Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 61 - 72 of 165
Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $6,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
A letter of confirmation, handwritten and signed by R. "Yeshaya Schorr, Rabbi of Iași". Iași (Romania), 1850.
Letter of confirmation for a "Mukat Etz", "the virgin…at five years of age fell and lost her virginity".
R. Yeshaya Schorr, Rabbi of Iași (1780-1879, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Vol. 2, p. 496), author of the Kelil Tiferet, was one of the eldest rebbes in his times and a brilliant scholar, kabbalist and renowned miracle-worker. He was a disciple of great Chassidic masters: R. Mordechai of Kremenets disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, R. Zvi of Zhydachiv, and R. Menachem Mendel of Kosava. He died in 1879, close to one hundred years old.
Leaf 18X21 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition.
Letter of confirmation for a "Mukat Etz", "the virgin…at five years of age fell and lost her virginity".
R. Yeshaya Schorr, Rabbi of Iași (1780-1879, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Vol. 2, p. 496), author of the Kelil Tiferet, was one of the eldest rebbes in his times and a brilliant scholar, kabbalist and renowned miracle-worker. He was a disciple of great Chassidic masters: R. Mordechai of Kremenets disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, R. Zvi of Zhydachiv, and R. Menachem Mendel of Kosava. He died in 1879, close to one hundred years old.
Leaf 18X21 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $10,000
Sold for: $23,750
Including buyer's premium
A letter by Rebbe Zvi Hirsh of Liske, with his full signature: "Zvi Hirsh son of R. A. Av Beit Din of Liske".
Approbation for the printing of the book of homilies of R. Aharon Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy, printed by his son R. Yehoshua Segal Rabbi of Teting. "…I have studied some of the homilies and saw that they are pleasing and inspiring to Jewish people to study Torah and perform mitzvoth".
R. Zvi Hirsh Friedman, the Rabbi of Liske (1798-1874), a leading Hungarian rebbe, disciple of the author of Yismach Moshe and of R. Shalom of Belz, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, R. Meir of Premishlan and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Known as a wonder-worker, people flocked to him from all over the country for blessings. Author of Ach Pri Tevuah, HaYashar V'Hatov, etc. His great disciple was R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, whose signatures always read: "Mashbak (assistant) of the Rabbi Tsaddik of Liske".
The recipient is R. Yehoshua HaLevi Tauber (1818-1884), son of R. Aharon Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy (1774-1856), who was a disciple of R. Baruch Frankel, author of Baruch Ta'am and disciple of the Chatam Sofer. This approbation by R. Zvi Hirsh of Liske was printed on the last page of his book Yad Aharon Part 1, printed in Pressburg in 1869.
Leaf, 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Tear to paper fold. Minor wear.
Approbation for the printing of the book of homilies of R. Aharon Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy, printed by his son R. Yehoshua Segal Rabbi of Teting. "…I have studied some of the homilies and saw that they are pleasing and inspiring to Jewish people to study Torah and perform mitzvoth".
R. Zvi Hirsh Friedman, the Rabbi of Liske (1798-1874), a leading Hungarian rebbe, disciple of the author of Yismach Moshe and of R. Shalom of Belz, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, R. Meir of Premishlan and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Known as a wonder-worker, people flocked to him from all over the country for blessings. Author of Ach Pri Tevuah, HaYashar V'Hatov, etc. His great disciple was R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, whose signatures always read: "Mashbak (assistant) of the Rabbi Tsaddik of Liske".
The recipient is R. Yehoshua HaLevi Tauber (1818-1884), son of R. Aharon Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy (1774-1856), who was a disciple of R. Baruch Frankel, author of Baruch Ta'am and disciple of the Chatam Sofer. This approbation by R. Zvi Hirsh of Liske was printed on the last page of his book Yad Aharon Part 1, printed in Pressburg in 1869.
Leaf, 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Tear to paper fold. Minor wear.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
An interesting autograph letter of Smicha (ordination) signed by R. Chaim Kitza, Rabbi of Irsa, Hungary. Iyar 1846.
Ordination of R. Yehoshua Segal Tauber, Rabbi of Kiskőrös. "…I have been delighted with our Torah discussion on various topics and enjoyed him immensely, and I know him for several years in which I have discussed many halachic issues… that he is an amazing Torah scholar great in Torah and fear of Heaven, repeatedly reviewed the Talmud and poskim… Although he does not need testimony… however, because now evil people have arisen to distress him and wish to demote him from his honor and high stature…Therefore I have risen to oppose them…I proclaim that he can be 'Yadin Yadin Yoreh Yoreh'…".
R. Chaim Kitza (ca. 1770-1850), Rabbi of Albertirsa (Irsa), Hungary, author of Otzar Chaim, son of R. Yitzchak Kitza head of the Beit Din of Óbuda (Alt-Ofen). As early as the age of 13, he delivered public discourses in the Óbuda Beit Midrash in the presence of his teacher the Maharam Mintz and hundreds of Torah scholars and resolutely and cleverly debated Torah issues. In 1820, after his brother-in-law R. Amram Chassida (Rosenbaum) made Aliya to Eretz Israel, Rabbi Chaim succeeded him as Rabbi of Albertirsa. His son R. Meir Schlesinger- Kitza served as rabbi of several communities and was a household member of R. Moshe David Ashkenazi Rabbi of Tolcsva.
The recipient, R. Yehoshua HaLevi Tauber (1818-1884), son of R. Aharon Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy (Bátorkesz), author of Yad Aharon. Disciple of R. Pinchas Leib Frieden Rabbi of Komárno and of R. Zvi Hirsh Charif Heller of Óbuda (Alt-Ofen). He was ordained by the Chatam Sofer and by leading rabbis of his times and was appointed Rabbi of Kiskőrös, but harassment by some of the city residents forced him to seek smicha from various rabbis to reinforce his position. Finally, he moved to Nagytétény. See the book of novellae by Mahari Katz (Jerusalem, 1959), with a picture of this letter of semicha. See enclosed material (and see next item).
Leaf, 22 cm. Good condition, minor tears and wear. 13 handwritten lines, signed.
Ordination of R. Yehoshua Segal Tauber, Rabbi of Kiskőrös. "…I have been delighted with our Torah discussion on various topics and enjoyed him immensely, and I know him for several years in which I have discussed many halachic issues… that he is an amazing Torah scholar great in Torah and fear of Heaven, repeatedly reviewed the Talmud and poskim… Although he does not need testimony… however, because now evil people have arisen to distress him and wish to demote him from his honor and high stature…Therefore I have risen to oppose them…I proclaim that he can be 'Yadin Yadin Yoreh Yoreh'…".
R. Chaim Kitza (ca. 1770-1850), Rabbi of Albertirsa (Irsa), Hungary, author of Otzar Chaim, son of R. Yitzchak Kitza head of the Beit Din of Óbuda (Alt-Ofen). As early as the age of 13, he delivered public discourses in the Óbuda Beit Midrash in the presence of his teacher the Maharam Mintz and hundreds of Torah scholars and resolutely and cleverly debated Torah issues. In 1820, after his brother-in-law R. Amram Chassida (Rosenbaum) made Aliya to Eretz Israel, Rabbi Chaim succeeded him as Rabbi of Albertirsa. His son R. Meir Schlesinger- Kitza served as rabbi of several communities and was a household member of R. Moshe David Ashkenazi Rabbi of Tolcsva.
The recipient, R. Yehoshua HaLevi Tauber (1818-1884), son of R. Aharon Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy (Bátorkesz), author of Yad Aharon. Disciple of R. Pinchas Leib Frieden Rabbi of Komárno and of R. Zvi Hirsh Charif Heller of Óbuda (Alt-Ofen). He was ordained by the Chatam Sofer and by leading rabbis of his times and was appointed Rabbi of Kiskőrös, but harassment by some of the city residents forced him to seek smicha from various rabbis to reinforce his position. Finally, he moved to Nagytétény. See the book of novellae by Mahari Katz (Jerusalem, 1959), with a picture of this letter of semicha. See enclosed material (and see next item).
Leaf, 22 cm. Good condition, minor tears and wear. 13 handwritten lines, signed.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $10,000
Sold for: $40,000
Including buyer's premium
Interesting autograph letter signed by Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, author of the Ktav Sofer. Pressburg, 1842.
Letter to R. Aharon HaLevi Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy (Bátorkesz), regarding Smicha (Rabbinic ordination) for his son R. Yehoshua Tauber, who applied to the Ktav Sofer for ordination. The Ktav Sofer highly praises his son and his Torah knowledge, cleverness and character traits. However, he refuses to give him semicha because "I have already restricted myself without exception, to refrain from writing authorizations for smicha".
R. Yehoshua HaLevi Tauber (1818-1884), son of R. Aharon Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy (Bátorkesz), author of Yad Aharon. Disciple of R. Pinchas Leib Frieden Rabbi of Komárno and of R. Zvi Hirsh Charif Heller of Óbuda (Alt-Ofen). He was ordained by the Chatam Sofer and by leading rabbis of his times and served in the Kiskőrös and Nagytétény rabbinates. See the book of novellae by Mahari Katz (Jerusalem, 1959), with a picture of this letter. See enclosed material (and see previous item).
R. Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer (1815-1871), eldest son of the Chatam Sofer and his successor in the Pressburg rabbinate and as head of the Pressburg Yeshiva. Eminent Torah scholar, his disciples were leading rabbis in Hungary and its region. His works of responsa, Talmudic and Torah novellae were titled Ktav Sofer.
Before his birth, his illustrious father, author of the Chatam Sofer foresaw that the soul of a tsaddik was to descend to the world and indeed, from his youth his holiness and devotion to Torah were evident. At the young age of 17-18, he exchanged halachic correspondence with his father's leading disciples. At the beginning, he concealed the tremendous diligence and proficiency of his vast Torah knowledge from his father, but with time, his father discerned his Torah stature and designated him as his successor in delivering discourses in the yeshiva and in halachic responsa to various rabbis throughout the world. His illustrious father guided him down the path to greatness in knowledge of revealed and hidden Torah and sent him Kabbalistic books to peruse. After his father's sudden death in 1839, he succeeded his father as rabbi and head of yeshiva at the young age of 24 and was included in the sphere of the foremost Torah leaders of his times. He headed the rabbis who fought against the Reform movement and gave instructions to separate Hungarian communities into separate Orthodox entities. His halachic authority was widely accepted even by leading Torah scholars of his times. The Pressburg Yeshiva which he headed was the leading yeshiva in Hungary in the days of the Ktav Sofer, 300-400 students attended the yeshiva, most alumni of other Hungarian yeshivot. A substantial percentage of the rabbis serving in Hungary and central-Europe had been students at the Pressburg Yeshiva.
Leaf, 27 cm. 16 handwritten lines. Good condition. Folding marks, minor stains, wear to folds. Address written on verso in the handwriting of the Ktav Sofer.
Letter to R. Aharon HaLevi Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy (Bátorkesz), regarding Smicha (Rabbinic ordination) for his son R. Yehoshua Tauber, who applied to the Ktav Sofer for ordination. The Ktav Sofer highly praises his son and his Torah knowledge, cleverness and character traits. However, he refuses to give him semicha because "I have already restricted myself without exception, to refrain from writing authorizations for smicha".
R. Yehoshua HaLevi Tauber (1818-1884), son of R. Aharon Tauber Rabbi of Bátorove Kosihy (Bátorkesz), author of Yad Aharon. Disciple of R. Pinchas Leib Frieden Rabbi of Komárno and of R. Zvi Hirsh Charif Heller of Óbuda (Alt-Ofen). He was ordained by the Chatam Sofer and by leading rabbis of his times and served in the Kiskőrös and Nagytétény rabbinates. See the book of novellae by Mahari Katz (Jerusalem, 1959), with a picture of this letter. See enclosed material (and see previous item).
R. Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer (1815-1871), eldest son of the Chatam Sofer and his successor in the Pressburg rabbinate and as head of the Pressburg Yeshiva. Eminent Torah scholar, his disciples were leading rabbis in Hungary and its region. His works of responsa, Talmudic and Torah novellae were titled Ktav Sofer.
Before his birth, his illustrious father, author of the Chatam Sofer foresaw that the soul of a tsaddik was to descend to the world and indeed, from his youth his holiness and devotion to Torah were evident. At the young age of 17-18, he exchanged halachic correspondence with his father's leading disciples. At the beginning, he concealed the tremendous diligence and proficiency of his vast Torah knowledge from his father, but with time, his father discerned his Torah stature and designated him as his successor in delivering discourses in the yeshiva and in halachic responsa to various rabbis throughout the world. His illustrious father guided him down the path to greatness in knowledge of revealed and hidden Torah and sent him Kabbalistic books to peruse. After his father's sudden death in 1839, he succeeded his father as rabbi and head of yeshiva at the young age of 24 and was included in the sphere of the foremost Torah leaders of his times. He headed the rabbis who fought against the Reform movement and gave instructions to separate Hungarian communities into separate Orthodox entities. His halachic authority was widely accepted even by leading Torah scholars of his times. The Pressburg Yeshiva which he headed was the leading yeshiva in Hungary in the days of the Ktav Sofer, 300-400 students attended the yeshiva, most alumni of other Hungarian yeshivot. A substantial percentage of the rabbis serving in Hungary and central-Europe had been students at the Pressburg Yeshiva.
Leaf, 27 cm. 16 handwritten lines. Good condition. Folding marks, minor stains, wear to folds. Address written on verso in the handwriting of the Ktav Sofer.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Autograph letter (6 lines) signed by R. David Deutsch. [Ir Chadash, Nowe Miasto], Kislev 1821.
Interesting letter sent in response to R. Yehuda Leib Rabbi of Makó, Hungary, who sent him Torah thoughts. R. David Deutsch elegantly and delicately evades answering his questions: "…I have received your letter with the Torah thoughts, questions, and my beloved friend, it is not my job to answer all the questions, and I am not like Ben Azai in the Tiberias markets, why should I trouble you and also increase the expenses. Therefore, please forgive me. David Deutsch". On the margins he adds: "Accept my composition and I do not request payment". On the verso is an inscription in his handwriting: "To Makó - to the Maharil Av Beit Din and Rosh Metivta".
R. David Deutsch, Rabbi of Nowe Miasto (Ir Chadash) (1757-1831, Ishim B'Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, p. 113), author of Ohel David. Renowned Torah scholar, disciple of the Nodah B'Yehuda in Prague and of the Maharam Barabi in Pressburg. He served as Rabbi of Jamnitz, Frauenkirchen and Dunajská Streda. From 1810 until his death, he served as Rabbi of Nowe Miasto. Some of his Talmudic novellae were printed in his Ohel David books. He exchanged a prolific halachic correspondence with the leading Torah figures of his times, such as the Nodah B'Yehuda, the Chatam Sofer and the author of Yismach Moshe. The Chatam Sofer wrote an approbation on his book: "That tsaddik, holy Jew, genius… I have seen in it (the book) wonderful things…We are privileged to merit his words and his light…his merit should protect us from all harm".
The recipient is R. Yehuda Leib (Maharil) Segal of Książ Wielki, who served as Rabbi of Makó for more than 50 years (died in 1824). One of the eldest rabbis of his times. Disciple of Rabbi Yirmiya of Abaujszanto (santov). In 1770, he was appointed to the Makó rabbinate by the initiative of the author of the Nodah B'Yehuda and of R. Wolf Boskowitz author of Seder Mishneh. He exchanged halachic correspondence with the Nodah B'Yehuda [see Nodah B'Yehuda responsa, Mahadura Tanina, Yoreh Deah Siman 138]. Headed the battle against the Reform Rabbi Aharon Choriner in the polemic of the kashrut of the Sterlet fish. In his books on the polemic, Aharon Choriner denigrates the ways of the Maharil Segal and his holy pious conduct in public which (allegedly) "are to flatter the folk with his pious conduct" [from the "degradation" of Choriner, we can comprehend the praise of Rabbi Yehuda Leib Segal…].
Leaf, 24 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
Interesting letter sent in response to R. Yehuda Leib Rabbi of Makó, Hungary, who sent him Torah thoughts. R. David Deutsch elegantly and delicately evades answering his questions: "…I have received your letter with the Torah thoughts, questions, and my beloved friend, it is not my job to answer all the questions, and I am not like Ben Azai in the Tiberias markets, why should I trouble you and also increase the expenses. Therefore, please forgive me. David Deutsch". On the margins he adds: "Accept my composition and I do not request payment". On the verso is an inscription in his handwriting: "To Makó - to the Maharil Av Beit Din and Rosh Metivta".
R. David Deutsch, Rabbi of Nowe Miasto (Ir Chadash) (1757-1831, Ishim B'Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, p. 113), author of Ohel David. Renowned Torah scholar, disciple of the Nodah B'Yehuda in Prague and of the Maharam Barabi in Pressburg. He served as Rabbi of Jamnitz, Frauenkirchen and Dunajská Streda. From 1810 until his death, he served as Rabbi of Nowe Miasto. Some of his Talmudic novellae were printed in his Ohel David books. He exchanged a prolific halachic correspondence with the leading Torah figures of his times, such as the Nodah B'Yehuda, the Chatam Sofer and the author of Yismach Moshe. The Chatam Sofer wrote an approbation on his book: "That tsaddik, holy Jew, genius… I have seen in it (the book) wonderful things…We are privileged to merit his words and his light…his merit should protect us from all harm".
The recipient is R. Yehuda Leib (Maharil) Segal of Książ Wielki, who served as Rabbi of Makó for more than 50 years (died in 1824). One of the eldest rabbis of his times. Disciple of Rabbi Yirmiya of Abaujszanto (santov). In 1770, he was appointed to the Makó rabbinate by the initiative of the author of the Nodah B'Yehuda and of R. Wolf Boskowitz author of Seder Mishneh. He exchanged halachic correspondence with the Nodah B'Yehuda [see Nodah B'Yehuda responsa, Mahadura Tanina, Yoreh Deah Siman 138]. Headed the battle against the Reform Rabbi Aharon Choriner in the polemic of the kashrut of the Sterlet fish. In his books on the polemic, Aharon Choriner denigrates the ways of the Maharil Segal and his holy pious conduct in public which (allegedly) "are to flatter the folk with his pious conduct" [from the "degradation" of Choriner, we can comprehend the praise of Rabbi Yehuda Leib Segal…].
Leaf, 24 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Autograph letter signed by R. Yehuda Assad, to his son-in-law R. Aharon Bichler. [Dunaszerdahely, 1863]. On verso, a letter in Yiddish by his brother-in-law "Moshe Assad son of the Mahari". [1863].
Letter in Hebrew and Yiddish. Congratulations and blessings upon entering the rabbinate, written by R. Yehuda Assad to his son-in-law "…R. Aharon Bichler Av Beit Din of Jászberény, and his wife, my daughter, the pious and wise Rebbetzin Sril and all your offspring …".
R. Yehudah Assad (1796-1866), illustrious Torah scholar and head of yeshiva in Hungary, disciple of R. Aharon Suditz and of R. Mordechai [Maharam] Bennet. Served in the Senica (Semnitz) and Dunaszerdahely rabbinates. Recommended to the rabbinate by the Chatam Sofer. Among his works: Mahari responsa - Yehuda Ya'aleh, Mahari novellae on the Talmud, Divrei Mahari on the Torah.
His son, R. Yitzchak Moshe Assad (1843-1930), disciple of his father and of the Ktav Sofer, lived in Makó. Cited in the Mohari responsa Siman 357 is a letter written to R. Yitzchak Moshe by his father at the time he was studying in Pressburg by the Ra'avad Rabbi Neta Wolf: "To my dear son outstanding in Torah and fear of G-d…R. Yitzchak Moshe…".
His son-in-law R. Aharon Bichler-Suditz, disciple of the Ktav Sofer and of his father-in-law the Mahari Assad, was appointed to the Jászberény rabbinate. See: Kinstlicher, HaChatam Sofer V'Talmidav, p. 478 [there it is mentioned that R. Aharon Bichler entered the rabbinate in 1861, but this letter is dated 1863].
Leaf, 21.5 cm. 8 lines handwritten and signed by Rabbi Yehuda Assad. Thin bluish stationery. Good-fair condition. Stains, small tears and ink damages. Postal stamp and wax seal.
Letter in Hebrew and Yiddish. Congratulations and blessings upon entering the rabbinate, written by R. Yehuda Assad to his son-in-law "…R. Aharon Bichler Av Beit Din of Jászberény, and his wife, my daughter, the pious and wise Rebbetzin Sril and all your offspring …".
R. Yehudah Assad (1796-1866), illustrious Torah scholar and head of yeshiva in Hungary, disciple of R. Aharon Suditz and of R. Mordechai [Maharam] Bennet. Served in the Senica (Semnitz) and Dunaszerdahely rabbinates. Recommended to the rabbinate by the Chatam Sofer. Among his works: Mahari responsa - Yehuda Ya'aleh, Mahari novellae on the Talmud, Divrei Mahari on the Torah.
His son, R. Yitzchak Moshe Assad (1843-1930), disciple of his father and of the Ktav Sofer, lived in Makó. Cited in the Mohari responsa Siman 357 is a letter written to R. Yitzchak Moshe by his father at the time he was studying in Pressburg by the Ra'avad Rabbi Neta Wolf: "To my dear son outstanding in Torah and fear of G-d…R. Yitzchak Moshe…".
His son-in-law R. Aharon Bichler-Suditz, disciple of the Ktav Sofer and of his father-in-law the Mahari Assad, was appointed to the Jászberény rabbinate. See: Kinstlicher, HaChatam Sofer V'Talmidav, p. 478 [there it is mentioned that R. Aharon Bichler entered the rabbinate in 1861, but this letter is dated 1863].
Leaf, 21.5 cm. 8 lines handwritten and signed by Rabbi Yehuda Assad. Thin bluish stationery. Good-fair condition. Stains, small tears and ink damages. Postal stamp and wax seal.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $18,000
Unsold
Autograph letter signed by Rebbe Yehuda Aryeh Alter of Ger, author of Sfat Emet.
Five handwritten lines, signed "Aryeh Leib", from Wednesday "Tetzaveh" [undated]. Sent to "My relative the young man the wealthy Mr. Avraham Mordechai". The Sfat Emet advises him that "It is better to wait than to rent another apartment because you may be able to stay longer in your apartment" and he blesses him "G-d should help you and give you… together with all our Jewish brethren".
R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter of Ger (1847-1905, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, Vol. 2, pp. 8-16), author of Sfat Emet, the third Gerrer Rebbe. Under his prominent leadership, the Ger Chassidic dynasty became the largest most influential Chassidic dynasty in Poland.
Born to R. Avraham Mordechai Alter - son of R. Yitzchak Meir, author of Chiddushei HaRim, founder of the Ger Chassidism. The 13 sons of the Chiddushei HaRim died in his lifetime. All died in their childhood with the exception of R. Avraham Mordechai who lived longer and died as a young man a short while after the birth of his only son, R. Yehuda Leib (Leib'le). The orphan whose mother had died earlier, moved to the home of his illustrious grandfather, author of Chiddushei HaRim who raised him as a son. Even at that tender age, he amazed all who saw him with his diligence and depth. His grandfather took much pride in him and used to show him saying "See how my grandson studies Torah lishma". Whenever he traveled to Kotzk, the Chiddushei HaRim would take his young grandson with him "so he should see a true Jew". The Kotzker Rebbe loved the clever young man who amazed him greatly. His visits to Kotzk left a strong impression on R. Yehuda Leib for his entire life.
In 1862, at the age of 15, he wed the daughter of R. Yehuda Kaminer of Chęciny, author of Degel Yehuda and since his name was the same as his father-in-law's, his grandfather, the Chiddushei HaRim instructed him to add the name Aryeh to his name. Since then he signed "Aryeh Leib". After his marriage, he continued living near his grandfather in the town of Ger studying Torah and serving G-d with outstanding devotion. In 1866, at the age of 19, the Chiddushei HaRim died leaving orders to appoint his grandson as his successor. In spite of his young age, the Chassidim wished to appoint him rebbe but he adamantly refused and turned away the many people who knocked at his door. Instead, he joined the Ger Chassidim who accepted the leadership of R. Chanoch Henich HaCohen of Aleksander (disciple of the Kotzker Rebbe) and he would travel to him every year. The Aleksander Rebbe who was very old, greatly honored the young man and waited for his visits and sat him at the head of the table. In 1870, four years after his grandfather's death, the Aleksander Rebbe died and again the Chassidim sought to appoint him as their rebbe. After repeated urging, he agreed to accept the position but he refused to sit at the head of the table and from that time, Gerrer Rebbes sit in the middle of the table and not at the head.
The 23-year-old rebbe soon became a central figure in the lives of Polish Jewry. In spite of his refusal to serve as rebbe, after accepting the position he fulfilled his duties with full responsibility and invested his genius and deep wisdom in elevating his thousands of Chassidim, advising and assisting them in spiritual and material matters. He famous throughout Poland and the surrounding areas and tens of thousands of people thronged to seek his counsel and blessing and to bask in his presence. In a short while, under his leadership, the Ger Chassidic dynasty peaked to become the largest most central Chassidic dynasty in Poland. 100,000 people from all over Russia and Poland came to him every year. In 1899, a special railway was launched between Ger and Warsaw to serve the thousands of Chassidim who swarmed to Ger. This railway was dubbed "the Rebbe's line" and he too participated in funding the laying of the tracks. His influence on his Chassidim was so strong that they would consult him on every spiritual and material matter, large or small.
His leadership was not limited to his own Chassidim, he was one of the leaders of all Charedi Jewry in Eastern Europe and he was active in the public arena for the benefit of Russian and Polish Jews. During one meeting of Polish rebbes in which they discussed matters of Charedim, he was called "King of Israel" and was honored with Birkat HaMazon even though he was one of the youngest of the participants.
In 1904, the Russo-Japanese War broke out and thousands of his young Chassidim were forcibly recruited to the Russian Tsar's army. This impacted the rebbe greatly and due to his immense worry and pain, he would sleep on the floor crying bitterly for the fate of his Chassidim. He was so intensely pained that he contracted a rare illness and died in the month of Shvat, 1905. 20,000 people attended his funeral. He was succeeded by his son R. Avraham Mordechai Alter, author of Imrei Emet of Ger.
His teachings were printed in the Sfat Emet series on the Torah, the Talmud and on other topics. The Sfat Emet on the Torah is renowned for its depth and originality and has become a basic book among Chassidic commentaries on the Torah. It may possibly be the most popular Chassidic book accepted in all Jewish circles, even those who are not affiliated with Chassidism such as the Lithuanian yeshiva circle and in other communities. His Talmudic novellae are famous as well for their unique and profound content and are studied in all Batei Midrash. The name Sfat Emet was chosen from a verse he cited from Mishlei in the last article he wrote a few weeks before his death, and this remained the name of his books for posterity.
20X6 cm. Fair condition. Stains, restored tears to folding creases, slight damage to several letters. The letter is housed in an elaborate leather case.
Five handwritten lines, signed "Aryeh Leib", from Wednesday "Tetzaveh" [undated]. Sent to "My relative the young man the wealthy Mr. Avraham Mordechai". The Sfat Emet advises him that "It is better to wait than to rent another apartment because you may be able to stay longer in your apartment" and he blesses him "G-d should help you and give you… together with all our Jewish brethren".
R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter of Ger (1847-1905, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, Vol. 2, pp. 8-16), author of Sfat Emet, the third Gerrer Rebbe. Under his prominent leadership, the Ger Chassidic dynasty became the largest most influential Chassidic dynasty in Poland.
Born to R. Avraham Mordechai Alter - son of R. Yitzchak Meir, author of Chiddushei HaRim, founder of the Ger Chassidism. The 13 sons of the Chiddushei HaRim died in his lifetime. All died in their childhood with the exception of R. Avraham Mordechai who lived longer and died as a young man a short while after the birth of his only son, R. Yehuda Leib (Leib'le). The orphan whose mother had died earlier, moved to the home of his illustrious grandfather, author of Chiddushei HaRim who raised him as a son. Even at that tender age, he amazed all who saw him with his diligence and depth. His grandfather took much pride in him and used to show him saying "See how my grandson studies Torah lishma". Whenever he traveled to Kotzk, the Chiddushei HaRim would take his young grandson with him "so he should see a true Jew". The Kotzker Rebbe loved the clever young man who amazed him greatly. His visits to Kotzk left a strong impression on R. Yehuda Leib for his entire life.
In 1862, at the age of 15, he wed the daughter of R. Yehuda Kaminer of Chęciny, author of Degel Yehuda and since his name was the same as his father-in-law's, his grandfather, the Chiddushei HaRim instructed him to add the name Aryeh to his name. Since then he signed "Aryeh Leib". After his marriage, he continued living near his grandfather in the town of Ger studying Torah and serving G-d with outstanding devotion. In 1866, at the age of 19, the Chiddushei HaRim died leaving orders to appoint his grandson as his successor. In spite of his young age, the Chassidim wished to appoint him rebbe but he adamantly refused and turned away the many people who knocked at his door. Instead, he joined the Ger Chassidim who accepted the leadership of R. Chanoch Henich HaCohen of Aleksander (disciple of the Kotzker Rebbe) and he would travel to him every year. The Aleksander Rebbe who was very old, greatly honored the young man and waited for his visits and sat him at the head of the table. In 1870, four years after his grandfather's death, the Aleksander Rebbe died and again the Chassidim sought to appoint him as their rebbe. After repeated urging, he agreed to accept the position but he refused to sit at the head of the table and from that time, Gerrer Rebbes sit in the middle of the table and not at the head.
The 23-year-old rebbe soon became a central figure in the lives of Polish Jewry. In spite of his refusal to serve as rebbe, after accepting the position he fulfilled his duties with full responsibility and invested his genius and deep wisdom in elevating his thousands of Chassidim, advising and assisting them in spiritual and material matters. He famous throughout Poland and the surrounding areas and tens of thousands of people thronged to seek his counsel and blessing and to bask in his presence. In a short while, under his leadership, the Ger Chassidic dynasty peaked to become the largest most central Chassidic dynasty in Poland. 100,000 people from all over Russia and Poland came to him every year. In 1899, a special railway was launched between Ger and Warsaw to serve the thousands of Chassidim who swarmed to Ger. This railway was dubbed "the Rebbe's line" and he too participated in funding the laying of the tracks. His influence on his Chassidim was so strong that they would consult him on every spiritual and material matter, large or small.
His leadership was not limited to his own Chassidim, he was one of the leaders of all Charedi Jewry in Eastern Europe and he was active in the public arena for the benefit of Russian and Polish Jews. During one meeting of Polish rebbes in which they discussed matters of Charedim, he was called "King of Israel" and was honored with Birkat HaMazon even though he was one of the youngest of the participants.
In 1904, the Russo-Japanese War broke out and thousands of his young Chassidim were forcibly recruited to the Russian Tsar's army. This impacted the rebbe greatly and due to his immense worry and pain, he would sleep on the floor crying bitterly for the fate of his Chassidim. He was so intensely pained that he contracted a rare illness and died in the month of Shvat, 1905. 20,000 people attended his funeral. He was succeeded by his son R. Avraham Mordechai Alter, author of Imrei Emet of Ger.
His teachings were printed in the Sfat Emet series on the Torah, the Talmud and on other topics. The Sfat Emet on the Torah is renowned for its depth and originality and has become a basic book among Chassidic commentaries on the Torah. It may possibly be the most popular Chassidic book accepted in all Jewish circles, even those who are not affiliated with Chassidism such as the Lithuanian yeshiva circle and in other communities. His Talmudic novellae are famous as well for their unique and profound content and are studied in all Batei Midrash. The name Sfat Emet was chosen from a verse he cited from Mishlei in the last article he wrote a few weeks before his death, and this remained the name of his books for posterity.
20X6 cm. Fair condition. Stains, restored tears to folding creases, slight damage to several letters. The letter is housed in an elaborate leather case.
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Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $4,500
Sold for: $10,625
Including buyer's premium
Letter with halachic responsum to R. Chaim Zvi Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Siget and its district, regarding the kashrut of a syrup made from wormy berries. At the end of the letter are names to be mentioned in his prayers. In the handwriting of Rabbi Mordechai Zvi Segal Adler Rabbi in the city. Uhla (Uglya), 1906.
On the fourth page of the letter is a halachic responsum on the subject (approximately 7 lines), in the handwriting of R. Chaim Zvi Teitelbaum, author of Atzei Chaim who writes: "…And I wonder why he decided to stack all the stringencies on one stone…". His final responsum appears in the Atzei Chaim responsa Siman 8, but this draft does not appear in that final responsum.
R. Chaim Zvi Teitelbaum, author of Atzei Chaim (1880-1926), son of the author of Kedushat Yom Tov Rabbi Chananaya Yom Tov Lipa Teitelbaum and from 1904 successor as Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Siget and as rebbe of Siget Chassidim. Son-in-law of Rebbe Shalom Eliezer Halberstam of Újfehértó (Ratzfert) son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Traveled to Chassidic tsaddikim of his times, especially to his uncles, R. Yechezkel Shraga of Sieniawa and R. Baruch of Görlitz, as well as to R. Yehoshua of Belz. Prominent Torah scholar
and outstanding holy G-d fearing person, he reputedly never forgot anything he learned and was known for his exceptional cleverness. A short while after he was appointed Rabbi of Siget [capital of the Maramureş region] at the age of 24, and rebbe of Siget Chassidim, he became a foremost Hungarian leader who determined the policies of the national Orthodox office of the country. His had major impact on almost all Hungarian Charedi communities, both those belonging to the Chassidic sector and those belonging to the Ashkenazi sector. His opinion held much weight and was conclusive in choosing rabbis and appointing the dayanim and shochtim of the various communities, especially those in which Siget Chassidim dwelled [Siget was the largest Chassidic dynasty in the Maramureş region]. His was the elder brother and teacher of R. Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar.
R. Mordechai Zvi HaLevi Adler (Otzar HaRabbanim 14236, 1860-c. 1937), disciple of Yitav Lev and disciple of the Maharam Shick. Dayan, posek and shochet and bodek in Uglya near Chust. Author of the two volumes Ir Mivtzar (Svalyava, 1909).
4 pages, 21 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains and folding creases. Few tears to margins.
On the fourth page of the letter is a halachic responsum on the subject (approximately 7 lines), in the handwriting of R. Chaim Zvi Teitelbaum, author of Atzei Chaim who writes: "…And I wonder why he decided to stack all the stringencies on one stone…". His final responsum appears in the Atzei Chaim responsa Siman 8, but this draft does not appear in that final responsum.
R. Chaim Zvi Teitelbaum, author of Atzei Chaim (1880-1926), son of the author of Kedushat Yom Tov Rabbi Chananaya Yom Tov Lipa Teitelbaum and from 1904 successor as Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Siget and as rebbe of Siget Chassidim. Son-in-law of Rebbe Shalom Eliezer Halberstam of Újfehértó (Ratzfert) son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Traveled to Chassidic tsaddikim of his times, especially to his uncles, R. Yechezkel Shraga of Sieniawa and R. Baruch of Görlitz, as well as to R. Yehoshua of Belz. Prominent Torah scholar
and outstanding holy G-d fearing person, he reputedly never forgot anything he learned and was known for his exceptional cleverness. A short while after he was appointed Rabbi of Siget [capital of the Maramureş region] at the age of 24, and rebbe of Siget Chassidim, he became a foremost Hungarian leader who determined the policies of the national Orthodox office of the country. His had major impact on almost all Hungarian Charedi communities, both those belonging to the Chassidic sector and those belonging to the Ashkenazi sector. His opinion held much weight and was conclusive in choosing rabbis and appointing the dayanim and shochtim of the various communities, especially those in which Siget Chassidim dwelled [Siget was the largest Chassidic dynasty in the Maramureş region]. His was the elder brother and teacher of R. Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar.
R. Mordechai Zvi HaLevi Adler (Otzar HaRabbanim 14236, 1860-c. 1937), disciple of Yitav Lev and disciple of the Maharam Shick. Dayan, posek and shochet and bodek in Uglya near Chust. Author of the two volumes Ir Mivtzar (Svalyava, 1909).
4 pages, 21 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains and folding creases. Few tears to margins.
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Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $6,250
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Leaf with five letters of support of the mission of the emissary Rabbi Yehuda Meir Martenfeld, embarking on a journey on behalf of the yeshiva founded adjacent to the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron near Safed. Letters by R. Natan Nachum HaCohen Rabinowitz, the Kromolow Zawiercie Rebbe; Rebbe Yisrael Pinchas HaCohen Rabinowitz of Radomsko; Rebbe Aharon Halberstam; R. Meir Shapira, Rabbi of Lublin; and R. Shabtai HaCohen Rappaport, Rabbi of Wodzisław. Poland, 1928-1929.
· The first letter signed by R. "Natan Nachum HaCohen". The Kromolow Zawiercie Rebbe Natan Nachum HaCohen Rabinowitz (1873-1943), son of the author of Chesed L'Avraham of Radomsko. He was an outstanding figure among Polish Rebbes in the interim between the two world wars. He served as Rebbe for more than 50 years from the time his illustrious father died in 1892, first in the Kromolow rabbinate and from 1912 in nearby Zawiercie to which he relocated his Beit Midrash and court acquiescing to the request of his Chassidim to move to a place more accessible by train. During the Holocaust, he was interned in the Warsaw ghetto and killed in Treblinka.
· Autograph letter signed by Rebbe Yisrael Pinchas HaCohen Rabinowitz of Radomsko, with his stamp. Rebbe Yisrael Pinchas HaCohen Rabinowitz Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Radomsko (1865-1942), son of Rebbe Zvi Meir Rabinowitz Rabbi of Radomsko. In 1902, he succeeded his father in the Radomsko rabbinate and served as rabbi for 40 years until he was murdered in the Holocaust.
· Autograph letter signed and stamped by Rebbe Aharon Halberstam. Rebbe Aharon Halberstam (1865-1942) served in the town of Biała near Bielsko. Son of Rebbe Yosef Ze'ev, son of Rebbe David Halberstam of Chrzanów-Sanz.
· Autograph letter signed by R. Meir Shapira, Rabbi of Piotrków. R. Meir Shapira Rabbi of Lublin and of Piotrków (1877-1934), founder of the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva who conceived the idea of the Daf Hayomi. One of the first members of Mo'etzet Gedolei HaTorah.
· Autograph letter signed by R. Shabtai HaCohen Rappaport, Rabbi of Wodzisław. Bielsko, 1929. Rabbi Shabtai HaCohen Rappaport (1885-1944) served as Rabbi of Wodzisław and in 1935 relocated to serve in the Pińczów rabbinate. Perished in the Holocaust.
Leaf, 26.5 cm. Written on both sides. Fair condition. Wear and tears to margins, paper reinforced with acidic adhesive tape.
· The first letter signed by R. "Natan Nachum HaCohen". The Kromolow Zawiercie Rebbe Natan Nachum HaCohen Rabinowitz (1873-1943), son of the author of Chesed L'Avraham of Radomsko. He was an outstanding figure among Polish Rebbes in the interim between the two world wars. He served as Rebbe for more than 50 years from the time his illustrious father died in 1892, first in the Kromolow rabbinate and from 1912 in nearby Zawiercie to which he relocated his Beit Midrash and court acquiescing to the request of his Chassidim to move to a place more accessible by train. During the Holocaust, he was interned in the Warsaw ghetto and killed in Treblinka.
· Autograph letter signed by Rebbe Yisrael Pinchas HaCohen Rabinowitz of Radomsko, with his stamp. Rebbe Yisrael Pinchas HaCohen Rabinowitz Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Radomsko (1865-1942), son of Rebbe Zvi Meir Rabinowitz Rabbi of Radomsko. In 1902, he succeeded his father in the Radomsko rabbinate and served as rabbi for 40 years until he was murdered in the Holocaust.
· Autograph letter signed and stamped by Rebbe Aharon Halberstam. Rebbe Aharon Halberstam (1865-1942) served in the town of Biała near Bielsko. Son of Rebbe Yosef Ze'ev, son of Rebbe David Halberstam of Chrzanów-Sanz.
· Autograph letter signed by R. Meir Shapira, Rabbi of Piotrków. R. Meir Shapira Rabbi of Lublin and of Piotrków (1877-1934), founder of the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva who conceived the idea of the Daf Hayomi. One of the first members of Mo'etzet Gedolei HaTorah.
· Autograph letter signed by R. Shabtai HaCohen Rappaport, Rabbi of Wodzisław. Bielsko, 1929. Rabbi Shabtai HaCohen Rappaport (1885-1944) served as Rabbi of Wodzisław and in 1935 relocated to serve in the Pińczów rabbinate. Perished in the Holocaust.
Leaf, 26.5 cm. Written on both sides. Fair condition. Wear and tears to margins, paper reinforced with acidic adhesive tape.
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Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Autograph letter with the full signature of R. Simcha Halberstam Rabbi of Dessau, who signed "Simcha son of …R. Z. H. Dessau". Dessau, Elul, 1769.
This letter is addressed to R. David Berlin, Rabbi of the Altona, Wandsbek and Hamburg communities [author of Korban HaEda] with R. Simcha's admonishment not to support the "evil" shochet who is attempting to cause many to transgress Torah law.
R. Simcha [Ashkenazi-Halberstam] of Dessau, a prominent Torah scholar of the second half of the 18th century, one of the five renowned sons of R. Zvi Hirsh Charif Rabbi of Halberstadt, author of Ateret Zvi, Tiferet Zvi, etc. In 1755, in the capacity of his first rabbinical position in the city of Łęczna he was already considered a prominent Torah leaders of his times. In 1761, after his father relocated to serve in the Hanover rabbinate, his son R. Simcha succeeded him as Rabbi of Sokal and in 1768 after R. David Berlin left the Dessau rabbinate to serve as Rabbi of the three communities, Altona, Wandsbek and Hamburg, Rabbi Simcha was summoned to succeed him in the Dessau rabbinate. Thereafter he was called Rabbi Simcha of Dessau. He was counted among the leading Torah scholars and teachers in his days and his signature appears in approbations of many books printed in his time. His glosses on the Talmud which were found in the possession of his descendants were printed in the Vilna edition of the Talmud and his thoughts written in these glosses are often cited in later books.
Among his descendants are R. Mordechai Halberstam Rabbi of Komarno, [grandfather of the celebrated researcher R. Shlomo Zalman Chaim Halberstam of Bielsko]. The descendants of his brother, R. Naftali Hertz Halberstam - Rabbi of Dubno, continued the dynasty of Halberstam rebbes. His son R. Moshe Halberstam Rabbi of Sataniv, father of R. Simcha Halberstam who was father of R. Aryeh Leibush Halberstam Rabbi of Tarnogród, father of the illustrious Rabbi Chaim Halberstam Rabbi of Sanz, author of Divrei Chaim who has many descendants named Simcha after the Rabbi Simcha Halberstam, Rabbi of Dessau.
Approximately 15X17 cm. Good condition. Unsymmetrical margins (cut). Folding creases.
This letter was printed in the Moriah compilation, Issue 356-357, Av 2010, p. 61.
This letter is addressed to R. David Berlin, Rabbi of the Altona, Wandsbek and Hamburg communities [author of Korban HaEda] with R. Simcha's admonishment not to support the "evil" shochet who is attempting to cause many to transgress Torah law.
R. Simcha [Ashkenazi-Halberstam] of Dessau, a prominent Torah scholar of the second half of the 18th century, one of the five renowned sons of R. Zvi Hirsh Charif Rabbi of Halberstadt, author of Ateret Zvi, Tiferet Zvi, etc. In 1755, in the capacity of his first rabbinical position in the city of Łęczna he was already considered a prominent Torah leaders of his times. In 1761, after his father relocated to serve in the Hanover rabbinate, his son R. Simcha succeeded him as Rabbi of Sokal and in 1768 after R. David Berlin left the Dessau rabbinate to serve as Rabbi of the three communities, Altona, Wandsbek and Hamburg, Rabbi Simcha was summoned to succeed him in the Dessau rabbinate. Thereafter he was called Rabbi Simcha of Dessau. He was counted among the leading Torah scholars and teachers in his days and his signature appears in approbations of many books printed in his time. His glosses on the Talmud which were found in the possession of his descendants were printed in the Vilna edition of the Talmud and his thoughts written in these glosses are often cited in later books.
Among his descendants are R. Mordechai Halberstam Rabbi of Komarno, [grandfather of the celebrated researcher R. Shlomo Zalman Chaim Halberstam of Bielsko]. The descendants of his brother, R. Naftali Hertz Halberstam - Rabbi of Dubno, continued the dynasty of Halberstam rebbes. His son R. Moshe Halberstam Rabbi of Sataniv, father of R. Simcha Halberstam who was father of R. Aryeh Leibush Halberstam Rabbi of Tarnogród, father of the illustrious Rabbi Chaim Halberstam Rabbi of Sanz, author of Divrei Chaim who has many descendants named Simcha after the Rabbi Simcha Halberstam, Rabbi of Dessau.
Approximately 15X17 cm. Good condition. Unsymmetrical margins (cut). Folding creases.
This letter was printed in the Moriah compilation, Issue 356-357, Av 2010, p. 61.
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Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $5,000
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Autograph letter signed by R. Shalom Mordechai Schwadron [the Maharsham], Rabbi of Berezhany (Galicia), sent to R. Moshe Sofer - son of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Erlau. Berezhany, Tishrei 1908.
Blessings for a gmar chatima tova and halachic responsum on the laws of shidduchim. At the beginning of the letter, the Maharsham writes that "although it is very difficult to write today, I made the effort to respond promptly for the sake of my friend, your father". On the margins, after his signature, he mentions the grapes sent to him by the Erlau Rebbe [apparently, for preparing wine for the holiday] and he writes: "I did not want to cause your father distress and inform him that because the grapes were delayed until after the holiday they almost all rotted and more than half were missing and the rest were not fit for consumption".
The Maharsham - R. Shalom Mordechai HaCohen Schwadron (1835-1911), a leading posek of his times, Rabbi of Potok Złoty, Jazłowiec and Berezhany, was the top Torah authority in Galicia and of other places as well. He authored dozens of compositions including the following printed works: the nine parts of the Maharsham responsa, Mishpat Shalom on Choshen Mishpat, Gilui Da'at on the laws of terefot, Da'at Torah on the Shulchan Aruch, Techelet Mordechai on the Torah, etc. He was a Chassid close to the rebbes of Belz, Zhydachiv, Stratin and Chortkiv. In his youth, the maskilim attempted to lead him astray from a life of Torah and fear of Heaven, but Rebbe Meir of Premishlan foresaw this with his ru'ach hakodesh and cautioned him not to follow their path. From his childhood and formative years, he studied Torah with the utmost diligence dedicated to the ways of the Torah and Chassidism. After his marriage, his obligations forced him into trade, but during the time he sat in his shop, he was able to review the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch 400 times. After a while, he began serving in the rabbinate after he received an enthusiastic semicha from Rabbi Shlomo Kluger who wrote: "…I do not give semicha to any man for my own reasons, however this person does not need my sanction and can decide Torah rulings like one of the famous Torah leaders and you can rely on him in all cases…". The author of the Minchat Chinuch also wrote him a interesting letter of approbation: "The young man the author shows wonders of his Torah learning and his proficiency and we have already grown old…". The Maharsham is considered a leading posek of his times and the pillar of Torah rulings in Galicia, and from throughout Russia-Poland and Hungary difficult questions were referred to him to resolve. In the introduction to the book Techelet Mordechai, many amazing tales are recounted of revelations shown to him from Heaven and of salvation and cures which he performed with the power of his holiness; however his main renown remains his celebrated Torah and halachic proficiency.
Leaf, 21 cm. 21 autograph lines. Very good condition.
This responsum was printed with variations and additions in the Maharsham responsa, Part 4, Siman 152.
Blessings for a gmar chatima tova and halachic responsum on the laws of shidduchim. At the beginning of the letter, the Maharsham writes that "although it is very difficult to write today, I made the effort to respond promptly for the sake of my friend, your father". On the margins, after his signature, he mentions the grapes sent to him by the Erlau Rebbe [apparently, for preparing wine for the holiday] and he writes: "I did not want to cause your father distress and inform him that because the grapes were delayed until after the holiday they almost all rotted and more than half were missing and the rest were not fit for consumption".
The Maharsham - R. Shalom Mordechai HaCohen Schwadron (1835-1911), a leading posek of his times, Rabbi of Potok Złoty, Jazłowiec and Berezhany, was the top Torah authority in Galicia and of other places as well. He authored dozens of compositions including the following printed works: the nine parts of the Maharsham responsa, Mishpat Shalom on Choshen Mishpat, Gilui Da'at on the laws of terefot, Da'at Torah on the Shulchan Aruch, Techelet Mordechai on the Torah, etc. He was a Chassid close to the rebbes of Belz, Zhydachiv, Stratin and Chortkiv. In his youth, the maskilim attempted to lead him astray from a life of Torah and fear of Heaven, but Rebbe Meir of Premishlan foresaw this with his ru'ach hakodesh and cautioned him not to follow their path. From his childhood and formative years, he studied Torah with the utmost diligence dedicated to the ways of the Torah and Chassidism. After his marriage, his obligations forced him into trade, but during the time he sat in his shop, he was able to review the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch 400 times. After a while, he began serving in the rabbinate after he received an enthusiastic semicha from Rabbi Shlomo Kluger who wrote: "…I do not give semicha to any man for my own reasons, however this person does not need my sanction and can decide Torah rulings like one of the famous Torah leaders and you can rely on him in all cases…". The author of the Minchat Chinuch also wrote him a interesting letter of approbation: "The young man the author shows wonders of his Torah learning and his proficiency and we have already grown old…". The Maharsham is considered a leading posek of his times and the pillar of Torah rulings in Galicia, and from throughout Russia-Poland and Hungary difficult questions were referred to him to resolve. In the introduction to the book Techelet Mordechai, many amazing tales are recounted of revelations shown to him from Heaven and of salvation and cures which he performed with the power of his holiness; however his main renown remains his celebrated Torah and halachic proficiency.
Leaf, 21 cm. 21 autograph lines. Very good condition.
This responsum was printed with variations and additions in the Maharsham responsa, Part 4, Siman 152.
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Auction 53 - Rare and Important Items
November 15, 2016
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Long autograph letter (3 pages) signed by "Meir Arik Av Beit Din of Buchach". Vienna, 1817.
Responsum on the laws of selling chametz, and responsum on the possibility of infestation of sauerkraut. Sent to the "outstanding clever avrech" R. Shmuel Meir HaCohen Rabbi in Chernivtsi.
The renowned Rabbi Meir Arik (1855-Tishrei 1925), a leading Galicia Torah scholar. Served as Rabbi of Iaslovăţ (Jaslowetz), Buchach and Tarnów. Disciple of Rabbi Ya'akov of Grimaylov and disciple of the Maharsham. From 1885, he served as Rabbi of Iaslovăţ succeeding his teacher the Maharsham who moved to Berezhany, and from 1912 Rabbi of Buchach. During WWI he fled to Vienna and studied Torah with his illustrious friend R. Yosef Engel. After the war, he returned to Poland and was appointed Rabbi of Tarnów. Many Polish Torah scholars were his close disciples, including the renowned Rabbi Meir Shapira of Lublin and the Kozhiglover Rav R. Aryeh Zvi Frumer, the Dzikov Rebbe Yehuda Horwitz, R. Meshulam Roth author of Kol Mevaser, R. Reuven Margaliot and R. Yehoshua Erenberg Rabbi of Tel Aviv.
He printed numerous books but most of his manuscripts were lost when he fled to to Vienna during WWI, (at that time five large volumes of his halachic responsa were lost). Some of his works: Sheyarei Tahara on Seder Taharot (Kolomyya, 1890), Minchat Kena'ot on Tractate Sotah (Lemberg, 1894), Minchat Pitim on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah and Even HaEzer (Mukacheve, 1913), Part 2 (Krakow- Tarnów, 1925). A compilation of the remainder of his manuscripts was printed in the US in 1978 by his nephew in the book Minchat Aharon - Me'irat Einayim. All the responsa in this letter can be found ibid, pp. 154-156, 157-158, from copies the author received from Tel Aviv from the recipient of the letters, Rabbi Hollander.
The recipient: R. Shmuel Meir HaCohen Hollander (1889-1965, Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, Part 2, pp. 96-99), son of R. Natan David Rabbi of Maszana Dolna and son-in-law of R. Shalom Hager of Shtrozshnitz. A great genius and faithful Chassid, he was a disciple of R. Shlomo of Bobov, and close to the rebbes of Belz, Ruzhin, Vishnitz and Sanz. From 1913, he served as Ra'avad of Chernivtsi and after the Holocaust immigrated to Israel where he served as the Rabbi of the Neve Tzedek neighborhood and the Chassidic community in Tel Aviv. He was close to the Tshebin Rebbe, to Rebbe Aharon of Belz and the Chazon Ish. Some of his novellae were printed in the Shem HaCohen responsa and homilies, Maharsham HaCohen on the Torah and many articles.
[3] pages, 21 cm. Fair condition, wear damages with open tears in the center of the leaf and in the folds. Stains.
Responsum on the laws of selling chametz, and responsum on the possibility of infestation of sauerkraut. Sent to the "outstanding clever avrech" R. Shmuel Meir HaCohen Rabbi in Chernivtsi.
The renowned Rabbi Meir Arik (1855-Tishrei 1925), a leading Galicia Torah scholar. Served as Rabbi of Iaslovăţ (Jaslowetz), Buchach and Tarnów. Disciple of Rabbi Ya'akov of Grimaylov and disciple of the Maharsham. From 1885, he served as Rabbi of Iaslovăţ succeeding his teacher the Maharsham who moved to Berezhany, and from 1912 Rabbi of Buchach. During WWI he fled to Vienna and studied Torah with his illustrious friend R. Yosef Engel. After the war, he returned to Poland and was appointed Rabbi of Tarnów. Many Polish Torah scholars were his close disciples, including the renowned Rabbi Meir Shapira of Lublin and the Kozhiglover Rav R. Aryeh Zvi Frumer, the Dzikov Rebbe Yehuda Horwitz, R. Meshulam Roth author of Kol Mevaser, R. Reuven Margaliot and R. Yehoshua Erenberg Rabbi of Tel Aviv.
He printed numerous books but most of his manuscripts were lost when he fled to to Vienna during WWI, (at that time five large volumes of his halachic responsa were lost). Some of his works: Sheyarei Tahara on Seder Taharot (Kolomyya, 1890), Minchat Kena'ot on Tractate Sotah (Lemberg, 1894), Minchat Pitim on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah and Even HaEzer (Mukacheve, 1913), Part 2 (Krakow- Tarnów, 1925). A compilation of the remainder of his manuscripts was printed in the US in 1978 by his nephew in the book Minchat Aharon - Me'irat Einayim. All the responsa in this letter can be found ibid, pp. 154-156, 157-158, from copies the author received from Tel Aviv from the recipient of the letters, Rabbi Hollander.
The recipient: R. Shmuel Meir HaCohen Hollander (1889-1965, Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, Part 2, pp. 96-99), son of R. Natan David Rabbi of Maszana Dolna and son-in-law of R. Shalom Hager of Shtrozshnitz. A great genius and faithful Chassid, he was a disciple of R. Shlomo of Bobov, and close to the rebbes of Belz, Ruzhin, Vishnitz and Sanz. From 1913, he served as Ra'avad of Chernivtsi and after the Holocaust immigrated to Israel where he served as the Rabbi of the Neve Tzedek neighborhood and the Chassidic community in Tel Aviv. He was close to the Tshebin Rebbe, to Rebbe Aharon of Belz and the Chazon Ish. Some of his novellae were printed in the Shem HaCohen responsa and homilies, Maharsham HaCohen on the Torah and many articles.
[3] pages, 21 cm. Fair condition, wear damages with open tears in the center of the leaf and in the folds. Stains.
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