Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
Displaying 1 - 12 of 18
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Sefer Yetzirah, with commentaries and the commentary of the Gaon of Vilna. Horodna, 1805. With kabbalistic diagrams. First edition of the commentary of the Gaon of Vilna.
First kabbalistic book published from the teachings of the Gaon of Vilna. Brought to print by his disciple R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow.
Sefer Yetzirah, attributed to Adam HaRishon, is an early kabbalistic book, and serves as basis for kabbalistic teachings. The Gaon of Vilna uses Sefer Yetzirah in his kabbalistic commentaries and demonstrates how it is the source of subsequent kabbalistic works.
Several handwritten glosses (mostly in pencil).
12, [1], 42, [30] leaves. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Open tears and damage to title page and two final leaves, affecting title page border and text, repaired with paper (the two final leaves may have been supplied from a different copy). Worming, affecting text. Stamp. New binding.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 682.
First kabbalistic book published from the teachings of the Gaon of Vilna. Brought to print by his disciple R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow.
Sefer Yetzirah, attributed to Adam HaRishon, is an early kabbalistic book, and serves as basis for kabbalistic teachings. The Gaon of Vilna uses Sefer Yetzirah in his kabbalistic commentaries and demonstrates how it is the source of subsequent kabbalistic works.
Several handwritten glosses (mostly in pencil).
12, [1], 42, [30] leaves. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Open tears and damage to title page and two final leaves, affecting title page border and text, repaired with paper (the two final leaves may have been supplied from a different copy). Worming, affecting text. Stamp. New binding.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 682.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Five books of the Torah, with various commentaries, and with three new commentaries: Aderet Eliyahu by the Gaon of Vilna, and two commentaries on the Masorah – Menorat Shlomo and Minchat Kalil, by R. Or Shraga Feivish son of R. Shlomo Zalman, son-in-law of the Gaon of Vilna and rabbi of Dubrovna. Dubrovna, [1804].
First edition of the commentary of the Gaon of Vilna on the Torah. Two parts in one volume.
Damaged copy. Two parts in one volume. All leaves of part I are present (apart from leaf 1 of Bereshit), though bound out of sequence. [2], 2-51 (of Bereshit), 42-54 (of Shemot); 1 (of Vayikra), 1-41 (of Shemot), 52-68 (of Bereshit); 2-46 leaves (of Vayikra); 51 (Bamidbar); 54 (Devarim); 16 leaves (Haftarot). (originally: [2], 68; 54; 46; 51; 54; 16 leaves). Leaf 1 of Bereshit replaced in photocopy. Without title page of part II (lacking in some copies).
41.5 cm. Overall fair condition, several leaves in poor condition. Stains (including dampstains) and wear. Large open tears to title page and other leaves, primarily at beginning of volume, with significant damage to text. Damaged leaves professionally restored with paper and photocopy replacement of missing text. Several leaves trimmed with damage to text. Tears, worming and other damage to several leaves. New leather binding.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 1.
First edition of the commentary of the Gaon of Vilna on the Torah. Two parts in one volume.
Damaged copy. Two parts in one volume. All leaves of part I are present (apart from leaf 1 of Bereshit), though bound out of sequence. [2], 2-51 (of Bereshit), 42-54 (of Shemot); 1 (of Vayikra), 1-41 (of Shemot), 52-68 (of Bereshit); 2-46 leaves (of Vayikra); 51 (Bamidbar); 54 (Devarim); 16 leaves (Haftarot). (originally: [2], 68; 54; 46; 51; 54; 16 leaves). Leaf 1 of Bereshit replaced in photocopy. Without title page of part II (lacking in some copies).
41.5 cm. Overall fair condition, several leaves in poor condition. Stains (including dampstains) and wear. Large open tears to title page and other leaves, primarily at beginning of volume, with significant damage to text. Damaged leaves professionally restored with paper and photocopy replacement of missing text. Several leaves trimmed with damage to text. Tears, worming and other damage to several leaves. New leather binding.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 1.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $400
Sold for: $550
Including buyer's premium
Maaseh Rav, practices of the Gaon of Vilna, by R. Yissachar Dov Ber of Vilna. Vilna and Horodna, 1832. First edition.
Two title pages.
First edition of one of the most important books regarding the customs of the Gaon of Vilna. The book records the customs and rulings of the Gaon of Vilna, based on the personal testimonies of his disciples. It was compiled and published by R. Yissachar Dov Ber of Vilna, who based himself on what he personally observed, and on a testimony handwritten by R. Saadya, disciple of the Gaon of Vilna, who did not depart from the presence of his teacher for many years.
Stamps of the Shaarei Tzion Beit Midrash in Jerusalem (built in 1854 in the courtyard of the Churvah of R. Yehuda HaChassid, one of the first Ashkenazic synagogues built in Jerusalem in the 19th century), with a handwritten warning by one of the gabbaim not to remove the book from the library without express permission.
Stamps of R. Mordechai Dov Ber Vachtfogel.
[3], 67 pages. 16.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming to title pages and first leaves. Marginal paper repairs to first title page (affecting border). Margins trimmed, affecting border of second title page and text of several leaves. New binding.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 808.
Two title pages.
First edition of one of the most important books regarding the customs of the Gaon of Vilna. The book records the customs and rulings of the Gaon of Vilna, based on the personal testimonies of his disciples. It was compiled and published by R. Yissachar Dov Ber of Vilna, who based himself on what he personally observed, and on a testimony handwritten by R. Saadya, disciple of the Gaon of Vilna, who did not depart from the presence of his teacher for many years.
Stamps of the Shaarei Tzion Beit Midrash in Jerusalem (built in 1854 in the courtyard of the Churvah of R. Yehuda HaChassid, one of the first Ashkenazic synagogues built in Jerusalem in the 19th century), with a handwritten warning by one of the gabbaim not to remove the book from the library without express permission.
Stamps of R. Mordechai Dov Ber Vachtfogel.
[3], 67 pages. 16.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming to title pages and first leaves. Marginal paper repairs to first title page (affecting border). Margins trimmed, affecting border of second title page and text of several leaves. New binding.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 808.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Niflaot Chadashot, commentaries, homiletics, and kabbalistic allusions on the Torah portions and more, by R. Noach Mindes Lipschitz of Vilna (mechutan of the Gaon of Vilna). Horodna, 1797. First edition.
The book was printed anonymously, yet the author's name is alluded to in the title of the work and in the riddle on verso of the title page.
The author, R. Noach son of R. Avraham Lipschitz (d. 1797 shortly after the Gaon of Vilna and was buried close to him), father-in-law of R. Avraham son of the Gaon of Vilna and prominent Torah scholar and kabbalist in Vilna.
Signature on title page.
[4], 32, [2] leaves. 20.5 cm. Fine copy. Good condition. Stains. Worming, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. New binding
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 1554.
The book was printed anonymously, yet the author's name is alluded to in the title of the work and in the riddle on verso of the title page.
The author, R. Noach son of R. Avraham Lipschitz (d. 1797 shortly after the Gaon of Vilna and was buried close to him), father-in-law of R. Avraham son of the Gaon of Vilna and prominent Torah scholar and kabbalist in Vilna.
Signature on title page.
[4], 32, [2] leaves. 20.5 cm. Fine copy. Good condition. Stains. Worming, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. New binding
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 1554.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Nefesh HaChaim, by R. Chaim of Volozhin, foremost disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. Vilna and Horodna, 1824. First edition.
With forewords by the author's sons, R. Yitzchak of Volozhin and R. Yosef of Shereshov, and approbations by Vilna rabbis, R. Shaul Katzenellenbogen and R. Avraham Abele Poswoler.
A classic book of the teachings of the Gaon of Vilna and his disciples, concerning manners of conduct and service of G-d according to both the revealed and hidden realms of the Torah (many parts of the book were written as a response to the Chassidic school of thought, following the philosophy and ways of the Gaon of Vilna and his disciples). The author, R. Chaim of Volozhin, cherished this book more than all his many halachic writings, and before his passing, he ordered his sons to expedite its publishing. The book was edited and brought to press by the author's son, R. Yitzchak of Volozhin, and by his nephew, R. Avraham Simcha of Amtchislav (Mstsislaw), both of whom served as deans of the Volozhin Yeshiva.
Many ownership inscriptions from various times.
[6], 17; 10; 8, [1]; 4; 17 leaves. Approx. 22 cm. Fair condition. Stains (some dark) and wear. Extensive worming, affecting text. Many handwritten inscriptions. New leather binding. Back board detached.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 1417.
With forewords by the author's sons, R. Yitzchak of Volozhin and R. Yosef of Shereshov, and approbations by Vilna rabbis, R. Shaul Katzenellenbogen and R. Avraham Abele Poswoler.
A classic book of the teachings of the Gaon of Vilna and his disciples, concerning manners of conduct and service of G-d according to both the revealed and hidden realms of the Torah (many parts of the book were written as a response to the Chassidic school of thought, following the philosophy and ways of the Gaon of Vilna and his disciples). The author, R. Chaim of Volozhin, cherished this book more than all his many halachic writings, and before his passing, he ordered his sons to expedite its publishing. The book was edited and brought to press by the author's son, R. Yitzchak of Volozhin, and by his nephew, R. Avraham Simcha of Amtchislav (Mstsislaw), both of whom served as deans of the Volozhin Yeshiva.
Many ownership inscriptions from various times.
[6], 17; 10; 8, [1]; 4; 17 leaves. Approx. 22 cm. Fair condition. Stains (some dark) and wear. Extensive worming, affecting text. Many handwritten inscriptions. New leather binding. Back board detached.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 1417.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
Manuscript, VaAdaber Shalom, by R. Menashe of Ilya. [Smorgon or Ilya, Vilna district, 1829].
Manuscript handwritten by the author – R. Menashe of Ilya, disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. Unpublished composition.
On the first page, R. Menashe of Ilya defines the purpose of this work – to increase peace in the world. He later writes of his intent to publish this work (however, it was never published).
R. Menashe of Ilya (1767-1831), an outstanding Lithuanian Torah scholar, close disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. His original and individualistic worldviews drew much criticism, and some of his works were burnt by his opponents.
This manuscript is mentioned in a letter from 1879 addressed to Samuel Joseph Fünn in Vilna. The writer offers this manuscript for sale, along with other manuscripts by R. Menashe, and confirms that this manuscript was scribed by the author (see: Yeshurun 20, pp. 800-801).
An inscription by a disciple of R. Menashe of Ilya on final leaf.
[3] leaves (+ blank leaf; five written pages). 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Several tears (slightly affecting text in one place). New binding.
Expert's authentication of handwriting enclosed.
Manuscript handwritten by the author – R. Menashe of Ilya, disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. Unpublished composition.
On the first page, R. Menashe of Ilya defines the purpose of this work – to increase peace in the world. He later writes of his intent to publish this work (however, it was never published).
R. Menashe of Ilya (1767-1831), an outstanding Lithuanian Torah scholar, close disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. His original and individualistic worldviews drew much criticism, and some of his works were burnt by his opponents.
This manuscript is mentioned in a letter from 1879 addressed to Samuel Joseph Fünn in Vilna. The writer offers this manuscript for sale, along with other manuscripts by R. Menashe, and confirms that this manuscript was scribed by the author (see: Yeshurun 20, pp. 800-801).
An inscription by a disciple of R. Menashe of Ilya on final leaf.
[3] leaves (+ blank leaf; five written pages). 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Several tears (slightly affecting text in one place). New binding.
Expert's authentication of handwriting enclosed.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $1,800
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Single leaf (two large pages, 78 lines), handwritten by R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow, prominent disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. [Written ca. late 18th century/early 19th century].
This leaf contains profound kabbalistic novellae, with allusions, letter combinations, numerical values and acronyms, handwritten by R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow, prominent disciple of the Gaon of Vilna and transmitter of his teachings. R. Yisrael of Shklow attested that R. Menachem Mendel composed ten kabbalistic works, yet not all of them have been published yet. This leaf is presumably from one of his unpublished compositions.
R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow (d. 1827), prominent kabbalist, close disciple of the Gaon of Vilna in the final two years of the latter's life. He led the first group of the disciples of the Gaon of Vilna in their immigration to Eretz Israel, and founded the Perushim community in Jerusalem.
[1] leaf (two written pages). Approx. 31 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Large dampstains to part of leaf. New binding.
This leaf contains profound kabbalistic novellae, with allusions, letter combinations, numerical values and acronyms, handwritten by R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow, prominent disciple of the Gaon of Vilna and transmitter of his teachings. R. Yisrael of Shklow attested that R. Menachem Mendel composed ten kabbalistic works, yet not all of them have been published yet. This leaf is presumably from one of his unpublished compositions.
R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow (d. 1827), prominent kabbalist, close disciple of the Gaon of Vilna in the final two years of the latter's life. He led the first group of the disciples of the Gaon of Vilna in their immigration to Eretz Israel, and founded the Perushim community in Jerusalem.
[1] leaf (two written pages). Approx. 31 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Large dampstains to part of leaf. New binding.
Category
The Gaon of Vilna and his Disciples – Books and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $500
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Zot Zikaron – Avnei Zikaron on the laws of Shechitah and Terefot, by R. Shmuel Barzani (Adoni). Harir, Iraqi Kurdistan, [ca. 1660]. Title page of part II within decorative, colored frame.
Part I – Zot Zikaron, laws of Shechitah; Part II – Avnei Zikaron, laws of Terefot.
Neatly transcribed by R. Pinchas Hariri (ca. 1640 – ca. 1711), a prominent Kurdish rabbi. His signature appears on the title page of part II and in the colophon on the final leaf.
The author, R. Shmuel Adoni-Barzani (d. 1633), was a leading Kurdish rabbi. Prominent Torah scholar and kabbalist, renowned as a wonder-worker. He established a large yeshiva in Mosul. Some of his compositions, including Avnei Zikaron, were first published based on manuscripts in 2003.
The present transcript of the work is almost complete, presumably lacking only the first title page and preface to the laws of Shechitah.
[44] leaves. Approx. 14 cm. Fair condition. Dark stains, wear and open tears, affecting text. Old paper repairs. New card binding.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Michael Krupp.
Part I – Zot Zikaron, laws of Shechitah; Part II – Avnei Zikaron, laws of Terefot.
Neatly transcribed by R. Pinchas Hariri (ca. 1640 – ca. 1711), a prominent Kurdish rabbi. His signature appears on the title page of part II and in the colophon on the final leaf.
The author, R. Shmuel Adoni-Barzani (d. 1633), was a leading Kurdish rabbi. Prominent Torah scholar and kabbalist, renowned as a wonder-worker. He established a large yeshiva in Mosul. Some of his compositions, including Avnei Zikaron, were first published based on manuscripts in 2003.
The present transcript of the work is almost complete, presumably lacking only the first title page and preface to the laws of Shechitah.
[44] leaves. Approx. 14 cm. Fair condition. Dark stains, wear and open tears, affecting text. Old paper repairs. New card binding.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Michael Krupp.
Category
Near Eastern and Far Eastern Jewry –
Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $400
Unsold
Manuscript, Michlal HaMishnah – comprehensive Judeo-Persian lexicon of words of the Mishnah, covering the Six Orders of the Mishnah, by R. Shlomo Ababa son of Nuriel. [Persia], 1874.
Complete manuscript, covering all Six Orders of the Mishnah. Neat Persian script, with vocalization to the words of the Mishnah. The manuscript opens with an interesting preface by the author, mentioning the date of writing this manuscript: "And the writing of this book began on Sunday, 26th Adar, 1874…".
[5], 165 leaves. 18 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Marginal wear and tears. Ownership inscriptions. Original leather binding, slightly damaged.
Complete manuscript, covering all Six Orders of the Mishnah. Neat Persian script, with vocalization to the words of the Mishnah. The manuscript opens with an interesting preface by the author, mentioning the date of writing this manuscript: "And the writing of this book began on Sunday, 26th Adar, 1874…".
[5], 165 leaves. 18 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Marginal wear and tears. Ownership inscriptions. Original leather binding, slightly damaged.
Category
Near Eastern and Far Eastern Jewry –
Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $500
Unsold
Manuscript, diwan – piyyutim and supplications. [Persia, 19th/20th century].
Tall, narrow format. Oriental script. Decorative frames, floral motifs, birds and peacocks.
[9] leaves. Height: 15 cm. Width: 10.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Marginal tears. Inscriptions. Stamp. Damage and loss to text on final page. Old binding, with damage.
Tall, narrow format. Oriental script. Decorative frames, floral motifs, birds and peacocks.
[9] leaves. Height: 15 cm. Width: 10.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Marginal tears. Inscriptions. Stamp. Damage and loss to text on final page. Old binding, with damage.
Category
Near Eastern and Far Eastern Jewry –
Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $3,500
Sold for: $4,375
Including buyer's premium
Booklet (16 written pages) handwritten by R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai. [Baghdad, ca. 1900].
Section from a composition of homilies for Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance. Handwritten by the author, the Ben Ish Chai, with deletions, emendations and interlinear additions. The contents of this manuscript were published, after being edited, in his book Ben Ish Chayil. The present manuscript presumably contains the preliminary version of the homilies, recorded while preparing his sermons. The Ben Ish Chai added a prayer for protection at the end of one section: "May G-d come to our assistance, protect us and help us always, Amen".
The booklet includes two tales which the Ben Ish Chai uses as allegories to arouse repentance.
[8] leaves, written on both sides. 13.5 cm. Good condition. Some tears and wear. New leather binding. Placed in elegant slipcase.
Section from a composition of homilies for Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance. Handwritten by the author, the Ben Ish Chai, with deletions, emendations and interlinear additions. The contents of this manuscript were published, after being edited, in his book Ben Ish Chayil. The present manuscript presumably contains the preliminary version of the homilies, recorded while preparing his sermons. The Ben Ish Chai added a prayer for protection at the end of one section: "May G-d come to our assistance, protect us and help us always, Amen".
The booklet includes two tales which the Ben Ish Chai uses as allegories to arouse repentance.
[8] leaves, written on both sides. 13.5 cm. Good condition. Some tears and wear. New leather binding. Placed in elegant slipcase.
Category
Near Eastern and Far Eastern Jewry –
Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 77 - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial
March 15, 2021
Opening: $400
Sold for: $2,375
Including buyer's premium
Transcript of a responsum letter from the rabbis of Baghdad, with four letters of approbation handwritten and signed by rabbis of Jerusalem – R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, R. Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, R. Eliyahu Kletzkin and the Rishon LeTzion R. Yaakov Meir. Baghdad, Adar 1925 – Jerusalem, Adar 1926.
The responsum letter from the rabbis of Baghdad discusses a proposal to destroy old synagogues and Batei Midrash in Baghdad, and build a new synagogue on that plot. The rabbis of Baghdad write that they gathered to discuss this matter, and reached the conclusion that this is prohibited. The letter is signed by 22 rabbis and yeshiva deans of Iraq (the signatures were transcribed on the present leaf).
This transcript of the responsum was sent to Jerusalem, where four prominent Jerusalem rabbis added their handwritten approbation to the ruling of the rabbis of Baghdad: two lines handwritten and signed by R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, approbation signed by R. Yaakov Meir (written by a scribe), approbation handwritten and signed by R. Kook, and approbation signed by R. Eliyahu Kletzkin (written by a scribe).
[1] double leaf (4 written pages). 22 cm. Good condition. Many stains. Some wear. Folding marks.
The responsum letter from the rabbis of Baghdad discusses a proposal to destroy old synagogues and Batei Midrash in Baghdad, and build a new synagogue on that plot. The rabbis of Baghdad write that they gathered to discuss this matter, and reached the conclusion that this is prohibited. The letter is signed by 22 rabbis and yeshiva deans of Iraq (the signatures were transcribed on the present leaf).
This transcript of the responsum was sent to Jerusalem, where four prominent Jerusalem rabbis added their handwritten approbation to the ruling of the rabbis of Baghdad: two lines handwritten and signed by R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, approbation signed by R. Yaakov Meir (written by a scribe), approbation handwritten and signed by R. Kook, and approbation signed by R. Eliyahu Kletzkin (written by a scribe).
[1] double leaf (4 written pages). 22 cm. Good condition. Many stains. Some wear. Folding marks.
Category
Near Eastern and Far Eastern Jewry –
Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue