Auction 85 - Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
Pekudat HaMelech, two parts, on the Rambam, the Torah portions and various selections, by R. Yisrael Nachman of Drohobych. Livorno, [1804]. First edition.
The author, R. Yisrael Nachman of Drohobych, was the son of R. Yosef of Drohobych (disciple of the Baal Shem Tov). On his way to Eretz Israel, he stopped in Livorno, where he published his books and made acquaintance with the Chida, giving over to him much information about the Baal Shem Tov and Chassidut.
Inscription (partially trimmed) on the title page (presumably supplied from a different copy), in which R. Chaim Farhi attests that he received the book as a gift from the author, R. Yisrael Nachman Ashkenazi, on Monday 10th Cheshvan 1804.
R. Chaim Farhi (1760-1819), leader of the Jewish community in Damascus, and later advisor of Ahmad al-Jazzar – Ottoman governor of the Galilee, who cruelly blinded him, cut off the tip of his nose, and severed his left ear. He continued serving as advisor of Suleiman Pasha, al-Jazzar's successor, and finally of Abdullah Pasha, who had him murdered. R. Chaim is remembered for saving Acre from Napoleon's conquest, and for his activities on behalf of the Jewish settlement in Eretz Israel, as well as his assistance in the immigrations of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, the Gaon of Vilna and North African Jewry.
R. Chaim Farhi's signature is followed by a later signature (slightly trimmed), of R. Yaakov Antebi (1787-1846), a Torah scholar of Aleppo and leader of his generation, chief rabbi of Damascus and the surroundings for some 30 years. He was imprisoned and cruelly tortured during the Damascus libel, and later immigrated to Jerusalem.
[7], 36; [1], 52 leaves (misfoliation). Title page presumably supplied from a different copy. 19.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, affecting text in several places. Open tears to title page and final leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper and photocopy replacement (title page mounted on thin paper). Inner margins and other places reinforced with paper. Stamps. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 476.
One of the few Chassidic books published in Livorno.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Or HaGanuz LaTzaddikim, Chassidic essays on the Torah portions, based on the Tanya, by R. Aharon Katz of Apta, Rabbi of Biłgoraj and Zhelechov (author of Keter Shem Tov). Zhovkva, 1800. First edition, with approbation by the Maggid of Kozhnitz.
The book was published about four years after the printing of the Tanya by Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi. The author, a prominent Chassidic Tzaddik, bases many of the thoughts in his book on the teachings of the Tanya, which he quotes and elaborates upon in almost every Torah portion.
Signature on title page; stamps in several places.
Bound with:
• Ruach Chen, explanation of philosophical concepts, by R. Yehuda ibn Tibbon, with commentary by R. Yisrael [of Zamość]. Zhovkva, 1782.
Two books in one volume. Or HaGanuz LaTzaddikim: [62] leaves. Lacking [2] leaves in middle (leaves [16]-[17] of Parashiot Vayetze-Vayishlach). Ruach Chen: [24] leaves. 18.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Extensive wear. Tears, including marginal open tears to title pages and other leaves, affecting text. Two leaves reinforced with paper (covering some text). Minor worming. Leaves trimmed close to headings in several places. Leaves of second book trimmed unevenly. Text close to inner margins of last leaves of second book somewhat damaged due to binding. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 22.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Tiferet HaTzvi, composition on Tractate Beitzah, with the book Chotam Tahor – Kerem Shlomo, novellae on the laws of Yoreh De'ah, by R. Uziel Meisels of Ritshvol (Ryczywół), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. Zhovkva, 1803. First edition.
The author, R. Uziel Meisels (1744-1786), rabbi and yeshiva dean in Ovstrovse, Ritshvol and Neustadt. In his youth, he was acquainted with the Baal Shem Tov, and quotes his teachings in his books. After the passing of the Baal Shem Tov, he became a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch.
Stamps of R. Shemaryahu Yosef Klepfish of Warsaw (brother of the head of the Warsaw Beit Din, and father-in-law of R. Chaim Yaakov Naftali Silberberg) and of R. Nechemya Yosef Denenburg of Jerusalem.
Signature on title page.
[2], 16; 29 leaves. Approx. 38 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Wear. Marginal open tears to title page and other leaves, affecting title page border and text, repaired in part with paper. Worming, affecting text. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 634.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Sefer HaTerumot by R. Shmuel HaSardi, with the Gidulei Terumah commentary by R. Azariah Figo (Piccio). Zhovkva, 1809. Title page states "as in Venice". Title page printed in red and black.
Variant, with three pages which do not appear in some copies. These pages, bound at the beginning, contain several approbations, including an approbation by the Maggid of Kozhnitz, and a long list of subscribers.
This copy also includes [2] leaves (detached) not recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book – Chapters 17-18 of Section 49, omitted in the initial printing.
The list of subscribers from Poland and Galicia includes prominent Torah scholars of those times and Chassidic leaders, such as the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, R. Asher Yeshaya of Ropshitz, and others.
The approbation of the Maggid of Kozhnitz in the present copy is not included in the books Yalkut Avodat Yisrael which contain a compilation of his approbations.
Ownership inscriptions on title page and on leaf 40 of second sequence: "Meir HaKohen". One gloss.
4; [2], 34; 66; 47, 49-58, 60-64; 14, 17-42; [2], 32; 19, [11] leaves. 38 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to some leaves, affecting text. Stamps. Damaged and partially detached binding.
Variant. The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, record no. 170811, records only [1] leaf following the first four leaves. The [11] index leaves which appear at the end of this copy are listed there at the beginning of the book, after the approbations.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Or Pnei Moshe, homiletics, ethics and Chassidic teachings on the Torah portions and Five Megillot, by R. Moshe Sofer Stam of Pshevorsk (Przeworsk). Mezeritch (Mezhirichi), [1810]. First edition.
The author, R. Moshe of Pshevorsk (1720?-1806) was a prominent Chassidic leader in the generation of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and his brother R. Zusha of Anipoli, who held him in high esteem. He was also renowned as a supremely holy and pure Torah scribe, and Tefillin and mezuzot he scribed were deemed exceptionally holy.
Stamps.
Incomplete copy. 238 leaves. Lacking first [2] leaves and final two leaves (239-240). 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including significant dampstains. Worming affecting text (some with significant damage). Tear to one leaf, repaired with paper over text. Leaves trimmed close to text, affecting headings and text in several places. Stamps. New binding.
Without two additional leaves of approbations [leaves 3-4], added after the printing to some copies only.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 32.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Toldot Yaakov Yosef, Chassidic work on the Torah portions, by R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen of Polonne, disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. Medzhybizh, [1817]. Second edition. Approbation of the rabbi of Medzhybizh, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta.
Toldot Yaakov Yosef was the first Chassidic book brought to print. It was authored by R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen of Polonne (d. 1781), a leading and close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov and the first to disseminate Chassidut. This book is the most important and authentic source of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, and was especially cherished by Chassidic leaders.
Signatures on title page. Handwritten inscriptions on final leaf.
[1], 3, 5-89; 59 leaves. Approx. 32 cm. Greenish paper. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Extensive worming, affecting text. Large marginal open tears to title page and other leaves, affecting text (significant damage to final leaf), repaired with paper. Leaves trimmed close to headings in several places. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 606.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Ketonet Pasim, homiletics on the Books of Vayikra and Bamidbar, by R. Yaakov Yosef HaKohen Katz, rabbi of Polonne, disciple of the Baal Shem Tov and author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef. Lviv, 1866. First edition.
[1], 49 leaves. 25.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Marginal open tears to title page and first leaves, repaired with paper. Minor worming, affecting text. Minor damage to title page border, due to binding. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 245.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Pri HaAretz, Chassidic and Kabbalistic essays on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, [1814]. First edition.
The book contains a collection of discourses which R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk delivered in Tiberias, following his immigration to Eretz Israel (in 1777).
Pri HaAretz is one of the most profound and difficult to understand Chassidic books.
[2], 27 leaves. Lacking final [9] leaves (letters from R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and R. Avraham of Kalisk). 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including significant dampstains. Wear. Open tear to title page, slightly affecting imprint, repaired with paper. Marginal tears; minor open tear to one leaf. Minor worming, affecting text. Final leaf reinforced with paper, affecting text. Leaves trimmed close to text, with extensive damage to headings (many were completely trimmed off). Handwritten inscriptions. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 477.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Or HaChochmah, Chassidic and kabbalistic essays on the Torah, by the kabbalist R. Uri Feivel of Krisnipoli (Chervonohgrad) and Dubienka. Łaszczów, [1815]. First edition. Two parts in one volume. Separate title page for each part.
This book is a segulah for an easy birth, and is customarily placed under the head of a birthing mother.
The author, kabbalist R. Uri Feivel of Krisnipoli and Dubienka (d. between 1804-1808), close disciple of R. Kehat of Werish, disciple of the Baal Shem Tov.
Two parts in one volume. Part I: [2], 29, 40-62, 53-76; 26, [2], 31-46 leaves. Lacking two leaves in middle, after leaf 26 (misfoliation). Part II: [1], 38, [41]-60, 59-102 leaves. Lacking two leaves in middle ([39]-[40], misfoliation), and final leaf. 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear. Open tears affecting text, including tears to title page of part I, affecting border and text on verso, repaired in part with paper. Worming, affecting text. Leaves trimmed close to headings in several places, with damage to title page border in part II. Final leaf detached and torn, with damage to text. Old binding, with defects and worming.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 23.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Maggid Devarav LeYaakov, selected essays by the Maggid R. Dov Ber of Mezeritch. Berditchev (Berdychiv), [1808].
With the letter sent by the Baal Shem Tov to his brother-in-law R. Avraham Gershon of Kitov, Kavanat HaMikveh by the Baal Shem Tov, and the account of the Maggid of Mezeritch's journey to the Baal Shem Tov.
[4], 40 leaves. 19.5 cm. Bluish paper. Fair condition. Stains, including large dampstains. Dark ink stain to title page, slightly affecting border. Worming, affecting text. Extensive worming to final leaf, affecting text, repaired in part with paper (leaf presumably supplied from a different copy). Marginal paper repairs to several leaves. Leaves trimmed close to headings in several places. Handwritten inscriptions. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 329.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Kedushat Levi, two parts, Chassidic and Kabbalistic essays on the Torah portions, festivals, and Aggadot, by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Berditchev (Berdychiv), 1816.
The book Kedushat Levi was printed by the author R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev twice in his lifetime, and comprised only the Kedushot essays on Chanukah and Purim. After his passing (Tishrei 1809), his descendants published for the first time his essays on the Torah portions (Berditchev, 1811), yet without the Kedushot essays on Chanukah and Purim. In the present edition, both parts were printed together for the first time in one volume – the essays on the Torah together with the Kedushot on Chanukah and Purim (separate title page for each part).
This edition also includes many additions from the author's manuscript.
Prominent Torah scholars attested that Kedushat Levi bears the remarkable power of endowing its reader with enthusiasm and devotion in love and fear of G-d, also maintaining that just keeping the book in the house has the capacity to mitigate decrees and protect from destructive forces.
Two parts in one volume. Part I (lacking several leaves): [1], 7-18, [1], 22-147 leaves (originally: 3, 3-18, [1], 22-147 leaves; lacking leaves 2-3 of first sequence and 3-6 of second sequence). Part II: 38 leaves. 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and wax stains. Worming, affecting text. Tears and open tears to several leaves, repaired in part. Inscriptions. Stamps. Old binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 510.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Toldot Aharon, Chassidic and kabbalistic essays on the Torah portions, by R. Aharon of Zhitomir (close disciple of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev). Berditchev (Berdychiv): R. Yisrael Bak, [1817]. First edition.
Toldot Aharon contains inspirational sermons and guidance in worship of G-d based on Chassidic teachings, recorded by one of the disciples of R. Aharon of Zhitomir. The book is written in an animated, passionate style, and quotes dozens of teachings which the author absorbed from his prime teacher, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
[2], 20, [2], 21-36, 40-191 leaves (misfoliation). Bluish paper. Approx. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Tears and worming, affecting text. Paper repairs to title page and following leaf (with photocopy replacements; leaves may have been supplied from a different copy). Stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 604.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.