Auction 82 - Part I - Judaica – Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Large collection of certificates reflecting the variety of educational and charitable institutions operating in Eretz Israel (and particularly in Jerusalem) in the first half of the 20th century, as well as their fundraising efforts.
Most leaves are large and elaborately designed - in color or gilt ink, with many decorations, photographs or illustrations, and were sent to donors who supported the institutions. In some cases, an identical design was used by different institutions.
See Hebrew description for a detailed list of the institutions.
55 paper items. Size and condition vary. Overall good condition. Duplicate copies of some items.
Sheet of paper (A3). On the upper part, color lithograph depicting sites in Jerusalem and throughout Eretz Israel, within an architectonic structure. Produced by Jacob Pesach Wigolik and partner.
On the lower part, an additional lithograph, with blessings in Hebrew and German for donors, from R. Mordechai Kohn Glauberman (d. Tevet 1930. His daughter married the renowned maggid R. Ben Tzion Yadler).
30X47 cm. Overall good condition. Tears, folding marks and stains. Tears professionally restored.
Various printed polemic proclamations; proclamations regarding observance of Shabbat and modesty; proclamations regarding kashrut, shechitah and etrogim; proclamations relating to various polemics on communal and private matters; proclamations regarding the breakaway from the Jewish National Council; announcements about sermons and eulogies, Torah scroll inaugurations, various gatherings and national ceremonies; letters and appeals from public institutions (including leaves with the prayer for candle lighting and other prayers); commercial posters; proclamations regarding elections for various organizations and councils; proclamations issued by Agudath Israel and other parties (including proclamations from the early days of Neturei Karta), and more.
The printed proclamations include announcements in the name of leading rabbis in Eretz Israel: R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, R. Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, R. Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky, R. Tzvi Pesach Frank, R. Shimshon Aharon Polonsky and others.
Approx. 400 printed items. Size varies, overall good condition. Duplicate copies of some items.
Personal notebook handwritten by R. Aryeh Levin, the Tzaddik of Jerusalem, including his dream diary and various notes. [Jerusalem, 1930s to ca. 1960s].
The notebook, entirely handwritten by R. Aryeh Levin (in tiny script), comprises records of his dreams (11 pages - most of the notebook) and notes on other topics.
The earliest dream is dated 1928, yet it seems that the dreams were recorded in this notebook after 1936. In some of his dreams, R. Aryeh met Torah leaders such as R. Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, the Chazon Ish, R. Tzvi Pesach Frank, R. Isser Zalman Meltzer and R. Yechiel Michel Tucazinsky.
R. Aryeh Levin records a terrifying dream he had on Chanukah 1927, following which he undertook a Taanit Chalom (fast following a bad dream). Later in the day, he met R. Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook and related the dream to him. The latter interpreted it positively and blessed him. When parting, R. Aryeh Levin tripped, breaking his new glasses. Rav Kook took it as a good sign and instructed him to break his fast and rejoice.
Most of the dreams pertain to funerals, eulogies, or meeting the deceased. He once dreamt that he met Rav Kook on Erev Yom Kippur (after the latter's passing) at a rabbinical conference in the great synagogue of Zichron Moshe, and was awed by his glowing countenance. When Rav Kook reminded him that there is a commandment to eat on this day, he answered that he was fully satiated just from seeing his holy appearance. Rav Kook responded in laughter that he must nevertheless eat since the requirement of eating on Erev Yom Kippur cannot be fulfilled through this pleasure.
The rest of the notebook contains various notes handwritten by R. Aryeh: dates of yahrzeits, addresses of acquaintances throughout the world, records of charity funds he was given to distribute, including money he received from R. Yechiel Michel Tucazinsky for the shoe repair fund for schoolboys (see below). Notebook, [13] leaves (approx. 20 written pages).
16 cm. Good condition. Stains. First and final leaves detached.
The Schoolboys' Tattered Shoes
A list with the names of many children who received money for shoe repairs is found on p. [13] of the present notebook, under the title: "Received from R. Yechiel Michel Tucazinsky, 5th Kislev 1939, for the shoe repair fund for schoolboys".
R. Aryeh Levin served as educational supervisor in the Etz Chaim boys' school in Jerusalem. Several stories have been recorded, portraying R. Aryeh Levin's great sensitivity to the suffering of the impoverished children under his care, and his concern for their torn shoes. He would notice how some children arrived to school hungry, in ragged trousers or with tattered shoes. He would discreetly hand them some money to buy shoes, sometimes in guise of a prize for their scholastic success, so as not to embarrass the parents.
The present notebook discloses that these were not isolated incidents of sensitivity and financial assistance to the schoolboys, rather an official fund dedicated to this cause, managed caringly and discretely by the Tzaddik of Jerusalem, R. Aryeh Levin.
Long lists, signed by the sellers or their representatives. Detailed lists of the sellers, the types of items being sold and their precise location are found on the verso of the leaves or in separate notes. Most lists are organized according to neighborhoods (Rehavia, Katamon, Machane Yehuda, Bayit VeGan, Geula, Beit Yisrael, Talpiot, Nachalat Shiva, Givat Shaul, and others). Including records of sale of chametz for neighboring kibbutzim, hospitals and old age homes, institutions and immigration centers, and grocery stores in the transit camps in the Jerusalem corridor (Lifta, Shaar HaGai, Eshtaol and others).
Document recording the sale of the Chametz to the non-Jew "Mustafa Ibrahim Halil, Mukhtar of Beit Safafa", signed by R. Tzvi Pesach Frank, R. Yosef Gershon Horowitz and R. Eli' Re'em.
The hundreds of signatures include many signatures of prominent rabbis and figures, including signatures and inscriptions of: R. Shmuel Yitzchak Hillman, Shai Agnon, R. Elazar Menachem Man Shach (later dean of the Ponovezh yeshiva), R. Shlomo Yosef Zevin, R. Avraham Yitzchak Zalaznik (later dean of the Etz Chaim yeshiva), R. Shlomo Borenstein in the name of R. Chanoch Borenstein (rebbes of Sochatchov in Bayit VeGan), R. Aryeh Levin, R. Simcha Ziskind Broide (later dean of the Hebron yeshiva), R. Betzalel Zolty (later chief rabbi of Jerusalem), and hundreds more (see Hebrew description for more details).
Separate leaf from the Yemenite Beit Din, with 39 signatures.
Approx. 100 leaves. Size and condition vary.
The folder contains various letters and documents (mostly typewritten, with handwritten additions, emendations and signatures), including: letters to and from the society, copies of the society's regulations (in Hebrew and English), protocols of meetings, documents related to the elections for the presidency of the society, and more.
The protocol from Tammuz 1970, recording the election of R. Yehuda Tzadka (dean of the Porat Yosef yeshiva) as president of the society and Chacham Yaakov Ovadia Yosef (father of R. Ovadia Yosef) as vice-president, is signed by all the elected members of the board, including R. Yehuda Tzadka and Chacham Yaakov Ovadia Yosef. Their signatures appear on other documents as well.
A document from 1969 (three typewritten leaves, with many handwritten emendations) is signed by the leading Sephardi rabbis and deans of the Porat Yosef yeshiva - R. Yehuda Tzadka, R. Shabtai Aton, R. Mansour Benshimon and R. Yosef Sharbani.
28 documents (44 leaves, of which 18 leaves in English). Size varies. Overall good condition. Stains, wear and folding marks. The documents are placed in a card folder, inscribed: "Elections 1970 - General Society Ose Hesed".
• Handwritten leaf, unpublished section of a discourse by one of the rebbes of Chabad, containing wondrous and unknown teachings in the name of the Tzemach Tzedek about the Be'er Mayim Chaim. The Tzemach Tzedek explained that great Tzaddikim would receive Divine revelations on Shabbat, which changed them fundamentally, as is known about the Be'er Mayim Chaim, who would grow a head taller on Shabbat: "Whoever saw him on weekdays, did not recognize him on Shabbat…".
• Handwritten leaf from a Chabad "bichel", with a copying of a ruling of the Tzemach Tzedek regarding reciting the blessing of Shehecheyanu on Purim morning. The copying concludes: "Copied from the manuscript of Rebbe Menachem Mendel, from what he wrote in his siddur in 1865".
The Baal HaTanya ruled in his siddur that Shehecheyanu is not recited before the reading of the Megillah on Purim morning, and this was practiced in Chabad communities for decades after his passing. However, in 1865 (or 1864), his grandson the Tzemach Tzedek, in a note he wrote in a copy of the siddur of the Baal HaTanya, ruled like the opinion that Shehecheyanu is recited (see enclosed material).
• Handwritten leaf, notes and copyings on various topics: copying of a letter of the Mitteler Rebbe, copying of a letter from the Baal HaTanya regarding Napoleon, copyings from the Pinkas of the Chevra Kadisha of Liozna, with the first documentation of the Baal HaTanya, and more.
3 leaves. Size and condition vary.
These discourses were delivered and recorded by Rebbe Shlomo Zalman Schneersohn, the Magen Avot of Kopust, and later copied and disseminated amongst Kopust Chassidim.
The present "bichel" comprises 17 discourses, copied by various writers and bound together. Glosses in another hand on several leaves. All the discourses were published in the Magen Avot series.
Rebbe Shlomo Zalman Schneersohn (1830-1900), grandson and close disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. He succeeded his father R. Yehuda Leib, the Maharil of Kopust, as rebbe of Chabad-Kopust.
[1], 207, [1] leaves. Lacking leaf 197. 21 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Marginal tears. New leather binding.
Typewritten on the official stationery of the Rayatz, with his signature "Yosef Yitzchak" (one with his full signature "Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn"). Two of the letters with additions in his handwriting.
Addressed to the philanthropist Elchanan Glazer. In the first letter (dated 8th Tishrei 1947), the rebbe congratulates him for his engagement, with blessings for the upcoming wedding and good year wishes. With the rebbe's full signature.
The other two letters contain blessings for his family members: blessings for recovery for his niece (16th Tammuz 1948) and blessings for recovery for his wife's grandmother (8th Tishrei 1948). At the end of both letters, near his signature, the Rayatz added in his handwriting: "In material and spiritual matters".
[3] leaves, official stationery. 21.5 cm and 28 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Stains, creases and minor wear.
The letters are typewritten on the official stationery of the Rayatz, with his signature "Yosef Yitzchak" with the letter Yud in Ashuri script - his famous signature in the final year of his life. One letter contains several words in his handwriting.
Addressed to the philanthropist Elchanan Glazer. In the first letter (dated 7th Elul 1949), the rebbe extends his blessings for an easy pregnancy and birth, and concludes with blessings for abundant livelihood.
The other two letters (8th Marcheshvan 1949) contain blessings for livelihood and good health for his family members.
[3] leaves, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and minor creases.
The letters are typewritten on the official stationery of the Rayatz, with his signature "Yosef Yitzchak". Two letters contain additions in his handwriting.
1. Letter to R. Chanoch Hendel Havlin, official trustee of the Rayatz's property in Eretz Israel. 4th Iyar 1944. The letter discusses the sale of the Rayatz's property in Hebron, and the purchase of land in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv instead. The Rayatz concludes with blessings for recovery and good health.
2. Letter to the Commission for Family Purity in Montevideo, Uruguay. 11th Marcheshvan 1945. Yiddish.
Lengthy letter (2 pages) regarding the building of a mikveh in Montevideo. The Rayatz writes that he encloses his participation of 200 dollars, and blesses all those involved in the work with sons, life and sustenance.
3-6. Four letters to the philanthropist Elchanan Glazer:
• Letter dated 5th Tevet 1944. Yiddish. The Rayatz first describes his state of health, then discusses financial matters pertaining to the printing of the Tzemach Tzedek series of books (sponsored by Mr. Glazer). With blessings for good health, plentiful livelihood and success in his endeavors on behalf of the Rayatz's yeshiva. • Letter dated 19th Iyar 1946. Yiddish. The Rayatz asks him to try to attain visas to the United States for two families of Holocaust survivors from Poland. With blessings for success in his business and good health for his parents. At the end of the letter, near his signature, the Rayatz added in his handwriting "in material and spiritual matters". • Letter dated 24th Av 1947. Yiddish. Blessings for good health and longevity. • Letter of good year wishes, Erev Rosh Hashana 1947.
7. Letter addressed to Chabad Chassidim and students of the Chabad yeshivot. 14th Kislev 1947. The letter discusses the exclusive rights of the Kehot publication society to publish the books of rebbes of Chabad. At the end of the letter, near his signature, the rebbe added in his handwriting "in material and spiritual matters".
Enclosed: • Letter on the official stationery of the Rayatz (unsigned): English translation of a letter to the Chabad activist Binyamin Glazer regarding the conference of the Joint the latter arranged, where a representative of Rebbe Rayatz spoke regarding the situation of the refugees in Europe. • Telegram from the secretariat of the Rayatz (on Western Union telegram form) to Binyamin Glazer, regarding a public letter from the Rayatz in honor of Chag HaGeulah of Yat Kislev. • Printed leaf on official stationery of the Rayatz, with the names of several figures in Poland, their place and year of birth, and their address (Hebrew and English). • Six envelopes, with the official letterhead of the Rayatz.
Size and condition vary.
Typewritten on the official stationery of the rebbe, with his signature.
Public-private letter which the Rayatz sent (on 12th Tammuz - Chag HaGeulah, holiday commemorating his liberation from Soviet imprisonment in 1927), in honor of Chai (18th) Elul, birthday of the Baal Shem Tov and the Baal HaTanya.
In his letter, the Rayatz explains the day's import for Chassidim in general, for whom this day brings heavenly blessing in material and spiritual matters, and in particular for Chabad Chassidim, for whom this day carries a double measure of holiness and blessing.
Further in the letter, the Rayatz relates to the terrible situation of European Jewry under the Nazis, and the weak spiritual state of American Jewry, and prays that G-d will take pity in the merit of the two luminaries born on this day.
The Rayatz concludes with the motto he coined and publicized in 1941 - "Immediate repentance - immediate redemption".
[1] leaf, official stationery. Approx. 28 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and minor creases. Minor marginal tear.