Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 153
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000
Unsold
Miniature Torah scroll. [Poland, first half of 19th century]. Placed in a gilt-embroidered velvet mantle. [Europe, ca. early 20th century].
Velvet; goldwork on cardboard cutouts; metallic bobbin lace; rhinestones.
Torah scroll with miniscule script, in the "Vavei HaAmudim" format, based on the contemporary Tikkun Soferim. The scroll is wound on rollers, and cloaked in a greet velvet mantle, bearing the gilt-embroidered letters Vav and Yud, a Star of David and foliate designs, as well as rhinestones. Edged with metallic bobbin lace. Openings for the rollers were cut into the top of the mantle, unskillfully edged and causing damage to lace. Drawstring at the bottom of the mantle; the mantle appears to have been made as a tefillin pouch, which was later converted to serve as Torah mantle.
Height of parchment: 13 cm. Height of rollers: approx. 30 cm. Mantle: 19X15.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Unskilled hand stitches and late machine stitches to velvet mantle. Rubbed areas to velvet. Damage and some loss to embroidery. Break (repaired with glue) at base of one roller.
Velvet; goldwork on cardboard cutouts; metallic bobbin lace; rhinestones.
Torah scroll with miniscule script, in the "Vavei HaAmudim" format, based on the contemporary Tikkun Soferim. The scroll is wound on rollers, and cloaked in a greet velvet mantle, bearing the gilt-embroidered letters Vav and Yud, a Star of David and foliate designs, as well as rhinestones. Edged with metallic bobbin lace. Openings for the rollers were cut into the top of the mantle, unskillfully edged and causing damage to lace. Drawstring at the bottom of the mantle; the mantle appears to have been made as a tefillin pouch, which was later converted to serve as Torah mantle.
Height of parchment: 13 cm. Height of rollers: approx. 30 cm. Mantle: 19X15.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Unskilled hand stitches and late machine stitches to velvet mantle. Rubbed areas to velvet. Damage and some loss to embroidery. Break (repaired with glue) at base of one roller.
Category
Torah Scrolls and Esther Scrolls
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $15,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $25,000
Unsold
Illuminated Esther scroll. [Italy, 18th century].
Ink on parchment; printed decorations and illustrations, colored by hand.
Ten columns, set within decorative frames; the intercolumnar spaces are decorated with framed panels filled with stylized floral motifs. Above and below the intercolumnar spaces are panels enclosing intricate labyrinth motifs. Twenty printed illustrations appear in the upper and lower bands, colored by hand, depicting scenes from the megillah narrative, from Achashverosh's feast to the hanging of Haman's sons and the Purim festivities. The beginning and end of the scroll are decorated with fine floral motifs, likewise printed and colored by hand.
The scroll is placed in a fine leather and marbled paper case, with gilt decorations.
Height: 16.5 cm. Fair condition. Parchment darkened and stained, particularly in first membrane. Creases. Large open tear at beginning of first membrane, repaired with paper, affecting decorations, not affecting text (decorations replaced by hand). Small open tears to first membrane, repaired with paper. Damage and minor tears. Losses and damage to paint and decorations. Membrane 3 from different parchment.
A similar Esther scroll (presumably mostly printed from the same plates, apart from a variant opening decoration) exists in the National Czartoryski Museum in Krakow, Poland, and is recorded in the Bezalel Narkiss Index of Jewish Art – Center of Jewish Art, catalog no. 2442.
Category
Torah Scrolls and Esther Scrolls
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Unsold
Large, illuminated Esther scroll. [Scroll: Hungary(?), ca. mid-19th century. Illustrations: Eretz Israel, ca. late 19th century].
"HaMelech" scroll (most the columns begin with the word "HaMelech"), on a wooden roller. 42 lines per column; the names of the ten sons of Haman are written in a separate column. Crown decorations to upper lines. The letters He, Vav and Yud which form G-d's name, are emphasized in several places.
Later illuminations, probably added in Eretz Israel decades after the scroll was scribed. Separating the text columns are Solomonic columns standing on stepped bases, with additional elaborate bases and urn capitals. Stylized foliate arches top the text columns, underneath which appear engraving-like Esther scroll scenes and landscapes, in a style typical of European Esther scrolls of previous centuries.
Height of parchment: 35.5 cm. Overall height (including roller): 64 cm. Good condition. Stains, creases and defects to parchment. Losses and damage to paint. Damage and occasional losses to ink. Catalog number (unidentified) on back of scroll.
