Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
Displaying 11 - 20 of 70
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $500
Sold for: $1,125
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Chut HaMeshulash, novellae and homilies on the Torah, by R. Yehuda Diwan. [18th century].
Oriental script, several handwritings, with a few corrections and erasures. This composition is from Parshat Behar-BeChukotai until the end of Devarim.
Page [6a] bears an ownership inscription, written between the lines: "This book belongs to the sage R. Ya'akov, descendant of R. Avraham Pinto". On page [22a] is a signature: "Avraham Pinto".
R. Yehuda Diwan (died 1752), was a Safed and Jerusalem sage, a member of the Beit Din of the Admat Kodesh. He was an emissary on behalf of the Hebron community (at the beginning of Parshat Shelach he writes: "I have delivered this sermon in the city of Hamden as an emissary of Hebron in 1713"). His book Chut HaMeshulash was printed in Constantinople in 1739.
[26] leaves. Approximately 31 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears and worming to several leaves. New binding.
Oriental script, several handwritings, with a few corrections and erasures. This composition is from Parshat Behar-BeChukotai until the end of Devarim.
Page [6a] bears an ownership inscription, written between the lines: "This book belongs to the sage R. Ya'akov, descendant of R. Avraham Pinto". On page [22a] is a signature: "Avraham Pinto".
R. Yehuda Diwan (died 1752), was a Safed and Jerusalem sage, a member of the Beit Din of the Admat Kodesh. He was an emissary on behalf of the Hebron community (at the beginning of Parshat Shelach he writes: "I have delivered this sermon in the city of Hamden as an emissary of Hebron in 1713"). His book Chut HaMeshulash was printed in Constantinople in 1739.
[26] leaves. Approximately 31 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears and worming to several leaves. New binding.
Category
Manuscripts and Letters - Eastern Jewry
Catalogue
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $3,000
Unsold
Manuscript, machzor for Pesach according to the minhag of Corfu. [Corfu, 18th century?].
Complete manuscript on thick high quality paper. Square vowelized script. Instructions in semi-cursive Sephardic-Italian script. Decorations in several places; crowns on several letters.
The Corfu machzor preserves an ancient and unique rite that was never printed and exists only in manuscript form. This rite includes the ancient Romaniote, Greek and Byzantine rites, together with the rite of Spanish refugees who were absorbed into those communities.
The machzor begins with the prayer services for Shabbat Hagadol - the Shabbat preceding Passover, including piyyutim and an introduction to the services. This is followed by the traditional prayers for the first and second days of Passover, for Chol Hamo'ed and for the final two days of Passover, including piyyutim unique to this machzor. Some of the piyyutim include the names of the authors ("by R. Gavriel", "by R. Moshe ben Shabbtai Yichye, may his light shine", "by R. Binyamin ben R. Shmuel Chazak" and others). The machzor includes a long and ancient version of "Baruch She'amar".
108 leaves (additional 6 blank leaves at the end). 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming with slight damage to text. Two detached leaves. Original binding, damaged.
Complete manuscript on thick high quality paper. Square vowelized script. Instructions in semi-cursive Sephardic-Italian script. Decorations in several places; crowns on several letters.
The Corfu machzor preserves an ancient and unique rite that was never printed and exists only in manuscript form. This rite includes the ancient Romaniote, Greek and Byzantine rites, together with the rite of Spanish refugees who were absorbed into those communities.
The machzor begins with the prayer services for Shabbat Hagadol - the Shabbat preceding Passover, including piyyutim and an introduction to the services. This is followed by the traditional prayers for the first and second days of Passover, for Chol Hamo'ed and for the final two days of Passover, including piyyutim unique to this machzor. Some of the piyyutim include the names of the authors ("by R. Gavriel", "by R. Moshe ben Shabbtai Yichye, may his light shine", "by R. Binyamin ben R. Shmuel Chazak" and others). The machzor includes a long and ancient version of "Baruch She'amar".
108 leaves (additional 6 blank leaves at the end). 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming with slight damage to text. Two detached leaves. Original binding, damaged.
