Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $5,250
Including buyer's premium
Luach Birkat HaNehenin, with the order of handwashing, by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi – the Baal HaTanya. Zhovkva, [1801]. The words "In the community of Shklow" are emphasized and enlarged on the title page, while the place of printing, Zhovkva, is indicated in smaller type.
Edition printed in the lifetime of the author, the Baal HaTanya. Several editions of this composition were printed in the Rebbe's lifetime, yet most did not survive, and of some only one copy is extant.
The purpose of Luach Birkat HaNehenin was to set down the laws of Berachot as ruled by the Baal HaTanya, in a concise format. The bibliographer R. Chaim Lieberman surmised that the composition was named Luach – plate, since it was originally printed as a broadside intended for posting on the walls of synagogues and study halls (similar to calendars and other synagogue posters).
The Baal HaTanya first established his rulings pertaining to the laws of Berachot in the Shulchan Aruch he authored (while in Mezeritch, 1772-1773). The Shulchan Aruch was only printed after his passing, in Kopust 1816, though prior to that, the Rebbe composed this Luach with abridged laws for practical application, based on his Shulchan Aruch. This composition was printed in his lifetime and follows the rulings appearing in the Shulchan Aruch of the Baal HaTanya.
The Baal HaTanya later wrote a third composition pertaining to the laws of Berachot, named Seder Birkat HaNehenin. This composition too was printed several times in the lifetime of the Rebbe, within his siddur, and its rulings differ from those appearing in his Shulchan Aruch and Luach. While in the latter compositions he ruled following more recent halachic authorities such as the Magen Avraham, in Seder Birkat HaNehenin, he reconsidered and ruled according to the Rishonim.
Signatures and ownership inscriptions on the title page, p. 2a, and on the back endpapers: "Yosef Yuzpa son of R. Tzvi Hirsh", "Shmuel Leib son of R. G.", "Akiva HaKohen…", and others.
[1], 2-27, [1] leaves. 18.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to title page and subsequent leaf, affecting border and text, with paper repairs and photocopy replacement of lacking text. Large marginal tears to several other leaves, not affecting text. New leather binding.
The publisher of this edition, R. Yaakov son of R. Naftali Hertz of Brody, also brought to press the second edition of the Tanya, in Zhovkva in 1799.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 262. See: Lieberman, Ohel Rachel, I, New York 1944, p. 144; Mondschein, Sifrei HaHalacha shel Admor HaZaken, New York 1984, p. 202 onwards.
Edition printed in the lifetime of the author, the Baal HaTanya. Several editions of this composition were printed in the Rebbe's lifetime, yet most did not survive, and of some only one copy is extant.
The purpose of Luach Birkat HaNehenin was to set down the laws of Berachot as ruled by the Baal HaTanya, in a concise format. The bibliographer R. Chaim Lieberman surmised that the composition was named Luach – plate, since it was originally printed as a broadside intended for posting on the walls of synagogues and study halls (similar to calendars and other synagogue posters).
The Baal HaTanya first established his rulings pertaining to the laws of Berachot in the Shulchan Aruch he authored (while in Mezeritch, 1772-1773). The Shulchan Aruch was only printed after his passing, in Kopust 1816, though prior to that, the Rebbe composed this Luach with abridged laws for practical application, based on his Shulchan Aruch. This composition was printed in his lifetime and follows the rulings appearing in the Shulchan Aruch of the Baal HaTanya.
The Baal HaTanya later wrote a third composition pertaining to the laws of Berachot, named Seder Birkat HaNehenin. This composition too was printed several times in the lifetime of the Rebbe, within his siddur, and its rulings differ from those appearing in his Shulchan Aruch and Luach. While in the latter compositions he ruled following more recent halachic authorities such as the Magen Avraham, in Seder Birkat HaNehenin, he reconsidered and ruled according to the Rishonim.
Signatures and ownership inscriptions on the title page, p. 2a, and on the back endpapers: "Yosef Yuzpa son of R. Tzvi Hirsh", "Shmuel Leib son of R. G.", "Akiva HaKohen…", and others.
[1], 2-27, [1] leaves. 18.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to title page and subsequent leaf, affecting border and text, with paper repairs and photocopy replacement of lacking text. Large marginal tears to several other leaves, not affecting text. New leather binding.
The publisher of this edition, R. Yaakov son of R. Naftali Hertz of Brody, also brought to press the second edition of the Tanya, in Zhovkva in 1799.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 262. See: Lieberman, Ohel Rachel, I, New York 1944, p. 144; Mondschein, Sifrei HaHalacha shel Admor HaZaken, New York 1984, p. 202 onwards.
Category
Chabad – Books and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Shaar HaTeshuva VehaTefillah, two parts, teachings of the second rebbe of the Chabad dynasty R. Dov Ber Schneuri – the Mitteler Rebbe. Printed in the Rebbe's lifetime. Shklow and Kopust (Kopys), [1817-1818]. First editions.
1. Shaar HaTeshuva VehaTefillah, Part I – repentance and prayer, joy and bitterness. With the Shaar HaBechira section, which "discusses matters which subdue a person's heart to complete repentance". Shklow, [1817]. First edition.
[4], 22; 11, [1], [2]; 84, [2] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to inner margins of first leaves. Title page darkened and stained, with tears. Worming and wear to title page and several other leaves (with minor damage, repaired in part). Tears and damage to several leaves, affecting text. Several leaves presumably supplied from a different copy. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 586. The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book quotes the Chabad bibliographer Chaim Lieberman, who contends that the book may have been printed in Kopust and not in Shklow.
2. Shaar HaTeshuvah VehaTefillah, Part II, "regarding repentance and service of the heart". Shklow, [1818]. First edition.
Ownership inscriptions, stamps and signatures.
[2], 42, 2, 5-81, [1] leaves. Lacking leaf 17 of first sequence. 16.5 cm. Overall good condition. Worming to several leaves. Stains. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 586. This book has several variants (differences in page headings of first gathering).
1. Shaar HaTeshuva VehaTefillah, Part I – repentance and prayer, joy and bitterness. With the Shaar HaBechira section, which "discusses matters which subdue a person's heart to complete repentance". Shklow, [1817]. First edition.
[4], 22; 11, [1], [2]; 84, [2] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to inner margins of first leaves. Title page darkened and stained, with tears. Worming and wear to title page and several other leaves (with minor damage, repaired in part). Tears and damage to several leaves, affecting text. Several leaves presumably supplied from a different copy. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 586. The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book quotes the Chabad bibliographer Chaim Lieberman, who contends that the book may have been printed in Kopust and not in Shklow.
2. Shaar HaTeshuvah VehaTefillah, Part II, "regarding repentance and service of the heart". Shklow, [1818]. First edition.
Ownership inscriptions, stamps and signatures.
[2], 42, 2, 5-81, [1] leaves. Lacking leaf 17 of first sequence. 16.5 cm. Overall good condition. Worming to several leaves. Stains. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 586. This book has several variants (differences in page headings of first gathering).
Category
Chabad – Books and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
1. Torah Or, Chassidic essays on Bereshit and Shemot, Chanukah and Purim, by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi – the Baal HaTanya. Kopust (Kopys), 1836. First edition.
The book was written from teachings heard directly from the Baal HaTanya by his brother R. Yehuda Leib of Janowiec, author of She'erit Yehuda, and was arranged and edited for print by his disciple and grandson R. Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Lubavitch, author of Tzemach Tzedek (1789-1866). While editing and proofreading the book Torah Or, the Tzemach Tzedek did not undertake any other tasks, not even responding to halachic enquiries, being aware of the great responsibility resting upon him. Once the book was printed, the Tzemach Tzedek wrote a missive to his Chassidim describing its importance: "All its words are like burning coals enflaming hearts and drawing them close to their Father in Heaven…" (Igrot Kodesh of the Tzemach Tzedek, Brooklyn 2013, pp. 41-43).
[2], 2-167, [1] leaves. Two title pages. First title page printed in red and black. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text in several places, repaired in part. Large tears to leaves 2-3, with loss of text, restored with photocopies. Marginal tears and scorches to several middle leaves, affecting the text of leaves 74-75. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 610.
This is one of the last books printed in Russia before the 1836 governmental decree to shut down all Jewish printing presses, as a result of defamation by the maskilim. Thereafter, only two printing presses, one in Vilna and the other in Zhitomir, were allowed to operate, under the close scrutiny of the Russian government. Part II of this book, on Vayikra-Devarim, was printed only in 1848, under the title Likutei Torah.
2. Torah Or, Chassidic essays on Bereshit and Shemot, Chanukah and Purim, including Hosafot L'Sefer Torah Or (Supplements to Torah Or), by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi – the Baal HaTanya. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira, grandsons of the Rabbi of Slavita, 1862. First edition of the supplements.
Printed on the second title page: "Reprinted most elegantly and corrected…".
The supplements include 15 new essays of the Baal HaTanya. While most of the book follows the writings of the author's brother, R. Yehuda Leib of Janowiec, the essays printed in the supplements were written by the author's son, R. Dov Ber, the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch, as attested to on the title page of this section.
A tradition is cited in the book Beit Rebbi by R. Chaim Meir Heilman (Berdychiv 1902, II, p. 34), that the essays printed in the supplements were edited and abridged by the Tzemach Tzedek, son-in-law of the Mitteler Rebbe.
102; 24 leaves. Two title pages. First title page printed in red and black. Another title page for supplements. Approx. 27 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 612.
The book was written from teachings heard directly from the Baal HaTanya by his brother R. Yehuda Leib of Janowiec, author of She'erit Yehuda, and was arranged and edited for print by his disciple and grandson R. Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Lubavitch, author of Tzemach Tzedek (1789-1866). While editing and proofreading the book Torah Or, the Tzemach Tzedek did not undertake any other tasks, not even responding to halachic enquiries, being aware of the great responsibility resting upon him. Once the book was printed, the Tzemach Tzedek wrote a missive to his Chassidim describing its importance: "All its words are like burning coals enflaming hearts and drawing them close to their Father in Heaven…" (Igrot Kodesh of the Tzemach Tzedek, Brooklyn 2013, pp. 41-43).
[2], 2-167, [1] leaves. Two title pages. First title page printed in red and black. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text in several places, repaired in part. Large tears to leaves 2-3, with loss of text, restored with photocopies. Marginal tears and scorches to several middle leaves, affecting the text of leaves 74-75. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 610.
This is one of the last books printed in Russia before the 1836 governmental decree to shut down all Jewish printing presses, as a result of defamation by the maskilim. Thereafter, only two printing presses, one in Vilna and the other in Zhitomir, were allowed to operate, under the close scrutiny of the Russian government. Part II of this book, on Vayikra-Devarim, was printed only in 1848, under the title Likutei Torah.
2. Torah Or, Chassidic essays on Bereshit and Shemot, Chanukah and Purim, including Hosafot L'Sefer Torah Or (Supplements to Torah Or), by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi – the Baal HaTanya. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira, grandsons of the Rabbi of Slavita, 1862. First edition of the supplements.
Printed on the second title page: "Reprinted most elegantly and corrected…".
The supplements include 15 new essays of the Baal HaTanya. While most of the book follows the writings of the author's brother, R. Yehuda Leib of Janowiec, the essays printed in the supplements were written by the author's son, R. Dov Ber, the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch, as attested to on the title page of this section.
A tradition is cited in the book Beit Rebbi by R. Chaim Meir Heilman (Berdychiv 1902, II, p. 34), that the essays printed in the supplements were edited and abridged by the Tzemach Tzedek, son-in-law of the Mitteler Rebbe.
102; 24 leaves. Two title pages. First title page printed in red and black. Another title page for supplements. Approx. 27 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 612.
Category
Chabad – Books and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $37,500
Including buyer's premium
Large collection of letters from Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson of Lubavitch and his son-in-law Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with their signatures and words added in their handwriting, sometimes even entire lines. Most are addressed to R. Yosef Shmotkin of Rishon LeZion and his family. Leningrad (Russia), Riga (Latvia), Warsaw, Otvosk (Otwock, Poland), Brooklyn (New York), 1926-1979.
• 17 letters from the Rebbe Rayatz (most typewritten on official stationery, a few written by a scribe), some unpublished. All the letters bear his signature; some his full signature, including his surname, and three the special signature which he used in the last year of his life (with the letter Yud in Ashuri script). Several letters contain words added in his handwriting.
Among the letters is an invitation to the wedding of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, bearing the Rebbe Rayatz's signature, the date, the name and address of the recipient and the words: "His friend who seeks his wellbeing and blesses him", all in the handwriting of the Rayatz.
• 18 letters and a telegram from the Lubavitcher Rebbe (typewritten on official stationery), some unpublished. The letters bear his signature, with some containing words or entire lines added in his handwriting.
Among the letters: New Year greetings from Elul 1950 (year of mourning for the Rebbe Rayatz), where next to the signature of the Rebbe (who was yet to be appointed rebbe) appear the signatures of his mother-in-law Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneerson and his brother-in-law R. Shemaryahu Gur-Aryeh; letter on the official stationery of the Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch.
• Rare copying of a discourse ("Hanocha", 8 pages) delivered by the Rayatz at the Purim feast in 1926, which was never fully printed (short sections of this discourse were printed in Shemuot V'Sipurim MeRabbotenu HaKedoshim, I, p. 41, and in Sipur shel Chag – Chag Purim, p. 161); copying of a discourse delivered by the Rayatz on 19th Kislev [1928], never printed (piece of paper, written on both sides).
• The collection also contains the following: 14 letters from R. Yechezkel Feigin, secretary of the Rayatz (most in the name of the Rayatz on official stationery); two letters from R. Shmuel Zalmanov (one sent by the directive and in the name of the Rayatz); a letter from R. Nachman Yisrael HaKohen (in the name of the Rayatz); a long letter from R. Shmuel HaLevi Levitin (sent from Kutaisi), regarding sending "maamadot" funds of the Rebbe Rayatz; a kvitel written by R. Yosef Shmotkin to his Rebbe the Rayatz; long letters from R. Yosef Shmotkin to the Rebbe Rayatz and to his secretary R. Yechezkel Feigin; a letter acknowledging receipt of a donation, from the management of the Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch Yeshiva in 1912 (on the yeshiva's official stationery, with the stamp of the Rayatz); signs and cards which document the visit of the Rayatz to Eretz Israel in 1929; "General Letter", with the Rebbe's signature in photocopy; official membership certificate of the Chabad Kollel; newspaper clippings with articles about the Lubavitcher Rebbe and other items related to Chabad.
Enclosed: A photograph of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; two legal documents of the Tel Aviv Chief Rabbinate, from 1929, with the signatures of the Chief Rabbis of Tel Aviv, R. Shlomo Aharonson and R. Ben Tzion Chai Uziel; Chok L'Yisrael – Bereshit, Piotrków 1898.
R. Yosef Shmotkin (1892-1979), the recipient of most of the letters, was a Chabad orchard owner and businessman. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1925 and was one of the founders of the Chabad community in Rishon LeZion, initiating the construction of the Chabad synagogue there. The letters the Rayatz sent to him deal among other matters, with the debts he incurred and complicated issues related to an estate and the sale of his orchard. Many letters sent to him by the Rebbe concern the health of his grandson Zohar Olpiner (1945-2012, owner of a law office in Rishon LeZion and chairman of the Chess Club in Rishon LeZion), who contracted polio at the age of 5 and was left with paralyzed legs. These letters contain much advice which the Rebbe gave regarding this illness, including information on treatments, doctors, hospitalizations and surgery. Apparently, these letters have not been printed.
76 paper items (including 17 letters with the signature of the Rebbe Rayatz and 18 letters with the signature of the Lubavitcher Rebbe) + one photograph. Size varies. Overall good condition.
• 17 letters from the Rebbe Rayatz (most typewritten on official stationery, a few written by a scribe), some unpublished. All the letters bear his signature; some his full signature, including his surname, and three the special signature which he used in the last year of his life (with the letter Yud in Ashuri script). Several letters contain words added in his handwriting.
Among the letters is an invitation to the wedding of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, bearing the Rebbe Rayatz's signature, the date, the name and address of the recipient and the words: "His friend who seeks his wellbeing and blesses him", all in the handwriting of the Rayatz.
• 18 letters and a telegram from the Lubavitcher Rebbe (typewritten on official stationery), some unpublished. The letters bear his signature, with some containing words or entire lines added in his handwriting.
Among the letters: New Year greetings from Elul 1950 (year of mourning for the Rebbe Rayatz), where next to the signature of the Rebbe (who was yet to be appointed rebbe) appear the signatures of his mother-in-law Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneerson and his brother-in-law R. Shemaryahu Gur-Aryeh; letter on the official stationery of the Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch.
• Rare copying of a discourse ("Hanocha", 8 pages) delivered by the Rayatz at the Purim feast in 1926, which was never fully printed (short sections of this discourse were printed in Shemuot V'Sipurim MeRabbotenu HaKedoshim, I, p. 41, and in Sipur shel Chag – Chag Purim, p. 161); copying of a discourse delivered by the Rayatz on 19th Kislev [1928], never printed (piece of paper, written on both sides).
• The collection also contains the following: 14 letters from R. Yechezkel Feigin, secretary of the Rayatz (most in the name of the Rayatz on official stationery); two letters from R. Shmuel Zalmanov (one sent by the directive and in the name of the Rayatz); a letter from R. Nachman Yisrael HaKohen (in the name of the Rayatz); a long letter from R. Shmuel HaLevi Levitin (sent from Kutaisi), regarding sending "maamadot" funds of the Rebbe Rayatz; a kvitel written by R. Yosef Shmotkin to his Rebbe the Rayatz; long letters from R. Yosef Shmotkin to the Rebbe Rayatz and to his secretary R. Yechezkel Feigin; a letter acknowledging receipt of a donation, from the management of the Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch Yeshiva in 1912 (on the yeshiva's official stationery, with the stamp of the Rayatz); signs and cards which document the visit of the Rayatz to Eretz Israel in 1929; "General Letter", with the Rebbe's signature in photocopy; official membership certificate of the Chabad Kollel; newspaper clippings with articles about the Lubavitcher Rebbe and other items related to Chabad.
Enclosed: A photograph of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; two legal documents of the Tel Aviv Chief Rabbinate, from 1929, with the signatures of the Chief Rabbis of Tel Aviv, R. Shlomo Aharonson and R. Ben Tzion Chai Uziel; Chok L'Yisrael – Bereshit, Piotrków 1898.
R. Yosef Shmotkin (1892-1979), the recipient of most of the letters, was a Chabad orchard owner and businessman. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1925 and was one of the founders of the Chabad community in Rishon LeZion, initiating the construction of the Chabad synagogue there. The letters the Rayatz sent to him deal among other matters, with the debts he incurred and complicated issues related to an estate and the sale of his orchard. Many letters sent to him by the Rebbe concern the health of his grandson Zohar Olpiner (1945-2012, owner of a law office in Rishon LeZion and chairman of the Chess Club in Rishon LeZion), who contracted polio at the age of 5 and was left with paralyzed legs. These letters contain much advice which the Rebbe gave regarding this illness, including information on treatments, doctors, hospitalizations and surgery. Apparently, these letters have not been printed.
76 paper items (including 17 letters with the signature of the Rebbe Rayatz and 18 letters with the signature of the Lubavitcher Rebbe) + one photograph. Size varies. Overall good condition.
Category
Chabad – Books and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $12,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $16,250
Including buyer's premium
Collection of letters of blessings and guidance from Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson of Lubavitch, sent to R. Yisrael Hess of Raanana. Brooklyn, New York, 1955-1992.
21 letters from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, typewritten on the Rebbe's official stationery. 16 letters bear his signature and five are signed by his secretary R. Eliyahu Quint. Some of the letters contain corrections and two or three words in the Rebbe's handwriting.
The collection contains:
• 7 letters with New Year blessings from the Rebbe, with his signature, 1957-1963.
• 14 letters of guidance from the Rebbe, sent to R. Yisrael Hess in his youth, at the time he took his first steps towards Chabad. These letters contain answers to questions regarding halacha and custom, explanations of profound Chabad teachings, blessings for marriage and births, and more.
• 3 leaves (5 written pages), describing a rare and interesting conversation in Yechidus (private audience with the Rebbe), held between the Rebbe and R. David Hess (R. Yisrael's father) on 29th Adar 1960, for over 40 minutes. The account of this private audience, which includes a vivid description of the Rebbe, is handwritten by R. David Hess himself (the first leaf was written the very night of the audience). This charming account exudes much emotion (according to a letter to the Rebbe from his son R. Yisrael Hess, this private audience made a dramatic change in the life and soul of his elderly father, and thereafter he clung to Chabad, in spite of his German origin).
• 15 letters from R. Michael Yehuda Aryeh Leib Cohen, one of the heads of Tzeirei Agudat Chabad, 1954-1958. These letters contain interesting guidance in Chassidut and Chabad customs, sent to R. Yisrael Hess in his youth, at the time he took his first steps towards Chabad.
• Two letters from R. Shmuel Eliezer Halperin, Rabbi of the Beit Yisrael neighborhood in Jerusalem, an important Chabad rabbi, 1955.
• Letter with good wishes upon the marriage of R. Yisrael Hess, from R. Elimelech Bar Shaul, Rabbi of Rehovot, 1957.
• 9 letter drafts (16 leaves) by R. Yisrael Hess to the Rebbe, 1955-1961, in which he presents to the Rebbe with touching sincerity his doubts and deliberations regarding Chabad, its doctrine and customs.
R. Yisrael Hess (1935-1997) studied in his youth at Yeshivat HaDarom and Mercaz HaRav. Around 1954, he was drawn to the studying of Chabad teachings and its customs. Thenceforth, he began corresponding with the Lubavitcher Rebbe and with prominent Chassidim regarding fundamental matters related to Chabad. R. Hess was the son-in-law of the kabbalist R. Mordechai Attiya. In 1959, he founded the Bnei Akiva yeshiva in Raanana, and stood at its helm for 15 years. In 1973, he was appointed campus-rabbi of the Bar Ilan University, a tenure he held for eight years. He wrote many books of Torah and Jewish philosophy, and books explaining kabbalistic ideas. His books are primarily based on the foundations of Chabad teachings.
Some of the letters and the account of the Yechidus have apparently not been printed.
In one of these unprinted letters, the Rebbe writes: "It is understood and clear that I myself read all the letters written to me, and the responses are written at my instruction, even though for several reasons they are signed by the secretariat".
[59] leaves (including 21 letters from the Rebbe). Overall good condition. Size and condition vary.
21 letters from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, typewritten on the Rebbe's official stationery. 16 letters bear his signature and five are signed by his secretary R. Eliyahu Quint. Some of the letters contain corrections and two or three words in the Rebbe's handwriting.
The collection contains:
• 7 letters with New Year blessings from the Rebbe, with his signature, 1957-1963.
• 14 letters of guidance from the Rebbe, sent to R. Yisrael Hess in his youth, at the time he took his first steps towards Chabad. These letters contain answers to questions regarding halacha and custom, explanations of profound Chabad teachings, blessings for marriage and births, and more.
• 3 leaves (5 written pages), describing a rare and interesting conversation in Yechidus (private audience with the Rebbe), held between the Rebbe and R. David Hess (R. Yisrael's father) on 29th Adar 1960, for over 40 minutes. The account of this private audience, which includes a vivid description of the Rebbe, is handwritten by R. David Hess himself (the first leaf was written the very night of the audience). This charming account exudes much emotion (according to a letter to the Rebbe from his son R. Yisrael Hess, this private audience made a dramatic change in the life and soul of his elderly father, and thereafter he clung to Chabad, in spite of his German origin).
• 15 letters from R. Michael Yehuda Aryeh Leib Cohen, one of the heads of Tzeirei Agudat Chabad, 1954-1958. These letters contain interesting guidance in Chassidut and Chabad customs, sent to R. Yisrael Hess in his youth, at the time he took his first steps towards Chabad.
• Two letters from R. Shmuel Eliezer Halperin, Rabbi of the Beit Yisrael neighborhood in Jerusalem, an important Chabad rabbi, 1955.
• Letter with good wishes upon the marriage of R. Yisrael Hess, from R. Elimelech Bar Shaul, Rabbi of Rehovot, 1957.
• 9 letter drafts (16 leaves) by R. Yisrael Hess to the Rebbe, 1955-1961, in which he presents to the Rebbe with touching sincerity his doubts and deliberations regarding Chabad, its doctrine and customs.
R. Yisrael Hess (1935-1997) studied in his youth at Yeshivat HaDarom and Mercaz HaRav. Around 1954, he was drawn to the studying of Chabad teachings and its customs. Thenceforth, he began corresponding with the Lubavitcher Rebbe and with prominent Chassidim regarding fundamental matters related to Chabad. R. Hess was the son-in-law of the kabbalist R. Mordechai Attiya. In 1959, he founded the Bnei Akiva yeshiva in Raanana, and stood at its helm for 15 years. In 1973, he was appointed campus-rabbi of the Bar Ilan University, a tenure he held for eight years. He wrote many books of Torah and Jewish philosophy, and books explaining kabbalistic ideas. His books are primarily based on the foundations of Chabad teachings.
Some of the letters and the account of the Yechidus have apparently not been printed.
In one of these unprinted letters, the Rebbe writes: "It is understood and clear that I myself read all the letters written to me, and the responses are written at my instruction, even though for several reasons they are signed by the secretariat".
[59] leaves (including 21 letters from the Rebbe). Overall good condition. Size and condition vary.
Category
Chabad – Books and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
Likutei Amarim – Tanya, by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Brooklyn, 1978.
The signature of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, appears at the end of the book.
The following was written about this signature of the rebbe: "At the end of the month of Tishrei 1978, during private audiences with guests, the Rebbe gave instructions to go to the office to receive a Tanya…These books were especially cherished because they bore the signature of the Rebbe himself, on the book of the Tanya at its end…" (Kovetz L'Chizuk HaHitkashrut, 29, Tishrei 2011, p. 7).
[4], 216, [1] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Minor damage to binding.
The signature of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, appears at the end of the book.
The following was written about this signature of the rebbe: "At the end of the month of Tishrei 1978, during private audiences with guests, the Rebbe gave instructions to go to the office to receive a Tanya…These books were especially cherished because they bore the signature of the Rebbe himself, on the book of the Tanya at its end…" (Kovetz L'Chizuk HaHitkashrut, 29, Tishrei 2011, p. 7).
[4], 216, [1] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Minor damage to binding.
Category
Chabad – Books and Letters
Catalogue