See a similar scroll in the Sotheby's catalog, November 1983, item 153.
"HaMelech" scroll (most the columns begin with the word "HaMelech"), on a wooden roller. 42 lines per column; the names of the ten sons of Haman are written in a separate column. Crown decorations to upper lines. The letters He, Vav and Yud which form G-d's name, are emphasized in several places.
Later illuminations, probably added in Eretz Israel decades after the scroll was scribed. Separating the text columns are Solomonic columns standing on stepped bases, with additional elaborate bases and urn capitals. Stylized foliate arches top the text columns, underneath which appear engraving-like Esther scroll scenes and landscapes, in a style typical of European Esther scrolls of previous centuries.
Height of parchment: 35.5 cm. Overall height (including roller): 64 cm. Good condition. Stains, creases and defects to parchment. Losses and damage to paint. Damage and occasional losses to ink. Catalog number (unidentified) on back of scroll.
See a similar scroll in the Sotheby's catalog, November 1983, item 153.
Category
Torah Scrolls and Esther Scrolls
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $7,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Large Esther scroll, decorated with printed illustrations and gold leaf. [Publisher and place of printing not indicated; ca. late 1990s].
Ink on parchment; crimson paint and gold leaf. Signed and dated by the artist in several place, in the plate: "Hanin 97" / "Hanin 98".
Large format "HaMelech" scroll (most columns begin with the word "HaMelech"). Ashkenazic script. Decorated with printed illustrations, highlighted with crimson paint and gold leaf – a scene from the Megillah unfolds at the foot of each column, while a pair of animals from traditional Jewish iconography top each column (pairs of lions, eagles and deer). The columns are separated with European and Oriental landscapes, set in fine frames, with birds, crowns and winding, foliate motifs. On the opening tab of the scroll, depictions of a palace courtyard and Mordechai riding a horse.
Height (including roller): 67 cm. Very good condition.
Ink on parchment; crimson paint and gold leaf. Signed and dated by the artist in several place, in the plate: "Hanin 97" / "Hanin 98".
Large format "HaMelech" scroll (most columns begin with the word "HaMelech"). Ashkenazic script. Decorated with printed illustrations, highlighted with crimson paint and gold leaf – a scene from the Megillah unfolds at the foot of each column, while a pair of animals from traditional Jewish iconography top each column (pairs of lions, eagles and deer). The columns are separated with European and Oriental landscapes, set in fine frames, with birds, crowns and winding, foliate motifs. On the opening tab of the scroll, depictions of a palace courtyard and Mordechai riding a horse.
Height (including roller): 67 cm. Very good condition.
Category
Torah Scrolls and Esther Scrolls
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Parchment manuscript, prayers and blessings accompanying the Torah reading. Eiwanowitz (Moravia; presently Ivanovice na Hané, Czech Republic), [first half of 18th century].
Square (scribal) script and semi-cursive Ashkenazic script (similar to Tzene-Rene typeface). Stylized bird, animal and foliate designs at the beginning of each section.
Scribe's colophon at the foot of p. [9]: "Written by the scribe Yosef son of R. Hillel Shm[uel?], sofer in Eiwanowitz". An early owner's signature inscribed at the foot of p. [4]: "Yehuda Leib son of R. Yitzchak Eizek".
The manuscript comprises prayers recited on Shabbat, following the Torah reading in the synagogue, before the Musaf prayers. The manuscript begins (pp. [1-2]) with two prayers – Yekum Purkan and the Mi Sheberach blessing for the community recited thereafter, followed by the Rosh Chodesh blessing (concise version, without the Yehi Ratzon which became accepted in later times).
A Mi Sheberach prayer (an unknown text) for those who undertake to fast on Monday and Thursday is featured on p. [3], with a special prayer for the "Exalted Emperor of Rome (Caralis)…" (presumably referring to Charles VI, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, d. 1740).
On pp. [4-6]: order of changing the name for a sick person (Metzalin Anachnu and Yehi Ratzon following the name change), Mi Sheberach for a sick person ("…He who healed Miriam the prophetess from her leprosy, and sweetened the bitter waters through Moshe, and healed the waters of Yericho through Elisha, and healed Chizkiyahu king of Yehuda from his illness, and Binyamin HaTzaddik from his illness…" – a similar text is found in Pinkas Worms, quoted by Frumkin in Seder Rav Amram Gaon, Jerusalem 1912. See enclosed material); blessing for a mother who gave birth (unknown text, similar style to the one cited by Frumkin, ibid).
On p. [7]: Prayer "by R. Leib of Prague for Mondays and Thursdays" – prayer against informers: "May it be Your will… to uproot and eradicate… the informers who cause harm to the Jewish people through their tongues, and who destroy the status of the communities, and oppress their Jewish brethren…". (This prayer is mentioned in the Moravia book of regulations, where it is attributed to the Maharal of Prague. It was preserved, with some textual variation, in the synagogue registry of the Krezmir community. The Eisenstadt community would reputedly recite it, but there it was attributed to R. Meir Eisenstadt, author of Panim Me'irot. See enclosed material).
On p. [8]: Prayers for Mondays and Thursdays, and the Achenu Kol Beit Yisrael prayer. P. [9]: Av HaRachamim prayer for those who perished in sanctification of G-d's name. Addition on the final page [10]: Text of Eruv Tavshilin, presumably from a different writer (with a decorated initial word).
5 parchment leaves (10 written pages). 27 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear, several tears. New binding.
A letter from Prof. Gershom Scholem (in English) is enclosed, regarding the prayer against informers found in this manuscript.
Square (scribal) script and semi-cursive Ashkenazic script (similar to Tzene-Rene typeface). Stylized bird, animal and foliate designs at the beginning of each section.
Scribe's colophon at the foot of p. [9]: "Written by the scribe Yosef son of R. Hillel Shm[uel?], sofer in Eiwanowitz". An early owner's signature inscribed at the foot of p. [4]: "Yehuda Leib son of R. Yitzchak Eizek".
The manuscript comprises prayers recited on Shabbat, following the Torah reading in the synagogue, before the Musaf prayers. The manuscript begins (pp. [1-2]) with two prayers – Yekum Purkan and the Mi Sheberach blessing for the community recited thereafter, followed by the Rosh Chodesh blessing (concise version, without the Yehi Ratzon which became accepted in later times).
A Mi Sheberach prayer (an unknown text) for those who undertake to fast on Monday and Thursday is featured on p. [3], with a special prayer for the "Exalted Emperor of Rome (Caralis)…" (presumably referring to Charles VI, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, d. 1740).
On pp. [4-6]: order of changing the name for a sick person (Metzalin Anachnu and Yehi Ratzon following the name change), Mi Sheberach for a sick person ("…He who healed Miriam the prophetess from her leprosy, and sweetened the bitter waters through Moshe, and healed the waters of Yericho through Elisha, and healed Chizkiyahu king of Yehuda from his illness, and Binyamin HaTzaddik from his illness…" – a similar text is found in Pinkas Worms, quoted by Frumkin in Seder Rav Amram Gaon, Jerusalem 1912. See enclosed material); blessing for a mother who gave birth (unknown text, similar style to the one cited by Frumkin, ibid).
On p. [7]: Prayer "by R. Leib of Prague for Mondays and Thursdays" – prayer against informers: "May it be Your will… to uproot and eradicate… the informers who cause harm to the Jewish people through their tongues, and who destroy the status of the communities, and oppress their Jewish brethren…". (This prayer is mentioned in the Moravia book of regulations, where it is attributed to the Maharal of Prague. It was preserved, with some textual variation, in the synagogue registry of the Krezmir community. The Eisenstadt community would reputedly recite it, but there it was attributed to R. Meir Eisenstadt, author of Panim Me'irot. See enclosed material).
On p. [8]: Prayers for Mondays and Thursdays, and the Achenu Kol Beit Yisrael prayer. P. [9]: Av HaRachamim prayer for those who perished in sanctification of G-d's name. Addition on the final page [10]: Text of Eruv Tavshilin, presumably from a different writer (with a decorated initial word).
5 parchment leaves (10 written pages). 27 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear, several tears. New binding.
A letter from Prof. Gershom Scholem (in English) is enclosed, regarding the prayer against informers found in this manuscript.
Category
Illustrated Manuscripts and Manuscripts of Prayers
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Amulet containing the verses of Birkat Kohanim (the Priestly Blessing) "May G-d bless you and protect you…", and a 22-letter Holy Name, derived from the verses of Birkat Kohanim. Neat square script on paper. [Italy, ca. 18th/19th century].
The practice of using the verses of Birkat Kohanim as an amulet is already mentioned in various midrashim, which state that at the time of the giving of the Torah and the building of the Mishkan, G-d wrote the verses of Birkat Kohanim and gave them to the Jewish people as an amulet (Midrash Rabba Parashat Nasso, chapter 12; Pesikta Rabbati chapter 10; Midrash Aggadah Nasso chapter 7: When the Torah was first given to the Jews, it was given publicly, and the evil eye governed it, causing the Tablets to be broken – "When He wished to rest His presence amongst them, what did He do? He first wrote the Birkat Kohanim as an amulet, so that the evil eye shall have no power over it"). In books of segulot, the verses of Birkat Kohanim are included in the texts of various amulets. Toldot HaAdam (Zhovkva, 1720, p. 21b, section 115), attributed to R. Yoel Baal Shem, quotes the text of a protective amulet for a mother and her newborn, which includes the verses of Birkat Kohanim with other verses and Holy Names.
Slip of paper. 7X9 cm. Fair-good condition. Many stains and wear. Several tears and holes to corners.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Power of the Birkat Kohanim Amulet Written by Rabbi Kalfon HaKohen of Djerba
R. Kalfon Moshe HaKohen Rabbi of Djerba (Tunisia) once wrote the verses of Birkat Kohanim on a plain piece of paper, and gave it to his granddaughter as an amulet for an easy birth. The residents of Djerba regarded it as a proven amulet, and would use it as a segulah for easy birth and recovery, as quoted below:
"His granddaughter, who experienced difficult births and repeated miscarriages, begged him to write an amulet for her, and after repeated entreaties, he conceded and wrote for her an amulet with plain ink, on plain paper, and it was very beneficial for her, as well as for other women. When the amulet was opened, it was found to contain only the three verses of Birkat Kohanim… No Holy Names, no illustrations, and no Hashbaot" (Or Torah, Tevet 1997, p. 256).
"The granddaughter of the rabbi endured tremendous difficulty while giving birth… she also miscarried several times… in her anguish, she turned to her illustrious grandfather, related her difficulties to him, and begged him to write for her an amulet which would put an end to all her troubles… after she approached him repeatedly and cried to him… his mercy was aroused… he took a plain piece of paper and a pen, dipped it in the inkwell, and wrote out for her the Birkat Kohanim… without Holy Names, illustrations nor Hashbaot… and behold, from the time the granddaughter carried the amulet on herself, she stopped miscarrying and gave birth easily. The news of this wonderful amulet spread quickly throughout Djerba, and soon, any women experiencing difficulty giving birth, began carrying the amulet on herself, and 'before she had travailed, she had already given birth', and it was a miracle. Not only for births did the amulet bring salvation, but also for healing various illnesses, until it earned the reputation of a 'verified amulet'. This amulet was passed on for years from one sick person to the next, and due to its great demand, it was given to each person for the limited period of one week only…" (Peninei HaParasha, VIII, 2007, issue 398).
Category
Illustrated Manuscripts and Manuscripts of Prayers
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript on a parchment scroll – Ilan Sefirot. [Europe, 18th/19th century?].
Exceptionally long parchment scroll, with very detailed illustrations and diagrams of the Sefirot, Partzufim and Hishtalshelut HaOlamot, based on Kabbalah. The scroll begins with the heading "This is the Holy Tree of the Infinite Light, blessed be He and blessed be His Name".
This Ilan is actually a composition in its own right, presenting the Hishtalshelut HaOlamot in a very detailed manner in diagram form, with explications following various opinions, and more.
Such Ilanot Sefirot customarily served as amulets for safeguarding, blessing and protection.
The scroll is read lengthwise. The bottom part of it is missing.
Length of scroll: approx. 2.3 meters. Width: 8 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and damage. Torn and lacking at end. Enclosed is an additional piece of parchment (15 cm long) from lower in the scroll, which does not complete it entirely. The scroll is placed in a silver case, without a lid.
Exceptionally long parchment scroll, with very detailed illustrations and diagrams of the Sefirot, Partzufim and Hishtalshelut HaOlamot, based on Kabbalah. The scroll begins with the heading "This is the Holy Tree of the Infinite Light, blessed be He and blessed be His Name".
This Ilan is actually a composition in its own right, presenting the Hishtalshelut HaOlamot in a very detailed manner in diagram form, with explications following various opinions, and more.
Such Ilanot Sefirot customarily served as amulets for safeguarding, blessing and protection.
The scroll is read lengthwise. The bottom part of it is missing.
Length of scroll: approx. 2.3 meters. Width: 8 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and damage. Torn and lacking at end. Enclosed is an additional piece of parchment (15 cm long) from lower in the scroll, which does not complete it entirely. The scroll is placed in a silver case, without a lid.
Category
Illustrated Manuscripts and Manuscripts of Prayers
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Illuminated parchment ketubah, recording the marriage of the groom Avraham David son of Binyamin Baraffaele, to the bride Simcha daughter of Yitzchak Mondolfi. Ancona, 1741.
Large ketubah. The text is surrounded by an elaborate design, with rich foliate and rocaille motifs, in red, green and gilt. The outer frame contains the traditional blessings and verses: "With a good luck and favorable fortune… May G-d make the woman who is entering your home like Rachel and like Leah… May G-d bless you and protect you…".
The text of the ketubah is written in square Stam script. At the foot of the ketubah, the tena'im were added in Italian cursive script. The ketubah is signed by the witnesses: "Daniel son of Moshe Consolo (Nahamu), witness" (R. Daniel Nahamu, an Ancona Torah scholar, grandfather of R. Daniel Tirani author of Ikrei HaDat, who was named after him); "Matzliach son of Moshe Kohen, witness".
Maximum height: 71 cm. Maximum width: 51 cm. Fair condition. Stains, creases and fold lines. Large marginal tears, affecting border and decorations.
Large ketubah. The text is surrounded by an elaborate design, with rich foliate and rocaille motifs, in red, green and gilt. The outer frame contains the traditional blessings and verses: "With a good luck and favorable fortune… May G-d make the woman who is entering your home like Rachel and like Leah… May G-d bless you and protect you…".
The text of the ketubah is written in square Stam script. At the foot of the ketubah, the tena'im were added in Italian cursive script. The ketubah is signed by the witnesses: "Daniel son of Moshe Consolo (Nahamu), witness" (R. Daniel Nahamu, an Ancona Torah scholar, grandfather of R. Daniel Tirani author of Ikrei HaDat, who was named after him); "Matzliach son of Moshe Kohen, witness".
Maximum height: 71 cm. Maximum width: 51 cm. Fair condition. Stains, creases and fold lines. Large marginal tears, affecting border and decorations.
Category
Illustrated Manuscripts and Manuscripts of Prayers
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, VeYiten Lecha prayer recited on Motzaei Shabbat. [Italy, ca. 19th century]. Vocalized, square Italian script.
Reciting the verses of VeYiten Lecha HaElokim and other verses on Motzaei Shabbat as a segulah for livelihood and blessing is an early custom prevalent throughout the Jewish world. Early references to this custom are found in the books of Rishonim, such as Rashi's siddur and Machzor Vitri, the Zohar and more. The Tur explains this custom (section 295): " So that their endeavors should be blessed". This reason is also quoted in the Zohar and books of Rishonim, who write that reciting these blessings at the beginning of the week draws down blessing and success for the new week. Some people recite Veyiten Lecha in public in the synagogue, while others recite it at home after Havdala. Pri Etz Chaim records that the Arizal would recite these verses "in his home, to bring down the beginning of the weekdays with mercy and blessing". The Shelah in his Shaar HaShamayim siddur describes at length the holiness of this custom, and the secrets which lie in the verses of the blessings, writing that "this custom contains a foundation of Torah secrets… and who can grasp the allusions... nevertheless I will reveal a drop of the ocean…".
Various books name the recital of VeYiten Lecha on Motzaei Shabbat as a segulah for livelihood. Several prominent Chassidic leaders (R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and R. Yechezkel of Shinova) are known to have declared that they cannot fathom how a Jew can bring down an abundance of livelihood for the week without reciting VeYiten Lecha on Motzaei Shabbat. The VaYechi Yosef, rebbe of Pupa once told one of his disciples, that reciting YeYiten Lecha with joy is a segulah for livelihood (Hemenuta DiShlomo, Jerusalem 2016, p. 275). Some leading rebbes (R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, rebbes of Chabad and others) were particular to recite VeYiten Lecha together with another person, so that each can be blessed by the other's blessing.
(Sources: R. Elchanan Halpern, Imrei Chen, I, Jerusalem 2013, p. 95; R. Eliyahu Yochanan Gur Aryeh, Chikrei Minhagim, I, Kfar Chabad 1999, pp. 132-134; R. Yosef Wichlder, HaMevaser Torani, Parashat Toldot 2015, p. 19; Moshe Chalamish, Hanhagot Kabbaliot BeShabbat, Jerusalem 2006, pp. 474-476).
[8] leaves (13 written pages; the other pages contain various inscriptions and simple sketches of human figures). 26.5 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Fair condition. Stains and mold stains. Marginal worming. Original cardboard binding, damaged and worn.
Reciting the verses of VeYiten Lecha HaElokim and other verses on Motzaei Shabbat as a segulah for livelihood and blessing is an early custom prevalent throughout the Jewish world. Early references to this custom are found in the books of Rishonim, such as Rashi's siddur and Machzor Vitri, the Zohar and more. The Tur explains this custom (section 295): " So that their endeavors should be blessed". This reason is also quoted in the Zohar and books of Rishonim, who write that reciting these blessings at the beginning of the week draws down blessing and success for the new week. Some people recite Veyiten Lecha in public in the synagogue, while others recite it at home after Havdala. Pri Etz Chaim records that the Arizal would recite these verses "in his home, to bring down the beginning of the weekdays with mercy and blessing". The Shelah in his Shaar HaShamayim siddur describes at length the holiness of this custom, and the secrets which lie in the verses of the blessings, writing that "this custom contains a foundation of Torah secrets… and who can grasp the allusions... nevertheless I will reveal a drop of the ocean…".
Various books name the recital of VeYiten Lecha on Motzaei Shabbat as a segulah for livelihood. Several prominent Chassidic leaders (R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and R. Yechezkel of Shinova) are known to have declared that they cannot fathom how a Jew can bring down an abundance of livelihood for the week without reciting VeYiten Lecha on Motzaei Shabbat. The VaYechi Yosef, rebbe of Pupa once told one of his disciples, that reciting YeYiten Lecha with joy is a segulah for livelihood (Hemenuta DiShlomo, Jerusalem 2016, p. 275). Some leading rebbes (R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, rebbes of Chabad and others) were particular to recite VeYiten Lecha together with another person, so that each can be blessed by the other's blessing.
(Sources: R. Elchanan Halpern, Imrei Chen, I, Jerusalem 2013, p. 95; R. Eliyahu Yochanan Gur Aryeh, Chikrei Minhagim, I, Kfar Chabad 1999, pp. 132-134; R. Yosef Wichlder, HaMevaser Torani, Parashat Toldot 2015, p. 19; Moshe Chalamish, Hanhagot Kabbaliot BeShabbat, Jerusalem 2006, pp. 474-476).
[8] leaves (13 written pages; the other pages contain various inscriptions and simple sketches of human figures). 26.5 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Fair condition. Stains and mold stains. Marginal worming. Original cardboard binding, damaged and worn.
Category
Illustrated Manuscripts and Manuscripts of Prayers
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $12,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $12,500
Including buyer's premium
Illustrated parchment manuscript – selected prayers for the High Holidays, Three Festivals, and more. [Pápa, Austrian Empire, presently: Hungary], 1833.
Beautiful manuscript, with an illustrated title page and eight illustrations within the text.
Square, vocalized Ashkenazic script. Instructions in non-vocalized semi-cursive (Rashi) script.
The text of the title page is set within an architectural border comprising a paved platform with two wreathed columns supporting a vaulted dome, topped by a crown.
The title page indicates the name of the person for whom the manuscript was penned, the year of writing, the name of the scribe and illustrator, and his location: " Keter Kehuna – Belongs to the esteemed… HeChaver R. Leib Harsh, son of HeChaver R. Yissachar HaKohen. Completed on Thursday, 11th Shevat 1833, by Tzvi Hirsch Chazan of Pápa".
The manuscript comprises various blessings and selected prayers for the following occasions: Eruv Tavshilin, removing the Torah scroll from the ark on Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and the Three Festivals, Birkat Kohanim, Tashlich, "A beautiful prayer to be recited at
the sukkah ("May it be Your will… to allow Your Divine night before entering the sukkah", Pidyon HaBen and Birkat HaLevana.
Every page is delineated with a square border. Some texts are accompanied by fine, painted illustrations, as follows:
Leaf [2a]: A basket with flowers. A woman points to the basket as a man holding a book recites the appropriate blessing.
Leaf [2b]: Two angels hover on either side of the words "Hashem, Hashem" (initial words of the thirteen attributes of mercy).
Leaf [4b]: A Levi washes the hands of a Kohen in preparation for Birkat Kohanim.
Leaf [5b]: A spray of flowers tied with a bowed ribbon.
Leaf [6a]: A pair of lions, a wreath in their mouths.
Leaf [6b]: Two men seated at a table for a business meeting (presumably symbolizing prosperity, as this illustration accompanies the prayer "In the book of life, blessing, peace and abundant livelihood…").
Leaf [7b]: Two men with prayerbooks standing on the grassy banks on either side of a river, reciting Tashlich.
Leaf [8a]: A pair of birds perched on branches flank the initial word "Yehi" of the prayer recited before entering Presence to reside amongst us, and spread over us the canopy of Your peace…").
The woman and men depicted in the illustrations are in contemporary European dress.
The manuscript was presumably named Keter Kehuna, since it was written for a Kohen, and it includes the orders of Birkat Kohanim (the priestly blessing) and Pidyon HaBen (redemption of the male first born), which are pertinent for kohanim. It appears that the common denominator between all the texts in this manuscript is that they are recited at times when it is more convenient to hold a small book or manuscript, such as during Tashlich (prayer recited on Rosh Hashana by a body of water), Birkat HaLevana (blessing of the new moon), and others. Likewise, the manuscript includes the prayers of "Avinu Malkeinu… Zechor Rachamecha" and "BeSefer Chaim… HaYom TeAmetzenu", which are recited during the High Holidays while the kohanim are still standing on the dais, to spare the kohen the need of bringing his personal machzor with him to the dais.
Familial birth records on one of the empty parchment leaves at the end of the manuscript, mentioning the years 1853 and 1854.
Inscription on the back endpaper (in cursive Ashkenazic script) of the owner for whom this manuscript was penned: " R. Leib Harsh Kahn – 1847".
[11] leaves. Several blank parchment leaves at beginning and end of manuscript. 15.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Traces of past dampness, with slight damage to ink in several places. Top of title page cropped, affecting points of crown illustration. Original leather binding, with gilt tooled decorations, repaired. Placed in new, elegant case, with gilt decorations (slightly damaged).
Provenance: Sotheby's, New York, 30th November 2005.
Beautiful manuscript, with an illustrated title page and eight illustrations within the text.
Square, vocalized Ashkenazic script. Instructions in non-vocalized semi-cursive (Rashi) script.
The text of the title page is set within an architectural border comprising a paved platform with two wreathed columns supporting a vaulted dome, topped by a crown.
The title page indicates the name of the person for whom the manuscript was penned, the year of writing, the name of the scribe and illustrator, and his location: " Keter Kehuna – Belongs to the esteemed… HeChaver R. Leib Harsh, son of HeChaver R. Yissachar HaKohen. Completed on Thursday, 11th Shevat 1833, by Tzvi Hirsch Chazan of Pápa".
The manuscript comprises various blessings and selected prayers for the following occasions: Eruv Tavshilin, removing the Torah scroll from the ark on Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and the Three Festivals, Birkat Kohanim, Tashlich, "A beautiful prayer to be recited at
the sukkah ("May it be Your will… to allow Your Divine night before entering the sukkah", Pidyon HaBen and Birkat HaLevana.
Every page is delineated with a square border. Some texts are accompanied by fine, painted illustrations, as follows:
Leaf [2a]: A basket with flowers. A woman points to the basket as a man holding a book recites the appropriate blessing.
Leaf [2b]: Two angels hover on either side of the words "Hashem, Hashem" (initial words of the thirteen attributes of mercy).
Leaf [4b]: A Levi washes the hands of a Kohen in preparation for Birkat Kohanim.
Leaf [5b]: A spray of flowers tied with a bowed ribbon.
Leaf [6a]: A pair of lions, a wreath in their mouths.
Leaf [6b]: Two men seated at a table for a business meeting (presumably symbolizing prosperity, as this illustration accompanies the prayer "In the book of life, blessing, peace and abundant livelihood…").
Leaf [7b]: Two men with prayerbooks standing on the grassy banks on either side of a river, reciting Tashlich.
Leaf [8a]: A pair of birds perched on branches flank the initial word "Yehi" of the prayer recited before entering Presence to reside amongst us, and spread over us the canopy of Your peace…").
The woman and men depicted in the illustrations are in contemporary European dress.
