Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $750
Including buyer's premium
Transcript of a question on the laws of inheritance, from Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, handwritten by R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark Rabbi of Starodub. [After Nissan 1866].
The following inscription appears at the top of the page: "Transcript of the words of the rebbe".
A personal question pertaining to the Tzemach Tzedek’s bequest: "I request of his honor, to please study this case which is of practical relevance to me, and it is difficult for me to rely on myself to issue a ruling… I am elderly, may G-d grant me longevity, and I wish to give one of my sons a gift. That is, a debt owed to me by a reliable person… with a repayment of several hundred silver ruble a year… I wish to gift this debt to one son specifically, for a reason I shall not disclose. And although all my sons will presumably honor this wish, I must take necessary measures. Therefore, I wish to somehow reinforce this command, so that they should not be able to transgress it in any way…". Further in the question, the Tzemach Tzedek outlines the main points and sources which indicate that there is a halachic option of transferring the recovery of a debt to one specific son. (The son at issue is presumably the Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch, see on this affair R. Yehoshua Mondshein, Kfar Chabad weekly, Issue 1041, 11th Nissan 2003, p. 38 onwards).
The Tzemach Tzedek (1789-1866) was very feeble in his final years, and he wrote very little between 1860-1866. His manuscripts (as well as transcripts of his writings) from these years are very rare (MiBeit Genazim, p. 238).
The copyist of this question, R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark Rabbi of Horki, Starodub, Vitebsk and Nevel (d. 1893), was a prominent Chabad rabbi. "He was very cherished by the Tzemach Tzedek" (Preface to Eshel Avraham, Zera’im); see item 379. The Tzemach Tzedek may have addressed this question to R. Meshulam Zalman, yet it is also probable that a copy of this question was sent to several Chabad rabbis (see below - this question was also sent to R. Meir son of R. Peretz Chen).
[2] leaves (3 written pages). Approx. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Ink stains. Folding marks.
Discovery! This question was first published recently (with several copying errors) in Responsa Avnei Chen (Brooklyn, 2013), with the response of R. Meir (son of R. Peretz) Chen, who cited the text of the question prior to answering it (pp. 155-164). The publisher erroneously attributed the question to one of the rabbis of Babinavichy. It has now been revealed that this question was posed by the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch in his final years (the basis for the attribution of this question to a rabbi of Babinavichy is the following sentence at the end of the letter: "Please respond to this as soon as possible… by post to Babinavichy, to my address…". Lubavitch was a very small village, without a post office, and any post sent to Lubavitch was received in the closest post office branch, in Babinavichy - see Igrot HaTzemach Tzedek, 2013 edition, footnote on p. 213, and p. 219).
The following inscription appears at the top of the page: "Transcript of the words of the rebbe".
A personal question pertaining to the Tzemach Tzedek’s bequest: "I request of his honor, to please study this case which is of practical relevance to me, and it is difficult for me to rely on myself to issue a ruling… I am elderly, may G-d grant me longevity, and I wish to give one of my sons a gift. That is, a debt owed to me by a reliable person… with a repayment of several hundred silver ruble a year… I wish to gift this debt to one son specifically, for a reason I shall not disclose. And although all my sons will presumably honor this wish, I must take necessary measures. Therefore, I wish to somehow reinforce this command, so that they should not be able to transgress it in any way…". Further in the question, the Tzemach Tzedek outlines the main points and sources which indicate that there is a halachic option of transferring the recovery of a debt to one specific son. (The son at issue is presumably the Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch, see on this affair R. Yehoshua Mondshein, Kfar Chabad weekly, Issue 1041, 11th Nissan 2003, p. 38 onwards).
The Tzemach Tzedek (1789-1866) was very feeble in his final years, and he wrote very little between 1860-1866. His manuscripts (as well as transcripts of his writings) from these years are very rare (MiBeit Genazim, p. 238).
The copyist of this question, R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark Rabbi of Horki, Starodub, Vitebsk and Nevel (d. 1893), was a prominent Chabad rabbi. "He was very cherished by the Tzemach Tzedek" (Preface to Eshel Avraham, Zera’im); see item 379. The Tzemach Tzedek may have addressed this question to R. Meshulam Zalman, yet it is also probable that a copy of this question was sent to several Chabad rabbis (see below - this question was also sent to R. Meir son of R. Peretz Chen).
[2] leaves (3 written pages). Approx. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Ink stains. Folding marks.
Discovery! This question was first published recently (with several copying errors) in Responsa Avnei Chen (Brooklyn, 2013), with the response of R. Meir (son of R. Peretz) Chen, who cited the text of the question prior to answering it (pp. 155-164). The publisher erroneously attributed the question to one of the rabbis of Babinavichy. It has now been revealed that this question was posed by the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch in his final years (the basis for the attribution of this question to a rabbi of Babinavichy is the following sentence at the end of the letter: "Please respond to this as soon as possible… by post to Babinavichy, to my address…". Lubavitch was a very small village, without a post office, and any post sent to Lubavitch was received in the closest post office branch, in Babinavichy - see Igrot HaTzemach Tzedek, 2013 edition, footnote on p. 213, and p. 219).
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Letter of halachic responsum pertaining to the laws of constructing a synagogue and changing the status of a synagogue to profane, handwritten by R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark. Addressed to Rebbe Shalom Dov Ber Schneersohn of Lubavitch (the Rashab). [Presumably written between 1884 and 1889].
Responsum letter in two copies. One is entirely handwritten by R. Meshulam Zalman, and the second is partially written by a scribe and partially by R. Meshulam Zalman. Variations in the text of the two copies. These may be drafts of the letter which was actually sent, or copies which R. Meshulam Zalman penned for his own record.
The letter was written in response to a complex question which Rebbe Rashab sent regarding the laws of the holiness of a synagogue (the question from Rebbe Rashab was published in Igrot Kodesh of Rebbe Rashab, V, p. 199 onwards, and in Responsa Torat Shalom, p. 25 onwards).
In his letter, R. Meshulam Zalman testifies on the stringent approach of Rebbe Maharash in these matters, when the latter rebuilt his home and the synagogue following the fire which ravaged Lubavitch: "I can testify what I explicitly and directly heard from his father R. Shmuel, when I visited him for the first time after he built his present home. He showed me the small room which was open to the long room after the Sukkah… and he explained to me his reason for setting aside this small room - this place used to hold a small part of the burnt down study hall which was in the courtyard of the Tzemach Tzedek, and, not wishing to include it in his home, he set it aside for holy use, for writing Chassidic essays and the like…" (the ground on which Rebbe Maharash built his home in Lubavitch, partially overlapped with the area which used to hold the synagogue of the Tzemach Tzedek, which burnt down. When the Maharash built his private home, he designated one room, which was built on the grounds of the synagogue, for Torah study and recording Torah thoughts, rather than for personal use, so that it should remain a study hall of sorts).
R. Chaim Meshulam Zalman Neumark (d. 1893), a leading Chabad rabbi, cherished disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek and his son Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch. One of the most renowned and prominent rabbis of Chabad Chassidism in his times. He served as rabbi of the following prominent Chabad cities and towns: Horki (1857-1867), Starodub (1867-1886), Vitebsk (1886-1888) and Nevel (1888-1893). Rebbe Yehuda Leib of Kopust wrote regarding his brilliance both in hidden and revealed parts of the Torah: "He is a renowned posek, both in Halachic ruling and in his Chassidic erudition". See item 379.
[2] double leaves (6 written pages). 21 cm and 15 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
This letter was presumably never published.
Responsum letter in two copies. One is entirely handwritten by R. Meshulam Zalman, and the second is partially written by a scribe and partially by R. Meshulam Zalman. Variations in the text of the two copies. These may be drafts of the letter which was actually sent, or copies which R. Meshulam Zalman penned for his own record.
The letter was written in response to a complex question which Rebbe Rashab sent regarding the laws of the holiness of a synagogue (the question from Rebbe Rashab was published in Igrot Kodesh of Rebbe Rashab, V, p. 199 onwards, and in Responsa Torat Shalom, p. 25 onwards).
In his letter, R. Meshulam Zalman testifies on the stringent approach of Rebbe Maharash in these matters, when the latter rebuilt his home and the synagogue following the fire which ravaged Lubavitch: "I can testify what I explicitly and directly heard from his father R. Shmuel, when I visited him for the first time after he built his present home. He showed me the small room which was open to the long room after the Sukkah… and he explained to me his reason for setting aside this small room - this place used to hold a small part of the burnt down study hall which was in the courtyard of the Tzemach Tzedek, and, not wishing to include it in his home, he set it aside for holy use, for writing Chassidic essays and the like…" (the ground on which Rebbe Maharash built his home in Lubavitch, partially overlapped with the area which used to hold the synagogue of the Tzemach Tzedek, which burnt down. When the Maharash built his private home, he designated one room, which was built on the grounds of the synagogue, for Torah study and recording Torah thoughts, rather than for personal use, so that it should remain a study hall of sorts).
R. Chaim Meshulam Zalman Neumark (d. 1893), a leading Chabad rabbi, cherished disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek and his son Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch. One of the most renowned and prominent rabbis of Chabad Chassidism in his times. He served as rabbi of the following prominent Chabad cities and towns: Horki (1857-1867), Starodub (1867-1886), Vitebsk (1886-1888) and Nevel (1888-1893). Rebbe Yehuda Leib of Kopust wrote regarding his brilliance both in hidden and revealed parts of the Torah: "He is a renowned posek, both in Halachic ruling and in his Chassidic erudition". See item 379.
[2] double leaves (6 written pages). 21 cm and 15 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
This letter was presumably never published.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $575
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark, addressed to Rebbe Shalom Dov Ber Schneersohn of Lubavitch (the Rashab). [Nevel, Nisan 1889].
In this letter, R. Meshulam Zalman begs and entreats his friend Rebbe Rashab, to agree to take on the leadership of Chabad Chassidism and serve as their rebbe, as they have been left without leader since the passing of his father Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch in 1883.
R. Meshulam Zalman warns and urges his friend the Rashab, not to forsake the Chassidim and Chassidism: "Oh G-d, will You cause annihilation, and what will be of Your promise that [the Torah] shall not be forgotten, and what will result of the efforts of the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples for the past century? Can we despair and say that our hope is lost? So strongly does the Tanya caution that despair is not in the spirit of the Torah… a bit of self-sacrifice is required of him… His true friend, Ch.M. Zalman Neumark".
Rebbe Rashab (1860-1920) was only 21 years old when he was orphaned of his father Rebbe Maharash in 1883. For over ten years (until 1894), the Rashab did not officially serve as rebbe and leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch Chassidic dynasty. In this context, R. Meshulam Zalman wrote this letter to him in Nisan 1889. Rebbe Rashab eventually progressively took on the leadership of Chabad Chassidism, between 1890-1894.
R. Meshulam Zalman writes at the beginning of his letter: "When I was in his town last summer, I noticed how difficult it was for him, due to the various obstacles surrounding him… the destruction of our fellow Chassidim is contingent upon this…". At the end of the letter, he suggests that he move away from Lubavitch and settle in one of the nearby towns, such as Rudnya or Liozna (this plan was never materialized). This suggestion was presumably proposed as a result of the tension which developed in Lubavitch surrounding his eldest brother R. Zalman Aharon, who served as rebbe for a short while and eventually resigned, sensing that he was unfit for the position (Sefer Vitebsk, Tel Aviv 1957, pp. 140, 302-304).
R. Chaim Meshulam Zalman Neumark (d. 1893), a leading Chabad rabbi, cherished disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek and his son Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch. One of the most renowned and prominent rabbis of Chabad Chassidism in his times. He served as rabbi of the following prominent Chabad cities and towns: Horki (1857-1867), Starodub (1867-1886), Vitebsk (1886-1888) and Nevel (1888-1893). Rebbe Yehuda Leib of Kopust wrote regarding his brilliance both in hidden and revealed parts of the Torah: "He is a renowned posek, both in Halachic ruling and in his Chassidic erudition". See next item.
[1] leaf. 13.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
The letter was printed in the Yagdil Torah anthology (New York 1982), year VI, pp. 38-39.
In this letter, R. Meshulam Zalman begs and entreats his friend Rebbe Rashab, to agree to take on the leadership of Chabad Chassidism and serve as their rebbe, as they have been left without leader since the passing of his father Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch in 1883.
R. Meshulam Zalman warns and urges his friend the Rashab, not to forsake the Chassidim and Chassidism: "Oh G-d, will You cause annihilation, and what will be of Your promise that [the Torah] shall not be forgotten, and what will result of the efforts of the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples for the past century? Can we despair and say that our hope is lost? So strongly does the Tanya caution that despair is not in the spirit of the Torah… a bit of self-sacrifice is required of him… His true friend, Ch.M. Zalman Neumark".
Rebbe Rashab (1860-1920) was only 21 years old when he was orphaned of his father Rebbe Maharash in 1883. For over ten years (until 1894), the Rashab did not officially serve as rebbe and leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch Chassidic dynasty. In this context, R. Meshulam Zalman wrote this letter to him in Nisan 1889. Rebbe Rashab eventually progressively took on the leadership of Chabad Chassidism, between 1890-1894.
R. Meshulam Zalman writes at the beginning of his letter: "When I was in his town last summer, I noticed how difficult it was for him, due to the various obstacles surrounding him… the destruction of our fellow Chassidim is contingent upon this…". At the end of the letter, he suggests that he move away from Lubavitch and settle in one of the nearby towns, such as Rudnya or Liozna (this plan was never materialized). This suggestion was presumably proposed as a result of the tension which developed in Lubavitch surrounding his eldest brother R. Zalman Aharon, who served as rebbe for a short while and eventually resigned, sensing that he was unfit for the position (Sefer Vitebsk, Tel Aviv 1957, pp. 140, 302-304).
R. Chaim Meshulam Zalman Neumark (d. 1893), a leading Chabad rabbi, cherished disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek and his son Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch. One of the most renowned and prominent rabbis of Chabad Chassidism in his times. He served as rabbi of the following prominent Chabad cities and towns: Horki (1857-1867), Starodub (1867-1886), Vitebsk (1886-1888) and Nevel (1888-1893). Rebbe Yehuda Leib of Kopust wrote regarding his brilliance both in hidden and revealed parts of the Torah: "He is a renowned posek, both in Halachic ruling and in his Chassidic erudition". See next item.
[1] leaf. 13.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
The letter was printed in the Yagdil Torah anthology (New York 1982), year VI, pp. 38-39.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Twenty-four letters and manuscripts from the archive of R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark, rabbi of Horki, Starodub, Vitebsk and Nevel. Manuscript responsa and multipage halachic treatises composed by R. Meshulam Zalman, responsa which he received from other rabbis, certificates of rabbinic appointment and familial letters. Horki, Starodub, Vitebsk, Nevel, Pochep, Shumyachi and Khotsimsk (Belarus). 1850s-1890s.
The archive includes: certificates of rabbinic appointment, with signatures; manuscripts and halachic treatises written by R. Meshulam Zalman; copies of responsa which he kept for his own records, some in his handwriting and others written by a scribe; letters and responsa sent to him from other rabbis; familial letters and Tena’im of his sons; and more. This archive contains a wealth of information about the towns and cities of Belarus which were within the Pale of Settlement, various halachic controversies which arose there; interesting facts pertaining to the small communities in Belarus which were led by two rabbis - one Chassidic and one Ashkenazi, each directing their respective communities; detailed information on the rabbinic career of R. Neumark and about his family.
The contents of this archive were presumably never published.
The archive includes: certificates of appointment for R. Neumark as rabbi of Starodub and Vitebsk (signed by the community leaders); letters and manuscripts regarding the halachic controversy surrounding leniencies in the laws of Terefot practiced by the shochetim of Vitebsk (including a letter to R. Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor on the topic); sermon handwritten by R. Neumark for the birthday of the empress of Russia; halachic treatises from R. Neumark regarding Heter Me’ah Rabbanim (he mentions Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch, who instructed him to issue a ruling on this question); responsa and halachic studies on various topics (laws of divorce, purity and terefot); halachic treatises, including polemics with R. Hillel Traizon, posek of the Ashkenazi community in Starodub (rare glimpse into the complex relationship between the Chabad and Ashkenazi rabbis in that time); letters sent to R. Neumark from various places, from rabbis and individuals requesting his decision in disputes and halachic issues; and more. A detailed description of the letters and documents will be sent upon request.
R. Chaim Meshulam Zalman Neumark (d. 1893), a leading Chabad rabbi, cherished disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek and his son Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch. He served as rabbi of the following prominent Chabad cities and towns: Horki (1857-1867), Starodub (1867-1886), Vitebsk (1886-1888) and Nevel (1888-1893). R. Elazar Moshe Horowitz Rabbi of Pinsk testified that he found him to be of wise heart and pure intellect in line with the truth of the Torah. Rebbe Yehuda Leib of Kopust acclaimed him as "a renowned posek, both in Halachic ruling and in his Chassidic erudition". R. Meshulam Zalman was one of the most well-known and prominent rabbis of Chabad Chassidism in his times. Apart from his brilliance in both revealed and hidden parts of the Torah, his worship of G-d was legendary. He was a person of deep emotions, and exceptionally charitable - most of his salary was expended on supporting his needy relatives and marrying off their daughters.
During his tenure as rabbi of Starodub, R. Meshulam Zalman was very involved in helping Jewish boys evade conscription in the Russian army. He was denounced to the authorities, interrogated and imprisoned for two and a half years, together with eighty Jews of Starodub, from winter 1881 until Tishrei 1883. He devoted the years of his incarceration to Torah and heartfelt prayer, and for the rest of his life, he spoke with yearning of those elevating years which he could devote to Torah study without being troubled by the concerns of the rabbinate. His grandson R. Avraham Yaakov Neumark, a rabbi of Tel Aviv, relates that R. Meshulam Zalman’s neighbor in the prison cell was an infamous bandit and assassin, who had murdered dozens of people, "And this murderer would melt into tears when hearing the sounds of my grandfather praying, since his prayers were exceptionally heartfelt" (from his preface to Eshel Avraham on Zera’im). The entire account of the informing, imprisonment and surprising acquittal in trial was recorded by Dr. Fishel Schneersohn in his book Kocha shel Sanegoria (Tel Aviv 1967).
24 items, consisting of 74 written pages (approx. 35 leaves, some double). Size and condition vary.
The archive includes: certificates of rabbinic appointment, with signatures; manuscripts and halachic treatises written by R. Meshulam Zalman; copies of responsa which he kept for his own records, some in his handwriting and others written by a scribe; letters and responsa sent to him from other rabbis; familial letters and Tena’im of his sons; and more. This archive contains a wealth of information about the towns and cities of Belarus which were within the Pale of Settlement, various halachic controversies which arose there; interesting facts pertaining to the small communities in Belarus which were led by two rabbis - one Chassidic and one Ashkenazi, each directing their respective communities; detailed information on the rabbinic career of R. Neumark and about his family.
The contents of this archive were presumably never published.
The archive includes: certificates of appointment for R. Neumark as rabbi of Starodub and Vitebsk (signed by the community leaders); letters and manuscripts regarding the halachic controversy surrounding leniencies in the laws of Terefot practiced by the shochetim of Vitebsk (including a letter to R. Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor on the topic); sermon handwritten by R. Neumark for the birthday of the empress of Russia; halachic treatises from R. Neumark regarding Heter Me’ah Rabbanim (he mentions Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch, who instructed him to issue a ruling on this question); responsa and halachic studies on various topics (laws of divorce, purity and terefot); halachic treatises, including polemics with R. Hillel Traizon, posek of the Ashkenazi community in Starodub (rare glimpse into the complex relationship between the Chabad and Ashkenazi rabbis in that time); letters sent to R. Neumark from various places, from rabbis and individuals requesting his decision in disputes and halachic issues; and more. A detailed description of the letters and documents will be sent upon request.
R. Chaim Meshulam Zalman Neumark (d. 1893), a leading Chabad rabbi, cherished disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek and his son Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch. He served as rabbi of the following prominent Chabad cities and towns: Horki (1857-1867), Starodub (1867-1886), Vitebsk (1886-1888) and Nevel (1888-1893). R. Elazar Moshe Horowitz Rabbi of Pinsk testified that he found him to be of wise heart and pure intellect in line with the truth of the Torah. Rebbe Yehuda Leib of Kopust acclaimed him as "a renowned posek, both in Halachic ruling and in his Chassidic erudition". R. Meshulam Zalman was one of the most well-known and prominent rabbis of Chabad Chassidism in his times. Apart from his brilliance in both revealed and hidden parts of the Torah, his worship of G-d was legendary. He was a person of deep emotions, and exceptionally charitable - most of his salary was expended on supporting his needy relatives and marrying off their daughters.
During his tenure as rabbi of Starodub, R. Meshulam Zalman was very involved in helping Jewish boys evade conscription in the Russian army. He was denounced to the authorities, interrogated and imprisoned for two and a half years, together with eighty Jews of Starodub, from winter 1881 until Tishrei 1883. He devoted the years of his incarceration to Torah and heartfelt prayer, and for the rest of his life, he spoke with yearning of those elevating years which he could devote to Torah study without being troubled by the concerns of the rabbinate. His grandson R. Avraham Yaakov Neumark, a rabbi of Tel Aviv, relates that R. Meshulam Zalman’s neighbor in the prison cell was an infamous bandit and assassin, who had murdered dozens of people, "And this murderer would melt into tears when hearing the sounds of my grandfather praying, since his prayers were exceptionally heartfelt" (from his preface to Eshel Avraham on Zera’im). The entire account of the informing, imprisonment and surprising acquittal in trial was recorded by Dr. Fishel Schneersohn in his book Kocha shel Sanegoria (Tel Aviv 1967).
24 items, consisting of 74 written pages (approx. 35 leaves, some double). Size and condition vary.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Two documents from the Chabad community in Disna (Dzisna, Vitebsk region - Belarus), with the signatures of hundreds of community notables:
1. Certificate of appointment as shochet (ritual slaughterer), with the signatures of 65 community notables and leaders in Disna. Disna, Nisan 1866.
Certificate of appointment for two shochatim: R. Moshe Chefetz (son of the rabbi of the town, R. Mordechai Chefetz), who was to succeed R. David Lipshitz; and his relative R. Shlomo Zalman Chefetz, who would replace his father R. Moshe Chefetz. The certificate of appointment lists the wages they will receive, and states that they commit to allocate a portion of their income to the widows of the previous shochatim.
[2] leaves (3 written pages). 35.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
2. Certificate of appointment as shochet, signed by 145 community notables and leaders in Disna. Disna, Nisan 1911.
Certificate of appointment as shochet for R. Menachem Mendel Leib Smirin, son-in-law of the shochet R. Shlomo Zalman Itygin. The certificate states that he is being nominated in addition to the two practicing shochatim.
[4] leaves (4 written pages). 36.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Folding marks.
Disna is a city located on both banks of the Daugava river. One side of it falls under the jurisdiction of the Vilna region, while the other side belongs to the Vitebsk region. In the late 19th century, it comprised some twenty thousand inhabitants, the majority of which were Jewish. "The Jews of the city were all Chabad Chassidim, whether belonging to the Liadi, Lubavitch, Kopust or Staroselye branches… the only prayer rite followed in every synagogue throughout the city was the Chabad rite, based on the Arizal, and there was not a single minyan praying Nusach Ashkenaz. When a non-Chassidic Jew would come to the town, and wished to pray in a quorum, he was compelled to pray following the Chabad rite" (Zichronot, Yitzchak Shirion, Jerusalem 1943, pp. 14-15).
Disna was a distinctly Chabad town already in the times of the Baal HaTanya in the 1790s, and several of his disciples settled there, such as the brothers R. Elazar and R. Tzvi Hirsh Yoffe and others. Some of the signees on the letter of appointment from 1866 may be elder disciples of the Baal HaTanya. One of the signees is "Elazar son of R. Yehoshua Feivel Yoffe". It is difficult to determine whether this is the signature of the elderly R. Elazar of Disna, disciple of the Baal HaTanya, or of one of his descendants who bore his name. Another signee (first from the left) is "Avraham son of R. Tzvi Kluft", presumably a disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, who mentions him in one of his letters: "The elderly R. Avraham Kluft… of Disna" (Igrot Kodesh of the Tzemach Tzedek, Brooklyn 2013, p. 159).
1. Certificate of appointment as shochet (ritual slaughterer), with the signatures of 65 community notables and leaders in Disna. Disna, Nisan 1866.
Certificate of appointment for two shochatim: R. Moshe Chefetz (son of the rabbi of the town, R. Mordechai Chefetz), who was to succeed R. David Lipshitz; and his relative R. Shlomo Zalman Chefetz, who would replace his father R. Moshe Chefetz. The certificate of appointment lists the wages they will receive, and states that they commit to allocate a portion of their income to the widows of the previous shochatim.
[2] leaves (3 written pages). 35.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
2. Certificate of appointment as shochet, signed by 145 community notables and leaders in Disna. Disna, Nisan 1911.
Certificate of appointment as shochet for R. Menachem Mendel Leib Smirin, son-in-law of the shochet R. Shlomo Zalman Itygin. The certificate states that he is being nominated in addition to the two practicing shochatim.
[4] leaves (4 written pages). 36.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Folding marks.
Disna is a city located on both banks of the Daugava river. One side of it falls under the jurisdiction of the Vilna region, while the other side belongs to the Vitebsk region. In the late 19th century, it comprised some twenty thousand inhabitants, the majority of which were Jewish. "The Jews of the city were all Chabad Chassidim, whether belonging to the Liadi, Lubavitch, Kopust or Staroselye branches… the only prayer rite followed in every synagogue throughout the city was the Chabad rite, based on the Arizal, and there was not a single minyan praying Nusach Ashkenaz. When a non-Chassidic Jew would come to the town, and wished to pray in a quorum, he was compelled to pray following the Chabad rite" (Zichronot, Yitzchak Shirion, Jerusalem 1943, pp. 14-15).
Disna was a distinctly Chabad town already in the times of the Baal HaTanya in the 1790s, and several of his disciples settled there, such as the brothers R. Elazar and R. Tzvi Hirsh Yoffe and others. Some of the signees on the letter of appointment from 1866 may be elder disciples of the Baal HaTanya. One of the signees is "Elazar son of R. Yehoshua Feivel Yoffe". It is difficult to determine whether this is the signature of the elderly R. Elazar of Disna, disciple of the Baal HaTanya, or of one of his descendants who bore his name. Another signee (first from the left) is "Avraham son of R. Tzvi Kluft", presumably a disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, who mentions him in one of his letters: "The elderly R. Avraham Kluft… of Disna" (Igrot Kodesh of the Tzemach Tzedek, Brooklyn 2013, p. 159).
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, draft of a responsum pertaining to the laws of divorce, written by one of the dayanim in the Kharkiv Beit Din. Addressed to R. Levi Yitzchak Schneersohn Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (Dnipro). Kharkiv, Sivan 1923.
This manuscript was written in response to R. Levi Yitzchak’s letter (which is not in our possession), in which he disqualified a get (divorce document) arranged by the Kharkiv Beit Din, requiring them to draw up a new get. The manuscript quotes the four reasons R. Levi Yitzchak gave to substantiate his reservations as to the validity of the get. In this letter, one of the dayanim defends the get they arranged against R. Levi Yitzchak’s contentions.
The manuscript is full of deletions and emendations, and is not signed. This is presumably a draft of the responsum.
R. Levi Yitzchak Schneersohn Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (1878-1944), father of Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch. He was renowned for his stringency in laws of divorce, and would fast on the day he arranged a get. Reputedly, he once worked with the Kharkiv community to arrange a get, and he was so meticulous that everything should be perfect, that he compelled them to rewrite the get 3 times, until they succeeded in producing a perfect document (Toldot Levi Yitzchak, I, pp. 165-166).
[4] leaves (8 written pages). 22.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal tears, slightly affecting text. Folding marks.
This manuscript was written in response to R. Levi Yitzchak’s letter (which is not in our possession), in which he disqualified a get (divorce document) arranged by the Kharkiv Beit Din, requiring them to draw up a new get. The manuscript quotes the four reasons R. Levi Yitzchak gave to substantiate his reservations as to the validity of the get. In this letter, one of the dayanim defends the get they arranged against R. Levi Yitzchak’s contentions.
The manuscript is full of deletions and emendations, and is not signed. This is presumably a draft of the responsum.
R. Levi Yitzchak Schneersohn Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (1878-1944), father of Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch. He was renowned for his stringency in laws of divorce, and would fast on the day he arranged a get. Reputedly, he once worked with the Kharkiv community to arrange a get, and he was so meticulous that everything should be perfect, that he compelled them to rewrite the get 3 times, until they succeeded in producing a perfect document (Toldot Levi Yitzchak, I, pp. 165-166).
[4] leaves (8 written pages). 22.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal tears, slightly affecting text. Folding marks.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $600
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter of blessings from Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn - the Rayatz of Lubavitch, with his signature and the addition of two words in his handwriting. Addressed to his secretary R. Nissan Mindel. Brooklyn, New York, Nisan 1949.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Rebbe Rayatz, with his handwritten signature and two words in his handwriting.
In the letter, the rebbe blesses: "May G-d strengthen his health and that of his wife". At the end of the letter, after "and blesses them", the rebbe added in his handwriting: "BeGashmiyut UBeRuchaniyut" (in material and spiritual matters).
The letter is signed with the rebbe’s distinctive signature in the final year of his life - with the letter Yud of his second name in Ashuri script.
R. Nissan Mindel (1912-1999), director of Chabad institutions in the United States, close confidant of Rebbe Rayatz and his son-in-law the Lubavitcher Rebbe. From 1932, he served as personal secretary of Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, and from 1950, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. In winter 1940, he was one of the few who joined the Rayatz in his flight from occupied Poland to the United States. He typed all the rebbe’s English letters, and even published some of them in several volumes. R. Mindel was a prolific author on Jewish thought and Chassidism. His books were reviewed by the rebbe before being published, and were later translated into many languages. He served as editor of the Chabad periodical for youths - Talks and Tales, for over forty years. His magnum opus was his translation of the Tanya to English, which earned him a doctorate degree from the Columbia University in New York.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Rebbe Rayatz, with his handwritten signature and two words in his handwriting.
In the letter, the rebbe blesses: "May G-d strengthen his health and that of his wife". At the end of the letter, after "and blesses them", the rebbe added in his handwriting: "BeGashmiyut UBeRuchaniyut" (in material and spiritual matters).
The letter is signed with the rebbe’s distinctive signature in the final year of his life - with the letter Yud of his second name in Ashuri script.
R. Nissan Mindel (1912-1999), director of Chabad institutions in the United States, close confidant of Rebbe Rayatz and his son-in-law the Lubavitcher Rebbe. From 1932, he served as personal secretary of Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, and from 1950, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. In winter 1940, he was one of the few who joined the Rayatz in his flight from occupied Poland to the United States. He typed all the rebbe’s English letters, and even published some of them in several volumes. R. Mindel was a prolific author on Jewish thought and Chassidism. His books were reviewed by the rebbe before being published, and were later translated into many languages. He served as editor of the Chabad periodical for youths - Talks and Tales, for over forty years. His magnum opus was his translation of the Tanya to English, which earned him a doctorate degree from the Columbia University in New York.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $600
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter of blessings from Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn - the Rayatz of Lubavitch, with his signature, and the addition of two words in his handwriting. Addressed to his secretary R. Nissan Mindel. Brooklyn, New York, Sivan 1949.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Rebbe Rayatz, with his signature and two words in his handwriting.
In his letter, the rebbe blesses: "May the blesser be blessed with abundant good both in material and spiritual matters, and may G-d strengthen his health and that of his wife, and grant them profitable and abundant livelihood, and success in his work".
At the end of the letter, after "and blesses them", the rebbe added in his handwriting "BeGashmiyut UBeRuchaniyut" (in material and spiritual matters).
The letter is signed with the rebbe’s distinctive signature in the final year of his life - with the letter Yud of his second name in Ashuri script.
R. Nissan Mindel (1912-1999), director of Chabad institutions in the United States, close confidant of Rebbe Rayatz and his son-in-law the Lubavitcher Rebbe. From 1932, he served as personal secretary of Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, and from 1950, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. In winter 1940, he was one of the few who joined the Rayatz in his flight from occupied Poland to the United States. He typed all the rebbe’s English letters, and even published some of them in several volumes. R. Mindel was a prolific author on Jewish thought and Chassidism. His books were reviewed by the rebbe before being published, and were later translated into many languages. He served as editor of the Chabad periodical for youths - Talks and Tales, for over forty years. His magnum opus was his translation of the Tanya to English, which earned him a doctorate’s degree from the Columbia University in New York.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Stains.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Rebbe Rayatz, with his signature and two words in his handwriting.
In his letter, the rebbe blesses: "May the blesser be blessed with abundant good both in material and spiritual matters, and may G-d strengthen his health and that of his wife, and grant them profitable and abundant livelihood, and success in his work".
At the end of the letter, after "and blesses them", the rebbe added in his handwriting "BeGashmiyut UBeRuchaniyut" (in material and spiritual matters).
The letter is signed with the rebbe’s distinctive signature in the final year of his life - with the letter Yud of his second name in Ashuri script.
R. Nissan Mindel (1912-1999), director of Chabad institutions in the United States, close confidant of Rebbe Rayatz and his son-in-law the Lubavitcher Rebbe. From 1932, he served as personal secretary of Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, and from 1950, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. In winter 1940, he was one of the few who joined the Rayatz in his flight from occupied Poland to the United States. He typed all the rebbe’s English letters, and even published some of them in several volumes. R. Mindel was a prolific author on Jewish thought and Chassidism. His books were reviewed by the rebbe before being published, and were later translated into many languages. He served as editor of the Chabad periodical for youths - Talks and Tales, for over forty years. His magnum opus was his translation of the Tanya to English, which earned him a doctorate’s degree from the Columbia University in New York.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Stains.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $600
Sold for: $1,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter of blessings signed by Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn - the Rayatz of Lubavitch. Addressed to R. Asher Mindel (brother of the secretary R. Nissan Mindel). Brooklyn, New York, Cheshvan 1949.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Rebbe Rayatz, with his signature.
In his letter, the rebbe blesses: "…may his wife’s pregnancy reach full-term, and may she give birth at the opportune time, easily and smoothly, to a living child, and may G-d strengthen him… and grant him a profitable and abundant livelihood".
The letter is signed with the rebbe’s distinctive signature in the final year of his life - with the letter Yud of his second name in Ashuri script.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Slightly darkened paper, with light stains. Folding marks.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Rebbe Rayatz, with his signature.
In his letter, the rebbe blesses: "…may his wife’s pregnancy reach full-term, and may she give birth at the opportune time, easily and smoothly, to a living child, and may G-d strengthen him… and grant him a profitable and abundant livelihood".
The letter is signed with the rebbe’s distinctive signature in the final year of his life - with the letter Yud of his second name in Ashuri script.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Slightly darkened paper, with light stains. Folding marks.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter of good year wishes, signed by Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneersohn, with the signatures of her two sons-in-law - Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Lubavitch and R. Shemarya Gurary: "With the approach of the new year… we hereby bless him and his family with a good inscription and sealing for a good and sweet year, both in material and spiritual matters. Brooklyn, New York, Elul 1950.
Addressed to R. Asher Mindel (brother of the secretary R. Nissan Mindel). Typewritten on the Rebbetzin’s official stationery; hand signed by the Rebbetzin and her two sons-in-law. The letter was written in Elul 1950, within the year of mourning of her husband, Rebbe Rayatz, who passed away on 10th Shevat 1950. Her son-in-law the Lubavitcher Rebbe was not officially appointed rebbe until 10th Shevat 1951. During the year of mourning, the Rebbetzin wrote several letters to Chabad Chassidim, which she signed together with her two sons-in-law - the signature of her eldest son-in-law R. Shemarya Gurary appearing on the right, and the signature of her younger son-in-law R. Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, future Lubavitcher Rebbe, on the left.
Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneersohn (1881-1971), wife of Rebbe Rayatz. She was the daughter of R. Avraham Schneersohn of Kishinev, son of Rebbe Yisrael Noach of Niezhin, son of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Their wedding took place in Elul 1897. She was devotedly involved in her husband’s monumental work. When her husband was arrested by the communists in 1927, she deftly and courageously orchestrated his release, at peril of her life.
Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch - the Lubavitcher Rebbe (1902-1994), seventh rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty. He was the son of R. Levi Yitzchak Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav, sixth generation patrilineal descendant of the Tzemach Tzedek.
R. Shemaryahu Gurary (1898-1989), a close disciple of Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch, who chose him as husband for his granddaughter Chana, daughter of Rebbe Rayatz. He later served as the latter’s close assistant.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks and creases.
Addressed to R. Asher Mindel (brother of the secretary R. Nissan Mindel). Typewritten on the Rebbetzin’s official stationery; hand signed by the Rebbetzin and her two sons-in-law. The letter was written in Elul 1950, within the year of mourning of her husband, Rebbe Rayatz, who passed away on 10th Shevat 1950. Her son-in-law the Lubavitcher Rebbe was not officially appointed rebbe until 10th Shevat 1951. During the year of mourning, the Rebbetzin wrote several letters to Chabad Chassidim, which she signed together with her two sons-in-law - the signature of her eldest son-in-law R. Shemarya Gurary appearing on the right, and the signature of her younger son-in-law R. Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, future Lubavitcher Rebbe, on the left.
Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneersohn (1881-1971), wife of Rebbe Rayatz. She was the daughter of R. Avraham Schneersohn of Kishinev, son of Rebbe Yisrael Noach of Niezhin, son of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Their wedding took place in Elul 1897. She was devotedly involved in her husband’s monumental work. When her husband was arrested by the communists in 1927, she deftly and courageously orchestrated his release, at peril of her life.
Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch - the Lubavitcher Rebbe (1902-1994), seventh rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty. He was the son of R. Levi Yitzchak Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav, sixth generation patrilineal descendant of the Tzemach Tzedek.
R. Shemaryahu Gurary (1898-1989), a close disciple of Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch, who chose him as husband for his granddaughter Chana, daughter of Rebbe Rayatz. He later served as the latter’s close assistant.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks and creases.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,500
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Two pages (40 lines), draft of a letter, Chassidic explanation of Aggadot of the sages, handwritten by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn - the Lubavitcher Rebbe. [Brooklyn, New York, 1950s].
This leaf contains an original explanation handwritten by the rebbe (in pencil), in which he elucidates the difference between the saying of the Tanna Nachum Ish Gam Zu: "This too is for the good" (Taanit 21a), and that of his disciple R. Akiva: "Whatever G-d does is for the good" (Berachot 60b).
The explanation was given over by the rebbe at length in a Hitvaadut on 20th Av 1951 (see: Torat Menachem, III, p. 268 onwards; Likutei Sichot, II, p. 394 onwards), and mentioned briefly in several of his letters (Igrot Kodesh, VI, p. 231; IX, p. 72, and others), however this is the draft prepared by the rebbe, containing an outline of the explanation. It opens with: "In response to their question", indicating that this was written as a draft of a letter.
This manuscript was published in the Tzaddik LaMelech anthology (Kfar Chabad, 1993), III, p. 129, with the images of these pages (pp. 130-131).
A scrap of paper handwritten by the rebbe is enclosed, with several unpublished notes concerning the letter (see Hebrew description).
[2] leaves. Larger leaf: 14X15.5 cm (written on both sides). Enclosed scrap of paper: 5X14 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks. Staple on corner of larger leaf, not affecting text. Small marginal tear to small leaf, not affecting text.
Drafts of lectures or letters of the Lubavitcher rebbe are extremely rare.
This leaf contains an original explanation handwritten by the rebbe (in pencil), in which he elucidates the difference between the saying of the Tanna Nachum Ish Gam Zu: "This too is for the good" (Taanit 21a), and that of his disciple R. Akiva: "Whatever G-d does is for the good" (Berachot 60b).
The explanation was given over by the rebbe at length in a Hitvaadut on 20th Av 1951 (see: Torat Menachem, III, p. 268 onwards; Likutei Sichot, II, p. 394 onwards), and mentioned briefly in several of his letters (Igrot Kodesh, VI, p. 231; IX, p. 72, and others), however this is the draft prepared by the rebbe, containing an outline of the explanation. It opens with: "In response to their question", indicating that this was written as a draft of a letter.
This manuscript was published in the Tzaddik LaMelech anthology (Kfar Chabad, 1993), III, p. 129, with the images of these pages (pp. 130-131).
A scrap of paper handwritten by the rebbe is enclosed, with several unpublished notes concerning the letter (see Hebrew description).
[2] leaves. Larger leaf: 14X15.5 cm (written on both sides). Enclosed scrap of paper: 5X14 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks. Staple on corner of larger leaf, not affecting text. Small marginal tear to small leaf, not affecting text.
Drafts of lectures or letters of the Lubavitcher rebbe are extremely rare.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Lot 387 Letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe - Encouragement to Publish Writings of the Rishonim - 1970
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $1,188
Including buyer's premium
Letter from Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Lubavitch-Chabad. Brooklyn, New York, Iyar 1970.
Typewritten on the official stationery of the rebbe, with his signature and handwritten correction and addition.
The letter is addressed to R. Avraham Sofer, editor of writings of the Rishonim, and expresses appreciation to him for sending the book Tosafot Chachmei Anglia on tractates Beitza, Kiddushin and Megillah (Jerusalem 1970), which he had edited and published. The rebbe writes: "I just received the book Tosafot Chachmei Anglia on tractate Beitza etc [the emphasized words are the rebbe’s handwritten additions]; thank you for thinking of sending it to me, since one cannot compare seeing the galley proofs to a complete, printed book. And may he see the realization of the saying of the sages - whoever has one hundred wants two… may his desire to publish the writings of the Rishonim increase, and may G-d bring his desire to fruition". Further in the letter, the rebbe writes several particulars pertaining to his activities in drawing students from the Bologna University in Italy closer to Judaism.
At the beginning of the letter, the rebbe corrected by hand the typewritten title of the recipient "HaRav Avraham" to "the rabbi, outstanding Torah scholar".
The letter was printed in Igrot Kodesh, XXVI, pp. 397-398; Menachem Meshiv Nefesh, II, p. 645. In both sources, the rebbe’s handwritten addition and correction were not printed.
The recipient of the letter, R. Avraham Sofer (1897-1982) was the son of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Erlau, author of Hitorerut Teshuva. He served between 1925-1939 as rabbi of Corfu, Gorizia (Italy), and Rijeka (Croatia). In 1939, he immigrated to Jerusalem. He dedicated his life, already during his stay in Italy, to editing and publishing dozens of works of Rishonim, with the addition of his important notes. His most renowned achievement was the series Beit HaBechirah LehaMe’iri. He kept in touch with the rebbe for decades, primarily concerning his work of editing compositions found in manuscripts, and corresponded with him extensively. R. Sofer would send the galley proofs of the books to the rebbe before publishing, for the rebbe to proofread and correct. After the printing, the rebbe would send him additional comments and corrections on the printed version. The rebbe encouraged and supported R. Sofer in his enterprise, as can be seen in this letter, and even assisted him financially in printing some of the books (see enclosed material).
[1] leaf. 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Typewritten on the official stationery of the rebbe, with his signature and handwritten correction and addition.
The letter is addressed to R. Avraham Sofer, editor of writings of the Rishonim, and expresses appreciation to him for sending the book Tosafot Chachmei Anglia on tractates Beitza, Kiddushin and Megillah (Jerusalem 1970), which he had edited and published. The rebbe writes: "I just received the book Tosafot Chachmei Anglia on tractate Beitza etc [the emphasized words are the rebbe’s handwritten additions]; thank you for thinking of sending it to me, since one cannot compare seeing the galley proofs to a complete, printed book. And may he see the realization of the saying of the sages - whoever has one hundred wants two… may his desire to publish the writings of the Rishonim increase, and may G-d bring his desire to fruition". Further in the letter, the rebbe writes several particulars pertaining to his activities in drawing students from the Bologna University in Italy closer to Judaism.
At the beginning of the letter, the rebbe corrected by hand the typewritten title of the recipient "HaRav Avraham" to "the rabbi, outstanding Torah scholar".
The letter was printed in Igrot Kodesh, XXVI, pp. 397-398; Menachem Meshiv Nefesh, II, p. 645. In both sources, the rebbe’s handwritten addition and correction were not printed.
The recipient of the letter, R. Avraham Sofer (1897-1982) was the son of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Erlau, author of Hitorerut Teshuva. He served between 1925-1939 as rabbi of Corfu, Gorizia (Italy), and Rijeka (Croatia). In 1939, he immigrated to Jerusalem. He dedicated his life, already during his stay in Italy, to editing and publishing dozens of works of Rishonim, with the addition of his important notes. His most renowned achievement was the series Beit HaBechirah LehaMe’iri. He kept in touch with the rebbe for decades, primarily concerning his work of editing compositions found in manuscripts, and corresponded with him extensively. R. Sofer would send the galley proofs of the books to the rebbe before publishing, for the rebbe to proofread and correct. After the printing, the rebbe would send him additional comments and corrections on the printed version. The rebbe encouraged and supported R. Sofer in his enterprise, as can be seen in this letter, and even assisted him financially in printing some of the books (see enclosed material).
[1] leaf. 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Category
Chabad Chassidism - Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue