Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 13 - 24 of 41
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $800
Sold for: $2,375
Including buyer's premium
Letter encouraging the dissemination of Judaism, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Lubavitch. Brooklyn, NY, Tammuz 1942.
Typewritten on the official letterhead stationery of the Machne Israel organization (of which the rebbe served as executive director), with the full signature of the rebbe ("Menachem Schneersohn, rather than his usual "M. Schneersohn"), and the addition of one line handwritten by the rebbe.
The letter was written approximately one year after the rebbe's arrival in the United States, before he became recognized by Chabad Chassidim.
The conclusion of the letter, "With blessings for immediate repentance, immediate redemption", is preceded by the following addition handwritten by the rebbe: "I would be happy to hear of his good health and updates about his family".
This letter was presumably never published.
[1] leaf. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks. Linen-backed.
Typewritten on the official letterhead stationery of the Machne Israel organization (of which the rebbe served as executive director), with the full signature of the rebbe ("Menachem Schneersohn, rather than his usual "M. Schneersohn"), and the addition of one line handwritten by the rebbe.
The letter was written approximately one year after the rebbe's arrival in the United States, before he became recognized by Chabad Chassidim.
The conclusion of the letter, "With blessings for immediate repentance, immediate redemption", is preceded by the following addition handwritten by the rebbe: "I would be happy to hear of his good health and updates about his family".
This letter was presumably never published.
[1] leaf. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks. Linen-backed.
Category
Chabad – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Letter from R. Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with his signature. Brooklyn, New York, 1964.
Typewritten on official letterhead stationery of the Rebbe and hand-signed by him.
Blessings for a "good and sweet year in material and spiritual matters".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Folding marks.
Typewritten on official letterhead stationery of the Rebbe and hand-signed by him.
Blessings for a "good and sweet year in material and spiritual matters".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Folding marks.
Category
Chabad – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $400
Unsold
Letter from R. Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with his signature. Brooklyn, New York, 1962.
Typewritten on official letterhead stationery of the Rebbe and hand-signed by him.
Blessings for a "good and sweet year in material and spiritual matters".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears to center (not affecting text). Creases and folding marks.
Typewritten on official letterhead stationery of the Rebbe and hand-signed by him.
Blessings for a "good and sweet year in material and spiritual matters".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears to center (not affecting text). Creases and folding marks.
Category
Chabad – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $1,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter of blessings from Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Lubavitch. Addressed to R. Moshe Irenstein, mayor of Bnei Brak. Brooklyn, NY, Nissan 1988.
Typewritten on the official letterhead stationery of the rebbe, with his signature and the addition of one word in his handwriting.
In his letter, the rebbe blesses: "With the approach of the festival of Matzot… I wish to express my blessings for a kosher and joyous holiday, and for true freedom". At the end of the letter, the rebbe writes to the mayor: "With respect, with blessings for the festival and for great success in his most responsible position".
The following line was added after the signature: "The letter of condolences was received on time, many thanks – many thanks" (the last word was handwritten by the rebbe). The rebbe is thanking here for the letter of condolences which the mayor sent him after the passing of his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneersohn, on 22nd Shevat 1988.
[1] leaf. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Tear to upper margin, not affecting text.
Typewritten on the official letterhead stationery of the rebbe, with his signature and the addition of one word in his handwriting.
In his letter, the rebbe blesses: "With the approach of the festival of Matzot… I wish to express my blessings for a kosher and joyous holiday, and for true freedom". At the end of the letter, the rebbe writes to the mayor: "With respect, with blessings for the festival and for great success in his most responsible position".
The following line was added after the signature: "The letter of condolences was received on time, many thanks – many thanks" (the last word was handwritten by the rebbe). The rebbe is thanking here for the letter of condolences which the mayor sent him after the passing of his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneersohn, on 22nd Shevat 1988.
[1] leaf. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Tear to upper margin, not affecting text.
Category
Chabad – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $4,000
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
Ten letters of good year wishes, blessings and encouragement, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – the Lubavitcher Rebbe, addressed to R. Menachem Nachum Yitzchak Eizik Chanun of Jerusalem. Brooklyn, NY, 1953-1968.
The letters are typewritten on the official stationery of the rebbe, with his signature. Most letters include several additional words or emendations handwritten by the rebbe.
The collection comprises:
• Seven letters of good year wishes, 1953-1968, signed by the rebbe, including a letter from "The days of selichot 1963 – 150 years from the passing of Rabbenu HaZaken [the Baal HaTanya]". The rebbe added near his signature, in his handwriting: "His letter was received as well as the booklet etc., many thanks".
• Letter from Shevat 1953, in which the Rebbe writes to R. Chanun that he will pray "for him, his wife, children and household members, for good health and the fulfilment of all their needs" (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe). At the end of the letter, the rebbe writes that he is sending a voucher for the sum of "ten shekels for his [R. Chanun's] personal needs".
• Two "public-private" letters (letters containing the same text sent to several people, with the occasional addition of several words handwritten by the rebbe to the recipient); one sent in Shevat, close to the yahrzeit of his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz, and the second on 20th Av (yahrzeit of the rebbe's father, R. Levi Yitzchak), with the addition of several words handwritten by the rebbe.
The recipient of the letters, R. Menachem Nachum Yitzchak Eizik Chanun (Chanin), was born to a Chabad family in Lubavitch (Lyubavichi) and named after his great-grandfather who was a "choizer" by the Mitteler Rebbe and the Tzemach Tzedek. In his youth, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Hebron. He later relocated to Jerusalem, where he set about publishing and distributing Chabad Chassidic teachings. He compiled and translated into Hebrew sections of discourses and teachings of rebbes of Chabad. Derech Chaim LehaSimcha VehaEmet and Likut Pitgamim, mentioned by the rebbe in the letter from 1953 in the present collection, are amongst the booklets he published.
[10] leaves. Size and condition vary. Overall good condition.
The letters are typewritten on the official stationery of the rebbe, with his signature. Most letters include several additional words or emendations handwritten by the rebbe.
The collection comprises:
• Seven letters of good year wishes, 1953-1968, signed by the rebbe, including a letter from "The days of selichot 1963 – 150 years from the passing of Rabbenu HaZaken [the Baal HaTanya]". The rebbe added near his signature, in his handwriting: "His letter was received as well as the booklet etc., many thanks".
• Letter from Shevat 1953, in which the Rebbe writes to R. Chanun that he will pray "for him, his wife, children and household members, for good health and the fulfilment of all their needs" (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe). At the end of the letter, the rebbe writes that he is sending a voucher for the sum of "ten shekels for his [R. Chanun's] personal needs".
• Two "public-private" letters (letters containing the same text sent to several people, with the occasional addition of several words handwritten by the rebbe to the recipient); one sent in Shevat, close to the yahrzeit of his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz, and the second on 20th Av (yahrzeit of the rebbe's father, R. Levi Yitzchak), with the addition of several words handwritten by the rebbe.
The recipient of the letters, R. Menachem Nachum Yitzchak Eizik Chanun (Chanin), was born to a Chabad family in Lubavitch (Lyubavichi) and named after his great-grandfather who was a "choizer" by the Mitteler Rebbe and the Tzemach Tzedek. In his youth, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Hebron. He later relocated to Jerusalem, where he set about publishing and distributing Chabad Chassidic teachings. He compiled and translated into Hebrew sections of discourses and teachings of rebbes of Chabad. Derech Chaim LehaSimcha VehaEmet and Likut Pitgamim, mentioned by the rebbe in the letter from 1953 in the present collection, are amongst the booklets he published.
[10] leaves. Size and condition vary. Overall good condition.
Category
Chabad – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Sold for: $57,500
Including buyer's premium
Siddur Torah Or, prayers for the year-round, Shabbat and festivals, following the rite of Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya, compiled by R. Avraham David Lawat Rabbi of Nikolayev; proofread and corrected by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Brooklyn, NY, 1941.
On the second front flyleaf, a dedication signed by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – the Lubavitcher Rebbe: "As a sign of friendship and with good year blessings, M. Schneersohn, Erev Rosh Hashanah 1941".
Signature on the first front flyleaf: "Nissan Mindel".
This siddur was proofread and prepared for print by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. When the rebbe arrived in the United States from France on 28th Sivan 1941, his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz, asked him to proofread, correct and prepare for print the Torah Or siddur (first printed in 1887, see adjoining article). During Av and Elul 1941, the rebbe was busy proofreading and correcting this siddur. It was published several days before Rosh Hashanah 1941.
The wording of the dedication inscribed in this siddur is unique. In all the letters printed in Igrot Kodesh, written during the rebbe's leadership, the word "Yedidut" (friendship; or "BiYedidut" – in friendship) is never used in the letter endings. Even in the years preceding the rebbe's leadership, this word was only used once (Igrot Kodesh, I, p. 35). The rebbe's usage of the expression "LeOt Yedidut" ("as a sign of friendship") in this dedication appears to be unprecedented.
The recipient of the siddur, R. Nissan Mindel (1912-1999), director of Chabad institutions in the United States, was the close confidant of Rebbe Rayatz and his son-in-law the Lubavitcher Rebbe. From 1932, he served as personal secretary of Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, and from 1950, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. In winter 1940, he was one of the few who joined the Rayatz in his flight from occupied Poland to the United States. His exceptional friendship with the Rebbe, and the gift of this siddur, is reported in Sipurim MiCheder HaRabbi (Bnei Brak, 2009, p. 323): "Over the years, intense feelings of friendship towards the rebbe developed in his heart… he stated… the rebbe was 'my best friend'. One of the expressions of this friendship was on Rosh Hashanah 1941, when the rebbe gave a Torah Or siddur to R. Mindel, with a personal dedication 'As a sign of friendship'" (see ibid. for a picture of the rebbe's dedication in this siddur). He typed all the rebbe’s English letters, and even published some of them in several volumes. R. Mindel was a prolific author on Jewish thought and Chassidut. His books were reviewed by the rebbe before being published, and were later translated into many languages. He served as editor of the Chabad periodical for youths – Talks and Tales, for over forty years. His magnum opus was his translation of the Tanya to English, which earned him a doctorate degree from the Columbia University in New York.
233, [1]; 37, 39-41 leaves + 2 leaves of errata (not bound with book). 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear. Minor marginal tears to several leaves. Inner margins of endpapers and binding reinforced. Original binding, damaged (spine partially detached).
------------------
Siddur Torah Or
The siddur compiled by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya, was printed already in his lifetime in several editions, in Shklow and Kopust (see Kedem Catalog 63, p. 277). From the passing of the Baal HaTanya until 1887, the siddur was reprinted in dozens of editions. In many of the editions, the printers were not particular to preserve the accurate text of the prayers and laws, and in some editions the printers combined the text of Siddur HaRav with the texts of other prevalent siddurim. In the 1880s, R. Avraham David Lawat, Rabbi of Nikolayev (Mykolaiv; maternal grandfather of the Lubavitcher Rebbe), began studying and researching the original text of Siddur HaRav. To that end, he searched for editions of the siddur published in the lifetime of the Baal HaTanya. Upon finding such a siddur, he set to work proofreading and correcting the text of Siddur HaRav, according to the siddur he found, and in 1887, he printed the Siddur HaRav in Vilna under a new title – Siddur Torah Or. He appended to it his own composition, Shaarei Tefillah – sources of the prayer texts and rulings of the Baal HaTanya.
However, immediately after the siddur was published, R. Lawat obtained another edition of Siddur HaRav published in the lifetime of the Baal HaTanya. In light of this, R. Lawat produced a new, corrected edition of Siddur Torah Or – the Vilna 1889 edition. Yet the same occurred once again. As soon as the 1889 edition was published, R. Lawat obtained a third siddur edition published in the lifetime of the Baal HaTanya, and he began preparing a third, updated edition of Siddur Torah Or. This third edition was only published after the passing of R. Lawat (Adar 1890), in Vilna 1896, and it includes the latter's illustrious work – Shaar HaKollel (see Beit Aharon VeYisrael, 186, pp. 136-137).
The 1941 Edition
The 1941 edition, which is mostly a photocopy of one of R. Lawat's editions, was edited by the Rebbe, based on the instructions and rulings of his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz. Any doubt which arose, particularly pertaining to the vocalization, was resolved by Rebbe Rayatz. This edition contains several additions and changes (described in great detail in the booklet Hagahot LeSiddur Rabbenu HaZaken, Brooklyn 2007, by R. Shalom Dov Ber Levin). Approximately a month after the siddur was printed, Rebbe Rayatz wrote an open letter to Chabad Chassidim, in which he asks them "to pray from this siddur, and to educate their sons to pray from this siddur".
This edition was printed in only two thousand copies (Hagahot LeSiddur Rabbenu HaZaken, Brooklyn 2007, p. 36).
The Rebbe's Siddur
This edition of the siddur was constantly used by the rebbe, from the day it was published
until his final day. Every prayer, every Birkat HaMazon and blessing after eating, every blessing at weddings he officiated, were recited all from this siddur edition. "The rebbe would keep it with him at all times, and it almost never left his hands. He would take it with him to the synagogue and Beit Midrash, into the Hitvaadut, to recite the blessings over the moon and sun, into the Sukkah and to Tashlich. He used it to pray and recite blessings. During his entire tenure, the rebbe used the same siddur, never exchanging it for a different one… as is well-known, preparing this siddur for print was the first project undertaken by the rebbe upon his arrival in the United States… and from that moment, he prayed with it for the rest of his life, without fail" (Introduction to Siddur HaRav, Chazak edition, 2015, pp. 11-12, note 14).
On the second front flyleaf, a dedication signed by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – the Lubavitcher Rebbe: "As a sign of friendship and with good year blessings, M. Schneersohn, Erev Rosh Hashanah 1941".
Signature on the first front flyleaf: "Nissan Mindel".
This siddur was proofread and prepared for print by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. When the rebbe arrived in the United States from France on 28th Sivan 1941, his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz, asked him to proofread, correct and prepare for print the Torah Or siddur (first printed in 1887, see adjoining article). During Av and Elul 1941, the rebbe was busy proofreading and correcting this siddur. It was published several days before Rosh Hashanah 1941.
The wording of the dedication inscribed in this siddur is unique. In all the letters printed in Igrot Kodesh, written during the rebbe's leadership, the word "Yedidut" (friendship; or "BiYedidut" – in friendship) is never used in the letter endings. Even in the years preceding the rebbe's leadership, this word was only used once (Igrot Kodesh, I, p. 35). The rebbe's usage of the expression "LeOt Yedidut" ("as a sign of friendship") in this dedication appears to be unprecedented.
The recipient of the siddur, R. Nissan Mindel (1912-1999), director of Chabad institutions in the United States, was the close confidant of Rebbe Rayatz and his son-in-law the Lubavitcher Rebbe. From 1932, he served as personal secretary of Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, and from 1950, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. In winter 1940, he was one of the few who joined the Rayatz in his flight from occupied Poland to the United States. His exceptional friendship with the Rebbe, and the gift of this siddur, is reported in Sipurim MiCheder HaRabbi (Bnei Brak, 2009, p. 323): "Over the years, intense feelings of friendship towards the rebbe developed in his heart… he stated… the rebbe was 'my best friend'. One of the expressions of this friendship was on Rosh Hashanah 1941, when the rebbe gave a Torah Or siddur to R. Mindel, with a personal dedication 'As a sign of friendship'" (see ibid. for a picture of the rebbe's dedication in this siddur). He typed all the rebbe’s English letters, and even published some of them in several volumes. R. Mindel was a prolific author on Jewish thought and Chassidut. His books were reviewed by the rebbe before being published, and were later translated into many languages. He served as editor of the Chabad periodical for youths – Talks and Tales, for over forty years. His magnum opus was his translation of the Tanya to English, which earned him a doctorate degree from the Columbia University in New York.
233, [1]; 37, 39-41 leaves + 2 leaves of errata (not bound with book). 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear. Minor marginal tears to several leaves. Inner margins of endpapers and binding reinforced. Original binding, damaged (spine partially detached).
------------------
Siddur Torah Or
The siddur compiled by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya, was printed already in his lifetime in several editions, in Shklow and Kopust (see Kedem Catalog 63, p. 277). From the passing of the Baal HaTanya until 1887, the siddur was reprinted in dozens of editions. In many of the editions, the printers were not particular to preserve the accurate text of the prayers and laws, and in some editions the printers combined the text of Siddur HaRav with the texts of other prevalent siddurim. In the 1880s, R. Avraham David Lawat, Rabbi of Nikolayev (Mykolaiv; maternal grandfather of the Lubavitcher Rebbe), began studying and researching the original text of Siddur HaRav. To that end, he searched for editions of the siddur published in the lifetime of the Baal HaTanya. Upon finding such a siddur, he set to work proofreading and correcting the text of Siddur HaRav, according to the siddur he found, and in 1887, he printed the Siddur HaRav in Vilna under a new title – Siddur Torah Or. He appended to it his own composition, Shaarei Tefillah – sources of the prayer texts and rulings of the Baal HaTanya.
However, immediately after the siddur was published, R. Lawat obtained another edition of Siddur HaRav published in the lifetime of the Baal HaTanya. In light of this, R. Lawat produced a new, corrected edition of Siddur Torah Or – the Vilna 1889 edition. Yet the same occurred once again. As soon as the 1889 edition was published, R. Lawat obtained a third siddur edition published in the lifetime of the Baal HaTanya, and he began preparing a third, updated edition of Siddur Torah Or. This third edition was only published after the passing of R. Lawat (Adar 1890), in Vilna 1896, and it includes the latter's illustrious work – Shaar HaKollel (see Beit Aharon VeYisrael, 186, pp. 136-137).
The 1941 Edition
The 1941 edition, which is mostly a photocopy of one of R. Lawat's editions, was edited by the Rebbe, based on the instructions and rulings of his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz. Any doubt which arose, particularly pertaining to the vocalization, was resolved by Rebbe Rayatz. This edition contains several additions and changes (described in great detail in the booklet Hagahot LeSiddur Rabbenu HaZaken, Brooklyn 2007, by R. Shalom Dov Ber Levin). Approximately a month after the siddur was printed, Rebbe Rayatz wrote an open letter to Chabad Chassidim, in which he asks them "to pray from this siddur, and to educate their sons to pray from this siddur".
This edition was printed in only two thousand copies (Hagahot LeSiddur Rabbenu HaZaken, Brooklyn 2007, p. 36).
The Rebbe's Siddur
This edition of the siddur was constantly used by the rebbe, from the day it was published
until his final day. Every prayer, every Birkat HaMazon and blessing after eating, every blessing at weddings he officiated, were recited all from this siddur edition. "The rebbe would keep it with him at all times, and it almost never left his hands. He would take it with him to the synagogue and Beit Midrash, into the Hitvaadut, to recite the blessings over the moon and sun, into the Sukkah and to Tashlich. He used it to pray and recite blessings. During his entire tenure, the rebbe used the same siddur, never exchanging it for a different one… as is well-known, preparing this siddur for print was the first project undertaken by the rebbe upon his arrival in the United States… and from that moment, he prayed with it for the rest of his life, without fail" (Introduction to Siddur HaRav, Chazak edition, 2015, pp. 11-12, note 14).
Category
Chabad – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Two-dollar bill received from Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Chabad – the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Good condition. Stains, creases and folding marks.
Enclosed: a letter from the owner affirming that he received this bill from the rebbe in 1981.
Good condition. Stains, creases and folding marks.
Enclosed: a letter from the owner affirming that he received this bill from the rebbe in 1981.
Category
Chabad – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
Relazione curiosissima, ed insieme verissima del strano successo del preteso Messia degli Ebrei, il quale cagiono tanta commozione in quella Nazione, e termino poi farsi turco [A curious and at the same time true report of the surprising rise of the false messiah of the Jews…], by "Padre Beccaranda". Venice and Parma: Gozzi, [presumably, 1741 or 1742]. Italian.
A four-page booklet featuring a letter sent from Constantinople to Rome in order to announce Sabbatai Zevi's conversion to Islam.
This letter, which is considered one of the most important and earliest testimonies about Sabbatai Zevi's conversion, was presumably written as early as 1666 – several weeks after Sabbatai Zevi was imprisoned by the Ottoman authorities and converted to Islam. The letter, presumably distributed among the Jewish communities in an attempt to eradicate Sabbateanism, was printed in multiple editions throughout the 17th and 18th centuries (at least five editions were printed by 1667).
The author briefly introduces Sabbatai Zevi's history and then describes at length the events that led to his conversion to Islam. The author states that he was an eye-witness to the events in Constantinople (In the text there are several hints of the author's presence at the events narrated) and that he got his information regarding previous events from reliable people. The opening lines indicate that the letter was written in response to a question by another person, whose name is not mentioned ("I answer the question made to me by Your Lordship about what happened to the Jew, who had posed as the Messiah"). This edition was published without indication of date; presumably, it was published only in 1741 – approximately 75 years [!] after Sabbatai Zevi's convertion to Islam (possibly indicating that the struggle against the Sabbateans continued even in such a late period).
Although the author's full name is not indicated in any of the editions, this edition and some others mention the name "Padre Beccaranda", presumably referring to the Jesuit Jacques Becherand who lived in Constantinople between 1660 and 1667.
[1] leaf, folded in half (four printed pages), approx. 24.5 cm. (margins of varying width). Stains, fold lines and small tears. Open tears along edges and fold lines (small, slightly affecting text). Abrasions, slightly affecting text. Handwritten notation on top of the title page.
For additional information about this letter and its various editions, see: Between Information and Proselytism: Seventeenth-century Italian Texts on Sabbatai Zevi, by Stefano Villani (in Daat: A Journal of Jewish Philosophy & Kabbalah, issue 82, Ramat-Gan: Bar Ilan University, 2016).
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
A four-page booklet featuring a letter sent from Constantinople to Rome in order to announce Sabbatai Zevi's conversion to Islam.
This letter, which is considered one of the most important and earliest testimonies about Sabbatai Zevi's conversion, was presumably written as early as 1666 – several weeks after Sabbatai Zevi was imprisoned by the Ottoman authorities and converted to Islam. The letter, presumably distributed among the Jewish communities in an attempt to eradicate Sabbateanism, was printed in multiple editions throughout the 17th and 18th centuries (at least five editions were printed by 1667).
The author briefly introduces Sabbatai Zevi's history and then describes at length the events that led to his conversion to Islam. The author states that he was an eye-witness to the events in Constantinople (In the text there are several hints of the author's presence at the events narrated) and that he got his information regarding previous events from reliable people. The opening lines indicate that the letter was written in response to a question by another person, whose name is not mentioned ("I answer the question made to me by Your Lordship about what happened to the Jew, who had posed as the Messiah"). This edition was published without indication of date; presumably, it was published only in 1741 – approximately 75 years [!] after Sabbatai Zevi's convertion to Islam (possibly indicating that the struggle against the Sabbateans continued even in such a late period).
Although the author's full name is not indicated in any of the editions, this edition and some others mention the name "Padre Beccaranda", presumably referring to the Jesuit Jacques Becherand who lived in Constantinople between 1660 and 1667.
[1] leaf, folded in half (four printed pages), approx. 24.5 cm. (margins of varying width). Stains, fold lines and small tears. Open tears along edges and fold lines (small, slightly affecting text). Abrasions, slightly affecting text. Handwritten notation on top of the title page.
For additional information about this letter and its various editions, see: Between Information and Proselytism: Seventeenth-century Italian Texts on Sabbatai Zevi, by Stefano Villani (in Daat: A Journal of Jewish Philosophy & Kabbalah, issue 82, Ramat-Gan: Bar Ilan University, 2016).
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, handwritten leaves and printed newspaper, documenting the Mantua wedding disaster in 1776. [Mantua, 1776]. Italian interspersed with Hebrew.
In 1776, a terrible disaster occurred in the Mantuan community. On 31st May, three weddings took place in the ghetto. Two of the brides were not local, but rather from Sabbioneta and Ferrara. Their families came to Mantua in honor of the wedding, resulting in an uncommonly large gathering. The guests crowded into the home of Chananel Yosef Finzi, on the third floor of one of the ghetto buildings. The floor collapsed, bringing the lower two stories down with it. 65 of the participants were killed in this tragedy – 37 men and 28 women. 37 others were seriously injured. One of the brides was amongst the fatalities, and thus the great rejoicing turned into mourning. The Chida, who was on a mission in Italy at the time, in nearby Ferrara, documented the event in his diary Maagal Tov. One of the rabbis of Mantua, R. Yaakov Refael Saraval, whose daughter was killed in the disaster, commemorated the tragedy by composing the Kinat Sofdim lamentation (printed that year in Mantua). The date of the tragedy was ordained in the Mantua community for posterity as a day of prayer, fasting and recital of Selichot (see: Simonsohn, Toldot HaYehudim BeDukasut Mantova, I, Jerusalem 1963, p. 58; Yael Levin, MiMantova Ve'ad Versailles: Wedding Disasters in the Month of Sivan, Mekor Rishon, Shabbat, 17th June 2011, pp. 12-13).
The present item includes:
• An 18-leaf manuscript, containing a description of the disaster, written shortly thereafter by an anonymous author. A list of the victims with their names and ages is recorded at the end of the manuscript. Italian interspersed with Hebrew.
• A double handwritten leaf (3 pages), with a list of the names of the victims. The names of the 37 men killed in the disaster are listed first, followed by the names of the 28 women. Italian.
• A double handwritten leaf (2 pages), containing the list of those injured in the disaster. Italian.
• A copy of the Mantuan newspaper, issue 23, dated 7th June 1776 (several days later), reporting the tragedy.
Manuscript: [18] leaves. Original, printed cardboard binding. + [2] double leaves + issue of printed newspaper: [4] pages. Size varies, overall good condition. Stains and wear.
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
In 1776, a terrible disaster occurred in the Mantuan community. On 31st May, three weddings took place in the ghetto. Two of the brides were not local, but rather from Sabbioneta and Ferrara. Their families came to Mantua in honor of the wedding, resulting in an uncommonly large gathering. The guests crowded into the home of Chananel Yosef Finzi, on the third floor of one of the ghetto buildings. The floor collapsed, bringing the lower two stories down with it. 65 of the participants were killed in this tragedy – 37 men and 28 women. 37 others were seriously injured. One of the brides was amongst the fatalities, and thus the great rejoicing turned into mourning. The Chida, who was on a mission in Italy at the time, in nearby Ferrara, documented the event in his diary Maagal Tov. One of the rabbis of Mantua, R. Yaakov Refael Saraval, whose daughter was killed in the disaster, commemorated the tragedy by composing the Kinat Sofdim lamentation (printed that year in Mantua). The date of the tragedy was ordained in the Mantua community for posterity as a day of prayer, fasting and recital of Selichot (see: Simonsohn, Toldot HaYehudim BeDukasut Mantova, I, Jerusalem 1963, p. 58; Yael Levin, MiMantova Ve'ad Versailles: Wedding Disasters in the Month of Sivan, Mekor Rishon, Shabbat, 17th June 2011, pp. 12-13).
The present item includes:
• An 18-leaf manuscript, containing a description of the disaster, written shortly thereafter by an anonymous author. A list of the victims with their names and ages is recorded at the end of the manuscript. Italian interspersed with Hebrew.
• A double handwritten leaf (3 pages), with a list of the names of the victims. The names of the 37 men killed in the disaster are listed first, followed by the names of the 28 women. Italian.
• A double handwritten leaf (2 pages), containing the list of those injured in the disaster. Italian.
• A copy of the Mantuan newspaper, issue 23, dated 7th June 1776 (several days later), reporting the tragedy.
Manuscript: [18] leaves. Original, printed cardboard binding. + [2] double leaves + issue of printed newspaper: [4] pages. Size varies, overall good condition. Stains and wear.
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $5,750
Including buyer's premium
A volume comprising manuscripts and printed works related to segulot and folk remedies:
1. Sod Yesharim, "One hundred segulot… remedies and marvels" and "fifty riddles", by R. Yehuda Aryeh Leon of Modena. Venice: Zuan di Gara, [1595].
The first part of the book includes advice, segulot and remedies, and even some magical formulas (e.g. "To draw a raven on paper and it will call", "To make an egg fly", and more). The second part of the book includes fifty riddles with answers. Sod Yesharim was published anonymously; Modena's name is alluded to in an acrostic on the title page (as he revealed in his autobiography Chayei Yehuda).
Bound with two short printed works in Italian, also related to segulot and remedies:
2. Giardino di Virtu [Garden of Virtue]. Turin, 1584. Italian.
3. Compendio di Secreti nobilissimi [Compendium of Noble Secrets]. Novara, 1605.
Bound with:
4. Three manuscript leaves in Italian cursive script. Various segulot and remedies (including: "for toothache", "to reveal the gender of an unborn baby", "recipe for an ointment to cure fever", "to stop a nosebleed", and more).
5. Two manuscript leaves in Italian cursive script. Remedies (the title on the first page reads "Sefer Refuot" – Book of Remedies, followed by: "Given to me by my mother-in-law in Turin…").
14, [1] leaves; [4] leaves; [3] leaves; [4] leaves; [2] leaves (and several blank leaves). Approx. 14 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears and wear. Open marginal tears to second manuscript, affecting text. Old heavy paper cover, damaged.
Both Italian works are not recorded in OCLC.
1. Sod Yesharim, "One hundred segulot… remedies and marvels" and "fifty riddles", by R. Yehuda Aryeh Leon of Modena. Venice: Zuan di Gara, [1595].
The first part of the book includes advice, segulot and remedies, and even some magical formulas (e.g. "To draw a raven on paper and it will call", "To make an egg fly", and more). The second part of the book includes fifty riddles with answers. Sod Yesharim was published anonymously; Modena's name is alluded to in an acrostic on the title page (as he revealed in his autobiography Chayei Yehuda).
Bound with two short printed works in Italian, also related to segulot and remedies:
2. Giardino di Virtu [Garden of Virtue]. Turin, 1584. Italian.
3. Compendio di Secreti nobilissimi [Compendium of Noble Secrets]. Novara, 1605.
Bound with:
4. Three manuscript leaves in Italian cursive script. Various segulot and remedies (including: "for toothache", "to reveal the gender of an unborn baby", "recipe for an ointment to cure fever", "to stop a nosebleed", and more).
5. Two manuscript leaves in Italian cursive script. Remedies (the title on the first page reads "Sefer Refuot" – Book of Remedies, followed by: "Given to me by my mother-in-law in Turin…").
14, [1] leaves; [4] leaves; [3] leaves; [4] leaves; [2] leaves (and several blank leaves). Approx. 14 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears and wear. Open marginal tears to second manuscript, affecting text. Old heavy paper cover, damaged.
Both Italian works are not recorded in OCLC.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Tzemach Tzaddik, wisdom and ethics, by R. Yehuda Aryeh (Leon) de Modena. [Venice: Daniel Zanetti, 1600]. First edition.
The composition deals with the refinement of character traits (based on teachings of Jewish and gentile sages), with a chapter dedicated to each trait. Each chapter begins with a woodcut illustration, related to the chapter's topic. This book is one of the few early Hebrew books printed with illustrations. The book was printed anonymously, though the name of the author is alluded to at the beginning of the preface: "Renowned in Yehuda… the lion (Aryeh) roared", and with an acronym in the colophon at the end of the book. These are two incomplete copies of two variants of the same edition, with differences in the illustrations: on p. 13b, each copy features a different illustration. On p. 15b, the illustration was printed upside-down in one copy.
Copy 1: 2-11, 13-40 leaves (originally 40 leaves. Lacking title page and leaf 12. Leaf 2 was bound back-to-front). 13.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Paper repairs to several leaves. New binding. Copy 2: 2-7, 9-32, 34-40 leaves (originally 40 leaves. Lacking title page, leaves 8 and 33. Leaf 40 is torn and half-missing, repaired with paper; with handwritten replacement of missing text. Title page and most of the missing pages were replaced with photocopies). 14 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Dampstains. Worming. New binding.
The composition deals with the refinement of character traits (based on teachings of Jewish and gentile sages), with a chapter dedicated to each trait. Each chapter begins with a woodcut illustration, related to the chapter's topic. This book is one of the few early Hebrew books printed with illustrations. The book was printed anonymously, though the name of the author is alluded to at the beginning of the preface: "Renowned in Yehuda… the lion (Aryeh) roared", and with an acronym in the colophon at the end of the book. These are two incomplete copies of two variants of the same edition, with differences in the illustrations: on p. 13b, each copy features a different illustration. On p. 15b, the illustration was printed upside-down in one copy.
Copy 1: 2-11, 13-40 leaves (originally 40 leaves. Lacking title page and leaf 12. Leaf 2 was bound back-to-front). 13.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Paper repairs to several leaves. New binding. Copy 2: 2-7, 9-32, 34-40 leaves (originally 40 leaves. Lacking title page, leaves 8 and 33. Leaf 40 is torn and half-missing, repaired with paper; with handwritten replacement of missing text. Title page and most of the missing pages were replaced with photocopies). 14 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Dampstains. Worming. New binding.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Keter Malchut de R. Selomoh Hijo de Gabirol – Spanish translation of R. Shlomo Ibn Gabirol's work Keter Malchut. Livorno: "el Maskil Isahe de Moseh de Paz" (Yeshaya son of Moshe de Paz), 1769.
Translation by R. Yitzchak (Isaac) son of David Nieto (1702-1774), Rabbi of the Sephardi community in London, who translated the Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur into Spanish (Orden de las Oraciones de Ros Ashanah y Kipur, London, 1740).
45 pages. 14.5 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Minor wear and creases to margins. Original heavy paper cover, with damage.
Translation by R. Yitzchak (Isaac) son of David Nieto (1702-1774), Rabbi of the Sephardi community in London, who translated the Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur into Spanish (Orden de las Oraciones de Ros Ashanah y Kipur, London, 1740).
45 pages. 14.5 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Minor wear and creases to margins. Original heavy paper cover, with damage.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue