Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 37 - 48 of 68
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $700
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Yemenite rite Tiklal siddur; prayers for weekdays, Shabbat and festivals, with Chiddushin and commentaries by R. Yitzchak (Mahari) Wanneh and other commentators. At the end of the volume – various midrashim and compositions, segulah books and dream interpretations. [Yemen, ca. 1877].
A complete, large format siddur in neat Yemenite script (style and text based on early Tiklal siddurim, predominantly with supralinear vocalization). The commentaries, which are set in a separate column, are entitled Chiddushin or other, as follows: Tikunei Shabbat with the Tikunei Shabbat commentary; Pirkei Avot with Chiddushin; Passover Haggadah with Chiddushin; Azharot by R. Shlomo ibn Gabirol with Perush Azharot; Megillat Esther and Megillat Bnei Chashmona'i with commentaries (entitled Midrash Esther); High holiday prayers and Hoshanot with Chiddushin; Keter Malchut piyyutim, Ashmorot (selichot for the month of Elul); El Melech and Maranot piyyutim (selichot for Yom Kippur night, opening with the words El Melech and Maran), without commentary; Yom Kippur service by R. Avraham ibn Ezra; Birkat HaMazon with Chiddushin, order of blessings; calendar of leap years and Tekufot beginning 1876.
Several compositions were copied further in the volume, most of which do not appear in other Tiklal siddurim: midrashim in Judeo-Arabic on the Ten Commandments and the passing of Aharon HaKohen and Moshe Rabbenu; texts of ketubot, divorce and other official documents; Shaar HaTekufot – segulot for predicting the future; Letter of Eldad HaDani; Tale of Yeshu (Jesus); Tale of Ben Sira; the Taamim Nechmadim composition; Pitron Chalomot (dream interpretations).
The scribe's colophon, which was written alongside the concluding lines of the book Taamim Nechmadim, states that the book was written for Ya'ish Salam al-Shaer.
[193] leaves. Approx. 33 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Wide margins. Overall good condition. Many stains, minor wear. Marginal tears and paper repairs to first leaf. Several detached leaves. Crude leather binding, with tooling. Binding worn and slightly damaged, worming to endpaper.
A complete, large format siddur in neat Yemenite script (style and text based on early Tiklal siddurim, predominantly with supralinear vocalization). The commentaries, which are set in a separate column, are entitled Chiddushin or other, as follows: Tikunei Shabbat with the Tikunei Shabbat commentary; Pirkei Avot with Chiddushin; Passover Haggadah with Chiddushin; Azharot by R. Shlomo ibn Gabirol with Perush Azharot; Megillat Esther and Megillat Bnei Chashmona'i with commentaries (entitled Midrash Esther); High holiday prayers and Hoshanot with Chiddushin; Keter Malchut piyyutim, Ashmorot (selichot for the month of Elul); El Melech and Maranot piyyutim (selichot for Yom Kippur night, opening with the words El Melech and Maran), without commentary; Yom Kippur service by R. Avraham ibn Ezra; Birkat HaMazon with Chiddushin, order of blessings; calendar of leap years and Tekufot beginning 1876.
Several compositions were copied further in the volume, most of which do not appear in other Tiklal siddurim: midrashim in Judeo-Arabic on the Ten Commandments and the passing of Aharon HaKohen and Moshe Rabbenu; texts of ketubot, divorce and other official documents; Shaar HaTekufot – segulot for predicting the future; Letter of Eldad HaDani; Tale of Yeshu (Jesus); Tale of Ben Sira; the Taamim Nechmadim composition; Pitron Chalomot (dream interpretations).
The scribe's colophon, which was written alongside the concluding lines of the book Taamim Nechmadim, states that the book was written for Ya'ish Salam al-Shaer.
[193] leaves. Approx. 33 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Wide margins. Overall good condition. Many stains, minor wear. Marginal tears and paper repairs to first leaf. Several detached leaves. Crude leather binding, with tooling. Binding worn and slightly damaged, worming to endpaper.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $450
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, prayers and piyyutim for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, selichot and Tikkunei Shabbat. Yemen, [ca. 18th century].
The manuscript is comprised of (incomplete) parts of manuscripts, in Yemenite script from various writers (supralinear vocalization to some leaves).
Inscription on the first leaf, in Judeo-Arabic, dated 1807. On p. 12b, inscription dated 1805, attesting to the sale of the manuscript, signed by "Moshe son of Yosef Kar'a(?)" and "Haron son of Yichye al-Tzayihi". Ownership inscription on p. 44b in Judeo-Arabic dated 1777, signed by "Yosef son of Moshe".
[80] leaves. Final leaf blank. 15 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains. New binding.
The manuscript is comprised of (incomplete) parts of manuscripts, in Yemenite script from various writers (supralinear vocalization to some leaves).
Inscription on the first leaf, in Judeo-Arabic, dated 1807. On p. 12b, inscription dated 1805, attesting to the sale of the manuscript, signed by "Moshe son of Yosef Kar'a(?)" and "Haron son of Yichye al-Tzayihi". Ownership inscription on p. 44b in Judeo-Arabic dated 1777, signed by "Yosef son of Moshe".
[80] leaves. Final leaf blank. 15 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains. New binding.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Tafsir of R. Saadya Gaon, Judeo-Arabic translation of the Torah, composed by R. Saadya Gaon. [Yemen, 18th/19th century and 20th century].
The manuscript is comprised of several manuscript parts scribed in different periods. Leaves [45-102] – script typical of ca. 18th century. Leaves [19-44], different hand, presumably completed at a slightly later date, ca. 19th century. Leaves [2-18; 103-106] are later additions [20th century]. It appears that the combined manuscript comprises the complete composition.
[2-106] leaves. 31 cm. Various types of paper. Condition varies. Overall fair condition. Wear and tears. Mold stains to some leaves. New binding.
It is rare to find a manuscript of this work as a book on its own. Tafsir of R. Saadia Gaon is usually included in Taj books of the Torah, in a separate column alongside the text of the Torah and Targum Onkelos.
The manuscript is comprised of several manuscript parts scribed in different periods. Leaves [45-102] – script typical of ca. 18th century. Leaves [19-44], different hand, presumably completed at a slightly later date, ca. 19th century. Leaves [2-18; 103-106] are later additions [20th century]. It appears that the combined manuscript comprises the complete composition.
[2-106] leaves. 31 cm. Various types of paper. Condition varies. Overall fair condition. Wear and tears. Mold stains to some leaves. New binding.
It is rare to find a manuscript of this work as a book on its own. Tafsir of R. Saadia Gaon is usually included in Taj books of the Torah, in a separate column alongside the text of the Torah and Targum Onkelos.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Midrash HaGadol, by R. David son of Amram al-Adeni. [Yemen, 16th/17th century].
Two incomplete manuscripts bound together. The first manuscript (leaves 1-7) contains part of the Book of Shemot, Torah portions Teruma – Ki Tisa (corresponding with p. 602, line 26 – p. 659, line 10 of the Mossad HaRav Kook edition). The second manuscript (leaves 8-57) contains sections of the Book of Devarim, Torah portions Re'eh – Ki Tetze, with some omissions (corresponding with p. 238, line 23 – p. 577, line 8 of the Mossad HaRav Kook edition).
Several marginal glosses.
[57] leaves. 28 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains (some dark). Marginal tears and wear. Open tears to several leaves, affecting text. Worming, affecting text. New binding.
Two incomplete manuscripts bound together. The first manuscript (leaves 1-7) contains part of the Book of Shemot, Torah portions Teruma – Ki Tisa (corresponding with p. 602, line 26 – p. 659, line 10 of the Mossad HaRav Kook edition). The second manuscript (leaves 8-57) contains sections of the Book of Devarim, Torah portions Re'eh – Ki Tetze, with some omissions (corresponding with p. 238, line 23 – p. 577, line 8 of the Mossad HaRav Kook edition).
Several marginal glosses.
[57] leaves. 28 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains (some dark). Marginal tears and wear. Open tears to several leaves, affecting text. Worming, affecting text. New binding.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Diwan – songs and piyyutim. [Yemen, ca. 19th century]. Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic.
Tall and narrow format.
[159] pages. 33.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains (dark stains and dampstains), tears and wear. Worming. Old binding.
Provenance: Mehlman Ms. 88.
Tall and narrow format.
[159] pages. 33.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains (dark stains and dampstains), tears and wear. Worming. Old binding.
Provenance: Mehlman Ms. 88.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, three Megillot – Shir HaShirim, Ruth and Kohelet, with Targum and the Rashi commentary, and with Tikkun Leil Shavuot. [Yemen, ca. 19th century].
Neat Yemenite script, decorated in red ink. The manuscript begins with Shir HaShirim, followed by Tikkun Leil Shavuot, Megillat Ruth and Megillat Kohelet. Sublinear vocalization to Megillot and Tikkun, and supralinear vocalization to Targum. The Rashi commentary to Shir HaShirim is written at the end of the Megillah, consecutively. The Rashi commentary to Ruth and Kohelet is written beneath the text of the Megillah and Targum.
Ownership inscriptions on several leaves.
[110] leaves (one leaf of Shir HaShirim – chapter 5, erroneously bound in the middle of chapter 1). 16 cm. Good condition. Stains. Tears to several leaves, repaired. Open tear to corner of one leaf, affecting text. Worming. Old binding.
Neat Yemenite script, decorated in red ink. The manuscript begins with Shir HaShirim, followed by Tikkun Leil Shavuot, Megillat Ruth and Megillat Kohelet. Sublinear vocalization to Megillot and Tikkun, and supralinear vocalization to Targum. The Rashi commentary to Shir HaShirim is written at the end of the Megillah, consecutively. The Rashi commentary to Ruth and Kohelet is written beneath the text of the Megillah and Targum.
Ownership inscriptions on several leaves.
[110] leaves (one leaf of Shir HaShirim – chapter 5, erroneously bound in the middle of chapter 1). 16 cm. Good condition. Stains. Tears to several leaves, repaired. Open tear to corner of one leaf, affecting text. Worming. Old binding.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Manuscript, Haftarot for the entire year (for the weekly Torah portions, special Shabbatot and festivals), with Aramaic Targum, according to the Yemenite rite. [Yemen, ca. 19th century].
Yemenite script, vowelized. Bound with a title page of another manuscript of Haftarot, with a chronogram indicating the year 1892. With a calligraphic signature of "Avraham son of Suleiman [---]".
[115] leaves. 22.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, wear and tears. Worming. Several detached leaves. New binding.
Yemenite script, vowelized. Bound with a title page of another manuscript of Haftarot, with a chronogram indicating the year 1892. With a calligraphic signature of "Avraham son of Suleiman [---]".
[115] leaves. 22.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, wear and tears. Worming. Several detached leaves. New binding.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Unsold
Two notebooks, comprising regulations and signed documents, accounts and copies of letters, from the leaders and rabbis of the community of Yemenite immigrants in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, 1892-1893, with account records until ca. 1899.
Early documents, from the early days of the founding of the main institutions supporting Torah study in the community: the Torat Moshe yeshiva (for study of Talmud and halachic literature), the Tehilla LeDavid society (for the recital of Psalms in a minyan by the Western Wall) and the Torah Or society supporting the boys' school of the community.
The first notebook contains the founding regulations of the society, recorded in 1892, with the signatures of the rabbis and community leaders: "…we wish with these lines, to inform all readers, that we, leaders of the Yemenite community whose signatures appear below, realized that our community has no Talmudic yeshiva in this country, unlike other respectable communities in Jerusalem… Therefore, we rose and gained strength, and set two important goals, one is [the establishment of] a yeshiva for the study of the Talmud and halachic literature every day… named the Torah Moshe yeshiva. The second is [the establishment of] the glorious society named Tehilla LeDavid, to stand before G-d in prayer and supplication… ten elders will complete the Five Books of Tehillim every single day… opposite the gates of Heaven, the Western Wall…".
The founding regulations are signed by 11 prominent members of the Yemenite community: "Saadia son of Shlomo Alnaddaf", "Aharon son of Aharon Hoter HaKohen", "Shalom son of Yosef HaLevi Alshech"; "Azriel son of Chaim Naddaf", "Yichye son of Yichye [Shi'tal] HaLevi"; "Shalom son of Chaim Naddaf"; "Saadya son Yosef Tzefira"; "Avraham son of R. Chaim Alnaddaf"; "Emmanuel son of Shalom Alnakash", "Chaim son of R. Sa'id [Saadia] Damti", "Yosef son of Shalom Sharafi".
Following the signatures is a commitment by the members of the Torat Moshe yeshiva to adhere to the set study programs, dated 28th Nissan 1893, with seven signatures and the stamp of the yeshiva.
The rest of the first notebook and the second notebook contain: account records, regulations, protocols and receipts signed by the leaders of the Yemenite community, copies of letters sent to donors and letters from donors (with the signatures of the wealthy members of the Bukharan community in Jerusalem, who were the main supporters of the impoverished Yemenite community).
Two notebooks. Approx. 83 written pages. Approx. 15-17 cm. Dry paper. Overall good condition. Stains and tears. New bindings.
Early documents, from the early days of the founding of the main institutions supporting Torah study in the community: the Torat Moshe yeshiva (for study of Talmud and halachic literature), the Tehilla LeDavid society (for the recital of Psalms in a minyan by the Western Wall) and the Torah Or society supporting the boys' school of the community.
The first notebook contains the founding regulations of the society, recorded in 1892, with the signatures of the rabbis and community leaders: "…we wish with these lines, to inform all readers, that we, leaders of the Yemenite community whose signatures appear below, realized that our community has no Talmudic yeshiva in this country, unlike other respectable communities in Jerusalem… Therefore, we rose and gained strength, and set two important goals, one is [the establishment of] a yeshiva for the study of the Talmud and halachic literature every day… named the Torah Moshe yeshiva. The second is [the establishment of] the glorious society named Tehilla LeDavid, to stand before G-d in prayer and supplication… ten elders will complete the Five Books of Tehillim every single day… opposite the gates of Heaven, the Western Wall…".
The founding regulations are signed by 11 prominent members of the Yemenite community: "Saadia son of Shlomo Alnaddaf", "Aharon son of Aharon Hoter HaKohen", "Shalom son of Yosef HaLevi Alshech"; "Azriel son of Chaim Naddaf", "Yichye son of Yichye [Shi'tal] HaLevi"; "Shalom son of Chaim Naddaf"; "Saadya son Yosef Tzefira"; "Avraham son of R. Chaim Alnaddaf"; "Emmanuel son of Shalom Alnakash", "Chaim son of R. Sa'id [Saadia] Damti", "Yosef son of Shalom Sharafi".
Following the signatures is a commitment by the members of the Torat Moshe yeshiva to adhere to the set study programs, dated 28th Nissan 1893, with seven signatures and the stamp of the yeshiva.
The rest of the first notebook and the second notebook contain: account records, regulations, protocols and receipts signed by the leaders of the Yemenite community, copies of letters sent to donors and letters from donors (with the signatures of the wealthy members of the Bukharan community in Jerusalem, who were the main supporters of the impoverished Yemenite community).
Two notebooks. Approx. 83 written pages. Approx. 15-17 cm. Dry paper. Overall good condition. Stains and tears. New bindings.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Yoreh Chata'im and Goralot (order of the chapters of the counsel of Achitofel). Aden (Yemen), 1906.
Neat script with calligraphic headings and title pages. Titles and some headings decorated in colored pencils.
Signatures of the writer, R. Meush (Moshe) Selim Banin, on the decorated title pages (the Banin family was a wealthy family of rabbis, leaders of the Aden community for several generations). At the beginning of the volume, signatures of the writer in English and Arabic, dated 1906.
Enclosed: A handwritten leaf, entitled "G-d save the Queen", with a poem in Hebrew and English in honor of the Queen of England: "G-d save our gracious Queen… O grant her long to see / Friendship and amity…" (Aden was at that time a British colony in Southern Yemen).
[3], 2-151 leaves. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor worming. Old binding with leather spine.
Neat script with calligraphic headings and title pages. Titles and some headings decorated in colored pencils.
Signatures of the writer, R. Meush (Moshe) Selim Banin, on the decorated title pages (the Banin family was a wealthy family of rabbis, leaders of the Aden community for several generations). At the beginning of the volume, signatures of the writer in English and Arabic, dated 1906.
Enclosed: A handwritten leaf, entitled "G-d save the Queen", with a poem in Hebrew and English in honor of the Queen of England: "G-d save our gracious Queen… O grant her long to see / Friendship and amity…" (Aden was at that time a British colony in Southern Yemen).
[3], 2-151 leaves. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor worming. Old binding with leather spine.
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $600
Including buyer's premium
Five books printed in Aden, Yemen, 1893-1929.
1-2. Mekor Chaim, laws of Terefot by R. Yichye son of R. Yaakov Tzalach of Sanaa. Aden, [1893]. Bound with: Petach HaOhel, laws of Gittin, with laws of Kiddushin and Ketubot, by R. Yichye Amud. Aden, [1894].
In Mekor Chaim, many glosses in Yemenite script and large tears (affecting text); lacking several leaves.
3. Ilui HaNeshamot, study order for the elevation of the souls of the departed, following the Aden rite. Aden, [1902].
4. Chupat Chatanim, poems and piyyutim, by R. Shalom Shabazi. Aden, [1925].
5. Zemirot Yisrael, poems and piyyutim for Shabbat and Festivals. Aden, [1929]. Some piyyutim printed in Judeo-Arabic.
Five books in four volumes. Size and condition vary.
Until the late 19th century, for lack of a Hebrew printing press in Yemen, almost all work of Yemenite rabbis were copied by hand. The first press was established in 1891, in Aden (then under British rule). Only about twenty Hebrew books were printed there (see: Yaari, The Hebrew Press in Aden, in: HaDefus HaIvri BeArtzot HaMizrach, Jerusalem, 1937, pp. 86-91. Yaari records 13 titles printed in Aden).
1-2. Mekor Chaim, laws of Terefot by R. Yichye son of R. Yaakov Tzalach of Sanaa. Aden, [1893]. Bound with: Petach HaOhel, laws of Gittin, with laws of Kiddushin and Ketubot, by R. Yichye Amud. Aden, [1894].
In Mekor Chaim, many glosses in Yemenite script and large tears (affecting text); lacking several leaves.
3. Ilui HaNeshamot, study order for the elevation of the souls of the departed, following the Aden rite. Aden, [1902].
4. Chupat Chatanim, poems and piyyutim, by R. Shalom Shabazi. Aden, [1925].
5. Zemirot Yisrael, poems and piyyutim for Shabbat and Festivals. Aden, [1929]. Some piyyutim printed in Judeo-Arabic.
Five books in four volumes. Size and condition vary.
Until the late 19th century, for lack of a Hebrew printing press in Yemen, almost all work of Yemenite rabbis were copied by hand. The first press was established in 1891, in Aden (then under British rule). Only about twenty Hebrew books were printed there (see: Yaari, The Hebrew Press in Aden, in: HaDefus HaIvri BeArtzot HaMizrach, Jerusalem, 1937, pp. 86-91. Yaari records 13 titles printed in Aden).
Category
Yemenite Jewry – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
A letter sent to Moses Montefiore from the Jewish community of Isfahan (Iran), signed by the rabbis and heads of the community. Isfahan, 1873.
A lengthy letter, expressing the plight of the community under the rule of "our king, Nassereddin" – Naser al-Din, fourth monarch of the Qajar dynasty, the Shah of Persia at that time. The letter was written in anticipation of Naser al-Din's visit to London. Naser al-Din was the first Persian monarch to formally visit Europe, to meet with European kings and leaders. In this letter, the community of Isfahan asks Montefiore to lobby on their behalf at his meeting with the Shah.
The letter is signed by the rabbis and heads of the Isfahan community, who added some words in their handwriting. Calligraphic signatures and stamps of: R. Yehuda son of R. Yosef, R. Chizkia son of R. Mordechai, R. Avraham son of R. Yechezkel, R. Avraham son of R. Moshe, R. Avraham son of R. Yaakov, R. Yosef Shalom son of R. Chiyya and R. Moshe son of R. Yeshua.
Moses Montefiore was very active on behalf of Persian Jewry in the 19th century. Under the rule of the Qajar dynasty, the Jews suffered severe persecution, and Montefiore worked relentlessly to assist them, employing all means at his disposal. He assisted Mashhadi Jews who were persecuted by Muslims, attempted to stop the persecution of the Jews in Hamadan and Barfrouch (present day Babol), and so on. During the Great Persian famine of 1871-1872, Montefiore led the collection of funds among European Jewry to afford relief to the Jews of Persia. Montefiore's empathy and concern for his Jewish brethren in Persia is also expressed in a diary entry he wrote on March 25, 1865: "I could not sleep last night for thinking of our poor brethren in Persia".
In 1873, Montefiore met Naser al-Din in London. This audience greatly affected the Shah's policy towards the Jews, leading to an amelioration in their condition. Afterwards, Montefiore received a letter from the Shah (in English), in which he expressed his willingness to protect Persian Jewry. Montefiore had the letter translated into Persian and Hebrew, and sent lithographed copies to the Jewish communities in Persia. In an accompanying letter, he requested that the Jews pray for the Shah and suggested that they hang the Shah's letter at the entrances of their synagogues (see: Amnon Netzer, Montefiore and the Jews of Persia, in: Pe'amim, XX, 1984, pp. 55-67).
• Enclosed: the envelope in which this letter was sent, addressed to Montefiore with a poetic inscription. Stamps of: R. Yehuda son of R. Yosef and R. Chizkia son of R. Mordechai.
[1] leaf (letter). Approx. 27 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear, creases and folding marks. Occasional faded ink. + Envelope. 7.5X11.5 cm. Good condition.
A lengthy letter, expressing the plight of the community under the rule of "our king, Nassereddin" – Naser al-Din, fourth monarch of the Qajar dynasty, the Shah of Persia at that time. The letter was written in anticipation of Naser al-Din's visit to London. Naser al-Din was the first Persian monarch to formally visit Europe, to meet with European kings and leaders. In this letter, the community of Isfahan asks Montefiore to lobby on their behalf at his meeting with the Shah.
The letter is signed by the rabbis and heads of the Isfahan community, who added some words in their handwriting. Calligraphic signatures and stamps of: R. Yehuda son of R. Yosef, R. Chizkia son of R. Mordechai, R. Avraham son of R. Yechezkel, R. Avraham son of R. Moshe, R. Avraham son of R. Yaakov, R. Yosef Shalom son of R. Chiyya and R. Moshe son of R. Yeshua.
Moses Montefiore was very active on behalf of Persian Jewry in the 19th century. Under the rule of the Qajar dynasty, the Jews suffered severe persecution, and Montefiore worked relentlessly to assist them, employing all means at his disposal. He assisted Mashhadi Jews who were persecuted by Muslims, attempted to stop the persecution of the Jews in Hamadan and Barfrouch (present day Babol), and so on. During the Great Persian famine of 1871-1872, Montefiore led the collection of funds among European Jewry to afford relief to the Jews of Persia. Montefiore's empathy and concern for his Jewish brethren in Persia is also expressed in a diary entry he wrote on March 25, 1865: "I could not sleep last night for thinking of our poor brethren in Persia".
In 1873, Montefiore met Naser al-Din in London. This audience greatly affected the Shah's policy towards the Jews, leading to an amelioration in their condition. Afterwards, Montefiore received a letter from the Shah (in English), in which he expressed his willingness to protect Persian Jewry. Montefiore had the letter translated into Persian and Hebrew, and sent lithographed copies to the Jewish communities in Persia. In an accompanying letter, he requested that the Jews pray for the Shah and suggested that they hang the Shah's letter at the entrances of their synagogues (see: Amnon Netzer, Montefiore and the Jews of Persia, in: Pe'amim, XX, 1984, pp. 55-67).
• Enclosed: the envelope in which this letter was sent, addressed to Montefiore with a poetic inscription. Stamps of: R. Yehuda son of R. Yosef and R. Chizkia son of R. Mordechai.
[1] leaf (letter). Approx. 27 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear, creases and folding marks. Occasional faded ink. + Envelope. 7.5X11.5 cm. Good condition.
Category
Iraqi, Iranian and Indian Jewry – Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $938
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Judeo-Persian compositions (the tale of Yosef and Zuleicha, by the poet Shuela; and other compositions). [Iranian expanse, ca. 19th century].
Manuscript in notebook format (tall leaves), on colored paper – light-blue, purple, white, yellow and orange (bound alternately).
[197] leaves (and another approx. 15 blank leaves). Height: approx. 22 cm. Width: approx. 14 cm. Condition varies, fair-good. Stains, wear and tears. Early parchment binding, damaged.
Manuscript in notebook format (tall leaves), on colored paper – light-blue, purple, white, yellow and orange (bound alternately).
[197] leaves (and another approx. 15 blank leaves). Height: approx. 22 cm. Width: approx. 14 cm. Condition varies, fair-good. Stains, wear and tears. Early parchment binding, damaged.
Category
Iraqi, Iranian and Indian Jewry – Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue