Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 13 - 24 of 134
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,500
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Sefer HaTakanot V'Haskamot, public regulations and halachic customs established by Jerusalem's rabbis throughout the generations, by R. Chaim Avraham Gagin. Jerusalem: R. Yisrael Bak, 1842.
Two title pages. The first title page is decorated with a woodcut. The second title page appears on leaf [5] after R. Gagin's introduction.
The second Hebrew book printed in Jerusalem, in the printing press established by R. Yisrael Bak of Berdichev and Safed, disciple of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev and R. Yisrael of Ruzhyn.
This book is comprised of two parts: the first contains R. Gagin's introduction and a long responsum (dated 1824) by R. Shlomo Moshe Suzin regarding the ability of a religious court to establish public regulations. The second part includes a compilation of the regulations and customs of Eretz Israel organized according to the four sections of the Shulchan Aruch. At the end of the book are approbations of rabbis and community officials, who give the printing press of R. Yisrael Bak the exclusive rights to printing in Eretz Israel, dated 1841 and 1842. The approbations describe how R. Yisrael established a new printing press in Jerusalem after his press in Safed was destroyed by vandals. [There are some copies without the approbations from 1842. See the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book no. 123175, and S. Halevy, "Hebrew Books Printed in Jerusalem", no. 3].
The bibliographer A. Tauber, in his article "History of the Printing Press in Eretz Israel" (Mechkarim Bibliographim, pp. 10-11; Jerusalem Anthology - Lechakirat Eretz Israel, Jerusalem 1928, pp. 179-192), posits that the main purpose of this book was to strengthen several controversial public regulations (especially regulations regarding estate and ownership titles). R. Gagin and the Sephardic community officials encouraged the establishment of R. Yisrael Bak's printing press in order to print this book, which was intended to be the first book printed in that printing press. R. Gagin, who was persecuted by his opponents, initiated the printing of this book in order to answer their contentions. In order that this should not be obvious, R. Gagin instructed R. Yaakov Kapiluto and R. Avraham Ashkenazi, two Jerusalemite scholars, to research the customs and ordinance of Eretz Israel and organize them according to the four sections of the Shulchan Aruch. They then added the responsa opposing those who questioned the abovementioned ordinances.
This book was evidently printed in stages according to the progress of the abovementioned editors. According to Tauber, the first part of "Sefer HaTakanot" was already printed in 1841 (before the printing of "Avodat HaKodesh", which is recognized as the first Hebrew book printed in Jerusalem). The printing was only concluded after R. Kapiluto and R. Ashkenazi completed compiling and editing the second part of the book.
The first title page contains ownership inscriptions in Eastern handwriting: "Z.S. Chofni" (=This belongs to me, Ch--- P---, may my light shine). Several glosses in Eastern handwriting (especially in the section regarding the laws and customs of religious divorce). P. 67b contains a gloss from a different author, signed "S.Tz".
[16], 13-72, [4] leaves. Mispagination. 14.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Worming damage (some professionally restored with paper). Stains. Old binding.
S. Halevy, no. 3 (in fact this is the second book printed in Jerusalem, as no. 2 in S. Halevy's listing is a broadside, not a book).
Two title pages. The first title page is decorated with a woodcut. The second title page appears on leaf [5] after R. Gagin's introduction.
The second Hebrew book printed in Jerusalem, in the printing press established by R. Yisrael Bak of Berdichev and Safed, disciple of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev and R. Yisrael of Ruzhyn.
This book is comprised of two parts: the first contains R. Gagin's introduction and a long responsum (dated 1824) by R. Shlomo Moshe Suzin regarding the ability of a religious court to establish public regulations. The second part includes a compilation of the regulations and customs of Eretz Israel organized according to the four sections of the Shulchan Aruch. At the end of the book are approbations of rabbis and community officials, who give the printing press of R. Yisrael Bak the exclusive rights to printing in Eretz Israel, dated 1841 and 1842. The approbations describe how R. Yisrael established a new printing press in Jerusalem after his press in Safed was destroyed by vandals. [There are some copies without the approbations from 1842. See the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book no. 123175, and S. Halevy, "Hebrew Books Printed in Jerusalem", no. 3].
The bibliographer A. Tauber, in his article "History of the Printing Press in Eretz Israel" (Mechkarim Bibliographim, pp. 10-11; Jerusalem Anthology - Lechakirat Eretz Israel, Jerusalem 1928, pp. 179-192), posits that the main purpose of this book was to strengthen several controversial public regulations (especially regulations regarding estate and ownership titles). R. Gagin and the Sephardic community officials encouraged the establishment of R. Yisrael Bak's printing press in order to print this book, which was intended to be the first book printed in that printing press. R. Gagin, who was persecuted by his opponents, initiated the printing of this book in order to answer their contentions. In order that this should not be obvious, R. Gagin instructed R. Yaakov Kapiluto and R. Avraham Ashkenazi, two Jerusalemite scholars, to research the customs and ordinance of Eretz Israel and organize them according to the four sections of the Shulchan Aruch. They then added the responsa opposing those who questioned the abovementioned ordinances.
This book was evidently printed in stages according to the progress of the abovementioned editors. According to Tauber, the first part of "Sefer HaTakanot" was already printed in 1841 (before the printing of "Avodat HaKodesh", which is recognized as the first Hebrew book printed in Jerusalem). The printing was only concluded after R. Kapiluto and R. Ashkenazi completed compiling and editing the second part of the book.
The first title page contains ownership inscriptions in Eastern handwriting: "Z.S. Chofni" (=This belongs to me, Ch--- P---, may my light shine). Several glosses in Eastern handwriting (especially in the section regarding the laws and customs of religious divorce). P. 67b contains a gloss from a different author, signed "S.Tz".
[16], 13-72, [4] leaves. Mispagination. 14.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Worming damage (some professionally restored with paper). Stains. Old binding.
S. Halevy, no. 3 (in fact this is the second book printed in Jerusalem, as no. 2 in S. Halevy's listing is a broadside, not a book).
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $15,000
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, ledger of "Chevra Kadisha" [burial society] in Jerusalem. Oriental Sephardic script in Hebrew and Ladino. Jerusalem, 1841-1857.
The volume is replete with thousands of records and details, related to burial in Jerusalem of the mid-19th century. This manuscript is a highly valuable source for the history of Jerusalem's Jews of that time; many of the details recorded here are unknown from other sources. The register contains thousands of names of the deceased, the date and place of burial, and various payment listings. Some of the entries also include the address of the deceased or the location of the start of the funeral procession (using the names of courtyards and hospitals).
The ledger also contains listings of money transfers involving the city's leaders and rabbis; listings of burial plots purchased in advance; payment of burial expenses; purchase of burial shrouds and headstones; and accounts with the various kollelim and organizations in the city who contributed to the burial expenses in cases of need ("Poor fund", "Orphans fund", "Bikur cholim fund" and others).
The ledger was written in order to organize payment among all the involved parties: the graveyard workers, families of the deceased, rabbis and charitable institutions. Also mentioned in the ledger are arrangements with leaders of the Ashkenazic community in Jerusalem and community leaders from Hebron, Safed and Tiberias (residents of other cities used to travel to Jerusalem for medical treatment, and some of them were buried in Jerusalem).
The dates listed in the notebook are the dates of burial, which are usually the dates of death as well, since in Jerusalem every effort is made to bury the deceased on the day of their passing. The listings mention various burial sections ("Kabir" in Judeo-Arabic): "Chassidim" (near the graves of the Rashash and the Or HaChayyim), "Mag'aris", "Burak", "Tomb of Zechariah", "Absalom's Pillar", "Beit HaChayyim Yashan", "Chadash", "Kohanim", "Attias", "Aryeh", "Tiya", "Kanfiko", "Machg'ar", "Polnis", "Mizrachis", "Sambuski" [Sambuski refers to the graveyard on Mount Zion, named for the prominent Sambuski family buried there].
