Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 71 - 80 of 165
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $3,500
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Official document with a notary's authorization, with the details of the passport of R. Elchanan Wasserman and with his photograph. Vilna, December 1940. Lithuanian.
Leaf (2 pages), typewritten, with handwritten additions, signatures and stamps. Evidently, used as a temporary or substitute passport.
Passport details appear on the first page: name, place of birth, color of eyes and more. A notary's authorization appears at the bottom of the page. On the second page is an authorization signed by two "Polish citizens" who confirm that they know R. Elchanan and that he was born in 1875 and at present resides in Semeliškės and that his photograph is attached to the document. This authorization is signed by Salomon Gutvirth and Srul-Icchok Ploncak/Placzak [R. Yisrael Plonchak was a close disciple of R. Elchanan, later Rabbi in Haifa]. On the second part of the page is another official authorization with a notary's signature and stamps of the Vilna District Court.
A passport photograph of R. Elchanan is pasted on the first page, stamped with two official stamps of the Vilna District Court. This is an unknown photograph of R. Elchanan and his last known photograph before he was murdered in sanctification of G-d's Name.
Rabbi Elchanan (Elchonon) Wasserman (1875-1941), disciple of R. Shimon Shkop in the Telz Yeshiva and primary disciple of the Chafetz Chaim, served as lecturer and head of the Brisk Yeshiva and held other positions as well. After World War I, he established the Ohel Torah Yeshiva in the city of Baranovich and was one of the foremost Torah giants and head of yeshivot in Lithuania. Served as emissary of the Chafetz Chaim and of R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski in the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah of Agudat Yisrael. R. Elchanan wrote many articles of Torah philosophy which later formed his book Ikvete D'Meshicha in which he expressed the Torah outlook of his teacher, the Chafetz Chaim, on Zionist nationalism and on the spiritual state of the Jewish people. His Torah teachings and discourses were published in the books Kovetz Shi'urim, Kovetz He'arot, Kovetz Inyanim, Kovetz Igrot HaGra", etc. His study approach and books are still used today as basic methods of deep yeshiva study throughout the Torah world. With the outbreak of WWII, he escaped with his yeshiva from Baranovich to Vilna which became a refuge for thousands of yeshiva students and rabbinic families during the short period of its role as the capital city of independent Lithuania. Several weeks later (at the beginning of 1940), he relocated with his yeshiva to Trakai, adjacent to Vilna and following the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, he moved his yeshiva to Semeliškės. A short while before the German invasion of Lithuania, he moved to Kaunas. In the Kaunas Ghetto, he learned Torah with incredible devotion and delivered discourses to his disciples on the laws of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of G-d's Name) and taught his sons the version of the blessing to recite before sacrificing their lives in sanctification of G-d's Name. On the 11th of Tamuz 1941, he and his disciples and other rabbis were led to the Seventh Fort of Kaunas Fortress and were murdered in sanctification of G-d's Name. During the last months of his life, at the time he was in Trakai and in Semeliškės, R. Elchanan attempted to find a way to escape [see enclosed material], but although he had affidavits to immigrate to Eretz Israel, the Russians prevented him from departing Lithuania because he was a Latvian citizen and at that time Latvia has already been annexed to the USSR. Apparently, this document which was issued during his stay in Semeliškės was part of R. Elchanan's last-minute efforts to leave Lithuania.
Folded leaf (two pages). 29 cm. Fair-good condition. Folding marks and tears. File holes.
Leaf (2 pages), typewritten, with handwritten additions, signatures and stamps. Evidently, used as a temporary or substitute passport.
Passport details appear on the first page: name, place of birth, color of eyes and more. A notary's authorization appears at the bottom of the page. On the second page is an authorization signed by two "Polish citizens" who confirm that they know R. Elchanan and that he was born in 1875 and at present resides in Semeliškės and that his photograph is attached to the document. This authorization is signed by Salomon Gutvirth and Srul-Icchok Ploncak/Placzak [R. Yisrael Plonchak was a close disciple of R. Elchanan, later Rabbi in Haifa]. On the second part of the page is another official authorization with a notary's signature and stamps of the Vilna District Court.
A passport photograph of R. Elchanan is pasted on the first page, stamped with two official stamps of the Vilna District Court. This is an unknown photograph of R. Elchanan and his last known photograph before he was murdered in sanctification of G-d's Name.
Rabbi Elchanan (Elchonon) Wasserman (1875-1941), disciple of R. Shimon Shkop in the Telz Yeshiva and primary disciple of the Chafetz Chaim, served as lecturer and head of the Brisk Yeshiva and held other positions as well. After World War I, he established the Ohel Torah Yeshiva in the city of Baranovich and was one of the foremost Torah giants and head of yeshivot in Lithuania. Served as emissary of the Chafetz Chaim and of R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski in the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah of Agudat Yisrael. R. Elchanan wrote many articles of Torah philosophy which later formed his book Ikvete D'Meshicha in which he expressed the Torah outlook of his teacher, the Chafetz Chaim, on Zionist nationalism and on the spiritual state of the Jewish people. His Torah teachings and discourses were published in the books Kovetz Shi'urim, Kovetz He'arot, Kovetz Inyanim, Kovetz Igrot HaGra", etc. His study approach and books are still used today as basic methods of deep yeshiva study throughout the Torah world. With the outbreak of WWII, he escaped with his yeshiva from Baranovich to Vilna which became a refuge for thousands of yeshiva students and rabbinic families during the short period of its role as the capital city of independent Lithuania. Several weeks later (at the beginning of 1940), he relocated with his yeshiva to Trakai, adjacent to Vilna and following the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, he moved his yeshiva to Semeliškės. A short while before the German invasion of Lithuania, he moved to Kaunas. In the Kaunas Ghetto, he learned Torah with incredible devotion and delivered discourses to his disciples on the laws of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of G-d's Name) and taught his sons the version of the blessing to recite before sacrificing their lives in sanctification of G-d's Name. On the 11th of Tamuz 1941, he and his disciples and other rabbis were led to the Seventh Fort of Kaunas Fortress and were murdered in sanctification of G-d's Name. During the last months of his life, at the time he was in Trakai and in Semeliškės, R. Elchanan attempted to find a way to escape [see enclosed material], but although he had affidavits to immigrate to Eretz Israel, the Russians prevented him from departing Lithuania because he was a Latvian citizen and at that time Latvia has already been annexed to the USSR. Apparently, this document which was issued during his stay in Semeliškės was part of R. Elchanan's last-minute efforts to leave Lithuania.
Folded leaf (two pages). 29 cm. Fair-good condition. Folding marks and tears. File holes.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
Autograph letter signed by R. Ya'akov Yisrael Kanievsky. Bnei Brak, 1949.
Sent to the Darmstadt Gaon, R. Yonah Merzbach, who extensively studied the topic of measures (shi'urin) and corresponded with the Steipler on this matter. The Steipler began his letter to R. Merzbach encouraging him to arrange his conclusions on this subject for print: "…Your words are enlightening and joyful, dear and straightforward… It is very worthwhile for you to take the time to arrange the teachings and print them, because very few people deal in this matter which is so essential in fulfilling many mitzvoth". Further in the letter, he sharply criticizes the books of R. Chaim Na'eh on this polemic: "If the book by R. Chaim Na'eh would have been published two generations ago, Torah leaders would have clamored in fierce opposition against the audaciousness of a sage to fix a new Shulchan Aruch contrary to the opinion of Torah leaders… But in our generation… each does what he wishes, and very few know anything about this topic and many think that his words are halachic rulings…".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21 lines. Good condition. Few stains and creases.
This letter was partially printed in the book Karyana D'Igarta (censored), Part 1, letter no. 156, and in its new edition, Part 2, letter no. 394). The entire letter was printed In the book Ale Yonah (Jerusalem-Bnei Brak edition, 1989, p. 133).
Sent to the Darmstadt Gaon, R. Yonah Merzbach, who extensively studied the topic of measures (shi'urin) and corresponded with the Steipler on this matter. The Steipler began his letter to R. Merzbach encouraging him to arrange his conclusions on this subject for print: "…Your words are enlightening and joyful, dear and straightforward… It is very worthwhile for you to take the time to arrange the teachings and print them, because very few people deal in this matter which is so essential in fulfilling many mitzvoth". Further in the letter, he sharply criticizes the books of R. Chaim Na'eh on this polemic: "If the book by R. Chaim Na'eh would have been published two generations ago, Torah leaders would have clamored in fierce opposition against the audaciousness of a sage to fix a new Shulchan Aruch contrary to the opinion of Torah leaders… But in our generation… each does what he wishes, and very few know anything about this topic and many think that his words are halachic rulings…".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21 lines. Good condition. Few stains and creases.
This letter was partially printed in the book Karyana D'Igarta (censored), Part 1, letter no. 156, and in its new edition, Part 2, letter no. 394). The entire letter was printed In the book Ale Yonah (Jerusalem-Bnei Brak edition, 1989, p. 133).
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $9,375
Including buyer's premium
Notebook of Torah novellae on Tractate Kiddushin and on Tractate Bava Kama, handwritten by R. Shmuel Rozovsky at the time he was a student of R. Shimon Shkop at the Sha'ar HaTorah Yeshiva. Grodno, summer 1930-1931.
The title page appears on the verso of the front cover: "Novellae of Tractate Kiddushin, summer 1930. Shmuel Rozovsky, student at the Sha'ar HaTorah Yeshiva in Grodno". The notebook also contains novellae on Tractate Bava Kama and novellae attributed to R. Chaim of Brisk. Autographic writing, with additions, erasures and revisions. At the end of the notebook are various stamps of his father, R. "Michel David son of R. Yosef Rozovsky - Rabbi of Grodno", "Rabin D. Rozowski Grodno".
R. Shmuel Rozovsky (1913-1979), son of R. Michel David Rabbi of Grodno. Son-in-law of R. Zvi Pesach Frank Rabbi of Jerusalem. He was a student of R. Shimon Shkop in the Grodno Yeshivah and also studied at the Mir Yeshivah in Poland and at the Lomza Yeshivah in Petach Tikva. Before his marriage, he was already appointed as the first Rosh Metivta in Ponovezh Yeshiva after its establishment in Bnei Brak and his classes drew many students to its door. He transmitted the Torah he learned in Lithuanian yeshivas to the new generation in Eretz Israel. His great impact affects the entire Torah world until today and his teachings constitute the basis of many Torah lectures of heads of yeshivas in our generation. After his death, his writings and the writings of his students were published in the books Shi'urei Rabbi Shmuel and Zichron Shmuel. The novellae in this manuscript are his first novellae from the time he was about 17-18 years of age and already renowned in yeshiva circles for his scholarly erudite lucid Torah study.
Notebook containing approximately 36 written pages, 19.5 cm. Clear flowing writing. Good condition. Original black Bristol wrappers.
The title page appears on the verso of the front cover: "Novellae of Tractate Kiddushin, summer 1930. Shmuel Rozovsky, student at the Sha'ar HaTorah Yeshiva in Grodno". The notebook also contains novellae on Tractate Bava Kama and novellae attributed to R. Chaim of Brisk. Autographic writing, with additions, erasures and revisions. At the end of the notebook are various stamps of his father, R. "Michel David son of R. Yosef Rozovsky - Rabbi of Grodno", "Rabin D. Rozowski Grodno".
R. Shmuel Rozovsky (1913-1979), son of R. Michel David Rabbi of Grodno. Son-in-law of R. Zvi Pesach Frank Rabbi of Jerusalem. He was a student of R. Shimon Shkop in the Grodno Yeshivah and also studied at the Mir Yeshivah in Poland and at the Lomza Yeshivah in Petach Tikva. Before his marriage, he was already appointed as the first Rosh Metivta in Ponovezh Yeshiva after its establishment in Bnei Brak and his classes drew many students to its door. He transmitted the Torah he learned in Lithuanian yeshivas to the new generation in Eretz Israel. His great impact affects the entire Torah world until today and his teachings constitute the basis of many Torah lectures of heads of yeshivas in our generation. After his death, his writings and the writings of his students were published in the books Shi'urei Rabbi Shmuel and Zichron Shmuel. The novellae in this manuscript are his first novellae from the time he was about 17-18 years of age and already renowned in yeshiva circles for his scholarly erudite lucid Torah study.
Notebook containing approximately 36 written pages, 19.5 cm. Clear flowing writing. Good condition. Original black Bristol wrappers.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Ohel David, Talmudic novellae by David Deutsch, Rabbi of Nowe Miasto (Ir Chadash). Vienna, 1822. First edition.
The book contains dozens of corrections and glosses (several lengthy), handwritten by the author [several glosses are trimmed].
R. David Deutsch, rabbi of Nowe Miasto (Ir Chadash, 1757-1831, Ishim B'Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, p. 113), was the author of Ohel David. He was a 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 in an approbation to 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".
R. Deutch attempted to publish all his Torah novellae, and would often annotate his published works by hand. For this reason, the annotations and glosses vary between editions. In the introduction to Sefer Ohel David (Bnei Brak, 2010, edited by R. Shmuel Shabtai Weiss), the editor states that R. Deutch would distribute copies with different glosses to various individuals depending on their level of erudition. "I heard from R. Yosef Naftali Stern that R. Deutch would discuss Torah thoughts with various scholars, and would then give them a carefully proofread copy of his book, or one with many annotations…".
The title page and following page contain the signatures of R. Shmuel Heller (1786-1884), rabbi of Safed. An additional signature on the title page reads, "The small Yitzchak Isaac Deutch, son of the rabbi of Kretshnif". Stamps of "Yitzchak Issac Deutch, Tiberias". Ownership inscriptions on the flyleaf: "This volume of Ohel David belongs to R. Yitzchak Isaac Deutch, son of the rabbi of Kretshnif" ["The rabbi of Kretshnif" refers to R. David Natan of Kretshnif, Rumania, author of Nefesh David, and grandfather of R. Avraham Yitzchak Kahn, founder of the Toldot Aharon chassidut. He may have been a descendant of R. David Deutch, author of this volume. The brother of R. Yitzchak Isaac Deutch listed here was married to the granddaughter of R. Shmuel Heller].
[3], 25 leaves. 23.5 cm. Condition varies; most leaves are in good condition. Stains. Worming to the title page and other pages. Original binding; damaged, with parts of the spine missing.
The book contains dozens of corrections and glosses (several lengthy), handwritten by the author [several glosses are trimmed].
R. David Deutsch, rabbi of Nowe Miasto (Ir Chadash, 1757-1831, Ishim B'Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, p. 113), was the author of Ohel David. He was a 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 in an approbation to 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".
R. Deutch attempted to publish all his Torah novellae, and would often annotate his published works by hand. For this reason, the annotations and glosses vary between editions. In the introduction to Sefer Ohel David (Bnei Brak, 2010, edited by R. Shmuel Shabtai Weiss), the editor states that R. Deutch would distribute copies with different glosses to various individuals depending on their level of erudition. "I heard from R. Yosef Naftali Stern that R. Deutch would discuss Torah thoughts with various scholars, and would then give them a carefully proofread copy of his book, or one with many annotations…".
The title page and following page contain the signatures of R. Shmuel Heller (1786-1884), rabbi of Safed. An additional signature on the title page reads, "The small Yitzchak Isaac Deutch, son of the rabbi of Kretshnif". Stamps of "Yitzchak Issac Deutch, Tiberias". Ownership inscriptions on the flyleaf: "This volume of Ohel David belongs to R. Yitzchak Isaac Deutch, son of the rabbi of Kretshnif" ["The rabbi of Kretshnif" refers to R. David Natan of Kretshnif, Rumania, author of Nefesh David, and grandfather of R. Avraham Yitzchak Kahn, founder of the Toldot Aharon chassidut. He may have been a descendant of R. David Deutch, author of this volume. The brother of R. Yitzchak Isaac Deutch listed here was married to the granddaughter of R. Shmuel Heller].
[3], 25 leaves. 23.5 cm. Condition varies; most leaves are in good condition. Stains. Worming to the title page and other pages. Original binding; damaged, with parts of the spine missing.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Heshiv R. Eliezer Ve-Siach HaSadeh responsa, by R. Eliezer son of R. Shlomo Zalman Lifshitz. Neuwied (Germany), [1748]. Only edition. Title page adorned with wood-cut illustrations.
The title page bears two signatures of R. Avraham Abele Posveller Ra'avad of Vilna: "Avraham Abele son of… R. Avraham Shlomo", "Belongs to me Avraham Abele son of R.A.S.".
Scholarly glosses in the handwriting of R. Avraham Posveller appear on leaves 1 and 2. In one gloss, he challenges the words of the author.
R. Avraham Abele Posveller (1762-1836), spiritual Lithuanian giant, foremost Rabbi of the city of Vilna and among the greatest Torah scholars of his times - the generation of the disciples of the Vilna Gaon. Son of R. Avraham Shlomo, Rabbi of Pasvalys, Lithuania (called R. Abele Posveller after his native city). His outstanding greatness was famous from childhood and reputedly, in his youth, he visited the Vilna Gaon who said: "Such a young man is difficult to find today". Four years after the death of the Gra, he was appointed Rabbi of Vilna and was in practice, the Rabbi of the city (after the death of R. Shmuel, the last Av Beit Din of Vilna, a decision was passed that no rabbi would be officially appointed for Vilna. From that time, the rabbis of the city were called Ra'avad). R. Abele was the top Torah authority of Vilna and its region in the days it was the focus of many illustrious Torah scholars such as the author of Chayei Adam, R. Yechezkel Feivel - the Vilna Magid, etc. R. Abele was exceptionally venerated by the sages of his times and was known by the title of Gedol HaDor (leader of the generation). R. Yisrael of Shklow (at the beginning of the approbation which R. Abele gave to his book Pe'at HaShulchan) writes of him: "Great Torah genius… most venerated rabbi of his times…". In a letter, the author of Chiddushei Harim of Ger refers to him as: "My teacher Avraham Abele, the first rabbi to write an approbation for the printing of the Vilna Talmud, famed as the greatest rabbi of his generation ('Gedol HaDor')…". "Gedol HaDor" was used to describe him by many great people (see the article by R. David Zaritsky). R. Avraham Abele founded the famous Ramailis Yeshiva in Vilna and was also one of the founders of the Volozhin Yeshiva together with R. Chaim of Volozhin. R. Abele had a central role in the arbitration of the renowned dispute regarding the printing of the Talmud by the Slavita brothers. He wrote thousands of halachic responsa, as well as compositions on tractates of the Talmud, notations on books and homilies. R. Yehuda Yisrael Kanievsky (the Steipler) wrote (in his approbation to the Be'er Avraham responsa): "It is well-known that this extraordinary Torah scholar wrote most of his teachings in a manuscript composed of thousands of responsa and bountiful wonderful precious novellae". However, due to his many activities, he was not able to prepare them for printing and after his death, he left behind three sacks filled with Torah novellae and responsa. Sadly, eventually most of his writings vanished (the Chafetz Chaim, the Chazon Ish and the Steipler were accustomed to using this loss of the teachings and writings of this leading Lithuanian sage as an example of the need to print novellae. See Michtevei HeChafetz Chaim, p. 9; Avi HaYeshivot p. 511; Tiferet Refael pp. 16-17). Some of his novellae which were in the custody of a rabbi in Ponovezh were burned in the great fire which broke out in the city. His remaining novellae were printed in the book "Be'er Avraham responsa" published by Machon Yerushalayim (Jerusalem, 1980 and 2003). Several other responsa were printed in the book of commemoration Tiferet Refael (Beit Shemesh, 2005).
The author David Zaritsky wrote a comprehensive article about the life of R. Abele Posveller. This was his last work before his death and was printed in the Moriah anthology (year 8, Issues 6-7, Kislev 1978) and was later reprinted as an introduction to the Be'er Avraham responsa.
[4], 32 leaves. 31.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears and worming to several leaves. New binding.
One of the few Hebrew books printed in Neuwied (Germany).
The title page bears two signatures of R. Avraham Abele Posveller Ra'avad of Vilna: "Avraham Abele son of… R. Avraham Shlomo", "Belongs to me Avraham Abele son of R.A.S.".
Scholarly glosses in the handwriting of R. Avraham Posveller appear on leaves 1 and 2. In one gloss, he challenges the words of the author.
R. Avraham Abele Posveller (1762-1836), spiritual Lithuanian giant, foremost Rabbi of the city of Vilna and among the greatest Torah scholars of his times - the generation of the disciples of the Vilna Gaon. Son of R. Avraham Shlomo, Rabbi of Pasvalys, Lithuania (called R. Abele Posveller after his native city). His outstanding greatness was famous from childhood and reputedly, in his youth, he visited the Vilna Gaon who said: "Such a young man is difficult to find today". Four years after the death of the Gra, he was appointed Rabbi of Vilna and was in practice, the Rabbi of the city (after the death of R. Shmuel, the last Av Beit Din of Vilna, a decision was passed that no rabbi would be officially appointed for Vilna. From that time, the rabbis of the city were called Ra'avad). R. Abele was the top Torah authority of Vilna and its region in the days it was the focus of many illustrious Torah scholars such as the author of Chayei Adam, R. Yechezkel Feivel - the Vilna Magid, etc. R. Abele was exceptionally venerated by the sages of his times and was known by the title of Gedol HaDor (leader of the generation). R. Yisrael of Shklow (at the beginning of the approbation which R. Abele gave to his book Pe'at HaShulchan) writes of him: "Great Torah genius… most venerated rabbi of his times…". In a letter, the author of Chiddushei Harim of Ger refers to him as: "My teacher Avraham Abele, the first rabbi to write an approbation for the printing of the Vilna Talmud, famed as the greatest rabbi of his generation ('Gedol HaDor')…". "Gedol HaDor" was used to describe him by many great people (see the article by R. David Zaritsky). R. Avraham Abele founded the famous Ramailis Yeshiva in Vilna and was also one of the founders of the Volozhin Yeshiva together with R. Chaim of Volozhin. R. Abele had a central role in the arbitration of the renowned dispute regarding the printing of the Talmud by the Slavita brothers. He wrote thousands of halachic responsa, as well as compositions on tractates of the Talmud, notations on books and homilies. R. Yehuda Yisrael Kanievsky (the Steipler) wrote (in his approbation to the Be'er Avraham responsa): "It is well-known that this extraordinary Torah scholar wrote most of his teachings in a manuscript composed of thousands of responsa and bountiful wonderful precious novellae". However, due to his many activities, he was not able to prepare them for printing and after his death, he left behind three sacks filled with Torah novellae and responsa. Sadly, eventually most of his writings vanished (the Chafetz Chaim, the Chazon Ish and the Steipler were accustomed to using this loss of the teachings and writings of this leading Lithuanian sage as an example of the need to print novellae. See Michtevei HeChafetz Chaim, p. 9; Avi HaYeshivot p. 511; Tiferet Refael pp. 16-17). Some of his novellae which were in the custody of a rabbi in Ponovezh were burned in the great fire which broke out in the city. His remaining novellae were printed in the book "Be'er Avraham responsa" published by Machon Yerushalayim (Jerusalem, 1980 and 2003). Several other responsa were printed in the book of commemoration Tiferet Refael (Beit Shemesh, 2005).
The author David Zaritsky wrote a comprehensive article about the life of R. Abele Posveller. This was his last work before his death and was printed in the Moriah anthology (year 8, Issues 6-7, Kislev 1978) and was later reprinted as an introduction to the Be'er Avraham responsa.
[4], 32 leaves. 31.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears and worming to several leaves. New binding.
One of the few Hebrew books printed in Neuwied (Germany).
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $8,000
Unsold
Merkevet HaMishneh, Part 2 - Nashim and Kedusha of Mishneh Torah L'Rambam, by R. Shlomo of Chelm. [Salonika, 1782].
Incomplete copy, sections of Part 2 of Merkevet HaMishneh, only Seder Nashim and Kedusha, without Mada, Ahava and Zemanim which were printed with them.
Copy of the Ktav Sofer bearing his signature. (Original) blank leaf at the beginning of the book with a handwritten "title page": "Merkevet Mishneh on Part 4 of the Rambam". The signature of the Ktav Sofer appears on this leaf (initials of his name and of the name of his father).
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, and 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 would descend to this 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 first, he concealed his outstanding diligence and his vast Torah knowledge from his father, but as time passed, his father discerned his Torah stature and designated him as his successor in delivering discourses in the yeshiva and in writing 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 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 Hungarian Orthodox communities to form their own enclaves. His halachic authority was widely accepted 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, with a student enrollment of 300-400 students, most alumni of other Hungarian yeshivot. A substantial percentage of the rabbis serving in Hungary and central-Europe were alumni of the Pressburg Yeshiva.
Incomplete, 100 leaves (originally: [1], 53; 100 leaves). 29 cm. Condition varies among the leaves, most in good condition. Stains. Light worming. Dampstains and repaired tears to margins of last leaves, slightly affecting text. New elaborate leather binding.
Incomplete copy, sections of Part 2 of Merkevet HaMishneh, only Seder Nashim and Kedusha, without Mada, Ahava and Zemanim which were printed with them.
Copy of the Ktav Sofer bearing his signature. (Original) blank leaf at the beginning of the book with a handwritten "title page": "Merkevet Mishneh on Part 4 of the Rambam". The signature of the Ktav Sofer appears on this leaf (initials of his name and of the name of his father).
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, and 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 would descend to this 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 first, he concealed his outstanding diligence and his vast Torah knowledge from his father, but as time passed, his father discerned his Torah stature and designated him as his successor in delivering discourses in the yeshiva and in writing 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 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 Hungarian Orthodox communities to form their own enclaves. His halachic authority was widely accepted 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, with a student enrollment of 300-400 students, most alumni of other Hungarian yeshivot. A substantial percentage of the rabbis serving in Hungary and central-Europe were alumni of the Pressburg Yeshiva.
Incomplete, 100 leaves (originally: [1], 53; 100 leaves). 29 cm. Condition varies among the leaves, most in good condition. Stains. Light worming. Dampstains and repaired tears to margins of last leaves, slightly affecting text. New elaborate leather binding.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Toldot Aharon, sources of verses of the Bible cited in the Talmud, Zohar, Akedah and Ikarim, by R. Aharon of Pesaro; with Toldot Ya'akov, sources of verses cited in the Talmud Yerushalmi, by R. Ya'akov Sasportas. Amsterdam, [1652].
Separate title page for Toldot Ya'akov.
Ownership inscription on blank leaf before the Book of Yehoshua: "Belongs to R. Natan Adler C.T. (Cohen Tzedek)". This inscription is in the handwriting of R. Natan Adler of Frankfurt am Main, Rabbi of the Chatam Sofer, in the form of a self-dedication. Enclosed is an expert's report identifying the handwriting of R. Natan Adler.
R. Nathan HaCohen Adler (1741-1800) was born in Frankfurt am Main, son of R. Ya'akov Shimon Adler. An outstanding Torah scholar and erudite in kabbalistic wisdom, he headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt and was the primary teacher of Rabbi Moshe Sofer, author of the Chatam Sofer. The latter mentions his teacher frequently in his books on Halacha and on kabbalah calling him "My close teacher, the famed pious Torah genius the great 'eagle'" ["eagle" is a poetic phrase alluding to the translation of the name Adler], "My teacher, the pious Cohen", etc. Rabbi Adler was pursued by his fellow Frankfurt populace causing him considerable distress. They even proscribed participating in the minyan he held in his Beit Midrash which adhered to his special Kabbalistic customs. For a while, he served as Rabbi of Boskovice but later returned to his home and his Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
[157; 32] leaves. Lacking leaf [82]. Most of the first title page is torn off and lacking. 16.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear. Old binding, partially detached.
Separate title page for Toldot Ya'akov.
Ownership inscription on blank leaf before the Book of Yehoshua: "Belongs to R. Natan Adler C.T. (Cohen Tzedek)". This inscription is in the handwriting of R. Natan Adler of Frankfurt am Main, Rabbi of the Chatam Sofer, in the form of a self-dedication. Enclosed is an expert's report identifying the handwriting of R. Natan Adler.
R. Nathan HaCohen Adler (1741-1800) was born in Frankfurt am Main, son of R. Ya'akov Shimon Adler. An outstanding Torah scholar and erudite in kabbalistic wisdom, he headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt and was the primary teacher of Rabbi Moshe Sofer, author of the Chatam Sofer. The latter mentions his teacher frequently in his books on Halacha and on kabbalah calling him "My close teacher, the famed pious Torah genius the great 'eagle'" ["eagle" is a poetic phrase alluding to the translation of the name Adler], "My teacher, the pious Cohen", etc. Rabbi Adler was pursued by his fellow Frankfurt populace causing him considerable distress. They even proscribed participating in the minyan he held in his Beit Midrash which adhered to his special Kabbalistic customs. For a while, he served as Rabbi of Boskovice but later returned to his home and his Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
[157; 32] leaves. Lacking leaf [82]. Most of the first title page is torn off and lacking. 16.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear. Old binding, partially detached.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Knesset HaGedolah, on Tur Yoreh De'ah, Part 1 (Simanim 1-68), by R. Chaim Benveniste. Constantinople, 1716. First edition.
Copy of R. Uziel Meisels, disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov and leading disciple of the Magid of Mezritch. On the back endpapers are various inscriptions in an ancient handwriting, including an inscription in flowery language that the book belongs to R. Uziel [Meisels] Rabbi of the Ryczywół community. "This book belongs to the famous venerable luminary… R Uziel… Rabbi of the Ryczywół community".
R. Uziel Meisels (1744-1785), rabbi and head of yeshiva in Ostrovtse (Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski), Ryczywół and Neustadt. In his youth, he knew the Ba'al Shem Tov and he cites teachings which he heard from the Ba'al Shem Tov in his books. Together with most of the disciples of the Ba'al Shem Tov, he followed his holy disciple R. Dov Ber, the great Magid of Mezritch, and often mentions him in his books: "I have learned this from my teacher R. Dov Ber". He also mentions R. Nachman of Kosava, disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov and cites teachings of his companions, disciples of the Magid: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk (Leżajsk), R. Zusha of Hanipol, R. Pinchas of Frankfurt, author of the Hafla'ah, R. Chaim Chaika of Indura, R. Menachem Mendel of Peremyshlyany and R. Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz of Ryczywół.
Among his books: Tiferet Uziel on the Torah, Tiferet Zvi on Tractate Beitzah, Kerem Shlomo on Yoreh De'ah, Etz HaDa'at Tov on Tractate Ketubot and Menorah HaTehorah on the laws of Shabbat. In his introduction to Tiferet Zvi (Zhovkva 1803), his brother and disciple R. Yitzchak Meisels writes of the close bond his brother R. Uziel maintained with the holy brothers R. Pinchas Horowitz and R. Shmelke Horowitz of Nikolsburg and of his friendship with the brothers R. Meshulam Zusman (R. Zusha) and his brother R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, "Leading Torah scholars, outstandingly pious and holy, at one time they all were disciples of the Rabbi of the entire Diaspora… R. Dov Berish of Mezritch, called Rav Ber Ravoner". He relates that his brother's companions attested that R. Uziel "never tasted the flavor of transgression" and called him "G-d's servant".
More signatures and inscriptions: page 4a bears the signature of "Gershon Pullitz" (ca. 1701-1771), Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Moravia, maternal grandson of R. Gershon Ashkenazi, author of Avodat HaGershuni. R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg succeeded him in the Nikolsburg rabbinate in 1773. On the inner side of the front cover are novellae, apparently in the handwriting of R. Avraham Plotkin, Rabbi of Svalyava in the Minsk region and inscriptions of his son R. Gershon Plotkin who writes of his father's death on the 22nd of Adar Bet 1927.
[1], 4-246 leaves. Approximately 30 cm. Good condition. Stains and slight wear. Minor damages to title page. Elaborate ancient binding, wood covered with thin, light-colored leather, with embossed ornamentation and clasp remnants. The binding is slightly damaged and rubbed.
Copy of R. Uziel Meisels, disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov and leading disciple of the Magid of Mezritch. On the back endpapers are various inscriptions in an ancient handwriting, including an inscription in flowery language that the book belongs to R. Uziel [Meisels] Rabbi of the Ryczywół community. "This book belongs to the famous venerable luminary… R Uziel… Rabbi of the Ryczywół community".
R. Uziel Meisels (1744-1785), rabbi and head of yeshiva in Ostrovtse (Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski), Ryczywół and Neustadt. In his youth, he knew the Ba'al Shem Tov and he cites teachings which he heard from the Ba'al Shem Tov in his books. Together with most of the disciples of the Ba'al Shem Tov, he followed his holy disciple R. Dov Ber, the great Magid of Mezritch, and often mentions him in his books: "I have learned this from my teacher R. Dov Ber". He also mentions R. Nachman of Kosava, disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov and cites teachings of his companions, disciples of the Magid: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk (Leżajsk), R. Zusha of Hanipol, R. Pinchas of Frankfurt, author of the Hafla'ah, R. Chaim Chaika of Indura, R. Menachem Mendel of Peremyshlyany and R. Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz of Ryczywół.
Among his books: Tiferet Uziel on the Torah, Tiferet Zvi on Tractate Beitzah, Kerem Shlomo on Yoreh De'ah, Etz HaDa'at Tov on Tractate Ketubot and Menorah HaTehorah on the laws of Shabbat. In his introduction to Tiferet Zvi (Zhovkva 1803), his brother and disciple R. Yitzchak Meisels writes of the close bond his brother R. Uziel maintained with the holy brothers R. Pinchas Horowitz and R. Shmelke Horowitz of Nikolsburg and of his friendship with the brothers R. Meshulam Zusman (R. Zusha) and his brother R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, "Leading Torah scholars, outstandingly pious and holy, at one time they all were disciples of the Rabbi of the entire Diaspora… R. Dov Berish of Mezritch, called Rav Ber Ravoner". He relates that his brother's companions attested that R. Uziel "never tasted the flavor of transgression" and called him "G-d's servant".
More signatures and inscriptions: page 4a bears the signature of "Gershon Pullitz" (ca. 1701-1771), Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Moravia, maternal grandson of R. Gershon Ashkenazi, author of Avodat HaGershuni. R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg succeeded him in the Nikolsburg rabbinate in 1773. On the inner side of the front cover are novellae, apparently in the handwriting of R. Avraham Plotkin, Rabbi of Svalyava in the Minsk region and inscriptions of his son R. Gershon Plotkin who writes of his father's death on the 22nd of Adar Bet 1927.
[1], 4-246 leaves. Approximately 30 cm. Good condition. Stains and slight wear. Minor damages to title page. Elaborate ancient binding, wood covered with thin, light-colored leather, with embossed ornamentation and clasp remnants. The binding is slightly damaged and rubbed.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $10,000
Unsold
Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Yevamot, with Rav Alfas. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira, grandsons of the Slavita Rabbi, 1862. Copy of the Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch-Chabad. The second title page bears the stamp of "Shmuel Schneersohn of Lubavitch". Other leaves carry another stamp of his, in Hebrew and Russian, with a crowned shield in the center, encompassing his initials: S.S. Short handwritten notations on three leaves (leaf 10, page 116a, page 122a), in a handwriting resembling the writing of Chabad Rebbes. R. Shmuel Schneersohn - the Maharash (1834-1882), the fourth Chabad Rebbe, was the youngest of the sons of the Rebbe author of Tzemach Tzedek. His father greatly esteemed and loved him and half a year before his death he wrote to his Chassidim: "Heed him as you heeded me". On one occasion, R. Shmuel was told by his father: "The spiritual flask of oil given by the Ba'al Shem Tov to the Magid of Mezritch to anoint our Rebbe HaZaken to preside for generations, this power was used to anoint my father-in-law - the Middle Rebbe - and with this power I have anointed you". After the death of the Tzemach Tzedek in 1866, R. Shmuel was chosen to succeed him in spite of his being the youngest of his six sons. He led his Chassidim with a high hand, however, he died at a young age after a tenure of less than 20 years. He coined the Chabad saying "Lechatchila ariber" (i.e. climb over all obstacles to tackle difficulties from "above"); and therefore was called the "Ba'al Lechatchila ariber". His son was the Rashab of Lubavitch (1861-1920) - the fifth Chabad Rebbe. [4], 2-152; 22; 5, [1]; 66 leaves. Contains title page on wrapper at the beginning of the volume (printed on blue paper) 38.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming to flyleaves and to wrapper. Tiny holes to inner leaves. Old leather binding, with worming and damages.
Catalogue
Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items
October 31, 2017
Opening: $20,000
Sold for: $30,000
Including buyer's premium
Year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. Part 1 - weekday prayers. "Siddur Rabbi Asher", by Rabbi Asher Margolioth of Brody and Medzhybizh, disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. Lviv: R. Shlomo Yarush Rappaport, 1787.
Important kabbalistic and Chassidic siddur, a faithful source for the kabbalistic teachings of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov and of the kabbalists of their days.
This is the copy of the first Spinka Rebbe, author of Imrei Yosef, and of his son, author of Chakal Yitzchak.
The title page was replaced with a handwritten copy. This leaf bears the signatures of Rebbe "Yosef Meir son of R. Shmuel Zvi of Mukachevo" and of his son "Yitzchak Isaac son of Pere[l]". The endpaper before the title page and the leaf following the title page, bear the stamps of the Rebbe, author of Imrei Yosef: "Yosef Meir Weiss - Rabiner Szaplancza".
On the leaves of the siddur are several handwritten kabbalistic glosses, apparently in the handwriting of the Imrei Yosef of Spinka.
"Siddur Rabbi Asher", an Ashkenazi rite siddur, nusach Sefarad, containing Kavanot HaAri - one of the earliest kabbalist siddurim of Chassidic doctrine and of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. The siddur was edited by Kabbalist R. Asher son of R. Shlomo Zalman Margolioth of Medzhybizh, one of Holy Group of disciples of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, and a leading Torah scholar of the famous Brody Kloiz.
The siddur was printed in Lviv in 1787, in the printing press of Rabbi Shlomo Yarush [who printed the first edition of Noam Elimelech that same year. The workers of that printing press were known for their great holiness, being of the hidden tsaddikim of the generation]. The siddur opens with approbations by Brody Torah scholars and approbations of Rabbi Yissachar Dov of Zolochiv and Rabbi Moshe of Pshevorsk, etc.
The history of this printing began about seven years previously, with the 1781 printing of a siddur with Kavanot HaAri in Zhovkva, encouraged by the Brody Kloiz kabbalists, later known as the "Siddur Chachmei HaKloiz". This was the first siddur with kabalistic kavanot printed in that region, and evolved from the dissemination of kabbalah in the area by the Brody scholars and by the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. From the day this siddur was published, Rabbi Asher toiled in the study of its sources: the Ari's writings, Sefer HaYichudim, Pri Etz Chaim, manuscript of the siddur of the Chassid Kabbalist R. Shabtai of Raşcov, etc. He labored to correct all mistakes and revise the content to perfection. In his introduction, R. Asher writes about the Siddur Chachmei HaKloiz that "the first time can never be perfect". He explains that he permitted himself to revise it because he was a disciple of Kabbalist R. Chaim Sanzer of Brody, studying in particular "this true awesome wisdom", and also his teacher proofread this siddur, "therefore, I was able to edit and revise it".
The owner of this copy, R. Yosef Meir Weiss, author of Imrei Yosef of Spinka (1838-1909), was the first Spinka Rebbe, predecessor of the dynasty of Spinka rebbes. A prominent Torah scholar and Chassid, disciple of the Maharam Ash, Rabbi of Uzhhorod (Ungvár) and others. He was close to the Sar Shalom of Belz, to R. Menachem Mendel of Vizhnitz and to R. Chaim of Sanz, author of Divrei Chaim. However, his primary rebbe was his relative, R. Yitzchak Isaac of Zhydachiv - the Mahari, who considered R. Yosef Meir his most illustrious disciple.
In 1870, his teacher the Mahari of Zhydachiv appointed him rebbe, but he refused to act as rebbe during his teacher's lifetime. Only in 1876, after R. Chaim of Sanz ordained him rebbe, did he begin receiving Chassidim in his hometown Săpânța, in the Maramureş region. His name quickly spread throughout Hungary and Galicia and thousands of Chassidim became his disciples, among them many prominent Torah scholars, such as Rabbi Shalom Mordechai Schwadron the Maharsham of Berezhany, and others.
He was reputed for his amazing proficiency in revealed and hidden Torah. The Spinka Chassidism preserved the Zhydachiv version of prayer and conduct. His fervent prayers inspired the Chassidic multitudes, and are described as prayers with superhuman exertion. Stories are told of the amazing wonders he performed, through his blessings and counsel which were given with Ruach HaKodesh. His son, the Mahari of Spinka, attests that "his blessings worked many wonders and that many childless women bore children as a result of his prayers and his prayers cured the ill… I can almost say that every word which was emitted from his holy mouth was answered…". After his death, his grave is renowned as a site for prayer and deliverance. In 1972, his remains were brought to Eretz Israel and buried in the special plot of Spinka Chassidim in the Segulah cemetery in Petach Tikva.
