Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $20,000
Estimate: $50,000 - $100,000
Sold for: $27,500
Including buyer's premium
Siddur HaGra BeNigle UveNistar, two parts. With Maase Rav and Likkutei Dinim MehaGra, and with kabbalistic explanations and kavanot based on a manuscript siddur and Likutei HaGra (selections from the teachings of the Gaon of Vilna). Compiled by the kabbalist R. Naftali Hertz HaLevi, Rabbi of Jaffa. Jerusalem: J.N. Lewy, [1895-1898]. Two title pages (the first printed in color).
The copy of the Chafetz Chaim. His signature appears on both title pages: "Yisrael Meir HaKohen" (strips of adhesive tape were taped onto the signatures, apparently to preserve them). A few handwritten corrections appear in several places, some on kabbalistic sections of Likutei HaGra. The handwriting of these corrections is very similar to the Chafetz Chaim's handwriting and they seem to have been written by him.
R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin (1839-1933), leader of the Jewish people, was widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He founded the Radin yeshiva and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishna Berura, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and many more.
The abovementioned glosses on Likutei HaGra are textual corrections to the passages of the Zohar cited there. As is well-known, the Chafetz Chaim studied the Zohar extensively, and each Shabbat he would study the Zohar on the weekly portion. His disciple R. Shlomo Bloch related that he heard from R. Hirsh, the son-in-law of the Chafetz Chaim, that the Chafetz Chaim once confided in him that had the generation not needed him, he would have fully devoted himself to the study of kabbalah, "as he yearns to do in accordance with the essence of his soul… He stated that every Shabbat, the Chafetz Chaim studied the Zohar on the weekly portion and would also tell others to study the Zohar on the weekly portion – even young men – saying that most of the content is like studying midrash" (HaTzaddik Rabbi Shlomo, p. 36). His son R. Aryeh Leib HaKohen wrote in his father's biography: "He greatly endorsed the study of kabbalah and said that it is one of the most elevated facets of the Torah. He would often say that without kabbalah, we grope in the darkness and it is impossible to appreciate the way G-d conducts the world. He was perturbed by the lack of time he had to delve into its depths because community needs compelled him to spend more time studying the revealed aspects of the Torah and he would only study kabbalistic books occasionally and usually late at night. From my youth, I remember that he only owned kabbalistic books of early authors, such as Sefer Yetzira and Safra D'Tzniuta with the Gaon's commentary, as well as Sefer HaTemuna and the Zohar. He also owned Sefer HaPardess by R. Moshe Cordovero, Etz Chaim, Pri Etz Chaim, Avodat HaKodesh, and also the books of R. Y. Gikatilla: Shaarei Ora, Ginat Egoz, and Shefa Tal, and no others" (Dugma MiDarkei Avi, entry 50).
[5], 164 leaves; 160 leaves (lacking title page of Part II, which is only found in some copies). 23 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains. Wear and a few tears. Signs of heavy use. Dark stains to the leaves of Birkat HaMazon and Havdalah. Stamps. New binding, slightly worn.
The copy of the Chafetz Chaim. His signature appears on both title pages: "Yisrael Meir HaKohen" (strips of adhesive tape were taped onto the signatures, apparently to preserve them). A few handwritten corrections appear in several places, some on kabbalistic sections of Likutei HaGra. The handwriting of these corrections is very similar to the Chafetz Chaim's handwriting and they seem to have been written by him.
R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin (1839-1933), leader of the Jewish people, was widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He founded the Radin yeshiva and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishna Berura, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and many more.
The abovementioned glosses on Likutei HaGra are textual corrections to the passages of the Zohar cited there. As is well-known, the Chafetz Chaim studied the Zohar extensively, and each Shabbat he would study the Zohar on the weekly portion. His disciple R. Shlomo Bloch related that he heard from R. Hirsh, the son-in-law of the Chafetz Chaim, that the Chafetz Chaim once confided in him that had the generation not needed him, he would have fully devoted himself to the study of kabbalah, "as he yearns to do in accordance with the essence of his soul… He stated that every Shabbat, the Chafetz Chaim studied the Zohar on the weekly portion and would also tell others to study the Zohar on the weekly portion – even young men – saying that most of the content is like studying midrash" (HaTzaddik Rabbi Shlomo, p. 36). His son R. Aryeh Leib HaKohen wrote in his father's biography: "He greatly endorsed the study of kabbalah and said that it is one of the most elevated facets of the Torah. He would often say that without kabbalah, we grope in the darkness and it is impossible to appreciate the way G-d conducts the world. He was perturbed by the lack of time he had to delve into its depths because community needs compelled him to spend more time studying the revealed aspects of the Torah and he would only study kabbalistic books occasionally and usually late at night. From my youth, I remember that he only owned kabbalistic books of early authors, such as Sefer Yetzira and Safra D'Tzniuta with the Gaon's commentary, as well as Sefer HaTemuna and the Zohar. He also owned Sefer HaPardess by R. Moshe Cordovero, Etz Chaim, Pri Etz Chaim, Avodat HaKodesh, and also the books of R. Y. Gikatilla: Shaarei Ora, Ginat Egoz, and Shefa Tal, and no others" (Dugma MiDarkei Avi, entry 50).
[5], 164 leaves; 160 leaves (lacking title page of Part II, which is only found in some copies). 23 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains. Wear and a few tears. Signs of heavy use. Dark stains to the leaves of Birkat HaMazon and Havdalah. Stamps. New binding, slightly worn.
Category
Siddurim and Prayer Books – Copies of Tzaddikim
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
Siddur with the commentary of R. Yaakov Emden, Part I – Amudei Shamayim (prayers for weekdays and Shabbat) and Part II – Shaarei Shamayim (prayers for festivals and more), Ashkenazi rite. Altona: [Printed in the home of the author R. Yaakov Rabbi of Emden – the Yaavetz], [1745-1747]. First edition.
Two parts out of three of the siddur with R. Yaakov Emden's commentaries, based on revealed parts of the Torah and on Kabbalah – following the teachings of the Arizal. The first edition of this siddur is renowned for its great precision. R. Yaakov Emden expended great effort in establishing the exact text of the siddur, in the vocalization and accuracy of the words. This siddur was reprinted in many editions and was named by later printers "the Beit Yaakov siddur". In the siddur's later editions (Lviv and Warsaw), modifications and errors affected the text of the prayers, and all that remains of R. Yaakov Emden's corrections and precisions are his comments, integrated in his commentary printed in the margins. R. Yaakov Emden's siddur became widely accepted in the Chassidic world, and its second edition was printed in Korets in 1818, at the initiative and with the approbation of great Chassidic leaders: the rabbi of Apta and R. Mordechai of Chernobyl. The latter describes in his approbation the rarity of the first edition – the teachings of the Yaavetz are so cherished that "the siddurim have already become worn out, and there is not one to be found in the whole city". The Korets edition included only parts I and II, and in 1836, the third part was printed in Berditchev at the initiative and with the approbation of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl and R. Yisrael of Ruzhin (who praised the siddur in his approbation: "It was established and originates from golden foundations, in order to indicate the correct path with pure intellect on the topic of prayer"). The Imrei Yosef of Spinka wrote in the name of the sons of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, who heard from their father who had a tradition that the Baal Shem Tov once told R. Efraim, brother of the Yaavetz: "Your brother the Yaavetz was connected to the Upper spheres all day" (approbation of R. Moshe Halberstam to the Eshkol edition of the siddur, Jerusalem 1993). Tzror HaChaim (by R. Ch. Liebersohn, Biłgoraj 1913, p. 22), quotes in the name of the Baal Shem Tov: "Chacham Tzvi had five sons, whom the Baal Shem Tov attested all merited Divine Inspiration, yet he offered especially effusive praise on one of them, without disclosing which one, but his friends confirmed that he was referring to the Yaavetz". The Yeshuot Moshe of Vizhnitz writes in his approbation to that same edition: "…This siddur did not depart from the tables of our teachers and ancestors, who utilized it constantly, especially while leading the Seder on Passover night". Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch quoted precisions and practices from this siddur several times in his discourses, and once remarked "R. Yaakov Emden exercised ultimate precision in every way, to the point of being meticulous even regarding the letters etc." (BeTzel HaChochma, p. 265).
Title page of Part I: "Palatin Bet El, resting upon seven Amudei Shamayim, also called Ohr Shivat HaYamim". On the verso of the title page, approbation by R. Yechezkel Katzenellenbogen Rabbi of Altona-Hamburg-Wandsbek, extolling the virtues of the siddur. He relates in his approbation of cantors who are not meticulous to follow the rules of grammar "and sometimes upon hearing such mistakes, I berated them…". Title page of Part II: "The palace of the city of G-d, is open to 14 gates… Shaarei Shamayim… for the days and months of the year". The approbation of R. Aryeh Leibush Rabbi and yeshiva dean of Amsterdam, brother-in-law of the author and outstanding Torah scholar, is presented on p. 159b, followed by the author's apology for printing the approbation at the end of the siddur (rather than at the beginning, as is customary), explaining that it was received only at the end of printing: "…and it is already known that the position does not bring honor to the person, and we find that the last one is the most cherished, and the Torah does not follow chronological order...".
Two parts in two volumes. Vol. I: [2], 2-356, 354-385, 389-415, 417-418 leaves. Vol. II: [1], 2-159 leaves. Approx. 17 cm. Browned paper. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear. Various stamps. Fine new leather bindings (matching).
Stefansky Classics, no. 415.
Two parts out of three of the siddur with R. Yaakov Emden's commentaries, based on revealed parts of the Torah and on Kabbalah – following the teachings of the Arizal. The first edition of this siddur is renowned for its great precision. R. Yaakov Emden expended great effort in establishing the exact text of the siddur, in the vocalization and accuracy of the words. This siddur was reprinted in many editions and was named by later printers "the Beit Yaakov siddur". In the siddur's later editions (Lviv and Warsaw), modifications and errors affected the text of the prayers, and all that remains of R. Yaakov Emden's corrections and precisions are his comments, integrated in his commentary printed in the margins. R. Yaakov Emden's siddur became widely accepted in the Chassidic world, and its second edition was printed in Korets in 1818, at the initiative and with the approbation of great Chassidic leaders: the rabbi of Apta and R. Mordechai of Chernobyl. The latter describes in his approbation the rarity of the first edition – the teachings of the Yaavetz are so cherished that "the siddurim have already become worn out, and there is not one to be found in the whole city". The Korets edition included only parts I and II, and in 1836, the third part was printed in Berditchev at the initiative and with the approbation of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl and R. Yisrael of Ruzhin (who praised the siddur in his approbation: "It was established and originates from golden foundations, in order to indicate the correct path with pure intellect on the topic of prayer"). The Imrei Yosef of Spinka wrote in the name of the sons of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, who heard from their father who had a tradition that the Baal Shem Tov once told R. Efraim, brother of the Yaavetz: "Your brother the Yaavetz was connected to the Upper spheres all day" (approbation of R. Moshe Halberstam to the Eshkol edition of the siddur, Jerusalem 1993). Tzror HaChaim (by R. Ch. Liebersohn, Biłgoraj 1913, p. 22), quotes in the name of the Baal Shem Tov: "Chacham Tzvi had five sons, whom the Baal Shem Tov attested all merited Divine Inspiration, yet he offered especially effusive praise on one of them, without disclosing which one, but his friends confirmed that he was referring to the Yaavetz". The Yeshuot Moshe of Vizhnitz writes in his approbation to that same edition: "…This siddur did not depart from the tables of our teachers and ancestors, who utilized it constantly, especially while leading the Seder on Passover night". Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch quoted precisions and practices from this siddur several times in his discourses, and once remarked "R. Yaakov Emden exercised ultimate precision in every way, to the point of being meticulous even regarding the letters etc." (BeTzel HaChochma, p. 265).
Title page of Part I: "Palatin Bet El, resting upon seven Amudei Shamayim, also called Ohr Shivat HaYamim". On the verso of the title page, approbation by R. Yechezkel Katzenellenbogen Rabbi of Altona-Hamburg-Wandsbek, extolling the virtues of the siddur. He relates in his approbation of cantors who are not meticulous to follow the rules of grammar "and sometimes upon hearing such mistakes, I berated them…". Title page of Part II: "The palace of the city of G-d, is open to 14 gates… Shaarei Shamayim… for the days and months of the year". The approbation of R. Aryeh Leibush Rabbi and yeshiva dean of Amsterdam, brother-in-law of the author and outstanding Torah scholar, is presented on p. 159b, followed by the author's apology for printing the approbation at the end of the siddur (rather than at the beginning, as is customary), explaining that it was received only at the end of printing: "…and it is already known that the position does not bring honor to the person, and we find that the last one is the most cherished, and the Torah does not follow chronological order...".
Two parts in two volumes. Vol. I: [2], 2-356, 354-385, 389-415, 417-418 leaves. Vol. II: [1], 2-159 leaves. Approx. 17 cm. Browned paper. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear. Various stamps. Fine new leather bindings (matching).
Stefansky Classics, no. 415.
Category
Siddurim and Prayer Books – Copies of Tzaddikim
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $20,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000
Sold for: $27,500
Including buyer's premium
Siddur Tefilla Yeshara V'Keter Nehora HaShalem, Sefard rite, following Nusach HaAri. Bound with the book of Tehillim. [Föhrenwald: Yoffe, ca. 1946 – photocopy of the Przemyśl 1929 edition, with minor additions and omissions. The book of Tehillim is a photocopy from a different source]. Separate title pages for Tehillim and for Kuntress Netiv Mitzvotecha.
Comprehensive siddur, following the Nusach Sefard of the Siddur Radvil, with many kabblistic and Chassidic commentaries and additions.
Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar prayed from this siddur and Tehillim in his home over a long period of time. The front pastedown bears the testimony of one of the Rebbe's assistants, who in his youth assisted the Rebbe (as "hoiz bocher") for about two years and received the siddur as a wedding gift: " The Rebbe prayed from this siddur in his home over a long period of time and recited Tehillim from it each morning. I merited hearing him pour out his soul while reciting Tehillim in the course of the two years I assisted him, and I received this siddur from the Rebbe's home before my marriage in Sivan 1960. Yoel Gantz".
Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar (1887-1979), one of the greatest leaders of his generation, president of the Eda HaCharedit and leader of American Orthodox Jewry, one of the founding pillars of Chassidic Jewry after the Holocaust. Born in Sighet (Sighetu Marmației), he was the son of Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda, the Yitav Lev, who both served as rabbis of Sighet and were leaders of Chassidic Jewry in the Maramureș region. He was renowned from his youth for his perspicacity and intellectual capacities, as well as for his holiness and outstanding purity. After marrying the daughter of Rebbe Avraham Chaim Horowitz of Polaniec, he settled in Satmar (Satu Mare) and taught Torah and Chassidut to an elite group of disciples and followers. He served as rabbi of Irshava, Karaly (Carei; from 1925) and Satmar (Satu Mare; from 1934), managing in each of these places a large yeshiva and Chassidic court. He stood at the helm of faithful, uncompromising Orthodox Jewry in the Maramureș region. During the Holocaust, he was rescued by the Kastner Train, and after a journey through Bergen-Belsen and Eretz Israel, he reached the United States, where he established the largest Chassidic group in the world – Satmar Chassidut, until today the dominant faction in American Orthodox Jewry. He served as president of the Eda HaCharedit in Jerusalem. A leading opponent of Zionism and of the founding of the State of Israel, he zealously led crucial battles for the preservation of the unique character of the Jewish people and its holiness, fearful for the honor of the Torah and the future of faithful Jewry. He was renowned as an exceptionally charitable person; his door was open to the poor and his ear attentive to the needy from every stream of the Jewish people. An outstanding Torah scholar, he responded to many halachic queries, and his writings were published in dozens of books: VaYoel Moshe, Responsa Divrei Yoel, Divrei Yoel on the Torah and more.
(Lacking the first of the two title pages). [2], 5-18 pages, [2], 36 pages, 5-464 pages, 24, [1] pages; 88, 40 pages. 20.5 cm. Brittle paper. Fair-good condition. Stains. Tears. Open tears to several leaves (repaired with paper), with significant loss of text – these damaged leaves are mainly in the following places: Seder Tikkunei Shabbat, Seudah Shelishit and Seder Havdalah; Chapter 107 of Tehillim. New binding.
Comprehensive siddur, following the Nusach Sefard of the Siddur Radvil, with many kabblistic and Chassidic commentaries and additions.
Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar prayed from this siddur and Tehillim in his home over a long period of time. The front pastedown bears the testimony of one of the Rebbe's assistants, who in his youth assisted the Rebbe (as "hoiz bocher") for about two years and received the siddur as a wedding gift: " The Rebbe prayed from this siddur in his home over a long period of time and recited Tehillim from it each morning. I merited hearing him pour out his soul while reciting Tehillim in the course of the two years I assisted him, and I received this siddur from the Rebbe's home before my marriage in Sivan 1960. Yoel Gantz".
Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar (1887-1979), one of the greatest leaders of his generation, president of the Eda HaCharedit and leader of American Orthodox Jewry, one of the founding pillars of Chassidic Jewry after the Holocaust. Born in Sighet (Sighetu Marmației), he was the son of Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda, the Yitav Lev, who both served as rabbis of Sighet and were leaders of Chassidic Jewry in the Maramureș region. He was renowned from his youth for his perspicacity and intellectual capacities, as well as for his holiness and outstanding purity. After marrying the daughter of Rebbe Avraham Chaim Horowitz of Polaniec, he settled in Satmar (Satu Mare) and taught Torah and Chassidut to an elite group of disciples and followers. He served as rabbi of Irshava, Karaly (Carei; from 1925) and Satmar (Satu Mare; from 1934), managing in each of these places a large yeshiva and Chassidic court. He stood at the helm of faithful, uncompromising Orthodox Jewry in the Maramureș region. During the Holocaust, he was rescued by the Kastner Train, and after a journey through Bergen-Belsen and Eretz Israel, he reached the United States, where he established the largest Chassidic group in the world – Satmar Chassidut, until today the dominant faction in American Orthodox Jewry. He served as president of the Eda HaCharedit in Jerusalem. A leading opponent of Zionism and of the founding of the State of Israel, he zealously led crucial battles for the preservation of the unique character of the Jewish people and its holiness, fearful for the honor of the Torah and the future of faithful Jewry. He was renowned as an exceptionally charitable person; his door was open to the poor and his ear attentive to the needy from every stream of the Jewish people. An outstanding Torah scholar, he responded to many halachic queries, and his writings were published in dozens of books: VaYoel Moshe, Responsa Divrei Yoel, Divrei Yoel on the Torah and more.
(Lacking the first of the two title pages). [2], 5-18 pages, [2], 36 pages, 5-464 pages, 24, [1] pages; 88, 40 pages. 20.5 cm. Brittle paper. Fair-good condition. Stains. Tears. Open tears to several leaves (repaired with paper), with significant loss of text – these damaged leaves are mainly in the following places: Seder Tikkunei Shabbat, Seudah Shelishit and Seder Havdalah; Chapter 107 of Tehillim. New binding.
Category
Siddurim and Prayer Books – Copies of Tzaddikim
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
Siddur Nehorah Raba HeChadash, nusach Sefarad, with "commentary and simple kavanot". Bound with the book of Tehillim (with a separate title page for Tehillim). Warsaw, R. Avraham Kahana [ca. 1920s].
This comprehensive, small-format Siddur, belonged to Rebbe David Moshe of Kretshnif since his youth. It bears his signatures and an autograph dedication to his nephew, to whom he gifted the siddur in 1946.
The front and back flyleaves bear six of his signatures, two of which read: "David Moshe Rosenbaum, son of the tzaddik of Kretshnif". On the front flyleaf is a dedication handwritten and signed by him, dated Adar II 1946, Bucharest, in which he writes that he is giving the book to his nephew Yitzchak Izak: " I am giving this siddur as a gift to my nephew, the young man Yitzchak Izak'l. Monday night, Vayikra 1946, Bucharest. David Moshe".
R. David Moshe Rosenbaum, the third Kretshnif Rebbe (1924-1969), was the son of Rebbe Eliezer Zeev of Kretshnif (who perished in the Holocaust in Iyar 1944). During the Holocaust, he was sent with his father to the Auschwitz extermination camp. His father appointed him as his successor and promised that he would survive the Holocaust since the Jewish people need him. After the Holocaust he wed his niece, daughter of Rebbe Chaim Mordechai of Nadvorna (1903-1977), and was appointed Rebbe of the city of Siget. In late 1946, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Jerusalem. After his home was demolished during the Israeli War of Independence, he moved to Rehovot and established his Beit Midrash in that city. Known as a miracle-worker, his home drew many Jews who turned to him for counsel and blessings, especially in medical and financial matters. He was particularly famous for his segulot for curing various ailments. Hundreds of Jews flocked to him each day and he also wrote letters (through his assistants) to those who sent him queries by post. His gravesite in Rehovot is a popular place for prayer, and many stories are told of salvation and miracles which took place after praying there.
The recipient of the siddur was apparently his nephew (his sister's son), R. Yitzchak Yehuda Yechiel Izak Rosenbaum, who was the son of Rebbe Chaim Mordechai Rosenbaum of Nadvorna. In 1946, R. David Moshe married R. Yitzchak Izak's sister, Rebbetzin Esther Rachel (R. Yitzchak Izak composed a special song in honor of his sister’s wedding, “V’hu KeChatan, which is still sung until this day at weddings in the courts of Nadvorna Rebbes). He was known for his holy conduct and admired as a gifted genius; it was anticipated that he would reach lofty heights, however his life was tragically cut short during his attempt to immigrate to Eretz Israel on the illegal immigrant ship Knesset Yisrael. In November 1946, the British authorities detained the ship on the shores of Eretz Israel and eventually sent all immigrants aboard to detention camps in Cyprus. During the course of the discussions regarding the fate of those aboard, the British opened fire on the ship, killing the young Yitzchak Izak. He was buried in the Hof HaCarmel cemetery in Haifa and his grave is frequently visited until this day (for further information about him and the story of his death, see: C.S. Sarne, Akedat Yitzchak, Bnei Brak 1987).
[1], 342 leaves; 33; [2], 3-8 leaves (disrupted foliation and misfoliation. This is a stereotype edition, based on different editions). Tehillim: [1], 2-79, 79-109 leaves. 13.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and signs of use. Tears, some of them open, with loss of text (large open tear on the page of Hadlakat Ner Chanukah; approx. half of the page is missing). Stamps. New leather binding.
This comprehensive, small-format Siddur, belonged to Rebbe David Moshe of Kretshnif since his youth. It bears his signatures and an autograph dedication to his nephew, to whom he gifted the siddur in 1946.
The front and back flyleaves bear six of his signatures, two of which read: "David Moshe Rosenbaum, son of the tzaddik of Kretshnif". On the front flyleaf is a dedication handwritten and signed by him, dated Adar II 1946, Bucharest, in which he writes that he is giving the book to his nephew Yitzchak Izak: " I am giving this siddur as a gift to my nephew, the young man Yitzchak Izak'l. Monday night, Vayikra 1946, Bucharest. David Moshe".
R. David Moshe Rosenbaum, the third Kretshnif Rebbe (1924-1969), was the son of Rebbe Eliezer Zeev of Kretshnif (who perished in the Holocaust in Iyar 1944). During the Holocaust, he was sent with his father to the Auschwitz extermination camp. His father appointed him as his successor and promised that he would survive the Holocaust since the Jewish people need him. After the Holocaust he wed his niece, daughter of Rebbe Chaim Mordechai of Nadvorna (1903-1977), and was appointed Rebbe of the city of Siget. In late 1946, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Jerusalem. After his home was demolished during the Israeli War of Independence, he moved to Rehovot and established his Beit Midrash in that city. Known as a miracle-worker, his home drew many Jews who turned to him for counsel and blessings, especially in medical and financial matters. He was particularly famous for his segulot for curing various ailments. Hundreds of Jews flocked to him each day and he also wrote letters (through his assistants) to those who sent him queries by post. His gravesite in Rehovot is a popular place for prayer, and many stories are told of salvation and miracles which took place after praying there.
The recipient of the siddur was apparently his nephew (his sister's son), R. Yitzchak Yehuda Yechiel Izak Rosenbaum, who was the son of Rebbe Chaim Mordechai Rosenbaum of Nadvorna. In 1946, R. David Moshe married R. Yitzchak Izak's sister, Rebbetzin Esther Rachel (R. Yitzchak Izak composed a special song in honor of his sister’s wedding, “V’hu KeChatan, which is still sung until this day at weddings in the courts of Nadvorna Rebbes). He was known for his holy conduct and admired as a gifted genius; it was anticipated that he would reach lofty heights, however his life was tragically cut short during his attempt to immigrate to Eretz Israel on the illegal immigrant ship Knesset Yisrael. In November 1946, the British authorities detained the ship on the shores of Eretz Israel and eventually sent all immigrants aboard to detention camps in Cyprus. During the course of the discussions regarding the fate of those aboard, the British opened fire on the ship, killing the young Yitzchak Izak. He was buried in the Hof HaCarmel cemetery in Haifa and his grave is frequently visited until this day (for further information about him and the story of his death, see: C.S. Sarne, Akedat Yitzchak, Bnei Brak 1987).
[1], 342 leaves; 33; [2], 3-8 leaves (disrupted foliation and misfoliation. This is a stereotype edition, based on different editions). Tehillim: [1], 2-79, 79-109 leaves. 13.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and signs of use. Tears, some of them open, with loss of text (large open tear on the page of Hadlakat Ner Chanukah; approx. half of the page is missing). Stamps. New leather binding.
Category
Siddurim and Prayer Books – Copies of Tzaddikim
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000
Unsold
Siddur Beit Yaakov by R. Yaakov Emden, Nusach Sefard, with Seder Maamadot and Tehillim. New York: Otzar HaSefarim Publications, [ca. 1970s. Photocopy of the Lemberg 1904 edition].
Thick comprehensive siddur, containing the commentary of the Yaavetz and many prayers not included in other siddurim.
The copy of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, which was used by him extensively and bears signs of heavy usage (it appears that the Rebbe utilized this siddur for prayers at home, as the wear and stains appear primarily on the leaves of Tikun Chatzot, Hanhagat HaBoker, Seder Hanachat Tefillin, "Prayers before praying", Seder Brit Milah, Shabbat songs, Seder Ushpizin, Netilat Lulav, Hadlakat Ner Chanukah, Tehillim and the Tzetel Katan of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk).
The Siddur bears stamps of the Rebbe: "Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz, Rabbi of Ribnitz". The name of the Rebbe is also debossed on the front binding. A handwritten leaf with charts for reciting Tehillim, arranged according to the days of the month, is taped to the back pastedown. The front endpapers contain kvitels of various people, who wrote down their name and the name of their mother, in order for the Rebbe to mention them in in his prayers while using this siddur.
R. Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz, The Ribnitzer Rebbe (1898-1996), was born in Botoșani, Romania, and was orphaned from his father at the age of two and a half. An exceptional Torah scholar, tzaddik and wonder-worker, he served as rebbe under the Communist rule in Romania, at much danger to his life. As a young orphan, he was raised in the house of R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Frankel of Botoșani and was rabbinically ordained by R. Yehuda Leib Tzirelson. He had especially close ties to Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Freidman of Ştefăneşti. Reputedly, the Rebbe of Ştefăneşti, who had no children, used to call him "my dear son", and he in turn would say about the Rebbe of Ştefăneşti: "I am his only son". The Rebbe of Ştefăneşti told R. Abramowitz on his death bed: "I am bequeathing you three things, my Divine Spirit, my form and my grace". R. Abramowitz was an outstanding Torah genius and extremely well-versed in Torah knowledge; at the age of 18, he already knew the entire Talmud. Known from his youth for his virtuous ascetic conduct, he practiced acts of self-denial, such as immersing in icy water, fasting for days wrapped in his tallit and tefillin, and reciting Tikun Chatzot while wearing sackcloth, shedding bitter tears for many hours.
In the wake of World War II, many rabbis left Russian-occupied areas due to the difficulties in maintaining religious Jewish life under Communist rule, but he remained in the city of Râbniţa (today Moldova), devotedly serving as a Chassidic rebbe. In spite of governmental prohibitions, he continued observing all the mitzvot openly, performing the duties of a shochet, mohel and Torah teacher. In his merit, Chassidic life was fully preserved behind the Iron Curtain. Communist officials knew of his activities yet respected him. Reputedly, he was once arrested for his actions, but was released upon promising that the judge's wife would be cured if he was freed.
After the Iron Curtain fell, he immigrated to Jerusalem and thereafter to the United States, where masses flocked to his door. He was known to possess the Divine Spirit and said of himself that he could see "from one end of the world to the other". His fame spread as a tzaddik and wonder-worker. Thousands came to ask his advice and receive his blessings, and saw incredible divine salvation. His blessings helped cure illnesses, and helped many find their match and give birth to children. He was an exceptional Ohev Yisrael and would bitterly shed tears when he heard of the pain of another Jew. He used to say that the salvations he achieved were in the merit of feeling the pain of his brethren and his tears and prayers on behalf of the distressed.
He passed away when he was nearly 100 years old. Thousands visit his grave in Monsey, New York, each year. The singer Mordechai ben David (Werdiger), who was a devoted Chassid of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, dedicated the song "Oy, Rebbe" (from his album "Ein Od Milvado") to the Rebbe.
[2], 3-406, 1-20, 433-472 leaves. Approx. 23 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains. Creases and wear to some leaves (see above). Tears with minor damage to text in some leaves. Several detached leaves. Wine stains to seder Brit Milah, Shabbat songs and kiddush for Rosh Hashanah. Oil and wax stains to the seder Hadlakat Ner Chanukah. Stamps. Original fabric binding.
Thick comprehensive siddur, containing the commentary of the Yaavetz and many prayers not included in other siddurim.
The copy of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, which was used by him extensively and bears signs of heavy usage (it appears that the Rebbe utilized this siddur for prayers at home, as the wear and stains appear primarily on the leaves of Tikun Chatzot, Hanhagat HaBoker, Seder Hanachat Tefillin, "Prayers before praying", Seder Brit Milah, Shabbat songs, Seder Ushpizin, Netilat Lulav, Hadlakat Ner Chanukah, Tehillim and the Tzetel Katan of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk).
The Siddur bears stamps of the Rebbe: "Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz, Rabbi of Ribnitz". The name of the Rebbe is also debossed on the front binding. A handwritten leaf with charts for reciting Tehillim, arranged according to the days of the month, is taped to the back pastedown. The front endpapers contain kvitels of various people, who wrote down their name and the name of their mother, in order for the Rebbe to mention them in in his prayers while using this siddur.
R. Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz, The Ribnitzer Rebbe (1898-1996), was born in Botoșani, Romania, and was orphaned from his father at the age of two and a half. An exceptional Torah scholar, tzaddik and wonder-worker, he served as rebbe under the Communist rule in Romania, at much danger to his life. As a young orphan, he was raised in the house of R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Frankel of Botoșani and was rabbinically ordained by R. Yehuda Leib Tzirelson. He had especially close ties to Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Freidman of Ştefăneşti. Reputedly, the Rebbe of Ştefăneşti, who had no children, used to call him "my dear son", and he in turn would say about the Rebbe of Ştefăneşti: "I am his only son". The Rebbe of Ştefăneşti told R. Abramowitz on his death bed: "I am bequeathing you three things, my Divine Spirit, my form and my grace". R. Abramowitz was an outstanding Torah genius and extremely well-versed in Torah knowledge; at the age of 18, he already knew the entire Talmud. Known from his youth for his virtuous ascetic conduct, he practiced acts of self-denial, such as immersing in icy water, fasting for days wrapped in his tallit and tefillin, and reciting Tikun Chatzot while wearing sackcloth, shedding bitter tears for many hours.
In the wake of World War II, many rabbis left Russian-occupied areas due to the difficulties in maintaining religious Jewish life under Communist rule, but he remained in the city of Râbniţa (today Moldova), devotedly serving as a Chassidic rebbe. In spite of governmental prohibitions, he continued observing all the mitzvot openly, performing the duties of a shochet, mohel and Torah teacher. In his merit, Chassidic life was fully preserved behind the Iron Curtain. Communist officials knew of his activities yet respected him. Reputedly, he was once arrested for his actions, but was released upon promising that the judge's wife would be cured if he was freed.
After the Iron Curtain fell, he immigrated to Jerusalem and thereafter to the United States, where masses flocked to his door. He was known to possess the Divine Spirit and said of himself that he could see "from one end of the world to the other". His fame spread as a tzaddik and wonder-worker. Thousands came to ask his advice and receive his blessings, and saw incredible divine salvation. His blessings helped cure illnesses, and helped many find their match and give birth to children. He was an exceptional Ohev Yisrael and would bitterly shed tears when he heard of the pain of another Jew. He used to say that the salvations he achieved were in the merit of feeling the pain of his brethren and his tears and prayers on behalf of the distressed.
He passed away when he was nearly 100 years old. Thousands visit his grave in Monsey, New York, each year. The singer Mordechai ben David (Werdiger), who was a devoted Chassid of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, dedicated the song "Oy, Rebbe" (from his album "Ein Od Milvado") to the Rebbe.
[2], 3-406, 1-20, 433-472 leaves. Approx. 23 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains. Creases and wear to some leaves (see above). Tears with minor damage to text in some leaves. Several detached leaves. Wine stains to seder Brit Milah, Shabbat songs and kiddush for Rosh Hashanah. Oil and wax stains to the seder Hadlakat Ner Chanukah. Stamps. Original fabric binding.
Category
Siddurim and Prayer Books – Copies of Tzaddikim
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $5,250
Including buyer's premium
Siddur Chemdat Yisrael, with the Arizal's kavanot. Brooklyn, New York, 1969. Photocopy of the Munkatch (Mukacheve) 1901 edition, which was printed from a manuscript owned by the Minchat Elazar of Munkatch, who brought it to press (the manuscript was previously owned by Rebbe Yechezkel of Shinova and earlier by the Chida).
Copy of the Skulener Rebbe, R. Eliezer Zusia Portugal. It bears a dedication by the Chassid who gave the book to the Rebbe. Signs of heavy usage and wine stains to leaves with prayers recited over wine: Kiddush for Shabbat eve and for Shabbat day, Havdalah, kiddush for Rosh Hashanah and Birkat HaMazon.
R. Eliezer Zusia Portugal, the Skulener Rebbe (1897-1982), one of the leading American rebbes, was the son and successor of R. Yisrael Avraham, Rabbi of Skulen (Sculeni). During WWII, he worked tirelessly to rescue Polish refugees. After the Holocaust, he settled in Bucharest, and fought staunchly for Judaism in Communist Romania. He raised dozens of orphans, whom he rescued from the heretical education provided by the government, and later smuggled them to other countries. After he had to escape himself, he settled in the United States and was considered one of the leading rebbes in the country. He established the "Chessed L'Avraham – Skulen" network of orphanages and educational institutions. He engaged extensively in charity and acts of kindness, and was very active in rescuing Jews.
[5], 269, [5] leaves. 23 cm. Good condition. Stains, primarily to margins. Wine stains on text in some places (detailed above). Original fabric binding, damaged and repaired.
Copy of the Skulener Rebbe, R. Eliezer Zusia Portugal. It bears a dedication by the Chassid who gave the book to the Rebbe. Signs of heavy usage and wine stains to leaves with prayers recited over wine: Kiddush for Shabbat eve and for Shabbat day, Havdalah, kiddush for Rosh Hashanah and Birkat HaMazon.
R. Eliezer Zusia Portugal, the Skulener Rebbe (1897-1982), one of the leading American rebbes, was the son and successor of R. Yisrael Avraham, Rabbi of Skulen (Sculeni). During WWII, he worked tirelessly to rescue Polish refugees. After the Holocaust, he settled in Bucharest, and fought staunchly for Judaism in Communist Romania. He raised dozens of orphans, whom he rescued from the heretical education provided by the government, and later smuggled them to other countries. After he had to escape himself, he settled in the United States and was considered one of the leading rebbes in the country. He established the "Chessed L'Avraham – Skulen" network of orphanages and educational institutions. He engaged extensively in charity and acts of kindness, and was very active in rescuing Jews.
[5], 269, [5] leaves. 23 cm. Good condition. Stains, primarily to margins. Wine stains on text in some places (detailed above). Original fabric binding, damaged and repaired.
Category
Siddurim and Prayer Books – Copies of Tzaddikim
Catalogue