Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 13 - 24 of 68
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: $8,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Leaf handwritten by the Chatam Sofer – homilies for Shavuot.
Leaf (two written pages – approx. 60 lines) handwritten by R. Moshe Sofer, the Chatam Sofer – passages from his sermon for Shavuot 1802 (published in Derashot Chatam Sofer, II, leaves 288-289).
The heading "With the help of G-d, Shavuot" is inscribed at the top of the pages.
In his homily on the verse of Shir HaShirim "Sustain me with flagons of wine, spread my bed with apples…", the Chatam Sofer discusses the customs of "scattering sweet smelling things on this holiday…", "spreading out grass to step on" and "beautifying the synagogues with greenery". The Chatam Sofer then explains at length the words of the prayer: "May we merit to live, see and inherit good and blessing…".
[1] leaf (2 written pages – approx. 60 autograph lines). Fair condition. Stains, dark dampstain. Open tear to bottom corner, affecting text.
------------------------
The Handwriting of the Chatam Sofer – Segulah for Yirat Shamayim
R. Mordechai Benet spoke the famous words that just seeing the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer is a segulah for Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven). R. Yosef Naftali Stern cited the following story in the name of his father-in-law R. Shmuel Alexandri Sofer, who heard it from his father the Ktav Sofer:
As an elderly man, the Maharam Benet dealt with a complex halachic issue concerning an agunah. The members of the Nikolsburg Beit Din wrote a long pamphlet on the matter and sent it to the Chatam Sofer, requesting his opinion. Upon receiving the pamphlet, the Chatam Sofer studied it for a short while and responded that same day. The Nikolsburg Beit Din was amazed at the speed of his response and began to peruse his answer. Maharam Benet took the letter from them, and upon seeing the Chatam Sofer's conclusion permitting the agunah to remarry, immediately instructed the Beit Din to issue the ruling permitting her remarriage, and resumed studying the Chatam Sofer's responsum. The members of the Beit Din thought that R. Benet had lingering doubts about the ruling, however, the Maharam Benet told them to continue with the proceedings to release the agunah and explained that he was looking at the responsum because just seeing the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer is a segulah for Yirat Shamayim.
Rabbi Aharon Kotler, who particularly cherished the teachings of the Chatam Sofer, often repeated this story.
This story is cited with minor variations in the name of the Satmar Rebbe, in Chaim Sheyesh Bahem (Mahadura Kama, Parshat Shemini, pp. 200-201): A Satmar Chassid presented his rebbe with a gift of a handwritten letter by the Chatam Sofer. At first, the Rebbe refused to accept the gift due to its great monetary value. He said that had the Chassid given the Rebbe its worth in money, the Rebbe would never have accepted the gift, and therefore refused the valuable manuscript. However, after the Chassid persisted, the Satmar Rebbe finally agreed to accept the letter. The letter by the Chatam Sofer gave him excessive pleasure and he read it over and over. On that occasion, the Rebbe recounted the story about the Maharam Benet, who while holding a handwritten responsum of the Chatam Sofer stated that although he understood its content immediately upon the first reading, "I read the words repeatedly because reading the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer is a segulah for Yirat Shamayim".
Rav Shach, dean of the Ponovezh Yeshiva, paid a consolation visit to an important rabbi in Bnei Brak who was a descendent of the Chatam Sofer. The rabbi's sons told Rav Shach that they possess an autograph leaf of the Chatam Sofer and he asked to see it, requesting that it be removed from its protective cover since actually touching the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer leads to fear of Heaven.
The holiness of the manuscripts of the Chatam Sofer are also regarded as a segulah for protection and for deliverance from various difficulties. Upon traveling, R. Shimon Sofer, Rabbi of Krakow, would take manuscripts written by his father, the Chatam Sofer, as a segulah for protection. Many Holocaust survivors attribute the miracle of their survival to the holy writings of the Chatam Sofer which they carried with them. R. Yitzchak Zilberstein of Bnei Brak often mentions in his sermons that possessing writings of the Chatam Sofer is a segulah for healing and deliverance.
Leaf (two written pages – approx. 60 lines) handwritten by R. Moshe Sofer, the Chatam Sofer – passages from his sermon for Shavuot 1802 (published in Derashot Chatam Sofer, II, leaves 288-289).
The heading "With the help of G-d, Shavuot" is inscribed at the top of the pages.
In his homily on the verse of Shir HaShirim "Sustain me with flagons of wine, spread my bed with apples…", the Chatam Sofer discusses the customs of "scattering sweet smelling things on this holiday…", "spreading out grass to step on" and "beautifying the synagogues with greenery". The Chatam Sofer then explains at length the words of the prayer: "May we merit to live, see and inherit good and blessing…".
[1] leaf (2 written pages – approx. 60 autograph lines). Fair condition. Stains, dark dampstain. Open tear to bottom corner, affecting text.
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The Handwriting of the Chatam Sofer – Segulah for Yirat Shamayim
R. Mordechai Benet spoke the famous words that just seeing the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer is a segulah for Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven). R. Yosef Naftali Stern cited the following story in the name of his father-in-law R. Shmuel Alexandri Sofer, who heard it from his father the Ktav Sofer:
As an elderly man, the Maharam Benet dealt with a complex halachic issue concerning an agunah. The members of the Nikolsburg Beit Din wrote a long pamphlet on the matter and sent it to the Chatam Sofer, requesting his opinion. Upon receiving the pamphlet, the Chatam Sofer studied it for a short while and responded that same day. The Nikolsburg Beit Din was amazed at the speed of his response and began to peruse his answer. Maharam Benet took the letter from them, and upon seeing the Chatam Sofer's conclusion permitting the agunah to remarry, immediately instructed the Beit Din to issue the ruling permitting her remarriage, and resumed studying the Chatam Sofer's responsum. The members of the Beit Din thought that R. Benet had lingering doubts about the ruling, however, the Maharam Benet told them to continue with the proceedings to release the agunah and explained that he was looking at the responsum because just seeing the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer is a segulah for Yirat Shamayim.
Rabbi Aharon Kotler, who particularly cherished the teachings of the Chatam Sofer, often repeated this story.
This story is cited with minor variations in the name of the Satmar Rebbe, in Chaim Sheyesh Bahem (Mahadura Kama, Parshat Shemini, pp. 200-201): A Satmar Chassid presented his rebbe with a gift of a handwritten letter by the Chatam Sofer. At first, the Rebbe refused to accept the gift due to its great monetary value. He said that had the Chassid given the Rebbe its worth in money, the Rebbe would never have accepted the gift, and therefore refused the valuable manuscript. However, after the Chassid persisted, the Satmar Rebbe finally agreed to accept the letter. The letter by the Chatam Sofer gave him excessive pleasure and he read it over and over. On that occasion, the Rebbe recounted the story about the Maharam Benet, who while holding a handwritten responsum of the Chatam Sofer stated that although he understood its content immediately upon the first reading, "I read the words repeatedly because reading the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer is a segulah for Yirat Shamayim".
Rav Shach, dean of the Ponovezh Yeshiva, paid a consolation visit to an important rabbi in Bnei Brak who was a descendent of the Chatam Sofer. The rabbi's sons told Rav Shach that they possess an autograph leaf of the Chatam Sofer and he asked to see it, requesting that it be removed from its protective cover since actually touching the handwriting of the Chatam Sofer leads to fear of Heaven.
The holiness of the manuscripts of the Chatam Sofer are also regarded as a segulah for protection and for deliverance from various difficulties. Upon traveling, R. Shimon Sofer, Rabbi of Krakow, would take manuscripts written by his father, the Chatam Sofer, as a segulah for protection. Many Holocaust survivors attribute the miracle of their survival to the holy writings of the Chatam Sofer which they carried with them. R. Yitzchak Zilberstein of Bnei Brak often mentions in his sermons that possessing writings of the Chatam Sofer is a segulah for healing and deliverance.
Category
Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Sold for: $30,000
Including buyer's premium
Leaf (two written pages, two columns per page – approx. 150 lines) handwritten by R. Moshe Sofer, author of Chatam Sofer – novellae on Megillat Ruth and Parashat Nasso. [Mattersdorf (Mattersburg), 1800].
A handwritten leaf out of the notebook of Aggadic novellae written by the Chatam Sofer in Mattersdorf in 1799-1802.
As far as is known, the notebook written in Mattersdorf was the first notebook dedicated by the Chatam Sofer to the recording of his Aggadic novellae. Unlike most of his manuscripts, the novellae in that notebook (and in the present leaf) were written in two columns, presumably owing to the Chatam Sofer's wish to present his novellae in an elegant, neat fashion.
Amongst the manuscripts of the Chatam Sofer in possession of his son, the Michtav Sofer, that notebook was ascribed particular significance, and it would accompany him on all his travels, as a segulah for success (reputedly, he would travel often to Vienna to lobby on behalf of his Jewish brethren at the Austrian parliament). See enclosed expert report.
This leaf contains seven passages relating to Megillat Ruth, followed by a passage on Parashat Nasso. The passages on Megillat Ruth were published in Derashot Chatam Sofer, II, pp. 297-303, and are dated there 1800. The passage on Parashat Nasso was published in Chatam Sofer al HaTorah, and is also dated there 1800.
In one of the passages on Megillat Ruth, the Chatam Sofer discusses the topic of Mashiach, concluding: "On the night of 17th Tammuz, the standard of David began to flourish, since G-d heals before He hits, likewise, Mashiach was born on Tisha B'Av, as is well-known".
[1] leaf (two written pages; two columns per page - approx. 150 autograph lines). 24 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor marginal wear.
Expert report enclosed.
A handwritten leaf out of the notebook of Aggadic novellae written by the Chatam Sofer in Mattersdorf in 1799-1802.
As far as is known, the notebook written in Mattersdorf was the first notebook dedicated by the Chatam Sofer to the recording of his Aggadic novellae. Unlike most of his manuscripts, the novellae in that notebook (and in the present leaf) were written in two columns, presumably owing to the Chatam Sofer's wish to present his novellae in an elegant, neat fashion.
Amongst the manuscripts of the Chatam Sofer in possession of his son, the Michtav Sofer, that notebook was ascribed particular significance, and it would accompany him on all his travels, as a segulah for success (reputedly, he would travel often to Vienna to lobby on behalf of his Jewish brethren at the Austrian parliament). See enclosed expert report.
This leaf contains seven passages relating to Megillat Ruth, followed by a passage on Parashat Nasso. The passages on Megillat Ruth were published in Derashot Chatam Sofer, II, pp. 297-303, and are dated there 1800. The passage on Parashat Nasso was published in Chatam Sofer al HaTorah, and is also dated there 1800.
In one of the passages on Megillat Ruth, the Chatam Sofer discusses the topic of Mashiach, concluding: "On the night of 17th Tammuz, the standard of David began to flourish, since G-d heals before He hits, likewise, Mashiach was born on Tisha B'Av, as is well-known".
[1] leaf (two written pages; two columns per page - approx. 150 autograph lines). 24 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor marginal wear.
Expert report enclosed.
Category
Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $1,500
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Leaf (two pages) handwritten by Kabbalist Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin, Rabbi of Zidichov and Komarno, from his commentaries Maaseh Oreg and Pnei Zaken on the Mishnayot, Tractate Maaser Sheni. [Komárno, 1847/1860].
Two pages handwritten by the author, the Rebbe of Komarno, with corrections and deletions within the text. The pages contain the Maaseh Oreg and Pnei Zaken commentaries to the end of Chapter 4 and the beginning of Chapter 5 of Tractate Maaser Sheni, written in parallel columns. The columns are titled "M. Oreg" (Maaseh Oreg), and "P.Z." (Pnei Zaken).
The Rebbe of Komarno composed three commentaries on the Mishnayot: Atzei Eden covers nearly the entire Mishnah (ending in the middle of Ohalot) and comprises a short summary of the commentaries on the Mishnah (divided into two parts: Etz HaChaim and the Kabbalistic Etz HaDaat); two other commentaries on Order Zera'im and Order Taharot – Maaseh Oreg on the Talmud Yerushalmi and the Tosefta pertaining to the Mishnah, and Pnei Zaken which contains the halachic conclusions of the Rambam. The commentaries were first printed in Lemberg in 1861-1862 (see Kedem Auction 72, item 13).
In this leaf, after the author explains at length the words of the Talmud Yerushalmi, he sharply criticizes "the commentator" (presumably referring to the Pnei Moshe commentary on the Yerushalmi).
Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin Rabbi of Zidichov and Komarno (1806-1874), a G-dly kabbalist and leading transmitter of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, a nephew and close disciple of the Sar Beit HaZohar, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov. He was cherished by foremost Chassidic leaders – the Chozeh of Lublin (who served as his matchmaker), the Rebbe of Apta, R. Moshe Tzvi of Savran, his uncle R. Moshe of Sambor, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, and others. He authored many books on Chassidut and Kabbalah, including the Heichal HaBerachah commentary to the Five Books of the Torah, based on the teachings of the Arizal and the Baal Shem Tov. The Heichal HaBerachah Chumashim are considered classic books in Chassidic thought and Kabbalah. They were cherished by rebbes of various dynasties (the Zidichov dynasty, the Divrei Chaim and his descendants, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, and others), who extolled the exceptional holiness of the kabbalistic teachings contained in his commentaries.
[1] leaf (two written pages). 24.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor marginal tears, not affecting text.
Two pages handwritten by the author, the Rebbe of Komarno, with corrections and deletions within the text. The pages contain the Maaseh Oreg and Pnei Zaken commentaries to the end of Chapter 4 and the beginning of Chapter 5 of Tractate Maaser Sheni, written in parallel columns. The columns are titled "M. Oreg" (Maaseh Oreg), and "P.Z." (Pnei Zaken).
The Rebbe of Komarno composed three commentaries on the Mishnayot: Atzei Eden covers nearly the entire Mishnah (ending in the middle of Ohalot) and comprises a short summary of the commentaries on the Mishnah (divided into two parts: Etz HaChaim and the Kabbalistic Etz HaDaat); two other commentaries on Order Zera'im and Order Taharot – Maaseh Oreg on the Talmud Yerushalmi and the Tosefta pertaining to the Mishnah, and Pnei Zaken which contains the halachic conclusions of the Rambam. The commentaries were first printed in Lemberg in 1861-1862 (see Kedem Auction 72, item 13).
In this leaf, after the author explains at length the words of the Talmud Yerushalmi, he sharply criticizes "the commentator" (presumably referring to the Pnei Moshe commentary on the Yerushalmi).
Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Yehuda Yechiel Safrin Rabbi of Zidichov and Komarno (1806-1874), a G-dly kabbalist and leading transmitter of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, a nephew and close disciple of the Sar Beit HaZohar, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov. He was cherished by foremost Chassidic leaders – the Chozeh of Lublin (who served as his matchmaker), the Rebbe of Apta, R. Moshe Tzvi of Savran, his uncle R. Moshe of Sambor, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, and others. He authored many books on Chassidut and Kabbalah, including the Heichal HaBerachah commentary to the Five Books of the Torah, based on the teachings of the Arizal and the Baal Shem Tov. The Heichal HaBerachah Chumashim are considered classic books in Chassidic thought and Kabbalah. They were cherished by rebbes of various dynasties (the Zidichov dynasty, the Divrei Chaim and his descendants, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch, and others), who extolled the exceptional holiness of the kabbalistic teachings contained in his commentaries.
[1] leaf (two written pages). 24.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor marginal tears, not affecting text.
Category
Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Talmudic novellae and homily, by an unidentified writer. [Europe, ca. early 19th century].
The writer mentions the books of the Acharonim: Shaagat Aryeh (first printed in 1755, Chavat Daat (first printed in 1799) and Mekor Chaim (first printed in 1807). A halachic discourse for Shabbat Teshuva is recorded on leaves 16-19 (the writer presumably served as rabbi).
30, [17] leaves (including 84 written pages). 19.5 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Overall good condition. Ink stains on final page. Leaves trimmed, affecting text at edge of some leaves. New binding. Tear to spine.
The writer mentions the books of the Acharonim: Shaagat Aryeh (first printed in 1755, Chavat Daat (first printed in 1799) and Mekor Chaim (first printed in 1807). A halachic discourse for Shabbat Teshuva is recorded on leaves 16-19 (the writer presumably served as rabbi).
30, [17] leaves (including 84 written pages). 19.5 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Overall good condition. Ink stains on final page. Leaves trimmed, affecting text at edge of some leaves. New binding. Tear to spine.
Category
Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Manuscript, Minchat Yehuda, novellae on Tractates Pesachim and Bava Metzia, and on Shulchan Aruch, by R. Yehuda son of R. Yitzchak Katz of Slonim. [Lithuania], 1819.
Many inscriptions, some mentioning the name of the author and other names: "I authored this [---], Yehuda son of R. Yitzchak Katz of Slonim, now living in Molchad", "…R. Aharon Zelig HaKohen of Slonim", and more.
The year 1819 is mentioned several times.
No information about the writer could be found. It seems that the manuscript was never printed.
[42] leaves (written on both sides). 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Large open tears to all leaves, affecting text. Unbound leaves (placed in a ring binder).
Many inscriptions, some mentioning the name of the author and other names: "I authored this [---], Yehuda son of R. Yitzchak Katz of Slonim, now living in Molchad", "…R. Aharon Zelig HaKohen of Slonim", and more.
The year 1819 is mentioned several times.
No information about the writer could be found. It seems that the manuscript was never printed.
[42] leaves (written on both sides). 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Large open tears to all leaves, affecting text. Unbound leaves (placed in a ring binder).
Category
Manuscripts
Catalogue