minchat Elazar responsa, Sha'ar Yissachar, Nimukei Orach Chaim, 9 parts of the Divrei Torah series, etc.
[3], 77 leaves. 33 cm. Good condition, stains. Restored tears to several leaves. New binding.
On the title page and the last page are signatures, including that of "Yehoshua Heshel Babad of Ternopil and its district". Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel Babad (1754-1838), author of Sefer Yehoshua, grandfather and teacher of the author of Minchat Chinuch, descendent of the author of Pnei Yehoshua and of Rebbe Heshel of Cracow. He served in the Buzynove rabbinate succeeding the author of Pri Tevua until he was appointed as Rabbi of Ternopil in 1801, replacing his cousin Rabbi Shmuel Flankenfeld. In 1828, he was chosen Rabbi of Lublin, but was pursued by influential residents of the city because of his Chassidic leanings, causing him to return to the Ternopil rabbinate. He was one of the Torah leaders of his times and taught many students; several Galicia sages were his disciples including his famous grandson, Rabbi Yosef Babad, author of the Minchat Chinuch who eventually also became Rabbi of Ternopil. He was renowned for his opposition to Yosef Perel, a leading maskil (member of the Enlightenment movement) in Galicia who lived the city. Some of his writings were printed in Sefer Yehoshua (Zhovkva, 1829), in which appear Torah thoughts exchanged with Torah sages of his time, his mechutan Rabbi Efraim Zalman Margaliot, author of Ketzot HaChoshen, the author of Chavot Da'at, etc.
Additional signatures on the title page: "Yosef Babad, Av Beit Din of Lvov and its district" [the identity of the person who signed is unclear. The handwriting is similar to that of the author of the Minchat Chinuch but we do not know that he served as Av Beit Din of Lvov]; "Yosef Yoel Deutsch" (died in 1853, Ishim B'Tsehuvot HaChatam Sofer, pp. 169-170). Disciple of Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel Babad and childhood friend of his grandson, author of Minchat Chinuch, son-in-law of Rabbi Moshe David Ashkenazi, Av Beit Din of Tolcsva and Safed. Served as Dayan in Ternopil from 1830-1840, afterward as Av Beit Din of Khodorov and Monastyrishche. Author of the Yad Yosef responsa; "Yisrael Menachem Mendel… Av Beit Din of Trembwola" – author of Bigdei Kavod on Tractate Avot, printed together with the commentary of his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Moshe Simcha Rappaport, in the book Bigdei HaKodesh, Lvov, 1806. At the end of his signature is another inscription in his handwriting: "Sold to the signed below. This book belonged to the Mukacheve Rebbes, author of Darkei Teshuva and his son, author of Minchat Eliezer. On the title page and on the leaves of the book are many stamps of the father and son ["Zvi Hirsh Shapira" and "Chaim Elazar Shapira Av Beit Din of Mukacheve"].
Rebbe Zvi Hirsh Shapira, author of Darkei Teshuva (1845-1914, Encyclopedia Le'Chassidut Vol 3, pp. 618-620), son of Rabbi Shlomo Shapira, Av Beit Din of Mukacheve, author of Shem Shlomo, son of Rabbi Elazar of Lantzhut, son of Rabbi Zvi Elimelech of Dinow, author of Pnei Yissaschar. A prominent rabbi of his days in Torah knowledge and Chassidism, he succeeded his father in the Mukacheve rabbinate, strengthening this Chassidism followed by thousands. Founder of Kollel Munkatch, and Nesi Eretz Israel. Wrote Darkei Teshuva, Be'er Lachai Ro'I, Zvi Tiferet, etc. His son, Rabbi Chaim Elazar Shapira, a leading sage of Torah, Halacha and Chassidism in his times and great Kabbalist (1872-1937, Otzar HaRabbanim, 6243). His teachings of Halacha and Kabbalah spread all over the Diaspora. He wrote the Minchat Elazar responsa, Sha'ar Yissachar, Nimukei Orach Chaim, 9 parts of the Divrei Torah series, etc.
[3], 77 leaves. 33 cm. Good condition, stains. Restored tears to several leaves. New binding.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $6,000
Unsold
Manuscript, Halachic responsa, handwritten and signed by the writer, Rabbi "Aharon Moshe Taubes Av Beit Din of Snyatyn and its district". Snyatyn, 1834, Iaşi, 1845.
A signed letter, dated 16th of Cheshvan 1834, with a complete, long, responsa [more than 7 densely written pages] to his friend Rabbi Mordechai Ze'ev Orenstein - notes on the new book, Yeshuot Ya'akov on Even HaEzer, authored by his father, "The true gaon" Rabbi Ya'akov Orenstein [This responsa was printed in the To'afot Re'em, Even HaEzer, Siman 84, leaves 48-52. On leaf 6, he mentions a responsa "that I suggested in my youth to Maharam Bennet Av Beit Din of Nikolsburg to release him from the question of the Shach…"].
On the last page is another responsa written later than 1845 signed "Aharon Moshe Taubes Av Beit Din of Iaşi and its district". [This responsa was printed in the To'afot Re'em responsa, Orach Chaim, Siman 4].
Rabbi Aharon Moshe Taubes (1787-1852), Av Beit Din of Snyatyn and of Iaşi, author of the To'afot Re'em responsa and of Karnei Re'em was a prominent Torah scholar in his times in Galicia and Romania. He corresponded on Halachic matters with Rabbi Mordechai Bennet and with the Chatam Sofer. Born in Lvov, he was a childhood companion of the author of Yeshuot Ya'akov and of other Galician Torah giants. During 1820-1842, he served in the Snyatyn rabbinate. [In 1832, he was appointed to the rabbinate in Bonyhád Hungary but eventually decided not to accept the position]. During the last decade of his life he served as Rabbi of Iaşi.
[8] densely written pages, 23.5 cm. Signed 3 times. Good condition, wear and stains.
A signed letter, dated 16th of Cheshvan 1834, with a complete, long, responsa [more than 7 densely written pages] to his friend Rabbi Mordechai Ze'ev Orenstein - notes on the new book, Yeshuot Ya'akov on Even HaEzer, authored by his father, "The true gaon" Rabbi Ya'akov Orenstein [This responsa was printed in the To'afot Re'em, Even HaEzer, Siman 84, leaves 48-52. On leaf 6, he mentions a responsa "that I suggested in my youth to Maharam Bennet Av Beit Din of Nikolsburg to release him from the question of the Shach…"].
On the last page is another responsa written later than 1845 signed "Aharon Moshe Taubes Av Beit Din of Iaşi and its district". [This responsa was printed in the To'afot Re'em responsa, Orach Chaim, Siman 4].
Rabbi Aharon Moshe Taubes (1787-1852), Av Beit Din of Snyatyn and of Iaşi, author of the To'afot Re'em responsa and of Karnei Re'em was a prominent Torah scholar in his times in Galicia and Romania. He corresponded on Halachic matters with Rabbi Mordechai Bennet and with the Chatam Sofer. Born in Lvov, he was a childhood companion of the author of Yeshuot Ya'akov and of other Galician Torah giants. During 1820-1842, he served in the Snyatyn rabbinate. [In 1832, he was appointed to the rabbinate in Bonyhád Hungary but eventually decided not to accept the position]. During the last decade of his life he served as Rabbi of Iaşi.
[8] densely written pages, 23.5 cm. Signed 3 times. Good condition, wear and stains.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $4,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Interesting letter signed by Rabbi Joseph Saul Halevi Nathansohn Av Beit Din of Lvov and its district. Lvov (Lemberg), 1873.
Sent to Rabbi Gedalya Tiktin Av Beit Din of Breslau; an apology for suspecting him of a certain wrongdoing [apparently, a false rumor that he supported Reform Judaism] and writing a letter opposing him.
Thus he writes in this letter: "I wish to ask your forgiveness again for suspecting someone upright like you, although I did not fabricate these thoughts. Someone revealed this to me in secret and this turned into an uproar. Blessed be he who falls into suspicion for naught. G-d should bless you and bring you success, and the merit of your holy ancestors should save you…". At the beginning of the letter, he writes that at the time he received his letter "The heavens opened and I saw G-dly visions, that your honor…is faithful as is fitting to your honor and the honor of your great forefathers…G-d should be with you like he was with your holy ancestors".
The famed Rabbi Joseph Saul Nathansohn, author of Sho'el U'Meshiv (1808-1875) was an illustrious Galician Torah scholar. In his youth, he already wrote the renowned books Mifresei Yam and Magen Giborim on the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim together with his brother-in-law Rabbi Mordechai Ze'ev Ettinger. He wrote thousands of responsa and many books: The Sho’el U’Meshiv responsa – 15 volumes; Divrei Shaul on the Torah, on the Rambam and on the Shulchan Aruch, Yedot Nedarim, and more. From 1857, he served as Chief Rabbi of the Lvov community which was the largest and most dominant community in Galicia. At his death, he was eulogized by Rabbi Zalman Shpitzer (son-in-law of the Chatam Sofer) who said: “Torah genius among geniuses, Rabbi of Israel…all the Torah leaders of our times sent him all difficult questions…He grew in holiness in the study of Torah and G-d’s service…Forty years ago, my father-in-law, my teacher, the Chatam Sofer spoke his lengthy praises and called him a ‘Gaon’…”.
The recipient of the letter: Rabbi Gedalya Tiktin (1808-1886), served for more than 40 years as Av Beit Din of Breslau (from 1843), succeeding his father, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Tiktin and his grandfather Rabbi Avraham Tiktin who served before him in the city rabbinate.
[1] leaf, approximately 20 cm. Scribal writing, signed by Rabbi Joseph Saul. Good-fair condition. Wear and tears to left margins.
Sent to Rabbi Gedalya Tiktin Av Beit Din of Breslau; an apology for suspecting him of a certain wrongdoing [apparently, a false rumor that he supported Reform Judaism] and writing a letter opposing him.
Thus he writes in this letter: "I wish to ask your forgiveness again for suspecting someone upright like you, although I did not fabricate these thoughts. Someone revealed this to me in secret and this turned into an uproar. Blessed be he who falls into suspicion for naught. G-d should bless you and bring you success, and the merit of your holy ancestors should save you…". At the beginning of the letter, he writes that at the time he received his letter "The heavens opened and I saw G-dly visions, that your honor…is faithful as is fitting to your honor and the honor of your great forefathers…G-d should be with you like he was with your holy ancestors".
The famed Rabbi Joseph Saul Nathansohn, author of Sho'el U'Meshiv (1808-1875) was an illustrious Galician Torah scholar. In his youth, he already wrote the renowned books Mifresei Yam and Magen Giborim on the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim together with his brother-in-law Rabbi Mordechai Ze'ev Ettinger. He wrote thousands of responsa and many books: The Sho’el U’Meshiv responsa – 15 volumes; Divrei Shaul on the Torah, on the Rambam and on the Shulchan Aruch, Yedot Nedarim, and more. From 1857, he served as Chief Rabbi of the Lvov community which was the largest and most dominant community in Galicia. At his death, he was eulogized by Rabbi Zalman Shpitzer (son-in-law of the Chatam Sofer) who said: “Torah genius among geniuses, Rabbi of Israel…all the Torah leaders of our times sent him all difficult questions…He grew in holiness in the study of Torah and G-d’s service…Forty years ago, my father-in-law, my teacher, the Chatam Sofer spoke his lengthy praises and called him a ‘Gaon’…”.
The recipient of the letter: Rabbi Gedalya Tiktin (1808-1886), served for more than 40 years as Av Beit Din of Breslau (from 1843), succeeding his father, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Tiktin and his grandfather Rabbi Avraham Tiktin who served before him in the city rabbinate.
[1] leaf, approximately 20 cm. Scribal writing, signed by Rabbi Joseph Saul. Good-fair condition. Wear and tears to left margins.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by Rabbi Ya'akov Zvi Mecklenburg Av Beit Din of Königsberg. [Königsberg, not dated].
Written to a man by the name of Meizel on the back of a letter he received from his relative Rabbi Zvi Edelman. In his letter, Rabbi Zvi Edelman copied inscriptions from the Yizkor notebook of the community about Rabbi Meizel's father Rabbi Yitzchak son of R' Moshe Meizel from Poland who taught Torah in Königsberg and was buried there. On the same page is also a copy of a letter of recommendation by Rabbi Shlomo Hirshel Berlin Rabbi of London who in 1817 wrote about Rabbi Yitzchak Meizel. In the letter by Rabbi Ya'akov Zvi Mecklenburg which appears on the verso of the copies, he writes: "…My heart tells me that he will rejoice when he sees the above copies about his late renowned father…".
Rabbi Ya'akov Zvi Mecklenburg Av Beit Din of Königsberg (1786-1865), a foremost rabbi of his times. Close disciple of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, his study method was strongly reminiscent of the Vilna Gaon’s manner of study. In his book HaKtav V’HaKabbalah, he followed in the Gaon’s path assimilating the Written Torah with the Oral Torah and he frequently referred to the books and writings of the Vilna Gaon from manuscripts which he accessed. He assisted in the printing of the Gaon’s writings, especially his Kabbalistic teachings and he also participated in the biographic book about the Vilna Gaon titled Aliyot Eliyahu. His unique commentary HaKtav V’HaKabbalah was the forerunner of the celebrated commentary of the Malbim (who succeeded him in the Königsberg rabbinate) on the Bible.
[1] leaf, approximately 32 cm. Written on both sides. 6 lines handwritten and signed by Rabbi “Ya’akov Zvi Mecklenburg”. Fair condition, wear damages to paper folds.
Written to a man by the name of Meizel on the back of a letter he received from his relative Rabbi Zvi Edelman. In his letter, Rabbi Zvi Edelman copied inscriptions from the Yizkor notebook of the community about Rabbi Meizel's father Rabbi Yitzchak son of R' Moshe Meizel from Poland who taught Torah in Königsberg and was buried there. On the same page is also a copy of a letter of recommendation by Rabbi Shlomo Hirshel Berlin Rabbi of London who in 1817 wrote about Rabbi Yitzchak Meizel. In the letter by Rabbi Ya'akov Zvi Mecklenburg which appears on the verso of the copies, he writes: "…My heart tells me that he will rejoice when he sees the above copies about his late renowned father…".
Rabbi Ya'akov Zvi Mecklenburg Av Beit Din of Königsberg (1786-1865), a foremost rabbi of his times. Close disciple of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, his study method was strongly reminiscent of the Vilna Gaon’s manner of study. In his book HaKtav V’HaKabbalah, he followed in the Gaon’s path assimilating the Written Torah with the Oral Torah and he frequently referred to the books and writings of the Vilna Gaon from manuscripts which he accessed. He assisted in the printing of the Gaon’s writings, especially his Kabbalistic teachings and he also participated in the biographic book about the Vilna Gaon titled Aliyot Eliyahu. His unique commentary HaKtav V’HaKabbalah was the forerunner of the celebrated commentary of the Malbim (who succeeded him in the Königsberg rabbinate) on the Bible.
[1] leaf, approximately 32 cm. Written on both sides. 6 lines handwritten and signed by Rabbi “Ya’akov Zvi Mecklenburg”. Fair condition, wear damages to paper folds.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $4,000
Sold for: $6,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by Rabbi "Hillel L.S. (Lichtenstein) of Veča”. Kolomyya, Tishrei 1887.
Recommendation for giving charity to a needy Torah scholar of Jerusalem: "The famous rabbi… proficient in revealed and hidden areas of Torah, pious and humble, fear of Heaven lights his countenance...R' Yitzchak David ben R' Mordechai who was Av Beit Din of the Kimpolung community and several other communities, grandson of tsaddikim and holy men…".
Rabbi Hillel Lichtenstein (1811-1891), a leading disciple of the Chatam Sofer, born in the city of Veča to his father Rabbi Baruch Bendit, was renowned for his fear and love of Heaven from his early years and at the time he studied at the Pressburg Yeshiva, the Chatam Sofer loved and esteemed him greatly because of his pure fear of G-d. Rabbi Lichtenstein served in the rabbinate of Marghita and Szikszó, Hungary and in 1867 he relocated to serve in the rabbinate of Kolomyya Galicia. He was a renowned preacher who fought G-d's battles by rebuking his generation for "breaks in the walls" of Torah adherence. Revered by the leading rabbis of his generation, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz praised him highly. His responsa were printed in Teshuvot Beit Hillel (Satmar 1908) and his sermons were printed in the four parts of his book Maskil el Dal, Et La'asot, etc.
[1] leaf, approximately 20.5 cm. Fair condition, tears to folds and acidic tape in places.
This letter was printed in the book Gevurot Yitzchak – Drush V'Chiddush (Ganei Shoshanim, page 51).
Recommendation for giving charity to a needy Torah scholar of Jerusalem: "The famous rabbi… proficient in revealed and hidden areas of Torah, pious and humble, fear of Heaven lights his countenance...R' Yitzchak David ben R' Mordechai who was Av Beit Din of the Kimpolung community and several other communities, grandson of tsaddikim and holy men…".
Rabbi Hillel Lichtenstein (1811-1891), a leading disciple of the Chatam Sofer, born in the city of Veča to his father Rabbi Baruch Bendit, was renowned for his fear and love of Heaven from his early years and at the time he studied at the Pressburg Yeshiva, the Chatam Sofer loved and esteemed him greatly because of his pure fear of G-d. Rabbi Lichtenstein served in the rabbinate of Marghita and Szikszó, Hungary and in 1867 he relocated to serve in the rabbinate of Kolomyya Galicia. He was a renowned preacher who fought G-d's battles by rebuking his generation for "breaks in the walls" of Torah adherence. Revered by the leading rabbis of his generation, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz praised him highly. His responsa were printed in Teshuvot Beit Hillel (Satmar 1908) and his sermons were printed in the four parts of his book Maskil el Dal, Et La'asot, etc.
[1] leaf, approximately 20.5 cm. Fair condition, tears to folds and acidic tape in places.
This letter was printed in the book Gevurot Yitzchak – Drush V'Chiddush (Ganei Shoshanim, page 51).
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
Temim De'im, novellae of Rabbi Avraham ben David [the Ra'avad Ba'al HaHasagot]. Lvov, 1812. Printed by Naftali Hertz Grossman.
On the leaves are five glosses in the handwriting of Rabbi Baruch Frankel Te'omim, Av Beit Din of Leipnik, author of Baruch Ta'am, [two glosses are slightly cut off].
Rabbi Baruch Frankel Teomim (1760-1828, Encyclopedia Le'Chachmei Galicia Vol. 2, pp. 314-322), author of Baruch Ta'am, was a famous Torah scholar, renowned for his genius and sharp mind and his scholarly glosses on many books. Disciple of Rabbi Yehuda Liber Charif Krongold, Ra'avad of Cracow, Rabbi David Tevele of Lissa and Rabbi Meshulam Igra. At the age of 19, he was appointed Rabbi of Vizhnitz and after the death of Rabbi Binyamin Wolf Eiger, he was asked to succeed him as Av Beit Din of Leipnik, a position he held for 30 years. After the death of his teacher Rabbi Meshulem Igra, he was a candidate for succeeding him as Rabbi of Pressburg but the lot fell on the Chatam Sofer.
He was famed for his deep and sharp thinking – the author of the Avnei Nezer said that all his life he toiled to reach the sharp intellect of the author of the Baruch Ta'am. The Chatam Sofer alleged that had Torah been forgotten from the Jewish People, Rabbi Baruch would return it with his pilpul. He eulogized him saying: "A genius… wonder of the generation… taught Torah with sharpness and proficiency, his disciples were not able to decipher the deep sharpness of his thinking…". In his approbation to Baruch Ta'am, the Chatam Sofer wrote to the author's son: "Is my approbation and counsel necessary to lighten the sun and brightness of your father, the Torah prodigy… and do I not know his strength and glorious genius?... All his words shone like the celestial bodies…".
His renowned son-in-law, Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, author of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, wrote: "The one year I was with him, he taught me almost the entire Talmud with Rishonim and at all times he showed me great wonders in his pilpul". Although the Baruch Ta'am was counted among the mitnagdim (opposing Chassidism), the Chozeh of Lublin said to the Chassidim that spoke against him: "What can I do, his Torah is very dear to me". His other descendants were Chassidic leaders: His son, Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel of Komarno, was a leading disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin (see: Encyclopedia Le'Chassidut Vol. 2, p. 76). His first printed book was Baruch Ta'am, Lvov, 1841, edited by his son-in-law the Rebbe, author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz. It was accepted and beloved by Torah learners and in a relatively short period five other editions were printed (from 1878-1902). Among his other compositions: Ateret Chachamim, Sefer Marganita de-Rav, and Baruch She’amar. He was especially known for the many glosses which he used to write on his books while studying, some of which were printed in later editions of those books. His glosses on the Talmud (printed in the Vilnius edition) and on the Shulchan Aruch became famous, as well as his glosses on the Kreiti U’Pleiti, Shev Shemateta, Turei Even, Chavat Ya’ir, the Ran responsa, Beit Meir, Ketzot HaChoshen, Netivot Mishpat, and more .
Inscriptions and scribbles on the inner side of the front cover. Stamps of “Biblioteka shel Kollel Kovno”.
[1], 57 leaves. 37 cm. Good condition, stains and wear. Worn ancient binding with leather spine.
Enclosed is an expert’s authorization, identifying the glosses written by the author of Baruch Ta’am.
On the leaves are five glosses in the handwriting of Rabbi Baruch Frankel Te'omim, Av Beit Din of Leipnik, author of Baruch Ta'am, [two glosses are slightly cut off].
Rabbi Baruch Frankel Teomim (1760-1828, Encyclopedia Le'Chachmei Galicia Vol. 2, pp. 314-322), author of Baruch Ta'am, was a famous Torah scholar, renowned for his genius and sharp mind and his scholarly glosses on many books. Disciple of Rabbi Yehuda Liber Charif Krongold, Ra'avad of Cracow, Rabbi David Tevele of Lissa and Rabbi Meshulam Igra. At the age of 19, he was appointed Rabbi of Vizhnitz and after the death of Rabbi Binyamin Wolf Eiger, he was asked to succeed him as Av Beit Din of Leipnik, a position he held for 30 years. After the death of his teacher Rabbi Meshulem Igra, he was a candidate for succeeding him as Rabbi of Pressburg but the lot fell on the Chatam Sofer.
He was famed for his deep and sharp thinking – the author of the Avnei Nezer said that all his life he toiled to reach the sharp intellect of the author of the Baruch Ta'am. The Chatam Sofer alleged that had Torah been forgotten from the Jewish People, Rabbi Baruch would return it with his pilpul. He eulogized him saying: "A genius… wonder of the generation… taught Torah with sharpness and proficiency, his disciples were not able to decipher the deep sharpness of his thinking…". In his approbation to Baruch Ta'am, the Chatam Sofer wrote to the author's son: "Is my approbation and counsel necessary to lighten the sun and brightness of your father, the Torah prodigy… and do I not know his strength and glorious genius?... All his words shone like the celestial bodies…".
His renowned son-in-law, Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, author of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, wrote: "The one year I was with him, he taught me almost the entire Talmud with Rishonim and at all times he showed me great wonders in his pilpul". Although the Baruch Ta'am was counted among the mitnagdim (opposing Chassidism), the Chozeh of Lublin said to the Chassidim that spoke against him: "What can I do, his Torah is very dear to me". His other descendants were Chassidic leaders: His son, Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel of Komarno, was a leading disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin (see: Encyclopedia Le'Chassidut Vol. 2, p. 76). His first printed book was Baruch Ta'am, Lvov, 1841, edited by his son-in-law the Rebbe, author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz. It was accepted and beloved by Torah learners and in a relatively short period five other editions were printed (from 1878-1902). Among his other compositions: Ateret Chachamim, Sefer Marganita de-Rav, and Baruch She’amar. He was especially known for the many glosses which he used to write on his books while studying, some of which were printed in later editions of those books. His glosses on the Talmud (printed in the Vilnius edition) and on the Shulchan Aruch became famous, as well as his glosses on the Kreiti U’Pleiti, Shev Shemateta, Turei Even, Chavat Ya’ir, the Ran responsa, Beit Meir, Ketzot HaChoshen, Netivot Mishpat, and more .
Inscriptions and scribbles on the inner side of the front cover. Stamps of “Biblioteka shel Kollel Kovno”.
[1], 57 leaves. 37 cm. Good condition, stains and wear. Worn ancient binding with leather spine.
Enclosed is an expert’s authorization, identifying the glosses written by the author of Baruch Ta’am.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $4,000
Including buyer's premium
Eitan HaEzrachi, responsa – Volume 1, by Rabbi Avraham HaCohen Rappaport of Lvov. Ostroh, [1796]. One of the approbations is by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv.
On the last leaf is an ownership inscription: "Belongs to…Shalom HaLevi…", "Belongs to the Rebbe". On the reverse of the title page is a stamp: "Elazar HaLevi Rosenfeld – resides here in Oshpitzin (Oswiecim) – son of the Tsaddik of Kaminka…". Unidentified signature on title page.
Apparently, this copy belonged to the tsaddik Rebbe Shalom of Kaminka and later was passed to his grandson, Rebbe Elazar HaLevi of Oshpitzin.
Rabbi Shalom HaLevi Rosenfeld of Kaminka (1800-1852, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Vol. 3, pp. 668-671), a leading Chassidic rabbi, close disciple of Rabbi Naftali of Ropczyce, predecessor of the Kaminka dynasty; born in Rava-Ruska (today in Ukraine). According to Chassidic tradition, his soul is that of the Vilna Gaon (who died shortly before Rabbi Shalom's birth), and he said about himself that his was the soul of the Tana'im.
In his youth, he studied Torah from Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Charif and from Rabbi Shlomo Kluger who lived in Rava-Ruska. Later, he learned from great Galician rabbis such as Rabbi Yitzchak Shmelkish Av Beit Din of Lvov (author of Beit Yitzchak), Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Turker "the Gaon of Domvrova", etc. At the age of 9, he already completed the whole Talmud and was known as an incredible prodigy. People relate that Rabbi Efraim Zalman Margaliot met him and amazed at his genius said: "I was also a genius in my youth, but such a prodigy I have never seen". In his youth, his father took him to tsaddikim and he visited the Chozeh of Lublin who described the child as the "chacham of the generation" and even invited him to eat with him from his plate. Afterward, he became the devoted disciple of Rabbi Naftali of Ropczyce, and was one of his two leading disciples, together with his friend Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz. After the death of Rabbi Naftali of Ropczyce, he used to travel to the tsaddikim of his generation including Rabbi Shalom of Belz, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Zhydachiv, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Romaniv, Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhyn, Rabbi Zvi Elimelech Shapira of Dynów, etc.
He first served as Rabbi of Yaryshev and in 1837 moved to Kaminka. He refused to become a Rebbe but was renowned as a tsaddik and as a wonder-worker. He was the forebear of a long line of Kaminka Rebbes. He refused to print his novellae and burned his writings saying: “I know in advance the books which will be written before the coming of the Messiah and I do not want mine to be together with them in the same bookcase…”. Only in the last generation, remnants of his Torah writings were printed in the book Ohev Shalom (Brooklyn, 2006).
His grandson, Rebbe Elazar Halevi Rosenfeld (1861-1943), youngest son-in-law of Rebbe author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz and son of Rebbe Yehoshua of Kaminka (son of Rabbi Shalom of Kaminka), from 1885 served as rabbi of Bochnia. In 1897 he succeeded his father as Rebbe of Kaminka and in 1900 served as Rabbi and Rebbe in Oshpitzin (Oswiecim). In 1936, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and established his Beit Midrash in Jerusalem. Just before the outbreak of World War II, he returned to Poland and perished in Sosnowiec Ghetto.
[2], 36, 38-39, 41 [should be: 42]-44, [1], 45-64, 63-72, [2], 71-96, 99-100 leaves (mispagination). Missing: Leaf 96. Leaves 40-41 are missing and replaced with handwritten leaves. 31 cm. Fair condition, tears to title page and several other places, worming and wear. Stains. Non-contemporary binding.
On the last leaf is an ownership inscription: "Belongs to…Shalom HaLevi…", "Belongs to the Rebbe". On the reverse of the title page is a stamp: "Elazar HaLevi Rosenfeld – resides here in Oshpitzin (Oswiecim) – son of the Tsaddik of Kaminka…". Unidentified signature on title page.
Apparently, this copy belonged to the tsaddik Rebbe Shalom of Kaminka and later was passed to his grandson, Rebbe Elazar HaLevi of Oshpitzin.
Rabbi Shalom HaLevi Rosenfeld of Kaminka (1800-1852, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Vol. 3, pp. 668-671), a leading Chassidic rabbi, close disciple of Rabbi Naftali of Ropczyce, predecessor of the Kaminka dynasty; born in Rava-Ruska (today in Ukraine). According to Chassidic tradition, his soul is that of the Vilna Gaon (who died shortly before Rabbi Shalom's birth), and he said about himself that his was the soul of the Tana'im.
In his youth, he studied Torah from Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Charif and from Rabbi Shlomo Kluger who lived in Rava-Ruska. Later, he learned from great Galician rabbis such as Rabbi Yitzchak Shmelkish Av Beit Din of Lvov (author of Beit Yitzchak), Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Turker "the Gaon of Domvrova", etc. At the age of 9, he already completed the whole Talmud and was known as an incredible prodigy. People relate that Rabbi Efraim Zalman Margaliot met him and amazed at his genius said: "I was also a genius in my youth, but such a prodigy I have never seen". In his youth, his father took him to tsaddikim and he visited the Chozeh of Lublin who described the child as the "chacham of the generation" and even invited him to eat with him from his plate. Afterward, he became the devoted disciple of Rabbi Naftali of Ropczyce, and was one of his two leading disciples, together with his friend Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz. After the death of Rabbi Naftali of Ropczyce, he used to travel to the tsaddikim of his generation including Rabbi Shalom of Belz, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Zhydachiv, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh of Romaniv, Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhyn, Rabbi Zvi Elimelech Shapira of Dynów, etc.
He first served as Rabbi of Yaryshev and in 1837 moved to Kaminka. He refused to become a Rebbe but was renowned as a tsaddik and as a wonder-worker. He was the forebear of a long line of Kaminka Rebbes. He refused to print his novellae and burned his writings saying: “I know in advance the books which will be written before the coming of the Messiah and I do not want mine to be together with them in the same bookcase…”. Only in the last generation, remnants of his Torah writings were printed in the book Ohev Shalom (Brooklyn, 2006).
His grandson, Rebbe Elazar Halevi Rosenfeld (1861-1943), youngest son-in-law of Rebbe author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz and son of Rebbe Yehoshua of Kaminka (son of Rabbi Shalom of Kaminka), from 1885 served as rabbi of Bochnia. In 1897 he succeeded his father as Rebbe of Kaminka and in 1900 served as Rabbi and Rebbe in Oshpitzin (Oswiecim). In 1936, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and established his Beit Midrash in Jerusalem. Just before the outbreak of World War II, he returned to Poland and perished in Sosnowiec Ghetto.
[2], 36, 38-39, 41 [should be: 42]-44, [1], 45-64, 63-72, [2], 71-96, 99-100 leaves (mispagination). Missing: Leaf 96. Leaves 40-41 are missing and replaced with handwritten leaves. 31 cm. Fair condition, tears to title page and several other places, worming and wear. Stains. Non-contemporary binding.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Sefer Toldot Adam, novellae on Talmudic treatises, by Rabbi Moshe David Ashkenazi. Jerusalem, [1845]. Printed by Israel Bak.
On the title page is the author's dedication, partially in square letters: "A gift to Rabbi…Moshe Sithon, Moshe David Ashkenazi here in Safed", with his signature: "Moshe David Ashkenazi Safed".
The book was probably given to Rabbi Moshe Sithon (1797-1878), an Aleppo sage, author of Divrei Moshe and Kehillat Moshe (see: L'Kdoshim asher BaAretz, Ot 363, p. 115).
The author, Rabbi Moshe David Ashkenazi Av Beit Din of Tolcsva-Safed, (1774-1856, Ishim B'Teshuvot HeChatam Sofer, p. 300), author of Toldot Adam and Be'er Sheva, father-in-law of the Rebbe author of Yitav Lev of Siget and father of Rabbi Yoel Ashkenazi Av Beit Din of Złoczew. Forbear of the Satmar and Klausenburg dynasties, at a young age was appointed Rabbi of Tolcsva, a position he held for forty years. Moved to Safed in 1844 and was one of the founders of the Chassidic settlement in post-earthquake Safed. A short while after his immigration to Eretz Israel, he printed this book in the printing press of Rabbi Israel Bak in Jerusalem. He authored the book in his thirties and Rabbi Ya’akov of Lisa, author of Chavat Da’at writes in his approbation to the book: “The famous Torah scholar R’ Moshe David…does not need me and my likes, but I honor his wish and cannot refuse a person greater than I”. His home and Beit Midrash in Safed were restored by his grandson the Klausenberg Rebbe and at present, they house the Sanz institutes in Safed.
On the title page is an inscription: “Belongs to the Talmud Torah and Etz Chaim Yeshiva in the Hurva of Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid in Jerusalem”.
[2], 142 leaves. 29.5 cm. Good condition, stains and worming. New binding.
On the title page is the author's dedication, partially in square letters: "A gift to Rabbi…Moshe Sithon, Moshe David Ashkenazi here in Safed", with his signature: "Moshe David Ashkenazi Safed".
The book was probably given to Rabbi Moshe Sithon (1797-1878), an Aleppo sage, author of Divrei Moshe and Kehillat Moshe (see: L'Kdoshim asher BaAretz, Ot 363, p. 115).
The author, Rabbi Moshe David Ashkenazi Av Beit Din of Tolcsva-Safed, (1774-1856, Ishim B'Teshuvot HeChatam Sofer, p. 300), author of Toldot Adam and Be'er Sheva, father-in-law of the Rebbe author of Yitav Lev of Siget and father of Rabbi Yoel Ashkenazi Av Beit Din of Złoczew. Forbear of the Satmar and Klausenburg dynasties, at a young age was appointed Rabbi of Tolcsva, a position he held for forty years. Moved to Safed in 1844 and was one of the founders of the Chassidic settlement in post-earthquake Safed. A short while after his immigration to Eretz Israel, he printed this book in the printing press of Rabbi Israel Bak in Jerusalem. He authored the book in his thirties and Rabbi Ya’akov of Lisa, author of Chavat Da’at writes in his approbation to the book: “The famous Torah scholar R’ Moshe David…does not need me and my likes, but I honor his wish and cannot refuse a person greater than I”. His home and Beit Midrash in Safed were restored by his grandson the Klausenberg Rebbe and at present, they house the Sanz institutes in Safed.
On the title page is an inscription: “Belongs to the Talmud Torah and Etz Chaim Yeshiva in the Hurva of Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid in Jerusalem”.
[2], 142 leaves. 29.5 cm. Good condition, stains and worming. New binding.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $8,000
Unsold
Long letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Avraham son of R’ Refael of Ciechanów. Ciechanów, 1848.
Sent to his son Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf of Stryków. The letter contains family matters and Torah thoughts: Blessings upon the birth of "A male son – you should merit raising him to Torah, marriage and good deeds". A response to a letter with Torah thoughts sent to him by his son: "What you have written is nice…you have extrapolated this matter, I enjoyed your words which were based on straight logic…". On the margins of the letter, he requests that he send letters to his mother [Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf's grandmother, Rabbi Avraham's mother]. He also requests his son's assistance in releasing an agunah by gathering information about a Jew who wandered from city to city begging for charity, who died and was buried in Brezin.
Rebbe Avraham Landau, Av Beit Din of Ciechanów (1784-1875), was one of the most famed prominent Torah prodigies in Poland of those days. Disciple of the Maharal Zunz. An outstanding Torah scholar and an exceptionally holy man. He was famous for opposing the "Clothing Decree" (changes in Hasidic dress sought by the government), together with the author of Chidushei HaRim, and headed a group of rabbis who ruled that this decree is like a Gezerat Shmad, meaning that the change of dress is prohibited by Jewish law even if one has to forfeit his life to adhere to this law. He received his Chassidic vocation from Rebbe Simcha Bunim of Przysucha and from Rebbe Fishel from Stryków but he refused to become rebbe. Only after the death of the author of Chiddushei HaRim of Ger, after most of his Chassidim accepted the leadership of Rabbi Chanoch HaCohen Henich of Alexander, Chassidic leaders approached him (Rabbi Yechiel Meir of Gostynin, Rabbi Elazar HaCohen of Pułtusk, and others) and requested his leadership. He then agreed to serve as rebbe on the condition that he can continue praying Nusach Ashkenaz and that he can recite the morning prayers at sunrise (vatikin).
Rebbe Avraham Landau was revered for his Torah scholarship and his holy conduct by rabbis and rebbes of his times. Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Przysucha who met him when he came to Stryków said: “A more important guest than me came to the city”. Rabbi Mendeli of Kotzk said that “He looks like an angel of G-d”. Rabbi Yitzchak Meir of Ger writes in his response to Rabbi Chaim of Sanz about the permit for “the new chickens” (Rim responsa Siman 8), that he did not research the problem since he relies on the Rabbi of Ciechanów who is renowned as a tsaddik and great rabbi. Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz said that it is imperative for all who live in Poland to be acquainted with the Rabbi of Ciechanów.
The Greiditz Tsaddik Rabbi Eliyahu Guttmacher writes about Rabbi Landau that “He is blessed by all Jewish people from one end to another, the G-dly man, one of the greatest figures of our times, genius above all geniuses”. Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kara Rabbi of Włocławek eulogized him: “One thing I know, from the day Rabbi Akiva Eiger died, no person could be found among all the great men in our country lauded by all Jews that he is holy from the womb…No one refrains from praising and exalting him…”.
Some of his Torah novellae and holy sayings were printed in the books Zechuta D’Avraham, Ahavat Chesed, Beit Avraham, Tzelota D’Avraham, etc.
His four sons served in the rabbinate: Rabbi Ze’ev Wolf Landau – the Rebbe of Stryków; Rabbi Dov Berish of Biala, who was appointed Rebbe of the Vorke Chassidim in his father’s lifetime, he is the father of the Stryków dynasty until today; Rabbi Refael, Rebbe in Warsaw and Rabbi Yaakov, the Rebbe of Jeżów, who succeeded his father in the Ciechanów rabbinate.
2 written pages (approximately 36 lines in his own handwriting and with his signature) + back leaf with addresses in Hebrew and in Polish, and postmarks. Fair-poor condition, wear damages with lack, restored with paper filling.
Sent to his son Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf of Stryków. The letter contains family matters and Torah thoughts: Blessings upon the birth of "A male son – you should merit raising him to Torah, marriage and good deeds". A response to a letter with Torah thoughts sent to him by his son: "What you have written is nice…you have extrapolated this matter, I enjoyed your words which were based on straight logic…". On the margins of the letter, he requests that he send letters to his mother [Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf's grandmother, Rabbi Avraham's mother]. He also requests his son's assistance in releasing an agunah by gathering information about a Jew who wandered from city to city begging for charity, who died and was buried in Brezin.
Rebbe Avraham Landau, Av Beit Din of Ciechanów (1784-1875), was one of the most famed prominent Torah prodigies in Poland of those days. Disciple of the Maharal Zunz. An outstanding Torah scholar and an exceptionally holy man. He was famous for opposing the "Clothing Decree" (changes in Hasidic dress sought by the government), together with the author of Chidushei HaRim, and headed a group of rabbis who ruled that this decree is like a Gezerat Shmad, meaning that the change of dress is prohibited by Jewish law even if one has to forfeit his life to adhere to this law. He received his Chassidic vocation from Rebbe Simcha Bunim of Przysucha and from Rebbe Fishel from Stryków but he refused to become rebbe. Only after the death of the author of Chiddushei HaRim of Ger, after most of his Chassidim accepted the leadership of Rabbi Chanoch HaCohen Henich of Alexander, Chassidic leaders approached him (Rabbi Yechiel Meir of Gostynin, Rabbi Elazar HaCohen of Pułtusk, and others) and requested his leadership. He then agreed to serve as rebbe on the condition that he can continue praying Nusach Ashkenaz and that he can recite the morning prayers at sunrise (vatikin).
Rebbe Avraham Landau was revered for his Torah scholarship and his holy conduct by rabbis and rebbes of his times. Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Przysucha who met him when he came to Stryków said: “A more important guest than me came to the city”. Rabbi Mendeli of Kotzk said that “He looks like an angel of G-d”. Rabbi Yitzchak Meir of Ger writes in his response to Rabbi Chaim of Sanz about the permit for “the new chickens” (Rim responsa Siman 8), that he did not research the problem since he relies on the Rabbi of Ciechanów who is renowned as a tsaddik and great rabbi. Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz said that it is imperative for all who live in Poland to be acquainted with the Rabbi of Ciechanów.
The Greiditz Tsaddik Rabbi Eliyahu Guttmacher writes about Rabbi Landau that “He is blessed by all Jewish people from one end to another, the G-dly man, one of the greatest figures of our times, genius above all geniuses”. Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kara Rabbi of Włocławek eulogized him: “One thing I know, from the day Rabbi Akiva Eiger died, no person could be found among all the great men in our country lauded by all Jews that he is holy from the womb…No one refrains from praising and exalting him…”.
Some of his Torah novellae and holy sayings were printed in the books Zechuta D’Avraham, Ahavat Chesed, Beit Avraham, Tzelota D’Avraham, etc.
His four sons served in the rabbinate: Rabbi Ze’ev Wolf Landau – the Rebbe of Stryków; Rabbi Dov Berish of Biala, who was appointed Rebbe of the Vorke Chassidim in his father’s lifetime, he is the father of the Stryków dynasty until today; Rabbi Refael, Rebbe in Warsaw and Rabbi Yaakov, the Rebbe of Jeżów, who succeeded his father in the Ciechanów rabbinate.
2 written pages (approximately 36 lines in his own handwriting and with his signature) + back leaf with addresses in Hebrew and in Polish, and postmarks. Fair-poor condition, wear damages with lack, restored with paper filling.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $62,500
Including buyer's premium
Two letters sent to Rebbe Avraham Av Beit Din of Ciechanów, by his sons the rebbes:
· A letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf. Stryków, the 21st of Adar 1860.
In a letter to "My friend, my father, my teacher....", the son notifies his father of his journey to his son's wedding via the city of Ciechanów. He tells him that his wife will not travel with them to the wedding due to her state of health, G-d should send her a speedy complete recovery and should repay me with joyous occasions for my toil because I am also weak from so many troubles".
· Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Dov Berish. Biala, Tishrei 1865.
In a letter to "My respected beloved father Rebbe…the renowned tsaddik…", Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf tells his father of his purchase of a home in Biala and about the match he made for his son R' Aharon Zvi with the daughter of the wealthy Rabbi Fishel Litzbarsky of Mława, granddaughter of Rabbi Aryeh Leibush Charif the Rabbi of Polotsk.
The Rebbe of Stryków – Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf Landau (1807-1891), close disciple of Rebbe Mendeli of Kotzk who perpetuated the ways of the author of Chiddushei HaRim. In 1866, after the death of the Chiddushei HaRim, most of the Chassidim accepted the leadership of Rebbe Chanoch Henich of Alexander, but the minority began to travel to his father, Av Beit Din of Ciechanów. In 1878, after the death of his father, Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf was appointed Rebbe and thousands of Chassidim accepted his authority and leadership which was the Kotzk path – sharp with comprehension.
Rebbe Dov Berish Landau of Biala (1820-1876), the disciple of his great father and a Chassid connected to Rebbe Yitzchak of Warka and to his son Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Warka. His teacher, Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Warka was renowned for his infrequent speech. Rabbi Dov Berish who was his head disciple would explain the depth of his Rebbe’s intent in his concise words. In 1868, the Warka Rebbe died and most of the Chassidim followed Rebbe Dov Berish and appointed him rebbe. He used to teach also on weekdays which was not the custom of other rebbes. Some of his sons: Rebbe Aharon Zvi of Biala (died 1910), Rebbe Elimelech Menachem Mendel Landau of Stryków, a leading Rebbe in Poland and forefather of the Stryków Rebbes in our times.
2 letters, approximately 21 cm. Good condition. With the address of the recipient on the last leaf, and folding marks.
· A letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf. Stryków, the 21st of Adar 1860.
In a letter to "My friend, my father, my teacher....", the son notifies his father of his journey to his son's wedding via the city of Ciechanów. He tells him that his wife will not travel with them to the wedding due to her state of health, G-d should send her a speedy complete recovery and should repay me with joyous occasions for my toil because I am also weak from so many troubles".
· Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Dov Berish. Biala, Tishrei 1865.
In a letter to "My respected beloved father Rebbe…the renowned tsaddik…", Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf tells his father of his purchase of a home in Biala and about the match he made for his son R' Aharon Zvi with the daughter of the wealthy Rabbi Fishel Litzbarsky of Mława, granddaughter of Rabbi Aryeh Leibush Charif the Rabbi of Polotsk.
The Rebbe of Stryków – Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf Landau (1807-1891), close disciple of Rebbe Mendeli of Kotzk who perpetuated the ways of the author of Chiddushei HaRim. In 1866, after the death of the Chiddushei HaRim, most of the Chassidim accepted the leadership of Rebbe Chanoch Henich of Alexander, but the minority began to travel to his father, Av Beit Din of Ciechanów. In 1878, after the death of his father, Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf was appointed Rebbe and thousands of Chassidim accepted his authority and leadership which was the Kotzk path – sharp with comprehension.
Rebbe Dov Berish Landau of Biala (1820-1876), the disciple of his great father and a Chassid connected to Rebbe Yitzchak of Warka and to his son Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Warka. His teacher, Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Warka was renowned for his infrequent speech. Rabbi Dov Berish who was his head disciple would explain the depth of his Rebbe’s intent in his concise words. In 1868, the Warka Rebbe died and most of the Chassidim followed Rebbe Dov Berish and appointed him rebbe. He used to teach also on weekdays which was not the custom of other rebbes. Some of his sons: Rebbe Aharon Zvi of Biala (died 1910), Rebbe Elimelech Menachem Mendel Landau of Stryków, a leading Rebbe in Poland and forefather of the Stryków Rebbes in our times.
2 letters, approximately 21 cm. Good condition. With the address of the recipient on the last leaf, and folding marks.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue