Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
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Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Sifra DeTzniuta, with the commentary of the Gaon of Vilna. [Vilna and Grodno, 1820]. First edition of the commentary of the Gaon of Vilna on Sifra DeTzniuta.
This book is one of the fundamental books for understanding and studying the approach of the Gaon of Vilna to Kabbalah. The Chazon Ish would demonstrate the holiness and segulah qualities of this edition which was published by G-d fearing Jews through the following story. A dybbuk was once brought before one of the tzaddikim of the previous generation, in the presence of all the townspeople. The tzaddik declared: "Let me show you a wondrous thing!". He presented the dybbuk with two identical books – the first edition of Sifra DeTzniuta printed in the previous generation and the second edition printed in his times (Vilna, 1882). The books were both wrapped in paper, and thus outwardly undistinguishable. The dybbuk took the second edition of the book and embraced it lovingly; however, he recoiled from the other book saying that he is unable to touch it. The tzaddik explained the reason for this: the impure dybbuk was unable to touch the edition published by G-d-fearing Jews due to its great holiness, unlike the second edition, which was printed in a printing press which employed Jews who were lured by the Enlightenment Movement (Maaseh Ish, V, p. 122, in the name of R. Shemaryahu Greineman who heard the story from the Chazon Ish; Shimush Chachamim, p. 266).
A similar story was retold by R. Shmuel David HaKohen Munk (rabbi of the Orthodox community in Haifa), in the name of a Sephardic Jerusalem kabbalist. A person with a dybbuk was brought before the kabbalist, who placed the second edition of the Vilna Gaon's commentary on Sifra DeTzniuta on the man to no avail. He then used the first edition and the man was cured (Zechor LeDavid, II, p. 159). R. Munk also quotes R. Eliezer Gordon of Telz, who reported that when a volume of the first edition was placed in the hands of a dybbuk, he shook and screamed in terror: "The Vilner! The Vilner!", but did not show the same agitation upon similar exposure to a second edition (ibid).
Signatures on the title page: "Azriel son R. Tzvi Hirsh of Laižuva"; "Yehuda Leib son of R. Ziskind of Laižuva"; Russian inscription and censorship stamp.
[3], 59, [3] leaves (originally: [6], 59, [3] leaves). 21.5 cm. Thick, high-quality, light-colored paper, with wide margins. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear. Marginal tears and old paper repairs to first leaves. Library stamps. New leather binding.
The order of the forewords in this copy corresponds with the variants listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, no. 177999, where R. Chaim Volozhin's foreword precedes that of the R. Yaakov Moshe of Slonim, grandson of the Gaon of Vilna.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 696; Stefansky Classics, no. 334.
This book is one of the fundamental books for understanding and studying the approach of the Gaon of Vilna to Kabbalah. The Chazon Ish would demonstrate the holiness and segulah qualities of this edition which was published by G-d fearing Jews through the following story. A dybbuk was once brought before one of the tzaddikim of the previous generation, in the presence of all the townspeople. The tzaddik declared: "Let me show you a wondrous thing!". He presented the dybbuk with two identical books – the first edition of Sifra DeTzniuta printed in the previous generation and the second edition printed in his times (Vilna, 1882). The books were both wrapped in paper, and thus outwardly undistinguishable. The dybbuk took the second edition of the book and embraced it lovingly; however, he recoiled from the other book saying that he is unable to touch it. The tzaddik explained the reason for this: the impure dybbuk was unable to touch the edition published by G-d-fearing Jews due to its great holiness, unlike the second edition, which was printed in a printing press which employed Jews who were lured by the Enlightenment Movement (Maaseh Ish, V, p. 122, in the name of R. Shemaryahu Greineman who heard the story from the Chazon Ish; Shimush Chachamim, p. 266).
A similar story was retold by R. Shmuel David HaKohen Munk (rabbi of the Orthodox community in Haifa), in the name of a Sephardic Jerusalem kabbalist. A person with a dybbuk was brought before the kabbalist, who placed the second edition of the Vilna Gaon's commentary on Sifra DeTzniuta on the man to no avail. He then used the first edition and the man was cured (Zechor LeDavid, II, p. 159). R. Munk also quotes R. Eliezer Gordon of Telz, who reported that when a volume of the first edition was placed in the hands of a dybbuk, he shook and screamed in terror: "The Vilner! The Vilner!", but did not show the same agitation upon similar exposure to a second edition (ibid).
Signatures on the title page: "Azriel son R. Tzvi Hirsh of Laižuva"; "Yehuda Leib son of R. Ziskind of Laižuva"; Russian inscription and censorship stamp.
[3], 59, [3] leaves (originally: [6], 59, [3] leaves). 21.5 cm. Thick, high-quality, light-colored paper, with wide margins. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear. Marginal tears and old paper repairs to first leaves. Library stamps. New leather binding.
The order of the forewords in this copy corresponds with the variants listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, no. 177999, where R. Chaim Volozhin's foreword precedes that of the R. Yaakov Moshe of Slonim, grandson of the Gaon of Vilna.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 696; Stefansky Classics, no. 334.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,500
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
The five books of the Torah with various commentaries, including three new commentaries: the Vilna Gaon's Aderet Eliyahu and two works on the Mesorah: Menorat Shlomo and Minchat Kalil, authored by R. Or Shraga Feivush, the rabbi of Dubrowna (the Vilna Gaon's son-in-law). Dubrowna, 1804. Two title pages.
First edition of the Vilna Gaon's commentary on the Torah, with an introduction by his sons. On the verso of the title page of part II are the approbations of R. Chaim of Volozhin and other rabbis of Lithuania and Belarus.
[2], 68 leaves; 54 leaves; [1], 46 leaves; 51 leaves; 54 leaves; 16 leaves. 47 cm. Wide margins. Condition varies, good to fair. Stains. Dampstains (mildew to some leaves). Tears to title pages and several other leaves, affecting text, some of them repaired. Minor worming. Stamps and censor's inscriptions. New elegant leather binding.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 1.
First edition of the Vilna Gaon's commentary on the Torah, with an introduction by his sons. On the verso of the title page of part II are the approbations of R. Chaim of Volozhin and other rabbis of Lithuania and Belarus.
[2], 68 leaves; 54 leaves; [1], 46 leaves; 51 leaves; 54 leaves; 16 leaves. 47 cm. Wide margins. Condition varies, good to fair. Stains. Dampstains (mildew to some leaves). Tears to title pages and several other leaves, affecting text, some of them repaired. Minor worming. Stamps and censor's inscriptions. New elegant leather binding.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 1.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $4,250
Including buyer's premium
Nefesh HaChaim, by R. Chaim of Volozhin, foremost disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. Vilna and Grodno, 1824. First edition.
With forewords by his sons, R. Yitzchak of Volozhin and R. Yosef of Shereshov, and approbations by Vilna rabbis, R. Shaul Katzenellenbogen and R. Avraham Abele Poswoler.
A classic book of the teachings of the Gaon of Vilna and his disciples, concerning manners of conduct and service of G-d according to both the revealed and hidden realms of the Torah (many parts of the book were written as a response to the Chassidic school of thought, following the philosophy and ways of the Gaon of Vilna and his disciples). The author, R. Chaim of Volozhin, cherished this book more than all his many halachic writings, and before his passing, he ordered his sons to expedite its publishing. The book was edited and brought to press by the author’s son, R. Yitzchak of Volozhin, and by his nephew, R. Avraham Simcha of Amtchislav (Mstsislaw), both of whom served as deans of the Volozhin Yeshiva.
Many stamps, ownership inscriptions, and signatures: "Shalom Shachne…"; "Moshe Yosef son of Pinchas El---"; "Akiva son of R. …"; "This book belongs to… R. Yehuda Leib Katz of…"; "This Nefesh HaChaim belongs to the wealthy R. Shmuel Shalom, son-in-law of R. Dov Ber…"; "Meir Elia Acker – in Jerusalem", and other stamps and inscriptions in various languages.
[6], 17; 10; 8, [1]; 4; 17; 4 leaves. 22.5 cm. Wide margins. Good-fair condition. Many stains and minor wear. Stamps and many inscriptions. New leather binding.
Stefansky Classics, no. 478.
With forewords by his sons, R. Yitzchak of Volozhin and R. Yosef of Shereshov, and approbations by Vilna rabbis, R. Shaul Katzenellenbogen and R. Avraham Abele Poswoler.
A classic book of the teachings of the Gaon of Vilna and his disciples, concerning manners of conduct and service of G-d according to both the revealed and hidden realms of the Torah (many parts of the book were written as a response to the Chassidic school of thought, following the philosophy and ways of the Gaon of Vilna and his disciples). The author, R. Chaim of Volozhin, cherished this book more than all his many halachic writings, and before his passing, he ordered his sons to expedite its publishing. The book was edited and brought to press by the author’s son, R. Yitzchak of Volozhin, and by his nephew, R. Avraham Simcha of Amtchislav (Mstsislaw), both of whom served as deans of the Volozhin Yeshiva.
Many stamps, ownership inscriptions, and signatures: "Shalom Shachne…"; "Moshe Yosef son of Pinchas El---"; "Akiva son of R. …"; "This book belongs to… R. Yehuda Leib Katz of…"; "This Nefesh HaChaim belongs to the wealthy R. Shmuel Shalom, son-in-law of R. Dov Ber…"; "Meir Elia Acker – in Jerusalem", and other stamps and inscriptions in various languages.
[6], 17; 10; 8, [1]; 4; 17; 4 leaves. 22.5 cm. Wide margins. Good-fair condition. Many stains and minor wear. Stamps and many inscriptions. New leather binding.
Stefansky Classics, no. 478.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $1,375
Including buyer's premium
Lechem Terumah, homilies on the Torah and the Mishnah, by R. Aharon son of R. Yeshaya Kreglushker of Vilna, Maggid of Baltremantz (Butrimonys) and Voronove (Voranava). Fürth, [1781]. Only edition.
Lechem Terumah is one of the first books to bring teachings in the name of the Gaon of Vilna, in his lifetime. The author refers to the Gaon of Vilna with great praise (see for example pp. 3b, 17b, 24b).
At the same time, this book brings teachings in the names of great Chassidic masters, contemporaries of the author, and is one of the first books to include teachings of the Baal Shem Tov (p. 4a), the Maggid of Mezeritch (ibid), R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg (p. 4b) and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (at the time he served as rabbi of Pinsk; p. 27b), also referring to them with great esteem.
[3], 4-56 leaves. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Minor worming, affecting text. Stamps. New binding.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 1284.
Lechem Terumah is one of the first books to bring teachings in the name of the Gaon of Vilna, in his lifetime. The author refers to the Gaon of Vilna with great praise (see for example pp. 3b, 17b, 24b).
At the same time, this book brings teachings in the names of great Chassidic masters, contemporaries of the author, and is one of the first books to include teachings of the Baal Shem Tov (p. 4a), the Maggid of Mezeritch (ibid), R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg (p. 4b) and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (at the time he served as rabbi of Pinsk; p. 27b), also referring to them with great esteem.
[3], 4-56 leaves. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Minor worming, affecting text. Stamps. New binding.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 1284.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books
Catalogue