Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $18,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $22,500
Including buyer's premium
Large manuscript leaf, letter of a young girl who worked in the home of the Baal Shem of Michelstadt R. Seckel Leib Wormser, concluding with four lines in his handwriting and with his signature. Michelstadt (Germany), May 1845. German in Hebrew characters.
Letter signed by Karolinna Wolf, who writes that she cannot leave the home of "the rabbi" (the Baal Shem of Michelstadt) and come to serve as maidservant as she had pledged, since the rabbi wasn't in good health, and her services were therefore required in his home. She asks them to show consideration and return her collateral to her brother. At the foot of the letter, the Baal Shem of Michelstadt added a confirmation in his handwriting and with his signature. He attests that the girl's letter is true, and that due to his poor health, she is unable to leave his home. He signs: "So are the words of his friend, Seckel Leib son of the late R. Matityahu, residing here [?]".
R. Seckel Leib's poor health during this period can be learnt from an entry in his "Shiurim Pinkas" (a microfilm of the Pinkas is held in the Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People, No. HM-1049) from March 1845: "If not for my old age and weakness, I would dedicate… a separate letter…" (see preface to Baal Shem MiMichelstadt, Machon Yerushalayim 2006, p. 19).
R. Seckel Leib (Yitzchak Aryeh) Wormser (1768-1847) – the Baal Shem of Michelstadt, a scion of the Luria family, from the family of the Maharshal and Rashi, and a descendant of R. Eliyahu Baal Shem of Loans – the Baal Shem of Worms. In his youth, he studied under the kabbalist R. Natan Adler in Frankfurt, later returning to his hometown Michelstadt, where he served as rabbi of the town and the vicinity, and established his Beit Midrash, as well as a yeshiva which attracted many students. He was renowned as a righteous man and wonder-worker, earning him the appellation of "Baal Shem". Many flocked to him in quest of cures and salvations, even from other countries, and numerous people experienced salvations through his blessings, segulot and amulets. He was widely acclaimed by Jews and non-Jews alike. Reputedly, German soldiers who prayed by his gravesite during WWI all returned from the battlefield healthy and well. Until this day, the house he lived in boasts a memorial plaque, posted by the Michelstadt municipality, dubbing him "a friend of the people". His novellae and writings were published in the book Baal Shem MiMichelstadt (Machon Yerushalayim, 2006).
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears to folds, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper on verso.
Letter signed by Karolinna Wolf, who writes that she cannot leave the home of "the rabbi" (the Baal Shem of Michelstadt) and come to serve as maidservant as she had pledged, since the rabbi wasn't in good health, and her services were therefore required in his home. She asks them to show consideration and return her collateral to her brother. At the foot of the letter, the Baal Shem of Michelstadt added a confirmation in his handwriting and with his signature. He attests that the girl's letter is true, and that due to his poor health, she is unable to leave his home. He signs: "So are the words of his friend, Seckel Leib son of the late R. Matityahu, residing here [?]".
R. Seckel Leib's poor health during this period can be learnt from an entry in his "Shiurim Pinkas" (a microfilm of the Pinkas is held in the Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People, No. HM-1049) from March 1845: "If not for my old age and weakness, I would dedicate… a separate letter…" (see preface to Baal Shem MiMichelstadt, Machon Yerushalayim 2006, p. 19).
R. Seckel Leib (Yitzchak Aryeh) Wormser (1768-1847) – the Baal Shem of Michelstadt, a scion of the Luria family, from the family of the Maharshal and Rashi, and a descendant of R. Eliyahu Baal Shem of Loans – the Baal Shem of Worms. In his youth, he studied under the kabbalist R. Natan Adler in Frankfurt, later returning to his hometown Michelstadt, where he served as rabbi of the town and the vicinity, and established his Beit Midrash, as well as a yeshiva which attracted many students. He was renowned as a righteous man and wonder-worker, earning him the appellation of "Baal Shem". Many flocked to him in quest of cures and salvations, even from other countries, and numerous people experienced salvations through his blessings, segulot and amulets. He was widely acclaimed by Jews and non-Jews alike. Reputedly, German soldiers who prayed by his gravesite during WWI all returned from the battlefield healthy and well. Until this day, the house he lived in boasts a memorial plaque, posted by the Michelstadt municipality, dubbing him "a friend of the people". His novellae and writings were published in the book Baal Shem MiMichelstadt (Machon Yerushalayim, 2006).
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears to folds, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper on verso.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $25,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $31,250
Including buyer's premium
Large leaf handwritten by R. Moshe Sofer, the Chatam Sofer, Aggadic novellae on Megillat Esther, delivered as a "sermon for 7th Adar". [Pressburg (Bratislava)], 1831.
Large leaf, two written pages. Close to one hundred lines handwritten by the Chatam Sofer.
At the top of the pages, the Chatam Sofer wrote: "With the help of G-d, that which G-d granted me, sermon for 7th Adar 1831".
In this homily, the Chatam Sofer mentions his son the Ketav Sofer, and quotes teachings in his name: "And my son, the outstanding groom Avraham Shmuel Binyamin told me…". At the end of this passage, the Chatam Sofer wrote regarding his son's words: "And this is correct, if my son has grown wise, my heart too will rejoice".
These sections were published in Derashot Chatam Sofer (I, Klausenburg 1929, pp. 162a-163a). The section beginning "Rejoice not, O Israel" was written by the Chatam Sofer as a footnote on the first page.
[1] leaf (2 written pages, close to one hundred autograph lines). 40 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears, repaired (slightly affecting text at bottom).
Large leaf, two written pages. Close to one hundred lines handwritten by the Chatam Sofer.
At the top of the pages, the Chatam Sofer wrote: "With the help of G-d, that which G-d granted me, sermon for 7th Adar 1831".
In this homily, the Chatam Sofer mentions his son the Ketav Sofer, and quotes teachings in his name: "And my son, the outstanding groom Avraham Shmuel Binyamin told me…". At the end of this passage, the Chatam Sofer wrote regarding his son's words: "And this is correct, if my son has grown wise, my heart too will rejoice".
These sections were published in Derashot Chatam Sofer (I, Klausenburg 1929, pp. 162a-163a). The section beginning "Rejoice not, O Israel" was written by the Chatam Sofer as a footnote on the first page.
[1] leaf (2 written pages, close to one hundred autograph lines). 40 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears, repaired (slightly affecting text at bottom).
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg, rabbi of Königsberg, author of HaKetav VehaKabbalah, instructing women not to attend the prayers in the synagogue on Yom Kippur, due to an outbreak of an epidemic in Driesen (Prussia; presently Drezdenko, Poland). Königsberg, 6th Tishrei (Ten days of repentance) 1857. German in Hebrew characters.
In this letter, apparently sent to the Driesen community, the HaKetav VehaKabbalah instructs that women should refrain from attending the Kol Nidrei prayers on Yom Kippur night, "due to the epidemic which has again broken out" (free translation from Yiddish). He instructs the women to pray at home, "due to the worrisome circumstances" and concludes that this is not in conflict with the accepted practice.
The letter of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah is followed by a transcription of the letter in German, with several words in Hebrew. In the transcription, the recipient is indicated: "To the synagogue… in Driesen".
R. Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg (1785-1865), rabbi of Königsberg, a foremost rabbi of his times. He was a close disciple of R. Akiva Eger. Through his writings, he was one of the first to defend faithful Judaism from the attacks of Reform. In his book HaKetav VehaKabbalah, he follows the Gaon of Vilna's approach of connecting the Written and Oral Torah, basing himself considerably on the books and writings of the Gaon which he had access to in manuscript. He assisted in publishing the writings of the Gaon of Vilna, especially on Kabbalah, and even participated in composing the biography on the Gaon named Aliyot Eliyahu. The unique style of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah commentary influenced the celebrated commentary to the Bible of his colleague, the Malbim (his successor as rabbi of Königsberg).
[1] leaf. Approx. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks. Tears, not affecting text.
In this letter, apparently sent to the Driesen community, the HaKetav VehaKabbalah instructs that women should refrain from attending the Kol Nidrei prayers on Yom Kippur night, "due to the epidemic which has again broken out" (free translation from Yiddish). He instructs the women to pray at home, "due to the worrisome circumstances" and concludes that this is not in conflict with the accepted practice.
The letter of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah is followed by a transcription of the letter in German, with several words in Hebrew. In the transcription, the recipient is indicated: "To the synagogue… in Driesen".
R. Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg (1785-1865), rabbi of Königsberg, a foremost rabbi of his times. He was a close disciple of R. Akiva Eger. Through his writings, he was one of the first to defend faithful Judaism from the attacks of Reform. In his book HaKetav VehaKabbalah, he follows the Gaon of Vilna's approach of connecting the Written and Oral Torah, basing himself considerably on the books and writings of the Gaon which he had access to in manuscript. He assisted in publishing the writings of the Gaon of Vilna, especially on Kabbalah, and even participated in composing the biography on the Gaon named Aliyot Eliyahu. The unique style of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah commentary influenced the celebrated commentary to the Bible of his colleague, the Malbim (his successor as rabbi of Königsberg).
[1] leaf. Approx. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks. Tears, not affecting text.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Unsold
Manuscript, halachic and Aggadic novellae on the Talmud and on several Torah portions, by an unidentified author. [Europe, ca. mid-18th century].
Cursive Ashkenazic script, in different hands (part of the manuscript may have been written by the author's scribe). Many sections appear to have been written by the author, with deletions, emendations and marginal glosses. The manuscript comprises novellae on Tractates Berachot, Chullin, Zevachim and Menachot. Most of the novellae pertain to Talmudic topics in Order Kodashim. Novellae on the Torah portions appear in several places. To the best of our knowledge, this composition was never published.
The manuscript mentions several dates from the 1730s. Furthermore, the author refers several times to the books Omer Man and Birkat HaZevach, which were published in Berlin in 1739. It therefore appears that this work was composed in the 1740s.
The author, whom we were unable to identify, was a descendant of the Maharshal. This manuscript contains an important testimony on the fate of the manuscript of the Chochmat Shlomo glosses on the Talmud, by the Maharshal: " I am a descendant of the Maharshal, and the book Chochmat Shlomo was not an independent composition, rather it was written in the margins of Talmud volumes, as I personally witnessed, since I had in my possession two volumes of Sanhedrin, Bava Batra, Gittin, Kiddushin, Sotah, printed in Venice, with glosses in the margins handwritten by the Maharshal, and they were unfortunately burnt in Kraśnik with all my books" (p. 3a of the first sequence).
The author also relates of other tragedies which occurred to him: "…unfortunately, my heart's delight was burned, and what I am capable of writing during the time of my troubles, I am recording in the book with tears, and may He who has said to His world 'enough', say so to my trouble" (p. 52a). In one place, the author did not hesitate to admit to his mistake, and wrote: "I was mistaken in what I wrote until now" (p. 52b). In one place, the author mentions a manuscript he saw in Constantinople: "And I saw in Constantinople in the home of R. Chaim Kimchi a manuscript Tosafot Ri…." (p. 39b).
In several places, the author quotes Torah novellae he heard from prominent Torah scholars and leaders: "And I heard an answer in the name of R. Yitzchak Kohen of Izmir" (p. 2a of the third sequence; presumably referring to R. Yitzchak HaKohen Rappaport Rabbi of Izmir, author of Batei Kehunah, a teacher of the Chida); "And I heard from R. Chaim of Apta who studied in Prague" (p. 11b); "And R. Yaakov Krakower of Amsterdam raised the following difficulty when he was there in 1728, and it is quoted in Beit Yehuda printed by R. Leib of Głogów" (p. 16a; i.e. the book Kol Yehuda, Amsterdam 1729, see there p. 37b); "It seems to me that this was said in the name of the preacher R. Falk of Lviv" (p. 53b).
Throughout his composition, the author repeatedly quotes his "exceptional" son R. Moshe. Likewise, he brings a difficulty raised by his grandson "the exceptional groom R. Yisrael Isserl" (p. 10b).
The first page (otherwise blank) bears the heading: "Approbation" (the author presumably intended to copy an approbation he received to his work on this page, which indicates that he intended to publish the work).
[1], 2-5, [1], 1-42, [1], 43-54, 57-64; 1-6 leaves. Altogether 75 leaves (136 written pages). 20 cm. + [4] smaller manuscript leaves (7 written pages), found between the leaves of the manuscript. Fair-poor condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears and wear. Marginal open tears to many leaves, affecting text. Worming. Detached leaves and gatherings. Without binding.
Cursive Ashkenazic script, in different hands (part of the manuscript may have been written by the author's scribe). Many sections appear to have been written by the author, with deletions, emendations and marginal glosses. The manuscript comprises novellae on Tractates Berachot, Chullin, Zevachim and Menachot. Most of the novellae pertain to Talmudic topics in Order Kodashim. Novellae on the Torah portions appear in several places. To the best of our knowledge, this composition was never published.
The manuscript mentions several dates from the 1730s. Furthermore, the author refers several times to the books Omer Man and Birkat HaZevach, which were published in Berlin in 1739. It therefore appears that this work was composed in the 1740s.
The author, whom we were unable to identify, was a descendant of the Maharshal. This manuscript contains an important testimony on the fate of the manuscript of the Chochmat Shlomo glosses on the Talmud, by the Maharshal: " I am a descendant of the Maharshal, and the book Chochmat Shlomo was not an independent composition, rather it was written in the margins of Talmud volumes, as I personally witnessed, since I had in my possession two volumes of Sanhedrin, Bava Batra, Gittin, Kiddushin, Sotah, printed in Venice, with glosses in the margins handwritten by the Maharshal, and they were unfortunately burnt in Kraśnik with all my books" (p. 3a of the first sequence).
The author also relates of other tragedies which occurred to him: "…unfortunately, my heart's delight was burned, and what I am capable of writing during the time of my troubles, I am recording in the book with tears, and may He who has said to His world 'enough', say so to my trouble" (p. 52a). In one place, the author did not hesitate to admit to his mistake, and wrote: "I was mistaken in what I wrote until now" (p. 52b). In one place, the author mentions a manuscript he saw in Constantinople: "And I saw in Constantinople in the home of R. Chaim Kimchi a manuscript Tosafot Ri…." (p. 39b).
In several places, the author quotes Torah novellae he heard from prominent Torah scholars and leaders: "And I heard an answer in the name of R. Yitzchak Kohen of Izmir" (p. 2a of the third sequence; presumably referring to R. Yitzchak HaKohen Rappaport Rabbi of Izmir, author of Batei Kehunah, a teacher of the Chida); "And I heard from R. Chaim of Apta who studied in Prague" (p. 11b); "And R. Yaakov Krakower of Amsterdam raised the following difficulty when he was there in 1728, and it is quoted in Beit Yehuda printed by R. Leib of Głogów" (p. 16a; i.e. the book Kol Yehuda, Amsterdam 1729, see there p. 37b); "It seems to me that this was said in the name of the preacher R. Falk of Lviv" (p. 53b).
Throughout his composition, the author repeatedly quotes his "exceptional" son R. Moshe. Likewise, he brings a difficulty raised by his grandson "the exceptional groom R. Yisrael Isserl" (p. 10b).
The first page (otherwise blank) bears the heading: "Approbation" (the author presumably intended to copy an approbation he received to his work on this page, which indicates that he intended to publish the work).
[1], 2-5, [1], 1-42, [1], 43-54, 57-64; 1-6 leaves. Altogether 75 leaves (136 written pages). 20 cm. + [4] smaller manuscript leaves (7 written pages), found between the leaves of the manuscript. Fair-poor condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears and wear. Marginal open tears to many leaves, affecting text. Worming. Detached leaves and gatherings. Without binding.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter (19 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin, dean of the Volozhin yeshiva. Cheshvan [1888].
Addressed to the Smilovitch (Smilavichy) community, sent with a special emissary who went there to strengthen the community's support for the Volozhin yeshiva: " …since I know that in the past they have been supporters of the Volozhin yeshiva, and in recent years they have neglected this good dead… therefore I asked the bearer of this letter, the outstanding rabbi, R. Chaim… who is aware of the prominence of the yeshiva". The Netziv then describes the virtues of the yeshiva and its growth with the acceptance of additional students: " Especially since now new students join every year, and it is the cornerstone of Torah development in this country – therefore one must strengthen this stronghold with every effort… and the merit of the Torah study of the multitudes… will stand for this rabbi to do good, and also the members of the community will attain much blessing, and the merit of Torah will serve for them… as a protection from all harm". The letter is signed with the Netziv's customary signature from those years: " One who is laden with work – Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin".
R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin – the Netziv of Volozhin (1817-1893), a foremost and outstanding Torah scholar of his generation, was the son-in-law of R. Yitzchak of Volozhin and his successor as dean of the yeshiva for decades. His father, R. Yaakov Berlin of Mir (1794-1868), immigrated to Jerusalem in 1854 and was one of the leaders of the Prushim community in Jerusalem. Known for his great diligence and brilliance, the Netziv led the Volozhin yeshiva with devotion and love for many years, until the yeshiva became the main breeding ground for Torah leaders who were the glory of Lithuanian, Russian and Polish Jewry. With his noble personality and profound, thorough erudition, he produced generations of eminent Torah scholars, yeshiva deans, dayanim and rabbis. He was also engaged in public leadership and his opinion was conclusive on all community matters in Russia and Lithuania. He responded to halachic queries which many rabbis sent to him, customarily signing his letters in those years as "one who is laden with work". He composed many books, including Hamek She'ala – novellae on She'iltot; Hamek Davar on the Torah; Responsa Meshiv Davar; Talmudic novellae and commentaries on Halachic midrashim: Mechilta, Sifra and Sifrei.
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and folding marks.
Addressed to the Smilovitch (Smilavichy) community, sent with a special emissary who went there to strengthen the community's support for the Volozhin yeshiva: " …since I know that in the past they have been supporters of the Volozhin yeshiva, and in recent years they have neglected this good dead… therefore I asked the bearer of this letter, the outstanding rabbi, R. Chaim… who is aware of the prominence of the yeshiva". The Netziv then describes the virtues of the yeshiva and its growth with the acceptance of additional students: " Especially since now new students join every year, and it is the cornerstone of Torah development in this country – therefore one must strengthen this stronghold with every effort… and the merit of the Torah study of the multitudes… will stand for this rabbi to do good, and also the members of the community will attain much blessing, and the merit of Torah will serve for them… as a protection from all harm". The letter is signed with the Netziv's customary signature from those years: " One who is laden with work – Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin".
R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin – the Netziv of Volozhin (1817-1893), a foremost and outstanding Torah scholar of his generation, was the son-in-law of R. Yitzchak of Volozhin and his successor as dean of the yeshiva for decades. His father, R. Yaakov Berlin of Mir (1794-1868), immigrated to Jerusalem in 1854 and was one of the leaders of the Prushim community in Jerusalem. Known for his great diligence and brilliance, the Netziv led the Volozhin yeshiva with devotion and love for many years, until the yeshiva became the main breeding ground for Torah leaders who were the glory of Lithuanian, Russian and Polish Jewry. With his noble personality and profound, thorough erudition, he produced generations of eminent Torah scholars, yeshiva deans, dayanim and rabbis. He was also engaged in public leadership and his opinion was conclusive on all community matters in Russia and Lithuania. He responded to halachic queries which many rabbis sent to him, customarily signing his letters in those years as "one who is laden with work". He composed many books, including Hamek She'ala – novellae on She'iltot; Hamek Davar on the Torah; Responsa Meshiv Davar; Talmudic novellae and commentaries on Halachic midrashim: Mechilta, Sifra and Sifrei.
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Refael Shapiro, dean of the Volozhin yeshiva. [Volozhin?], Sivan 1915.
Rabbinic ordination and recommendation for R. Meir Lipman son of R. Yitzchak Eliyahu – rabbi in Gruzd (Gruzdžiai). R. Refael praises him as a "p rominent Torah scholar, sharp and well-versed in Talmud and halachic literature… and he is fitting to serve as rabbi of a large city…". R. Refael signed: " So are the words of one who writes and signs in honor of the Torah and those who study it, Refael Shapiro of Volozhin".
R. Refael Shapiro, rabbi and dean of Volozhin (1837-1921), was the son of R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Kovno and son-in-law of the Netziv of Volozhin. He was renowned for his genius and diligence. In the years 1865-1881, he served as dean of the Volozhin yeshiva alongside his father-in-law the Netziv. He then went to serve as rabbi of Babruysk and other places. In 1899, when the yeshiva was reopened, he returned to Volozhin and was appointed rabbi and dean. During WWI, he fled to Minsk, where he taught Torah for some five years until his passing (this letter was written within the first year of the war, and it is unclear whether it was written in Volozhin, before R. Refael went into exile, or during the course of his wanderings). His novellae and responsa were published in the three parts of his book Torat Refael. His son-in-law was R. Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik, rabbi of Brisk, author of Chiddushei Rabbenu Chaim HaLevi.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Fair condition. Tears to folds (not affecting text), repaired at first with acidic tape, and later professionally. Dark stains from tape.
Rabbinic ordination and recommendation for R. Meir Lipman son of R. Yitzchak Eliyahu – rabbi in Gruzd (Gruzdžiai). R. Refael praises him as a "p rominent Torah scholar, sharp and well-versed in Talmud and halachic literature… and he is fitting to serve as rabbi of a large city…". R. Refael signed: " So are the words of one who writes and signs in honor of the Torah and those who study it, Refael Shapiro of Volozhin".
R. Refael Shapiro, rabbi and dean of Volozhin (1837-1921), was the son of R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Kovno and son-in-law of the Netziv of Volozhin. He was renowned for his genius and diligence. In the years 1865-1881, he served as dean of the Volozhin yeshiva alongside his father-in-law the Netziv. He then went to serve as rabbi of Babruysk and other places. In 1899, when the yeshiva was reopened, he returned to Volozhin and was appointed rabbi and dean. During WWI, he fled to Minsk, where he taught Torah for some five years until his passing (this letter was written within the first year of the war, and it is unclear whether it was written in Volozhin, before R. Refael went into exile, or during the course of his wanderings). His novellae and responsa were published in the three parts of his book Torat Refael. His son-in-law was R. Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik, rabbi of Brisk, author of Chiddushei Rabbenu Chaim HaLevi.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Fair condition. Tears to folds (not affecting text), repaired at first with acidic tape, and later professionally. Dark stains from tape.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by R. "Yisrael Meir HaKohen", author of Chafetz Chaim. Radin (Radun), Nissan 1933.
Lengthy letter (in Yiddish) from the Radin yeshiva, addressed to a family of philanthropists in Philadelphia, United States. Typewritten, with the handwritten signature of the Chafetz Chaim. The Chafetz Chaim thanks them for their support of the yeshiva in its difficult times, and blesses them " May the Eternal one give you an abundance of happiness and good health, livelihood and much success in all your endeavors… Blessing you with a kosher and joyous festival – Yisrael Meir HaKohen".
R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin (1837-1933; Otzar HaRabbanim 12262), leader of the Jewish people, was widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He was the dean of the Radin yeshiva and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishnah Berurah, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and dozens more. This letter was written in the final six months of his life, when he was over 90 years old.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Small open tear to corner.
Lengthy letter (in Yiddish) from the Radin yeshiva, addressed to a family of philanthropists in Philadelphia, United States. Typewritten, with the handwritten signature of the Chafetz Chaim. The Chafetz Chaim thanks them for their support of the yeshiva in its difficult times, and blesses them " May the Eternal one give you an abundance of happiness and good health, livelihood and much success in all your endeavors… Blessing you with a kosher and joyous festival – Yisrael Meir HaKohen".
R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin (1837-1933; Otzar HaRabbanim 12262), leader of the Jewish people, was widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He was the dean of the Radin yeshiva and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishnah Berurah, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and dozens more. This letter was written in the final six months of his life, when he was over 90 years old.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Small open tear to corner.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter (15 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Yerucham Levovitz. Mir, [Elul 1926].
Addressed to R. Yosef Shub, director of Vaad HaYeshivot in Vilna, who invited him to attend a conference of yeshiva deans with the purpose of bolstering the fundraising on behalf the Vaad. R. Yerucham writes of the difficulties in abandoning the yeshiva during the month of Elul: " …he surely understands that it is difficult for me at this point to abandon the many…", and he therefore suggests a different way of strengthening the fundraising.
R. Yerucham concludes the letter with blessings for a good year: " His good friend, who seeks his wellbeing, blesses him with a good inscription and sealing in the book of complete Tzaddikim, immediately for a good and sweet life, a year of absolute serenity and tranquil peace… Y. Levovitz".
R. Yerucham HaLevi Levovitz (1875-1936), a foremost educator and mussar leader of his generation. A student of the Beit HaTalmud of Kelm, teacher of R. Yechezkel Levenstein. He served as mashgiach in Lithuanian yeshivot, the Radin yeshiva and others. His most significant position was his long tenure as mashgiach of the Mir yeshiva, directing it during its escape to Poltova during WWI. After the yeshiva returned to Mir, he was the driving force behind the rebuilding the yeshiva, and in edifying students who would serve as the Torah leaders of the next generation. His close disciples, who referred to him as "Admor", later became the prominent yeshiva deans of our times, such as R. Chaim Shmulevitz, R. Aryeh Leib Malin (who was one of the compilers of his books of lectures Chavar Maamarim, Daat Chochma UMussar) and others.
He showed special care for students from central Europe, and gave them special mussar classes, in which he imbued them with the tenets of faith and the profound Torah thinking characteristic of Lithuanian yeshivot (these lectures were published in the five volumes of Daat Torah). R. Wolbe, who was one of his youngest disciples, writes about him in his preface to his famous book, Alei Shur: "…how does a Torah man look, after becoming a different person? Come with me… and see the beauty… The author of this book, in his youth… was brought close to a giant among men, the light of our eyes, who resurrects the dead with his speech, R. Yerucham HaLevi… in the Mir Yeshiva…".
Postcard. 10.5X15 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Minor marginal tear. Postage stamp. Postmarks from the 21st and 22nd of August, 1926.
Addressed to R. Yosef Shub, director of Vaad HaYeshivot in Vilna, who invited him to attend a conference of yeshiva deans with the purpose of bolstering the fundraising on behalf the Vaad. R. Yerucham writes of the difficulties in abandoning the yeshiva during the month of Elul: " …he surely understands that it is difficult for me at this point to abandon the many…", and he therefore suggests a different way of strengthening the fundraising.
R. Yerucham concludes the letter with blessings for a good year: " His good friend, who seeks his wellbeing, blesses him with a good inscription and sealing in the book of complete Tzaddikim, immediately for a good and sweet life, a year of absolute serenity and tranquil peace… Y. Levovitz".
R. Yerucham HaLevi Levovitz (1875-1936), a foremost educator and mussar leader of his generation. A student of the Beit HaTalmud of Kelm, teacher of R. Yechezkel Levenstein. He served as mashgiach in Lithuanian yeshivot, the Radin yeshiva and others. His most significant position was his long tenure as mashgiach of the Mir yeshiva, directing it during its escape to Poltova during WWI. After the yeshiva returned to Mir, he was the driving force behind the rebuilding the yeshiva, and in edifying students who would serve as the Torah leaders of the next generation. His close disciples, who referred to him as "Admor", later became the prominent yeshiva deans of our times, such as R. Chaim Shmulevitz, R. Aryeh Leib Malin (who was one of the compilers of his books of lectures Chavar Maamarim, Daat Chochma UMussar) and others.
He showed special care for students from central Europe, and gave them special mussar classes, in which he imbued them with the tenets of faith and the profound Torah thinking characteristic of Lithuanian yeshivot (these lectures were published in the five volumes of Daat Torah). R. Wolbe, who was one of his youngest disciples, writes about him in his preface to his famous book, Alei Shur: "…how does a Torah man look, after becoming a different person? Come with me… and see the beauty… The author of this book, in his youth… was brought close to a giant among men, the light of our eyes, who resurrects the dead with his speech, R. Yerucham HaLevi… in the Mir Yeshiva…".
Postcard. 10.5X15 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Minor marginal tear. Postage stamp. Postmarks from the 21st and 22nd of August, 1926.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,200
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter from R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz dean of the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva in Kamenitz (Kamenets). [Kamenitz], Tishrei 1934.
Lengthy letter (in Yiddish) with blessings for a good year, sent by the Kamenitz yeshiva to a family of philanthropist in Philadelphia, United States. The typewritten letter concludes with close to 6 lines handwritten and signed by R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz, the yeshiva dean, with warm and hearty blessings in Yiddish and Hebrew: " wishing you a good sealing for a good year… with longevity and good years, good health and all the blessings and success, wealth and happiness… One who blesses him and respects him, Baruch Dov Leibowitz dean of the Beit Yitzchak yeshiva".
R. Baruch Dov (Ber) Leibowitz (1864-1940), author of Birkat Shmuel, taught many disciples. He was a disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk in the Volozhin yeshiva, and the son-in-law of R. Avraham Yitzchak Zimmerman Rabbi of Hlusk. After his father-in-law went to serve as rabbi of Kremenchuk, he succeeded him in Hlusk and established a yeshiva. After a 13-year tenure, he was asked to head the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva in Slabodka. During WWI, he wandered with the yeshiva to Minsk, Kremenchuk and Vilna, finally settling in Kamenitz. He authored Birkat Shmuel on Talmudic topics. His writings are classic works of in-depth yeshiva Torah study.
[2] leaves, official stationery. 29 cm. Good condition. Minor tears to margins and folding marks.
Lengthy letter (in Yiddish) with blessings for a good year, sent by the Kamenitz yeshiva to a family of philanthropist in Philadelphia, United States. The typewritten letter concludes with close to 6 lines handwritten and signed by R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz, the yeshiva dean, with warm and hearty blessings in Yiddish and Hebrew: " wishing you a good sealing for a good year… with longevity and good years, good health and all the blessings and success, wealth and happiness… One who blesses him and respects him, Baruch Dov Leibowitz dean of the Beit Yitzchak yeshiva".
R. Baruch Dov (Ber) Leibowitz (1864-1940), author of Birkat Shmuel, taught many disciples. He was a disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk in the Volozhin yeshiva, and the son-in-law of R. Avraham Yitzchak Zimmerman Rabbi of Hlusk. After his father-in-law went to serve as rabbi of Kremenchuk, he succeeded him in Hlusk and established a yeshiva. After a 13-year tenure, he was asked to head the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva in Slabodka. During WWI, he wandered with the yeshiva to Minsk, Kremenchuk and Vilna, finally settling in Kamenitz. He authored Birkat Shmuel on Talmudic topics. His writings are classic works of in-depth yeshiva Torah study.
[2] leaves, official stationery. 29 cm. Good condition. Minor tears to margins and folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Long letter (16 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski. Vilna, 17th Cheshvan 1938.
The letter is addressed to "my friends, prominent rabbis, heads of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada". At the beginning of the letter, R. Chaim Ozer requests that they assist R. Shmuel Heilperin, a rabbi of Białystok (grandson of the Oneg Yom Tov and son of R. Chaim Naftali Hertz of Bialystok), who was in dire financial straits and travelled to the United States to raise funds. Further in the letter, R. Chaim Ozer instructs the UOR to assist R. Shmuel Ehrenfeld, rabbi of Matterdorf (Mattersburg), who had fled to the United States after the Nazis invaded Austria: " At the same time, I request on behalf of R. Shmuel Ehrenfeld, rabbi of Mattersdorf, who was compelled to flee to America, and I heard that he is prominent in Torah and fear of G-d, and he is of distinguished lineage, from the family of the Chatam Sofer. It is very fitting to draw him close and to make efforts on his behalf to the extent of your ability to find him a rabbinic position, or any other holy position, and I am convinced that you will do what you can…".
R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski (1863-1940) was a foremost rabbi of his generation and leader of the entire European Jewry. He was the son of R. David Shlomo Grodzinski Rabbi of Iwye. Renowned from his childhood for his exceptional brilliance, he entered the Volozhin yeshiva at the young age of 11, and became a disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk. At the age of 24, he was appointed rabbi and posek in Vilna, in place of his father-in-law R. Eliyahu Eliezer Grodnansky posek in Vilna, son-in-law of R. Yisrael Salanter. He assumed the yoke of public leadership from a young age, and for close to fifty years, his opinion was conclusive on all public matters which arose throughout the Diaspora. Despite his numerous concerns of global communal matters, he was very active on behalf of orphans and widows, fending for all their needs. R. Chaim Ozer once commented about this in his old age: "…in my youth, I thought that the main thing was to produce novellae and author many books. Now I understand that publishing books is like child’s play compared to assisting widows and orphans" (R. Moshe Shmuel Shapiro in his eulogy on the Chazon Ish, HaBe’er, VI, p. 41). R. Chaim Ozer was particularly concerned about the needs of yeshiva students, and of rabbis who escaped from Russia, and he tried to assist them in any way he could. He also took care of rabbis and yeshivot in Eretz Israel, England and other countries. In this letter, we see his concern and his efforts to apply his influence in the United States on behalf of a prominent rabbi (with whom he was not closely acquainted, as it appears from the letter), who immigrated there in his flight from the Nazis.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28.5 cm. Good condition. Minor stains and folding marks.
The letter is addressed to "my friends, prominent rabbis, heads of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada". At the beginning of the letter, R. Chaim Ozer requests that they assist R. Shmuel Heilperin, a rabbi of Białystok (grandson of the Oneg Yom Tov and son of R. Chaim Naftali Hertz of Bialystok), who was in dire financial straits and travelled to the United States to raise funds. Further in the letter, R. Chaim Ozer instructs the UOR to assist R. Shmuel Ehrenfeld, rabbi of Matterdorf (Mattersburg), who had fled to the United States after the Nazis invaded Austria: " At the same time, I request on behalf of R. Shmuel Ehrenfeld, rabbi of Mattersdorf, who was compelled to flee to America, and I heard that he is prominent in Torah and fear of G-d, and he is of distinguished lineage, from the family of the Chatam Sofer. It is very fitting to draw him close and to make efforts on his behalf to the extent of your ability to find him a rabbinic position, or any other holy position, and I am convinced that you will do what you can…".
R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski (1863-1940) was a foremost rabbi of his generation and leader of the entire European Jewry. He was the son of R. David Shlomo Grodzinski Rabbi of Iwye. Renowned from his childhood for his exceptional brilliance, he entered the Volozhin yeshiva at the young age of 11, and became a disciple of R. Chaim of Brisk. At the age of 24, he was appointed rabbi and posek in Vilna, in place of his father-in-law R. Eliyahu Eliezer Grodnansky posek in Vilna, son-in-law of R. Yisrael Salanter. He assumed the yoke of public leadership from a young age, and for close to fifty years, his opinion was conclusive on all public matters which arose throughout the Diaspora. Despite his numerous concerns of global communal matters, he was very active on behalf of orphans and widows, fending for all their needs. R. Chaim Ozer once commented about this in his old age: "…in my youth, I thought that the main thing was to produce novellae and author many books. Now I understand that publishing books is like child’s play compared to assisting widows and orphans" (R. Moshe Shmuel Shapiro in his eulogy on the Chazon Ish, HaBe’er, VI, p. 41). R. Chaim Ozer was particularly concerned about the needs of yeshiva students, and of rabbis who escaped from Russia, and he tried to assist them in any way he could. He also took care of rabbis and yeshivot in Eretz Israel, England and other countries. In this letter, we see his concern and his efforts to apply his influence in the United States on behalf of a prominent rabbi (with whom he was not closely acquainted, as it appears from the letter), who immigrated there in his flight from the Nazis.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28.5 cm. Good condition. Minor stains and folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter of good year wishes and many blessings handwritten and signed by R. Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik, rabbi of Brisk – "the Brisker Rav". Jerusalem, "Erev Rosh Hashana 1950".
Postcard addressed to his uncle R. Shmuel Yitzchak Yoffe Rabbi of Borisov, a rabbi in Tel Aviv. In the letter, the Brisker Rav showers his uncle and family with many blessings in honor of the new year: " May they all be blessed in the upcoming Rosh Hashana with a long and good life, blessed, pleasant and happy, may they be satiated with pleasure and satisfaction from all they have, may G-d's blessing rest upon their home, and may goodness, blessing and happiness never depart from your home, may G-d help and we be informed of only good and happy tidings from each other, always. May the coming year be a year of redemption and salvation, and may we all merit to see the coming of the Redeemer to Zion… Your nephew, who venerates you, awaiting and longing for an immediate salvation with a good inscription and sealing".
The addresses of the recipient and sender are inscribed on verso (presumably written by R. Yosef Dov, son of the Brisker Rav).
R. Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik – the Brisker Rav (1887-1959), son of R. Chaim HaLevi of Brisk, and grandson of the Beit HaLevi. Already in his father's lifetime, at a young age, he was considered one of the prominent leaders of the generation. In 1919 (at the age of 32), he succeeded his forefathers as rabbi of Brisk, and with his Torah authority he directed all Jewish matters in Brisk and the surroundings. He survived the Holocaust together with some of his children and immigrated to Jerusalem. His tremendous authority was recognized throughout the Torah world, whether in Eretz Israel or abroad. He authored Chiddushei Maran R. Y.Z. HaLevi on the Rambam and the Torah. His orally transmitted novellae were published in the Chiddushei HaGriz series. Until this day, his teachings serve as the basis of profound Torah study in yeshivot, and his views direct the Torah outlook and leadership of large parts of Orthodox Jewry. He was famous for posterity for his outstanding fear of G-d and for his zealousness for the absolute truth.
R. Shmuel Yitzchak Yoffe (1884-1953) was the son-in-law of the Beit HaLevi, and the uncle of the Brisker Rav. In 1914-1934, he served as rabbi of Borisov (Barysaw), Belarus. In 1934, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Tel-Aviv, where he held various rabbinic positions. After the Holocaust, he was very involved in issuing permits for agunot. His writings were published after his passing in the book Ramat Shmuel.
Postcard. 14 cm. Written in pencil. Good condition. Stains.
Postcard addressed to his uncle R. Shmuel Yitzchak Yoffe Rabbi of Borisov, a rabbi in Tel Aviv. In the letter, the Brisker Rav showers his uncle and family with many blessings in honor of the new year: " May they all be blessed in the upcoming Rosh Hashana with a long and good life, blessed, pleasant and happy, may they be satiated with pleasure and satisfaction from all they have, may G-d's blessing rest upon their home, and may goodness, blessing and happiness never depart from your home, may G-d help and we be informed of only good and happy tidings from each other, always. May the coming year be a year of redemption and salvation, and may we all merit to see the coming of the Redeemer to Zion… Your nephew, who venerates you, awaiting and longing for an immediate salvation with a good inscription and sealing".
The addresses of the recipient and sender are inscribed on verso (presumably written by R. Yosef Dov, son of the Brisker Rav).
R. Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik – the Brisker Rav (1887-1959), son of R. Chaim HaLevi of Brisk, and grandson of the Beit HaLevi. Already in his father's lifetime, at a young age, he was considered one of the prominent leaders of the generation. In 1919 (at the age of 32), he succeeded his forefathers as rabbi of Brisk, and with his Torah authority he directed all Jewish matters in Brisk and the surroundings. He survived the Holocaust together with some of his children and immigrated to Jerusalem. His tremendous authority was recognized throughout the Torah world, whether in Eretz Israel or abroad. He authored Chiddushei Maran R. Y.Z. HaLevi on the Rambam and the Torah. His orally transmitted novellae were published in the Chiddushei HaGriz series. Until this day, his teachings serve as the basis of profound Torah study in yeshivot, and his views direct the Torah outlook and leadership of large parts of Orthodox Jewry. He was famous for posterity for his outstanding fear of G-d and for his zealousness for the absolute truth.
R. Shmuel Yitzchak Yoffe (1884-1953) was the son-in-law of the Beit HaLevi, and the uncle of the Brisker Rav. In 1914-1934, he served as rabbi of Borisov (Barysaw), Belarus. In 1934, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Tel-Aviv, where he held various rabbinic positions. After the Holocaust, he was very involved in issuing permits for agunot. His writings were published after his passing in the book Ramat Shmuel.
Postcard. 14 cm. Written in pencil. Good condition. Stains.
Category
Rabbinic Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue