Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
Displaying 13 - 18 of 18
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Handwritten leaf, recording a decision on how to register the mikvaot of Meah She’arim in the land registry office as Waqf (Hekdesh, donated property), signed by approx. 65 of the neighborhood homeowners, with the authorization of the Beit Din and signatures of three dayanim. Jerusalem, Adar 1912.
Heading the list of signees is the rabbi of the neighborhood, R. "Shaul Chaim HaLevi Horowitz, residing here in Meah She’arim". At the foot of the second page of signatures, Beit Din authorization signed by the dayanim R. Moshe Nachum Wallenstein and R. Tzvi Pesach Frank, with the signature of the Beit Din scribe R. Chaim Mendel Safra.
R. Shaul Chaim HaLevi Horowitz (1820-1916) was the son-in-law of R. David Tevele of Minsk, author of Nachalat David. He served as rabbi of Dubrowna for 18 years. In 1883, he immigrated to Jerusalem, where he was considered one of the foremost Torah scholars. He was the founder and dean of the Meah She’arim yeshiva and boys’ school in Meah She’arim. He merited longevity and passed away in 1916. He authored Kelilat Shaul, Mitzpeh Shaul and other works.
R. Moshe Nachum Wallenstein (1841-1922), head of the Jerusalem Beit Din, was a disciple of the Ketav Sofer. In 1864, he immigrated to Jerusalem, where he became an associate and disciple of the Maharil Diskin, studying under him together with a group of leading Torah scholars in Jerusalem. In 1903, he was appointed dayan in R. Shmuel Salant’s Beit Din in Jerusalem, and in 1908, became the head of the Beit Din. After the passing of R. Shmuel Salant, the official position of rabbi of Jerusalem remained vacant for over a decade, during which R. Moshe Nachum became the de facto leader of Jerusalem’s Orthodox community and its official representative before the authorities. In 1920, when the Beit Din of the Eda HaCharedit was established, R. Moshe Nachum went to serve as its head, alongside his colleague R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, the rabbi. Some of his halachic responsa were published in the book Bnei Moshe (Jerusalem, 1990).
R. Tzvi Pesach Frank (1873-1961), a leading posek and rabbi in his times. An outstanding Torah scholar, renowned for his prodigious diligence. He studied in the Lithuanian yeshivot, and immigrated to Jerusalem in his youth. In 1908, he became a dayan in the Beit Din of R. Shmuel Salant, and in 1935, he was appointed rabbi of Jerusalem. His teachings were published in the series of books: Har Tzvi, Mikra’ei Kodesh and others.
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 29 cm. Good condition. Creases and folding marks.
Heading the list of signees is the rabbi of the neighborhood, R. "Shaul Chaim HaLevi Horowitz, residing here in Meah She’arim". At the foot of the second page of signatures, Beit Din authorization signed by the dayanim R. Moshe Nachum Wallenstein and R. Tzvi Pesach Frank, with the signature of the Beit Din scribe R. Chaim Mendel Safra.
R. Shaul Chaim HaLevi Horowitz (1820-1916) was the son-in-law of R. David Tevele of Minsk, author of Nachalat David. He served as rabbi of Dubrowna for 18 years. In 1883, he immigrated to Jerusalem, where he was considered one of the foremost Torah scholars. He was the founder and dean of the Meah She’arim yeshiva and boys’ school in Meah She’arim. He merited longevity and passed away in 1916. He authored Kelilat Shaul, Mitzpeh Shaul and other works.
R. Moshe Nachum Wallenstein (1841-1922), head of the Jerusalem Beit Din, was a disciple of the Ketav Sofer. In 1864, he immigrated to Jerusalem, where he became an associate and disciple of the Maharil Diskin, studying under him together with a group of leading Torah scholars in Jerusalem. In 1903, he was appointed dayan in R. Shmuel Salant’s Beit Din in Jerusalem, and in 1908, became the head of the Beit Din. After the passing of R. Shmuel Salant, the official position of rabbi of Jerusalem remained vacant for over a decade, during which R. Moshe Nachum became the de facto leader of Jerusalem’s Orthodox community and its official representative before the authorities. In 1920, when the Beit Din of the Eda HaCharedit was established, R. Moshe Nachum went to serve as its head, alongside his colleague R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, the rabbi. Some of his halachic responsa were published in the book Bnei Moshe (Jerusalem, 1990).
R. Tzvi Pesach Frank (1873-1961), a leading posek and rabbi in his times. An outstanding Torah scholar, renowned for his prodigious diligence. He studied in the Lithuanian yeshivot, and immigrated to Jerusalem in his youth. In 1908, he became a dayan in the Beit Din of R. Shmuel Salant, and in 1935, he was appointed rabbi of Jerusalem. His teachings were published in the series of books: Har Tzvi, Mikra’ei Kodesh and others.
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 29 cm. Good condition. Creases and folding marks.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $450
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, from the beginning of his tenure as "Rabbi of the Ashkenazi communities in the holy city of Jerusalem". Jerusalem, Av 1921.
At the foot of the letter: 3 additional lines handwritten and signed by R. "Lipman David son of R. Y." (R. Dovche Shuvaks) - head of the Chassidic Beit Din in Jerusalem.
Recommendation to assist R. Berish Saltz of Safed: "This eminent, outstanding rabbi… very proficient in Torah… amongst the Torah scholars and rabbis of Safed… he toils in Torah and worship of G-d in poverty, strain and difficult circumstances… apart from the good deed of supporting Torah, this also constitutes visiting the sick, since this rabbi is feeble and ailing…". The dayan R. Lipman David also acclaims him: "…for his main objective is Torah and fear of G-d, and it is a great mitzva to assist him…".
R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1849-1932), spiritual leader of Orthodox Jewry in Eretz Israel. An outstanding Torah scholar, a holy and wise man. He was a disciple of the Ketav Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, and of R. Avraham Schag Rabbi of Kobersdorf. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1873 together with his teacher R. Avraham Schag, and was renowned as one of its leading Torah scholars. He was also reputed for his extensive engagement in public and charitable activities. When R. Yehoshua Leib Diskin (the Maharil) immigrated to Jerusalem in 1879, R. Yosef Chaim drew close to him, becoming his prime disciple and serving as dayan in his Beit Din. He was the Maharil’s close attendant in the battle against the Christian mission and the Haskalah movement, which threatened the old Yishuv in Jerusalem. For many years (following the passing of R. Shmuel Salant in 1909), R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld refused to take on the position of rabbi of Jerusalem, yet after the Chief Rabbinate was instated and R. Kook was appointed Chief Rabbi in 1919-1921, a separate community was established - "the Eida HaChareidit of Ashkenazi communities", and R. Yosef Chaim was appointed its first rabbi under the title of Mara D’Ara DeYisrael (Rabbi of Eretz Israel).
R. Lipman David (R. Dovche) Shuvaks (ca. 1830-1924), head of the Chassidic Beit Din in Jerusalem. He was raised in the home of Rebbe Mendel of Kotzk, and at the age of 14, married the Rebbe’s niece, who had also grown up in the Rebbe’s home. For many years, he studied together with his cousin (son-in-law of the Rebbe) R. Avraham Bornstein of Sochatchov - the Avnei Nezer, in the penetrating and profound study method they absorbed from their teacher, the Rebbe of Kotzk. At the age of 16, he was rabbinically ordained by his uncle the Rebbe of Kotzk, who even appointed him posek in Kotzk (Kock), position he held for some 25 years. In 1885, he went to serve as rabbi of Lubartów, remaining there for 13 years. In 1898, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, at the behest of his teacher, the Rebbe of Kotzk. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, he was appointed head of the Chassidic Beit Din, serving in that capacity for over 25 years. His teachings have been published in recent years in the Chiddushei HaGrad series of books.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Wear and folding marks.
At the foot of the letter: 3 additional lines handwritten and signed by R. "Lipman David son of R. Y." (R. Dovche Shuvaks) - head of the Chassidic Beit Din in Jerusalem.
Recommendation to assist R. Berish Saltz of Safed: "This eminent, outstanding rabbi… very proficient in Torah… amongst the Torah scholars and rabbis of Safed… he toils in Torah and worship of G-d in poverty, strain and difficult circumstances… apart from the good deed of supporting Torah, this also constitutes visiting the sick, since this rabbi is feeble and ailing…". The dayan R. Lipman David also acclaims him: "…for his main objective is Torah and fear of G-d, and it is a great mitzva to assist him…".
R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1849-1932), spiritual leader of Orthodox Jewry in Eretz Israel. An outstanding Torah scholar, a holy and wise man. He was a disciple of the Ketav Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, and of R. Avraham Schag Rabbi of Kobersdorf. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1873 together with his teacher R. Avraham Schag, and was renowned as one of its leading Torah scholars. He was also reputed for his extensive engagement in public and charitable activities. When R. Yehoshua Leib Diskin (the Maharil) immigrated to Jerusalem in 1879, R. Yosef Chaim drew close to him, becoming his prime disciple and serving as dayan in his Beit Din. He was the Maharil’s close attendant in the battle against the Christian mission and the Haskalah movement, which threatened the old Yishuv in Jerusalem. For many years (following the passing of R. Shmuel Salant in 1909), R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld refused to take on the position of rabbi of Jerusalem, yet after the Chief Rabbinate was instated and R. Kook was appointed Chief Rabbi in 1919-1921, a separate community was established - "the Eida HaChareidit of Ashkenazi communities", and R. Yosef Chaim was appointed its first rabbi under the title of Mara D’Ara DeYisrael (Rabbi of Eretz Israel).
R. Lipman David (R. Dovche) Shuvaks (ca. 1830-1924), head of the Chassidic Beit Din in Jerusalem. He was raised in the home of Rebbe Mendel of Kotzk, and at the age of 14, married the Rebbe’s niece, who had also grown up in the Rebbe’s home. For many years, he studied together with his cousin (son-in-law of the Rebbe) R. Avraham Bornstein of Sochatchov - the Avnei Nezer, in the penetrating and profound study method they absorbed from their teacher, the Rebbe of Kotzk. At the age of 16, he was rabbinically ordained by his uncle the Rebbe of Kotzk, who even appointed him posek in Kotzk (Kock), position he held for some 25 years. In 1885, he went to serve as rabbi of Lubartów, remaining there for 13 years. In 1898, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, at the behest of his teacher, the Rebbe of Kotzk. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, he was appointed head of the Chassidic Beit Din, serving in that capacity for over 25 years. His teachings have been published in recent years in the Chiddushei HaGrad series of books.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Wear and folding marks.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Unsold
"Sefer HaTakanot VehaTe’udot" - Visitors’ book of the Ridvaz yeshiva and the general Talmud Torah (boys’ school) in Safed, containing letters and signatures of visitors who visited the yeshiva and recorded their impressions regarding the students’ scholastic achievements. Includes letters from Rebbe Avraham Elimelech of Karlin, Rebbe Shalom Yolles of Sambor, R. Nachman Shmuel Yaakov Mioduser Rabbi of Bnei Brak, R. Tzvi Pesach Frank, R. Shaul Moshe Zilberman Rabbi of Viershov (Wieruszów), R. Meir Berlin (Bar-Ilan), R. Shmuel Yitzchak Hillman, and others. [Safed, 1924-1926].
Decorated title page, in color.
The letters document visits of various personalities to Meron and Safed at that time.
See Hebrew description for a detailed list of the rabbis whose inscriptions and signatures appear in the book.
[7] leaves (9 written pages). 32 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear (repaired). Dampstains, affecting text. New binding.
Decorated title page, in color.
The letters document visits of various personalities to Meron and Safed at that time.
See Hebrew description for a detailed list of the rabbis whose inscriptions and signatures appear in the book.
[7] leaves (9 written pages). 32 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear (repaired). Dampstains, affecting text. New binding.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Long letter (4 pages) handwritten and signed by R. Yisrael Nissan Kuperstoch Rabbi of Peshischa (Przysucha) and Makova (Maków Mazowiecki). Neve Shalom, Jaffa, Tammuz 1926.
The letter, sent to the wealthy R. David Potash, concerns the shechita system established with the encouragement of R. Yisrael Nissan, mentioning the involvement of the Rabbi of Ciechanów and of R. Y.Z. Soloveitchik, Rabbi of Brisk: "…And the Rabbi of Brisk who wrote the ruling in that copying is an outstanding Torah scholar, son of the famous R. Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk, son of the famed R. Yoshe Ber of Brisk".
R. Yisrael Nissan Kuperstoch (1858-1930) was a senior Chassidic rabbi in Poland. His first marriage was with the daughter of R. Reuven Yehuda (son-in-law of R. Shraga Feivel Danziger Rabbi of Grójec and Makova, who was the father of R. Yechiel, the first Rebbe of Aleksander). In his second marriage, he was the son-in-law of the rabbi of Kałuszyn, R. Shmuel Yaakov Koppel HaKohen Kligsberg (1858-1935), a descendant of the Chozeh of Lublin. Served in the rabbinate for over forty years in Peshischa, Różan and Makova. In 1925, he immigrated to Jerusalem, published his responsa Ani Ben Pachma and established the Aleksander Yismach Yisrael Yeshiva. He was among the prominent Aleksander Chassidim and exchanged a prolific correspondence with the Rebbe, author of Akedat Yitzchak, and his family. The correspondence contains names for prayer at holy sites and detailed reports of events that took place in the Aleksander court and within the Chassidic administration in Poland.
Double leaf (4 written pages). 20.5 cm. Good condition.
The letter, sent to the wealthy R. David Potash, concerns the shechita system established with the encouragement of R. Yisrael Nissan, mentioning the involvement of the Rabbi of Ciechanów and of R. Y.Z. Soloveitchik, Rabbi of Brisk: "…And the Rabbi of Brisk who wrote the ruling in that copying is an outstanding Torah scholar, son of the famous R. Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk, son of the famed R. Yoshe Ber of Brisk".
R. Yisrael Nissan Kuperstoch (1858-1930) was a senior Chassidic rabbi in Poland. His first marriage was with the daughter of R. Reuven Yehuda (son-in-law of R. Shraga Feivel Danziger Rabbi of Grójec and Makova, who was the father of R. Yechiel, the first Rebbe of Aleksander). In his second marriage, he was the son-in-law of the rabbi of Kałuszyn, R. Shmuel Yaakov Koppel HaKohen Kligsberg (1858-1935), a descendant of the Chozeh of Lublin. Served in the rabbinate for over forty years in Peshischa, Różan and Makova. In 1925, he immigrated to Jerusalem, published his responsa Ani Ben Pachma and established the Aleksander Yismach Yisrael Yeshiva. He was among the prominent Aleksander Chassidim and exchanged a prolific correspondence with the Rebbe, author of Akedat Yitzchak, and his family. The correspondence contains names for prayer at holy sites and detailed reports of events that took place in the Aleksander court and within the Chassidic administration in Poland.
Double leaf (4 written pages). 20.5 cm. Good condition.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Beit Yosef Chadash, Torah novellae on halacha and aggada, ethics and public matters, by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, author of Lev HaIvri. Jerusalem, [1875-1881].
A leather label on inside binding (apparently, a piece from an earlier binding), embossed with the author’s dedication to Baron Shimon Wolf Rothschild: "Gift in honor of the great Jewish notable, Rabbi Shimon Wolf, Baron von Rothschild - from the author of Lev HaIvri".
The book was printed between 1875 and 1881 in two printing houses. The printing was started in the printing house of R. Yoel Moshe Solomon, however, after he saw the polemic content of the book he refused to continue printing it. The printing was continued in the HaIvri printing house (owned by R. Yitzchak Gaszinne). Parts of the book were distributed before the printing was finished, which resulted in many variations between the few surviving copies of the book. This copy of Beit Yosef Chadash contains the index leaves and the introductions that do not appear in most copies. These leaves include a "Kol Mevaser" letter by the author, letters of approbation and support of R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger by rabbis of Jerusalem, Safed and Hebron, detailed indexes and the article Kol BaRama. The book also includes another title page and leaves 7-9 which are lacking in many copies (in these leaves, which contain a Beit Din ruling against Reform Judaism, the author attacks the Charedi "Nusach Ashkenaz" rabbis of Hungary who lecture in German and Hungarian and not in Yiddish). This copy also includes the last leaves, 119-124: Bedek HaBayit - omissions and additions printed in 1881.
The author of Beit Yosef Chadash, R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger (1835-1922), author of Lev HaIvri, was the son-in-law of R. Hillel Lichtenstein of Kolomyya and the disciple of leading Hungarian rabbis. He was one of the most prominent zealots who fought the Reform and Haskalah movements, and continued this struggle after immigrating to Jerusalem in 1870. He was active in support of the Jewish settlements throughout Eretz Israel, and also came into conflict with members of the Old Yishuv over his opposition to the methods of the Chaluka (distribution of funds), and over other affairs. In his book Beit Yosef Chadash, R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger severely criticized the public institutions in Jerusalem and the unfair Chaluka methods of the Hungarian Kollel to which he belonged, calling for the establishment of a new kollel - Kollel HaIvrim, which would encourage agricultural settlements, saving European Jewry from the dangers of assimilation and the Haskalah.
Upon the publication of Beit Yosef Chadash, a fierce dispute broke out. Publications opposing the book were published (Nitutz HaBayit and others), protesting the author’s impertinence towards the heads of the Hungarian Kollel. Some called to burn the book and ban its author, and even slandered him before the Ottoman government, endangering his life. For a long while, R. Akiva Yosef did not leave his home, in fear for his life. His opponents made various attempts to find copies of the book and burn them. Individuals with connections to the Austrian consulate attempted to obstruct a delivery of the book to Austria and return the books to Jerusalem to be burnt.
Hungarian rabbis differed in their opinions regarding the book. R. Schlesinger’s teacher, R. Chaim Sofer author of Machane Chaim, who was at that time rabbi of Munkacs, supported his disciple and wrote several letters attempting to calm the situation. However, the Kollel leaders, the rabbis of Pressburg and Ungvár, did not agree to support him. Even his teacher, the Maharam Schick Rabbi of Chust, wrote reservedly in response to a query regarding the ban of the book Beit Yosef Chadash: "I have not seen this book… although the rabbi who wrote it is known to be a G-d fearing man, when I received from Jerusalem the contents of the book which was banned by the Beit Din there, I was concerned…" (Responsa Maharam Schick, Yoreh Deah, 211).
In the meantime, R. Akiva Yosef befriended the Sephardi Torah scholars in Jerusalem and Hebron, who supported him. In the booklet Cherev Pifiyot, he received supportive letters from the rabbi of Radoshkovichi and from other rabbis (who were later defamed in the booklet Shomer Yisrael). The letters in support of Rabbi Schlesinger received from the Sephardi rabbis in Eretz Israel appear also at the beginning of this copy.
His opponents eventually published another booklet, titled Shomer Yisrael, containing many accusations against the author, such as: 1. He breached the Cherem D’Rabbenu Gershom, by permitting a man whose wife refused to accompany him upon his immigration to Eretz Israel, to marry a second wife. 2. He purports to be the Messiah. 3. The book was printed in a missionary printing house (a false claim; the book was mostly printed by R. Yitzchak Gaszinne). 4. The author is organizing a rebellion against the Turkish government, a claim that imperiled the author.
The struggle against R. Akiva Yosef intensified and the management of the Hungarian Kollel refused to distribute the Chaluka to those who refused to join the ban. Various proclamations were published against him.
Finally, R. Akiva Yosef reached a compromise with his rivals, who removed the ban. Interestingly, at his funeral he was eulogized by R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, who was one of the heads of the Hungarian Kollel. R. Akiva Yosef innovated various halachic rulings, some of which were not accepted by the rabbis of his times (for example, blowing the shofar at the Kotel on Rosh Hashanah which falls on Shabbat, and wearing techelet in tzitzit).
[15], 2-124 leaves. Approx. 28 cm. Good-fair condition. Some dry paper. Stains, tears and wear. Marginal damage to leaves [2-3] of Maftechot HaBayit, with loss of text (repaired with paper). New leather binding.
S. HaLevy, no. 231.
A leather label on inside binding (apparently, a piece from an earlier binding), embossed with the author’s dedication to Baron Shimon Wolf Rothschild: "Gift in honor of the great Jewish notable, Rabbi Shimon Wolf, Baron von Rothschild - from the author of Lev HaIvri".
The book was printed between 1875 and 1881 in two printing houses. The printing was started in the printing house of R. Yoel Moshe Solomon, however, after he saw the polemic content of the book he refused to continue printing it. The printing was continued in the HaIvri printing house (owned by R. Yitzchak Gaszinne). Parts of the book were distributed before the printing was finished, which resulted in many variations between the few surviving copies of the book. This copy of Beit Yosef Chadash contains the index leaves and the introductions that do not appear in most copies. These leaves include a "Kol Mevaser" letter by the author, letters of approbation and support of R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger by rabbis of Jerusalem, Safed and Hebron, detailed indexes and the article Kol BaRama. The book also includes another title page and leaves 7-9 which are lacking in many copies (in these leaves, which contain a Beit Din ruling against Reform Judaism, the author attacks the Charedi "Nusach Ashkenaz" rabbis of Hungary who lecture in German and Hungarian and not in Yiddish). This copy also includes the last leaves, 119-124: Bedek HaBayit - omissions and additions printed in 1881.
The author of Beit Yosef Chadash, R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger (1835-1922), author of Lev HaIvri, was the son-in-law of R. Hillel Lichtenstein of Kolomyya and the disciple of leading Hungarian rabbis. He was one of the most prominent zealots who fought the Reform and Haskalah movements, and continued this struggle after immigrating to Jerusalem in 1870. He was active in support of the Jewish settlements throughout Eretz Israel, and also came into conflict with members of the Old Yishuv over his opposition to the methods of the Chaluka (distribution of funds), and over other affairs. In his book Beit Yosef Chadash, R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger severely criticized the public institutions in Jerusalem and the unfair Chaluka methods of the Hungarian Kollel to which he belonged, calling for the establishment of a new kollel - Kollel HaIvrim, which would encourage agricultural settlements, saving European Jewry from the dangers of assimilation and the Haskalah.
Upon the publication of Beit Yosef Chadash, a fierce dispute broke out. Publications opposing the book were published (Nitutz HaBayit and others), protesting the author’s impertinence towards the heads of the Hungarian Kollel. Some called to burn the book and ban its author, and even slandered him before the Ottoman government, endangering his life. For a long while, R. Akiva Yosef did not leave his home, in fear for his life. His opponents made various attempts to find copies of the book and burn them. Individuals with connections to the Austrian consulate attempted to obstruct a delivery of the book to Austria and return the books to Jerusalem to be burnt.
Hungarian rabbis differed in their opinions regarding the book. R. Schlesinger’s teacher, R. Chaim Sofer author of Machane Chaim, who was at that time rabbi of Munkacs, supported his disciple and wrote several letters attempting to calm the situation. However, the Kollel leaders, the rabbis of Pressburg and Ungvár, did not agree to support him. Even his teacher, the Maharam Schick Rabbi of Chust, wrote reservedly in response to a query regarding the ban of the book Beit Yosef Chadash: "I have not seen this book… although the rabbi who wrote it is known to be a G-d fearing man, when I received from Jerusalem the contents of the book which was banned by the Beit Din there, I was concerned…" (Responsa Maharam Schick, Yoreh Deah, 211).
In the meantime, R. Akiva Yosef befriended the Sephardi Torah scholars in Jerusalem and Hebron, who supported him. In the booklet Cherev Pifiyot, he received supportive letters from the rabbi of Radoshkovichi and from other rabbis (who were later defamed in the booklet Shomer Yisrael). The letters in support of Rabbi Schlesinger received from the Sephardi rabbis in Eretz Israel appear also at the beginning of this copy.
His opponents eventually published another booklet, titled Shomer Yisrael, containing many accusations against the author, such as: 1. He breached the Cherem D’Rabbenu Gershom, by permitting a man whose wife refused to accompany him upon his immigration to Eretz Israel, to marry a second wife. 2. He purports to be the Messiah. 3. The book was printed in a missionary printing house (a false claim; the book was mostly printed by R. Yitzchak Gaszinne). 4. The author is organizing a rebellion against the Turkish government, a claim that imperiled the author.
The struggle against R. Akiva Yosef intensified and the management of the Hungarian Kollel refused to distribute the Chaluka to those who refused to join the ban. Various proclamations were published against him.
Finally, R. Akiva Yosef reached a compromise with his rivals, who removed the ban. Interestingly, at his funeral he was eulogized by R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, who was one of the heads of the Hungarian Kollel. R. Akiva Yosef innovated various halachic rulings, some of which were not accepted by the rabbis of his times (for example, blowing the shofar at the Kotel on Rosh Hashanah which falls on Shabbat, and wearing techelet in tzitzit).
[15], 2-124 leaves. Approx. 28 cm. Good-fair condition. Some dry paper. Stains, tears and wear. Marginal damage to leaves [2-3] of Maftechot HaBayit, with loss of text (repaired with paper). New leather binding.
S. HaLevy, no. 231.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Lot 311 Luach Eretz Israel, Compiled by Abraham Moses Luncz - Complete Set in 20 Volumes - 1895-1916
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Luach Eretz Israel - practical and literary, compiled by Abraham Moses Luncz. Printed and published by the editor, Jerusalem, 1895-1916.
Almanacs for the years 5656-5676. 21 almanacs in 20 volumes (the almanacs for the years 5675-5676 were printed in one volume, due to the hardships of WWI - see enclosed material). This set comprises all the volumes of Luach Eretz Israel published by Luncz over the years.
The almanacs include: calendars for the three major religions, customs of the various Jewish communities in Eretz Israel, practical information relevant in Eretz Israel, selections of poetry and literature, advertisements, and more. "Essays, stories, pictures, poems and censuses, describing the state and life of our brethren in the towns and colonies of the Holy Land… announcements pertaining to the state of the schools, educational and charity institutions, companies, commerce and professions in the Holy Land".
20 volumes. Possibly lacking leaves 39-46 from advertisement section of 5657 almanac. 15 cm. Overall good condition. Plates in some volumes. Color title page wrappers in some volumes. Tears and damage to several leaves. Open tears to a few leaves, affecting text. Several detached leaves. Inscriptions. Stamps. New bindings.
Almanacs for the years 5656-5676. 21 almanacs in 20 volumes (the almanacs for the years 5675-5676 were printed in one volume, due to the hardships of WWI - see enclosed material). This set comprises all the volumes of Luach Eretz Israel published by Luncz over the years.
The almanacs include: calendars for the three major religions, customs of the various Jewish communities in Eretz Israel, practical information relevant in Eretz Israel, selections of poetry and literature, advertisements, and more. "Essays, stories, pictures, poems and censuses, describing the state and life of our brethren in the towns and colonies of the Holy Land… announcements pertaining to the state of the schools, educational and charity institutions, companies, commerce and professions in the Holy Land".
20 volumes. Possibly lacking leaves 39-46 from advertisement section of 5657 almanac. 15 cm. Overall good condition. Plates in some volumes. Color title page wrappers in some volumes. Tears and damage to several leaves. Open tears to a few leaves, affecting text. Several detached leaves. Inscriptions. Stamps. New bindings.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue