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: $5,000
Unsold
Manuscript, Kavanot Gedolot by R. Chaim Vital - Kavanot of the Arizal following the order of the Shulchan Aruch. [Europe, ca. 18th century].
Complete volume in Ashkenazic script, by two writers. Leaves 1-54 were written by one scribe and another scribe continued from leaf 55 until the end. Marginalia containing many dozens of glosses, corrections, references and additions by several writers (three or four). Many glosses open with "נל"ח" (N.L.Ch. = It seems to me Ch---?). Owner's stamps: "Yisrael Stern, Pressburg". (The handwriting of some of the marginalia resembles marginalia in another Kabbalistic manuscript from Pressburg that was in the possession of the Chatam Sofer - see Kedem Auction 53, item 47).
The composition Kavanot Gedolot was edited in the school of R. Moshe Zacuto in Italy (see: R. Yosef Avivi, Kabbalat HaAri, p. 746). Copyings of this composition are uncommon (Avivi, ibid, records just three manuscript copyings of this composition).
Title on leaf 57 of the second sequence: "Part II of the book Pri Etz Chaim - Part II Shaar HaMitzvot, second chapter…".
[2], 182; 92 leaves. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Original leather binding, damaged and worn, with laces for fastening.
Complete volume in Ashkenazic script, by two writers. Leaves 1-54 were written by one scribe and another scribe continued from leaf 55 until the end. Marginalia containing many dozens of glosses, corrections, references and additions by several writers (three or four). Many glosses open with "נל"ח" (N.L.Ch. = It seems to me Ch---?). Owner's stamps: "Yisrael Stern, Pressburg". (The handwriting of some of the marginalia resembles marginalia in another Kabbalistic manuscript from Pressburg that was in the possession of the Chatam Sofer - see Kedem Auction 53, item 47).
The composition Kavanot Gedolot was edited in the school of R. Moshe Zacuto in Italy (see: R. Yosef Avivi, Kabbalat HaAri, p. 746). Copyings of this composition are uncommon (Avivi, ibid, records just three manuscript copyings of this composition).
Title on leaf 57 of the second sequence: "Part II of the book Pri Etz Chaim - Part II Shaar HaMitzvot, second chapter…".
[2], 182; 92 leaves. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Original leather binding, damaged and worn, with laces for fastening.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $4,750
Including buyer's premium
Zohar, Part I, the Book of Bereshit. [Amsterdam, 1715]. With thousands of handwritten glosses in Western script (Morocco, 18th century) - comprehensive composition of kabbalistic glosses to the Zohar.
The thousands of glosses contained in this book consist of the glosses of Moroccan kabbalists to the Zohar. Careful study of these glosses discloses that most appear in the composition Leket Shoshanim (extant in several manuscripts). Some of these glosses also feature in the book Mikdash Melech by R. Shalom Buzaglo. Additionally, the glosses include several original thoughts, opening with: "And it appears to me, מטו"ן…". These glosses were written in the same handwriting as the others. We have not managed to identify this Torah scholar, yet it is apparent that he was a prominent and erudite kabbalist (possible interpretations of the acronym "מטו"ן" are Moshe Toledano or Meir Toledano).
The book is lacking at the beginning, middle and end. 28 leaves were bound at the beginning, containing part of the missing text, handwritten in Western script. The glosses, in Western script, were inserted both in the margins and between the lines, on all leaves (both printed and handwritten) of the book. Most of the glosses were recorded by one writer (the Torah scholar named "מטו"ן" mentioned above). A gloss on p. 156b is from a different writer. There may be additional glosses in a different handwriting.
These glosses comprise the teachings of the Marrakesh school of kabbalists, which included R. Yaakov Maradji, R. Avraham Azoulay (the second), R. Avraham ibn Moussa, R. Shlomo Amar, R. Yeshaya HaKohen, R. Yaakov Pinto, R. Yaakov Gedalia and their disciples. The glosses correspond with the composition Leket Shoshanim, a compilation of glosses by leading Marrakesh kabbalists to the Zohar, arranged by R. Yeshaya HaKohen and R. Yaakov Pinto. Leket Shoshanim was never published, and is extant in several manuscripts, but part of it was included in the renowned book Mikdash Melech (London, 1750-1752) by the kabbalist R. Shalom Buzaglo, who was associated with this school of kabbalists. The nature of the connection between the compositions Leket Shoshanim and Mikdash Melech is as of yet unclear (see: R. Moshe Hillel, Record for the History of the First Generation of Marrakesh Kabbalists, in: Min HaGenazim - Ahavat Shalom, X - 2017, p. 44, footnote 49).
22-55, 58-63, 66-71, 74-79, 81-89, 152-163, 166-167, 169-174, 176-215, 217-223, 225-230 leaves (lacking leaves at beginning, middle and end of book; originally: [7], 251, [1], 11 leaves) + [28] handwritten leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains. Many tears, dampness damage and wear, affecting text and handwritten glosses. Detached leaves. Binding detached and damaged.
The thousands of glosses contained in this book consist of the glosses of Moroccan kabbalists to the Zohar. Careful study of these glosses discloses that most appear in the composition Leket Shoshanim (extant in several manuscripts). Some of these glosses also feature in the book Mikdash Melech by R. Shalom Buzaglo. Additionally, the glosses include several original thoughts, opening with: "And it appears to me, מטו"ן…". These glosses were written in the same handwriting as the others. We have not managed to identify this Torah scholar, yet it is apparent that he was a prominent and erudite kabbalist (possible interpretations of the acronym "מטו"ן" are Moshe Toledano or Meir Toledano).
The book is lacking at the beginning, middle and end. 28 leaves were bound at the beginning, containing part of the missing text, handwritten in Western script. The glosses, in Western script, were inserted both in the margins and between the lines, on all leaves (both printed and handwritten) of the book. Most of the glosses were recorded by one writer (the Torah scholar named "מטו"ן" mentioned above). A gloss on p. 156b is from a different writer. There may be additional glosses in a different handwriting.
These glosses comprise the teachings of the Marrakesh school of kabbalists, which included R. Yaakov Maradji, R. Avraham Azoulay (the second), R. Avraham ibn Moussa, R. Shlomo Amar, R. Yeshaya HaKohen, R. Yaakov Pinto, R. Yaakov Gedalia and their disciples. The glosses correspond with the composition Leket Shoshanim, a compilation of glosses by leading Marrakesh kabbalists to the Zohar, arranged by R. Yeshaya HaKohen and R. Yaakov Pinto. Leket Shoshanim was never published, and is extant in several manuscripts, but part of it was included in the renowned book Mikdash Melech (London, 1750-1752) by the kabbalist R. Shalom Buzaglo, who was associated with this school of kabbalists. The nature of the connection between the compositions Leket Shoshanim and Mikdash Melech is as of yet unclear (see: R. Moshe Hillel, Record for the History of the First Generation of Marrakesh Kabbalists, in: Min HaGenazim - Ahavat Shalom, X - 2017, p. 44, footnote 49).
22-55, 58-63, 66-71, 74-79, 81-89, 152-163, 166-167, 169-174, 176-215, 217-223, 225-230 leaves (lacking leaves at beginning, middle and end of book; originally: [7], 251, [1], 11 leaves) + [28] handwritten leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains. Many tears, dampness damage and wear, affecting text and handwritten glosses. Detached leaves. Binding detached and damaged.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript containing segulot, Hashbaot, incantations and amulets - practical Kabbalah notebook of R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, son of the Chida and rabbi of Ancona. Written in part by a scribe, and partly by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai. [Ancona, ca. 1820-1824].
Handwritten notebook, mostly in neat Italian scribal-script, and alternately in Sephardic script - the handwriting of R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, who added segulot, Hashbaot and texts of amulets. The manuscript also contains personal notes, with records of income and expenditures and names of Jews in Ancona, as well as two pages of Torah thoughts. Includes tables, kabbalistic illustrations and Angelic Script.
Additional handwritten leaves, also on practical Kabbalah, are interspersed in the bound notebook, some in R. Yeshaya Azulai's handwriting, and some in scribal-script.
An overall breakdown of the manuscript:
Leaves [1]-[4a]: Texts of amulet for protection in various areas: to remove foreign thoughts, for a storm at sea, for headache and malaria; Hashbaot and incantations "to cause anyone to do your will..." and "against fear".
Leaves [4b]-[8]: Account records and names of people (presumably from Ancona), in Hebrew and Italian, some handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai, dated "Tishrei 1821", "Nissan 1822", "Elul 1822" and "Tishrei 1822". P. [7b] contains an amulet "segulah for a thief" with illustrations of angels' seals.
Leaves [9]-[12]: Segulot, Hashbaot and incantations for various matters: "to be loved by all", "to escape from prison", "for increasing a woman's milk supply", "to cause illness or death to an enemy", "to cease menstruation", "against miscarriage", and more. Leaf [10]: Two amulet texts handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai. Leaf [11]: List of 12 different segulot "for a difficult labor".
Leaves [13]-[14a]: Three pages of Torah teachings (Halacha and Aggadah) handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaves [14b]-[16]: Lists of accounts and names, mostly handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai. Leaf [14b]: Inscription with calculations, handwritten by R. Yeshaya: "Tishrei 1820, the salary I receive from the community for the whole year is two hundred scudos every six months…".
Leaves [17]-[24]: Segulot, Hashbaot and amulet texts, with tables, kabbalistic combinations of names and angels' seals for various matters, including: "to annul sorcery", "to sell merchandise", "for a thief", "for a store", "to sell and buy", "for difficult labor", "to change a person's mind", and more. Some pages contain accounting records and various other inscriptions, some of which are handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai.
P. [18a]: List of book prices, handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai (the book LeDavid Emet by his father the Chida is included in the list).
A dispute is recorded on the front endpaper - "Shimshon Pacifico's claim against the widow of Moshe Yitzchak Pesaro…".
The additional leaves interspersed in the manuscript include: a gathering of six written pages containing segulot and cures, She'elat Chalom (dream question), Holy names and amulet texts (numbered, sections 1-33); several leaves from a manuscript on practical Kabbalah; several leaves from a different notebook of segulot, Hashbaot and incantations, with passages in R. Yeshaya Azulai's handwriting.
R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (1743-1826) was born in Jerusalem, the eldest son of the illustrious R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai - the Chida. A great Torah scholar in his own right, he was a rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him with epithets of love ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great chacham", "the light of my eyes", "friend of my soul", etc.). After the death of R. Avraham Yisrael, rabbi of Ancona, in 1785, the community leaders turned to the Chida who hinted that his son R. Refael Yeshaya would be suitable for this position. He served as rabbi of Ancona for many years until his death on 9th Shevat 1823 (he lived 83 years, just like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his community for a long time (for further information see M. Benayahu's book on the Chida, pp. 476-487).
[24] leaves + [8] leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Tears and damage. Worming in some places, slightly affecting text. Binding worn.
Handwritten notebook, mostly in neat Italian scribal-script, and alternately in Sephardic script - the handwriting of R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, who added segulot, Hashbaot and texts of amulets. The manuscript also contains personal notes, with records of income and expenditures and names of Jews in Ancona, as well as two pages of Torah thoughts. Includes tables, kabbalistic illustrations and Angelic Script.
Additional handwritten leaves, also on practical Kabbalah, are interspersed in the bound notebook, some in R. Yeshaya Azulai's handwriting, and some in scribal-script.
An overall breakdown of the manuscript:
Leaves [1]-[4a]: Texts of amulet for protection in various areas: to remove foreign thoughts, for a storm at sea, for headache and malaria; Hashbaot and incantations "to cause anyone to do your will..." and "against fear".
Leaves [4b]-[8]: Account records and names of people (presumably from Ancona), in Hebrew and Italian, some handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai, dated "Tishrei 1821", "Nissan 1822", "Elul 1822" and "Tishrei 1822". P. [7b] contains an amulet "segulah for a thief" with illustrations of angels' seals.
Leaves [9]-[12]: Segulot, Hashbaot and incantations for various matters: "to be loved by all", "to escape from prison", "for increasing a woman's milk supply", "to cause illness or death to an enemy", "to cease menstruation", "against miscarriage", and more. Leaf [10]: Two amulet texts handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai. Leaf [11]: List of 12 different segulot "for a difficult labor".
Leaves [13]-[14a]: Three pages of Torah teachings (Halacha and Aggadah) handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaves [14b]-[16]: Lists of accounts and names, mostly handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai. Leaf [14b]: Inscription with calculations, handwritten by R. Yeshaya: "Tishrei 1820, the salary I receive from the community for the whole year is two hundred scudos every six months…".
Leaves [17]-[24]: Segulot, Hashbaot and amulet texts, with tables, kabbalistic combinations of names and angels' seals for various matters, including: "to annul sorcery", "to sell merchandise", "for a thief", "for a store", "to sell and buy", "for difficult labor", "to change a person's mind", and more. Some pages contain accounting records and various other inscriptions, some of which are handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai.
P. [18a]: List of book prices, handwritten by R. Yeshaya Azulai (the book LeDavid Emet by his father the Chida is included in the list).
A dispute is recorded on the front endpaper - "Shimshon Pacifico's claim against the widow of Moshe Yitzchak Pesaro…".
The additional leaves interspersed in the manuscript include: a gathering of six written pages containing segulot and cures, She'elat Chalom (dream question), Holy names and amulet texts (numbered, sections 1-33); several leaves from a manuscript on practical Kabbalah; several leaves from a different notebook of segulot, Hashbaot and incantations, with passages in R. Yeshaya Azulai's handwriting.
R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (1743-1826) was born in Jerusalem, the eldest son of the illustrious R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai - the Chida. A great Torah scholar in his own right, he was a rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him with epithets of love ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great chacham", "the light of my eyes", "friend of my soul", etc.). After the death of R. Avraham Yisrael, rabbi of Ancona, in 1785, the community leaders turned to the Chida who hinted that his son R. Refael Yeshaya would be suitable for this position. He served as rabbi of Ancona for many years until his death on 9th Shevat 1823 (he lived 83 years, just like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his community for a long time (for further information see M. Benayahu's book on the Chida, pp. 476-487).
[24] leaves + [8] leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Tears and damage. Worming in some places, slightly affecting text. Binding worn.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Midrash Talpiyot, by R. Eliyahu HaKohen of Izmir (author of Shevet Musar). Czernowitz, 1860.
Ownership inscription and signature on the title page: "For the service of my Creator, from funds of Maaser Ani, what am I, Nissim Ani" - signature of R. Nissim Eini, a Torah scholar and kabbalist of the Beit El Beit Midrash in Jerusalem.
The book contains dozens of glosses handwritten by the kabbalist R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira, author of Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha and other books. Most of the glosses are lengthy and replete with original thoughts, including some kabbalistic matters. R. Aharon closes many of the glosses with his customary expression: "…words of truth and peace". The margins of the book were trimmed, with damage to most of the glosses.
R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira (d. 1887), born in Salonika. In 1848, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Jerusalem. There, he joined the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists. His prominence in Torah and kabbalah is disclosed in the many books he composed, including Toldot Aharon UMoshe (Jerusalem 1870), Devar Hashem MiYerushalayim (Jerusalem 1873), Ohev Shalom VeRodef Shalom - Michtam Shalom Yisrael/Yerushalayim (Jerusalem 1879), Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha (Jerusalem 1888), and other works. He was a wondrous man, with a prodigious personality, combining exceptional proficiency and profundity in both hidden and revealed parts of the Torah, together with exceptional devotion to the downtrodden and needy. Just like his namesake Aharon, he loved and pursued peace, and engaged extensively in promoting peace. One of his prominent disciples in Jerusalem was R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, who delivered a lengthy eulogy at his funeral (printed in Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha, pp. 47-49).
He placed a special emphasis in his will on publishing his compositions which remained in manuscript, promising to intercede on behalf of anyone who made efforts to publish his works: "…whoever endeavors to bring pleasure to my soul… I too will intercede on their behalf and on behalf of all the members of their household, with all my might from my place in the World to Come, that G-d should recompense their deeds and that their reward should be full in this world and in the World to Come". His disciple R. Schlesinger also related (in the above-mentioned eulogy) that on the eve of his passing, R. Pereira asked him to ensure his book gets published. In his conclusion to the eulogy, R. Schlesinger again mentions the publishing of the books, "…since he already commanded in all his wills… whoever assists in publishing his holy books, he is prepared to pray before G-d from his place on behalf of all those who involve themselves…".
One of his colleagues in the Beit El yeshiva was R. Nissim Eini (d. 1900), a leading Iraqi Torah scholar and kabbalist. He was a close disciple of R. Abdallah Somech. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1856 and settled in Jerusalem. He was a close friend of R. Eliyahu Mani, first when they studied together under R. Abdallah Somech, and later in the Beit El yeshiva in Jerusalem. He was renowned as an eminent kabbalist, and toiled extensively over correcting and clarifying the accurate texts of kabbalistic books and works by the Arizal. He edited (together with R. Yitzchak Calamaro) the second edition of the book Divrei Shalom by R. Refael Avraham Shalom Mizrachi (grandson of the Rashash), adding his glosses under the acronym "A.N.I." (=I, Nissim). He would customarily sign: "What am I, Nissim Ani".
[1], 246 leaves. Without leaf of approbations following title page. 23.5 cm. Margins trimmed, affecting many glosses. Good condition. Stains. Old binding.
Ownership inscription and signature on the title page: "For the service of my Creator, from funds of Maaser Ani, what am I, Nissim Ani" - signature of R. Nissim Eini, a Torah scholar and kabbalist of the Beit El Beit Midrash in Jerusalem.
The book contains dozens of glosses handwritten by the kabbalist R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira, author of Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha and other books. Most of the glosses are lengthy and replete with original thoughts, including some kabbalistic matters. R. Aharon closes many of the glosses with his customary expression: "…words of truth and peace". The margins of the book were trimmed, with damage to most of the glosses.
R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira (d. 1887), born in Salonika. In 1848, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Jerusalem. There, he joined the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists. His prominence in Torah and kabbalah is disclosed in the many books he composed, including Toldot Aharon UMoshe (Jerusalem 1870), Devar Hashem MiYerushalayim (Jerusalem 1873), Ohev Shalom VeRodef Shalom - Michtam Shalom Yisrael/Yerushalayim (Jerusalem 1879), Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha (Jerusalem 1888), and other works. He was a wondrous man, with a prodigious personality, combining exceptional proficiency and profundity in both hidden and revealed parts of the Torah, together with exceptional devotion to the downtrodden and needy. Just like his namesake Aharon, he loved and pursued peace, and engaged extensively in promoting peace. One of his prominent disciples in Jerusalem was R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, who delivered a lengthy eulogy at his funeral (printed in Me'il Kodesh UBigdei Yesha, pp. 47-49).
He placed a special emphasis in his will on publishing his compositions which remained in manuscript, promising to intercede on behalf of anyone who made efforts to publish his works: "…whoever endeavors to bring pleasure to my soul… I too will intercede on their behalf and on behalf of all the members of their household, with all my might from my place in the World to Come, that G-d should recompense their deeds and that their reward should be full in this world and in the World to Come". His disciple R. Schlesinger also related (in the above-mentioned eulogy) that on the eve of his passing, R. Pereira asked him to ensure his book gets published. In his conclusion to the eulogy, R. Schlesinger again mentions the publishing of the books, "…since he already commanded in all his wills… whoever assists in publishing his holy books, he is prepared to pray before G-d from his place on behalf of all those who involve themselves…".
One of his colleagues in the Beit El yeshiva was R. Nissim Eini (d. 1900), a leading Iraqi Torah scholar and kabbalist. He was a close disciple of R. Abdallah Somech. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1856 and settled in Jerusalem. He was a close friend of R. Eliyahu Mani, first when they studied together under R. Abdallah Somech, and later in the Beit El yeshiva in Jerusalem. He was renowned as an eminent kabbalist, and toiled extensively over correcting and clarifying the accurate texts of kabbalistic books and works by the Arizal. He edited (together with R. Yitzchak Calamaro) the second edition of the book Divrei Shalom by R. Refael Avraham Shalom Mizrachi (grandson of the Rashash), adding his glosses under the acronym "A.N.I." (=I, Nissim). He would customarily sign: "What am I, Nissim Ani".
[1], 246 leaves. Without leaf of approbations following title page. 23.5 cm. Margins trimmed, affecting many glosses. Good condition. Stains. Old binding.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts 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
Three manuscripts of Practical Kabbalah, in Oriental script:
1. Large-sized manuscript, composition of Practical Kabbalah - zodiac signs, segulot, hashbaot and incantations, angelic script and Angels' seals, kabbalistic diagrams and illustrations, and more. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 40 written pages. 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear and tears, primarily to margins. Ink fading in several places. Detached leaves. Without binding.
2. Medium-sized manuscript, composition of Practical Kabbalah - zodiac signs, hashbaot, segulot and incantations, angelic script and Angels' seals, kabbalistic diagrams and illustrations, and more. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 60 written pages. 27 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor tears. Detached leaves. Without binding.
3. Manuscript, Goral HaChol (Geomancy), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 50 written pages. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming. Detached leaves. Without binding.
Enclosed:
• Dozens of leaves from a kabbalist presumably proficient in performing Goral HaChol, who practiced in Eretz Israel in the early 20th century. These leaves document the dozens of times he performed Goral HaChol for the men and women who consulted him. For each person, he recorded the querent's name, their father's or mother's name, the matter they were seeking advice on, alongside various dots and dashes he wrote while performing the lot. Approx. 30 written pages. 21-23 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear.
1. Large-sized manuscript, composition of Practical Kabbalah - zodiac signs, segulot, hashbaot and incantations, angelic script and Angels' seals, kabbalistic diagrams and illustrations, and more. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 40 written pages. 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Wear and tears, primarily to margins. Ink fading in several places. Detached leaves. Without binding.
2. Medium-sized manuscript, composition of Practical Kabbalah - zodiac signs, hashbaot, segulot and incantations, angelic script and Angels' seals, kabbalistic diagrams and illustrations, and more. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 60 written pages. 27 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor tears. Detached leaves. Without binding.
3. Manuscript, Goral HaChol (Geomancy), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen? ca. early 20th century]. Approx. 50 written pages. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming. Detached leaves. Without binding.
Enclosed:
• Dozens of leaves from a kabbalist presumably proficient in performing Goral HaChol, who practiced in Eretz Israel in the early 20th century. These leaves document the dozens of times he performed Goral HaChol for the men and women who consulted him. For each person, he recorded the querent's name, their father's or mother's name, the matter they were seeking advice on, alongside various dots and dashes he wrote while performing the lot. Approx. 30 written pages. 21-23 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear.
Category
Kabbalah - Manuscripts and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Several leaf fragments from a "binding's genizah", remnants of early manuscripts:
• Double parchment leaf (two pages on each side), fragment of a manuscript of Torat HaBayit HaKatzar by the Rashba. Semi-cursive Sephardic script. [Ca. 15th century].
• Four paper fragments from a manuscript of the works of kabbalist R. Avraham Abulafia (passages of his compositions Mafte'ach HaShemot and Imrei Shefer). Ashkenazic script. [Ca. 15th century].
4 paper fragments and a parchment leaf. Size and condition vary. Significant tears and damage due to use in binding, affecting text with loss.
• Double parchment leaf (two pages on each side), fragment of a manuscript of Torat HaBayit HaKatzar by the Rashba. Semi-cursive Sephardic script. [Ca. 15th century].
• Four paper fragments from a manuscript of the works of kabbalist R. Avraham Abulafia (passages of his compositions Mafte'ach HaShemot and Imrei Shefer). Ashkenazic script. [Ca. 15th century].
4 paper fragments and a parchment leaf. Size and condition vary. Significant tears and damage due to use in binding, affecting text with loss.
Category
Early Manuscripts - 15th and 16th Centuries
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $750
Including buyer's premium
Varied collection of handwritten leaves and manuscript fragments, including some early manuscripts, in Sephardic, Oriental and Yemenite scripts:
• Leaf fragments from a binding's genizah, with early inscriptions, presumably from Salonika, 16th century. Records of the various communities in the city: "Calabria Chadash", "Calabria Yashan", "Isphania" (Spanish), "Aragon", "Shalom", "Etz Chaim", "Gerush Catalans", and others; with the names of many community members, including "Yosef Taitazak" (perhaps the renowned Maharit, d. 1546, leading Salonika Torah scholar and teacher of the Maharshdam and R. Shlomo Alkabetz), "Yehuda Benveniste", "Yitzchak Baruchiel", "Moshe Gabriel" and others.
• Two additional leaf fragments, with lists of notables, presumably also from Salonika. One of the fragments mentions: "Vidal Cid", "Vidal Gedalia", "Yitzchak Abarbanel", "Yitzchak Penso" and others.
• Five leaf fragments, in early Yemenite script, from an unidentified composition in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen, 16th century?]. The leaves were repaired with restoration paper.
• Five parchment fragments, from early manuscripts. Two of them contain parts of Pirkei Avot (in Sephardic square script); in the others, the ink has faded almost completely, to the point that the composition is difficult to identify.
• Endpaper of a book, a lengthy note of Torah thoughts in Sephardic script, Ashkenazic and Sephardic inscriptions and signatures.
• Endpaper of a book, inscriptions pertaining to the calculation of the new moon, with an ownership inscription: "Given to Avraham by R. Eli[--?], who resides in the home of R. Chaim Egozi".
• Handwritten leaf, transcript of a Beit Din ruling pertaining to property ownership. [Morocco]. The ruling concludes: "The perfect scholar, superior dayan R. Moshe Benhamou and his veteran disciples R. David Benshetrit, R. Meir De Avila and R. Masoud Benrebbouh…".
• 31 leaves from a siddur, in Yemenite script. Small format. [Yemen].
• Leaves from Anshei Chayil - lithograph of a halachic responsum by R. Yehuda Bibas pertaining to Etrogim. Approx. 3 out of 15 leaves. (Enclosed: offprint of an article by Prof. Meir Benayahu: New Information Regarding R. Yehuda Bibas).
• Other leaves from manuscripts (Halachah, piyyutim and others).
Approx. 50 leaves and leaf fragments. Size and condition vary.
• Leaf fragments from a binding's genizah, with early inscriptions, presumably from Salonika, 16th century. Records of the various communities in the city: "Calabria Chadash", "Calabria Yashan", "Isphania" (Spanish), "Aragon", "Shalom", "Etz Chaim", "Gerush Catalans", and others; with the names of many community members, including "Yosef Taitazak" (perhaps the renowned Maharit, d. 1546, leading Salonika Torah scholar and teacher of the Maharshdam and R. Shlomo Alkabetz), "Yehuda Benveniste", "Yitzchak Baruchiel", "Moshe Gabriel" and others.
• Two additional leaf fragments, with lists of notables, presumably also from Salonika. One of the fragments mentions: "Vidal Cid", "Vidal Gedalia", "Yitzchak Abarbanel", "Yitzchak Penso" and others.
• Five leaf fragments, in early Yemenite script, from an unidentified composition in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen, 16th century?]. The leaves were repaired with restoration paper.
• Five parchment fragments, from early manuscripts. Two of them contain parts of Pirkei Avot (in Sephardic square script); in the others, the ink has faded almost completely, to the point that the composition is difficult to identify.
• Endpaper of a book, a lengthy note of Torah thoughts in Sephardic script, Ashkenazic and Sephardic inscriptions and signatures.
• Endpaper of a book, inscriptions pertaining to the calculation of the new moon, with an ownership inscription: "Given to Avraham by R. Eli[--?], who resides in the home of R. Chaim Egozi".
• Handwritten leaf, transcript of a Beit Din ruling pertaining to property ownership. [Morocco]. The ruling concludes: "The perfect scholar, superior dayan R. Moshe Benhamou and his veteran disciples R. David Benshetrit, R. Meir De Avila and R. Masoud Benrebbouh…".
• 31 leaves from a siddur, in Yemenite script. Small format. [Yemen].
• Leaves from Anshei Chayil - lithograph of a halachic responsum by R. Yehuda Bibas pertaining to Etrogim. Approx. 3 out of 15 leaves. (Enclosed: offprint of an article by Prof. Meir Benayahu: New Information Regarding R. Yehuda Bibas).
• Other leaves from manuscripts (Halachah, piyyutim and others).
Approx. 50 leaves and leaf fragments. Size and condition vary.
Category
Early Manuscripts - 15th and 16th Centuries
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $1,063
Including buyer's premium
Three handwritten leaves, replacements of passages from the book Responsa Binyamin Ze'ev, Venice 1538, presumably handwritten by the author R. Binyamin Ze'ev son of R. Matitya of Arta.
Three leaves written on both sides, in early Italian script from the 16th century, containing passages from Responsa Binyamin Ze'ev. The contents of these passages correspond with the text of leaves 443, 462 and 564 of the printed edition of the book.
The handwriting on the present leaves is typical of the author, who brought the book to print himself. Upon close comparison (see enclosed material), it appears that this is indeed the handwriting of R. Binyamin Ze'ev son of R. Matitya, who presumably wrote these leaves to complete one of the printed copies in his possession which was missing these leaves.
Responsa Binyamin Ze'ev was brought to print by its author, R. Binyamin Ze'ev son of Matitya of Arta, Greece, one of the greatest halachic authorities of his generation. This was the first book of halachic responsa to be published by its author. The author closely supervised the printing, and singlehandedly proofread the work, as he writes in the colophon at the end of the book.
The book aroused great controversy due to several halachic decisions it contains which some leading Italian rabbis strongly contested, and R. Binyamin Ze'ev was dismissed from his position as rabbi of Arta in its wake. Great importance has been ascribed to this book in halachic literature, though some halachic authorities banned it following the opposition it aroused. It is interesting to quote the words of the Maharshal, his contemporary, who opposed relying on the halachic decisions in the book, and relates to the errors which in his opinion crept into it: "If he is righteous, why did G-d allow an error to come about through him? Was he not the writer, who brought the book to print in person?". The Rema, however, lists the author among the greatest halachic authorities and relies upon his decisions. (About the book, the controversy it aroused and the differences between the copies, see: Meir Benayahu, Introduction to Sefer Binyamin Ze'ev, Jerusalem, 1989).
The author reputedly proofread and corrected some of the copies after the printing. Several copies with his handwritten corrections are known to us (see Kedem Auctions: 57 item 170, 62 item 23 and 65 item 73).
[3] leaves (written on both sides). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears.
Three leaves written on both sides, in early Italian script from the 16th century, containing passages from Responsa Binyamin Ze'ev. The contents of these passages correspond with the text of leaves 443, 462 and 564 of the printed edition of the book.
The handwriting on the present leaves is typical of the author, who brought the book to print himself. Upon close comparison (see enclosed material), it appears that this is indeed the handwriting of R. Binyamin Ze'ev son of R. Matitya, who presumably wrote these leaves to complete one of the printed copies in his possession which was missing these leaves.
Responsa Binyamin Ze'ev was brought to print by its author, R. Binyamin Ze'ev son of Matitya of Arta, Greece, one of the greatest halachic authorities of his generation. This was the first book of halachic responsa to be published by its author. The author closely supervised the printing, and singlehandedly proofread the work, as he writes in the colophon at the end of the book.
The book aroused great controversy due to several halachic decisions it contains which some leading Italian rabbis strongly contested, and R. Binyamin Ze'ev was dismissed from his position as rabbi of Arta in its wake. Great importance has been ascribed to this book in halachic literature, though some halachic authorities banned it following the opposition it aroused. It is interesting to quote the words of the Maharshal, his contemporary, who opposed relying on the halachic decisions in the book, and relates to the errors which in his opinion crept into it: "If he is righteous, why did G-d allow an error to come about through him? Was he not the writer, who brought the book to print in person?". The Rema, however, lists the author among the greatest halachic authorities and relies upon his decisions. (About the book, the controversy it aroused and the differences between the copies, see: Meir Benayahu, Introduction to Sefer Binyamin Ze'ev, Jerusalem, 1989).
The author reputedly proofread and corrected some of the copies after the printing. Several copies with his handwritten corrections are known to us (see Kedem Auctions: 57 item 170, 62 item 23 and 65 item 73).
[3] leaves (written on both sides). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears.
Category
Early Manuscripts - 15th and 16th Centuries
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, selections - Kabbalah, Aggadah, philosophy and Halacha. [Italy, 16th century].
Written in several hands, in Italian script. Watermark in the paper of some leaves, dating the paper to the 1620s.
Contents:
Leaves [1]-[2] and [7]-[8]: Selections pertaining to the High Holidays - from Sitrei Torah by R. Avraham Abulafia, the Zohar, Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, "Essay of the philosopher", and more.
Leaves [3]-[6]: Passages of the Ibn Ezra commentary on the Torah, from the middle of Parashat Shemini until the middle of Parashat Nasso.
Leaves [9]-[10]: Regulations instituted by Rabbenu Gershom Me'or HaGolah, the first 10 sections of the book Piskei R. Menachem of Recanati (in the order they appear in the manuscripts; see article by Prof. Simcha Emanuel, Piskei R. Menachem MiRecanati, Shenaton HaMishpat HaIvri XXV, 2008, p. 141). These are followed by passages of Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, laws of forbidden marriages.
Leaves [11]-[17]: List of tractates in the Six Orders of Mishnah, including the names of the chapters in each tractate. Passages of Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, Rabbenu Bachye, the Radak commentary to the Book of Shmuel, and more.
Censor's stamp and inscription (in Italian) on final page, dated 1687.
[18] leaves. 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears in several places, affecting text with loss, repaired. Rebound with fibrous paper.
Written in several hands, in Italian script. Watermark in the paper of some leaves, dating the paper to the 1620s.
Contents:
Leaves [1]-[2] and [7]-[8]: Selections pertaining to the High Holidays - from Sitrei Torah by R. Avraham Abulafia, the Zohar, Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, "Essay of the philosopher", and more.
Leaves [3]-[6]: Passages of the Ibn Ezra commentary on the Torah, from the middle of Parashat Shemini until the middle of Parashat Nasso.
Leaves [9]-[10]: Regulations instituted by Rabbenu Gershom Me'or HaGolah, the first 10 sections of the book Piskei R. Menachem of Recanati (in the order they appear in the manuscripts; see article by Prof. Simcha Emanuel, Piskei R. Menachem MiRecanati, Shenaton HaMishpat HaIvri XXV, 2008, p. 141). These are followed by passages of Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, laws of forbidden marriages.
Leaves [11]-[17]: List of tractates in the Six Orders of Mishnah, including the names of the chapters in each tractate. Passages of Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, Rabbenu Bachye, the Radak commentary to the Book of Shmuel, and more.
Censor's stamp and inscription (in Italian) on final page, dated 1687.
[18] leaves. 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears in several places, affecting text with loss, repaired. Rebound with fibrous paper.
Category
Early Manuscripts - 15th and 16th Centuries
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $813
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, comprised of two manuscript fragments written by two different writers, in early Italian script. [Italy, 15th/16th century].
1. Seven handwritten leaves from the book Piskei Riaz by R. Yeshaya di Trani the Younger. These leaves contain the beginning of Tractate Berachot until the middle of chapter II.
2. Nine handwritten leaves from the book HaAgulot HaRa'yoniot by the Arab scholar Al-Batalyawsi, translated by R. Moshe ibn Tibbon (published by Prof. David Kaufmann in Budapest, 1880), from the beginning of the composition until the middle of chapter IV.
Ownership inscription at the top of the first page: "My acquisition, Y.Ch.V." (presumably R. Chaim Yechiel Viterbo (1766-1842), a rabbi of Ancona, author of Yechayu Dagan, VaYechi Od, VaYechi VaYiten).
[7]; [9] leaves. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains and wear. A few tears. Ink fading in several places. Marginal worming to some leaves, not affecting text. Dark stains in a few places, affecting text in one instance. Rebound with fibrous paper.
1. Seven handwritten leaves from the book Piskei Riaz by R. Yeshaya di Trani the Younger. These leaves contain the beginning of Tractate Berachot until the middle of chapter II.
2. Nine handwritten leaves from the book HaAgulot HaRa'yoniot by the Arab scholar Al-Batalyawsi, translated by R. Moshe ibn Tibbon (published by Prof. David Kaufmann in Budapest, 1880), from the beginning of the composition until the middle of chapter IV.
Ownership inscription at the top of the first page: "My acquisition, Y.Ch.V." (presumably R. Chaim Yechiel Viterbo (1766-1842), a rabbi of Ancona, author of Yechayu Dagan, VaYechi Od, VaYechi VaYiten).
[7]; [9] leaves. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains and wear. A few tears. Ink fading in several places. Marginal worming to some leaves, not affecting text. Dark stains in a few places, affecting text in one instance. Rebound with fibrous paper.
Category
Early Manuscripts - 15th and 16th Centuries
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Sold for: $22,500
Including buyer's premium
Leaf (two written pages - approx. 60 lines) handwritten by R. Moshe Sofer, the Chatam Sofer - homily on the Torah.
The heading "Yitro" appears at the top of the first page, and at the bottom of the page: "For Parashat Mishpatim". At the top of the second page, the heading: "For Parashat Mishpatim", and in the middle of the page: "For Parashat Teruma".
The Chatam Sofer wrote these novellae in 1805, and they were published in his book Chatam Sofer on the Torah, Part II - Book of Shemot. The homily on this leaf pertain to the following verses: "All that the Lord spoke we will do", "I will hear because I am gracious", "And you shall worship the Lord, your G-d, and He will bless your food and your drink, and I will remove illness from your midst", "And they shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst, according to all that I show you".
[1] leaf (2 written pages - approx. 60 autograph lines). 24 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear.
The heading "Yitro" appears at the top of the first page, and at the bottom of the page: "For Parashat Mishpatim". At the top of the second page, the heading: "For Parashat Mishpatim", and in the middle of the page: "For Parashat Teruma".
The Chatam Sofer wrote these novellae in 1805, and they were published in his book Chatam Sofer on the Torah, Part II - Book of Shemot. The homily on this leaf pertain to the following verses: "All that the Lord spoke we will do", "I will hear because I am gracious", "And you shall worship the Lord, your G-d, and He will bless your food and your drink, and I will remove illness from your midst", "And they shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst, according to all that I show you".
[1] leaf (2 written pages - approx. 60 autograph lines). 24 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear.
Category
Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Four handwritten leaves (7 written pages), novellae on Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer, Laws of Gittin - section of a previous version of the composition Torat Gittin by R. Yaakov Lorberbaum of Lissa, author of Netivot Mishpat and Chavot Daat. [Lissa, 1810].
Unprinted novellae and novellae printed in Torat Gittin with textual differences. Apparently, these sections are from a previous version of Torat Gittin.
The first leaf contains an introduction (lacking beginning) with the title: "Sugya D'Shalish", ending: "Now we will begin to explain the words of the Shulchan Aruch". This is followed directly by novellae on Chapter 141 of Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer. Comparison between the printed version of the book Torat Gittin and this manuscript reveals many differences in the text of these novellae. In one place, the manuscript contains a long section which the author decided to omit, printing only a short piece.
To the best of our knowledge, the introduction (Sugya D'Shalish) was never printed. Several times in the novellae on the Shulchan Aruch, the author refers to this introduction.
The last page bears the copier's colophon from 1810: "The writing was completed on Sunday Erev Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 1810… writer and assistant R. Noach of Lissa".
This colophon attests that the name of the writer was "R. Noach of Lissa" (the letters of Noach are marked, possibly indicating that they are his initials?). From the words "writer and assistant" it can be assumed that he was an assistant (or scribe) of the author, R. Yaakov Lorberbaum, and probably served in that capacity while R. Yaakov was composing his work Torat Gittin (a rabbi named "R. Noach of Lissa" in known from that period - the author of Toldot Noach, who was a leading Torah scholar at the time R. Akiva Eger was in Lissa and exchanged halachic correspondence with him. Around 1810, R. Noach served as rabbi of Lubrantz - Lubraniec, after serving as rabbi in several other towns).
The author: The famed Torah scholar R. Yaakov Lorberbaum Rabbi of Lissa (1770-1832), one of the leading rabbis and poskim in his generation. A close friend of the Ketzot HaChoshen and of R. Akiva Eger. He served also as dean of the Lissa yeshiva, and many leading Torah scholars in Poland and Prussia were among his disciples. A prolific author, his works include: Netivot HaMishpat, Chavot Daat, Beit Yaakov, Torat Gittin, Mekor Chaim, Derech HaChaim and more. His compositions were accepted for practical ruling, and were printed in many editions. Until today, they are studied in all yeshivas and study halls.
2 double leaves (7 written pages). Approx. 20 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
Unprinted novellae and novellae printed in Torat Gittin with textual differences. Apparently, these sections are from a previous version of Torat Gittin.
The first leaf contains an introduction (lacking beginning) with the title: "Sugya D'Shalish", ending: "Now we will begin to explain the words of the Shulchan Aruch". This is followed directly by novellae on Chapter 141 of Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer. Comparison between the printed version of the book Torat Gittin and this manuscript reveals many differences in the text of these novellae. In one place, the manuscript contains a long section which the author decided to omit, printing only a short piece.
To the best of our knowledge, the introduction (Sugya D'Shalish) was never printed. Several times in the novellae on the Shulchan Aruch, the author refers to this introduction.
The last page bears the copier's colophon from 1810: "The writing was completed on Sunday Erev Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 1810… writer and assistant R. Noach of Lissa".
This colophon attests that the name of the writer was "R. Noach of Lissa" (the letters of Noach are marked, possibly indicating that they are his initials?). From the words "writer and assistant" it can be assumed that he was an assistant (or scribe) of the author, R. Yaakov Lorberbaum, and probably served in that capacity while R. Yaakov was composing his work Torat Gittin (a rabbi named "R. Noach of Lissa" in known from that period - the author of Toldot Noach, who was a leading Torah scholar at the time R. Akiva Eger was in Lissa and exchanged halachic correspondence with him. Around 1810, R. Noach served as rabbi of Lubrantz - Lubraniec, after serving as rabbi in several other towns).
The author: The famed Torah scholar R. Yaakov Lorberbaum Rabbi of Lissa (1770-1832), one of the leading rabbis and poskim in his generation. A close friend of the Ketzot HaChoshen and of R. Akiva Eger. He served also as dean of the Lissa yeshiva, and many leading Torah scholars in Poland and Prussia were among his disciples. A prolific author, his works include: Netivot HaMishpat, Chavot Daat, Beit Yaakov, Torat Gittin, Mekor Chaim, Derech HaChaim and more. His compositions were accepted for practical ruling, and were printed in many editions. Until today, they are studied in all yeshivas and study halls.
2 double leaves (7 written pages). Approx. 20 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
Category
Manuscripts
Catalogue