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: $1,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
Taharot HaKodesh, kabbalistic practices and prayers. Parts I and II. Amsterdam, [1733]. First edition.
Ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Yichye Tzalach - the Maharitz, on the title page: "My acquisition, Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", "Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", and other inscriptions, some deleted.
The book contains several lengthy glosses handwritten by the Maharitz. These glosses are hitherto unknown and have never been published, though they parallel the teachings in the Etz Chaim siddur compiled by the Maharitz.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
[5], 2-52; 46 leaves. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Non-original, half-leather binding.
Regarding the authorship of this book and the period in which it was composed, see: Y. Halpern, Taharot HaKodesh - Who Authored It and When, Kiryat Sefer, 34, 1959, pp. 495-498; D. Tamar, When Taharot HaKodesh was Authored, Areshet, III, 1961, pp. 166-172.
Ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Yichye Tzalach - the Maharitz, on the title page: "My acquisition, Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", "Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", and other inscriptions, some deleted.
The book contains several lengthy glosses handwritten by the Maharitz. These glosses are hitherto unknown and have never been published, though they parallel the teachings in the Etz Chaim siddur compiled by the Maharitz.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
[5], 2-52; 46 leaves. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Non-original, half-leather binding.
Regarding the authorship of this book and the period in which it was composed, see: Y. Halpern, Taharot HaKodesh - Who Authored It and When, Kiryat Sefer, 34, 1959, pp. 495-498; D. Tamar, When Taharot HaKodesh was Authored, Areshet, III, 1961, pp. 166-172.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Monetary contract, signed by dayanim of the Sanaa Beit Din in the 18th century, the head of the Beit Din R. Yichye Tzalach, the Maharitz, and the dayan R. Yichye Mishreqi (son of R. David, author of Shetilei Zeitim). Bir al-Azab (Sanaa, Yemen), Shevat [1795].
Judeo-Arabic monetary contract, of Salam son of Yichye Elgamal (Gamliel) and Salam son of Suleiman Elgamal. With calligraphic signatures of the dayanim at the foot of the contract.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi (1734-1809), founder of the Shami rite together with his father (the Shetilei Zeitim). He was appointed temporary dayan in 1785 and from 1795, served as permanent dayan in the Beit Din of the Maharitz. His novellae and rulings were published together with his father's novellae in Revid HaZahav.
Bir al-Azab is a suburb of Sanaa, built after the Exile of Mawza in 1679, when the Jews were required to live outside of the city's walls (Encyclopedia LiKehillot Teiman, I, p. 35).
[1] leaf. 14 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear to folds and margins, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Judeo-Arabic monetary contract, of Salam son of Yichye Elgamal (Gamliel) and Salam son of Suleiman Elgamal. With calligraphic signatures of the dayanim at the foot of the contract.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi (1734-1809), founder of the Shami rite together with his father (the Shetilei Zeitim). He was appointed temporary dayan in 1785 and from 1795, served as permanent dayan in the Beit Din of the Maharitz. His novellae and rulings were published together with his father's novellae in Revid HaZahav.
Bir al-Azab is a suburb of Sanaa, built after the Exile of Mawza in 1679, when the Jews were required to live outside of the city's walls (Encyclopedia LiKehillot Teiman, I, p. 35).
[1] leaf. 14 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear to folds and margins, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $800
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Collection of monetary legal documents, signed by the rabbis and dayanim of the Sanaa Beit Din in the 19th century, 1829-1896.
Remarkable collection comprising dozens of legal documents, with many dozens of signatures of the dayanim and Beit Din heads in Sanaa in the 19th century. The text of the documents is in Judeo-Arabic; the signatures of the dayanim appear at the foot of each document (calligraphic signatures typical of Yemenite rabbis).
The signatories include: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh, R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli, R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh, R. Yosef son of R. Yichye Iraqi, R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shalom HaKohen, and others.
Includes a collection of documents and certificates in Arabic, from the same source (presumably the Sanaa Beit Din).
R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh (1769-1849), leading Yemenite Torah scholar, close disciple of the Maharitz and his successor. In ca. 1809, he was appointed dayan in the Sanaa Beit Din, and in 1812, he became head of the Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. A leading Torah scholar in his times, exceptionally well versed in the Talmud and halachic literature. He disseminated Torah to the public and edified numerous disciples who later became prominent Yemenite rabbis. He instituted various regulations, and perpetuated the ways of his teacher the Maharitz in his leadership of Yemenite Jewry. His book Zivchei Elohim on the laws of ritual slaughter is well-known; he also recorded responsa and halachic rulings. The following dayanim served under him in the Beit Din, and signed alongside him on these documents: R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach (1769-1839), grandson of the Maharitz; R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh (b. 1766; he disappeared in 1836, some say he left Sanaa due to the famine, and others contend that he never returned from his mission in northern Yemen together with the emissary R. Baruch of Pinsk, in quest of the Ten Lost Tribes). Other signatories: R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli (1804-1899), an elder Sanaa dayan. He served as dayan for over forty years; his signature appears on many rulings. R. Suleiman (Shlomo) Alqareh (1804-1889), son of the head of the Beit Din R. Yosef Alqareh, and his successor as head of Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach (1825 or 1833-1905) - great-grandson of the Maharitz, a preeminent rabbi in his generation, exceptionally pious. He served as dayan for 38 years and instituted various regulations and practices.
27 legal documents in Judeo-Arabic with signatures of dayanim + 25 documents and certificates in Arabic. Size and condition vary, overall good condition.
Remarkable collection comprising dozens of legal documents, with many dozens of signatures of the dayanim and Beit Din heads in Sanaa in the 19th century. The text of the documents is in Judeo-Arabic; the signatures of the dayanim appear at the foot of each document (calligraphic signatures typical of Yemenite rabbis).
The signatories include: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh, R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli, R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh, R. Yosef son of R. Yichye Iraqi, R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shalom HaKohen, and others.
Includes a collection of documents and certificates in Arabic, from the same source (presumably the Sanaa Beit Din).
R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh (1769-1849), leading Yemenite Torah scholar, close disciple of the Maharitz and his successor. In ca. 1809, he was appointed dayan in the Sanaa Beit Din, and in 1812, he became head of the Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. A leading Torah scholar in his times, exceptionally well versed in the Talmud and halachic literature. He disseminated Torah to the public and edified numerous disciples who later became prominent Yemenite rabbis. He instituted various regulations, and perpetuated the ways of his teacher the Maharitz in his leadership of Yemenite Jewry. His book Zivchei Elohim on the laws of ritual slaughter is well-known; he also recorded responsa and halachic rulings. The following dayanim served under him in the Beit Din, and signed alongside him on these documents: R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach (1769-1839), grandson of the Maharitz; R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh (b. 1766; he disappeared in 1836, some say he left Sanaa due to the famine, and others contend that he never returned from his mission in northern Yemen together with the emissary R. Baruch of Pinsk, in quest of the Ten Lost Tribes). Other signatories: R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli (1804-1899), an elder Sanaa dayan. He served as dayan for over forty years; his signature appears on many rulings. R. Suleiman (Shlomo) Alqareh (1804-1889), son of the head of the Beit Din R. Yosef Alqareh, and his successor as head of Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach (1825 or 1833-1905) - great-grandson of the Maharitz, a preeminent rabbi in his generation, exceptionally pious. He served as dayan for 38 years and instituted various regulations and practices.
27 legal documents in Judeo-Arabic with signatures of dayanim + 25 documents and certificates in Arabic. Size and condition vary, overall good condition.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $1,375
Including buyer's premium
Eight handwritten ketubot and a marriage document. With many signatures of Yemenite rabbis. Yemen, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Yichye al-Tzaadi, to the bride Badra daughter of Avraham Elgamal. Sanaa, 1793. Signed by Yemenite rabbis: R. Shlomo son of R. Yeshua and R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi. On the verso, inscription pertaining to the dowry, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah for Suleiman son of Yehuda al-Haraz and his wife Ghazal daughter of Yosef Korach, replacing their original ketubah which was falling apart. Sanaa, 16th Tevet 1822. Signed by the rabbis of Yemen: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. Avraham son of R. Aharon Manzeli and R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Chaim son of Musa son of Yosef al-Ozeri, to the bride Rumia daughter of Salam son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1867. Signed by R. Sa'id son of R. Salam Pinchas and R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh. Inscription regarding dowry with additional signatures on verso of ketubah.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Salam and the bride Lulwa daughter of Salam Karnan. Jewish neighborhood of Yarim, 1869. Signed by R. Chaim son of R. Salam Jamal and R. Avraham son of R. Avraham Maabari.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Salam son of Yichye Habshoush to the bride Lulwa daughter of Chaim son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1876. Signed by R. Sa'id son of Avraham Mishreqi and R. Avraham son of Salam Shemmen. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, with the same signatures.
• Levirate ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Musi son of Yaakov, to Mrs. Sa'ida daughter of Salam Yehuda, wife of the groom's late brother Avraham. Kislev 1889.
• Ketubah related document. [Sanaa], 1905. Signed by the dayanim of Sanaa: R. Aharon HaKohen and R. Yichye Musi Yitzchak.
• Ketubah, torn and lacking (only upper half remains), recording the marriage of the groom Yehuda son of Da'ud son of Yichye son of R. Yosef Pinchas Katz, to the bride Hamama daughter of Chaim son of Harun son of Musa al-Iraqi Katz. 1900. Inscription regarding dowry on verso, signed by R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach and R. Chaim son of R. Yichye HaKohen al-Iraqi.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of Menashe son of David to the bride Ghazal al-Kahlani (tear in ketubah, affecting full name of the bride and her father). 1930.
8 ketubot and one marriage document. Size and condition vary.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Yichye al-Tzaadi, to the bride Badra daughter of Avraham Elgamal. Sanaa, 1793. Signed by Yemenite rabbis: R. Shlomo son of R. Yeshua and R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi. On the verso, inscription pertaining to the dowry, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah for Suleiman son of Yehuda al-Haraz and his wife Ghazal daughter of Yosef Korach, replacing their original ketubah which was falling apart. Sanaa, 16th Tevet 1822. Signed by the rabbis of Yemen: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. Avraham son of R. Aharon Manzeli and R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Chaim son of Musa son of Yosef al-Ozeri, to the bride Rumia daughter of Salam son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1867. Signed by R. Sa'id son of R. Salam Pinchas and R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh. Inscription regarding dowry with additional signatures on verso of ketubah.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Salam and the bride Lulwa daughter of Salam Karnan. Jewish neighborhood of Yarim, 1869. Signed by R. Chaim son of R. Salam Jamal and R. Avraham son of R. Avraham Maabari.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Salam son of Yichye Habshoush to the bride Lulwa daughter of Chaim son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1876. Signed by R. Sa'id son of Avraham Mishreqi and R. Avraham son of Salam Shemmen. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, with the same signatures.
• Levirate ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Musi son of Yaakov, to Mrs. Sa'ida daughter of Salam Yehuda, wife of the groom's late brother Avraham. Kislev 1889.
• Ketubah related document. [Sanaa], 1905. Signed by the dayanim of Sanaa: R. Aharon HaKohen and R. Yichye Musi Yitzchak.
• Ketubah, torn and lacking (only upper half remains), recording the marriage of the groom Yehuda son of Da'ud son of Yichye son of R. Yosef Pinchas Katz, to the bride Hamama daughter of Chaim son of Harun son of Musa al-Iraqi Katz. 1900. Inscription regarding dowry on verso, signed by R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach and R. Chaim son of R. Yichye HaKohen al-Iraqi.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of Menashe son of David to the bride Ghazal al-Kahlani (tear in ketubah, affecting full name of the bride and her father). 1930.
8 ketubot and one marriage document. Size and condition vary.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $600
Including buyer's premium
Three manuscripts. [Yemen, 19th and 20th centuries].
1. Manuscript, commentary to the laws of shechita (ritual slaughter), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen, 1804]. Writer's colophon on the final leaf: "And this book was completed on Monday, 4th Elul 1804… and the writer, most insignificant one… Shlomo son of Shlomo son of Shemarya son of R. Zecharya…". [49] leaves. 20 cm. Poor condition. Stains, significant dampness damage and worming, affecting text. Old leather binding, damaged.
2. Manuscript, laws of shechita and "Taamim" (various selections on the laws of shechita). [Yemen, ca. 19th century]. [102] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains, dark dampstains, worming and wear. Old binding.
3. Manuscript, laws of Shechita. [Yemen, 1940]. Writer's colophon dated 1940 on the final leaf. [60] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Tears to several leaves, affecting text. New binding.
1. Manuscript, commentary to the laws of shechita (ritual slaughter), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen, 1804]. Writer's colophon on the final leaf: "And this book was completed on Monday, 4th Elul 1804… and the writer, most insignificant one… Shlomo son of Shlomo son of Shemarya son of R. Zecharya…". [49] leaves. 20 cm. Poor condition. Stains, significant dampness damage and worming, affecting text. Old leather binding, damaged.
2. Manuscript, laws of shechita and "Taamim" (various selections on the laws of shechita). [Yemen, ca. 19th century]. [102] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains, dark dampstains, worming and wear. Old binding.
3. Manuscript, laws of Shechita. [Yemen, 1940]. Writer's colophon dated 1940 on the final leaf. [60] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Tears to several leaves, affecting text. New binding.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Collection of manuscripts (some incomplete), from Yemen:
• Manuscript, three Megillot, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, order for Simchat Torah, and more. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Selichot and supplications. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Tikkun Asara BeTevet. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Azharot for Shavuot. [Yemen, 19th century].
• Manuscript, Maamadot and Bakashot. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Two handwritten leaves, supplication from the Zohar ("Elaka Rabba LeAniya UMiskena…"). [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Hatarat Nedarim, order of Shofar blowing, Tikkun HaGeshem and Tikkun HaTal. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Mekor Chaim on the laws of shechita, by the Maharitz, and Petach HaOhel on the laws of divorce, by R. Yichye Amud. [Yemen, 20th century]. (Copying from the printed edition of both books, Aden 1893-1894).
8 manuscripts, most incomplete and damaged (lacking leaves. Open tears and worming, affecting text). Size and condition vary.
• Manuscript, three Megillot, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, order for Simchat Torah, and more. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Selichot and supplications. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Tikkun Asara BeTevet. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Azharot for Shavuot. [Yemen, 19th century].
• Manuscript, Maamadot and Bakashot. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Two handwritten leaves, supplication from the Zohar ("Elaka Rabba LeAniya UMiskena…"). [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Hatarat Nedarim, order of Shofar blowing, Tikkun HaGeshem and Tikkun HaTal. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Mekor Chaim on the laws of shechita, by the Maharitz, and Petach HaOhel on the laws of divorce, by R. Yichye Amud. [Yemen, 20th century]. (Copying from the printed edition of both books, Aden 1893-1894).
8 manuscripts, most incomplete and damaged (lacking leaves. Open tears and worming, affecting text). Size and condition vary.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Booklet, Amal URe'ut Ruach VaCharamot UTeshuvatam, polemic regarding the authenticity of the Zohar and Kabbalah, by R. Yichye Kapach (Qafih) of Yemen. [Tel Aviv, 1914?]. First edition.
The booklet contains glosses and additions handwritten by the author. At the end of the booklet, he added: "At the head of noisy streets she calls out etc. but the word of our G-d shall last forever".
In the first part of the booklet, the author printed the excommunications issued by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi rabbis of Jerusalem against the Yemenites who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah. The second part of the booklet contains the detailed response of the author, R. Yichye Kapach, in which he attacks the rabbis of Jerusalem, and argues that the excommunications were incorrectly issued. Further in his response, he excoriates the foundations of Kabbalah and the Zohar, and concludes by excommunicating the rabbis who excommunicated and ostracized him.
Background: A great controversy broke out in Yemen in the early 20th century, between those who believed in the authenticity of the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Ikshim") and a small sect who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Darda'im"), headed by R. Yichye Kapach (1850-1931). R. Kapach and his followers contended that the Oral Law is limited to what was received by the Talmudic sages and the Rambam, whilst anything discovered thereafter does not have any validity. According to them, Kabbalah is foreign in its spirit to Judaism. R. Kapach later substantiated his approach in his books Milchamot Hashem (Jerusalem, 1931) and Daat Elokim (Jerusalem, 1931), printed in his final year. He was excommunicated in Shevat 1914 by the Jerusalem rabbis for these views. This booklet was authored by R. Kapach as a response, and it contains his counterattack on his opponents, including excommunications he issued in return.
15, [1] pages. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains, tears and wear.
The booklet contains glosses and additions handwritten by the author. At the end of the booklet, he added: "At the head of noisy streets she calls out etc. but the word of our G-d shall last forever".
In the first part of the booklet, the author printed the excommunications issued by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi rabbis of Jerusalem against the Yemenites who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah. The second part of the booklet contains the detailed response of the author, R. Yichye Kapach, in which he attacks the rabbis of Jerusalem, and argues that the excommunications were incorrectly issued. Further in his response, he excoriates the foundations of Kabbalah and the Zohar, and concludes by excommunicating the rabbis who excommunicated and ostracized him.
Background: A great controversy broke out in Yemen in the early 20th century, between those who believed in the authenticity of the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Ikshim") and a small sect who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Darda'im"), headed by R. Yichye Kapach (1850-1931). R. Kapach and his followers contended that the Oral Law is limited to what was received by the Talmudic sages and the Rambam, whilst anything discovered thereafter does not have any validity. According to them, Kabbalah is foreign in its spirit to Judaism. R. Kapach later substantiated his approach in his books Milchamot Hashem (Jerusalem, 1931) and Daat Elokim (Jerusalem, 1931), printed in his final year. He was excommunicated in Shevat 1914 by the Jerusalem rabbis for these views. This booklet was authored by R. Kapach as a response, and it contains his counterattack on his opponents, including excommunications he issued in return.
15, [1] pages. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains, tears and wear.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript (8 written pages), essay arranged for publishing, authored by one of the rabbis of the Yemenite community. [Jerusalem, ca. 1926].
"I thought to add my touch, to compose a foreword for the book Yesod HaEmuna VeYesod HaAvoda authored by… R. Yaakov Shlomo Kassin…". Yesod HaEmuna was composed by R. Kassin in 1926, and it forms a complete composition responding to the polemic booklets which the Darda'im of Yemen wrote to undermine the authenticity of the Zohar and its authorship by R. Shimon bar Yochai (Yesod HaEmuna was ultimately only published in 1981, and again in 2011. This foreword was apparently not included).
In this manuscript, composed by a Yemenite Torah scholar (whom we were not able to identify), the author writes: "Since I saw an outrageous occurrence, of a scholar from a city in Yemen named Sanaa, who degrades the holy Zohar, stating that it is not a holy book neither was it written by R. Shimon bar Yochai… rather by a philosopher… and he wrote some booklets, matters of foolishness and emptiness, that even a young child would laugh at, unconceivable nonsense… When these booklets arrived and were viewed by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities, as well as communities dwelling in Egypt and Jerusalem, they decried him as one who denies our holy Torah, and we, Yemenites living in Egypt and Jerusalem were greatly disgraced thereby, since they accuse us of denying Kabbalah which was received from Moshe at Mt. Sinai, and they blaspheme us. All the more since they heard that in Sanaa there is a controversy and there are already two factions, one named Ikshim and the other Darda'im… and they have become divided into different groups…". The author then refutes the claims raised by the Darda'i scholar from Sanaa in his booklet, disproving them through logic and reason, and bringing proofs to bolster faith in the Zohar and Kabbalah.
[5] leaves (8 written pages). 21 cm. Good condition. Placed in old sealed plastic sleeves.
Enclosed: Emunat Hashem (Jerusalem, 1937). This book was printed in the context of the same polemic, and it contains the arguments raised by the Darda'im in their booklets, together with refutations of their claims. Fair condition. Extensive worming. Original cloth binding.
"I thought to add my touch, to compose a foreword for the book Yesod HaEmuna VeYesod HaAvoda authored by… R. Yaakov Shlomo Kassin…". Yesod HaEmuna was composed by R. Kassin in 1926, and it forms a complete composition responding to the polemic booklets which the Darda'im of Yemen wrote to undermine the authenticity of the Zohar and its authorship by R. Shimon bar Yochai (Yesod HaEmuna was ultimately only published in 1981, and again in 2011. This foreword was apparently not included).
In this manuscript, composed by a Yemenite Torah scholar (whom we were not able to identify), the author writes: "Since I saw an outrageous occurrence, of a scholar from a city in Yemen named Sanaa, who degrades the holy Zohar, stating that it is not a holy book neither was it written by R. Shimon bar Yochai… rather by a philosopher… and he wrote some booklets, matters of foolishness and emptiness, that even a young child would laugh at, unconceivable nonsense… When these booklets arrived and were viewed by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities, as well as communities dwelling in Egypt and Jerusalem, they decried him as one who denies our holy Torah, and we, Yemenites living in Egypt and Jerusalem were greatly disgraced thereby, since they accuse us of denying Kabbalah which was received from Moshe at Mt. Sinai, and they blaspheme us. All the more since they heard that in Sanaa there is a controversy and there are already two factions, one named Ikshim and the other Darda'im… and they have become divided into different groups…". The author then refutes the claims raised by the Darda'i scholar from Sanaa in his booklet, disproving them through logic and reason, and bringing proofs to bolster faith in the Zohar and Kabbalah.
[5] leaves (8 written pages). 21 cm. Good condition. Placed in old sealed plastic sleeves.
Enclosed: Emunat Hashem (Jerusalem, 1937). This book was printed in the context of the same polemic, and it contains the arguments raised by the Darda'im in their booklets, together with refutations of their claims. Fair condition. Extensive worming. Original cloth binding.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Endpaper of a book, with many handwritten inscriptions in early Ashkenazic script. [Typical of the early 18th century].
On one side of the leaf, inscription (appears to be a signature): "Tzvi Hirsh son of the renowned R. Yoel Baal Shem Tov of Zamość, scribe of the Zamość community". Additional inscriptions in the upper part of the same page: "Yoel Heilprin" (twice) and "Tzvi Heilprin" (no other signatures or handwritten text were found for comparison). At the foot of the page, an inscription mentioning: "The renowned R. Yaakov Yehoshua of Kraków, rabbi and yeshiva dean in Berlin".
On the verso of the leaf, additional inscription of "Tzvi Hirsh son of R. Yoel Heilprin…", and the text of a contract dated 27th Tammuz 1746, with various signatories (whom we were not able to identify): "Elazar of Kraków", "Yehoshua Moshe, author of Pnei Yehoshua, of Prague", "Yosef Yozel of Kraków, who is laden with the burden of the country of Lithuania, signing here in Brody on market day…", "Chaim son of R. Yaakov Yehoshua of Kraków".
The leaf also contains other inscriptions, scribbles and pen trials.
In Chabad-Chassidic literature, it is written about the kabbalists R. Yoel Baal Shem I of Zamość, and his grandson R. Yoel Baal Shem II of Zamość, that they belonged to the "company of hidden men" - kabbalists named "Baal Shem", from which the Chassidic movement emerged.
R. Yoel Baal Shem I of Zamość - R. Yoel son of R. Yitzchak Eizik Heilprin (d. 1713), renowned kabbalist and wonder-worker who lived at the time of the 1648-1649 Chmielnicki massacres, and served as rabbi of various prominent Polish communities, including Zamość, Lviv and others. In 1692, he succeeded R. Naftali Katz as rabbi of Ostroh. He was a member of the Council of Four Lands and the Council of Lithuanian Rabbis. A kabbalist and wonder-worker, he dealt in practical kabbalah and earned the renown of a Baal Shem throughout Podolia. Wondrous accounts of barren women who conceived, ill people who recovered, dybbukim exorcised and salvation from other destructive elements are retold about him. Books of practical kabbalah published in the 1720s-1730s quote segulot and amulets from the teachings of R. Yoel Baal Shem I, which were in the possession of his grandson R. Yoel Baal Shem II (see below). Sefer HaZichronot of Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch records that R. Yoel Baal Shem I belonged to the "company of hidden men", and was the teacher of the kabbalist R. Adam Baal Shem - teacher of the Baal Shem Tov.
His grandson, R. Yoel Baal Shem II - R. Yoel son of R. Uri Heilprin (ca. 1690-ca. 1755) was a kabbalist and wonder-worker, who also earned the reputation of a Baal Shem. He resided in Zamość, and many would come to him in quest of salvations, amulets and segulot. R. Avraham Rabbi of Zhovkva described him as "reputed in our generation as an expert…" (in his approbation to the book Mif’alot Elokim, Zhovkva 1725). The printer of the book Toldot Adam (Zhovkva, 1720) writes about him: "He is renowned for being sought out daily from nearby and distant cities".
During the time of R. Yoel Baal Shem II, several books of practical kabbalah were published under his supervision, after undergoing his editing and receiving his approbation. In 1720, the book Toldot Adam was published in Zhovkva - a compilation of segulot and cures, instructions for writing amulets, incantations and hashbaot, from leading Baalei Shem - R. Eliyahu Baal Shem (of Chelm) and R. Yoel Baal Shem I, alongside segulot from Shlomo HaMelech, the Ramban, the Arizal and others. The publisher states that the book was published based on the holy writings of R. Yoel Baal Shem I. Two approbations by the grandson - R. Yoel Baal Shem II, were printed at the beginning and end of the book. In his foreword, the publisher writes about R. Yoel Baal Shem II: "We have no knowledge in practical kabbalah… all we have is the words of the great rabbi, exceptionally well-versed in both revealed and hidden realms of Torah… the renowned kabbalist R. Yoel Baal Shem, son of the prominent R. Uri of Zamość, grandson of the renowned kabbalist R. Yoel Baal Shem, and everyone knows that this R. Yoel Baal Shem is an authority and expert in this generation, and if he alone approves, the Jewish people will believe…". R. Yoel Baal Shem II signs his second approbation: "So says Yoel son of R. Uri Heilprin of Zamość and son-in-law of the renowned R. David son of R. Aryeh Yehuda Leib who was rabbi of Kraków and Brisk (Brest)". In 1722, a book of segulot and incantations titled Zevach Pesach was published in Zhovkva. It also contained amulets from R. Yoel Baal Shem I. His grandson R. Yoel Baal Shem II accorded his approbation to this book as well. A book with similar content was published in Zhovkva in 1725, titled Mif’alot Elokim, also containing amulets from R. Yoel Baal Shem I. This book too bears the approbation of R. Yoel Baal Shem II, alongside an approbation by R. Avraham Rabbi of Zhovkva who writes that since he does not deal in practical kabbalah, he at first refrained from giving an approbation to this book, yet upon seeing that R. Yoel Baal Shem II gave his approbation, and even proofread the entire book, he relied on him and added his approbation. Another book of practical kabbalah containing segulot, cures and amulets which received the approbation of R. Yoel Baal Shem II is the book Minchot Yaakov Solet, printed in Wilhelmsdorf, 1731.
This leaf contains inscriptions by his son R. Tzvi Hirsh, about whom no other information is known from other sources.
[1] leaf. 17.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming.
On one side of the leaf, inscription (appears to be a signature): "Tzvi Hirsh son of the renowned R. Yoel Baal Shem Tov of Zamość, scribe of the Zamość community". Additional inscriptions in the upper part of the same page: "Yoel Heilprin" (twice) and "Tzvi Heilprin" (no other signatures or handwritten text were found for comparison). At the foot of the page, an inscription mentioning: "The renowned R. Yaakov Yehoshua of Kraków, rabbi and yeshiva dean in Berlin".
On the verso of the leaf, additional inscription of "Tzvi Hirsh son of R. Yoel Heilprin…", and the text of a contract dated 27th Tammuz 1746, with various signatories (whom we were not able to identify): "Elazar of Kraków", "Yehoshua Moshe, author of Pnei Yehoshua, of Prague", "Yosef Yozel of Kraków, who is laden with the burden of the country of Lithuania, signing here in Brody on market day…", "Chaim son of R. Yaakov Yehoshua of Kraków".
The leaf also contains other inscriptions, scribbles and pen trials.
In Chabad-Chassidic literature, it is written about the kabbalists R. Yoel Baal Shem I of Zamość, and his grandson R. Yoel Baal Shem II of Zamość, that they belonged to the "company of hidden men" - kabbalists named "Baal Shem", from which the Chassidic movement emerged.
R. Yoel Baal Shem I of Zamość - R. Yoel son of R. Yitzchak Eizik Heilprin (d. 1713), renowned kabbalist and wonder-worker who lived at the time of the 1648-1649 Chmielnicki massacres, and served as rabbi of various prominent Polish communities, including Zamość, Lviv and others. In 1692, he succeeded R. Naftali Katz as rabbi of Ostroh. He was a member of the Council of Four Lands and the Council of Lithuanian Rabbis. A kabbalist and wonder-worker, he dealt in practical kabbalah and earned the renown of a Baal Shem throughout Podolia. Wondrous accounts of barren women who conceived, ill people who recovered, dybbukim exorcised and salvation from other destructive elements are retold about him. Books of practical kabbalah published in the 1720s-1730s quote segulot and amulets from the teachings of R. Yoel Baal Shem I, which were in the possession of his grandson R. Yoel Baal Shem II (see below). Sefer HaZichronot of Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch records that R. Yoel Baal Shem I belonged to the "company of hidden men", and was the teacher of the kabbalist R. Adam Baal Shem - teacher of the Baal Shem Tov.
His grandson, R. Yoel Baal Shem II - R. Yoel son of R. Uri Heilprin (ca. 1690-ca. 1755) was a kabbalist and wonder-worker, who also earned the reputation of a Baal Shem. He resided in Zamość, and many would come to him in quest of salvations, amulets and segulot. R. Avraham Rabbi of Zhovkva described him as "reputed in our generation as an expert…" (in his approbation to the book Mif’alot Elokim, Zhovkva 1725). The printer of the book Toldot Adam (Zhovkva, 1720) writes about him: "He is renowned for being sought out daily from nearby and distant cities".
During the time of R. Yoel Baal Shem II, several books of practical kabbalah were published under his supervision, after undergoing his editing and receiving his approbation. In 1720, the book Toldot Adam was published in Zhovkva - a compilation of segulot and cures, instructions for writing amulets, incantations and hashbaot, from leading Baalei Shem - R. Eliyahu Baal Shem (of Chelm) and R. Yoel Baal Shem I, alongside segulot from Shlomo HaMelech, the Ramban, the Arizal and others. The publisher states that the book was published based on the holy writings of R. Yoel Baal Shem I. Two approbations by the grandson - R. Yoel Baal Shem II, were printed at the beginning and end of the book. In his foreword, the publisher writes about R. Yoel Baal Shem II: "We have no knowledge in practical kabbalah… all we have is the words of the great rabbi, exceptionally well-versed in both revealed and hidden realms of Torah… the renowned kabbalist R. Yoel Baal Shem, son of the prominent R. Uri of Zamość, grandson of the renowned kabbalist R. Yoel Baal Shem, and everyone knows that this R. Yoel Baal Shem is an authority and expert in this generation, and if he alone approves, the Jewish people will believe…". R. Yoel Baal Shem II signs his second approbation: "So says Yoel son of R. Uri Heilprin of Zamość and son-in-law of the renowned R. David son of R. Aryeh Yehuda Leib who was rabbi of Kraków and Brisk (Brest)". In 1722, a book of segulot and incantations titled Zevach Pesach was published in Zhovkva. It also contained amulets from R. Yoel Baal Shem I. His grandson R. Yoel Baal Shem II accorded his approbation to this book as well. A book with similar content was published in Zhovkva in 1725, titled Mif’alot Elokim, also containing amulets from R. Yoel Baal Shem I. This book too bears the approbation of R. Yoel Baal Shem II, alongside an approbation by R. Avraham Rabbi of Zhovkva who writes that since he does not deal in practical kabbalah, he at first refrained from giving an approbation to this book, yet upon seeing that R. Yoel Baal Shem II gave his approbation, and even proofread the entire book, he relied on him and added his approbation. Another book of practical kabbalah containing segulot, cures and amulets which received the approbation of R. Yoel Baal Shem II is the book Minchot Yaakov Solet, printed in Wilhelmsdorf, 1731.
This leaf contains inscriptions by his son R. Tzvi Hirsh, about whom no other information is known from other sources.
[1] leaf. 17.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming.
Category
Chassidism - Letters, Documents and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Lot 362 Letter from Rebbe Shimon Shlomo (the First) of Bender - Invitation to his Daughter’s Wedding
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by Rebbe "Shimon Shlomo son of the Rabbi of Bender". Bender (Bendery, Bessarabia), Av 1857.
Written by a scribe and signed by the Rebbe himself. Invitation to his daughter Malka’s wedding, sent to a relative, "renowned tzaddik… R. Yochanan" (apparently, a rebbe of the Chernobyl dynasty, maternal relative of Rebbe Shimon Shlomo. The latter’s mother was the daughter of R. Avraham of Korostýšiv, son-in-law of R. Nachum of Chernobyl).
Rebbe Shimon Shlomo Wertheim (1805-1864), author of Or HaShemesh. Son and successor of Rebbe Aryeh Leib of Bender (1772-1854), and grandson of the Maggid of Savran, R. Shimon Shlomo (died 1802), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. R. Aryeh Leib of Bender took the family name Wertheim, since his family descended from the Court Jew, R. Shimshon Wertheimer of Vienna (1658-1724). R. Shimon Shlomo of Bender was a close disciple of his uncle Rebbe Moshe Tzvi Gutterman of Savran, who was well-known for his knowledge of kabbalah. On the title page of the manuscript of Rebbe Shimon Shlomo’s book Or HaShemesh, his son R. Yitzchak of Bender writes about him: "The illustrious kabbalist… as he received from his uncle and teacher R. M.Tz.". Rebbe Shimon Shlomo was renowned for the wonders he performed for the Jewish People. In his book Or HaShemesh (Parashat VaYakhel), he writes that "in every generation, tzaddikim intend wondrous yichudim and these bring abundant blessing in all the spheres…". His descendants continued the Bender dynasty until the Holocaust.
The first marriage of his daughter Malka was to R. "Mordechai Motel son of Hodl" (see: Or HaShemesh, Savran-Bender Holy Dynasty, p. 51), and her second marriage was to her relative Rebbe David Gutterman of Savran (Shem UShe’erit, Tel Aviv 1943, p. 68).
[1] leaf. Approx. 17 cm. Good-fair condition. Dampstains. Wear and folding marks. Filing holes.
Written by a scribe and signed by the Rebbe himself. Invitation to his daughter Malka’s wedding, sent to a relative, "renowned tzaddik… R. Yochanan" (apparently, a rebbe of the Chernobyl dynasty, maternal relative of Rebbe Shimon Shlomo. The latter’s mother was the daughter of R. Avraham of Korostýšiv, son-in-law of R. Nachum of Chernobyl).
Rebbe Shimon Shlomo Wertheim (1805-1864), author of Or HaShemesh. Son and successor of Rebbe Aryeh Leib of Bender (1772-1854), and grandson of the Maggid of Savran, R. Shimon Shlomo (died 1802), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. R. Aryeh Leib of Bender took the family name Wertheim, since his family descended from the Court Jew, R. Shimshon Wertheimer of Vienna (1658-1724). R. Shimon Shlomo of Bender was a close disciple of his uncle Rebbe Moshe Tzvi Gutterman of Savran, who was well-known for his knowledge of kabbalah. On the title page of the manuscript of Rebbe Shimon Shlomo’s book Or HaShemesh, his son R. Yitzchak of Bender writes about him: "The illustrious kabbalist… as he received from his uncle and teacher R. M.Tz.". Rebbe Shimon Shlomo was renowned for the wonders he performed for the Jewish People. In his book Or HaShemesh (Parashat VaYakhel), he writes that "in every generation, tzaddikim intend wondrous yichudim and these bring abundant blessing in all the spheres…". His descendants continued the Bender dynasty until the Holocaust.
The first marriage of his daughter Malka was to R. "Mordechai Motel son of Hodl" (see: Or HaShemesh, Savran-Bender Holy Dynasty, p. 51), and her second marriage was to her relative Rebbe David Gutterman of Savran (Shem UShe’erit, Tel Aviv 1943, p. 68).
[1] leaf. Approx. 17 cm. Good-fair condition. Dampstains. Wear and folding marks. Filing holes.
Category
Chassidism - Letters, Documents and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Unsold
Letter (5 long lines) handwritten and signed by Rebbe Chanoch Henich HaKohen of Aleksander. [Warsaw, ca. 1860s].
Sent to Lodz to his son R. Yechiel Efraim Fishel HaKohen. He mentions that he has enclosed a letter intended for R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Biala (son-in-law of the Gerrer Rebbe, author of Chiddushei HaRim), on the occasion of his son’s wedding with the daughter of the wealthy R. Yaakov Krohl: "Send the enclosed letter to R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Biala, son-in-law of our great and holy Rebbe of Ger, who has invited me to participate in the joyous occasion of his son’s wedding…".
On verso, the address in the city of Lodz and postmarks, with the following inscription in the handwriting of R. Chanoch Henich: "Please give this letter to my son… R. Yechiel Efraim Fishel HaKohen of Mielec".
Rebbe Chanoch Henich HaKohen Levin of Alexander (1798-1870), leading disciple of R. Simcha Bunim of Peshischa and of the Yehudi HaKadosh of Peshischa. He held a rabbinic position for close to 40 years. He first served as rabbi of Alexander and Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, and from 1859, as rabbi of Proshnitz (in 1865, he retired from the rabbinate, and returned to Alexander as a private person). He was a descendant of R. Shmuel Schotten HaKohen of Frankfurt (the Maharshashach - who was also the grandfather of the Chatam Sofer). After supporting the Polish revolution in 1830, he was compelled to change his surname from Schotten to Levin. Renowned from his youth for his prodigious brilliance, and for his Peshischa-Kotzk style of sharpness. All his actions were concealed and performed with great wisdom. His sayings were penetrating and peppered with incisive humor, and he knew how to disguise exalted matters with humor which only a precious-few would understand. He would frequently cite the saying of his teacher R. Bunim of Peshischa: "All the negative commandments in the Torah can be condensed into one negative commandment - do not be a fool! and all the positive commandments in the Torah can be encapsulated in one - be wise!".
While still a young man, his teacher the Yehudi HaKadosh appointed him rebbe by removing his spodik (tall shtreimel) from his head and placing it on that of his young student, R. Henich, saying: "This spodik suits you well…". About one year after the passing of R. Bunim of Peshischa, R. Henich subjected himself to the authority of his colleague, Rebbe Mendel of Kotsk. After the latter’s death, R. Henich followed his (younger) colleague R. Yitzchak Meir Alter of Ger. Only after the passing of the Chiddushei HaRim in 1866 did the elderly R. Henich agree to serve as rebbe and lead the Chassidic courts of Kotzk and Ger. His disciples and relatives attested to the Divine inspiration he benefitted from, and the wonders and miracles which he performed. His nephew testified that he was present when souls came down to R. Henich from Upper Spheres, requesting reparation. These accounts were recorded in the new edition of his book Chashava LeTova VeLikutim (published by Mossad HaRim Levin, Jerusalem, 1990), see ibid.
The foreword of the new edition contains a beautiful description of the Chassidic legacy which R. Henich transmitted to future generations, and his molding of the character of the Ger Chassidic dynasty: "Alexander of Rebbe Henich was concealed for about seventy years; in those years the Peshischa Chassidism branched out into seventy facets. For decades, he stood as a disciple before his colleagues, subjected himself to their authority and enjoyed the Peshischa elevation in the hidden parts of his soul, until the crown of leadership was placed upon him… R. Henich of Alexander combined in his leadership all the wellsprings deriving from Peshischa. With rare and unparalleled wisdom, he merged a following of elite, truth-seeking Chassidim into a single unit, and they together rose to high levels of Torah and worship of G-d. He brought Peshischa, Kotsk and Ger together under one roof, selecting the unique points of each of them - their light, to create a center of Torah, Chassidism, sharpness, holiness and total devotion".
He was one of the teachers of the Sfat Emet, Rebbe of Ger (grandson of the Chiddushei HaRim), whom he appointed as his successor. His descendants were leading members of the Ger court, and his grandson R. Chanoch Tzvi HaKohen Levin Rabbi of Bendin was the son-in-law of the Sfat Emet. His disciples became the leading Torah scholars and rebbes of Poland, including: R. Ze’ev Nachum of Biala and his son Rebbe Avraham of Sochatchov author of Avnei Nezer; Rebbe Avraham of Porisov; R. Pinchas Menachem Justman Rabbi of Piltz; R. Yoav Yehoshua of Kintzk the Chelkat Yoav; R. Yitzchak Feigenbaum of Warsaw, and others. His teachings are recorded in his book Chashava LeTova.
[1] leaf. 15X21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and folding marks.
This letter and a picture of it were printed in the book Michtavim VeIgrot Kodesh, New York, 2003, pp. 38-39 (apparently, the publisher did not have the original letter, since the picture shows the verso of a different letter - see enclosed material).
Sent to Lodz to his son R. Yechiel Efraim Fishel HaKohen. He mentions that he has enclosed a letter intended for R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Biala (son-in-law of the Gerrer Rebbe, author of Chiddushei HaRim), on the occasion of his son’s wedding with the daughter of the wealthy R. Yaakov Krohl: "Send the enclosed letter to R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Biala, son-in-law of our great and holy Rebbe of Ger, who has invited me to participate in the joyous occasion of his son’s wedding…".
On verso, the address in the city of Lodz and postmarks, with the following inscription in the handwriting of R. Chanoch Henich: "Please give this letter to my son… R. Yechiel Efraim Fishel HaKohen of Mielec".
Rebbe Chanoch Henich HaKohen Levin of Alexander (1798-1870), leading disciple of R. Simcha Bunim of Peshischa and of the Yehudi HaKadosh of Peshischa. He held a rabbinic position for close to 40 years. He first served as rabbi of Alexander and Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, and from 1859, as rabbi of Proshnitz (in 1865, he retired from the rabbinate, and returned to Alexander as a private person). He was a descendant of R. Shmuel Schotten HaKohen of Frankfurt (the Maharshashach - who was also the grandfather of the Chatam Sofer). After supporting the Polish revolution in 1830, he was compelled to change his surname from Schotten to Levin. Renowned from his youth for his prodigious brilliance, and for his Peshischa-Kotzk style of sharpness. All his actions were concealed and performed with great wisdom. His sayings were penetrating and peppered with incisive humor, and he knew how to disguise exalted matters with humor which only a precious-few would understand. He would frequently cite the saying of his teacher R. Bunim of Peshischa: "All the negative commandments in the Torah can be condensed into one negative commandment - do not be a fool! and all the positive commandments in the Torah can be encapsulated in one - be wise!".
While still a young man, his teacher the Yehudi HaKadosh appointed him rebbe by removing his spodik (tall shtreimel) from his head and placing it on that of his young student, R. Henich, saying: "This spodik suits you well…". About one year after the passing of R. Bunim of Peshischa, R. Henich subjected himself to the authority of his colleague, Rebbe Mendel of Kotsk. After the latter’s death, R. Henich followed his (younger) colleague R. Yitzchak Meir Alter of Ger. Only after the passing of the Chiddushei HaRim in 1866 did the elderly R. Henich agree to serve as rebbe and lead the Chassidic courts of Kotzk and Ger. His disciples and relatives attested to the Divine inspiration he benefitted from, and the wonders and miracles which he performed. His nephew testified that he was present when souls came down to R. Henich from Upper Spheres, requesting reparation. These accounts were recorded in the new edition of his book Chashava LeTova VeLikutim (published by Mossad HaRim Levin, Jerusalem, 1990), see ibid.
The foreword of the new edition contains a beautiful description of the Chassidic legacy which R. Henich transmitted to future generations, and his molding of the character of the Ger Chassidic dynasty: "Alexander of Rebbe Henich was concealed for about seventy years; in those years the Peshischa Chassidism branched out into seventy facets. For decades, he stood as a disciple before his colleagues, subjected himself to their authority and enjoyed the Peshischa elevation in the hidden parts of his soul, until the crown of leadership was placed upon him… R. Henich of Alexander combined in his leadership all the wellsprings deriving from Peshischa. With rare and unparalleled wisdom, he merged a following of elite, truth-seeking Chassidim into a single unit, and they together rose to high levels of Torah and worship of G-d. He brought Peshischa, Kotsk and Ger together under one roof, selecting the unique points of each of them - their light, to create a center of Torah, Chassidism, sharpness, holiness and total devotion".
He was one of the teachers of the Sfat Emet, Rebbe of Ger (grandson of the Chiddushei HaRim), whom he appointed as his successor. His descendants were leading members of the Ger court, and his grandson R. Chanoch Tzvi HaKohen Levin Rabbi of Bendin was the son-in-law of the Sfat Emet. His disciples became the leading Torah scholars and rebbes of Poland, including: R. Ze’ev Nachum of Biala and his son Rebbe Avraham of Sochatchov author of Avnei Nezer; Rebbe Avraham of Porisov; R. Pinchas Menachem Justman Rabbi of Piltz; R. Yoav Yehoshua of Kintzk the Chelkat Yoav; R. Yitzchak Feigenbaum of Warsaw, and others. His teachings are recorded in his book Chashava LeTova.
[1] leaf. 15X21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and folding marks.
This letter and a picture of it were printed in the book Michtavim VeIgrot Kodesh, New York, 2003, pp. 38-39 (apparently, the publisher did not have the original letter, since the picture shows the verso of a different letter - see enclosed material).
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Chassidism - Letters, Documents and Manuscripts
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Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $4,000
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Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe David Morgenstern of Kotsk: "David son of the rabbi Morgenstern". Kotsk (Kock), 1863.
Addressed to R. Yitzchak, one of his Chassidim, whom he had asked to mediate between family members regarding familial monetary matters, inheritance and financial obligations for expenses of marriage and exemption (from conscription in the Polish army). The Rebbe offers detailed advice on every issue, indicating whom to approach for each matter, and how to resolve the disputes between the members of that family: "…and regarding the fact that he wishes to give his youngest brother only two hundred Reichsthaler rather than two hundred silver rubles, tell him that he is very stubborn to insist on this, especially since this is for his youngest brother…". Further in the letter, he writes: "And regarding the widow, in my opinion he should not put pressure on her to pay him… since to be a partner with her in the tavern… is right now not possible, and why cause her needless anguish by fighting with her, better use positive measures and compromise… his honor should make sure to mediate between them as needed…".
R. David Morgenstern - second rebbe of the Kotsk dynasty (1809-1873), eldest son of R. Mendel - the "Saraf" of Kotsk, and his successor as rebbe. He was a disciple of R. Bunim of Peshischa. He was renowned for his brilliance and great holiness. After the passing of his father in 1859, most of the Chassidim chose the Chiddushei HaRim of Ger as their rebbe, yet a significant number of sharp Kotskers were drawn to his close colleague R. David, who embodied the teachings of his father, the Rebbe of Kotsk. His sayings were sharp and brief, touching the soul to the core, in demand of self-perfection with profound understanding and awareness. This letter discloses his great wisdom in setting a shattered family back on its feet, and guaranteeing funding for all the orphans’ needs.
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Fair condition. Creases and tears, stains and extensive wear. Mounted on a notebook leaf for preservation.
Addressed to R. Yitzchak, one of his Chassidim, whom he had asked to mediate between family members regarding familial monetary matters, inheritance and financial obligations for expenses of marriage and exemption (from conscription in the Polish army). The Rebbe offers detailed advice on every issue, indicating whom to approach for each matter, and how to resolve the disputes between the members of that family: "…and regarding the fact that he wishes to give his youngest brother only two hundred Reichsthaler rather than two hundred silver rubles, tell him that he is very stubborn to insist on this, especially since this is for his youngest brother…". Further in the letter, he writes: "And regarding the widow, in my opinion he should not put pressure on her to pay him… since to be a partner with her in the tavern… is right now not possible, and why cause her needless anguish by fighting with her, better use positive measures and compromise… his honor should make sure to mediate between them as needed…".
R. David Morgenstern - second rebbe of the Kotsk dynasty (1809-1873), eldest son of R. Mendel - the "Saraf" of Kotsk, and his successor as rebbe. He was a disciple of R. Bunim of Peshischa. He was renowned for his brilliance and great holiness. After the passing of his father in 1859, most of the Chassidim chose the Chiddushei HaRim of Ger as their rebbe, yet a significant number of sharp Kotskers were drawn to his close colleague R. David, who embodied the teachings of his father, the Rebbe of Kotsk. His sayings were sharp and brief, touching the soul to the core, in demand of self-perfection with profound understanding and awareness. This letter discloses his great wisdom in setting a shattered family back on its feet, and guaranteeing funding for all the orphans’ needs.
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Fair condition. Creases and tears, stains and extensive wear. Mounted on a notebook leaf for preservation.
Category
Chassidism - Letters, Documents and Manuscripts
Catalogue