Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
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Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $25,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $32,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Ir David, compilation of teachings of the sages on Halachah and Aggadah, with novellae and explanations, by R. David Oppenheim. [Prague, ca. 1700s-1710s].
Manuscript of a monumental work authored by R. David Oppenheim, comprising a compilation of midrashim and teachings of the sages arranged according to topics, with the addition of novellae and commentaries. R. David did not succeed in bringing this work to print, and to date, it has not been published (see: Ch. Michel, Or HaChaim, Frankfurt, 1891, p. 315). Various parts of this work can be found in libraries around the world.
The work is named "Ir" (= city) and its entries are called "Batim" (= houses, the work is also called Sefer HaBatim – Book of Houses). A number of manuscripts produced by copyists exist, where the "Batim" are arranged in alphabetical order, and each of the "Batim" is divided into sub-sections named "Chadarim" (= rooms). The present manuscript is from the initial stage of writing, and the entries are not written in any special order. Large sections of this manuscript are handwritten by the author, and some sections were written by a copyist, at times with amendments and additions in the author's handwriting. Above each section, the author wrote the type of "Bayit" to which the section belongs.
In two places, the author refers to his other books. On p. [15a]: "See my book Yad David at length". On p. [33b], he mentions "my book Yalkut David, leaf 79".
Various novellae and short notes appear on the last leaves, later deleted (they were presumably copied elsewhere).
R. David Oppenheim (1664-1736) was a prominent leader in his times. Outstanding Torah scholar, rabbi and yeshiva dean, kabbalist and posek, wealthy and influential in the Emperor's court. He was a disciple of R. Gershon Ashkenazi, author of Avodat HaGershuni; of R. Yaakov Katz, father of the Chacham Zvi; and of R. Binyamin Epstein, author of Nachalat Binyamin. He had a close relationship with R. Yair Chaim Bacharach, author of Chavot Yair, and exchanged halachic correspondence with him. In 1690, while still in his twenties, he was appointed rabbi of Nikolsburg (Mikulov) and Moravia. Twenty years later, he was appointed rabbi of Prague, eventually serving as chief rabbi of Bohemia. He held this position for over 25 years until his death. He authored some twenty halachic and aggadic books, including Responsa Nish'al David. Only a few of his compositions were published. Exceptionally wealthy (he inherited his wealth from his father-in-law and from his uncle, R. Shmuel Oppenheim), he held close ties with the Emperor's court and with all the top governing officials. While his books remained in manuscripts, he was very supportive of Torah scholars and assisted them in printing their books. R. David dearly loved books and privately compiled the most important Jewish library in his times, containing thousands of volumes of rare books and manuscripts spanning many eras. After his death, his library was offered for sale and was purchased by the Oxford University Bodleian Library in England.
[80] written leaves (and many more blank leaves). 19 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Minor wear. New leather binding.
Manuscript of a monumental work authored by R. David Oppenheim, comprising a compilation of midrashim and teachings of the sages arranged according to topics, with the addition of novellae and commentaries. R. David did not succeed in bringing this work to print, and to date, it has not been published (see: Ch. Michel, Or HaChaim, Frankfurt, 1891, p. 315). Various parts of this work can be found in libraries around the world.
The work is named "Ir" (= city) and its entries are called "Batim" (= houses, the work is also called Sefer HaBatim – Book of Houses). A number of manuscripts produced by copyists exist, where the "Batim" are arranged in alphabetical order, and each of the "Batim" is divided into sub-sections named "Chadarim" (= rooms). The present manuscript is from the initial stage of writing, and the entries are not written in any special order. Large sections of this manuscript are handwritten by the author, and some sections were written by a copyist, at times with amendments and additions in the author's handwriting. Above each section, the author wrote the type of "Bayit" to which the section belongs.
In two places, the author refers to his other books. On p. [15a]: "See my book Yad David at length". On p. [33b], he mentions "my book Yalkut David, leaf 79".
Various novellae and short notes appear on the last leaves, later deleted (they were presumably copied elsewhere).
R. David Oppenheim (1664-1736) was a prominent leader in his times. Outstanding Torah scholar, rabbi and yeshiva dean, kabbalist and posek, wealthy and influential in the Emperor's court. He was a disciple of R. Gershon Ashkenazi, author of Avodat HaGershuni; of R. Yaakov Katz, father of the Chacham Zvi; and of R. Binyamin Epstein, author of Nachalat Binyamin. He had a close relationship with R. Yair Chaim Bacharach, author of Chavot Yair, and exchanged halachic correspondence with him. In 1690, while still in his twenties, he was appointed rabbi of Nikolsburg (Mikulov) and Moravia. Twenty years later, he was appointed rabbi of Prague, eventually serving as chief rabbi of Bohemia. He held this position for over 25 years until his death. He authored some twenty halachic and aggadic books, including Responsa Nish'al David. Only a few of his compositions were published. Exceptionally wealthy (he inherited his wealth from his father-in-law and from his uncle, R. Shmuel Oppenheim), he held close ties with the Emperor's court and with all the top governing officials. While his books remained in manuscripts, he was very supportive of Torah scholars and assisted them in printing their books. R. David dearly loved books and privately compiled the most important Jewish library in his times, containing thousands of volumes of rare books and manuscripts spanning many eras. After his death, his library was offered for sale and was purchased by the Oxford University Bodleian Library in England.
[80] written leaves (and many more blank leaves). 19 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Minor wear. New leather binding.
Category
Manuscripts and Signatures – Rabbis and Rebbes
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Sold for: $13,750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript on parchment – Chazzan HaKnesset, prayers for the chazzan and gabbai during the Torah reading. [Pressburg, during the Chatam Sofer's tenure as rabbi, ca. 1811].
Manuscript on parchment. Vocalized, square script. Scribed and decorated in color, with gold ink. Initial words and headings in colored ink.
Includes: Yehi Ratzon prayers recited after the weekday Torah reading; Haftarah blessings (for Shabbat, the Three Festivals, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur); Haftarah for a public fast; Yekum Purkan and Mi Sheberach prayers; prayer for the Royal Family; blessing for the new month; Yizkor and Mi Sheberach prayers in memory of the deceased for festivals and the High Holidays; prayers for the Shofar blower and order of blowing, with kavanot; blessings for the Megillah reading with the Asher Heni and Shoshanat Yaakov piyyutim; order for changing a name.
The word "Yekum" (from Yekum Purkan) on p. 7 is flanked by two lions, set in a frame of leaves and flowers.
Prayer for the Royal Family on p. 9: "G-d who created Heaven and earth… should bless, protect and guard… our very distinguished master, the mighty and pious monarch, the Emperor [blank], and our mistress the queen… the Empress [blank]…". The first words of the prayer are set in a frame and decorated with a large crown, a pair of lions and a human face, rocailles and floral elements.
The present manuscript belonged to the Brill Shull in Pressburg, during the Chatam Sofer's tenure as rabbi of the city. The synagogue was named after its founder, the pious and wealthy R. Azriel Brill [Brilin].
A prayer was added in the margins of p. 13 at a later date (after the passing of R. Azriel and his wife): "May G-d remember the soul of Azriel son of Chana, and the soul of his wife Troyla daughter of Ruchama, for their donation of this synagogue. In that merit…". The present manuscript, with the special prayer in memory of R. Azriel and his wife, is mentioned in the book Avnei Beit HaYotzer about the Pressburg community, by R. Yitzchak Weiss, Pacs 1900, p. 73: "The prominent rabbi… R. Azriel Brilin… built… a magnificent synagogue… which is named after him… and in that merit his soul and the soul of his righteous wife are mentioned… during the Three Festivals and on Yom Kippur, and this is the text of the Yizkor recited for them… and this Yizkor is written in the parchment book of his synagogue…".
R. Azriel Bril (d. 1818), wealthy leader of the Pressburg community. He was one of the signatories on the rabbinic appointment of the Chatam Sofer. He was also a prominent Torah scholar, and in his youth he disseminated Torah and taught disciples. He fasted regularly throughout his life, and was constantly distressed about his exceptional prosperity. The Chatam Sofer eulogized him, saying: "The glory and crown of our community… diligent and sharp in Torah, in his youth he edified disciples… he served as our eyes in all matters… in all kinds of acts of kindness, he supported widows, orphans and the unfortunate… a great man… he never sought honor… neither for his Torah nor for his wealth…" (Drashot Chatam Sofer, II, eulogy from Parashat Chukat 1818).
A piece of parchment was attached to the manuscript (pasted inside the front board) at a later date, stating: "…the yahrzeit of the late R. Azriel Brilin is on 23rd Iyar… he donated and established this synagogue which is named after him… he also donated the Torah scroll and holy utensils for this synagogue, and the yahrzeit of Mrs. Troyla his wife…".
22 pages. 27.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Ink smearing in several places (several words illegible). New leather binding.
Manuscript on parchment. Vocalized, square script. Scribed and decorated in color, with gold ink. Initial words and headings in colored ink.
Includes: Yehi Ratzon prayers recited after the weekday Torah reading; Haftarah blessings (for Shabbat, the Three Festivals, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur); Haftarah for a public fast; Yekum Purkan and Mi Sheberach prayers; prayer for the Royal Family; blessing for the new month; Yizkor and Mi Sheberach prayers in memory of the deceased for festivals and the High Holidays; prayers for the Shofar blower and order of blowing, with kavanot; blessings for the Megillah reading with the Asher Heni and Shoshanat Yaakov piyyutim; order for changing a name.
The word "Yekum" (from Yekum Purkan) on p. 7 is flanked by two lions, set in a frame of leaves and flowers.
Prayer for the Royal Family on p. 9: "G-d who created Heaven and earth… should bless, protect and guard… our very distinguished master, the mighty and pious monarch, the Emperor [blank], and our mistress the queen… the Empress [blank]…". The first words of the prayer are set in a frame and decorated with a large crown, a pair of lions and a human face, rocailles and floral elements.
The present manuscript belonged to the Brill Shull in Pressburg, during the Chatam Sofer's tenure as rabbi of the city. The synagogue was named after its founder, the pious and wealthy R. Azriel Brill [Brilin].
A prayer was added in the margins of p. 13 at a later date (after the passing of R. Azriel and his wife): "May G-d remember the soul of Azriel son of Chana, and the soul of his wife Troyla daughter of Ruchama, for their donation of this synagogue. In that merit…". The present manuscript, with the special prayer in memory of R. Azriel and his wife, is mentioned in the book Avnei Beit HaYotzer about the Pressburg community, by R. Yitzchak Weiss, Pacs 1900, p. 73: "The prominent rabbi… R. Azriel Brilin… built… a magnificent synagogue… which is named after him… and in that merit his soul and the soul of his righteous wife are mentioned… during the Three Festivals and on Yom Kippur, and this is the text of the Yizkor recited for them… and this Yizkor is written in the parchment book of his synagogue…".
R. Azriel Bril (d. 1818), wealthy leader of the Pressburg community. He was one of the signatories on the rabbinic appointment of the Chatam Sofer. He was also a prominent Torah scholar, and in his youth he disseminated Torah and taught disciples. He fasted regularly throughout his life, and was constantly distressed about his exceptional prosperity. The Chatam Sofer eulogized him, saying: "The glory and crown of our community… diligent and sharp in Torah, in his youth he edified disciples… he served as our eyes in all matters… in all kinds of acts of kindness, he supported widows, orphans and the unfortunate… a great man… he never sought honor… neither for his Torah nor for his wealth…" (Drashot Chatam Sofer, II, eulogy from Parashat Chukat 1818).
A piece of parchment was attached to the manuscript (pasted inside the front board) at a later date, stating: "…the yahrzeit of the late R. Azriel Brilin is on 23rd Iyar… he donated and established this synagogue which is named after him… he also donated the Torah scroll and holy utensils for this synagogue, and the yahrzeit of Mrs. Troyla his wife…".
22 pages. 27.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Ink smearing in several places (several words illegible). New leather binding.
Category
Manuscripts and Signatures – Rabbis and Rebbes
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $4,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Pinkas of the Bikur Cholim society in Kraków, containing much valuable information about the community members and its rabbis. Kraków, 1829-1934.
Large format. The Pinkas opens with a decorated title page, inscribed: " This Pinkas belongs to the Bikur Cholim holy society… according to the regulation instituted in 1823".
The Pinkas offers much information about the Kraków community from the 1830s up until close to the Holocaust. Hundreds of written pages, containing thousands of names, various facts and hundreds of signatures of the society's gabbaim over the years. It also includes information about R. Shimon Sofer, rabbi of Kraków (son of the Chatam Sofer) and other rabbis (see below).
The Pinkas comprises protocols, records of new members joining the society, records of donations made out to the society, pledges of Torah study in memory of the deceased and more. It also includes regulations and decisions of the society (generally signed by the gabbaim), dated: 1829, 1834, 1838, 1843, 1846, 1848, 1864, 1875; results of elections for various positions in the society and protocols of appointments of gabbaim and other functionaries, 1829-1866; records about the society's property, and more. Additional leaves with inscriptions and signatures were pasted in several places. The society's stamp appears on several leaves.
In several places, the Pinkas offers information about the rabbi of the city – R. Shimon Sofer (son of the Chatam Sofer. Served as rabbi of Mattersdorf, was appointed rabbi of Kraków in 1861. A leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia, held a seat in the Austrian parliament. Author of Michtav Sofer).
An inscription regarding the acceptance of R. Shimon Sofer as member of the society is recorded on p. 142b. On p. 186a, there is a record of a donation from R. Shimon Sofer in memory of his daughter Sarah Chaya. An inscription on p. 25b attests that a Torah scroll was lent to R. Shimon Sofer on the 1st day of Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1861 (the year of his appointment as rabbi of the city). A leaf was pasted on p. 239a, containing a contract with the society, signed by R. Tzvi Hirsch Berliner, son of R. Shlomo Hirschell Rabbi of London. At the foot of the leaf, there is an additional inscription, "Copy of a letter given to R. Efraim Berliner of Warsaw" (son of the above-mentioned R. Tzvi), describing "the efforts of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of our community…".
On p. 159b, there is an inscription handwritten and signed by R. Yosef Nechemia Kornitzer Rabbi of Kraków (grandson of R. Shimon Sofer), about his joining the society in 1925 (the year he succeeded his father as rabbi of the city).
Later leaves were bound at the beginning of the Pinkas, after the title page and another leaf. These are followed by the original leaves of the Pinkas. Some twenty leaves were removed from the Pinkas when it was rebound in 1862, as stated on the leaf following the title page: "The 21 leaves lacking in this Pinkas which contained the list of the members of the society in Ashuri script, where removed when the Pinkas was rebound in 1862, and the list was rewritten…". The lacking leaves were replaced with later leaves, containing an index of names. The inscriptions in the Pinkas do not always appear in chronological order, and some leaves were presumably bound out of sequence.
[22], 22-252 leaves (hundreds of written pages. Some blank leaves). 37 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Several tears. Tears to some of the later leaves at the beginning of the Pinkas, affecting text, with loss. New leather binding.
Large format. The Pinkas opens with a decorated title page, inscribed: " This Pinkas belongs to the Bikur Cholim holy society… according to the regulation instituted in 1823".
The Pinkas offers much information about the Kraków community from the 1830s up until close to the Holocaust. Hundreds of written pages, containing thousands of names, various facts and hundreds of signatures of the society's gabbaim over the years. It also includes information about R. Shimon Sofer, rabbi of Kraków (son of the Chatam Sofer) and other rabbis (see below).
The Pinkas comprises protocols, records of new members joining the society, records of donations made out to the society, pledges of Torah study in memory of the deceased and more. It also includes regulations and decisions of the society (generally signed by the gabbaim), dated: 1829, 1834, 1838, 1843, 1846, 1848, 1864, 1875; results of elections for various positions in the society and protocols of appointments of gabbaim and other functionaries, 1829-1866; records about the society's property, and more. Additional leaves with inscriptions and signatures were pasted in several places. The society's stamp appears on several leaves.
In several places, the Pinkas offers information about the rabbi of the city – R. Shimon Sofer (son of the Chatam Sofer. Served as rabbi of Mattersdorf, was appointed rabbi of Kraków in 1861. A leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia, held a seat in the Austrian parliament. Author of Michtav Sofer).
An inscription regarding the acceptance of R. Shimon Sofer as member of the society is recorded on p. 142b. On p. 186a, there is a record of a donation from R. Shimon Sofer in memory of his daughter Sarah Chaya. An inscription on p. 25b attests that a Torah scroll was lent to R. Shimon Sofer on the 1st day of Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1861 (the year of his appointment as rabbi of the city). A leaf was pasted on p. 239a, containing a contract with the society, signed by R. Tzvi Hirsch Berliner, son of R. Shlomo Hirschell Rabbi of London. At the foot of the leaf, there is an additional inscription, "Copy of a letter given to R. Efraim Berliner of Warsaw" (son of the above-mentioned R. Tzvi), describing "the efforts of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of our community…".
On p. 159b, there is an inscription handwritten and signed by R. Yosef Nechemia Kornitzer Rabbi of Kraków (grandson of R. Shimon Sofer), about his joining the society in 1925 (the year he succeeded his father as rabbi of the city).
Later leaves were bound at the beginning of the Pinkas, after the title page and another leaf. These are followed by the original leaves of the Pinkas. Some twenty leaves were removed from the Pinkas when it was rebound in 1862, as stated on the leaf following the title page: "The 21 leaves lacking in this Pinkas which contained the list of the members of the society in Ashuri script, where removed when the Pinkas was rebound in 1862, and the list was rewritten…". The lacking leaves were replaced with later leaves, containing an index of names. The inscriptions in the Pinkas do not always appear in chronological order, and some leaves were presumably bound out of sequence.
[22], 22-252 leaves (hundreds of written pages. Some blank leaves). 37 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Several tears. Tears to some of the later leaves at the beginning of the Pinkas, affecting text, with loss. New leather binding.
Category
Manuscripts and Signatures – Rabbis and Rebbes
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $16,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $25,000
Sold for: $30,000
Including buyer's premium
Three items related to R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main and the Rothschild family:
1. Manuscript (11 pages), Worte gesprochen am Grabe [words said at the grave], handwritten by Rav Hirsch – eulogy for Baroness Adelheid von Rothschild, wife of Baron Carl Mayer von Rothschild. German, with a few words in Hebrew.
The eulogy was composed and written by R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch (presumably for publishing). Rav Hirsch describes the kindheartedness and generosity of the Baroness, her loyalty to the Jewish people and her being an exemplary wife and mother.
Baroness Adelheid von Rothschild née Herz was born in 1800 and passed away on 11th April 1853. Her husband was Baron Kalman son of Mayer (Carl Mayer) Rothschild, son of Mayer Amschel Rothschild (Meir son of Asher Anshel) Rothschild, founder of the Rothschild dynasty. Carl (Kalman) was sent to Naples, Italy, where he founded the local branch of the Rothschild bank.
Baroness Adelheid's son, Baron Wilhelm Rothschild, was one of the primary supporters of Rav Hirsch's Orthodox community in Frankfurt.
[6] leaves (11 pages handwritten by Rav Hirsch). 22 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Elegant red leather binding. A portrait print of Rav Hirsch is placed in a pocket on the front board.
2. Two leaves (written on one side) handwritten by R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch, epitaph of Anselm (Asher) Alexander Rothschild. [Frankfurt am Main, 1854].
On one leaf, Rav Hirsch wrote the epitaph – a short inscription and a lamentation poem, in Hebrew. The second leaf contains the German translation of the poem, also handwritten by Rav Hirsch. Rav Hirsch presumably composed the entire epitaph (both the inscription and the poem).
Anselm (Asher) Alexander was the youngest son of Baron Carl Mayer von Rothschild of Naples, Italy. He passed away in 1854 at the age of 18, a year after the passing of his mother Adelheid (see above), and was buried in the old cemetery in Frankfurt am Main.
[2] leaves (2 pages handwritten by Rav Hirsch). 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks and creases. Small open tears, professionally repaired with paper. Elegant red leather binding.
3. Worte gesprochen am Grabe des verewigten Freiherrn Amschel Mayer von Rothschild [words said at the grave of the late Baron Amschel Mayer von Rothschild], 9. December 1855 – 29th Kislev 5616, by R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch. Frankfurt am Main, [ca. 1855]. Printed booklet. German.
Rare booklet. Unique edition, printed in gold ink on chromo paper. Thin paper guards between leaves.
Baron Amschel Mayer Rothschild was the eldest son of Baron Mayer Amschel (Mayer son of Asher Anshel) Rothschild, and brother of Carl Mayer von Rothschild (mentioned above). In 1810, he was appointed by his father, together with his four brothers, partner and manager of the Rothschild bank. After his father's passing, Amschel Mayer became the head of the family and manager of the main branch of the bank in Frankfurt am Main. He was ennobled in 1817 and became a Baron in 1822. Baron Rothschild was renowned for his charitability and generosity, and campaigned extensively to attain equal rights for German Jewry. He nevertheless remained loyal to Orthodox Judaism and opposed Reform. He passed away on December 6, 1855 and was buried on December 9 in the Jewish cemetery of Frankfurt.
In the present eulogy, Rav Hirsch praises the Baron for his exceptional generosity, his wisdom and perspicacity, and especially for his devotion to authentic Judaism, his diligence in praying in a synagogue and Shabbat observance.
[7] pages. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Tear to lower corner of title page, repaired with tape. The booklet was rebound (with the original wrappers) in a new binding.
1. Manuscript (11 pages), Worte gesprochen am Grabe [words said at the grave], handwritten by Rav Hirsch – eulogy for Baroness Adelheid von Rothschild, wife of Baron Carl Mayer von Rothschild. German, with a few words in Hebrew.
The eulogy was composed and written by R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch (presumably for publishing). Rav Hirsch describes the kindheartedness and generosity of the Baroness, her loyalty to the Jewish people and her being an exemplary wife and mother.
Baroness Adelheid von Rothschild née Herz was born in 1800 and passed away on 11th April 1853. Her husband was Baron Kalman son of Mayer (Carl Mayer) Rothschild, son of Mayer Amschel Rothschild (Meir son of Asher Anshel) Rothschild, founder of the Rothschild dynasty. Carl (Kalman) was sent to Naples, Italy, where he founded the local branch of the Rothschild bank.
Baroness Adelheid's son, Baron Wilhelm Rothschild, was one of the primary supporters of Rav Hirsch's Orthodox community in Frankfurt.
[6] leaves (11 pages handwritten by Rav Hirsch). 22 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Elegant red leather binding. A portrait print of Rav Hirsch is placed in a pocket on the front board.
2. Two leaves (written on one side) handwritten by R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch, epitaph of Anselm (Asher) Alexander Rothschild. [Frankfurt am Main, 1854].
On one leaf, Rav Hirsch wrote the epitaph – a short inscription and a lamentation poem, in Hebrew. The second leaf contains the German translation of the poem, also handwritten by Rav Hirsch. Rav Hirsch presumably composed the entire epitaph (both the inscription and the poem).
Anselm (Asher) Alexander was the youngest son of Baron Carl Mayer von Rothschild of Naples, Italy. He passed away in 1854 at the age of 18, a year after the passing of his mother Adelheid (see above), and was buried in the old cemetery in Frankfurt am Main.
[2] leaves (2 pages handwritten by Rav Hirsch). 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks and creases. Small open tears, professionally repaired with paper. Elegant red leather binding.
3. Worte gesprochen am Grabe des verewigten Freiherrn Amschel Mayer von Rothschild [words said at the grave of the late Baron Amschel Mayer von Rothschild], 9. December 1855 – 29th Kislev 5616, by R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch. Frankfurt am Main, [ca. 1855]. Printed booklet. German.
Rare booklet. Unique edition, printed in gold ink on chromo paper. Thin paper guards between leaves.
Baron Amschel Mayer Rothschild was the eldest son of Baron Mayer Amschel (Mayer son of Asher Anshel) Rothschild, and brother of Carl Mayer von Rothschild (mentioned above). In 1810, he was appointed by his father, together with his four brothers, partner and manager of the Rothschild bank. After his father's passing, Amschel Mayer became the head of the family and manager of the main branch of the bank in Frankfurt am Main. He was ennobled in 1817 and became a Baron in 1822. Baron Rothschild was renowned for his charitability and generosity, and campaigned extensively to attain equal rights for German Jewry. He nevertheless remained loyal to Orthodox Judaism and opposed Reform. He passed away on December 6, 1855 and was buried on December 9 in the Jewish cemetery of Frankfurt.
In the present eulogy, Rav Hirsch praises the Baron for his exceptional generosity, his wisdom and perspicacity, and especially for his devotion to authentic Judaism, his diligence in praying in a synagogue and Shabbat observance.
[7] pages. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Tear to lower corner of title page, repaired with tape. The booklet was rebound (with the original wrappers) in a new binding.
Category
Manuscripts and Signatures – Rabbis and Rebbes
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,200
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Lengthy letter (4 pages), handwritten and signed by R. Eliyahu Guttmacher, rabbi of Greiditz (Grodzisk Wielkopolski). 1863. Yiddish.
Addressed to his son R. Tzvi Hirsh Guttmacher Rabbi of Pleschen (Pleszew). The letter, which is dated 3rd Sivan, opens with blessings for the upcoming festival of Shavuot: "May the joy of the festival of Shavuot and much good always reach my son R. Tzvi". The letter concludes with his full signature: "So are the words of your father, Eli. son of R. Sh., Rabbi of Greiditz".
The letter discusses articles published in the HaMaggid newspaper, regarding the Yishuv Eretz Israel society. The final part relates to a matchmaking proposal for the son of R. Refael Gradenwitz (who served as dayan in Ravitch, Posen region). R. Eliyahu writes that the prospective groom learns well and serves as posek and shochet.
R. Eliyahu Guttmacher Rabbi of Greiditz (1796-1875), disciple of R. Akiva Eger, served as rabbi of Pleschen (Pleszew) until ca. 1840. He later went to serve as rabbi of Greiditz. His eldest son, R. Tzvi Hirsh, succeeded him as rabbi of Pleschen. Famed as a holy kabbalist, in his senior years his name spread throughout the Jewish world as a wonder-worker, with amazing stories circulating of the great miracles and salvations attained through the blessings of "der Greiditzer Tzaddik" (the Tzaddik of Greiditz), "from all countries people came to seek his blessings and prayers, each one according to his needs" (Igrot Sofrim, at the foot of letter 29). After his eldest son, R. Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Pleschen, died in his lifetime childless (in 1871), he published his son's works Nachalat Zvi and Ken Meforeshet (Lviv, 1873). In the introduction to Ken Meforeshet, R. Eliyahu promises: "If someone seeks deliverance from G-d… he should study a Mishnah with the Rav (Bartenura), Tosafot Yom Tov and my son's commentary and then stand and pray in any language… detailing his request so he will be answered…".
[1] double leaf (4 written pages). 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
Addressed to his son R. Tzvi Hirsh Guttmacher Rabbi of Pleschen (Pleszew). The letter, which is dated 3rd Sivan, opens with blessings for the upcoming festival of Shavuot: "May the joy of the festival of Shavuot and much good always reach my son R. Tzvi". The letter concludes with his full signature: "So are the words of your father, Eli. son of R. Sh., Rabbi of Greiditz".
The letter discusses articles published in the HaMaggid newspaper, regarding the Yishuv Eretz Israel society. The final part relates to a matchmaking proposal for the son of R. Refael Gradenwitz (who served as dayan in Ravitch, Posen region). R. Eliyahu writes that the prospective groom learns well and serves as posek and shochet.
R. Eliyahu Guttmacher Rabbi of Greiditz (1796-1875), disciple of R. Akiva Eger, served as rabbi of Pleschen (Pleszew) until ca. 1840. He later went to serve as rabbi of Greiditz. His eldest son, R. Tzvi Hirsh, succeeded him as rabbi of Pleschen. Famed as a holy kabbalist, in his senior years his name spread throughout the Jewish world as a wonder-worker, with amazing stories circulating of the great miracles and salvations attained through the blessings of "der Greiditzer Tzaddik" (the Tzaddik of Greiditz), "from all countries people came to seek his blessings and prayers, each one according to his needs" (Igrot Sofrim, at the foot of letter 29). After his eldest son, R. Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Pleschen, died in his lifetime childless (in 1871), he published his son's works Nachalat Zvi and Ken Meforeshet (Lviv, 1873). In the introduction to Ken Meforeshet, R. Eliyahu promises: "If someone seeks deliverance from G-d… he should study a Mishnah with the Rav (Bartenura), Tosafot Yom Tov and my son's commentary and then stand and pray in any language… detailing his request so he will be answered…".
[1] double leaf (4 written pages). 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
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Manuscripts and Signatures – Rabbis and Rebbes
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