His only son, Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Weiss (1875-1944, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, pp. 379-380), succeeded his father as Spinka Rebbe. During World War I, he moved to Mukachevo and from there to Selish, which thereafter became the new center of Spinka Chassidism. He and most of his family perished in the Holocaust. His book Chakal Yitzchak miraculously survived and was printed.
Volume 1 (of three volumes). [1] handwritten leaf, [214] leaves (the three volumes are composed of [398] leaves). This copy of Vol. 1 lacks the title page and the following leaf. Part of the title page was replaced with a handwritten copy, with a large open tear. 17.5 cm. Condition of leaves varies. Some are in good condition and some in fair condition. Stains. Wear and coarse tears to bottom margins of many leaves, affecting text. Contemporary leather binding, partially detached and worn.
Important kabbalistic and Chassidic siddur, a faithful source for the kabbalistic teachings of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov and of the kabbalists of their days.
This is the copy of the first Spinka Rebbe, author of Imrei Yosef, and of his son, author of Chakal Yitzchak.
The title page was replaced with a handwritten copy. This leaf bears the signatures of Rebbe "Yosef Meir son of R. Shmuel Zvi of Mukachevo" and of his son "Yitzchak Isaac son of Pere[l]". The endpaper before the title page and the leaf following the title page, bear the stamps of the Rebbe, author of Imrei Yosef: "Yosef Meir Weiss - Rabiner Szaplancza".
On the leaves of the siddur are several handwritten kabbalistic glosses, apparently in the handwriting of the Imrei Yosef of Spinka.
"Siddur Rabbi Asher", an Ashkenazi rite siddur, nusach Sefarad, containing Kavanot HaAri - one of the earliest kabbalist siddurim of Chassidic doctrine and of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. The siddur was edited by Kabbalist R. Asher son of R. Shlomo Zalman Margolioth of Medzhybizh, one of Holy Group of disciples of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, and a leading Torah scholar of the famous Brody Kloiz.
The siddur was printed in Lviv in 1787, in the printing press of Rabbi Shlomo Yarush [who printed the first edition of Noam Elimelech that same year. The workers of that printing press were known for their great holiness, being of the hidden tsaddikim of the generation]. The siddur opens with approbations by Brody Torah scholars and approbations of Rabbi Yissachar Dov of Zolochiv and Rabbi Moshe of Pshevorsk, etc.
The history of this printing began about seven years previously, with the 1781 printing of a siddur with Kavanot HaAri in Zhovkva, encouraged by the Brody Kloiz kabbalists, later known as the "Siddur Chachmei HaKloiz". This was the first siddur with kabalistic kavanot printed in that region, and evolved from the dissemination of kabbalah in the area by the Brody scholars and by the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. From the day this siddur was published, Rabbi Asher toiled in the study of its sources: the Ari's writings, Sefer HaYichudim, Pri Etz Chaim, manuscript of the siddur of the Chassid Kabbalist R. Shabtai of Raşcov, etc. He labored to correct all mistakes and revise the content to perfection. In his introduction, R. Asher writes about the Siddur Chachmei HaKloiz that "the first time can never be perfect". He explains that he permitted himself to revise it because he was a disciple of Kabbalist R. Chaim Sanzer of Brody, studying in particular "this true awesome wisdom", and also his teacher proofread this siddur, "therefore, I was able to edit and revise it".
The owner of this copy, R. Yosef Meir Weiss, author of Imrei Yosef of Spinka (1838-1909), was the first Spinka Rebbe, predecessor of the dynasty of Spinka rebbes. A prominent Torah scholar and Chassid, disciple of the Maharam Ash, Rabbi of Uzhhorod (Ungvár) and others. He was close to the Sar Shalom of Belz, to R. Menachem Mendel of Vizhnitz and to R. Chaim of Sanz, author of Divrei Chaim. However, his primary rebbe was his relative, R. Yitzchak Isaac of Zhydachiv - the Mahari, who considered R. Yosef Meir his most illustrious disciple.
In 1870, his teacher the Mahari of Zhydachiv appointed him rebbe, but he refused to act as rebbe during his teacher's lifetime. Only in 1876, after R. Chaim of Sanz ordained him rebbe, did he begin receiving Chassidim in his hometown Săpânța, in the Maramureş region. His name quickly spread throughout Hungary and Galicia and thousands of Chassidim became his disciples, among them many prominent Torah scholars, such as Rabbi Shalom Mordechai Schwadron the Maharsham of Berezhany, and others.
He was reputed for his amazing proficiency in revealed and hidden Torah. The Spinka Chassidism preserved the Zhydachiv version of prayer and conduct. His fervent prayers inspired the Chassidic multitudes, and are described as prayers with superhuman exertion. Stories are told of the amazing wonders he performed, through his blessings and counsel which were given with Ruach HaKodesh. His son, the Mahari of Spinka, attests that "his blessings worked many wonders and that many childless women bore children as a result of his prayers and his prayers cured the ill… I can almost say that every word which was emitted from his holy mouth was answered…". After his death, his grave is renowned as a site for prayer and deliverance. In 1972, his remains were brought to Eretz Israel and buried in the special plot of Spinka Chassidim in the Segulah cemetery in Petach Tikva.
His only son, Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Weiss (1875-1944, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, pp. 379-380), succeeded his father as Spinka Rebbe. During World War I, he moved to Mukachevo and from there to Selish, which thereafter became the new center of Spinka Chassidism. He and most of his family perished in the Holocaust. His book Chakal Yitzchak miraculously survived and was printed.
Volume 1 (of three volumes). [1] handwritten leaf, [214] leaves (the three volumes are composed of [398] leaves). This copy of Vol. 1 lacks the title page and the following leaf. Part of the title page was replaced with a handwritten copy, with a large open tear. 17.5 cm. Condition of leaves varies. Some are in good condition and some in fair condition. Stains. Wear and coarse tears to bottom margins of many leaves, affecting text. Contemporary leather binding, partially detached and worn.
Catalogue