The manuscript was presumably named Keter Kehuna, since it was written for a Kohen, and it includes the orders of Birkat Kohanim (the priestly blessing) and Pidyon HaBen (redemption of the male first born), which are pertinent for kohanim. It appears that the common denominator between all the texts in this manuscript is that they are recited at times when it is more convenient to hold a small book or manuscript, such as during Tashlich (prayer recited on Rosh Hashana by a body of water), Birkat HaLevana (blessing of the new moon), and others. Likewise, the manuscript includes the prayers of "Avinu Malkeinu… Zechor Rachamecha" and "BeSefer Chaim… HaYom TeAmetzenu", which are recited during the High Holidays while the kohanim are still standing on the dais, to spare the kohen the need of bringing his personal machzor with him to the dais.
Familial birth records on one of the empty parchment leaves at the end of the manuscript, mentioning the years 1853 and 1854.
Inscription on the back endpaper (in cursive Ashkenazic script) of the owner for whom this manuscript was penned: " R. Leib Harsh Kahn – 1847".
[11] leaves. Several blank parchment leaves at beginning and end of manuscript. 15.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Traces of past dampness, with slight damage to ink in several places. Top of title page cropped, affecting points of crown illustration. Original leather binding, with gilt tooled decorations, repaired. Placed in new, elegant case, with gilt decorations (slightly damaged).
Provenance: Sotheby's, New York, 30th November 2005.
Category
Illustrated Manuscripts and Manuscripts of Prayers
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $5,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Kohelet and Shir HaShirim, with the Rashi commentary. [Spain or the Sephardic diaspora, 14th/15th century].
The text of the Megillot in square script, with the Rashi commentary in semi-cursive Sephardic script, verse by verse. Decorated initial words in several places.
Megillat Kohelet is lacking the beginning and opens with chapter 1, verse 17. Shir HaShirim is complete (leaves [48] and [49] of Shir HaShirim were bound out of sequence).
[50] leaves. 26 cm. Overall fair condition, several leaves in fair-poor condition. Stains and wear, dampstains and dampness damage, affecting text. New binding.
Enclosed: Expert report from Mr. Benjamin Richler, emeritus director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts in the NLI.
The text of the Megillot in square script, with the Rashi commentary in semi-cursive Sephardic script, verse by verse. Decorated initial words in several places.
Megillat Kohelet is lacking the beginning and opens with chapter 1, verse 17. Shir HaShirim is complete (leaves [48] and [49] of Shir HaShirim were bound out of sequence).
[50] leaves. 26 cm. Overall fair condition, several leaves in fair-poor condition. Stains and wear, dampstains and dampness damage, affecting text. New binding.
Enclosed: Expert report from Mr. Benjamin Richler, emeritus director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts in the NLI.
Category
Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $10,625
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Rashi commentary on the Torah. [Yemen, 14th/15th century].
Neat, early Yemenite script. Thick volume, comprising the commentary to almost all of the Five Books of the Torah. Initial words at the beginning of the books of Shemot, Vayikra and Bamidbar set within decorative panels.
At the end of Bereshit (p. [82a]) and at the end of Bamidbar (p. [241b]), inscriptions attesting to the purchase of the book in 1549: " I purchased this Midrash from Shalom HaLevi in Elul 1549" (the manuscript itself was written well before these inscriptions).
Glosses in the margins of several leaves (emendations, references and commentaries).
[283] leaves (lacking beginning and end. Begins with Bereshit 2:5; ends with Devarim 33:22. Lacking several leaves in middle, replaced in later script). 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear, tears and worming. Several detached leaves, some with tears affecting text with loss. Worming affecting text to several leaves. Old leather binding, detached and damaged.
Enclosed: Expert report from Mr. Benjamin Richler, emeritus director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts in the NLI.
Neat, early Yemenite script. Thick volume, comprising the commentary to almost all of the Five Books of the Torah. Initial words at the beginning of the books of Shemot, Vayikra and Bamidbar set within decorative panels.
At the end of Bereshit (p. [82a]) and at the end of Bamidbar (p. [241b]), inscriptions attesting to the purchase of the book in 1549: " I purchased this Midrash from Shalom HaLevi in Elul 1549" (the manuscript itself was written well before these inscriptions).
Glosses in the margins of several leaves (emendations, references and commentaries).
[283] leaves (lacking beginning and end. Begins with Bereshit 2:5; ends with Devarim 33:22. Lacking several leaves in middle, replaced in later script). 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear, tears and worming. Several detached leaves, some with tears affecting text with loss. Worming affecting text to several leaves. Old leather binding, detached and damaged.
Enclosed: Expert report from Mr. Benjamin Richler, emeritus director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts in the NLI.
Category
Manuscripts
Catalogue