Category
Manuscripts and Letters - Eastern Jewry
Catalogue
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $300
Unsold
Fragments of manuscript leaves, removed from a "bindings' geniza". Unidentified composition [apparently a type of glossary], in Judeo-Arabic. [Oriental script, 16th/17th century?].
5 fragments. Size and damages vary.
5 fragments. Size and damages vary.
Category
Manuscripts and Letters - Eastern Jewry
Catalogue
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $500
Unsold
Manuscript of novellae on various Torah portions - Haftarot, Pirkei Avot, Tehillim, stories, Kabbalah and other Torah compilations. [Persia, 19th century].
Eastern Persian style handwriting. Autographic handwriting of the author, who signs in several places, "The young Yeshua who waits for the redemption, son of my father Yosef, may G-d protect him". The date 1878 appears twice; elsewhere the following appears: "I wrote this on the 24th of Tevet 1880, when my master R. Yechezkel read from the Torah in memory of Esther, the daughter of R. Binyamin, may she rest in Paradise".
On page [48a] the author quotes from the Koran (Arabic transliterated in Hebrew letters): "This story, which may also be told in public, is from the Koran of Mohammed, which states: O son of man…" (In reality, this is a quote from the Shiite Hadith and not from the Koran). On page [160a] is the text of a ketubah (marriage contract) from Kashan, 1880, and on the last page is the text of a get (divorce contract) from Isfahan, 1862.
[176] leaves (over 250 written pages). Approx. 18 cm. Condition of the pages varies; overall fair-good condition. Stains, tears and wear. Several detached leaves. Old binding, damaged.
Eastern Persian style handwriting. Autographic handwriting of the author, who signs in several places, "The young Yeshua who waits for the redemption, son of my father Yosef, may G-d protect him". The date 1878 appears twice; elsewhere the following appears: "I wrote this on the 24th of Tevet 1880, when my master R. Yechezkel read from the Torah in memory of Esther, the daughter of R. Binyamin, may she rest in Paradise".
On page [48a] the author quotes from the Koran (Arabic transliterated in Hebrew letters): "This story, which may also be told in public, is from the Koran of Mohammed, which states: O son of man…" (In reality, this is a quote from the Shiite Hadith and not from the Koran). On page [160a] is the text of a ketubah (marriage contract) from Kashan, 1880, and on the last page is the text of a get (divorce contract) from Isfahan, 1862.
[176] leaves (over 250 written pages). Approx. 18 cm. Condition of the pages varies; overall fair-good condition. Stains, tears and wear. Several detached leaves. Old binding, damaged.
Category
Manuscripts and Letters - Eastern Jewry
Catalogue
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $6,000
Unsold
Autograph responsum regarding Sirtut (straight lines etched on parchment) for Torah scrolls, tefillin and mezuzot, signed by R. Moshe Provençal. [Mantua (Mantova), Italy, before 1576, 16th century].
Handwritten by the author, with corrections and erasures. Folding creases. This responsum was printed in the Rabbi Moshe Provençal responsa, Part 1, Siman 35.
R. Moshe Provençal (1503-1576) was a leading Italian Torah scholar, contemporary of Maran R. Yosef Karo and the Maharam of Padua. Celebrated as one of the foremost Torah scholars and poskim of his illustrious times. His reputation crossed the Italian borders and reached as far as Poland and Lithuania. One responsum, written in 1551 was included and printed in the Rama responsa. The Safed sages headed by Maran R. Yosef Karo maintained contact with R. Moshe and in spite of their disagreement regarding a polemic which arose between them, they refer to him as the "Chief R. Moshe, whom we cherish". R. Moshe, son of R. Joseph di Trani - the Mabit, a Safed sage, in his responsa refers to him as "the rabbi who battles for the sake of the Torah, and his name is famous". R. Azarya min Ha'Adumim attests in his book Me'or Einayim, that R. Yosef Karo allotted the task of publishing his Kesef Mishneh commentary on the Mishneh Torah of the Ramban to R. Moshe Provençal. Kabbalist R. Menachem Azarya (the Rama) of Fano was a younger contemporary of R. Moshe Provençal and some say that he was his disciple in his youth because he signs a letter written to R. Moshe "Your young disciple". [The Rama of Fano, as well, contributed to the printing of the Kesef Mishne, possibly by the initiative of R. Moshe Provençal].
15.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear and tears to margins. Folding creases. Several inscriptions on verso.
Handwritten by the author, with corrections and erasures. Folding creases. This responsum was printed in the Rabbi Moshe Provençal responsa, Part 1, Siman 35.
R. Moshe Provençal (1503-1576) was a leading Italian Torah scholar, contemporary of Maran R. Yosef Karo and the Maharam of Padua. Celebrated as one of the foremost Torah scholars and poskim of his illustrious times. His reputation crossed the Italian borders and reached as far as Poland and Lithuania. One responsum, written in 1551 was included and printed in the Rama responsa. The Safed sages headed by Maran R. Yosef Karo maintained contact with R. Moshe and in spite of their disagreement regarding a polemic which arose between them, they refer to him as the "Chief R. Moshe, whom we cherish". R. Moshe, son of R. Joseph di Trani - the Mabit, a Safed sage, in his responsa refers to him as "the rabbi who battles for the sake of the Torah, and his name is famous". R. Azarya min Ha'Adumim attests in his book Me'or Einayim, that R. Yosef Karo allotted the task of publishing his Kesef Mishneh commentary on the Mishneh Torah of the Ramban to R. Moshe Provençal. Kabbalist R. Menachem Azarya (the Rama) of Fano was a younger contemporary of R. Moshe Provençal and some say that he was his disciple in his youth because he signs a letter written to R. Moshe "Your young disciple". [The Rama of Fano, as well, contributed to the printing of the Kesef Mishne, possibly by the initiative of R. Moshe Provençal].
15.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear and tears to margins. Folding creases. Several inscriptions on verso.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $600
Sold for: $750
Including buyer's premium
Long letter (3 large pages), in the handwriting of R. Pinchas Leib Frieden, rabbi of Komarno (Komarom), with his signature, 1851.
Halachic responsum on the subject of the laws concerning a Kohen who wishes to marry an unmarried woman about whom there are rumors of pregnancy. The letter was written to his student, R. Yehoshua Halevi Tauber, rabbi of Nagyteteny. At the beginning of the letter he describes the marriage of his daughter Baila with "My friend and student R. Mordechai, rabbi of Janoshaza" [his son-in-law, R. Mordechai Reichenfeld, son of R. Yehoshua Reichenfeld, dayan (religious judge) in Eisenstadt, was rabbi in Janoshaza from before his marriage, ca. 1851].
R. Pinchas Leib Frieden Rabbi of Komarno (1802-1873) was born in Bonyhád, son of the Dayan R. Moshe of Leipnik. He studied under the tutelage of R. Wolf Boskowitz, author of Seder Mishnah. After his father's death in 1826, he succeeded him as dayan in Bonyhád. In 1831, he was appointed Rabbi of Komarno and held this position for 42 years. He headed an important yeshiva and many Hungarian and Slovakian rabbis were his disciples. He exchanged halachic correspondence with the Chatam Sofer and with the Ktav Sofer. He authored the book Divrei Pnei Aryeh (Vienna, 1859). His sons and sons-in-law served in the rabbinate: his son-in-law R. Mordechai Eliezer Weber the rabbi of Ada (disciple of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz); his son-in-law R. Mordechai Reichenfeld, rabbi of Janoshaza; his son-in-law R. Shlomo Lipman Waldeler rabbi of Shalanky (Otzar HaRabbanim 18871); his son R. Mordechai Freidman, a rabbi in Janoshaza (Otzar HaRabbanim 13981), and his son R. Moshe Frieden, rabbi of Colmar and teacher in Hamburg (Otzar HaRabbanim 15036).
3 pages, 34 cm. Fair condition; wear and many tears with slight damage to text. Stamps and wax seals.
Halachic responsum on the subject of the laws concerning a Kohen who wishes to marry an unmarried woman about whom there are rumors of pregnancy. The letter was written to his student, R. Yehoshua Halevi Tauber, rabbi of Nagyteteny. At the beginning of the letter he describes the marriage of his daughter Baila with "My friend and student R. Mordechai, rabbi of Janoshaza" [his son-in-law, R. Mordechai Reichenfeld, son of R. Yehoshua Reichenfeld, dayan (religious judge) in Eisenstadt, was rabbi in Janoshaza from before his marriage, ca. 1851].
R. Pinchas Leib Frieden Rabbi of Komarno (1802-1873) was born in Bonyhád, son of the Dayan R. Moshe of Leipnik. He studied under the tutelage of R. Wolf Boskowitz, author of Seder Mishnah. After his father's death in 1826, he succeeded him as dayan in Bonyhád. In 1831, he was appointed Rabbi of Komarno and held this position for 42 years. He headed an important yeshiva and many Hungarian and Slovakian rabbis were his disciples. He exchanged halachic correspondence with the Chatam Sofer and with the Ktav Sofer. He authored the book Divrei Pnei Aryeh (Vienna, 1859). His sons and sons-in-law served in the rabbinate: his son-in-law R. Mordechai Eliezer Weber the rabbi of Ada (disciple of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz); his son-in-law R. Mordechai Reichenfeld, rabbi of Janoshaza; his son-in-law R. Shlomo Lipman Waldeler rabbi of Shalanky (Otzar HaRabbanim 18871); his son R. Mordechai Freidman, a rabbi in Janoshaza (Otzar HaRabbanim 13981), and his son R. Moshe Frieden, rabbi of Colmar and teacher in Hamburg (Otzar HaRabbanim 15036).
3 pages, 34 cm. Fair condition; wear and many tears with slight damage to text. Stamps and wax seals.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $1,500
Unsold
Letter signed by R. Simcha Bunim Sofer-Schreiber, rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva of Pressburg (Bratislava), author of "Shevet Sofer". Pressburg, 1882.
Letter of blessings and confirmation of receipt of donations from his community for "our Jewish brothers who are in desperate straits (may G-d have mercy on them)". The letter was sent to his student R. Mordechai Ephraim Fishel Sofer, rabbi of Kehal Yerei'im in Miklosz. Handwritten by a scribe, with the following lines added by R. Sofer at the end of the letter: "signed by one who desires his success and fame. The small Simcha Bunim, son of the great R. Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer".
R. Simcha Bunim Sofer-Schreiber (1843-1907), was the son of the "Ktav Sofer", and from 1872 his successor in the Pressburg rabbinate and head of the yeshiva. A prominent rabbi in his times, he stood at the helm of Hungarian Charedi Jewry. Most of the Hungarian rabbis of that generation were his disciples. Among his works are the Shevet Sofer novellae on the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch, Shevet Sofer novellae on the Talmud and Sha'arei Simcha on the Torah.
This letter was written following the assassination of Czar Alexander II of Russia, which led to a series of pogroms. These pogroms (1881-1882) were actively encouraged by the Russian authorities in order to divert the attention of the populace from the corrupt government. They also led to severe restriction of Jewish rights throughout Russia.
Postcard, 14.5X9 cm. Good condition.
Letter of blessings and confirmation of receipt of donations from his community for "our Jewish brothers who are in desperate straits (may G-d have mercy on them)". The letter was sent to his student R. Mordechai Ephraim Fishel Sofer, rabbi of Kehal Yerei'im in Miklosz. Handwritten by a scribe, with the following lines added by R. Sofer at the end of the letter: "signed by one who desires his success and fame. The small Simcha Bunim, son of the great R. Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer".
R. Simcha Bunim Sofer-Schreiber (1843-1907), was the son of the "Ktav Sofer", and from 1872 his successor in the Pressburg rabbinate and head of the yeshiva. A prominent rabbi in his times, he stood at the helm of Hungarian Charedi Jewry. Most of the Hungarian rabbis of that generation were his disciples. Among his works are the Shevet Sofer novellae on the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch, Shevet Sofer novellae on the Talmud and Sha'arei Simcha on the Torah.
This letter was written following the assassination of Czar Alexander II of Russia, which led to a series of pogroms. These pogroms (1881-1882) were actively encouraged by the Russian authorities in order to divert the attention of the populace from the corrupt government. They also led to severe restriction of Jewish rights throughout Russia.
Postcard, 14.5X9 cm. Good condition.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Letter regarding cantorial position in Mako, sent to R. Yisrael Ullman by R. Yaakov Tzvi Katz in the name of Maharam Ash. Ungvar (Uzhorod), 1867. On the letter's margins is a letter of recommendation "as per your request"; five lines handwritten and signed by "R. Menachem ben Meir Ash", rabbi of Ungvar.
Rabbi Menachem Eisenstaedter - Maharam Ash the Second (1808-1870, Otzar HaRabbanim 13208), was the son and successor of Rabbi Meir Ash, rabbi of Uzhorod, one of the senior disciples of the Chatam Sofer and grandson of R. David Deutch, author of Ohel David. R. Menachem Ash was considered one of the greatest rabbis and Roshei Yeshiva in Hungary. Some of his renowned disciples were: R. Eliezer Deutch, rabbi of Bonyhad, author of Tvu'ot Hasadeh; and R. Yosef Meir Weiss, Rebbe of Spinka (Sapanta), author of Imrei Yosef. See his eulogy in the book Hayashar V'hatov by his close associate Rebbe Zvi Hirsh of Liska (Olaszliszka).
The recipient of the letter was R. Yisrael Ulman, son of the rabbi of Mako, R. Shlomo Zalman Ulman, author of Yeriot Shlomo.
21 cm. Good condition. Folding creases and slight staining.
Rabbi Menachem Eisenstaedter - Maharam Ash the Second (1808-1870, Otzar HaRabbanim 13208), was the son and successor of Rabbi Meir Ash, rabbi of Uzhorod, one of the senior disciples of the Chatam Sofer and grandson of R. David Deutch, author of Ohel David. R. Menachem Ash was considered one of the greatest rabbis and Roshei Yeshiva in Hungary. Some of his renowned disciples were: R. Eliezer Deutch, rabbi of Bonyhad, author of Tvu'ot Hasadeh; and R. Yosef Meir Weiss, Rebbe of Spinka (Sapanta), author of Imrei Yosef. See his eulogy in the book Hayashar V'hatov by his close associate Rebbe Zvi Hirsh of Liska (Olaszliszka).
The recipient of the letter was R. Yisrael Ulman, son of the rabbi of Mako, R. Shlomo Zalman Ulman, author of Yeriot Shlomo.
21 cm. Good condition. Folding creases and slight staining.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $850
Unsold
Colored illustrated manuscript leaf, dedication to the volunteer of the Chevra Kaddisha Gomlei Chassadim in Varpalota, signed by the rabbi of the city, R. Binyamin Ze'ev Wolf Chayut. Varpalota (Hungary), Adar 1819.
The leaf is embellished with two pillars adorned with vases and bouquets, in colored ink.
Square script and "Rashi" script. Dedication in honor of "Moshe Avril Ashko". On the margins of the dedication is a handwritten inscription and signature of R. Binyamin Ze'ev Wolf Chayut: "This was written in my presence and I have signed: Ze'ev Wolf Chayut of Varpalota.
R. Binyamin Ze'ev Wolf Chayut (ca. 1768-1847, Ishim B'Teshuvot HeChatam Sofer, p. 91). Disciple of the Chatam Sofer and also studied in Třešť from R. Levi Pollack. Afterward, he was appointed Rabbi of Stupava (Stampfen) and from 1810, he began his 38-year term as Rabbi of Varpalota. Several responsa to him are cited in the Chatam Sofer responsa (see Ishim B'Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, ibid).
Leaf, 24.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears with ink erosion and damage to text.
The leaf is embellished with two pillars adorned with vases and bouquets, in colored ink.
Square script and "Rashi" script. Dedication in honor of "Moshe Avril Ashko". On the margins of the dedication is a handwritten inscription and signature of R. Binyamin Ze'ev Wolf Chayut: "This was written in my presence and I have signed: Ze'ev Wolf Chayut of Varpalota.
R. Binyamin Ze'ev Wolf Chayut (ca. 1768-1847, Ishim B'Teshuvot HeChatam Sofer, p. 91). Disciple of the Chatam Sofer and also studied in Třešť from R. Levi Pollack. Afterward, he was appointed Rabbi of Stupava (Stampfen) and from 1810, he began his 38-year term as Rabbi of Varpalota. Several responsa to him are cited in the Chatam Sofer responsa (see Ishim B'Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, ibid).
Leaf, 24.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears with ink erosion and damage to text.
Category
Letters
Catalogue
Auction 57 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 12, 2017
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $4,750
Including buyer's premium
Long letter, responsum regarding the estate of a Jerusalem rabbi whose family resided in Lithuania. Handwritten by R. Binyamin David of Vilna and signed by R. "Shmuel Salant", R. "Mordechai Meir son of R. Eliyahu" and by R. "Binyamin David of Vilna". Jerusalem, [after 1856].
Sent to the "leading rabbis, especially…the rabbi of Kovno". The recipients were the Kovno rabbis in those times: R. Yisrael of Salant (predecessor of the Musar Movement and childhood friend of R. Shmuel of Salant) and R. Moshe Avigdor (author of Pardess Rimonim, who served as Rabbi of Kovno during 1854-1861). The letter is about fulfilling the testament and distributing the estate of a Jerusalem rabbi who died on Shabbat the 25th of Elul 1855 and the estate of his widow who died on the following 25th of Av. Apparently, the estate mentioned in the letter was that of R. Shmuel of Ariogala (Ragala, Lithuania; passed away in 1855) served as head of the Beit Din in Jerusalem. The manuscripts of his Torah novellae exemplify his astute and profound erudition. Outstanding in his piety and virtuous conduct, he liberally distributed funds to charity and founded a hostel and mikveh [ritual bathhouse] in the courtyard of the Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem. Inscribed in an entry in an old ledger of the Ashkenazi Chevra Kadisha: "The great luminary, the pious Rabbi Shmuel, Rabbi of Ariogala and head of the Jerusalem Beit Din died on the 25th of Elul 1855" [see: Toldot Chachmei Yerushalayim, Vol. 3, Chapter 7, Ot 14; Kedem catalog no. 40, item no. 243]. His grandson, R. Leib Klivansky (1817-1889) was a Kovno dignitary and a well-known lobbyist with access to the upper echelons of the city of Petersburg. A leader of Eretz Israel charity organizations and among the heads of "Chibbat Zion".
2 leaves, 27 cm. Approximately 52 handwritten lines. Bluish thin stationery. Good condition. Minor wear.
Sent to the "leading rabbis, especially…the rabbi of Kovno". The recipients were the Kovno rabbis in those times: R. Yisrael of Salant (predecessor of the Musar Movement and childhood friend of R. Shmuel of Salant) and R. Moshe Avigdor (author of Pardess Rimonim, who served as Rabbi of Kovno during 1854-1861). The letter is about fulfilling the testament and distributing the estate of a Jerusalem rabbi who died on Shabbat the 25th of Elul 1855 and the estate of his widow who died on the following 25th of Av. Apparently, the estate mentioned in the letter was that of R. Shmuel of Ariogala (Ragala, Lithuania; passed away in 1855) served as head of the Beit Din in Jerusalem. The manuscripts of his Torah novellae exemplify his astute and profound erudition. Outstanding in his piety and virtuous conduct, he liberally distributed funds to charity and founded a hostel and mikveh [ritual bathhouse] in the courtyard of the Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem. Inscribed in an entry in an old ledger of the Ashkenazi Chevra Kadisha: "The great luminary, the pious Rabbi Shmuel, Rabbi of Ariogala and head of the Jerusalem Beit Din died on the 25th of Elul 1855" [see: Toldot Chachmei Yerushalayim, Vol. 3, Chapter 7, Ot 14; Kedem catalog no. 40, item no. 243]. His grandson, R. Leib Klivansky (1817-1889) was a Kovno dignitary and a well-known lobbyist with access to the upper echelons of the city of Petersburg. A leader of Eretz Israel charity organizations and among the heads of "Chibbat Zion".
2 leaves, 27 cm. Approximately 52 handwritten lines. Bluish thin stationery. Good condition. Minor wear.
Category
Letters
Catalogue