Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
Displaying 13 - 18 of 18
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $500
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Midrash Rabbot [Rabbah], on the Five Books of the Torah. Minkovitz (Mynkivtsi), [1799].
Five chumashim in three volumes. Lacking Five Megillot part (printed at the end of the Book of Devarim). Approbations by prominent rabbis such as R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. David Leikes, and others.
Title of Vol. I within decorative border.
The commentary by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev mentioned on the title page was never printed.
Ownership inscriptions and stamps.
Three volumes. Vol. I (Bereshit): [2], 121 leaves. Vol. II (Shemot, Vayikra): 48; 4, 9-30 leaves. Lacking 12 leaves: 5-8 and 31-38 of second sequence. Vol. III (Bamidbar, Devarim): 96 leaves (originally: 96; 19, 21-38; 12, 14-17, 17-44; 15; 33, [1] leaves. Lacking Five Megillot part). 30.5 cm. Condition varies, fair-good. Stains (including dark stains), dampstains and wear. Tears, affecting text on several leaves, repaired in part. Worming. Title page and seven following leaves of Vol. I damaged (possibly supplied from a different copy). Large open tears to these leaves, with significant damage to text, repaired with photocopy replacement (large parts of title page and approbations on verso replaced in photocopy). Extensive worming to these leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper. New bindings.
Five chumashim in three volumes. Lacking Five Megillot part (printed at the end of the Book of Devarim). Approbations by prominent rabbis such as R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. David Leikes, and others.
Title of Vol. I within decorative border.
The commentary by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev mentioned on the title page was never printed.
Ownership inscriptions and stamps.
Three volumes. Vol. I (Bereshit): [2], 121 leaves. Vol. II (Shemot, Vayikra): 48; 4, 9-30 leaves. Lacking 12 leaves: 5-8 and 31-38 of second sequence. Vol. III (Bamidbar, Devarim): 96 leaves (originally: 96; 19, 21-38; 12, 14-17, 17-44; 15; 33, [1] leaves. Lacking Five Megillot part). 30.5 cm. Condition varies, fair-good. Stains (including dark stains), dampstains and wear. Tears, affecting text on several leaves, repaired in part. Worming. Title page and seven following leaves of Vol. I damaged (possibly supplied from a different copy). Large open tears to these leaves, with significant damage to text, repaired with photocopy replacement (large parts of title page and approbations on verso replaced in photocopy). Extensive worming to these leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper. New bindings.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellanea
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Midrash Rabbot [Rabbah] on the Five Books of the Torah and the Five Megillot. Ostroh, [1805] – Sudylkiv, [1819]. Two volumes.
Two parts in two volumes, from two different editions. The first volume (Bereshit-Vayikra) was printed in Ostroh 1805 (first of two parts printed there), and the second volume was printed in Sudylkiv 1819 (second of two parts printed there).
Vol. I (Bereshit, Shemot, Vayikra): [2], 121; 2-48; 2-38 leaves. Vol. II (Bamidbar, Devarim, Megillot): 78; 36, [1]; 79-94, [2]; 32, [1]; 15; 44 leaves. Misfoliation. Shir HaShirim part (second sequence: 36, [1]) bound out of place, after the Book of Bamidbar. Approx. 33 cm. Vol. I in fair condition. Vol. II in good-fair condition. Stains. Dark dampstains to first leaves of Vol. I. Tears to first leaves of both volumes, repaired with paper (open tear to title page of Vol. I, affecting border and text on verso). Worming, affecting text in several places. New leather bindings.
Two parts in two volumes, from two different editions. The first volume (Bereshit-Vayikra) was printed in Ostroh 1805 (first of two parts printed there), and the second volume was printed in Sudylkiv 1819 (second of two parts printed there).
Vol. I (Bereshit, Shemot, Vayikra): [2], 121; 2-48; 2-38 leaves. Vol. II (Bamidbar, Devarim, Megillot): 78; 36, [1]; 79-94, [2]; 32, [1]; 15; 44 leaves. Misfoliation. Shir HaShirim part (second sequence: 36, [1]) bound out of place, after the Book of Bamidbar. Approx. 33 cm. Vol. I in fair condition. Vol. II in good-fair condition. Stains. Dark dampstains to first leaves of Vol. I. Tears to first leaves of both volumes, repaired with paper (open tear to title page of Vol. I, affecting border and text on verso). Worming, affecting text in several places. New leather bindings.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellanea
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $300
Sold for: $750
Including buyer's premium
Jerusalemite Talmud (forged) – Seder Kodashim, with the Cheshek Shlomo commentary by the publisher Shlomo Yehudah Friedlander. Part I: Zevachim and Arachin, Part II: Chullin and Bechorot. Szinérváralja (Seini), [1906]-1909.
"Picture of the manuscript" on verso of the first title page of Part I.
The Jerusalemite Talmud on Seder Kodashim was lost during the time of the Rishonim and was never printed. In the early 20th century, one Shlomo Friedlander (who assumed the false identity of a descendant of the Sephardi Algazi family) copied all the citations from the Jerusalemite Talmud on Seder Kodashim he found in the works of the Rishonim, skillfully combining them with passages from the other Orders of the Jerusalemite Talmud, and claimed that he had discovered an ancient manuscript of the lost Jerusalemite Talmud.
Friedlander's forgery was at first a great success. Many rabbis and researchers believed the work to be authentic, such as the Maharsham who wrote glosses to the work, published in both parts, and the Chafetz Chaim who began to don Rabbenu Tam Tefillin in light of a passage in the book. However, others, such as the Kli Chemda and the Rogatchover Gaon, realized that the work was a forgery and made this public. The polemic surrounding the Jerusalemite Talmud on Seder Kodashim lasted several years, with books published in support of both arguments (most of the publications arguing for the authenticity of the book were written by Friedlander himself, under various pseudonyms). After the forgery was confirmed, most copies were buried.
Hig-quality, light paper in Vol. I.
Two volumes. Vol. I (Zevachim and Arachin): [8], 100 leaves. Vol. II (Chullin and Bechorot): [10], 78; [1], 47 leaves. 34.5-36 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Open tears and printing defects to two leaves of the introduction, affecting text. Tears, slightly affecting text, to a few other leaves. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New bindings.
"Picture of the manuscript" on verso of the first title page of Part I.
The Jerusalemite Talmud on Seder Kodashim was lost during the time of the Rishonim and was never printed. In the early 20th century, one Shlomo Friedlander (who assumed the false identity of a descendant of the Sephardi Algazi family) copied all the citations from the Jerusalemite Talmud on Seder Kodashim he found in the works of the Rishonim, skillfully combining them with passages from the other Orders of the Jerusalemite Talmud, and claimed that he had discovered an ancient manuscript of the lost Jerusalemite Talmud.
Friedlander's forgery was at first a great success. Many rabbis and researchers believed the work to be authentic, such as the Maharsham who wrote glosses to the work, published in both parts, and the Chafetz Chaim who began to don Rabbenu Tam Tefillin in light of a passage in the book. However, others, such as the Kli Chemda and the Rogatchover Gaon, realized that the work was a forgery and made this public. The polemic surrounding the Jerusalemite Talmud on Seder Kodashim lasted several years, with books published in support of both arguments (most of the publications arguing for the authenticity of the book were written by Friedlander himself, under various pseudonyms). After the forgery was confirmed, most copies were buried.
Hig-quality, light paper in Vol. I.
Two volumes. Vol. I (Zevachim and Arachin): [8], 100 leaves. Vol. II (Chullin and Bechorot): [10], 78; [1], 47 leaves. 34.5-36 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Open tears and printing defects to two leaves of the introduction, affecting text. Tears, slightly affecting text, to a few other leaves. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New bindings.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellanea
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $400
Unsold
Chiddushei Rabbenu Chaim HaLevi on the Rambam, by R. Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik Rabbi of Brisk. Brisk, 1936. First edition.
Two scholarly glosses on p. 12b (apparently handwritten by R. Shmuel Eliezri, rabbi of Bayit Vegan neighborhood, Jerusalem, editor of the Talmudic Encyclopedia and founder of the Harry Fischel institute).
The famed book of R. Chaim of Brisk, printed by his son, R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik, some 18 years after the death of the author in 1918. This book is R. Chaim's magnum opus and a promise that it will be published was inscribed on his tombstone: "He left behind a manuscript of a large composition on the Rambam which will be published". For various reasons, the printing of this book was delayed for a long time. The main reason for the delay was the lack of 600 dollars (a huge sum in those days) necessary for printing the book. In the 1930s, R. Yechezkel Abramsky, who was a close disciple of R. Chaim, printed a public proclamation calling rabbis and donors to undertake the collection of funds for printing the book. In this proclamation, R. Abramsky describes the book with these words: "This book contains Torah novellae which he taught in public over a period of thirteen years, when he served as dean of the outstanding Volozhin yeshiva. These novellae pave the correct path to immediately pinpoint the core of each topic, with understanding of the depth and essence of each subject under discussion, as he polishes, straightens, refines and clarifies the root of the halachah and all its branches…".
When the printing of the book finally began, some of the admirers of R. Chaim and his teachings did not have the patience to wait until the work was completed and requested that each completed section be immediately sent to them. We know of three who thus received these booklets immediately after printing: R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, the Dvar Avraham of Kovno and R. Yechezkel Abramsky.
The famous foreword written by his sons is a masterwork in its own right, and it was reviewed and perfected to the point that each word was written after much deliberation. His sons wrote in the foreword that R. Chaim's method of study "followed the path taught by our rabbis, the Rishonim". This sentence was written by the directive of the author's close companion, the famous posek of Brisk, R. Simcha Zelig Rieger, but the author's sons hesitated to write this. At that time, R. Chaim appeared to R. Simcha Zelig in a dream and told him that now in the World of Truth, he has come to realize that indeed his study approach "follows the path taught by our rabbis, the Rishonim". Thus, the author's sons agreed to include this sentence in their foreword. Reputedly, the closing sentence "Who sign whilst trembling, sons of the author", was written by R. Yitzchak Ze'ev while his hands actually trembled (Sh. Meller, Raban shel kol Bnei HaGolah, I, Jerusalem 2014, pp. 592-593 and note 60).
For more information regarding the special status of this book in the Torah world, from the day it was published until today, and about the trials and tribulations encountered during the printing, see: Sh. Meller, Raban shel kol Bnei HaGolah, I, Jerusalem 2014, Chapter 15 "Heirloom for Generations", pp. 545-616; A. Suraski, Melech B'Yofyo, Jerusalem 2004, pp. 282-287; 219-221.
[3], 3-112 leaves. 33.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Minor tears. First leaves detached. Library labels (of R. Eliezri) and bookplate. Original back board; lacking spine and front board.
Two scholarly glosses on p. 12b (apparently handwritten by R. Shmuel Eliezri, rabbi of Bayit Vegan neighborhood, Jerusalem, editor of the Talmudic Encyclopedia and founder of the Harry Fischel institute).
The famed book of R. Chaim of Brisk, printed by his son, R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik, some 18 years after the death of the author in 1918. This book is R. Chaim's magnum opus and a promise that it will be published was inscribed on his tombstone: "He left behind a manuscript of a large composition on the Rambam which will be published". For various reasons, the printing of this book was delayed for a long time. The main reason for the delay was the lack of 600 dollars (a huge sum in those days) necessary for printing the book. In the 1930s, R. Yechezkel Abramsky, who was a close disciple of R. Chaim, printed a public proclamation calling rabbis and donors to undertake the collection of funds for printing the book. In this proclamation, R. Abramsky describes the book with these words: "This book contains Torah novellae which he taught in public over a period of thirteen years, when he served as dean of the outstanding Volozhin yeshiva. These novellae pave the correct path to immediately pinpoint the core of each topic, with understanding of the depth and essence of each subject under discussion, as he polishes, straightens, refines and clarifies the root of the halachah and all its branches…".
When the printing of the book finally began, some of the admirers of R. Chaim and his teachings did not have the patience to wait until the work was completed and requested that each completed section be immediately sent to them. We know of three who thus received these booklets immediately after printing: R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, the Dvar Avraham of Kovno and R. Yechezkel Abramsky.
The famous foreword written by his sons is a masterwork in its own right, and it was reviewed and perfected to the point that each word was written after much deliberation. His sons wrote in the foreword that R. Chaim's method of study "followed the path taught by our rabbis, the Rishonim". This sentence was written by the directive of the author's close companion, the famous posek of Brisk, R. Simcha Zelig Rieger, but the author's sons hesitated to write this. At that time, R. Chaim appeared to R. Simcha Zelig in a dream and told him that now in the World of Truth, he has come to realize that indeed his study approach "follows the path taught by our rabbis, the Rishonim". Thus, the author's sons agreed to include this sentence in their foreword. Reputedly, the closing sentence "Who sign whilst trembling, sons of the author", was written by R. Yitzchak Ze'ev while his hands actually trembled (Sh. Meller, Raban shel kol Bnei HaGolah, I, Jerusalem 2014, pp. 592-593 and note 60).
For more information regarding the special status of this book in the Torah world, from the day it was published until today, and about the trials and tribulations encountered during the printing, see: Sh. Meller, Raban shel kol Bnei HaGolah, I, Jerusalem 2014, Chapter 15 "Heirloom for Generations", pp. 545-616; A. Suraski, Melech B'Yofyo, Jerusalem 2004, pp. 282-287; 219-221.
[3], 3-112 leaves. 33.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Minor tears. First leaves detached. Library labels (of R. Eliezri) and bookplate. Original back board; lacking spine and front board.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellanea
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $300
Sold for: $1,188
Including buyer's premium
Chochmat HaMishkan, description of the Tabernacle, its furnishings and the priestly clothes, by R. Yosef Riqueti. Mantua, [1676]. Only edition.
The author, R. Yosef Riqueti, was a talented artist who worked as copyist, scribe and painter. Born in Italy, he immigrated to Safed in his youth, later returning to Italy as emissary of Safed.
The final page of this book contains an index for 18 illustrations of each of the Tabernacle vessels and priestly clothes. The planned illustrations were never produced.
Signature of R. Avraham Chai Mussafia, Torah scholar of Turkey and Jerusalem, author of Tehillah LeDavid on Tehillim.
9, [3] leaves. 20 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Handwritten inscriptions. Fine, new leather binding.
The author, R. Yosef Riqueti, was a talented artist who worked as copyist, scribe and painter. Born in Italy, he immigrated to Safed in his youth, later returning to Italy as emissary of Safed.
The final page of this book contains an index for 18 illustrations of each of the Tabernacle vessels and priestly clothes. The planned illustrations were never produced.
Signature of R. Avraham Chai Mussafia, Torah scholar of Turkey and Jerusalem, author of Tehillah LeDavid on Tehillim.
9, [3] leaves. 20 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Handwritten inscriptions. Fine, new leather binding.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellanea
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $500
Sold for: $1,125
Including buyer's premium
Chanukat HaBayit, explanation of the layout and structure of the destroyed Temple, by R. Moshe Chefetz. Venice, [1696]. Only edition.
Includes many illustrations of the Temple and its vessels. The book was printed in two stages: during printing, blank spaces were left for the illustrations, which were later added from engraved plates. This copy contains all the illustrations.
Large folded plate with plan of the Temple, courtyards and Temple mount, bound after first [4] leaves. With legend.
A poem in honor of the author is handwritten on the back endpaper, signed "Y.Ch.M." (not in Davidson's Thesaurus).
[4], 52 leaves + [1] folded plate. High-quality paper. Approx. 21 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains (stain to upper part of title page and folded plate). Worming. Significant worming to lower part of plate. Small tears to plate folds. New binding.
Includes many illustrations of the Temple and its vessels. The book was printed in two stages: during printing, blank spaces were left for the illustrations, which were later added from engraved plates. This copy contains all the illustrations.
Large folded plate with plan of the Temple, courtyards and Temple mount, bound after first [4] leaves. With legend.
A poem in honor of the author is handwritten on the back endpaper, signed "Y.Ch.M." (not in Davidson's Thesaurus).
[4], 52 leaves + [1] folded plate. High-quality paper. Approx. 21 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains (stain to upper part of title page and folded plate). Worming. Significant worming to lower part of plate. Small tears to plate folds. New binding.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellanea
Catalogue