Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 25 - 36 of 104
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
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Unsold
Detailed tena’im contract upon the engagement of the groom R. Leib son of R. Hertz Zunz with the bride Gittele daughter of R. Leib Emmerich. Signed by the mechutanim and by the guarantors. Frankfurt am Main, Tammuz 1799.
Signatures of both mechutanim: "Hertz son of the dayan R. Anshel Zunz" and "Yehuda Leib son of R. Gumpel Emmerich". Also signed by two guarantors: "Tevele son of R. Hertz Zunz - guarantor on behalf of the groom" and "Meir son of Shimon Hanau - guarantor on behalf of the bride".
Further in the document a new agreement was added, with revisions of the monetary arrangements and the guarantees of the first tena’im contract, signed by the two aforementioned mechutanim, R. Hertz Zunz and R. Leib Emmerich. Frankfurt am Main, Tammuz 1802.
R. Leib Emmerich (d. 6th Kislev 1817) was a holy Torah scholar, a leader of the group of disciples of R. Natan Adler of Frankfurt am Main - the teacher of the Chatam Sofer. The words spoken to him by R. Natan Adler on his deathbed are well-known (see enclosed material). Son-in-law of R. Meir Hanau (who also signed this tena’im contract). A close companion of the Chatam Sofer (who cites his Torah novellae in his books, referring to R. Leib as "my friend R. Leib Emmerich of Frankfurt am Main", Sefer HaZikaron, p. 93). He was an experienced mohel and entered 782 circumcisions in his milah ledger. Written on his tombstone: "The famous pious and G-d fearing… R. Leib son of… Gumpel Emmerich… perfect in his deeds… great among his brethren in piety, asceticism, mitzvah adherence, self-denial and immersions. He would fast from Shabbat to Shabbat. Most of his life, he toiled in Torah study and loving-kindness…". He is similarly described in the Memorbuch of the Frankfurt community.
R. Natan Adler had established a private minyan (prayer quorum) in his home, in which he instituted prayer following the Sephardi rite. After his passing, his disciple R. Leib Emmerich upheld this minyan, and in 1817, it was transferred to the home of the son-in-law of his son-in-law, R. Binyamin Niederhofheim. It became known as the "Niederhofheim’sche Shul" in Frankfurt am Main, continuing the distinctive customs of R. Natan Adler until the Holocaust.
[1] leaf (written on both sides). Approx. 33 cm. Good condition. Wear to margins. Folding marks.
Signatures of both mechutanim: "Hertz son of the dayan R. Anshel Zunz" and "Yehuda Leib son of R. Gumpel Emmerich". Also signed by two guarantors: "Tevele son of R. Hertz Zunz - guarantor on behalf of the groom" and "Meir son of Shimon Hanau - guarantor on behalf of the bride".
Further in the document a new agreement was added, with revisions of the monetary arrangements and the guarantees of the first tena’im contract, signed by the two aforementioned mechutanim, R. Hertz Zunz and R. Leib Emmerich. Frankfurt am Main, Tammuz 1802.
R. Leib Emmerich (d. 6th Kislev 1817) was a holy Torah scholar, a leader of the group of disciples of R. Natan Adler of Frankfurt am Main - the teacher of the Chatam Sofer. The words spoken to him by R. Natan Adler on his deathbed are well-known (see enclosed material). Son-in-law of R. Meir Hanau (who also signed this tena’im contract). A close companion of the Chatam Sofer (who cites his Torah novellae in his books, referring to R. Leib as "my friend R. Leib Emmerich of Frankfurt am Main", Sefer HaZikaron, p. 93). He was an experienced mohel and entered 782 circumcisions in his milah ledger. Written on his tombstone: "The famous pious and G-d fearing… R. Leib son of… Gumpel Emmerich… perfect in his deeds… great among his brethren in piety, asceticism, mitzvah adherence, self-denial and immersions. He would fast from Shabbat to Shabbat. Most of his life, he toiled in Torah study and loving-kindness…". He is similarly described in the Memorbuch of the Frankfurt community.
R. Natan Adler had established a private minyan (prayer quorum) in his home, in which he instituted prayer following the Sephardi rite. After his passing, his disciple R. Leib Emmerich upheld this minyan, and in 1817, it was transferred to the home of the son-in-law of his son-in-law, R. Binyamin Niederhofheim. It became known as the "Niederhofheim’sche Shul" in Frankfurt am Main, continuing the distinctive customs of R. Natan Adler until the Holocaust.
[1] leaf (written on both sides). Approx. 33 cm. Good condition. Wear to margins. Folding marks.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
R. Yehuda Yidel Hurwitz of Głogów served as rabbi and posek of Maastricht, capital of the province of Limburg in the south of the Netherlands (see: Pinkas HaKehillot, Holland, p. 339). The village farms of Limburg produced kosher cheeses which were marketed throughout Germany and the Netherlands. These kashrut certificates constitute a documentation of this Jewish industry, primarily operated by the Eijsden Jewish community in the province of Limburg, situated near the borders of Belgium and Germany.
Two letters. 18.5 and 19.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Creases and wear. One letter bears a collector’s stamp.
Two letters handwritten and signed by R. Yehuda Yidel Hurwitz, posek in Maastricht. Iyar 1807 and Tammuz 1808. Official wax stamp of the rabbi, with the inscription: "Yehuda Yidel son of R. Shaul of Głogów".
Kashrut certificates for Chalav Yisrael cheeses produced under his supervision "through worthy and faithful supervisors, and I myself also went to the pens in Limburg where the cheeses are produced". At the foot of the 1807 certificate, for the cheeses of Avraham of Eijsden, is another letter in Yiddish, a delivery certificate for 415 pieces of cheese, handwritten and signed by Yaakov son of Avraham of Eijsden, written "at the instruction of my father". The 1808 certificate was given for the cheeses of Leiser of Eijsden.
Two letters. 18.5 and 19.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Creases and wear. One letter bears a collector’s stamp.
Two letters handwritten and signed by R. Yehuda Yidel Hurwitz, posek in Maastricht. Iyar 1807 and Tammuz 1808. Official wax stamp of the rabbi, with the inscription: "Yehuda Yidel son of R. Shaul of Głogów".
Kashrut certificates for Chalav Yisrael cheeses produced under his supervision "through worthy and faithful supervisors, and I myself also went to the pens in Limburg where the cheeses are produced". At the foot of the 1807 certificate, for the cheeses of Avraham of Eijsden, is another letter in Yiddish, a delivery certificate for 415 pieces of cheese, handwritten and signed by Yaakov son of Avraham of Eijsden, written "at the instruction of my father". The 1808 certificate was given for the cheeses of Leiser of Eijsden.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $2,500
Unsold
Long letter (3 pages) handwritten and signed by R. Shlomo Eger, sent to his friend R. Avraham Abele Davidson Rabbi of Biała. [Warsaw], Cheshvan 1824.
Responsum regarding the laws of writing a Torah scroll. Apparently, this is the original letter that was sent. At the top of the leaf is an early inscription (in a different handwriting), which records the copying of the letter into the booklet of responsa of R. Shlomo: "In the copying of responsa, Part I, leaf 3". This letter was printed with changes in the book Responsa Rabbi Shlomo Eger (Jerusalem, 1983, Orach Chaim, Chapter 36).
R. Shlomo Eger (1786-1852), a leading Torah scholar in his times, second son of R. Akiva Eger (and brother-in-law of the Chatam Sofer), was among the most learned and wealthy Warsaw residents. After losing his fortune during the Polish "November Uprising" (supported by R. Shlomo Eger, R. Chaim Davidson and R. Berish Meisels), he was appointed as rabbi of Kalish in 1831. In 1840, he succeeded his father as rabbi of Posen. He edited and published his father’s responsa and novellae, adding a few of his own novellae to these books. He authored Gilyon Maharsha on the Talmud and on the Shulchan Aruch, Responsa Rabbi Shlomo Eger printed by Mossad HaRav Kook (Jerusalem, 1983-1985), and Sefer HaIkarim - explanations of halachic principles (Jerusalem, 1991-1996).
The recipient of the letter is R. Avraham Abele Rabbi of Biała, eldest son of R. Chaim Davidson of Warsaw, a great Torah scholar who served as rabbi of Biała from a young age. He died young, during the lifetime of his father R. Chaim Davidson (see: Bromberg, MiGedolei HaTorah VehaChassidut, XV, p. 126; Mishpachat Davidson, p. 50).
[1] double leaf (3 written pages). 19.5 cm. Thick, greenish paper. Good condition. Stains.
Responsum regarding the laws of writing a Torah scroll. Apparently, this is the original letter that was sent. At the top of the leaf is an early inscription (in a different handwriting), which records the copying of the letter into the booklet of responsa of R. Shlomo: "In the copying of responsa, Part I, leaf 3". This letter was printed with changes in the book Responsa Rabbi Shlomo Eger (Jerusalem, 1983, Orach Chaim, Chapter 36).
R. Shlomo Eger (1786-1852), a leading Torah scholar in his times, second son of R. Akiva Eger (and brother-in-law of the Chatam Sofer), was among the most learned and wealthy Warsaw residents. After losing his fortune during the Polish "November Uprising" (supported by R. Shlomo Eger, R. Chaim Davidson and R. Berish Meisels), he was appointed as rabbi of Kalish in 1831. In 1840, he succeeded his father as rabbi of Posen. He edited and published his father’s responsa and novellae, adding a few of his own novellae to these books. He authored Gilyon Maharsha on the Talmud and on the Shulchan Aruch, Responsa Rabbi Shlomo Eger printed by Mossad HaRav Kook (Jerusalem, 1983-1985), and Sefer HaIkarim - explanations of halachic principles (Jerusalem, 1991-1996).
The recipient of the letter is R. Avraham Abele Rabbi of Biała, eldest son of R. Chaim Davidson of Warsaw, a great Torah scholar who served as rabbi of Biała from a young age. He died young, during the lifetime of his father R. Chaim Davidson (see: Bromberg, MiGedolei HaTorah VehaChassidut, XV, p. 126; Mishpachat Davidson, p. 50).
[1] double leaf (3 written pages). 19.5 cm. Thick, greenish paper. Good condition. Stains.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Unsold
Letter of halachic queries pertaining to laws of divorce, signed by the Rabbi of the city R. Mordechai Michael Yoffe (disciple of R. Akiva Eger) and the dayanim in his Beit Din: R. "Yisrael Frenkel" and R. "Yehuda Leib son of… [Yoffe?]". Fordon, Cheshvan 1846.
Halachic queries addressed to the Rabbi of Posen (Poznań) R. Shlomo Eger, regarding a divorce which was not delivered in accordance with Halacha, and the ban of Rabbenu Gershom prohibiting polygamy and divorcing a woman against her will. Parts of this question were analyzed at length in his responsa book (Responsa of R. M. Yoffe, Hamburg, 1852, section 4). This letter discloses details of the matter and halachic aspects which are only mentioned briefly and alluded to in the book. In sections 5-10 of the book, more responsa letters regarding this same issue are quoted, including R. Shlomo Eger’s response to this letter.
R. Mordechai Michael Yoffe (1803-1868, Otzar HaRabbanim 14219), was a foremost disciple of R. Akiva Eger and studied in his yeshiva for eight years. Due to his teacher’s great fondness of him, he was dubbed "the Rebbe’s Bachur". After his wedding with the daughter of R. David of Krotoszyn, R. Mordechai Michael studied Torah, adamantly refusing to assume a rabbinic position, until all his possessions were destroyed in the great fire which broke out in Krotoszyn in 1827. He then began serving as Rabbi of nearby Zduny, and later of Schneidemühl (Piła) in the Poznań area. In ca. 1845-1846, he went to serve as Rabbi of Fordon (Bydgoszcz, northern Poland-Prussia), leaving the rabbinate in 1849 in favor of studying Torah in the famous Hamburg Kloiz, where he disseminated Torah for 18 years. He exchanged extensive Halachic correspondence with his teacher R. Akiva Eger and the latter’s son R. Shlomo Eger. See for example, in Teshuvot Chadashot by R. Akiva Eger (Jerusalem 1978, Even HaEzer, section 1) a responsum from R. Akiva Eger to his disciple R. Mordechai Michael Yoffe, where he expresses his amazement at the latter addressing him with additional honorific titles apart from "rabbi". In 1834, he published his first book Beit Menachem (Krotoszyn, 1834). In 1852, he published in Hamburg his second composition named Responsa of R. M. Yoffe, consisting of halachic rulings and correspondence he exchanged with the rabbis of his generation, including his teacher R. Akiva Eger and his son R. Shlomo Eger. He edited Responsa Maharach Or Zarua from an early manuscript, inserting sources and notes (published in Leipzig, 1860), together with his colleague from the Kloiz R. Elyakim Getschlik Schlesinger (the holy R. Getsch). A small number of his novellae were printed in the Shomer Tzion HaNe’eman periodical, published in Altona by the Aruch LaNer. Four of the Aruch LaNer’s responsa to R. Mordechai Michael Yoffe were published in Responsa Binyan Zion in 1860.
[1] double leaf: [3] written pages + [1] page with address and postmarks. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and tears. Folding marks. Tears to pp. [3]-[4], loss of text.
Halachic queries addressed to the Rabbi of Posen (Poznań) R. Shlomo Eger, regarding a divorce which was not delivered in accordance with Halacha, and the ban of Rabbenu Gershom prohibiting polygamy and divorcing a woman against her will. Parts of this question were analyzed at length in his responsa book (Responsa of R. M. Yoffe, Hamburg, 1852, section 4). This letter discloses details of the matter and halachic aspects which are only mentioned briefly and alluded to in the book. In sections 5-10 of the book, more responsa letters regarding this same issue are quoted, including R. Shlomo Eger’s response to this letter.
R. Mordechai Michael Yoffe (1803-1868, Otzar HaRabbanim 14219), was a foremost disciple of R. Akiva Eger and studied in his yeshiva for eight years. Due to his teacher’s great fondness of him, he was dubbed "the Rebbe’s Bachur". After his wedding with the daughter of R. David of Krotoszyn, R. Mordechai Michael studied Torah, adamantly refusing to assume a rabbinic position, until all his possessions were destroyed in the great fire which broke out in Krotoszyn in 1827. He then began serving as Rabbi of nearby Zduny, and later of Schneidemühl (Piła) in the Poznań area. In ca. 1845-1846, he went to serve as Rabbi of Fordon (Bydgoszcz, northern Poland-Prussia), leaving the rabbinate in 1849 in favor of studying Torah in the famous Hamburg Kloiz, where he disseminated Torah for 18 years. He exchanged extensive Halachic correspondence with his teacher R. Akiva Eger and the latter’s son R. Shlomo Eger. See for example, in Teshuvot Chadashot by R. Akiva Eger (Jerusalem 1978, Even HaEzer, section 1) a responsum from R. Akiva Eger to his disciple R. Mordechai Michael Yoffe, where he expresses his amazement at the latter addressing him with additional honorific titles apart from "rabbi". In 1834, he published his first book Beit Menachem (Krotoszyn, 1834). In 1852, he published in Hamburg his second composition named Responsa of R. M. Yoffe, consisting of halachic rulings and correspondence he exchanged with the rabbis of his generation, including his teacher R. Akiva Eger and his son R. Shlomo Eger. He edited Responsa Maharach Or Zarua from an early manuscript, inserting sources and notes (published in Leipzig, 1860), together with his colleague from the Kloiz R. Elyakim Getschlik Schlesinger (the holy R. Getsch). A small number of his novellae were printed in the Shomer Tzion HaNe’eman periodical, published in Altona by the Aruch LaNer. Four of the Aruch LaNer’s responsa to R. Mordechai Michael Yoffe were published in Responsa Binyan Zion in 1860.
[1] double leaf: [3] written pages + [1] page with address and postmarks. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and tears. Folding marks. Tears to pp. [3]-[4], loss of text.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Unsold
Lengthy letter (2 pages), handwritten and signed by R. Bendit Goitein. Hidjess (Hőgyész, Hungary), Shevat 1828.
Halachic responsum pertaining to laws of Mikvaot (ritual baths), addressed to R. Yehuda Leib. The responsum begins with an analysis of the ell and fingerbreadth measurements, which concern the volume of water required for a Mikveh. He concludes the responsum: "These are the words of his friend, who is prepared to be of assistance to him and to all who seek wisdom, Bendit Goitein, who resides here, Hidjess".
R. Bendit Goitein (1770-1841), renowned Torah scholar, Rabbi of Hidjess and author of Kesef Nivchar, was one of the greatest Hungarian Torah scholars in his generation. Born in Kojetín, Moravia, he was a close disciple of R. Moshe Münz, Rabbi of Alt-Ofen (Óbuda). After his marriage, he lived in Yarmit (Balassagyarmat), and received rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi of the town, R. Ze’ev Wolf Boskowitz, author of Seder Mishna. After R. Ze’ev Wolf left the city, R. Meir Eisenstädter (Maharam Ash) succeeded him as rabbi, and R. Bendit was appointed dayan in his Beit Din. In ca. 1799-1800, R. Bendit went to serve as rabbi of Hidjess, a position he held for 45 years, establishing there a prominent yeshiva. His book Kesef Nivchar, published in Prague in 1827, earned him world-renown until this day. The book summarizes various Talmudic topics, bringing together all the sources on the topic, starting from the words of the Talmud and including the teachings of foremost Acharonim. This book became a fundamental and essential work in Hungarian yeshivot in subsequent generations (as the Chatam Sofer foresaw in his approbation to the book: "This book will become a guide for Torah students"). After toiling for some ten years on a revised edition of this work, R. Bendit passed away before he succeeded in publishing it, and the manuscripts of the new edition were lost during WWII. Parts of his writings which were preserved by the family were published in Zichron Avot (Bnei Brak, 1971), including this responsum which was printed (with slight variations) in section 31.
[1] leaf (written on both sides, approx. 42 autograph lines and signature). 24 cm. Good-fair condition. Creases and stains.
Halachic responsum pertaining to laws of Mikvaot (ritual baths), addressed to R. Yehuda Leib. The responsum begins with an analysis of the ell and fingerbreadth measurements, which concern the volume of water required for a Mikveh. He concludes the responsum: "These are the words of his friend, who is prepared to be of assistance to him and to all who seek wisdom, Bendit Goitein, who resides here, Hidjess".
R. Bendit Goitein (1770-1841), renowned Torah scholar, Rabbi of Hidjess and author of Kesef Nivchar, was one of the greatest Hungarian Torah scholars in his generation. Born in Kojetín, Moravia, he was a close disciple of R. Moshe Münz, Rabbi of Alt-Ofen (Óbuda). After his marriage, he lived in Yarmit (Balassagyarmat), and received rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi of the town, R. Ze’ev Wolf Boskowitz, author of Seder Mishna. After R. Ze’ev Wolf left the city, R. Meir Eisenstädter (Maharam Ash) succeeded him as rabbi, and R. Bendit was appointed dayan in his Beit Din. In ca. 1799-1800, R. Bendit went to serve as rabbi of Hidjess, a position he held for 45 years, establishing there a prominent yeshiva. His book Kesef Nivchar, published in Prague in 1827, earned him world-renown until this day. The book summarizes various Talmudic topics, bringing together all the sources on the topic, starting from the words of the Talmud and including the teachings of foremost Acharonim. This book became a fundamental and essential work in Hungarian yeshivot in subsequent generations (as the Chatam Sofer foresaw in his approbation to the book: "This book will become a guide for Torah students"). After toiling for some ten years on a revised edition of this work, R. Bendit passed away before he succeeded in publishing it, and the manuscripts of the new edition were lost during WWII. Parts of his writings which were preserved by the family were published in Zichron Avot (Bnei Brak, 1971), including this responsum which was printed (with slight variations) in section 31.
[1] leaf (written on both sides, approx. 42 autograph lines and signature). 24 cm. Good-fair condition. Creases and stains.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Large collection of letters by Hungarian rabbis, from the archive of R. Eliyahu Menachem Goitein Rabbi of Hidjess (Hőgyész), grandson and successor of the Kesef Nivchar. [Hungary, 19th century].
• Leaf containing four letters sent to "Our master, teacher and rabbi" R. Tzvi Goitein in 1831, from his disciples: An interesting letter handwritten and signed by R. Shmuel Sonnenfeld; letter of Torah thoughts handwritten and signed by "Yosef Leib son of Moshe"; letter of Torah thoughts handwritten and signed by "Aharon Felzenburg of Nitra"; letter handwritten and signed by R. "Yitzchak Porit".
• Letter handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Freund-Grieshaber, disciple of the Chatam Sofer. [Gyönk, 1868]. In the letter, he mentions in passing a thought he heard from his teacher the Chatam Sofer, who remarked that pilpul is considered the crown of the Torah. At the end of the letter, he writes in a somewhat enigmatic way, about buying copies of "the renowned book which is a great necessity for upholding Torah observance". He writes that he agreed together with R. Avraham Pollak to purchase ten copies of the book, and is willing to absorb the cost if he does not succeed in selling them. It is unclear which book he is referring to. This letter was published in Zichron Avot, 1971 (section 81), together with a letter which R. Eliyahu Menachem had sent earlier to R. Moshe Freund. That letter also mentions the book only in elusive terms, yet it appears that R. Azriel Hildesheimer, close friend of R. Eliyahu Menachem, was also involved in this matter.
• Letter handwritten and signed by R. Shaul Friedenthal head of the Bonyhád Beit Din, addressed to R. Eliyahu Menachem Goitein Rabbi of Hidjess. At the foot of the letter, a draft of the reply letter appears, handwritten and signed by R. Eliyahu Menachem Goitein. Bonyhád and Hőgyész, Adar I 1867. [In the book Zichron Avot, section 71, is a lengthy correspondence between R. Shaul Friedenthal, other rabbis and R. Eliyahu Menachem, on the topic discussed in these letters. The published letters are dated: Erev Rosh Chodesh Adar I 1867, 2nd Adar I, 14th Adar I and 20th Adar II, however, this letter from R. Friedenthal dated 8th Adar I 1867
was not included).
• Official stationery paper of R. Eliyahu Menachem Goitein Rabbi of Hidjess - four pages of autograph Torah novellae in his handwriting.
• Letter handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Fischer. Siófok, 1875. Including two pages of Torah novellae handwritten by R. Eliyahu Menachem.
R. Tzvi Hirsh Goitein Rabbi of Hidjess (d. 1859), son and successor of R. Bendit Goitein Rabbi of Hidjess, author of Kesef Nivchar (1770-1841) and son-in-law of R. Eliyahu Teller of Komárom. The son and successor of R. Tzvi Hirsh was R. Eliyahu Menachem Goitein (1837-1902). Torah novellae of these three generation of rabbis of Hidjess were printed in the book Zichron Avot (Bnei Brak, 1971), but most of these writings were not included in the book.
R. Moshe Freund-Grieshaber (also known as R. Moshe Paks, 1797-1873), leading disciple of the Chatam Sofer. Son of R. Yitzchak Itzek Grieshaber-Freund Rabbi of Paks. After his marriage in 1815 to the daughter of a wealthy man from Gyönk, he settled there, delving in Torah and worship of G-d without needing to serve as rabbi. Several of the Chatam Sofer’s responsa are addressed to him (see: Kinstlicher, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 358-360).
R. Shaul Friedenthal (d. 1883) was the head of the Bonyhád Beit Din, a position he held for 50 years (since 1833). Son of R. Yehuda Leib Lisa Rabbi of Rechnitz, and son-in-law of R. Shmelke Meisels Rabbi of Jelšovce (1781-1855). In 1856, he published Geviat Shmuel - ethical will of his father-in-law R. Shmelke Meisels and eulogies.
R. Yaakov Fischer of Siófok (d. Tevet 1910), son-in-law of R. Yedidya Gotleib-Fischer (1810-1896), disciple of the Chatam Sofer, who served as rabbi of Stuhlweissenburg (Székesfehérvár; see: Kinstlicher, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 157-159).
5 paper items, containing more than 10 letters and various novellae. Size and condition vary. Overall good condition.
• Leaf containing four letters sent to "Our master, teacher and rabbi" R. Tzvi Goitein in 1831, from his disciples: An interesting letter handwritten and signed by R. Shmuel Sonnenfeld; letter of Torah thoughts handwritten and signed by "Yosef Leib son of Moshe"; letter of Torah thoughts handwritten and signed by "Aharon Felzenburg of Nitra"; letter handwritten and signed by R. "Yitzchak Porit".
• Letter handwritten and signed by R. Moshe Freund-Grieshaber, disciple of the Chatam Sofer. [Gyönk, 1868]. In the letter, he mentions in passing a thought he heard from his teacher the Chatam Sofer, who remarked that pilpul is considered the crown of the Torah. At the end of the letter, he writes in a somewhat enigmatic way, about buying copies of "the renowned book which is a great necessity for upholding Torah observance". He writes that he agreed together with R. Avraham Pollak to purchase ten copies of the book, and is willing to absorb the cost if he does not succeed in selling them. It is unclear which book he is referring to. This letter was published in Zichron Avot, 1971 (section 81), together with a letter which R. Eliyahu Menachem had sent earlier to R. Moshe Freund. That letter also mentions the book only in elusive terms, yet it appears that R. Azriel Hildesheimer, close friend of R. Eliyahu Menachem, was also involved in this matter.
• Letter handwritten and signed by R. Shaul Friedenthal head of the Bonyhád Beit Din, addressed to R. Eliyahu Menachem Goitein Rabbi of Hidjess. At the foot of the letter, a draft of the reply letter appears, handwritten and signed by R. Eliyahu Menachem Goitein. Bonyhád and Hőgyész, Adar I 1867. [In the book Zichron Avot, section 71, is a lengthy correspondence between R. Shaul Friedenthal, other rabbis and R. Eliyahu Menachem, on the topic discussed in these letters. The published letters are dated: Erev Rosh Chodesh Adar I 1867, 2nd Adar I, 14th Adar I and 20th Adar II, however, this letter from R. Friedenthal dated 8th Adar I 1867
was not included).
• Official stationery paper of R. Eliyahu Menachem Goitein Rabbi of Hidjess - four pages of autograph Torah novellae in his handwriting.
• Letter handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Fischer. Siófok, 1875. Including two pages of Torah novellae handwritten by R. Eliyahu Menachem.
R. Tzvi Hirsh Goitein Rabbi of Hidjess (d. 1859), son and successor of R. Bendit Goitein Rabbi of Hidjess, author of Kesef Nivchar (1770-1841) and son-in-law of R. Eliyahu Teller of Komárom. The son and successor of R. Tzvi Hirsh was R. Eliyahu Menachem Goitein (1837-1902). Torah novellae of these three generation of rabbis of Hidjess were printed in the book Zichron Avot (Bnei Brak, 1971), but most of these writings were not included in the book.
R. Moshe Freund-Grieshaber (also known as R. Moshe Paks, 1797-1873), leading disciple of the Chatam Sofer. Son of R. Yitzchak Itzek Grieshaber-Freund Rabbi of Paks. After his marriage in 1815 to the daughter of a wealthy man from Gyönk, he settled there, delving in Torah and worship of G-d without needing to serve as rabbi. Several of the Chatam Sofer’s responsa are addressed to him (see: Kinstlicher, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 358-360).
R. Shaul Friedenthal (d. 1883) was the head of the Bonyhád Beit Din, a position he held for 50 years (since 1833). Son of R. Yehuda Leib Lisa Rabbi of Rechnitz, and son-in-law of R. Shmelke Meisels Rabbi of Jelšovce (1781-1855). In 1856, he published Geviat Shmuel - ethical will of his father-in-law R. Shmelke Meisels and eulogies.
R. Yaakov Fischer of Siófok (d. Tevet 1910), son-in-law of R. Yedidya Gotleib-Fischer (1810-1896), disciple of the Chatam Sofer, who served as rabbi of Stuhlweissenburg (Székesfehérvár; see: Kinstlicher, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 157-159).
5 paper items, containing more than 10 letters and various novellae. Size and condition vary. Overall good condition.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,500
Unsold
Responsum letter signed by R. Moshe Schick, Rabbi of Chust. 1878.
Responsum on the laws of terefot, written in answer to a query from R. Avraham Zvi Yung from Berettyóújfalu. Written by a scribe and signed by the Maharam Schick: "Moshe Schick of Brezová [pod Bradlom]". The responsum was printed (with slight variations) in the Responsa Maharam Schick (Yoreh Deah, 50). Apparently, this is the original letter and not a leaf out of the responsa booklet from which the book was printed.
R. Moshe Schick - Maharam Schick (1807-1879), was one of the Chatam Sofer’s leading disciples. He was exceptionally gifted, a luminary of his generation, leader of Hungarian Jewry, famous yeshiva dean and forerunner in the struggle against the Reform movement. At the age of 14, he was accepted to the Chatam Sofer’s yeshiva and quickly became one of its top students. He served in the rabbinate of Svätý Jur near Pressburg for many years, after which he officiated as Rabbi of Chust, where he established a large yeshiva and taught many illustrious disciples. He served in Chust until his death. He left behind a rich trove of Torah writings, including Halachic responsa, homilies, and novellae on the Talmud and the 613 commandments.
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears. Non-acidic adhesive tape repairs.
Responsum on the laws of terefot, written in answer to a query from R. Avraham Zvi Yung from Berettyóújfalu. Written by a scribe and signed by the Maharam Schick: "Moshe Schick of Brezová [pod Bradlom]". The responsum was printed (with slight variations) in the Responsa Maharam Schick (Yoreh Deah, 50). Apparently, this is the original letter and not a leaf out of the responsa booklet from which the book was printed.
R. Moshe Schick - Maharam Schick (1807-1879), was one of the Chatam Sofer’s leading disciples. He was exceptionally gifted, a luminary of his generation, leader of Hungarian Jewry, famous yeshiva dean and forerunner in the struggle against the Reform movement. At the age of 14, he was accepted to the Chatam Sofer’s yeshiva and quickly became one of its top students. He served in the rabbinate of Svätý Jur near Pressburg for many years, after which he officiated as Rabbi of Chust, where he established a large yeshiva and taught many illustrious disciples. He served in Chust until his death. He left behind a rich trove of Torah writings, including Halachic responsa, homilies, and novellae on the Talmud and the 613 commandments.
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears. Non-acidic adhesive tape repairs.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Handwritten leaf, "Morenu" certificate given to "R. Avraham son of the late… R. Leib, grandson of the renowned R. Avraham", signed by the Prague rabbis: R. Shlomo Yehuda Rappaport, R. Shmuel Freund and R. Efraim Leib Katz Teveles. Prague, Tishrei 1845.
The certificate, issued by the Prague Beit Din, bestows the title "Morenu" on the recipient, stating that he will thereafter be called "Morenu Rav Rabbi Avraham… when called to the holy Torah and every holy matter".
Official emblem at the head of the certificate.
R. Shlomo Yehudah (Solomon Judah) Rappaport (known by his acronym Shir; 1790-1867), a prominent rabbi and scholar who studied Torah and science, son-in-law of the author of Ketzot HaChoshen. Pioneer of the moderate Haskalah movement in Galicia and one of the founders of the Chochmat Yisrael movement. He authored numerous rabbinic biographies and essays in the field of Judaic studies. In his senior years, he served as rabbi of Prague, opposing the reform movement.
R. Shmuel Freund (1795-1860), renowned Torah scholar, head of the Prague Beit Din, author of Ir HaTzedek and more. Opponent of the reform movement in Prague. (See: Ishim BiTeshuvot Chatam Sofer, p. 389).
R. Efraim Leib Katz Teveles was a leading dayan in Prague. Colleague of R. Nachum Trebitsch. Together they edited the book Zera Yaakov by R. Yaakov Ginzburg (dean of the Prague Yeshiva and member of the Beit Din of the Noda BiYehuda).
In his letter to the Aruch LaNer, the Ktav Sofer writes (Igrot Sofrim, Letters of the Ktav Sofer, 5): "…The Prague community is famous and large. The head of the Beit Din is Rappaport, and another two dayanim, pious and great Torah scholars, R. Shmuel Freund and R. Efraim Leib Teveles…".
[1] leaf. 17 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Folding mark.
The certificate, issued by the Prague Beit Din, bestows the title "Morenu" on the recipient, stating that he will thereafter be called "Morenu Rav Rabbi Avraham… when called to the holy Torah and every holy matter".
Official emblem at the head of the certificate.
R. Shlomo Yehudah (Solomon Judah) Rappaport (known by his acronym Shir; 1790-1867), a prominent rabbi and scholar who studied Torah and science, son-in-law of the author of Ketzot HaChoshen. Pioneer of the moderate Haskalah movement in Galicia and one of the founders of the Chochmat Yisrael movement. He authored numerous rabbinic biographies and essays in the field of Judaic studies. In his senior years, he served as rabbi of Prague, opposing the reform movement.
R. Shmuel Freund (1795-1860), renowned Torah scholar, head of the Prague Beit Din, author of Ir HaTzedek and more. Opponent of the reform movement in Prague. (See: Ishim BiTeshuvot Chatam Sofer, p. 389).
R. Efraim Leib Katz Teveles was a leading dayan in Prague. Colleague of R. Nachum Trebitsch. Together they edited the book Zera Yaakov by R. Yaakov Ginzburg (dean of the Prague Yeshiva and member of the Beit Din of the Noda BiYehuda).
In his letter to the Aruch LaNer, the Ktav Sofer writes (Igrot Sofrim, Letters of the Ktav Sofer, 5): "…The Prague community is famous and large. The head of the Beit Din is Rappaport, and another two dayanim, pious and great Torah scholars, R. Shmuel Freund and R. Efraim Leib Teveles…".
[1] leaf. 17 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Folding mark.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Unsold
Lengthy letter handwritten and signed by R. Shimon Oish of Prague, addressed to R. Yehuda Katz Teveles. [Prague], Monday, 20th Menachem [Av] 1847.
Lengthy letter (3 large pages) of Torah thoughts. R. Shimon Oish engages in scholarly pilpul on Talmudic topics pertaining to the law of mourning. He mentions "our great rabbi" (possibly in reference to R. Shmuel Landau Rabbi of Prague who had passed away a decade earlier). The letter concludes: "Peace to you and to all yours… as is the wish of the one who respects you for your great stature, who loves you faithfully, your relative Shimon Oish".
R. Shimon Oish (d. 1867), leading Prague Torah scholar in the 19th century. Son-in-law of R. Wolf Hamburg of Fürth. Several of his responsa and novellae are quoted in the books of the Torah scholars of his time. Responsa Shivat Tzion by R. Shmuel Landau brings two responsa addressed to him, and R. Shmuel Landau terms him: "The exceptional rabbi, who is outstanding in Torah" (see Responsa Shivat Tzion, sections 17, 35). A responsa addressed to him is also presented in Responsa of Maharatz Chayes (section 72). His glosses to the book Hora Gaver by R. Betzalel Regensburg, together with the glosses of his father R. Moshe Wolf Oish, were printed in the new edition of the book (Modiin Illit 2003). Other novellae he produced remain in manuscript.
The recipient of the letter, R. Yehuda Katz Teveles, was also a Prague Torah scholar, from the prominent Katz Teveles family of Prague.
[1] double leaf (3 pages). 35.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Folding marks. Tear to lower corner, affecting several words.
Lengthy letter (3 large pages) of Torah thoughts. R. Shimon Oish engages in scholarly pilpul on Talmudic topics pertaining to the law of mourning. He mentions "our great rabbi" (possibly in reference to R. Shmuel Landau Rabbi of Prague who had passed away a decade earlier). The letter concludes: "Peace to you and to all yours… as is the wish of the one who respects you for your great stature, who loves you faithfully, your relative Shimon Oish".
R. Shimon Oish (d. 1867), leading Prague Torah scholar in the 19th century. Son-in-law of R. Wolf Hamburg of Fürth. Several of his responsa and novellae are quoted in the books of the Torah scholars of his time. Responsa Shivat Tzion by R. Shmuel Landau brings two responsa addressed to him, and R. Shmuel Landau terms him: "The exceptional rabbi, who is outstanding in Torah" (see Responsa Shivat Tzion, sections 17, 35). A responsa addressed to him is also presented in Responsa of Maharatz Chayes (section 72). His glosses to the book Hora Gaver by R. Betzalel Regensburg, together with the glosses of his father R. Moshe Wolf Oish, were printed in the new edition of the book (Modiin Illit 2003). Other novellae he produced remain in manuscript.
The recipient of the letter, R. Yehuda Katz Teveles, was also a Prague Torah scholar, from the prominent Katz Teveles family of Prague.
[1] double leaf (3 pages). 35.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Folding marks. Tear to lower corner, affecting several words.
Category
Letters - Rabbis and Communities
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $700
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Eliyahu Guttmacher Rabbi of Greiditz (Grodzisk Wielkopolski). Greiditz, Tevet 1873. Yiddish.
Written on a postcard addressed to R. Refael Eliezer Holzbak. In this letter, R. Guttmacher acknowledges the receipt of donations on behalf of Eretz Israel, expresses his gratitude and extends his blessings (free translation from Yiddish): "I received for the benefit of our rabbis and brethren in the Holy Land… nine thaler, and I hope this great deed will grant you, all those who participated in this donation, a happy life from G-d, together with your families…".
R. Eliyahu Guttmacher Rabbi of Greiditz (1796-1875), disciple of R. Akiva Eger, served as rabbi of Pleschen (Pleszew) until ca. 1840, thereafter serving as rabbi of Greiditz. His eldest son, R. Tzvi Hirsh, succeeded him as rabbi of Pleschen. Famed as a holy kabbalist, in his senior years his name spread throughout the Jewish world as a wonder-worker, with amazing stories circulating of the great miracles and salvations attained through the blessings of "der Greiditzer Tzaddik" (the Tzaddik of Greiditz), "from all countries people came to seek his blessings and prayers, each one according to his needs" (Igrot Sofrim, at the foot of letter 29).
R. Eliyahu Guttmacher was very active on behalf of Eretz Israel Jewry, and founded a yeshiva in Jerusalem named Chevrat Sukkat Shalom and Meor Yaakov. This yeshiva was established in the Shenot Eliyahu Beit Midrash which was located in R. Eliyahu Guttmacher’s courtyard in Jerusalem, purchased by his trustee R. Yaakov Mordechai Hirschensohn. R. Eliyahu financed the yeshiva until his final days. In addition, together with R. Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer, he was a leading member of the Chevrat Yishuv Eretz Israel society, founded in Frankfurt in 1860. The goal of this society was to increase agricultural Jewish settlement in Eretz Israel, by redeeming the land from non-Jews and settling instead Jewish farmers, who would work it, be sustained by it, and perform mitzvot pertaining to it. These two rabbis propagated this idea extensively in their books, writings, letters and sermons. They prove repeatedly in their books that these activities bring the Redemption closer and awaken Heavenly mercy and salvation.
Postcard. 14X9 cm. Good condition. Stains. Postmarks.
Written on a postcard addressed to R. Refael Eliezer Holzbak. In this letter, R. Guttmacher acknowledges the receipt of donations on behalf of Eretz Israel, expresses his gratitude and extends his blessings (free translation from Yiddish): "I received for the benefit of our rabbis and brethren in the Holy Land… nine thaler, and I hope this great deed will grant you, all those who participated in this donation, a happy life from G-d, together with your families…".
R. Eliyahu Guttmacher Rabbi of Greiditz (1796-1875), disciple of R. Akiva Eger, served as rabbi of Pleschen (Pleszew) until ca. 1840, thereafter serving as rabbi of Greiditz. His eldest son, R. Tzvi Hirsh, succeeded him as rabbi of Pleschen. Famed as a holy kabbalist, in his senior years his name spread throughout the Jewish world as a wonder-worker, with amazing stories circulating of the great miracles and salvations attained through the blessings of "der Greiditzer Tzaddik" (the Tzaddik of Greiditz), "from all countries people came to seek his blessings and prayers, each one according to his needs" (Igrot Sofrim, at the foot of letter 29).
R. Eliyahu Guttmacher was very active on behalf of Eretz Israel Jewry, and founded a yeshiva in Jerusalem named Chevrat Sukkat Shalom and Meor Yaakov. This yeshiva was established in the Shenot Eliyahu Beit Midrash which was located in R. Eliyahu Guttmacher’s courtyard in Jerusalem, purchased by his trustee R. Yaakov Mordechai Hirschensohn. R. Eliyahu financed the yeshiva until his final days. In addition, together with R. Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer, he was a leading member of the Chevrat Yishuv Eretz Israel society, founded in Frankfurt in 1860. The goal of this society was to increase agricultural Jewish settlement in Eretz Israel, by redeeming the land from non-Jews and settling instead Jewish farmers, who would work it, be sustained by it, and perform mitzvot pertaining to it. These two rabbis propagated this idea extensively in their books, writings, letters and sermons. They prove repeatedly in their books that these activities bring the Redemption closer and awaken Heavenly mercy and salvation.
Postcard. 14X9 cm. Good condition. Stains. Postmarks.
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Letters - Rabbis and Communities
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