The ledger lists thousands of deceased buried in Jerusalem, including many great Jerusalemite rabbis, such as the Chacham Bashi R. Avraham Gagin and R. Yaakov Antebi of Damascus.
The Ashkenazic deceased are listed (mostly in separate lists) usually only by first name, and occasionally only by the name of the courtyard where they lived. One of the Ashkenazic individuals mentioned often is "R. Yisrael the printer" (R. Yisrael Bak). The ledger also includes the dates of the passing of two of his sons-in-law.
The identity of the writer, as well as his official position within the burial society, is unknown. On p. 110b is a Ladino inscription signed "the young Yehuda Chaim Halevi…". On p. 237b appears a contract (in different handwriting) signed by R. "Mordechai Chaim ben Yosef Meyuchas", confirming the payment of his debt to the author of the ledger. The contract seems to indicate that the author's name was Chaim, possibly R. Chaim Yaakov Parnas, rabbi in Jerusalem and head of the Sephardic Chevra Kadisha in 1854.
The title of the first page of the listings of the deceased reads: "Register of the Deceased of Parnas". The Parnas family of Jerusalem [descendants of R. Chaim Yaakov Parnas] served as trustees of the cemeteries serving Jerusalem for over a century. Other cemetery ledgers of the Parnas family are known, from a later time period (ca. 1900-1940). These ledgers (located today in the Jerusalem city archives), are essential in the identification of graves on the Mount of Olives from that time period. This ledger, however, is from a considerably earlier time period (mid-19th century), and provides much information not found elsewhere. The known ledgers of the Parnas family were written briefly and were used to document the work of the gravediggers and the locations of graves. Unlike them, this ledger contains a great deal of organized, detailed information.
[295] leaves; approx. [410] written pages (in small, cramped handwriting). 13.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains and extensive wear. Original leather binding, with embossed ornamentation, slightly damaged.
The volume is replete with thousands of records and details, related to burial in Jerusalem of the mid-19th century. This manuscript is a highly valuable source for the history of Jerusalem's Jews of that time; many of the details recorded here are unknown from other sources. The register contains thousands of names of the deceased, the date and place of burial, and various payment listings. Some of the entries also include the address of the deceased or the location of the start of the funeral procession (using the names of courtyards and hospitals).
The ledger also contains listings of money transfers involving the city's leaders and rabbis; listings of burial plots purchased in advance; payment of burial expenses; purchase of burial shrouds and headstones; and accounts with the various kollelim and organizations in the city who contributed to the burial expenses in cases of need ("Poor fund", "Orphans fund", "Bikur cholim fund" and others).
The ledger was written in order to organize payment among all the involved parties: the graveyard workers, families of the deceased, rabbis and charitable institutions. Also mentioned in the ledger are arrangements with leaders of the Ashkenazic community in Jerusalem and community leaders from Hebron, Safed and Tiberias (residents of other cities used to travel to Jerusalem for medical treatment, and some of them were buried in Jerusalem).
The dates listed in the notebook are the dates of burial, which are usually the dates of death as well, since in Jerusalem every effort is made to bury the deceased on the day of their passing. The listings mention various burial sections ("Kabir" in Judeo-Arabic): "Chassidim" (near the graves of the Rashash and the Or HaChayyim), "Mag'aris", "Burak", "Tomb of Zechariah", "Absalom's Pillar", "Beit HaChayyim Yashan", "Chadash", "Kohanim", "Attias", "Aryeh", "Tiya", "Kanfiko", "Machg'ar", "Polnis", "Mizrachis", "Sambuski" [Sambuski refers to the graveyard on Mount Zion, named for the prominent Sambuski family buried there].
The ledger lists thousands of deceased buried in Jerusalem, including many great Jerusalemite rabbis, such as the Chacham Bashi R. Avraham Gagin and R. Yaakov Antebi of Damascus.
The Ashkenazic deceased are listed (mostly in separate lists) usually only by first name, and occasionally only by the name of the courtyard where they lived. One of the Ashkenazic individuals mentioned often is "R. Yisrael the printer" (R. Yisrael Bak). The ledger also includes the dates of the passing of two of his sons-in-law.
The identity of the writer, as well as his official position within the burial society, is unknown. On p. 110b is a Ladino inscription signed "the young Yehuda Chaim Halevi…". On p. 237b appears a contract (in different handwriting) signed by R. "Mordechai Chaim ben Yosef Meyuchas", confirming the payment of his debt to the author of the ledger. The contract seems to indicate that the author's name was Chaim, possibly R. Chaim Yaakov Parnas, rabbi in Jerusalem and head of the Sephardic Chevra Kadisha in 1854.
The title of the first page of the listings of the deceased reads: "Register of the Deceased of Parnas". The Parnas family of Jerusalem [descendants of R. Chaim Yaakov Parnas] served as trustees of the cemeteries serving Jerusalem for over a century. Other cemetery ledgers of the Parnas family are known, from a later time period (ca. 1900-1940). These ledgers (located today in the Jerusalem city archives), are essential in the identification of graves on the Mount of Olives from that time period. This ledger, however, is from a considerably earlier time period (mid-19th century), and provides much information not found elsewhere. The known ledgers of the Parnas family were written briefly and were used to document the work of the gravediggers and the locations of graves. Unlike them, this ledger contains a great deal of organized, detailed information.
[295] leaves; approx. [410] written pages (in small, cramped handwriting). 13.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains and extensive wear. Original leather binding, with embossed ornamentation, slightly damaged.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $6,000
Including buyer's premium
Collection of manuscript pages, Halachic responsa handwritten and signed by R. Eliyahu Suleiman Mani, rabbi of Hebron, including many responsa sent to his student R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai. [Hebron, ca. 1876].
The pages are excerpts from R. Mani's personal notebook of responsa (leaves 12-19, 37-42). The notebook is written alternately in the autographic handwriting of R. Mani (with erasures, additions and corrections), and another handwriting, likely that of his son, R. Suleiman Menachem Mani. Apparently, this notebook was used to write the original responsa, and they were then copied and sent to the askers. These pages include many responsa and sections that have never been printed.
Contents of the pages:
· On the first page is a part of a contract, copying in the handwriting of R. Suleiman Menachem Mani, with emendations by his father R. Eliyahu. Page 12a.
· Twenty-five questions sent by R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai, to R. Eliyahu. The questions are written in succession by R. Menachem Mani, followed by answers handwritten by R. Eliyahu. R. Eliyahu's signature appears following the last answer: "The young Eliyahu Suleiman Mani". Three of the responsa (without the questions) have been printed in Birchat Eliyahu by R. Eliyahu Suleiman Mani (Jerusalem, 1961, p. 28); the others, to the best of our knowledge, have never been printed. Pages 12b-15a.
· Question regarding ownership issues in cases of inheritance, with a long responsum by R. Eliyahu Mani; responsum regarding this issue by R. Avraham Ashkenazi, the Rishon Letzion of Jerusalem, copied by R. Menachem Mani; further responsum in this matter by R. Eliyahu Mani (the responsa are written alternately by R. Eliyahu and his son). These responsa have been printed in Responsa Tana D'vei Eliyahu by R. Eliyahu Suleiman Mani (Jerusalem: Chevrat Ahavat Shalom, 1991). Pages 15b-19b.
· Incomplete responsum (lacking at the beginning) regarding the principles of Halachic ownership, signed "the young Yitzchak Abulafia" (R. Yitzchak Abulafia, of Tiberias and Damascus, author of Pnei Yitzchak). The responsum was copied by R. Eliyahu Mani, and to the best of our knowledge has never been printed. Pages 37a-38a.
· Draft of a responsum regarding monetary matters, ending: "These are the words of the young Eliyahu Suleiman Mani". To the best of our knowledge this responsum has never been printed. Pages 39a-b.
· Twenty questions asked by R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai, to R. Eliyahu Mani. The questions are written in succession, handwritten by R. Menachem Mani, followed by R. Eliyahu's answers to these questions in his own handwriting. The title reads: "These questions I received from Babylon (Iraq), from R. Yosef Chaim…". The answers are signed: "These are the words of a poor man Eliyahu Suleiman Mani". These questions and answers, except the last, were printed in Chevrat Ahavat Shalom's "Min HaGenazim" anthology (Vol. VI, 2015, pp. 171-183), using a copy of the responsa prepared by R. Yechezkel Ezra Rachamim (Haya'ar). Here we have the original text in the author's handwriting, including some unprinted additions, as well as the twentieth question which was not printed. Pages 40a-41b.
· Questions from the Ben Ish Chai in the handwriting of R. Eliyahu Mani, numbered 57-82, titled: "On 22 Nissan 1876, I received 82 questions from R. Yosef Chaim, and I wrote answers… these are the remaining questions". To the best of our knowledge, they have never been printed. Pages 42a-b.
R. Eliyahu Suleiman Mani (1818-1899) was among the great Torah scholars of Babylon (Iraq), and the Chief Rabbi of Hebron. He was born in Baghdad, where he became a disciple of R. Abdullah Somech. He studied Kabbalah from a young age, and would fast and mortify himself in honor of G-ds presence. He moved to the Holy Land in 1856 in order to join the kabbalistic Beit El Yeshiva in Jerusalem. In 1858 he moved to Hebron, and was appointed chief rabbi of the city in 1864. He established the Beit Yaakov synagogue in Hebron under the auspices of the kabbalistic Yeshivat Beit El.
R. Eliyahu was the principal teacher of R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, known as the Ben Ish Chai, and instructed him in Torah as well as Kabbalah. Their close connection developed in Baghdad during the Ben Ish Chai's youth, and was maintained through frequent letters after R. Eliyahu moved to Eretz Israel. The Ben Ish Chai frequently forwarded questions to R. Mani, often regarding the customs of the land of Israel in general, and specifically the customs of its kabbalists. In his own works, the Ben Ish Chai often quotes R. Eliyahu's responsa as well as halachot that he taught. Sections of their correspondence and responsa were published by R. Yaakov Moshe Hillel, rosh yeshiva of Chevrat Ahavat Shalom in Jerusalem, in the Mekabtziel anthologies. R. Hillel argues that these responsa are essential for deriving the principles on which the Ben Ish Chai based his own works.
12-19, 37-42 leaves [14 leaves in total]. 27.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and dampstains, large tears, mainly to the margins. Detached leaves, unbound.
The pages are excerpts from R. Mani's personal notebook of responsa (leaves 12-19, 37-42). The notebook is written alternately in the autographic handwriting of R. Mani (with erasures, additions and corrections), and another handwriting, likely that of his son, R. Suleiman Menachem Mani. Apparently, this notebook was used to write the original responsa, and they were then copied and sent to the askers. These pages include many responsa and sections that have never been printed.
Contents of the pages:
· On the first page is a part of a contract, copying in the handwriting of R. Suleiman Menachem Mani, with emendations by his father R. Eliyahu. Page 12a.
· Twenty-five questions sent by R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai, to R. Eliyahu. The questions are written in succession by R. Menachem Mani, followed by answers handwritten by R. Eliyahu. R. Eliyahu's signature appears following the last answer: "The young Eliyahu Suleiman Mani". Three of the responsa (without the questions) have been printed in Birchat Eliyahu by R. Eliyahu Suleiman Mani (Jerusalem, 1961, p. 28); the others, to the best of our knowledge, have never been printed. Pages 12b-15a.
· Question regarding ownership issues in cases of inheritance, with a long responsum by R. Eliyahu Mani; responsum regarding this issue by R. Avraham Ashkenazi, the Rishon Letzion of Jerusalem, copied by R. Menachem Mani; further responsum in this matter by R. Eliyahu Mani (the responsa are written alternately by R. Eliyahu and his son). These responsa have been printed in Responsa Tana D'vei Eliyahu by R. Eliyahu Suleiman Mani (Jerusalem: Chevrat Ahavat Shalom, 1991). Pages 15b-19b.
· Incomplete responsum (lacking at the beginning) regarding the principles of Halachic ownership, signed "the young Yitzchak Abulafia" (R. Yitzchak Abulafia, of Tiberias and Damascus, author of Pnei Yitzchak). The responsum was copied by R. Eliyahu Mani, and to the best of our knowledge has never been printed. Pages 37a-38a.
· Draft of a responsum regarding monetary matters, ending: "These are the words of the young Eliyahu Suleiman Mani". To the best of our knowledge this responsum has never been printed. Pages 39a-b.
· Twenty questions asked by R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai, to R. Eliyahu Mani. The questions are written in succession, handwritten by R. Menachem Mani, followed by R. Eliyahu's answers to these questions in his own handwriting. The title reads: "These questions I received from Babylon (Iraq), from R. Yosef Chaim…". The answers are signed: "These are the words of a poor man Eliyahu Suleiman Mani". These questions and answers, except the last, were printed in Chevrat Ahavat Shalom's "Min HaGenazim" anthology (Vol. VI, 2015, pp. 171-183), using a copy of the responsa prepared by R. Yechezkel Ezra Rachamim (Haya'ar). Here we have the original text in the author's handwriting, including some unprinted additions, as well as the twentieth question which was not printed. Pages 40a-41b.
· Questions from the Ben Ish Chai in the handwriting of R. Eliyahu Mani, numbered 57-82, titled: "On 22 Nissan 1876, I received 82 questions from R. Yosef Chaim, and I wrote answers… these are the remaining questions". To the best of our knowledge, they have never been printed. Pages 42a-b.
R. Eliyahu Suleiman Mani (1818-1899) was among the great Torah scholars of Babylon (Iraq), and the Chief Rabbi of Hebron. He was born in Baghdad, where he became a disciple of R. Abdullah Somech. He studied Kabbalah from a young age, and would fast and mortify himself in honor of G-ds presence. He moved to the Holy Land in 1856 in order to join the kabbalistic Beit El Yeshiva in Jerusalem. In 1858 he moved to Hebron, and was appointed chief rabbi of the city in 1864. He established the Beit Yaakov synagogue in Hebron under the auspices of the kabbalistic Yeshivat Beit El.
R. Eliyahu was the principal teacher of R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, known as the Ben Ish Chai, and instructed him in Torah as well as Kabbalah. Their close connection developed in Baghdad during the Ben Ish Chai's youth, and was maintained through frequent letters after R. Eliyahu moved to Eretz Israel. The Ben Ish Chai frequently forwarded questions to R. Mani, often regarding the customs of the land of Israel in general, and specifically the customs of its kabbalists. In his own works, the Ben Ish Chai often quotes R. Eliyahu's responsa as well as halachot that he taught. Sections of their correspondence and responsa were published by R. Yaakov Moshe Hillel, rosh yeshiva of Chevrat Ahavat Shalom in Jerusalem, in the Mekabtziel anthologies. R. Hillel argues that these responsa are essential for deriving the principles on which the Ben Ish Chai based his own works.
12-19, 37-42 leaves [14 leaves in total]. 27.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and dampstains, large tears, mainly to the margins. Detached leaves, unbound.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $30,000
Sold for: $37,500
Including buyer's premium
Complete booklet, sermon for Shabbat HaGadol (the Shabbat preceding Passover). Autographic handwriting of R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, author of "Ben Ish Chai". [Baghdad], 1894.
Approximately 50 leaves (almost 100 pages), handwritten by the Ben Ish Chai. Larger-than-average leaves (other extant manuscripts of the Ben Ish Chai are written on 13.5 cm papers, while this manuscript is written on 19 cm paper). Autographic writing with erasures, corrections and additions between the lines. Several lines and paragraphs were crossed out, and two pages have been completely crossed out.
At the head of the first page, he wrote: "…This is a sermon which I delivered in 1894; may G-d allow me to continue to speak every year in life and peace for the sake of Heaven, Amen".
The sermon closes with the words: "May we rejoice with the coming of the Messiah, speedily in our days, Amen. May G-d help and guard us, Amen".
R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad (1833-1909) was known as the Ben Ish Chai after the title of his most famous work. He was the son of R. Eliyahu Chaim and grandson of R. Moshe Chaim, rabbi of Baghdad. He was a student of the renowned R. Abdullah Somech, and became known even in his youth for his brilliance and righteousness. Upon his father's passing in 1859, he succeeded him as chief Torah lecturer of Baghdad at the young age of 26, and lectured every Shabbat thereafter in the city’s central synagogue for the next 50 years. His sermons on special
occasions such as Shabbat Shuva and Shabbat Hagadol drew crowds of thousands, all of who sat enthralled throughout the sermon, which often lasted for four to five hours. His sermons educated his listeners in Jewish law, history, Torah and Kabbalah.
Despite the fact that he held no official position, the Ben Ish Chai was recognized as the de facto leader of Baghdad and the entire Iraq, and all the local rabbis and judges deferred to him. His complete mastery of Torah and Kabbalah, as well as his great piety and holiness, gained him renown throughout the world. In 1869 he travelled to Eretz Israel in order to pray at the graves of tzaddikim. While praying, he received a heavenly message that the source of his soul was that of Benayahu ben Yehoyada. He therefore titled many of his works after the descriptives of Benayahu: Ben Ish Chai, Ben Ish Chayil, Ben Yehoyada, Rav Pe'alim, Od Yosef Chai and others. The Ben Ish Chai was a prolific author, and some of his other works include: Leshon Chachamim, Aderet Eliyahu, Responsa Torah Lishma (published anonymously), Chasdei Avot, Birkat Avot and others.
[50] leaves, including 48 written leaves, most written on both sides - 93 written pages. Approx. 25 lines per page, in the handwriting of the Ben Ish Chai. Approx. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and ink spreading in a number of places. Tears to several pages. Bound in an elaborate leather binding with gilt embossing.
Approximately 50 leaves (almost 100 pages), handwritten by the Ben Ish Chai. Larger-than-average leaves (other extant manuscripts of the Ben Ish Chai are written on 13.5 cm papers, while this manuscript is written on 19 cm paper). Autographic writing with erasures, corrections and additions between the lines. Several lines and paragraphs were crossed out, and two pages have been completely crossed out.
At the head of the first page, he wrote: "…This is a sermon which I delivered in 1894; may G-d allow me to continue to speak every year in life and peace for the sake of Heaven, Amen".
The sermon closes with the words: "May we rejoice with the coming of the Messiah, speedily in our days, Amen. May G-d help and guard us, Amen".
R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad (1833-1909) was known as the Ben Ish Chai after the title of his most famous work. He was the son of R. Eliyahu Chaim and grandson of R. Moshe Chaim, rabbi of Baghdad. He was a student of the renowned R. Abdullah Somech, and became known even in his youth for his brilliance and righteousness. Upon his father's passing in 1859, he succeeded him as chief Torah lecturer of Baghdad at the young age of 26, and lectured every Shabbat thereafter in the city’s central synagogue for the next 50 years. His sermons on special
occasions such as Shabbat Shuva and Shabbat Hagadol drew crowds of thousands, all of who sat enthralled throughout the sermon, which often lasted for four to five hours. His sermons educated his listeners in Jewish law, history, Torah and Kabbalah.
Despite the fact that he held no official position, the Ben Ish Chai was recognized as the de facto leader of Baghdad and the entire Iraq, and all the local rabbis and judges deferred to him. His complete mastery of Torah and Kabbalah, as well as his great piety and holiness, gained him renown throughout the world. In 1869 he travelled to Eretz Israel in order to pray at the graves of tzaddikim. While praying, he received a heavenly message that the source of his soul was that of Benayahu ben Yehoyada. He therefore titled many of his works after the descriptives of Benayahu: Ben Ish Chai, Ben Ish Chayil, Ben Yehoyada, Rav Pe'alim, Od Yosef Chai and others. The Ben Ish Chai was a prolific author, and some of his other works include: Leshon Chachamim, Aderet Eliyahu, Responsa Torah Lishma (published anonymously), Chasdei Avot, Birkat Avot and others.
[50] leaves, including 48 written leaves, most written on both sides - 93 written pages. Approx. 25 lines per page, in the handwriting of the Ben Ish Chai. Approx. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and ink spreading in a number of places. Tears to several pages. Bound in an elaborate leather binding with gilt embossing.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $8,000
Sold for: $10,625
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript containing sermons, eulogies, Talmudic novellae and more from Moroccan scholars during ca. 1658-1729, copiyings from the manuscripts of R. Chaim Yaakov, emissary from Safed, author of "Tzror Hachaim", and anthologies from various books. [Tétouan, ca. 1720s].
Thick volume with hundreds of pages. Sephardic-eastern (Moroccan) handwriting, with handsome calligraphic titles and initials. The style of handwriting alternates throughout the volume. The majority of the volume was seemingly written by one scribe, with several paragraphs written by others.
The manuscript includes compilations from different sources available to the scribe: unprinted manuscripts and compositions by Moroccan scholars from the 17th and early 18th centuries, as well as printed books. Most of the manuscript is comprised of essays and homilies from Moroccan scholars (mid 17th-early 18th centuries), including: HaRashbatz (R. Shalom Ibn-Tzur); HaYaavetz (R. Yaakov Ibn-Tzur); R. Chasdai Almosnino (dayan in Tétouan); R. David Hakohen (died 1708); R. Shlomo Abudraham; R. Yitzchak Abudraham; R. Avraham ben Moussa; R. Yitzchak Babayas (died 1698); R. Shlomo Amar; R. Chaim Yaakov, emissary from Safed, and others. This manuscript was written by a scribe in ca. 1720s, and includes compilations from the manuscripts that were available to him at that time, ca. 1658-1729. To the best of our knowledge, much of the content of the manuscript is unknown from other sources and has never been printed.
The manuscript also includes copyings of essays from homiletic books published during the 17th century. Many of these essays underwent editing and adaptation, and some have glosses added (see p. 37b where a long learned gloss is inserted into the text, which reads "…according to my scant knowledge, I, the young Yehuda, will attempt to explain these verses in the manner that I heard from the rabbi…"). The entire volume contains glosses of emendations and elucidations. Some of the glosses are written in the margins, while others are included within the text itself. One of the glosses (p. 170a) is signed: "the words of Shlomo…".
The manuscript includes many sermons by R. David Cohen: the title on p. 79b states: "Second sermon by R. David Cohen in memory of a Torah scholar who passed away…". Pp. 94a-111b contain other sermons by R. David Cohen, with the final words of the scribe on p. 111b: "these are the sermons of R. David Cohen; I will now copy sermons by R. Shlomo Abudraham". Pp. 210a-[250]b contain further sermons "by the wise R. David Cohen" - eight sermons for Shabbat Hagadol and one for Shavuot. The seventh sermon for Shabbat Hagadol mentions: "I heard in the name of R. Saadia Ibn Danan…". The end of the sermons on p. [251]b contains the scribe's colophon: "the Shabbat Hagadol sermons are complete… by me, the young anonymous scribe for R. Shlomo Hacohen, leader of the community of Salé…" (Sefer Malki Rabanan, p. 114, mentions two rabbinical figures named Shlomo Hacohen who served in Salé ca. 1728).
