Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
Inscription on top of title page, in Sephardic script: "…in memory of the father and son Yisrael son of Yisrael Irira who died at a young age".
A strip of paper mounted to leaf 52 with a printed dedication: "Dedicated by the late dear and respected R. Shmuel Chai Refael Chaim Kastilali to the Talmud Torah in Firenze in the year 1795".
Several glosses (brief halachot) in Italian script.
191, [1] leaves. 29.5 cm. Light-colored paper. Fair condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text. New leather binding.
Stefansky Classics, no. 237.
The book is titled "Levush Malchut" and comprises two compositions: "Levush HaTechelet" and "Levush HaChur". The publisher's foreword and the author's preface were printed after the title page, followed by a divisional title page for Levush HaTechelet.
Lengthy gloss in early Ashkenazic scrip on p. 217a, cropped and lacking, pertaining to Birkat Kohanim in the prayer leader's repetition of the Ne'ila prayer. The writer passionately defends the tradition of Ashkenazic customs, stating that although the author, as other authors are wont to do, raises objections on this longstanding custom, it is being upheld in his community.
Poetic ownership inscriptions of the final leaf, in early Ashkenazic script, signed "Yitzchak".
82; 83-247 leaves. 28.5 cm. Overall good condition, first and final leaves in fair condition. Stains. Dampstains to several leaves. Darkened leaves. First title page trimmed and remounted on heavy paper, with damage to border. Tears to leaves of foreword following title page, repaired with paper. Tears to several other leaves, repaired. Old binding.
See: Stefansky Classics, no. 159.
Handwritten glosses from various periods. Signatures on the title page, in early Ashkenazic script, of R. Yitzchak HaKohen (an early member of the renowned Rappaport family of Kohanim), who signed: "Yitzchak HaKohen… of Port Rappa", "Yitzchak Katz… Port Rappa".?Several ownership inscriptions (dated 1839) of R. Yosef Heiselberg of Yavorov (Yavoriv), son of "The brilliant Torah scholar R. Yosef Moshe of Nemirov" and Sambor - R. Yosef Moshe Heiselberg of Yavorov son of R. Yosef Moshe Heiselberg (Eisenberg) Rabbi of Nemirov (Nemyriv), son of R. Yitzchak Charif Rabbi of Sambor (Sambir; 1740-1813) and son-in-law of R. Moshe Tzipes (brother-in-law of R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh and R. Mordechai Margolies Rabbi of Satanov). R. Yosef Moshe, whose signature appears in this book, is mentioned on the title page of Hilcheta L'Meshicha (Jarosław, 1908), authored by his son R. Yitzchak Heiselberg of Yavorov.
192; 116 leaves. 29.5 cm. Condition varies. First and final leaves in fair condition. Many leaves in middle in good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains. Worming to several leaves at beginning and end of volume. Tears to first title page, affecting border, repaired with paper. Tears to final three leaves, affecting text with loss, repaired with paper. Stamps. Old binding, broken and detached.
See: Stefansky Classics, no. 159.
Printed for the first time in this edition are "glosses and customs of Frankfurt… and novellae by R. Hertz HaLevi Rabbi of Frankfurt". These glosses are named "Glosses of R. Hertz" in the Machon Yerushalayim edition (see: R. Y.M. Peles, Introduction and Additions to the Books of the Maharil, Jerusalem, 2016, p. 285).
Signature on title page: "Yaakov Wormser". Another (deleted) signature on title page: "Yaakov Dov Pick Schwabach". Several early glosses.
64 leaves. Lacking [1] leaf at end. 16 cm. Darkened paper. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Minor tears and damage to first leaves, repaired with paper. Title page possibly supplied from another copy. New leather binding.
Shenei Luchot HaBrit contains many halachic novellae, Kabbalistic principles, homily and ethics, and incorporates all realms of the Torah. The book was received with awe throughout the Jewish world, and its teachings are quoted in the books of leading poskim and kabbalists. Many renowned Chassidic leaders were extraordinarily devoted to the study of the books of the Shelah.
The Bach - R. Yoel Sirkis, notably acclaimed the author and his works in his approbation to the Shaar HaShamayim siddur: "R. Yeshaya HaLevi… he left behind blessing in his holy compositions, and upon seeing or reading them, we sensed the outpouring of holiness in all our limbs, and this is the sign that his works were composed for the sake of heaven, to elevate future generations…". The Tosafot Yom Tov in his approbation to the siddur writes: "He is a holy, awe-inspiring man… no doubt he was invested with a heavenly spirit".
The book Vavei HaAmudim is printed on the final 44 leaves, with a separate title page.
Ownership inscriptions and signatures on title page ("So says David son of R.(?) Alexander", "Shimon Leib Fishman of Třebíč", "Wolf of…", "Avraham", and more).
[2], 85, 87-421, [1]; 44 leaves. Lacking leaf 86. 27 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains, on some leaves large. Large tears to first three leaves, affecting text with loss (including imprint on title page), restored with paper and photocopy replacements. Minor worming. In the Vavei HaAmudim section - worming, occasionally affecting text. Margins trimmed on text border, affecting title page border and occasionally affecting headings and marginal text. Stamps. New binding.
Stefansky Classics, no. 359.
The most accurate edition of the books of the Rambam, which served as basis for most subsequent editions. The first volume has an additional, engraved title page. Two volumes contain illustration plates pertaining to the laws of Shabbat, Sukkah, Kiddush HaChodesh and Kilayim.
Early signatures and ownership inscriptions on the title pages and endpapers.
Four volumes. Vol. I (Mada-Zemanim): [9], 327, [6] leaves. Vol. II (Nashim, Kedusha): [2], 227, [4] leaves. Vol. III (Haflaa-Tahara): [2], 368, [9] leaves. Vol. IV (Nezikin-Shoftim): [1], 309, [13] leaves. 37 cm. Condition varies. Most leaves in good condition. Stains and wear. Several leaves in fair condition with dampstains and wear. Marginal tears to some of the title pages and to other leaves, repaired with tape. Non-original bindings.
See: Stefansky Classics, p. 48.
Additional engraved title page, depicting King David and King Solomon, with four beasts representing the four exiles: Babylonian, Median, Greek and Roman.
The first two parts are identical to those in the first edition (Prague, 1592). In this edition, a third part was added, containing the annals of the subsequent century - 1592-1692.
Ownership inscription on the title page: "Belongs to the leader Moshe Amelunxen" (with his signature extending over the first leaves). Additional ownership inscription on verso of title page.
47, [5]; 81, 81-95, [8] leaves. 19 cm. Darkened paper. Good condition. Stains. Lower margin of title page trimmed, slightly affecting border, with some loss. Verso of title page reinforced with paper. Worming to several leaves, not affecting text. Stamps and inscriptions on endpapers. Early binding, with damage and library label.
See: Stefansky Classics, p. 539.
Shulchan Aruch, with Be'er HaGolah, complete set - Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah, Even HaEzer and Choshen Mishpat. Amsterdam: Immanuel Athias, 1697-1699. Four volumes.
Two title pages in each volume. The first title page is engraved, depicting four putti. A chronogram on the second title page of Even HaEzer alludes to the year "Nachat" - 1698 (similar to the date on the title page of the book Shnei Luchot HaBrit, printed that same year in Amsterdam, in the same printing press).
Ownership inscriptions from the 1770s-1780s in the Yoreh Deah, Even HaEzer and Choshen Mishpat volumes. A long ownership inscription on the back endpaper of the Choshen Mishpat volume describes a miracle of deliverance from drowning: "I am hereby writing to you a few of the miracles that I experienced in my youth. In 1776…" - see below.
Four volumes. Vol. 1: [24], 266, [2] leaves. Vol 2: [1], 302, [1] leaves. Vol. 3: [1], 178, 178-180, [1] leaves. Vol. 4: [1], 432, [1] leaves. 15.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Dampstains in several places. Tears to several leaves. The engraved title page of the first volume is torn and damaged and was mounted on paper for restoration. Last leaf (errata) of the Choshen Mishpat volume is detached and damaged, repaired with paper. Binding of Even HaEzer volume is detached. New, matching leather bindings.
-------------------------------------------
The miracle of deliverance of "the horse and its rider" in 1776
In this edition of the Shulchan Aruch, at the end of the Choshen Mishpat volume, the owner wrote a long inscription recounting the story of a miracle that he experienced in his youth:
"I am hereby writing to you a few of the miracles that I experienced in my youth. In 1776, in the month of Cheshvan, I sat on our horse and rode for half an hour from our village called Hestrin(?) to carry out some business. My horse was thirsty, so I asked a gentile shoemaker to show me where I can water my horse and he showed me. I rode with the horse into the water, until the water reached my head, whereupon the horse fell in the water and I fell under its body, endangering my life. I called out to G-d to save me and He delivered me from the water. To commemorate this, I have written this, because G-d's mercy never ceases from me, Avraham son of R. Yitzchak Eizek... Today, Tuesday, 27th Nissan 1780".
Copy of R. Zalman Tiktin Rabbi of Breslau. His signature appears on the title page: "Zalman son of R. Avraham Glogau". The front flyleaf bears the stamp of R. Zalman and an ownership inscription attesting that the book belongs "to the books of the rabbi of Breslau --- Zalman Tiktin". Another ownership inscription on the back flyleaf: "Belongs to my teacher… R. Zalman Tiktin, rabbi of Breslau and the region". Other deleted signatures on the title page.
R. Shlomo Zalman Tiktin (1791-1843), one of the leading Torah scholars and tzaddikim of his generation, served as rabbi of Breslau succeeding his father R. Avraham Tiktin, author of Petach HaBayit. Known for his struggles opposing Reform Judaism and for his resolute battle against Avraham Geiger, a leading reformist. Consequently, the reformists took action to oust him from his position in the rabbinate, and only after the charedim appealed to the king of Prussia was he returned to his post. The Malbim was one of his outstanding disciples and he continued his teacher's fight against the Reform Movement.
[1], 127 leaves. 32 cm. High-quality paper. Wide margins. Good condition. Stains. Wear and signs of usage to title page and other leaves. Small marginal tears to some leaves. New leather binding.
Stefansky Classics, no. 304.
The Yaavetz's first published book and the only one of his books not printed in Altona, where he established his printing press. An illustration on verso of title page depicts the altar according to the Raavad.
[1], 118, 120-122 leaves. Approx. 30 cm. Slightly darkened paper. Very good condition. Dampstains to several leaves. Marginal tears to title page and several other leaves (not affecting text). New binding.
See: Stefansky Classics, p. 17.
This is the first published work of the Ramchal. On the title page, the Ramchal dedicates his book to his teacher R. Yeshaya Bassan.
Ownership inscription on the title page: "I purchased it for 24 Dutch stuiver in Amsterdam… Erev Shabbat 10th Sivan 1805, Hertz Epstein Segal".
56, [1] leaves. 16.5 cm. Good condition. Many stains. Minor damage to a few leaves. Stamps. New leather binding.
See: Stefansky Classics, p. 151.
The endpapers feature an early signature - "Shmelke Horowitz" [of Landau], and poetic inscriptions in praise of the book.
Mesilat Yesharim is reputed as a refined, clear summary of all the Ramchal's other works (Derech Hashem, Daat Tevunot, Klach Pitchei Chochma, etc.), written in measured, precise language with great depth of thought. In his introduction to the book Mesilat Yesharim - im Iyunim (with study), R. Yechezkel Sarna mentions a tradition transmitted in the name of the Vilna Gaon, that not one unnecessary word can be found(!) until chapter 11. R. Yerucham of Mir would tell his disciples that "Mesilat Yesharim is based on all the Ramchal's kabbalistic works, yet he simplified the concepts to make them more accessible to us, to the point that when studying them, it appears to us that we have a connection to them" (Daat Chochma UMusar, I, p. 249).
The author explains in his introduction that this work was composed to assist in the acquisition of ethical wisdom and fear of G-d, which cannot be achieved through knowledge alone. The purpose of this work is not the innovation of new concepts but rather constant review and meditation to anchor these ideas within man's soul. Indeed, this book has been accepted throughout the Jewish world as the primary book for the study of ethics.
When the Vilna Gaon first saw the book, he proclaimed that a new light has come down to illuminate the world. In his high regard for the book, he paid an entire gold coin (a high price) for it. In his foreword to Derech Hashem, R. Y. Malzan quotes the statement of the Vilna Gaon, that if the author had been alive, he would have travelled on foot all the way to Italy to greet him. He further relates that the Vilna Gaon would frequently review the book.
Chassidic leaders likewise appreciated the great stature of the book and the holiness of its kabbalistic author. The Maggid of Kozhnitz attested that all the heights he reached in his youth stemmed from the book Mesilat Yesharim. The Ohev Yisrael of Apta and R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov diligently studied Mesilat Yesharim in great depth, and describe it in awesome and wondrous terms. The rebbe of Apta would say that his spiritual direction and education were drawn first and foremost from the book Mesilat Yesharim (Sefer HaChassidut, p. 146). Rebbe Nachman of Breslov would instruct new disciples to study Mesilat Yesharim (Sichot VeSipurim, p. 167), and the Bnei Yissaschar wrote in in his additions to the book Sur MeRa V'Aseh Tov: "Study the book Mesilat Yesharim and it will quench your thirst… its words are sweeter than honey". R. Yaakov Yosef of Ostroh writes in his approbation to the book Klach Pitchei Chochma by the Ramchal (Korets 1785): "The book Mesilat Yesharim, the paths of G-d which tzaddikim tread, written by the great rabbi… R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, this is the Torah which Moshe presented to Israel, to understand the words of our Sages and their 'riddles', through its straightforward teachings...". In his foreword to the above-mentioned book, the publisher quotes the Maggid of Mezeritch who stated that "[The Ramchal's] generation was not worthy of appreciating his righteousness and abstention".
R. Yosef Zundel of Salant told his illustrious disciple R. Yisrael of Salant that when receiving a farewell blessing upon leaving the Volozhin yeshiva, he asked R. Chaim of Volozhin which ethics book to study. His teacher responded: "All musar books are good to study, but Mesilat Yesharim should be your guide". Since its first printing in 1740, Mesilat Yesharim has been reprinted in hundreds(!) of editions, and until this day remains the primary musar book studied in Torah and Chassidic study halls.
[6], 63 leaves. 15.5 cm. Fair condition. Large dampstains. Significant wear. Minor worming (on text). Early leather binding, worn and torn.
Stefansky Classics, no. 475.