Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
Babylonian Talmud, with commentaries. Sulzbach: Meshulam Zalman son of Aharon (Fränkel), [1755-1763]. Complete elegant set in fifteen volumes.
This edition was the focus of a dispute between printers which engendered a controversy between rabbis. Shortly after the beginning of printing, the Proops brothers of Amsterdam appealed to the rabbis of Vaad Arba Aratzot with the contention that the printing of the Sulzbach edition was a violation of their printing rights. The printers in Amsterdam were then in the midst of publishing their own Talmud edition, and had received rabbinic approbations granting them exclusive rights to print the Talmud for a period of twenty-five years. The Vaad Arba Aratzot and other rabbis hastened to ban the Sulzbach Talmud. They prohibited studying from that edition of the Talmud and ruled that the volumes should be burnt (!) or at least buried. The dispute persisted however as the rabbis of Fürth, led by R. David Strauss, backed R. Zalman, the printer from Sulzbach. During the course of the conflict, both sides published polemic booklets against each other. The dispute continued for a long while and eventually drew the attention of leading rabbis of that time, such as the Noda BiYehuda who intervened to mediate between the printers (see: R. Refael Natan Nata Rabinowitz, Maamar al Hadpasat HaTalmud, Jerusalem 1952, pp. 119-121; R. Yosef Wichelder, HaDfus VehaPulmus, HaMevaser HaTorani, issue 243 – 26th Av 2013, and issue 245 – 10th Elul 2013).
In Responsa Zichron Yosef (Choshen Mishpat, section 2) by R. Yosef Steinhart Rabbi of Fürth, a leading Torah scholar of that generation, an exchange of letters between himself, R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam and another rabbi is printed, comprising a detailed discussion of the halachic status of the Talmud volumes of the Sulzbach edition. They question whether there is an obligation to burn the volumes, in light of the ban issued by the rabbis of the Vaad Arba Aratzot, or whether it is preferable to bury them. They also suggest that the prohibition may apply only to volumes in possession of the printer and not to volumes which have already been purchased by private individuals. R. Yosef Steinhart rules in his responsum: "In my humble opinion, the matter is clear as day… it is permissible to study from the Talmud printed in Sulzbach, even though the printing was banned…".
Title pages of some tractates (Berachot, Shabbat, Pesachim, Rosh Hashanah, Yevamot, Gittin, Bava Kama, Bava Batra, Sanhedrin, Zevachim, Chullin, Niddah) printed in red and black. All the title pages bear the printer's device with the inscription: "Zalman Madpis".
Many ownership inscriptions, including several by R. Chaim Feivel son of R. Eliezer Leizer, his son R. Refael and his grandson R. Lipman, of Niederhagenthal (Hagenthal-le-Bas, Alsace). Some inscriptions are dated to the late 18th century. Inscriptions by members of the Blum family of Bischheim; "Eliezer Horodi"; and others.
15 volumes. Complete set. • Berachot and Order Zera'im, 1755: [3], 2-100; 87 leaves. • Shabbat, Beitzah, 1755: [3], 2-190; 51 leaves. • Eruvin, Chagigah, Taanit, Shekalim, 1756-1757: 117, 119-130; 28; 36; 13 leaves. • Pesachim, Moed Katan, Megillah, 1756-1757: 121, 121-137; 44; 39 leaves. • Rosh Hashanah, Yoma, Sukkah, 1757: 41; 95; 68 leaves. • Yevamot, Ketubot 1757-1758: 147; [2], 2-145, 150-153 leaves. • Nedarim, Nazir, Sotah, 1760: 106; 69; 52 leaves. • Gittin, Kiddushin, 1757-1760: 116; 97 leaves. • Bava Kama, Bava Metzia, 1760: 146; 158, [1] leaves. • Bava Batra, Avoda Zara, 1763: 219; 97 leaves. Tractate Avoda Zara printed without title page. • Sanhedrin, Avot DeRabbi Natan, Sofrim, Semachot, Kallah, Derech Eretz Rabba and Zuta, Avot with Shemonah Perakim by the Rambam and the Chesed Avraham commentary, Halachot Ketanot by Rabbenu Asher, Shevuot, Eduyot, Horayot and Makkot, 1761: 129; 33; [37]-52; 61; 14; 18; 28 leaves. • Zevachim, Menachot, 1761-1762: [2], 2-121, 121-126; 114, 114-115, [1] leaves. • Chullin, Keritot, 1762: 177, 31 leaves. • Bechorot, Temurah, Me'ilah, Kinnim, Tamid, Middot, Arachin, 1762: 73; 36; 36, [1], 37-42, [1]; 36, [1] leaves. • Niddah and Order Taharot, 1758-1759: 88; 178 leaves.
Approx. 39 cm. Wide margins. Light-colored, thick, high-quality paper in some volumes. Overall good condition. Stains, including large stains in several places. Minor marginal wear to several leaves. Tears to several leaves, repaired in part. Tears to title page of tractate Shabbat, slightly affecting text, repaired. Some minor worming. Handwritten inscriptions. Original leather-covered wood bindings, with metal clasps. Damage to bindings and minor worming in a few places. Bindings restored; straps and parts of binding replaced in some volumes. One volume with new endpapers.
Tractate Middot includes three pages with plans and illustrations of the Temple and the Temple vessels. Name of the artist (noted on one page): Yehonatan son of R. Yosef of Rozhinoy (after the Frankfurt edition).
For a detailed description of this edition, see: R. N.N. Rabinowitz, Maamar al HaDpasat HaTalmud, Jerusalem 1952, pp. 120-121.
This edition was the focus of a dispute between printers which engendered a controversy between rabbis. Shortly after the beginning of printing, the Proops brothers of Amsterdam appealed to the rabbis of Vaad Arba Aratzot with the contention that the printing of the Sulzbach edition was a violation of their printing rights. The printers in Amsterdam were then in the midst of publishing their own Talmud edition, and had received rabbinic approbations granting them exclusive rights to print the Talmud for a period of twenty-five years. The Vaad Arba Aratzot and other rabbis hastened to ban the Sulzbach Talmud. They prohibited studying from that edition of the Talmud and ruled that the volumes should be burnt (!) or at least buried. The dispute persisted however as the rabbis of Fürth, led by R. David Strauss, backed R. Zalman, the printer from Sulzbach. During the course of the conflict, both sides published polemic booklets against each other. The dispute continued for a long while and eventually drew the attention of leading rabbis of that time, such as the Noda BiYehuda who intervened to mediate between the printers (see: R. Refael Natan Nata Rabinowitz, Maamar al Hadpasat HaTalmud, Jerusalem 1952, pp. 119-121; R. Yosef Wichelder, HaDfus VehaPulmus, HaMevaser HaTorani, issue 243 – 26th Av 2013, and issue 245 – 10th Elul 2013).
In Responsa Zichron Yosef (Choshen Mishpat, section 2) by R. Yosef Steinhart Rabbi of Fürth, a leading Torah scholar of that generation, an exchange of letters between himself, R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam and another rabbi is printed, comprising a detailed discussion of the halachic status of the Talmud volumes of the Sulzbach edition. They question whether there is an obligation to burn the volumes, in light of the ban issued by the rabbis of the Vaad Arba Aratzot, or whether it is preferable to bury them. They also suggest that the prohibition may apply only to volumes in possession of the printer and not to volumes which have already been purchased by private individuals. R. Yosef Steinhart rules in his responsum: "In my humble opinion, the matter is clear as day… it is permissible to study from the Talmud printed in Sulzbach, even though the printing was banned…".
Title pages of some tractates (Berachot, Shabbat, Pesachim, Rosh Hashanah, Yevamot, Gittin, Bava Kama, Bava Batra, Sanhedrin, Zevachim, Chullin, Niddah) printed in red and black. All the title pages bear the printer's device with the inscription: "Zalman Madpis".
Many ownership inscriptions, including several by R. Chaim Feivel son of R. Eliezer Leizer, his son R. Refael and his grandson R. Lipman, of Niederhagenthal (Hagenthal-le-Bas, Alsace). Some inscriptions are dated to the late 18th century. Inscriptions by members of the Blum family of Bischheim; "Eliezer Horodi"; and others.
15 volumes. Complete set. • Berachot and Order Zera'im, 1755: [3], 2-100; 87 leaves. • Shabbat, Beitzah, 1755: [3], 2-190; 51 leaves. • Eruvin, Chagigah, Taanit, Shekalim, 1756-1757: 117, 119-130; 28; 36; 13 leaves. • Pesachim, Moed Katan, Megillah, 1756-1757: 121, 121-137; 44; 39 leaves. • Rosh Hashanah, Yoma, Sukkah, 1757: 41; 95; 68 leaves. • Yevamot, Ketubot 1757-1758: 147; [2], 2-145, 150-153 leaves. • Nedarim, Nazir, Sotah, 1760: 106; 69; 52 leaves. • Gittin, Kiddushin, 1757-1760: 116; 97 leaves. • Bava Kama, Bava Metzia, 1760: 146; 158, [1] leaves. • Bava Batra, Avoda Zara, 1763: 219; 97 leaves. Tractate Avoda Zara printed without title page. • Sanhedrin, Avot DeRabbi Natan, Sofrim, Semachot, Kallah, Derech Eretz Rabba and Zuta, Avot with Shemonah Perakim by the Rambam and the Chesed Avraham commentary, Halachot Ketanot by Rabbenu Asher, Shevuot, Eduyot, Horayot and Makkot, 1761: 129; 33; [37]-52; 61; 14; 18; 28 leaves. • Zevachim, Menachot, 1761-1762: [2], 2-121, 121-126; 114, 114-115, [1] leaves. • Chullin, Keritot, 1762: 177, 31 leaves. • Bechorot, Temurah, Me'ilah, Kinnim, Tamid, Middot, Arachin, 1762: 73; 36; 36, [1], 37-42, [1]; 36, [1] leaves. • Niddah and Order Taharot, 1758-1759: 88; 178 leaves.
Approx. 39 cm. Wide margins. Light-colored, thick, high-quality paper in some volumes. Overall good condition. Stains, including large stains in several places. Minor marginal wear to several leaves. Tears to several leaves, repaired in part. Tears to title page of tractate Shabbat, slightly affecting text, repaired. Some minor worming. Handwritten inscriptions. Original leather-covered wood bindings, with metal clasps. Damage to bindings and minor worming in a few places. Bindings restored; straps and parts of binding replaced in some volumes. One volume with new endpapers.
Tractate Middot includes three pages with plans and illustrations of the Temple and the Temple vessels. Name of the artist (noted on one page): Yehonatan son of R. Yosef of Rozhinoy (after the Frankfurt edition).
For a detailed description of this edition, see: R. N.N. Rabinowitz, Maamar al HaDpasat HaTalmud, Jerusalem 1952, pp. 120-121.
Category
Classic Books – Talmud, Kabbalah and Ethics
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
Shenei Luchot HaBrit (Shelah), by R. Yeshaya HaLevi Horowitz. Amsterdam: Immanuel son of Yosef Athias, 1698. Engraved title page (by Avraham son of Yaakov HaGer).
Shenei Luchot HaBrit contains many halachic novellae, Kabbalistic principles, homiletics and ethics, and incorporates all realms of the Torah. The book was received with awe throughout the Jewish world, and its teachings are quoted in the books of leading poskim and kabbalists. Many renowned Chassidic leaders were extraordinarily devoted to the study of the books of the Shelah.
The Bach – R. Yoel Sirkis, notably acclaimed the author and his works in his approbation to the Shaar HaShamayim siddur: "R. Yeshaya HaLevi… left behind blessing in his holy compositions, and upon seeing or reading them, we sensed the outpouring of holiness in all our limbs, and this is the sign that his works were composed for the sake of heaven, to elevate future generations…". The Tosafot Yom Tov in his approbation to the siddur writes: "He is a holy, awe-inspiring man… no doubt he was invested with a heavenly spirit".
This edition of the Shelah was printed in Amsterdam in 1698, birth year of the Baal Shem Tov, and Chassidic lore ties these two events. The Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch writes (Igrot, 2853) of the elaborate edition of the Shelah printed in the year "Nachat" (gratification; the numerical value of 'nachat' corresponds to the Hebrew year 5458, i.e. 1698). He states that "this alludes to the heavenly gratification caused by the revelation of the holy book, and in that year the Baal Shem Tov was born". The Baal Shem Tov was used to saying that he was born in the year of the printing of the Shelah HaKadosh, in order to enlighten the world with G-d's light of Torah and fear of Heaven with service of the heart. The Rebbe Rayatz brings a wondrous tradition from R. Mendel of Vitebsk regarding the first and second editions of the Shelah: "During the printing of the Shelah… this holy book enthused and inspired the hearts of the Jewish people, drawing the Evil Eye, which brought about the infamous Chmielnicki pogroms"; "In the year the Baal Shem Tov was born, the second edition of Shelah was printed in Amsterdam, and then as well there was an accusation in heaven against the Jewish people in Poland, similar to the first accusation upon the initial publication of the Shelah, yet thank G-d, it was a year of serenity" (Likutei Diburim HaMeturgam, I, p. 50).
Ownership inscriptions on the endpapers, dated 1796 and 1818, signed by "Baruch son of R. Shimon Ze'ev" of Mülheim an der Ruhr, and birth and death records in his handwriting. Another inscription, written by his son, documenting the passing of his father in 1827.
[4], 422; 44; [12] leaves. 29.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains (including dark stains on some leaves, in particular final leaves). Marginal wear and minor tears to some leaves. Old paper repairs to inner margins of some leaves. Stamps. Elegant original wood and leather binding, with metal clasps. Front board mostly detached. Damage to edges of binding and spine.
Shenei Luchot HaBrit contains many halachic novellae, Kabbalistic principles, homiletics and ethics, and incorporates all realms of the Torah. The book was received with awe throughout the Jewish world, and its teachings are quoted in the books of leading poskim and kabbalists. Many renowned Chassidic leaders were extraordinarily devoted to the study of the books of the Shelah.
The Bach – R. Yoel Sirkis, notably acclaimed the author and his works in his approbation to the Shaar HaShamayim siddur: "R. Yeshaya HaLevi… left behind blessing in his holy compositions, and upon seeing or reading them, we sensed the outpouring of holiness in all our limbs, and this is the sign that his works were composed for the sake of heaven, to elevate future generations…". The Tosafot Yom Tov in his approbation to the siddur writes: "He is a holy, awe-inspiring man… no doubt he was invested with a heavenly spirit".
This edition of the Shelah was printed in Amsterdam in 1698, birth year of the Baal Shem Tov, and Chassidic lore ties these two events. The Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch writes (Igrot, 2853) of the elaborate edition of the Shelah printed in the year "Nachat" (gratification; the numerical value of 'nachat' corresponds to the Hebrew year 5458, i.e. 1698). He states that "this alludes to the heavenly gratification caused by the revelation of the holy book, and in that year the Baal Shem Tov was born". The Baal Shem Tov was used to saying that he was born in the year of the printing of the Shelah HaKadosh, in order to enlighten the world with G-d's light of Torah and fear of Heaven with service of the heart. The Rebbe Rayatz brings a wondrous tradition from R. Mendel of Vitebsk regarding the first and second editions of the Shelah: "During the printing of the Shelah… this holy book enthused and inspired the hearts of the Jewish people, drawing the Evil Eye, which brought about the infamous Chmielnicki pogroms"; "In the year the Baal Shem Tov was born, the second edition of Shelah was printed in Amsterdam, and then as well there was an accusation in heaven against the Jewish people in Poland, similar to the first accusation upon the initial publication of the Shelah, yet thank G-d, it was a year of serenity" (Likutei Diburim HaMeturgam, I, p. 50).
Ownership inscriptions on the endpapers, dated 1796 and 1818, signed by "Baruch son of R. Shimon Ze'ev" of Mülheim an der Ruhr, and birth and death records in his handwriting. Another inscription, written by his son, documenting the passing of his father in 1827.
[4], 422; 44; [12] leaves. 29.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains (including dark stains on some leaves, in particular final leaves). Marginal wear and minor tears to some leaves. Old paper repairs to inner margins of some leaves. Stamps. Elegant original wood and leather binding, with metal clasps. Front board mostly detached. Damage to edges of binding and spine.
Category
Classic Books – Talmud, Kabbalah and Ethics
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $6,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $12,500
Including buyer's premium
"This is the book of Adam HaRishon given to him by Raziel HaMalach". Kabbalah and segulot. Amsterdam: Moses Mendes Coitinho, [1701]. First edition. Many kabbalistic illustrations.
This is the first edition, edited and printed based on manuscripts. This book is the source of many renowned segulot, for remembering Torah study, a protective amulet for a woman giving birth, etc. Just having this book in the house is a reputed segulah for protection from harm and fire as stated on the title page: "An excellent segulah to bear wise and sage sons, for success, blessing and to extinguish fire, so that it shouldn't affect his home, and no evil being should reside in his home, since the holy, awesome book is concealed with his money in his treasury, and in times of trouble it will afford him speedy salvation. And to this, any learned person will attest". Some say that it is a segulah for the childless and for women experiencing difficult labor.
18, [1], 19-45 leaves. 22 cm. Condition varies. Open tears to upper margins of title page and six following leaves, repaired with paper, with damage to text (and border) of title page and three other leaves. Remaining leaves in overall good condition. Stains, including dampstains, and wear. New binding.
This is the first edition, edited and printed based on manuscripts. This book is the source of many renowned segulot, for remembering Torah study, a protective amulet for a woman giving birth, etc. Just having this book in the house is a reputed segulah for protection from harm and fire as stated on the title page: "An excellent segulah to bear wise and sage sons, for success, blessing and to extinguish fire, so that it shouldn't affect his home, and no evil being should reside in his home, since the holy, awesome book is concealed with his money in his treasury, and in times of trouble it will afford him speedy salvation. And to this, any learned person will attest". Some say that it is a segulah for the childless and for women experiencing difficult labor.
18, [1], 19-45 leaves. 22 cm. Condition varies. Open tears to upper margins of title page and six following leaves, repaired with paper, with damage to text (and border) of title page and three other leaves. Remaining leaves in overall good condition. Stains, including dampstains, and wear. New binding.
Category
Classic Books – Talmud, Kabbalah and Ethics
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $7,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $12,000
Sold for: $11,250
Including buyer's premium
Mesilat Yesharim, including all topics of ethics and fear of G-d, by R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto – the Ramchal. [Amsterdam]: Naftali Hertz Rofe, [1740]. First edition, printed during the lifetime of the Ramchal, while he was in Amsterdam (before he immigrated to Eretz Israel).
Mesilat Yesharim is reputed as a refined, clear summary of the Ramchal's other works (Derech Hashem, Daat Tevunot, Klach Pitchei Chochma, etc.), written in measured, precise language with great depth of thought. In his introduction to the book Mesilat Yesharim – im Iyunim (with study), R. Yechezkel Sarna mentions a tradition transmitted in the name of the Gaon of Vilna, that not one unnecessary word can be found(!) until chapter 11. R. Yerucham of Mir would tell his disciples that "Mesilat Yesharim is based on all the Ramchal's kabbalistic works, yet he simplified the concepts to make them more accessible to us, to the point that when studying them, it appears to us that we have a connection to them" (Daat Chochma UMusar, I, p. 249).
The author explains in his introduction that this work was composed to assist in the acquisition of ethical wisdom and fear of G-d, which cannot be achieved through knowledge alone. The purpose of this work is not the innovation of new concepts but rather constant review and meditation to anchor these ideas within one's soul. Indeed, this book has been accepted throughout the Jewish world as the primary book for the study of ethics.
When the Gaon of Vilna first saw the book, he proclaimed that a new light has come down to illuminate the world. In his high regard for the book, he paid a gold coin for it. In his foreword to Derech Hashem, R. Y. Moltzan quotes the statement of the Gaon of Vilna, that if the author had been alive, he would have travelled on foot all the way to Italy to greet him. He further relates that the Gaon of Vilna would frequently review the book.?Chassidic leaders likewise appreciated the great stature of the book and the holiness of its kabbalistic author. The Maggid of Kozhnitz attested that all the heights he reached in his youth stemmed from the book Mesilat Yesharim. The Ohev Yisrael of Apta and R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov diligently studied Mesilat Yesharim in great depth, and describe it in awesome and wondrous terms. The rebbe of Apta would say that his spiritual direction and education were drawn first and foremost from the book Mesilat Yesharim (Sefer HaChassidut, p. 146). Rebbe Nachman of Breslov would instruct new disciples to study Mesilat Yesharim (Sichot VeSipurim, p. 167), and the Bnei Yissaschar wrote in his additions to the book Sur MeRa V'Aseh Tov: "Study the book Mesilat Yesharim and it will quench your thirst… its words are sweeter than honey". R. Yaakov Yosef of Ostroh writes in his approbation to the book Klach Pitchei Chochma by the Ramchal (Korets 1785): "The book Mesilat Yesharim, the paths of G-d which tzaddikim tread, written by the great rabbi… R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, this is the Torah which Moshe presented to Israel, to understand the words of the wise and their riddles, through its straightforward teachings...". In his foreword to the above-mentioned book, the publisher quotes the Maggid of Mezeritch who stated that "[The Ramchal's] generation was not worthy of appreciating his righteousness and abstention".
R. Yosef Zundel of Salant told his illustrious disciple R. Yisrael of Salant that when receiving a farewell blessing upon leaving the Volozhin yeshiva, he asked R. Chaim of Volozhin which ethics book to study. His teacher responded: "All musar books are good to study, but Mesilat Yesharim should be your guide". Since its first printing in 1740, Mesilat Yesharim has been reprinted in hundreds(!) of editions, and until this day remains the primary musar book studied in Torah and Chassidic study halls.
[6], 63 leaves. 15 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains (including dampstains). Minor wear. Margins trimmed at a slant. Tears to endpapers. Inscriptions on title page and endpaper. Original binding (leather-covered wood, with parchment spine), damaged.
Mesilat Yesharim is reputed as a refined, clear summary of the Ramchal's other works (Derech Hashem, Daat Tevunot, Klach Pitchei Chochma, etc.), written in measured, precise language with great depth of thought. In his introduction to the book Mesilat Yesharim – im Iyunim (with study), R. Yechezkel Sarna mentions a tradition transmitted in the name of the Gaon of Vilna, that not one unnecessary word can be found(!) until chapter 11. R. Yerucham of Mir would tell his disciples that "Mesilat Yesharim is based on all the Ramchal's kabbalistic works, yet he simplified the concepts to make them more accessible to us, to the point that when studying them, it appears to us that we have a connection to them" (Daat Chochma UMusar, I, p. 249).
The author explains in his introduction that this work was composed to assist in the acquisition of ethical wisdom and fear of G-d, which cannot be achieved through knowledge alone. The purpose of this work is not the innovation of new concepts but rather constant review and meditation to anchor these ideas within one's soul. Indeed, this book has been accepted throughout the Jewish world as the primary book for the study of ethics.
When the Gaon of Vilna first saw the book, he proclaimed that a new light has come down to illuminate the world. In his high regard for the book, he paid a gold coin for it. In his foreword to Derech Hashem, R. Y. Moltzan quotes the statement of the Gaon of Vilna, that if the author had been alive, he would have travelled on foot all the way to Italy to greet him. He further relates that the Gaon of Vilna would frequently review the book.?Chassidic leaders likewise appreciated the great stature of the book and the holiness of its kabbalistic author. The Maggid of Kozhnitz attested that all the heights he reached in his youth stemmed from the book Mesilat Yesharim. The Ohev Yisrael of Apta and R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov diligently studied Mesilat Yesharim in great depth, and describe it in awesome and wondrous terms. The rebbe of Apta would say that his spiritual direction and education were drawn first and foremost from the book Mesilat Yesharim (Sefer HaChassidut, p. 146). Rebbe Nachman of Breslov would instruct new disciples to study Mesilat Yesharim (Sichot VeSipurim, p. 167), and the Bnei Yissaschar wrote in his additions to the book Sur MeRa V'Aseh Tov: "Study the book Mesilat Yesharim and it will quench your thirst… its words are sweeter than honey". R. Yaakov Yosef of Ostroh writes in his approbation to the book Klach Pitchei Chochma by the Ramchal (Korets 1785): "The book Mesilat Yesharim, the paths of G-d which tzaddikim tread, written by the great rabbi… R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, this is the Torah which Moshe presented to Israel, to understand the words of the wise and their riddles, through its straightforward teachings...". In his foreword to the above-mentioned book, the publisher quotes the Maggid of Mezeritch who stated that "[The Ramchal's] generation was not worthy of appreciating his righteousness and abstention".
R. Yosef Zundel of Salant told his illustrious disciple R. Yisrael of Salant that when receiving a farewell blessing upon leaving the Volozhin yeshiva, he asked R. Chaim of Volozhin which ethics book to study. His teacher responded: "All musar books are good to study, but Mesilat Yesharim should be your guide". Since its first printing in 1740, Mesilat Yesharim has been reprinted in hundreds(!) of editions, and until this day remains the primary musar book studied in Torah and Chassidic study halls.
[6], 63 leaves. 15 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains (including dampstains). Minor wear. Margins trimmed at a slant. Tears to endpapers. Inscriptions on title page and endpaper. Original binding (leather-covered wood, with parchment spine), damaged.
Category
Classic Books – Talmud, Kabbalah and Ethics
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $5,250
Including buyer's premium
Zera Shimshon, homiletics on the Torah and the Five Megillot, by R. Shimshon Chaim son of R. Nachman Michael Nachmani. Mantua, [1778]. Segulah for offspring, good life and abundant livelihood.
The author, R. Shimshon Chaim Nachmani (1706-1779), was an Italian kabbalist and Torah scholar. He disseminated Torah in Modena and Mantua and educated disciples who later held rabbinic positions in several Italian communities. He also authored Toldot Shimshon on Tractate Avot. The Chida wrote that R. Nachmani was well versed in practical Kabbalah and ordered his kabbalistic writings to be buried with him in his grave (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, 46).
In the preface, the author implores "with ten expressions of prayer" to study his book, and blesses those who do so: "The One who repays will recompense you… with the threefold blessing of offspring, life and abundant livelihood". Further in the preface, the author writes that since his only son had passed away, leaving him without descendants, he named his book Zera Shimshon, and promises: "And your eyes will witness sons and grandsons like olive shoots around your table, wise and intelligent, and houses full of goodness, neither wealth nor honor will cease from your descendants…".
In recent years, interest in this book has grown considerably, and many accounts have been publicized of couples who were blessed with children in the merit of this book. These stories were recorded in the Niflaot Shimshon leaflets and later in Kovetz Sipurei Yeshuot printed at the end of the new edition of the book (published by the Association for Spreading the Teachings of the Zera Shimshon, Arad 2015).
[1], 2-104, 108-115, [2], 117-62 [i.e. 162]; 21, [1] leaves (misfoliation). Final two leaves lacking, replaced in photocopy (leaf 21 and final leaf with errata and omissions). 33.5 cm. Light-colored paper. Fair condition. Stains. Open tears and worming to title page and other leaves (repaired with paper). Damage to text of title page. Leaves trimmed, affecting text of printed marginal glosses. Ownership inscriptions and stamps. Old non-original binding.
The author, R. Shimshon Chaim Nachmani (1706-1779), was an Italian kabbalist and Torah scholar. He disseminated Torah in Modena and Mantua and educated disciples who later held rabbinic positions in several Italian communities. He also authored Toldot Shimshon on Tractate Avot. The Chida wrote that R. Nachmani was well versed in practical Kabbalah and ordered his kabbalistic writings to be buried with him in his grave (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, 46).
In the preface, the author implores "with ten expressions of prayer" to study his book, and blesses those who do so: "The One who repays will recompense you… with the threefold blessing of offspring, life and abundant livelihood". Further in the preface, the author writes that since his only son had passed away, leaving him without descendants, he named his book Zera Shimshon, and promises: "And your eyes will witness sons and grandsons like olive shoots around your table, wise and intelligent, and houses full of goodness, neither wealth nor honor will cease from your descendants…".
In recent years, interest in this book has grown considerably, and many accounts have been publicized of couples who were blessed with children in the merit of this book. These stories were recorded in the Niflaot Shimshon leaflets and later in Kovetz Sipurei Yeshuot printed at the end of the new edition of the book (published by the Association for Spreading the Teachings of the Zera Shimshon, Arad 2015).
[1], 2-104, 108-115, [2], 117-62 [i.e. 162]; 21, [1] leaves (misfoliation). Final two leaves lacking, replaced in photocopy (leaf 21 and final leaf with errata and omissions). 33.5 cm. Light-colored paper. Fair condition. Stains. Open tears and worming to title page and other leaves (repaired with paper). Damage to text of title page. Leaves trimmed, affecting text of printed marginal glosses. Ownership inscriptions and stamps. Old non-original binding.
Category
Classic Books – Talmud, Kabbalah and Ethics
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