The opening title on p. 111b states: "This is one of R. Shlomo Abudraham's sermons, which I repeated on the anniversary of the passing of my father-in-law, R. Avraham ben Zimra, my master and teacher, on 8 Adar I, 1658".
From p. 122b and on, many paragraphs are signed by another scribe: "Maharashbetz", "Maharash ben Tzur" (R. Shalom ben Moshe Ibn-Tzur, cousin of R. Yaakov ben Reuven Ibn-Tzur, the "Yaavetz", rabbi in Salé, who passed away prior to 1727).
Pages 167-174 contain copyings of sermons written by R. Chaim Yaakov, emissary of Safed: "This is what the great and wise R. Chaim Yaakov, emissary of Safed, wrote - this is a sermon that I gave in memory of my father, Adar I, 1720… and regarding the news of R. Yisrael Benvenisti". The manuscript contains further writings quoted from R. Chaim Yaakov, and p. 174b contains an inscription in the margin (in a different handwriting): "These are the words of R. Chaim Yaakov" (R. Chaim Yaakov ben R. Yaakov David was an emissary from Safed to North Africa during 1718-1728. He authored the works: "Sama DeChayei" and "Tzror Hachaim". His Torah thoughts are quoted in the works of R. Yaakov Ibn-Tzur and other Moroccan and Tunisian scholars from that time period).
Pp. 180a-189a contain various eulogies. The author menetions (p. 185b) his uncle, "My uncle, the great R. Yitzchak Abudraham, construes this differently, but in my humble opinion it seems to me…". On p. 188b the author writes: "It seems to me…" at the end of a paragraph, with the name "Mordechai Berdugo, scribe" written above (between the lines). [It is possible that this scribe was Marbi"tz (1715-1772 or 1763)]. The following colophon appears after the eulogies (page 195a): "I finished copying this work on Rosh Chodesh Adar I, 1723, anonymous".
Most of these sermons (those of R. David Cohen, the eulogies, the sermons of R. Chaim Yaakov of Safed, the novellae of R. Shalom ibn-Tzur, and others), are unknown from other sources and to the best of our knowledge have never been printed.
Approximately [290] leaves (pagination is faded and missing on many pages. Individual leaves are missing in several locations). [10], 62, 64-75, 77-84, [1], 94-112, 116-251,[1], 250-253, 257-267, [29] leaves. Approximately 20 cm. Fair condition. Most leaves and gatherings are detached. Heavy wear and tears. Stains and ink stains. Several pages are damaged by ink erosion. Original leather binding, worn and detached, without spine.
Thick volume with hundreds of pages. Sephardic-eastern (Moroccan) handwriting, with handsome calligraphic titles and initials. The style of handwriting alternates throughout the volume. The majority of the volume was seemingly written by one scribe, with several paragraphs written by others.
The manuscript includes compilations from different sources available to the scribe: unprinted manuscripts and compositions by Moroccan scholars from the 17th and early 18th centuries, as well as printed books. Most of the manuscript is comprised of essays and homilies from Moroccan scholars (mid 17th-early 18th centuries), including: HaRashbatz (R. Shalom Ibn-Tzur); HaYaavetz (R. Yaakov Ibn-Tzur); R. Chasdai Almosnino (dayan in Tétouan); R. David Hakohen (died 1708); R. Shlomo Abudraham; R. Yitzchak Abudraham; R. Avraham ben Moussa; R. Yitzchak Babayas (died 1698); R. Shlomo Amar; R. Chaim Yaakov, emissary from Safed, and others. This manuscript was written by a scribe in ca. 1720s, and includes compilations from the manuscripts that were available to him at that time, ca. 1658-1729. To the best of our knowledge, much of the content of the manuscript is unknown from other sources and has never been printed.
The manuscript also includes copyings of essays from homiletic books published during the 17th century. Many of these essays underwent editing and adaptation, and some have glosses added (see p. 37b where a long learned gloss is inserted into the text, which reads "…according to my scant knowledge, I, the young Yehuda, will attempt to explain these verses in the manner that I heard from the rabbi…"). The entire volume contains glosses of emendations and elucidations. Some of the glosses are written in the margins, while others are included within the text itself. One of the glosses (p. 170a) is signed: "the words of Shlomo…".
The manuscript includes many sermons by R. David Cohen: the title on p. 79b states: "Second sermon by R. David Cohen in memory of a Torah scholar who passed away…". Pp. 94a-111b contain other sermons by R. David Cohen, with the final words of the scribe on p. 111b: "these are the sermons of R. David Cohen; I will now copy sermons by R. Shlomo Abudraham". Pp. 210a-[250]b contain further sermons "by the wise R. David Cohen" - eight sermons for Shabbat Hagadol and one for Shavuot. The seventh sermon for Shabbat Hagadol mentions: "I heard in the name of R. Saadia Ibn Danan…". The end of the sermons on p. [251]b contains the scribe's colophon: "the Shabbat Hagadol sermons are complete… by me, the young anonymous scribe for R. Shlomo Hacohen, leader of the community of Salé…" (Sefer Malki Rabanan, p. 114, mentions two rabbinical figures named Shlomo Hacohen who served in Salé ca. 1728).
The opening title on p. 111b states: "This is one of R. Shlomo Abudraham's sermons, which I repeated on the anniversary of the passing of my father-in-law, R. Avraham ben Zimra, my master and teacher, on 8 Adar I, 1658".
From p. 122b and on, many paragraphs are signed by another scribe: "Maharashbetz", "Maharash ben Tzur" (R. Shalom ben Moshe Ibn-Tzur, cousin of R. Yaakov ben Reuven Ibn-Tzur, the "Yaavetz", rabbi in Salé, who passed away prior to 1727).
Pages 167-174 contain copyings of sermons written by R. Chaim Yaakov, emissary of Safed: "This is what the great and wise R. Chaim Yaakov, emissary of Safed, wrote - this is a sermon that I gave in memory of my father, Adar I, 1720… and regarding the news of R. Yisrael Benvenisti". The manuscript contains further writings quoted from R. Chaim Yaakov, and p. 174b contains an inscription in the margin (in a different handwriting): "These are the words of R. Chaim Yaakov" (R. Chaim Yaakov ben R. Yaakov David was an emissary from Safed to North Africa during 1718-1728. He authored the works: "Sama DeChayei" and "Tzror Hachaim". His Torah thoughts are quoted in the works of R. Yaakov Ibn-Tzur and other Moroccan and Tunisian scholars from that time period).
Pp. 180a-189a contain various eulogies. The author menetions (p. 185b) his uncle, "My uncle, the great R. Yitzchak Abudraham, construes this differently, but in my humble opinion it seems to me…". On p. 188b the author writes: "It seems to me…" at the end of a paragraph, with the name "Mordechai Berdugo, scribe" written above (between the lines). [It is possible that this scribe was Marbi"tz (1715-1772 or 1763)]. The following colophon appears after the eulogies (page 195a): "I finished copying this work on Rosh Chodesh Adar I, 1723, anonymous".
Most of these sermons (those of R. David Cohen, the eulogies, the sermons of R. Chaim Yaakov of Safed, the novellae of R. Shalom ibn-Tzur, and others), are unknown from other sources and to the best of our knowledge have never been printed.
Approximately [290] leaves (pagination is faded and missing on many pages. Individual leaves are missing in several locations). [10], 62, 64-75, 77-84, [1], 94-112, 116-251,[1], 250-253, 257-267, [29] leaves. Approximately 20 cm. Fair condition. Most leaves and gatherings are detached. Heavy wear and tears. Stains and ink stains. Several pages are damaged by ink erosion. Original leather binding, worn and detached, without spine.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Autographic manuscript regarding aggadot (Talmudic stories), with other stories, handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Abikhzir, among the greatest Moroccan rabbis. [Morocco, 19th century].
Semi-cursive and cursive Eastern script. Page 17b contains a signed colophon: "These pamphlets were written by me, the youngest of the young, in great haste and without editing, and when I am able I will write a proper second edition. Moshe Abikhzir".
Collections of aggadot (Talmudic stories) and their commentaries (primarily Rashi and Maharsha). Page 37b contains an interpretative paragraph that begins: "so said the author, the words of the Tosafot are true… however in my humble opinion it seems…".
On pages [58-59] the author copied interesting stories and anecdotes that have seemingly never been printed. Among others, he repeats a story told by R. Chaim Pinto, rabbi of Essaouira (Mogador), a story that took place during the lifetime of R. Yehuda ibn Attar, and various other stories.
The following pages contain the author's elucidations of verses and sayings of Talmudic sages (Chazal), interspersed with parables. To the best of our knowledge, these elucidations have never been printed. [In two places a page begins in the middle of a sentence; the previous pages are missing].
R. Moshe ben Yosef Abikhzir was among the greatest scholars of Tafilalt, Morocco, in the 19th century. He was a colleague and associate of R. Yaakov Abuchatzeira, the "Abir Yaakov" (who refers to him as "the friend of my heart and soul"). He lived in the village of Ghris, "and all the surrounding villages deferred to him. He was a great scholar and collected many books from distant countries at great personal effort. Eventually, he established a library, and all the books scattered throughout the villages of Tafilalt were left by him" (Malki Rabanan Be'ercho). Two questions addressed by him to R. Yaakov Berdugo were printed in the latter's responsa "Shufrei D'Yaakov".
[69] leaves. 16 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear. New elaborate leather binding.
Semi-cursive and cursive Eastern script. Page 17b contains a signed colophon: "These pamphlets were written by me, the youngest of the young, in great haste and without editing, and when I am able I will write a proper second edition. Moshe Abikhzir".
Collections of aggadot (Talmudic stories) and their commentaries (primarily Rashi and Maharsha). Page 37b contains an interpretative paragraph that begins: "so said the author, the words of the Tosafot are true… however in my humble opinion it seems…".
On pages [58-59] the author copied interesting stories and anecdotes that have seemingly never been printed. Among others, he repeats a story told by R. Chaim Pinto, rabbi of Essaouira (Mogador), a story that took place during the lifetime of R. Yehuda ibn Attar, and various other stories.
The following pages contain the author's elucidations of verses and sayings of Talmudic sages (Chazal), interspersed with parables. To the best of our knowledge, these elucidations have never been printed. [In two places a page begins in the middle of a sentence; the previous pages are missing].
R. Moshe ben Yosef Abikhzir was among the greatest scholars of Tafilalt, Morocco, in the 19th century. He was a colleague and associate of R. Yaakov Abuchatzeira, the "Abir Yaakov" (who refers to him as "the friend of my heart and soul"). He lived in the village of Ghris, "and all the surrounding villages deferred to him. He was a great scholar and collected many books from distant countries at great personal effort. Eventually, he established a library, and all the books scattered throughout the villages of Tafilalt were left by him" (Malki Rabanan Be'ercho). Two questions addressed by him to R. Yaakov Berdugo were printed in the latter's responsa "Shufrei D'Yaakov".
[69] leaves. 16 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear. New elaborate leather binding.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $500
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript siddur containing prayers and piyyutim (liturgical poems) for various times. Sana'a, 1941.
Colorful manuscript, artistically illuminated. Neat Yemenite script, with decorated titles and initials and decorations at the ends of passages, in shades of red, green and brown. Colorful illustrations in a number of places: architectural title pages with floral and vegetal decorations, illustrations of birds, rosettes and other illustrations.
The manuscript includes: Seder Sefirat HaOmer (in Aramaic, as is the custom of Yemenite Jews), prayers for Rosh Chodesh, blessing over the new moon, blessings over the Chanukah lamp, "for Purim", Psalms for each day of the week, Song of Songs, Shabbat prayers, Shabbat eve Kiddush, Havdalah for the end of Shabbat with piyyutim, and Ashmurot.
"Seder HaAshmurot" has a separate title page, which contains the name of the writer, place and year: "Written in Sana'a for… Yichye… ben Suleiman ben Yosef Badichi… by me, the young Shalom ben Yichye ben Chaim ben Yosef Korach… Friday 27th Elul 1941".
The scribe and illustrator, R. Shalom ben Yichye Korach (1873-1953), was a scholar and educator, and the scribe of the community of Sana'a. In 1946 he was appointed dean of the new Jewish school in Sana'a, together with Chief Rabbi Amram Korach. He moved to Israel in 1950 and settled in Jerusalem. He authored several works and transcribed many others. He was known for his artistic talent, and books which he transcribed are known for their beauty as well as for their clarity and precision. See: Gavra, Encyclopedia of Yemenite Scholars, p. 566.
95 leaves (2 blank). 18 cm. Good condition. High-quality paper. Stains. Mild worming, without textual damage. Several stains due to ink spreading. Original binding, damaged.
Colorful manuscript, artistically illuminated. Neat Yemenite script, with decorated titles and initials and decorations at the ends of passages, in shades of red, green and brown. Colorful illustrations in a number of places: architectural title pages with floral and vegetal decorations, illustrations of birds, rosettes and other illustrations.
The manuscript includes: Seder Sefirat HaOmer (in Aramaic, as is the custom of Yemenite Jews), prayers for Rosh Chodesh, blessing over the new moon, blessings over the Chanukah lamp, "for Purim", Psalms for each day of the week, Song of Songs, Shabbat prayers, Shabbat eve Kiddush, Havdalah for the end of Shabbat with piyyutim, and Ashmurot.
"Seder HaAshmurot" has a separate title page, which contains the name of the writer, place and year: "Written in Sana'a for… Yichye… ben Suleiman ben Yosef Badichi… by me, the young Shalom ben Yichye ben Chaim ben Yosef Korach… Friday 27th Elul 1941".
The scribe and illustrator, R. Shalom ben Yichye Korach (1873-1953), was a scholar and educator, and the scribe of the community of Sana'a. In 1946 he was appointed dean of the new Jewish school in Sana'a, together with Chief Rabbi Amram Korach. He moved to Israel in 1950 and settled in Jerusalem. He authored several works and transcribed many others. He was known for his artistic talent, and books which he transcribed are known for their beauty as well as for their clarity and precision. See: Gavra, Encyclopedia of Yemenite Scholars, p. 566.
95 leaves (2 blank). 18 cm. Good condition. High-quality paper. Stains. Mild worming, without textual damage. Several stains due to ink spreading. Original binding, damaged.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Parchment manuscript leaf, remnant of a philosophical composition (Kalam theology) in Judeo-Arabic. [Oriental countries, ca. 11th century].
Ancient Oriental script on parchment.
The Kalam (کلام) is a theological-philosophical approach defending the tenets of the Islamic faith. The Kalam had significant impact on the Jewish philosophy of the Middle Ages and R. Sa'adia Gaon is known to have been greatly influenced by it. The Kalm also influenced R. Yehuda HaLevi, however, he criticized its negative aspects as well. In his book Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), the Rambam rejects this philosophy and expends time and effort in contradicting the "speakers", i.e. the Kalam scholars (the Arabic term kalam means speech and the Kalam scholars are called mutakallimun (i.e. speakers).
This is an ancient remnant of a Kalam composition, written in Arabic in Hebrew letters (Judeo-Arabic), before the Rambam's era.
This manuscript was dated by NLI experts. See enclosed leaf.
[1] leaf, approximately 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Coarse tears affecting text.
Ancient Oriental script on parchment.
The Kalam (کلام) is a theological-philosophical approach defending the tenets of the Islamic faith. The Kalam had significant impact on the Jewish philosophy of the Middle Ages and R. Sa'adia Gaon is known to have been greatly influenced by it. The Kalm also influenced R. Yehuda HaLevi, however, he criticized its negative aspects as well. In his book Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), the Rambam rejects this philosophy and expends time and effort in contradicting the "speakers", i.e. the Kalam scholars (the Arabic term kalam means speech and the Kalam scholars are called mutakallimun (i.e. speakers).
This is an ancient remnant of a Kalam composition, written in Arabic in Hebrew letters (Judeo-Arabic), before the Rambam's era.
This manuscript was dated by NLI experts. See enclosed leaf.
[1] leaf, approximately 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Coarse tears affecting text.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $4,750
Including buyer's premium
Two handwritten parchment leaves, Rashi commentary on Tractate Sanhedrin. [Europe, ca. 13th-14th century].
Two large-format parchment leaves, joined together, written on both sides (four written pages). Ancient Ashkenazi semi-cursive script. Two columns per pages. These leaves were used for binding a book, however, most of the text remains intact.
The leaves contain Rashi's commentary to Tractate Sanhedrin 69a-70a, 72a-73a.
The manuscript contains many textual variations in comparison to the version printed in the Vilna Talmud and in the editions studied today. Some of these variations appear in these editions as corrections or glosses of the Maharshal or the Rashash. See enclosed list of selected variations.
2 (joined) leaves, 4 written pages. Approx. 34 cm. Stains and creases. The inner margins were cut for the sake of the binding, affecting text. Damage to text on one leaf as a result of folding of the parchment. Most of the text is legible and unharmed.
Two large-format parchment leaves, joined together, written on both sides (four written pages). Ancient Ashkenazi semi-cursive script. Two columns per pages. These leaves were used for binding a book, however, most of the text remains intact.
The leaves contain Rashi's commentary to Tractate Sanhedrin 69a-70a, 72a-73a.
The manuscript contains many textual variations in comparison to the version printed in the Vilna Talmud and in the editions studied today. Some of these variations appear in these editions as corrections or glosses of the Maharshal or the Rashash. See enclosed list of selected variations.
2 (joined) leaves, 4 written pages. Approx. 34 cm. Stains and creases. The inner margins were cut for the sake of the binding, affecting text. Damage to text on one leaf as a result of folding of the parchment. Most of the text is legible and unharmed.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $6,000
Sold for: $60,000
Including buyer's premium
Mishneh Torah L'HaRambam, with Maggid Mishnah, Hasagot HaRaavad and Haggahot Maimoniot. [Constantinople: David and Samuel ibn Nachmias, 1509]. Four volumes.
Early printed edition of the book Mishneh Torah L'HaRambam and the first edition printed in the 16th century. The brothers David and Samuel Nachmias founded the Hebrew printing press in Constantinople after their expulsion from Spain, and the first book printed in Constantinople - the Arbaah Turim of Rabbeinu Yaakov ben Rabbeinu Asher, was printed in their press.
This edition contains the first printing of Haggahot Maimoniot, by the Ramach (R. Meir HaCohen), a disciple of the Maharam of Rothenburg, which was re-edited by Ashkenazi sages, and contains supplements to the Rambam by Ashkenazi and French sages. In a later edition of the Rambam printed in Venice in 1524, Haggahot Maimoniot was printed in a different abbreviated version and that version was reprinted in all following editions of the Rambam until our times. The version in this edition is known as "Haggahot Maimoniot Constantinople" (printed at the end of each volume of the Shabtai Frankel edition).
[See more about this edition and how it differs from following editions in: Y. Avida, Regarding the History of the First Editions of the Mishneh Torah L'HaRambam, Sinai, 30, 1952, pp. 138-141; 31, 1952, pp. 247-248].
The third volume, particularly Sefer Zera'im, bears many glosses in ancient Italian script. Several more glosses appear in the fourth volume. In Vol. 2, at the top of p. 4a is an inscription in Sephardi script: "Avraham Soyad". At the end of Vol. 1 are ownership inscriptions in Yemenite script (Judeo-Arabic).
Four volumes, a set combined from several copies. Vol. 1: 4-44; 56; 176; 20 leaves. Vol. 2: 2-98; 2-100 leaves. Vol. 3: 24; 44; 40; 18; 65 leaves. Vol. 4: 255, [4] leaves. Originally (all four volumes): 44; [1], 56; 176; 20; 98; 100; 24; 44; 40; 18; 65; 255, [4] leaves. Lacking a total of 6 leaves: Vol. 1 is lacking the title page, leaves 2-3 and the title page of Sefer Zemanim. Vol. 2 is lacking leaf 1 of Sefer Nashim and the title page of Sefer Kedushah.
Size and condition vary among the volumes. 25.5-29 cm. Vol. 1-2: Fair condition. Stains. Tears and worming affecting text, many repaired with paper (primarily in Vol. 2). Several leaves were trimmed damaging the text at the bottom of the leaves. Censor deletions in several places. Vol. 3-4: Most leaves are in good condition. Stains. Tears and damages to several leaves, affecting text. New bindings.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Israel Mehlman.
Early printed edition of the book Mishneh Torah L'HaRambam and the first edition printed in the 16th century. The brothers David and Samuel Nachmias founded the Hebrew printing press in Constantinople after their expulsion from Spain, and the first book printed in Constantinople - the Arbaah Turim of Rabbeinu Yaakov ben Rabbeinu Asher, was printed in their press.
This edition contains the first printing of Haggahot Maimoniot, by the Ramach (R. Meir HaCohen), a disciple of the Maharam of Rothenburg, which was re-edited by Ashkenazi sages, and contains supplements to the Rambam by Ashkenazi and French sages. In a later edition of the Rambam printed in Venice in 1524, Haggahot Maimoniot was printed in a different abbreviated version and that version was reprinted in all following editions of the Rambam until our times. The version in this edition is known as "Haggahot Maimoniot Constantinople" (printed at the end of each volume of the Shabtai Frankel edition).
[See more about this edition and how it differs from following editions in: Y. Avida, Regarding the History of the First Editions of the Mishneh Torah L'HaRambam, Sinai, 30, 1952, pp. 138-141; 31, 1952, pp. 247-248].
The third volume, particularly Sefer Zera'im, bears many glosses in ancient Italian script. Several more glosses appear in the fourth volume. In Vol. 2, at the top of p. 4a is an inscription in Sephardi script: "Avraham Soyad". At the end of Vol. 1 are ownership inscriptions in Yemenite script (Judeo-Arabic).
Four volumes, a set combined from several copies. Vol. 1: 4-44; 56; 176; 20 leaves. Vol. 2: 2-98; 2-100 leaves. Vol. 3: 24; 44; 40; 18; 65 leaves. Vol. 4: 255, [4] leaves. Originally (all four volumes): 44; [1], 56; 176; 20; 98; 100; 24; 44; 40; 18; 65; 255, [4] leaves. Lacking a total of 6 leaves: Vol. 1 is lacking the title page, leaves 2-3 and the title page of Sefer Zemanim. Vol. 2 is lacking leaf 1 of Sefer Nashim and the title page of Sefer Kedushah.
Size and condition vary among the volumes. 25.5-29 cm. Vol. 1-2: Fair condition. Stains. Tears and worming affecting text, many repaired with paper (primarily in Vol. 2). Several leaves were trimmed damaging the text at the bottom of the leaves. Censor deletions in several places. Vol. 3-4: Most leaves are in good condition. Stains. Tears and damages to several leaves, affecting text. New bindings.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Israel Mehlman.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
Rosh Amana, composition on the basic tenets of faith and the elements of the Jewish religion, by R. Isaac [Yitzchak] Abarbanel. [Constantinople: David and Samuel ibn Nachmias and Yitzchak Kaspote, 1505]. First edition.
Originally, the book was printed without a title page, the first page was left blank, and on its verso was an ornate frame (woodcut) surrounding a poem titled: "Poems[!] by the sage R. Yehuda Abarbanel son of the prominent author of the book Rosh Amana". In this copy, the first leaf has been bound backwards so that the page with this decorative frame appears before the blank page.
The renowned R. Isaac Abarbanel (1437-1508), Torah sage and famous statesman, foremost Torah scholar and leader of Spanish Jews during the time of the Spanish Expulsion. He was celebrated in all following generations for his commentary on Torah and Neviim. After the Spanish Expulsion, he settled in the city of Naples, Italy where he completed this work in 1496. This first edition was printed in his lifetime, after he moved to Venice at the end of his life.
Censor's inscriptions on the last leaf.
[20] leaves. 24 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears to bottom and margins of the first leaf, professionally repaired. Minor damage to illustrated frame, professionally repaired. Slight worming and repaired tears to top and bottom of last leaf, affecting text, several words were replaced by hand.
The books Nachalat Avot and Zevach Pesach by R. Isaac Abarbanel were printed at the same time as this book. These three books were bound together in one volume, together with a leaf containing a colophon for all three.
Originally, the book was printed without a title page, the first page was left blank, and on its verso was an ornate frame (woodcut) surrounding a poem titled: "Poems[!] by the sage R. Yehuda Abarbanel son of the prominent author of the book Rosh Amana". In this copy, the first leaf has been bound backwards so that the page with this decorative frame appears before the blank page.
The renowned R. Isaac Abarbanel (1437-1508), Torah sage and famous statesman, foremost Torah scholar and leader of Spanish Jews during the time of the Spanish Expulsion. He was celebrated in all following generations for his commentary on Torah and Neviim. After the Spanish Expulsion, he settled in the city of Naples, Italy where he completed this work in 1496. This first edition was printed in his lifetime, after he moved to Venice at the end of his life.
Censor's inscriptions on the last leaf.
[20] leaves. 24 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears to bottom and margins of the first leaf, professionally repaired. Minor damage to illustrated frame, professionally repaired. Slight worming and repaired tears to top and bottom of last leaf, affecting text, several words were replaced by hand.
The books Nachalat Avot and Zevach Pesach by R. Isaac Abarbanel were printed at the same time as this book. These three books were bound together in one volume, together with a leaf containing a colophon for all three.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $11,250
Including buyer's premium
Nevi'im Achronim, with the commentary of R. Isaac [Yitzchak] Abarbanel. [Pesaro]: [Gershom] Soncino, [1520]. First edition.
Title page with a woodcut border, encompassing the details of the printing and of the printer: "Printed in Italy by… renowned among the Jewish People Soncino, 1520…". In some copies, the verso of the title page is blank, however, in this copy it bears a long poem comprised of 52 stanzas written by the author's son, titled "Words of Yehuda son of the commentator, in praise of my father's commentary on the books of the nevi'im". The poem alludes to "Yehuda son of Isaac Abarbanel".
Glosses in Italian script were written on the margins of the book of Yeshaya, most very long [margins trimmed cutting off part of the glosses], by an unidentified writer. Several long glosses in Sephardi writing (Turkey and the Balkan) appear in the margins of one page of Hoshe'a and on a page of Michah.
This edition was printed 12 years after the death of the author, R. Isaac Abarbanel. At the end of his commentary to the book of Yeshaya, the author writes that "the beginning of this commentary was written in the island of Corfu on Rosh Chodesh Av 1595 and since this work was postponed in deference to other compositions, I completed it in the city of Naples on Rosh Chodesh Elul 1598…".
The famous Jewish printer R. Gershon Soncino, a leading Hebrew Italian printer, wandered with his family and printing equipment throughout various Italian cities. In each place he tarried, he printed Hebrew books. In Pesaro he printed some of the Talmudic tractates and other books as well. He also printed the first part of Abarbanel's commentary on Nevi'im Rishonim in Pesaro in 1511.
[397] leaves (originally: [398] leaves; leaf [398] lacking in this copy is a blank leaf). This copy is divided into two volumes, composed of various copies: Vol. 1: The first 200 leaves until the end of the Book of Yirmiya. 29.5 cm. Condition varies among the leaves, good-fair, most leaves are in good condition. Stains. Dampstains in several places. Wear and restored tears to title page, slightly affecting its border. Paper gluing to inner margins of the first leaves, not affecting text. Worming to the first ten leaves, damaging the text. Vol. 2: The next 197 leaves until the end of the Book of Malachi. The last leaf (blank) is lacking. 31 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Minor worming. The leaves of this volume have been professionally restored. Restored open tears, affecting text, to the (approximately 10) last leaves. New leather bindings. The words "Pesaro 1512" are erroneously embossed on the spine of Vol. 2, however, this volume is actually the continuation of the first volume and was printed in Pesaro in 1520.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Israel Mehlman.
Title page with a woodcut border, encompassing the details of the printing and of the printer: "Printed in Italy by… renowned among the Jewish People Soncino, 1520…". In some copies, the verso of the title page is blank, however, in this copy it bears a long poem comprised of 52 stanzas written by the author's son, titled "Words of Yehuda son of the commentator, in praise of my father's commentary on the books of the nevi'im". The poem alludes to "Yehuda son of Isaac Abarbanel".
Glosses in Italian script were written on the margins of the book of Yeshaya, most very long [margins trimmed cutting off part of the glosses], by an unidentified writer. Several long glosses in Sephardi writing (Turkey and the Balkan) appear in the margins of one page of Hoshe'a and on a page of Michah.
This edition was printed 12 years after the death of the author, R. Isaac Abarbanel. At the end of his commentary to the book of Yeshaya, the author writes that "the beginning of this commentary was written in the island of Corfu on Rosh Chodesh Av 1595 and since this work was postponed in deference to other compositions, I completed it in the city of Naples on Rosh Chodesh Elul 1598…".
The famous Jewish printer R. Gershon Soncino, a leading Hebrew Italian printer, wandered with his family and printing equipment throughout various Italian cities. In each place he tarried, he printed Hebrew books. In Pesaro he printed some of the Talmudic tractates and other books as well. He also printed the first part of Abarbanel's commentary on Nevi'im Rishonim in Pesaro in 1511.
[397] leaves (originally: [398] leaves; leaf [398] lacking in this copy is a blank leaf). This copy is divided into two volumes, composed of various copies: Vol. 1: The first 200 leaves until the end of the Book of Yirmiya. 29.5 cm. Condition varies among the leaves, good-fair, most leaves are in good condition. Stains. Dampstains in several places. Wear and restored tears to title page, slightly affecting its border. Paper gluing to inner margins of the first leaves, not affecting text. Worming to the first ten leaves, damaging the text. Vol. 2: The next 197 leaves until the end of the Book of Malachi. The last leaf (blank) is lacking. 31 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Minor worming. The leaves of this volume have been professionally restored. Restored open tears, affecting text, to the (approximately 10) last leaves. New leather bindings. The words "Pesaro 1512" are erroneously embossed on the spine of Vol. 2, however, this volume is actually the continuation of the first volume and was printed in Pesaro in 1520.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Israel Mehlman.
Catalogue