Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 13 - 24 of 43
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Miflagei Reuven, novellae and commentary on Talmudic tractates, by R. Mordechai Gimpel of Lviv. [Zhovkva, 1775]. Only edition.
Missing title page, replaced by a beautiful hand-illustrated page, with handwritten replacement of the title page text, set in a colorful border, and an illustration of a bird perched on a tree stump. Copy of Rebbe Nachum Dov Ber (Bernyu) Friedman of Sadigura. The illustrated title page bears two of his stamps: one stamp with his name, "Nachum Dov Ber Friedman", and a lion-emblem in the center, and an additional stamp reading "Minchat Shai".
This title page was presumably drawn especially for the rebbe, who would often replace lacking title pages in his books with hand-illustrated ones (see: Kedem Auction 57, item 262; see: R. Zusha Dinkeles, Library of R. Nachum Bernyu, MiBeinei Amudei, Betar 2017, pp. 423-424). The text of the title page is not a copying of the printed text, rather an abridged version, with variations and additions.
Rebbe Nachum Dov Ber Friedman of Sadigura (d. 1883), grandson of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. He was the son of R. Shalom Yosef and son-in-law of Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura. R. Nachum Dov Ber possessed a large library, where he used several types of stamps. Books he inherited from his father were stamped "Nachalat Avotai", books acquired with his money were stamped "Kinyan Kaspi" and books received as a gift (such as the present book) were marked "Minchat Shai".
[1], 32, [27] leaves. Lacking title page, a replacement handwritten illustrated title page was bound in its place. 33 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Wear. Marginal tear to title page. Marginal tears to several leaves, not affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Stamps. New leather binding.
Missing title page, replaced by a beautiful hand-illustrated page, with handwritten replacement of the title page text, set in a colorful border, and an illustration of a bird perched on a tree stump. Copy of Rebbe Nachum Dov Ber (Bernyu) Friedman of Sadigura. The illustrated title page bears two of his stamps: one stamp with his name, "Nachum Dov Ber Friedman", and a lion-emblem in the center, and an additional stamp reading "Minchat Shai".
This title page was presumably drawn especially for the rebbe, who would often replace lacking title pages in his books with hand-illustrated ones (see: Kedem Auction 57, item 262; see: R. Zusha Dinkeles, Library of R. Nachum Bernyu, MiBeinei Amudei, Betar 2017, pp. 423-424). The text of the title page is not a copying of the printed text, rather an abridged version, with variations and additions.
Rebbe Nachum Dov Ber Friedman of Sadigura (d. 1883), grandson of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. He was the son of R. Shalom Yosef and son-in-law of Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura. R. Nachum Dov Ber possessed a large library, where he used several types of stamps. Books he inherited from his father were stamped "Nachalat Avotai", books acquired with his money were stamped "Kinyan Kaspi" and books received as a gift (such as the present book) were marked "Minchat Shai".
[1], 32, [27] leaves. Lacking title page, a replacement handwritten illustrated title page was bound in its place. 33 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Wear. Marginal tear to title page. Marginal tears to several leaves, not affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Stamps. New leather binding.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $18,000
Estimate: $25,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $22,500
Including buyer's premium
Official handwritten document, issued by the local authorities in Shinova (Sieniawa), with a declaration signed (in German) by Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam Rabbi of Shinova, author of Divrei Yechezkel. Shinova, 1853-1854. German.
Handwritten leaf (two written pages), document regarding the medical expenses of Sara Heiblum, imposed on the Jewish community of Shinova. On the first page, a declaration dated February 17, 1853, signed by the heads of the community. On the second page, a declaration dated September 20, 1854, signed by the Divrei Yechezkel – "Chaskel Halberstam – Religionsweiser" (religious leader), attesting that Sara Heiblum is not listed in the community's birth registers.
The book Rabbenu HaKadosh MiShinova by R. Y.Sh. Frankel (p. 69) states that the Divrei Yechezkel was appointed rabbi of Shinova towards the end of 1855 (R. Meir Wunder writes likewise, in Kehillot VeIshim B'Galicia, p. 435). However, this document discloses that he was already serving as rabbi of Shinova in Elul 1854.
The first Shinover Rebbe, R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam (1815-1898), rabbi of Shinova and author of Divrei Yechezkel, eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and son-in-law of R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz of Vishnitsa, author of Aryeh D'Vei Ilai (son-in-law of R. Moshe Teitelbaum, author of Yismach Moshe). An outstanding Torah scholar, he was well versed in all realms of Torah, Kabbalah, Halachah and Chassidut. His father, the Divrei Chaim, held him in high regard and respected him exceedingly, and mentions his son's exceptional truthfulness in several of his responsa: " My eldest son, rabbi of Shinova, was by me recently, and he related to me… and I consider his testimony to be very reliable, since I know he would not be deceitful for anything in the world" (Responsa Divrei Chaim, II, Orach Chaim, section 2). He was venerated in his role as rabbi and rebbe already during his father's lifetime. Progenitor of important Chassidic dynasties, with many of his sons and grandsons serving as rabbis and rebbes in various cities already in his lifetime. Holy and pure from his youth, he was a close disciple of leading rebbes of his times. He was famed for the miracles he performed and for his Divine Inspiration. Wondrous stories are related about the salvations and miracles he effected. He would cure sick people with his hands. Reputedly, lepers who were affected from head to toe would come to him, and leave his house perfectly healthy after he passed his hand over them. He would give out his objects as a segulah for protection and salvation.
[1] double leaf (2 written pages). 37 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Folding marks.
Handwritten leaf (two written pages), document regarding the medical expenses of Sara Heiblum, imposed on the Jewish community of Shinova. On the first page, a declaration dated February 17, 1853, signed by the heads of the community. On the second page, a declaration dated September 20, 1854, signed by the Divrei Yechezkel – "Chaskel Halberstam – Religionsweiser" (religious leader), attesting that Sara Heiblum is not listed in the community's birth registers.
The book Rabbenu HaKadosh MiShinova by R. Y.Sh. Frankel (p. 69) states that the Divrei Yechezkel was appointed rabbi of Shinova towards the end of 1855 (R. Meir Wunder writes likewise, in Kehillot VeIshim B'Galicia, p. 435). However, this document discloses that he was already serving as rabbi of Shinova in Elul 1854.
The first Shinover Rebbe, R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam (1815-1898), rabbi of Shinova and author of Divrei Yechezkel, eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and son-in-law of R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz of Vishnitsa, author of Aryeh D'Vei Ilai (son-in-law of R. Moshe Teitelbaum, author of Yismach Moshe). An outstanding Torah scholar, he was well versed in all realms of Torah, Kabbalah, Halachah and Chassidut. His father, the Divrei Chaim, held him in high regard and respected him exceedingly, and mentions his son's exceptional truthfulness in several of his responsa: " My eldest son, rabbi of Shinova, was by me recently, and he related to me… and I consider his testimony to be very reliable, since I know he would not be deceitful for anything in the world" (Responsa Divrei Chaim, II, Orach Chaim, section 2). He was venerated in his role as rabbi and rebbe already during his father's lifetime. Progenitor of important Chassidic dynasties, with many of his sons and grandsons serving as rabbis and rebbes in various cities already in his lifetime. Holy and pure from his youth, he was a close disciple of leading rebbes of his times. He was famed for the miracles he performed and for his Divine Inspiration. Wondrous stories are related about the salvations and miracles he effected. He would cure sick people with his hands. Reputedly, lepers who were affected from head to toe would come to him, and leave his house perfectly healthy after he passed his hand over them. He would give out his objects as a segulah for protection and salvation.
[1] double leaf (2 written pages). 37 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Folding marks.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Unsold
Printed receipt, with blessings for "offspring, life and sustenance", signed by Rebbe Shlomo (Shlomke) of Zvil. [Jerusalem, 1930s].
The name and address of the rebbe (in Hebrew and English) are printed at the top of the receipt, with the inscription "May G-d bless from Zion". The date and name of the donor were not filled-in, and only the sum of the donation was noted (indistinct and illegible). The receipt is hand-signed by the rebbe: " Shlomo son of R. M.".
This receipt contains blessings from the rebbe for good health, offspring, longevity and livelihood: "… in the merit of my holy ancestors, may you be blessed with the threefold blessing – offspring, life and sustenance, may he and his family enjoy many long years of physical and spiritual health… fortune and wealth in his home, may he rise to pedestals of success, and find success in everything he does…".
Rebbe Shlomo Goldman of Zvil (1869-1945) was renowned as a holy, G-dly man, and a wonder-worker whose blessings, prayers and promises never went unanswered. Following his father's passing in 1901, he was appointed rabbi and rebbe in Zvil (Novohrad-Volynskyi, Ukraine; alongside his brother R. Yechiel Michel), upon the instructions of his teacher R. David Moshe of Chortkov. In 1925, he fled from the communists to Poland; immigrating to Eretz Israel in 1926 together with his grandson R. Mordechai. He settled in Jerusalem and built his home in the Beit Yisrael neighborhood. In his first years in Jerusalem, his identity remained hidden. He would sit in a corner of the Chayei Olam yeshiva studying Torah unassumingly, in poverty and want. Several tourists from abroad disclosed ca. 1929 that he was the famous Tzaddik from Zvil. Since then, his fame spread throughout the country, and many began seeking his advice. When asked difficult questions, he would first immerse in a mikvah and only afterwards respond. Many were astounded by the Divine Inspiration his answers displayed. He was venerated by all the Torah leaders of the generation, Chassidic and non-Chassidic alike, who would speak in admiration of his tremendous holiness and his outstanding humility and modesty. Poor, unfortunate, miserable people ate by his table, and treated his home as their own. For the most part, he hid his Torah erudition, though he did on a few occasions disclose his power in Torah. During WWII, when the question of the International Date Line became relevant for the Jewish refugees in Japan, in regard to which day Shabbat and Yom Kippur should be observed, his opinion differed from that of the Chazon Ish, and he stood his grounds firmly. R. Yechiel Michel Tucazinsky relates on this topic: "It was common knowledge in Jerusalem that several days before the passing of the kabbalist and wonder-worker Rebbe Shlomele of Zvil (who was known as the Zviler Rebbe, and was well versed in the teachings of the Rambam on Kiddush HaChodesh), when he was already gravely ill… he told me… do not pay attention to the lines established by other opinions, since I hold that the calculation is relative to Jerusalem… and I have proofs from the Rambam to this… but it is also clear on its own… One of his disciples, who studied the laws of Kiddush HaChodesh under him told me, that at the time he sent a disciple to the Chazon Ish to inform him that in his opinion, the Rambam in the laws of Kiddush HaChodesh disagrees with the Rezah…" (Talpiot, III, booklet III-IV, p. 639).
[1] leaf. 13 cm. Fair condition. Large dampstains. Tears, creases and folding marks.
The name and address of the rebbe (in Hebrew and English) are printed at the top of the receipt, with the inscription "May G-d bless from Zion". The date and name of the donor were not filled-in, and only the sum of the donation was noted (indistinct and illegible). The receipt is hand-signed by the rebbe: " Shlomo son of R. M.".
This receipt contains blessings from the rebbe for good health, offspring, longevity and livelihood: "… in the merit of my holy ancestors, may you be blessed with the threefold blessing – offspring, life and sustenance, may he and his family enjoy many long years of physical and spiritual health… fortune and wealth in his home, may he rise to pedestals of success, and find success in everything he does…".
Rebbe Shlomo Goldman of Zvil (1869-1945) was renowned as a holy, G-dly man, and a wonder-worker whose blessings, prayers and promises never went unanswered. Following his father's passing in 1901, he was appointed rabbi and rebbe in Zvil (Novohrad-Volynskyi, Ukraine; alongside his brother R. Yechiel Michel), upon the instructions of his teacher R. David Moshe of Chortkov. In 1925, he fled from the communists to Poland; immigrating to Eretz Israel in 1926 together with his grandson R. Mordechai. He settled in Jerusalem and built his home in the Beit Yisrael neighborhood. In his first years in Jerusalem, his identity remained hidden. He would sit in a corner of the Chayei Olam yeshiva studying Torah unassumingly, in poverty and want. Several tourists from abroad disclosed ca. 1929 that he was the famous Tzaddik from Zvil. Since then, his fame spread throughout the country, and many began seeking his advice. When asked difficult questions, he would first immerse in a mikvah and only afterwards respond. Many were astounded by the Divine Inspiration his answers displayed. He was venerated by all the Torah leaders of the generation, Chassidic and non-Chassidic alike, who would speak in admiration of his tremendous holiness and his outstanding humility and modesty. Poor, unfortunate, miserable people ate by his table, and treated his home as their own. For the most part, he hid his Torah erudition, though he did on a few occasions disclose his power in Torah. During WWII, when the question of the International Date Line became relevant for the Jewish refugees in Japan, in regard to which day Shabbat and Yom Kippur should be observed, his opinion differed from that of the Chazon Ish, and he stood his grounds firmly. R. Yechiel Michel Tucazinsky relates on this topic: "It was common knowledge in Jerusalem that several days before the passing of the kabbalist and wonder-worker Rebbe Shlomele of Zvil (who was known as the Zviler Rebbe, and was well versed in the teachings of the Rambam on Kiddush HaChodesh), when he was already gravely ill… he told me… do not pay attention to the lines established by other opinions, since I hold that the calculation is relative to Jerusalem… and I have proofs from the Rambam to this… but it is also clear on its own… One of his disciples, who studied the laws of Kiddush HaChodesh under him told me, that at the time he sent a disciple to the Chazon Ish to inform him that in his opinion, the Rambam in the laws of Kiddush HaChodesh disagrees with the Rezah…" (Talpiot, III, booklet III-IV, p. 639).
[1] leaf. 13 cm. Fair condition. Large dampstains. Tears, creases and folding marks.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Ben Porat Yosef, homiletics on Bereshit, with responsa at the end, by R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen Katz Rabbi of Polonne. The famous letter which the Baal Shem Tov sent to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov is printed for the first time at the end of this book. Korets: Tzvi Hirsh son of Aryeh Leib [Margolies] and his son-in-law Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal, [1781]. First edition.
This is the author's second book, published approximately one year after his first book Toldot Yaakov Yosef. In this book, like in the previous one, the author quotes extensively teachings from his prime teacher, R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov.
The famous letter which the Baal Shem Tov sent to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov in Jerusalem, is printed in this book for the first time. The Baal Shem Tov gave this letter to the author R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne when the latter intended to immigrate to Eretz Israel, in 1751, so that he could relay it to R. Gershon of Kitov. After his travel plans were cancelled, the letter remained in R. Yaakov Yosef's possession, and he published it "to benefit the Jewish people". In this letter, the Baal Shem Tov narrates of the "ascent of the soul" which he performed on Rosh Hashana of 1746 and 1749, and relates: "And I asked Mashiach, when will the Master come, and he responded… when your teachings will be publicized and revealed to the world, and your wellsprings will spread outwards".
R. Uri of Strelisk related that R. Mordechai of Neshchiz would study the letter every day: "The Tzaddik of Neshchiz resolved to study it every day, without fail, literally like laying Tefillin", he also said in his name that this letter contains allusions to three Holy names "through which one can find out the time of the Redemption" (Imrei Kadosh HaShalem, Jerusalem 1961, p. 47, 40).
Handwritten inscriptions on the final page.
[1], 100 leaves. 31 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Large open tears to title page, affecting border and text on both sides, with loss, repaired with paper and photocopy replacement. Worming and large tears along inner margins of most leaves (and tears in other places), affecting text, repaired with paper (book professionally restored). New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 90.
This is the author's second book, published approximately one year after his first book Toldot Yaakov Yosef. In this book, like in the previous one, the author quotes extensively teachings from his prime teacher, R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov.
The famous letter which the Baal Shem Tov sent to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov in Jerusalem, is printed in this book for the first time. The Baal Shem Tov gave this letter to the author R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne when the latter intended to immigrate to Eretz Israel, in 1751, so that he could relay it to R. Gershon of Kitov. After his travel plans were cancelled, the letter remained in R. Yaakov Yosef's possession, and he published it "to benefit the Jewish people". In this letter, the Baal Shem Tov narrates of the "ascent of the soul" which he performed on Rosh Hashana of 1746 and 1749, and relates: "And I asked Mashiach, when will the Master come, and he responded… when your teachings will be publicized and revealed to the world, and your wellsprings will spread outwards".
R. Uri of Strelisk related that R. Mordechai of Neshchiz would study the letter every day: "The Tzaddik of Neshchiz resolved to study it every day, without fail, literally like laying Tefillin", he also said in his name that this letter contains allusions to three Holy names "through which one can find out the time of the Redemption" (Imrei Kadosh HaShalem, Jerusalem 1961, p. 47, 40).
Handwritten inscriptions on the final page.
[1], 100 leaves. 31 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Large open tears to title page, affecting border and text on both sides, with loss, repaired with paper and photocopy replacement. Worming and large tears along inner margins of most leaves (and tears in other places), affecting text, repaired with paper (book professionally restored). New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 90.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Or Olam – Meir Netivim, two parts. Part I – responsa, Part II – pilpul, homiletics and allusions on the Torah portions, by R. Meir Margolies Rabbi of the Lviv region and Ostroh, a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. Polonne, [1791-1792]. First edition. With the approbations of prominent Chassidic leaders – R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Zusha of Annipoli and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. Includes novellae by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, printed at the beginning of the book. Two parts in two volumes.
The author, R. Meir Margolies (1700/1708-1790), a prominent rabbi in his times, was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, even before the Baal Shem Tov became famous. R. Meir is considered a "colleague-disciple" of the Baal Shem Tov and mentions him in several places as "my teacher" and "my friend". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he writes of "my teachers, prominent in Torah and Chassidut, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…". His son R. Betzalel, who succeeded him as rabbi of Ostroh, writes in his approbation to the book Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov (Berdichev 1815 edition): "…as I heard from my father… who from his youth was part of the holy entourage of the Baal Shem Tov, and R. Meir would frequently speak in his praise…".
The Meir Netivim was a prolific author in both revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in halachah and in homily. After his passing, his writings were arranged and published by his sons. The series of books was entitled Or Olam. This book – Meir Netivim, two parts, was his first book to be published. The book opens with enthusiastic approbations by prominent Chassidic leaders, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, R. Zusha of Annipoli and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. The foreword contains novellae by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev on Tractate Pesachim. The sons of the author relate to this in the foreword (p. 4b), writing that they deemed it fitting to mention some of the Torah novellae of R. Levi Yitzchak, since he had a special affection for this holy composition. The final eight leaves of the book contain novellae on Tractate Berachot by the author's brother, R. Yitzchak Dov Ber Margolies Rabbi of Yazlovetz, close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov.
Stamps of R. Dov Ber Burstein Rabbi of Botoshan, and of "Beit Midrash of R. Mordechai Orenstein – Botoshan". Handwritten inscriptions on title page of vol. I.
Two volumes (first volume incomplete). Vol. I: 30, 33-44, 47-97 leaves. Lacking leaves 45-46. Leaf 28 bound out of sequence, after leaf 25. Vol. II: [1], 3-56 leaves. Approx. 32 cm. Overall good-fair condition, many leaves in good condition. Stains. Minor wear to some leaves. Tears to first two leaves of vol. I and to margins of final 15 leaves of vol. II, not affecting text, repaired with paper. Worming in several places. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New leather bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 313.
The author, R. Meir Margolies (1700/1708-1790), a prominent rabbi in his times, was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, even before the Baal Shem Tov became famous. R. Meir is considered a "colleague-disciple" of the Baal Shem Tov and mentions him in several places as "my teacher" and "my friend". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he writes of "my teachers, prominent in Torah and Chassidut, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…". His son R. Betzalel, who succeeded him as rabbi of Ostroh, writes in his approbation to the book Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov (Berdichev 1815 edition): "…as I heard from my father… who from his youth was part of the holy entourage of the Baal Shem Tov, and R. Meir would frequently speak in his praise…".
The Meir Netivim was a prolific author in both revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in halachah and in homily. After his passing, his writings were arranged and published by his sons. The series of books was entitled Or Olam. This book – Meir Netivim, two parts, was his first book to be published. The book opens with enthusiastic approbations by prominent Chassidic leaders, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, R. Zusha of Annipoli and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. The foreword contains novellae by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev on Tractate Pesachim. The sons of the author relate to this in the foreword (p. 4b), writing that they deemed it fitting to mention some of the Torah novellae of R. Levi Yitzchak, since he had a special affection for this holy composition. The final eight leaves of the book contain novellae on Tractate Berachot by the author's brother, R. Yitzchak Dov Ber Margolies Rabbi of Yazlovetz, close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov.
Stamps of R. Dov Ber Burstein Rabbi of Botoshan, and of "Beit Midrash of R. Mordechai Orenstein – Botoshan". Handwritten inscriptions on title page of vol. I.
Two volumes (first volume incomplete). Vol. I: 30, 33-44, 47-97 leaves. Lacking leaves 45-46. Leaf 28 bound out of sequence, after leaf 25. Vol. II: [1], 3-56 leaves. Approx. 32 cm. Overall good-fair condition, many leaves in good condition. Stains. Minor wear to some leaves. Tears to first two leaves of vol. I and to margins of final 15 leaves of vol. II, not affecting text, repaired with paper. Worming in several places. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New leather bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 313.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Lot 45 Noam Elimelech – Second, Rare Edition – Shklow, 1790 – First Chassidic Book Printed in Shklow
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $25,000
Estimate: $50,000 - $100,000
Sold for: $62,500
Including buyer's premium
Noam Elimelech, Chassidic essays on the Torah, by R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, with Likutei Shoshana and Igeret HaKodesh. [Shklow: Aryeh Leib son of Shneur Phoebus, ca. 1790]. Second edition.
Rare edition of the Noam Elimelech, printed in Shklow, presumably between 1789 and 1794. The place of printing and name of printer are alluded to on the title page in an interesting manner. At first glance, the text of the title page is a copy of that of the first edition, including the names of the first publishers (with the omission of the place of printing and name of printer), however, careful study of the title page reveals that the place of printing and name of printer are alluded to through small circles above certain letters. The indicated letters make up the words: "Shklow, Aryeh Leib B.Sh.F." (=Ben Shneur Feivish).
The Noam Elimelech was one of the first Chassidic books, and is considered until this day to be one of the fundamental works on Chassidut. The book contains the essential part of the doctrine of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk on Chassidut, purity of thought and attachment to G-d. R. Elimelech had five disciples, who disseminated Chassidut to the Jewish people: the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, R. Izek of Kaliv and R. Mendel of Rymanów.
Since its publishing, the book was deemed sacred to all, to the extent his disciple R. Mendel of Rymanów stated that only on Friday after immersing in honor of Shabbat is one able to grasp a little of the pure and lofty thoughts it contains. The Maggid of Kozhnitz would not welcome the Shabbat before he had studied his teacher's book (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 236). He would say that R. Elimelech would appear – after his passing – to his disciple R. Naftali of Ropshitz, to teach him Noam Elimelech (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod 1999, p. 250). The Divrei Chaim of Sanz once remarked that he could compose a commentary on the Noam Elimelech just like the Beit Yosef did on the Tur, since it contained such profundity (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod 1999, p. 235). Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov once saw in a dream a house full of books, about which he was told that one book was the Noam Elimelech, and all the other books the house was filled with were commentaries to the Noam Elimelech (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 193). R. Izek of Kaliv, after writing several hundreds of papers of commentary to the Noam Elimelech, heard a Divine Voice asking how he had the audacity to write a commentary to the Noam Elimelech, of which even angels and other celestial beings struggle to understand even one word or letter (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 194).
Noam Elimelech was reprinted in numerous editions (until 1982, it had been printed in over 50 editions, and since then in dozens more). Many keep the book as a segulah, and some special miniature format editions were published to serve as amulets for protection and success. Many put it at the head of an ill person as a segulah and protection, for a speedy recovery and to be saved from any misfortune. This book is known to be a segulah for women experiencing difficult labor (several Jewish hospitals throughout the world have a Noam Elimelech placed in a velvet pouch in the delivery rooms as segulah for easy births). This segulah is already mentioned in Shulchan Melachim by R. Moshe Tzvi Landau of Kleinwardein, who writes in the laws pertaining to women giving birth: "And the custom of placing a holy book wrapped in a cloth under the head of a women in labor has already become widespread – and the custom is to place the books Noam Elimelech and Or HaChochma" (pp. 38b-39a, Beregsaz 1931 edition).
Various ownership inscriptions in the blank pages at the end of the book: "…belongs to the princely young man… R. Nachman", "The renowned philanthropist R. Aharon Dov of Pukhavichy" and others.
Stamps of the Merchant's Kloiz in Kovno on several leaves.
[1], 1, 3-89, 70-97; 19 leaves. 20.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Dark stains in several places. Tears to title page, affecting several words in foreword on verso, repaired. All inner margins repaired and widened; rebound tightly (text close to inner margins is somewhat difficult to read). Title page and following leaf, leaves 4-5 of first sequence and five leaves at end of book, presumably supplied from a different copy. Particularly dark stains to these leaves (including wax stains), trimmed margins, open tears and damage, affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Worming to several leaves. Inscriptions and stamps on title page. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 375.
Variant. Lieberman and the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book both record a copy with [2] leaves at the beginning of the book. In these listings, the second leaf is part of the preface, printed over two pages. In this variant, the preface was printed in smaller font, on one page only, on the verso of the title page (compare to the digitized copy on the NLI website and Otzar HaChochma; and see Stefansky Chassidut, ibid).
This is the first Chassidic book printed in Shklow, which in those days was the stronghold of opponents to Chassidut. The bibliographer Chaim Lieberman in his book Ohel Rachel (I, pp. 176-177) writes that this edition was probably published between 1789 and 1794, and calls our attention to the interesting phenomenon of printing a Chassidic book in Shklow of that time. He contends that almost no Chassidic books were printed in Shklow, apart from a few Chabad books printed after 1803. At the end of his thesis, he suggests that this edition may have been printed especially for Galician Jewry, and the place of printing was concealed to enable the book to be smuggled over the border more easily. Since the prohibition of printing kabbalistic books in Galicia was only enacted in 1794, he surmises that the book may have been printed only after 1794 (based on this, listing 000313521 of the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book gives the estimated date of 1795; other places however record the year of printing as 1790).
Rare edition of the Noam Elimelech, printed in Shklow, presumably between 1789 and 1794. The place of printing and name of printer are alluded to on the title page in an interesting manner. At first glance, the text of the title page is a copy of that of the first edition, including the names of the first publishers (with the omission of the place of printing and name of printer), however, careful study of the title page reveals that the place of printing and name of printer are alluded to through small circles above certain letters. The indicated letters make up the words: "Shklow, Aryeh Leib B.Sh.F." (=Ben Shneur Feivish).
The Noam Elimelech was one of the first Chassidic books, and is considered until this day to be one of the fundamental works on Chassidut. The book contains the essential part of the doctrine of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk on Chassidut, purity of thought and attachment to G-d. R. Elimelech had five disciples, who disseminated Chassidut to the Jewish people: the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, R. Izek of Kaliv and R. Mendel of Rymanów.
Since its publishing, the book was deemed sacred to all, to the extent his disciple R. Mendel of Rymanów stated that only on Friday after immersing in honor of Shabbat is one able to grasp a little of the pure and lofty thoughts it contains. The Maggid of Kozhnitz would not welcome the Shabbat before he had studied his teacher's book (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 236). He would say that R. Elimelech would appear – after his passing – to his disciple R. Naftali of Ropshitz, to teach him Noam Elimelech (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod 1999, p. 250). The Divrei Chaim of Sanz once remarked that he could compose a commentary on the Noam Elimelech just like the Beit Yosef did on the Tur, since it contained such profundity (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod 1999, p. 235). Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov once saw in a dream a house full of books, about which he was told that one book was the Noam Elimelech, and all the other books the house was filled with were commentaries to the Noam Elimelech (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 193). R. Izek of Kaliv, after writing several hundreds of papers of commentary to the Noam Elimelech, heard a Divine Voice asking how he had the audacity to write a commentary to the Noam Elimelech, of which even angels and other celestial beings struggle to understand even one word or letter (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 194).
Noam Elimelech was reprinted in numerous editions (until 1982, it had been printed in over 50 editions, and since then in dozens more). Many keep the book as a segulah, and some special miniature format editions were published to serve as amulets for protection and success. Many put it at the head of an ill person as a segulah and protection, for a speedy recovery and to be saved from any misfortune. This book is known to be a segulah for women experiencing difficult labor (several Jewish hospitals throughout the world have a Noam Elimelech placed in a velvet pouch in the delivery rooms as segulah for easy births). This segulah is already mentioned in Shulchan Melachim by R. Moshe Tzvi Landau of Kleinwardein, who writes in the laws pertaining to women giving birth: "And the custom of placing a holy book wrapped in a cloth under the head of a women in labor has already become widespread – and the custom is to place the books Noam Elimelech and Or HaChochma" (pp. 38b-39a, Beregsaz 1931 edition).
Various ownership inscriptions in the blank pages at the end of the book: "…belongs to the princely young man… R. Nachman", "The renowned philanthropist R. Aharon Dov of Pukhavichy" and others.
Stamps of the Merchant's Kloiz in Kovno on several leaves.
[1], 1, 3-89, 70-97; 19 leaves. 20.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Dark stains in several places. Tears to title page, affecting several words in foreword on verso, repaired. All inner margins repaired and widened; rebound tightly (text close to inner margins is somewhat difficult to read). Title page and following leaf, leaves 4-5 of first sequence and five leaves at end of book, presumably supplied from a different copy. Particularly dark stains to these leaves (including wax stains), trimmed margins, open tears and damage, affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Worming to several leaves. Inscriptions and stamps on title page. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 375.
Variant. Lieberman and the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book both record a copy with [2] leaves at the beginning of the book. In these listings, the second leaf is part of the preface, printed over two pages. In this variant, the preface was printed in smaller font, on one page only, on the verso of the title page (compare to the digitized copy on the NLI website and Otzar HaChochma; and see Stefansky Chassidut, ibid).
This is the first Chassidic book printed in Shklow, which in those days was the stronghold of opponents to Chassidut. The bibliographer Chaim Lieberman in his book Ohel Rachel (I, pp. 176-177) writes that this edition was probably published between 1789 and 1794, and calls our attention to the interesting phenomenon of printing a Chassidic book in Shklow of that time. He contends that almost no Chassidic books were printed in Shklow, apart from a few Chabad books printed after 1803. At the end of his thesis, he suggests that this edition may have been printed especially for Galician Jewry, and the place of printing was concealed to enable the book to be smuggled over the border more easily. Since the prohibition of printing kabbalistic books in Galicia was only enacted in 1794, he surmises that the book may have been printed only after 1794 (based on this, listing 000313521 of the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book gives the estimated date of 1795; other places however record the year of printing as 1790).
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $10,625
Including buyer's premium
Collection of early editions (early 19th century) of the book Noam Elimelech, by R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, a classic Chassidic work:
• Noam Elimelech. Polonne, [1804]. Fourth edition. Ownership inscription on the title page: "This book belongs to Asael son of Chanukah"; other inscriptions. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 377.
• Noam Elimelech. Polonne, [1814]. Fifth edition. Two copies, with differences in the title page typography. Signature on title page of one copy: "Mordechai son of R. M[---]". Stefansky Chassidut, no. 378.
• Noam Elimelech. Hrubieszów. [1817]. Sixth edition. Lacking final leaf with hidden aspects and reasons of the mitzvot, by R. Yosef Gikatilla. Title page printed in red and black. Ownership inscription and signature on title page: "This Noam Elimelech belongs to R. Efraim Fishel son of R. Dov Ber of Warka – Yisrael Moshe"; "Yaakov Grossman". Stefansky Chassidut, no. 379.
• Noam Elimelech. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1820]. False name of author. This edition includes the first edition of Hanhagot HaAdam, by R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, erroneously attributed to R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 380.
• Noam Elimelech. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1820]. Different edition to the previous one.
The Noam Elimelech was one of the first Chassidic books, and is considered until this day to be one of the fundamental works on Chassidut. The book contains the essential part of the doctrine of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk on Chassidut, purity of thought and attachment to G-d. R. Elimelech had five disciples, who disseminated Chassidut to the Jewish people: the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, R. Izek of Kaliv and R. Mendel of Rymanów.
Since its publishing, the book was deemed sacred to all, to the extent his disciple R. Mendel of Rymanów stated that only on Friday after immersing in honor of Shabbat is one able to grasp a little of the pure and lofty thoughts it contains. The Maggid of Kozhnitz would not welcome the Shabbat before he had studied his teacher's book (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 236). He would say that R. Elimelech would appear – after his passing – to his disciple R. Naftali of Ropshitz, to teach him Noam Elimelech (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod 1999, p. 250). The Divrei Chaim of Sanz once remarked that he could compose a commentary on the Noam Elimelech just like the Beit Yosef did on the Tur, since it contained such profundity (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod 1999, p. 235). Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov once saw in a dream a house full of books, about which he was told that one book was the Noam Elimelech, and all the other books the house was filled with were commentaries to the Noam Elimelech (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 193). R. Izek of Kaliv, after writing several hundreds of papers of commentary to the Noam Elimelech, heard a Divine Voice asking how he had the audacity to write a commentary to the Noam Elimelech, of which even angels and other celestial beings struggle to understand even one word or letter (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 194).
Noam Elimelech was reprinted in numerous editions (until 1982, it had been printed in over 50 editions, and since then in dozens more). Many keep the book as a segulah, and some special miniature format editions were published to serve as amulets for protection and success. Many put it at the head of an ill person as a segulah and protection, for a speedy recovery and to be saved from any misfortune. This book is known to be a segulah for women experiencing difficult labor (several Jewish hospitals throughout the world have a Noam Elimelech placed in a velvet pouch in the delivery rooms as segulah for easy births). This segulah is already mentioned in Shulchan Melachim by R. Moshe Tzvi Landau of Kleinwardein, who writes in the laws pertaining to women giving birth: "And the custom of placing a holy book wrapped in a cloth under the head of a women in labor has already become widespread – and the custom is to place the books Noam Elimelech and Or HaChochma" (pp. 38b-39a, Beregsaz 1931 edition).
6 books. Size and condition vary. Tears and worming affecting text to some books. Stamps.
• Noam Elimelech. Polonne, [1804]. Fourth edition. Ownership inscription on the title page: "This book belongs to Asael son of Chanukah"; other inscriptions. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 377.
• Noam Elimelech. Polonne, [1814]. Fifth edition. Two copies, with differences in the title page typography. Signature on title page of one copy: "Mordechai son of R. M[---]". Stefansky Chassidut, no. 378.
• Noam Elimelech. Hrubieszów. [1817]. Sixth edition. Lacking final leaf with hidden aspects and reasons of the mitzvot, by R. Yosef Gikatilla. Title page printed in red and black. Ownership inscription and signature on title page: "This Noam Elimelech belongs to R. Efraim Fishel son of R. Dov Ber of Warka – Yisrael Moshe"; "Yaakov Grossman". Stefansky Chassidut, no. 379.
• Noam Elimelech. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1820]. False name of author. This edition includes the first edition of Hanhagot HaAdam, by R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, erroneously attributed to R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov. Stefansky Chassidut, no. 380.
• Noam Elimelech. [Russia-Poland, ca. 1820]. Different edition to the previous one.
The Noam Elimelech was one of the first Chassidic books, and is considered until this day to be one of the fundamental works on Chassidut. The book contains the essential part of the doctrine of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk on Chassidut, purity of thought and attachment to G-d. R. Elimelech had five disciples, who disseminated Chassidut to the Jewish people: the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, R. Izek of Kaliv and R. Mendel of Rymanów.
Since its publishing, the book was deemed sacred to all, to the extent his disciple R. Mendel of Rymanów stated that only on Friday after immersing in honor of Shabbat is one able to grasp a little of the pure and lofty thoughts it contains. The Maggid of Kozhnitz would not welcome the Shabbat before he had studied his teacher's book (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 236). He would say that R. Elimelech would appear – after his passing – to his disciple R. Naftali of Ropshitz, to teach him Noam Elimelech (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod 1999, p. 250). The Divrei Chaim of Sanz once remarked that he could compose a commentary on the Noam Elimelech just like the Beit Yosef did on the Tur, since it contained such profundity (Igra Debei Hilulei, Ashdod 1999, p. 235). Rebbe Eliezer of Dzikov once saw in a dream a house full of books, about which he was told that one book was the Noam Elimelech, and all the other books the house was filled with were commentaries to the Noam Elimelech (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 193). R. Izek of Kaliv, after writing several hundreds of papers of commentary to the Noam Elimelech, heard a Divine Voice asking how he had the audacity to write a commentary to the Noam Elimelech, of which even angels and other celestial beings struggle to understand even one word or letter (Ohel Elimelech, p. 80, section 194).
Noam Elimelech was reprinted in numerous editions (until 1982, it had been printed in over 50 editions, and since then in dozens more). Many keep the book as a segulah, and some special miniature format editions were published to serve as amulets for protection and success. Many put it at the head of an ill person as a segulah and protection, for a speedy recovery and to be saved from any misfortune. This book is known to be a segulah for women experiencing difficult labor (several Jewish hospitals throughout the world have a Noam Elimelech placed in a velvet pouch in the delivery rooms as segulah for easy births). This segulah is already mentioned in Shulchan Melachim by R. Moshe Tzvi Landau of Kleinwardein, who writes in the laws pertaining to women giving birth: "And the custom of placing a holy book wrapped in a cloth under the head of a women in labor has already become widespread – and the custom is to place the books Noam Elimelech and Or HaChochma" (pp. 38b-39a, Beregsaz 1931 edition).
6 books. Size and condition vary. Tears and worming affecting text to some books. Stamps.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $4,250
Including buyer's premium
Yismach Lev (Part II of Meor Einayim), commentary on Aggadot and Midrashim (following the order of the Talmudic tractates), by Rebbe Menachem Nachum [Twersky] of Chernobyl. Slavita: [R. Moshe Shapira, 1798]. First edition.
Two books by R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl – Yismach Lev and Meor Einayim – were published in Slavita in 1798. The second edition of Yismach Lev was published in Zhovkva in 1800. The second edition of Meor Einayim, published in Polonne [1810], includes the book Yismach Lev (under the single title Meor Einayim), as did most later editions.
The maggid R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl (1730-1798; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 168-175) was one of the founders of Chassidut and the progenitor of the Chernobyl dynasty. He studied directly from the Baal Shem Tov and was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. He served as maggid in Norynsk, Pohrebyshche and Chernobyl. He acceded to his disciples' entreaties to print his teachings and delegated the task to his disciple R. Eliyahu son of R. Zev Wolf Katz, instructing him to publish his writings in the "fine and exceptional printing press established in Slavita…" (the printing press of R. Moshe Shapira, then in its early years).
[1], 34 leaves. 18.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings (repaired with paper and photocopy or handwritten replacement of missing text). Tears and worming (primarily to final leaves), slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. Two detached leaves. New leather binding.
Variant. The typography of the title page and upper ornament of the title page border differ from other copies.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 237.
Two books by R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl – Yismach Lev and Meor Einayim – were published in Slavita in 1798. The second edition of Yismach Lev was published in Zhovkva in 1800. The second edition of Meor Einayim, published in Polonne [1810], includes the book Yismach Lev (under the single title Meor Einayim), as did most later editions.
The maggid R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl (1730-1798; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 168-175) was one of the founders of Chassidut and the progenitor of the Chernobyl dynasty. He studied directly from the Baal Shem Tov and was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. He served as maggid in Norynsk, Pohrebyshche and Chernobyl. He acceded to his disciples' entreaties to print his teachings and delegated the task to his disciple R. Eliyahu son of R. Zev Wolf Katz, instructing him to publish his writings in the "fine and exceptional printing press established in Slavita…" (the printing press of R. Moshe Shapira, then in its early years).
[1], 34 leaves. 18.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Leaves trimmed with damage to headings (repaired with paper and photocopy or handwritten replacement of missing text). Tears and worming (primarily to final leaves), slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. Two detached leaves. New leather binding.
Variant. The typography of the title page and upper ornament of the title page border differ from other copies.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 237.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Or HaMeir, Chassidic and kabbalistic homiletics and allusions on the Torah, the Megillot and Festivals, by Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf of Zhitomir – two editions:
1. Or HaMeir. Korets, [1798]. First edition.
Stamps of R. "Ze'ev Wolf son of R. Moshe Dov Lerner Segal" (a Chassid of Sadigura in Kishinev, published the book Gevurot Aryeh by R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Lantzut and Kishinev).
[2], 58, 61-80, [2]; 52, 55-98, 101-120; 64 leaves. 19.5 cm. Bluish paper. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Tears to first two leaves, including open tears to title page, affecting border and text on verso, with loss, repaired with paper and photocopy replacement. Open tear to leaf 77, affecting text, repaired with paper and photocopy replacement. Minor worming. Margins trimmed, with slight damage to text at foot of several leaves. New leather binding.
2. Or HaMeir. Korets, [after 1798]. Second edition.
[1], 4, [1], 5-260 leaves. Leaf of approbations bound out of sequence, after leaf 4. 18.5 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Margins trimmed with damage to leaf headings in several places. Strips of paper for reinforcement to several leaves. Worming to several leaves. Inscriptions. New binding.
Or HaMeir is one of the first Chassidic books, and contains teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. The author, R. Ze'ev Wolf of Zhitomir was one of the foremost disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch, and a close disciple of R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, R. Nachum of Chernobyl and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. He was also close to R. Pinchas of Korets, who once said that he saw how R. Ze'ev Wolf was accompanied by Eliyahu the Prophet, who revealed to him holy secrets. R. Leib Sarah's said that he "saw upon his face the complete Image of G-d". The title page of the book bears exceptional praises about the author, such as: "He cleaved to his Creator at all times, unseparated while walking or sitting…". This book was dictated to his disciple R. Eliezer of Zhitomir, author of Pirkei HaNe'ezar. Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin remarked that "each Jew is obligated to conduct himself according to all that is written in the book". Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz is reputed as saying that R. Ze'ev Wolf delivered only one eighth of the Torah he received from Heaven, and of what he delivered only one eighth was heard; from that which was heard only one eighth was understood; from that which the author of Pirkei HaNe'ezar comprehended he wrote only one eighth, and from that which was printed only one eighth is understood. R. Ze'ev Wolf passed away in 1798 and this book was printed shortly after his passing.
In 1798-1810, the book was printed in several similar editions, including several variants. See A. Tauber, Mechkarim Bibliographi'im, pp. 36-39; Y. Yudlov, Ginzei Yisrael no. 1140. The title pages of both copies in this lot state 1798, yet there are several differences between the copies, including a difference in the approbations: the prohibition against reprinting this work was extended from fifteen years (in first edition) to twenty years (second edition). The exact year of printing of the second edition is not known, and it may have been printed shortly after the first edition.
Stefansky Chassidut, nos. 24, 25.
1. Or HaMeir. Korets, [1798]. First edition.
Stamps of R. "Ze'ev Wolf son of R. Moshe Dov Lerner Segal" (a Chassid of Sadigura in Kishinev, published the book Gevurot Aryeh by R. Aryeh Leib Rabbi of Lantzut and Kishinev).
[2], 58, 61-80, [2]; 52, 55-98, 101-120; 64 leaves. 19.5 cm. Bluish paper. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Tears to first two leaves, including open tears to title page, affecting border and text on verso, with loss, repaired with paper and photocopy replacement. Open tear to leaf 77, affecting text, repaired with paper and photocopy replacement. Minor worming. Margins trimmed, with slight damage to text at foot of several leaves. New leather binding.
2. Or HaMeir. Korets, [after 1798]. Second edition.
[1], 4, [1], 5-260 leaves. Leaf of approbations bound out of sequence, after leaf 4. 18.5 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Margins trimmed with damage to leaf headings in several places. Strips of paper for reinforcement to several leaves. Worming to several leaves. Inscriptions. New binding.
Or HaMeir is one of the first Chassidic books, and contains teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. The author, R. Ze'ev Wolf of Zhitomir was one of the foremost disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch, and a close disciple of R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, R. Nachum of Chernobyl and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. He was also close to R. Pinchas of Korets, who once said that he saw how R. Ze'ev Wolf was accompanied by Eliyahu the Prophet, who revealed to him holy secrets. R. Leib Sarah's said that he "saw upon his face the complete Image of G-d". The title page of the book bears exceptional praises about the author, such as: "He cleaved to his Creator at all times, unseparated while walking or sitting…". This book was dictated to his disciple R. Eliezer of Zhitomir, author of Pirkei HaNe'ezar. Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin remarked that "each Jew is obligated to conduct himself according to all that is written in the book". Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz is reputed as saying that R. Ze'ev Wolf delivered only one eighth of the Torah he received from Heaven, and of what he delivered only one eighth was heard; from that which was heard only one eighth was understood; from that which the author of Pirkei HaNe'ezar comprehended he wrote only one eighth, and from that which was printed only one eighth is understood. R. Ze'ev Wolf passed away in 1798 and this book was printed shortly after his passing.
In 1798-1810, the book was printed in several similar editions, including several variants. See A. Tauber, Mechkarim Bibliographi'im, pp. 36-39; Y. Yudlov, Ginzei Yisrael no. 1140. The title pages of both copies in this lot state 1798, yet there are several differences between the copies, including a difference in the approbations: the prohibition against reprinting this work was extended from fifteen years (in first edition) to twenty years (second edition). The exact year of printing of the second edition is not known, and it may have been printed shortly after the first edition.
Stefansky Chassidut, nos. 24, 25.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Two books by R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rovne, one of the first disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch, printed together. Two books in one volume:
1. Yesod Yosef, allusions and gematriyot of the Holy Names and the Sefirot, with kabbalistic homilies, by R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rovne. Minkovitz (Mynkivtsi), [1803]. First edition.
2. Likutei Yosef, novellae on Talmudic topics, by R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rovne. Minkovitz, [1803]. First edition.
The author, R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rovne (d. 1800; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 149-150), a holy kabbalist, disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and of R. Michel of Zlotchov. R. Yosef was amongst the elite and initial disciples of the Maggid, R. Dov Ber of Mezeritch, while the latter still served as maggid in Rovne, and he was the one who brought him from Tortchin (Torchyn) to Rovne, with the assistance of his father-in-law R. Aharon Rabbi of Rovne, to serve as maggid. In a letter R. Zusha of Anipoli sent the Chozeh of Lublin in praise of R. Yosef, he wrote: "…regarding the renowned, righteous man, who is astute and erudite, the outstanding Torah scholar R. Yosef… he was already asked to serve as rabbi in several communities, yet he declined… since it would take time away from his Torah study and prayers. And I know him, that he is accustomed to sitting in seclusion, delving in Torah, prayer, Chassidut and asceticism. My brother, the holy R. Elimelech, cherished him greatly, and he also told me… that in the Higher spheres, he saw him clothed in white…".
Two books in one volume. Yesod Yosef: [4], 9, 11-42, [2], 43-88, [1] leaves. Leaves 41-42 bound twice. Likutei Yosef: [1], 26 leaves. 20.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains (including mold stains to title page and several other leaves). Wear, creases and tears. Marginal tear to title page, repaired with paper. Minor worming to several leaves. Leaves trimmed, slightly affecting title page border of Likutei Yosef. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, nos. 232, 280.
1. Yesod Yosef, allusions and gematriyot of the Holy Names and the Sefirot, with kabbalistic homilies, by R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rovne. Minkovitz (Mynkivtsi), [1803]. First edition.
2. Likutei Yosef, novellae on Talmudic topics, by R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rovne. Minkovitz, [1803]. First edition.
The author, R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rovne (d. 1800; Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 149-150), a holy kabbalist, disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and of R. Michel of Zlotchov. R. Yosef was amongst the elite and initial disciples of the Maggid, R. Dov Ber of Mezeritch, while the latter still served as maggid in Rovne, and he was the one who brought him from Tortchin (Torchyn) to Rovne, with the assistance of his father-in-law R. Aharon Rabbi of Rovne, to serve as maggid. In a letter R. Zusha of Anipoli sent the Chozeh of Lublin in praise of R. Yosef, he wrote: "…regarding the renowned, righteous man, who is astute and erudite, the outstanding Torah scholar R. Yosef… he was already asked to serve as rabbi in several communities, yet he declined… since it would take time away from his Torah study and prayers. And I know him, that he is accustomed to sitting in seclusion, delving in Torah, prayer, Chassidut and asceticism. My brother, the holy R. Elimelech, cherished him greatly, and he also told me… that in the Higher spheres, he saw him clothed in white…".
Two books in one volume. Yesod Yosef: [4], 9, 11-42, [2], 43-88, [1] leaves. Leaves 41-42 bound twice. Likutei Yosef: [1], 26 leaves. 20.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains (including mold stains to title page and several other leaves). Wear, creases and tears. Marginal tear to title page, repaired with paper. Minor worming to several leaves. Leaves trimmed, slightly affecting title page border of Likutei Yosef. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, nos. 232, 280.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $10,000
Including buyer's premium
Degel Machaneh Efraim, Chassidic teachings on the Torah, by R. Moshe Chaim Efraim Ashkenazi Rabbi of Sudilkov (Sudylkiv), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. Korets, 1810. First edition.
An early Chassidic book. This book is one of the first and most reliable sources of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, which the author, R. Moshe Chaim Efraim of Sudilkov (d. 1800), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov (son of the Baal Shem Tov's pious daughter Odel), received directly from him. In his renowned letter to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov in 1752, the Baal Shem Tov refers to this grandson as a tremendous genius.
The book includes approbations by foremost Chassidic leaders: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz, R. Yaakov Yitzchak HaLevi Horowitz the Chozeh of Lublin, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel Rabbi of Apta, and the Be'er Mayim Chaim. Printed at the end of the book: selections by the Baal Shem Tov, and "the dreams found in the writings of the holy rabbi".
Chassidic leaders greatly praised the holiness of this book, and its ability to inspire whoever studies it with fear of G-d, as R. Levi Yitzchak wrote in his approbation to the book: "I am convinced that this book will enthuse the hearts of our Jewish brethren to worship G-d".
All the approbations emphasize the author's lineage as grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, and that the book is replete with the latter's essential teachings.
Copy of R. Aharon Ackerman Rabbi of Otchakov (Ochakiv), author of Beit Aharon on the Passover Haggadah, a leading disciple and prominent transmitter of the teachings of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. His signature appears on p. 2a (using the page numeral): "Aharon son of R. Meir, rabbi of Otchakov". On p. 1a, he signed with his first name only (using the page numeral): "Aharon".
[2], 113 leaves. Lacking final leaf (replaced with photocopy of manuscript). 21 cm. Greenish paper. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Tears to inner and bottom margins of first leaves, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. Minor worming to first and final leaves. Small abrasion to p. 1b, affecting text. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 128.
An early Chassidic book. This book is one of the first and most reliable sources of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, which the author, R. Moshe Chaim Efraim of Sudilkov (d. 1800), grandson of the Baal Shem Tov (son of the Baal Shem Tov's pious daughter Odel), received directly from him. In his renowned letter to his brother-in-law R. Gershon of Kitov in 1752, the Baal Shem Tov refers to this grandson as a tremendous genius.
The book includes approbations by foremost Chassidic leaders: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz, R. Yaakov Yitzchak HaLevi Horowitz the Chozeh of Lublin, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel Rabbi of Apta, and the Be'er Mayim Chaim. Printed at the end of the book: selections by the Baal Shem Tov, and "the dreams found in the writings of the holy rabbi".
Chassidic leaders greatly praised the holiness of this book, and its ability to inspire whoever studies it with fear of G-d, as R. Levi Yitzchak wrote in his approbation to the book: "I am convinced that this book will enthuse the hearts of our Jewish brethren to worship G-d".
All the approbations emphasize the author's lineage as grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, and that the book is replete with the latter's essential teachings.
Copy of R. Aharon Ackerman Rabbi of Otchakov (Ochakiv), author of Beit Aharon on the Passover Haggadah, a leading disciple and prominent transmitter of the teachings of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. His signature appears on p. 2a (using the page numeral): "Aharon son of R. Meir, rabbi of Otchakov". On p. 1a, he signed with his first name only (using the page numeral): "Aharon".
[2], 113 leaves. Lacking final leaf (replaced with photocopy of manuscript). 21 cm. Greenish paper. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Tears to inner and bottom margins of first leaves, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. Minor worming to first and final leaves. Small abrasion to p. 1b, affecting text. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 128.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Or Pnei Moshe, homiletics, ethics and Chassidic teachings on the Torah and Five Megillot, by R. Moshe Sofer Stam of Pshevorsk (Przeworsk). Mezeritch (Mezhirichi), [1810]. First edition.
The author was a great Chassidic leader in the generation of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and his brother R. Zusha of Anipoli, who held him in high esteem. The book bears many approbations extolling the great holiness of the book and its author, accorded by foremost Chassidic leaders such as: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Chozeh of Lublin, R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta and the Be'er Mayim Chaim.
The Chozeh of Lublin writes in his approbation: "…as a child, I subjected myself to his authority, and drank from his faithful waters, and I knew that all his matters were for the sake of Heaven only, to give satisfaction to G-d, and he was so elevated, that R. Moshe Alshech would appear to him…". Indeed, Or Pnei Moshe is based upon the teachings of R. Moshe Alshech, and it quotes him extensively, expounding upon his words. In their approbation (added to some copies of the book), the sons of R. Zusha of Anipoli quote a testimony from their great father, who described to them how the author composed this book, having observed him while he was studying, "and his appearance resembled that of a heavenly angel, and while he was writing his holy book, a tongue of flame would rise from his holy written words".
R. Moshe of Pshevorsk (1720?-1806) was renowned amongst the great Chassidic leaders as a supremely holy and pure Torah scribe. Tefillin and mezuzot he scribed were deemed exceptionally holy, and some were preserved from generation to generation with particular care. Reputedly, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk attested that he saw King David standing beside R. Moshe, and they thereafter became acquainted (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, p. 303). In a letter from R. Moshe to R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, he writes to him that the price of his tefillin is one red-gulden, yet he is unable to keep up with the demand. Many traditions and legends were recorded regarding this matter.
Incomplete copy. [2], 46, 49-100, 231-240, 101-116, 119-230 leaves. Lacking four leaves: 47-48, 117-118. Leaves 231-240 bound out of sequence, after leaf 100. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains to first leaves. Minor wear. Tears to first leaves and several other leaves, affecting text. Minor worming. Stamps. Many inscriptions on title page. New leather binding.
Without two additional leaves of approbations (leaves 3-4), printed in smaller typeface, added after the printing to some copies.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 32.
The author was a great Chassidic leader in the generation of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and his brother R. Zusha of Anipoli, who held him in high esteem. The book bears many approbations extolling the great holiness of the book and its author, accorded by foremost Chassidic leaders such as: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Chozeh of Lublin, R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta and the Be'er Mayim Chaim.
The Chozeh of Lublin writes in his approbation: "…as a child, I subjected myself to his authority, and drank from his faithful waters, and I knew that all his matters were for the sake of Heaven only, to give satisfaction to G-d, and he was so elevated, that R. Moshe Alshech would appear to him…". Indeed, Or Pnei Moshe is based upon the teachings of R. Moshe Alshech, and it quotes him extensively, expounding upon his words. In their approbation (added to some copies of the book), the sons of R. Zusha of Anipoli quote a testimony from their great father, who described to them how the author composed this book, having observed him while he was studying, "and his appearance resembled that of a heavenly angel, and while he was writing his holy book, a tongue of flame would rise from his holy written words".
R. Moshe of Pshevorsk (1720?-1806) was renowned amongst the great Chassidic leaders as a supremely holy and pure Torah scribe. Tefillin and mezuzot he scribed were deemed exceptionally holy, and some were preserved from generation to generation with particular care. Reputedly, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk attested that he saw King David standing beside R. Moshe, and they thereafter became acquainted (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, p. 303). In a letter from R. Moshe to R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, he writes to him that the price of his tefillin is one red-gulden, yet he is unable to keep up with the demand. Many traditions and legends were recorded regarding this matter.
Incomplete copy. [2], 46, 49-100, 231-240, 101-116, 119-230 leaves. Lacking four leaves: 47-48, 117-118. Leaves 231-240 bound out of sequence, after leaf 100. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains to first leaves. Minor wear. Tears to first leaves and several other leaves, affecting text. Minor worming. Stamps. Many inscriptions on title page. New leather binding.
Without two additional leaves of approbations (leaves 3-4), printed in smaller typeface, added after the printing to some copies.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 32.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Signatures and Books
Catalogue