Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Displaying 13 - 24 of 54
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $100
Estimate: $300 - $400
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Letter (3 pages) handwritten and signed by Rebbe Avraham Twersky of Faltishan. Brooklyn NY, 1977.
Addressed to the philanthropist R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Rapaport. Interesting letter full of blessings. The rebbe begins by inquiring about the Rapaport family. The rebbe then asks R. Aryeh Leib to visit his son Shalom Meir during his trip to Eretz Israel.
The rest of the letter deals with the financial state of the rebbe's family, after the passing of his father Rebbe Elazar of Faltishan (who passed away in Tammuz 1976). The rebbe concludes with blessings: "…in this merit I'm convinced that the late rebbe will intercede on his behalf, on behalf his wife and entire family, that all your heart's desires be fulfilled for the good and for blessing, and may you see from all your descendants much pleasure and satisfaction in good health, and may you succeed in your business in serenity… Avraham Twersky".
Rebbe Avraham Shmuel Twersky (d. 1984), from the Skver-Belz-Faltishan dynasty of rebbes. He was the only son and successor of his father R. Elazar of Faltishan, who wrote in his testament that his son should succeed him as rebbe.
His son R. Shalom Meir Twersky, mentioned in the letter, currently serves as rebbe of Faltishan. He is the son-in-law of Rebbe David Moshe Rosenbaum of Kretshnif (1925-1969).
[2] leaves (3 written pages), official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear and folding marks.
Enclosed is a kvittel mentioning R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Rapaport and his family, presumably handwritten by R. Avraham Twersky (he may have written it in the lifetime of his father R. Elazar, when R. Rapaport came to seek his blessing).
Addressed to the philanthropist R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Rapaport. Interesting letter full of blessings. The rebbe begins by inquiring about the Rapaport family. The rebbe then asks R. Aryeh Leib to visit his son Shalom Meir during his trip to Eretz Israel.
The rest of the letter deals with the financial state of the rebbe's family, after the passing of his father Rebbe Elazar of Faltishan (who passed away in Tammuz 1976). The rebbe concludes with blessings: "…in this merit I'm convinced that the late rebbe will intercede on his behalf, on behalf his wife and entire family, that all your heart's desires be fulfilled for the good and for blessing, and may you see from all your descendants much pleasure and satisfaction in good health, and may you succeed in your business in serenity… Avraham Twersky".
Rebbe Avraham Shmuel Twersky (d. 1984), from the Skver-Belz-Faltishan dynasty of rebbes. He was the only son and successor of his father R. Elazar of Faltishan, who wrote in his testament that his son should succeed him as rebbe.
His son R. Shalom Meir Twersky, mentioned in the letter, currently serves as rebbe of Faltishan. He is the son-in-law of Rebbe David Moshe Rosenbaum of Kretshnif (1925-1969).
[2] leaves (3 written pages), official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear and folding marks.
Enclosed is a kvittel mentioning R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Rapaport and his family, presumably handwritten by R. Avraham Twersky (he may have written it in the lifetime of his father R. Elazar, when R. Rapaport came to seek his blessing).
Category
Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $100
Estimate: $200 - $300
Sold for: $250
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by R. Shmuel Ehrenfeld Rabbi of Mattersdorf, dean of the Chatan Sofer yeshiva. [New York, Tishrei] 1963. Typewritten letter, hand-signed with his full signature: "Shmuel son of R. Sh.B.".
Addressed to R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Rapaport, the letter contains good year wishes for a good final sealing, and a report of the success of his son Elimelech in his studies in the Chatan Sofer yeshiva.
R. Shmuel Ehrenfeld (1891-1980), Torah leader in Hungary and the United States. He was the son and successor of R. Simcha Bunim Rabbi of Mattersdorf (Mattersburg), and grandson of the Chatan Sofer. He was known for his great nobility. He served as rabbi of Mattersdorf from 1926, and as dean of the Chatan Sofer yeshiva in Mattersdorf and Brooklyn. He founded the Mattersdorf neighborhood in Jerusalem.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Addressed to R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Rapaport, the letter contains good year wishes for a good final sealing, and a report of the success of his son Elimelech in his studies in the Chatan Sofer yeshiva.
R. Shmuel Ehrenfeld (1891-1980), Torah leader in Hungary and the United States. He was the son and successor of R. Simcha Bunim Rabbi of Mattersdorf (Mattersburg), and grandson of the Chatan Sofer. He was known for his great nobility. He served as rabbi of Mattersdorf from 1926, and as dean of the Chatan Sofer yeshiva in Mattersdorf and Brooklyn. He founded the Mattersdorf neighborhood in Jerusalem.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Category
Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
Responsa by Rabbi Shlomo ibn Aderet (the Rashba). Bologna: [Silk Weaver's Guild], [1539]. First edition.
Copy of the Rashash. His signature appears (in square script) on p. 2a: "Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi" (see enclosed material on the authentication of the signature).
R. Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi – the Rashash (1720-1777) was born in Sharab, Yemen and lived in Sanaa. Already as a young man, he was an outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist, though modest and self-effacing. In his youth, he was faced with a difficult challenge, which brought him to vow to immigrate to Jerusalem. He left Yemen, travelling through Bombay, Baghdad and Damascus, until finally reaching Jerusalem. There, he sought employment as a servant in the home and Beit Midrash of R. Gedaliah Hayyun – dean of the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists, concealing his greatness. He would wait on the Torah scholars of the yeshiva, quietly absorbing their teachings. When they were posed questions which they didn't know the answer to, he would secretly write the answer and leave it in the Beit Midrash. When R. Gedaliah Hayyun discovered the extent of his Torah knowledge and holiness, he took him as a husband for his daughter Chanah. After R. Gedaliah's passing in 1751, the Rashash was appointed to succeed him as dean of the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists. He established a society for kabbalists named Chevrat Ahavat Shalom. The members of the society were bound together with specific conducts and regulations they adopted, and with mutual responsibility. Amongst the members of the society were the Chida, R. Yom Tov Algazi, R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov), and others. His disciple the Chida describes his holiness, his exceptional knowledge and understanding of the kabbalah of the Arizal, and his work in arranging the kavanot of the Arizal on prayer (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Gedolim, letter Shin). Of particular fame is the siddur he compiled, known as Siddur HaRashash, which contains the kabbalistic kavanot on the prayers according to the Arizal, which has since become the primary source for kabbalistic kavanot in prayer.
Ownership inscription of Yitzchak Saadiel on the title page, with his initials "Y.S.".
Several glosses in Sephardic script (some of the glosses trimmed) from various writers. Many references in Sephardic script.
The book originally comprised two title pages, the first one specifically for the table of contents at the beginning of the book, and the second, general title page, originally bound after the table of contents. The present copy is lacking the title page of the table of contents, and the general title page is bound instead at the beginning of the book.
[16], 2-167, 167-210, [1], 213-215 leaves. Lacking leaf [1] (title page for table of contents) and final leaf (leaf 216; replaced in photocopy). Extra copy of final leaf of table of contents enclosed. 28 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and traces of past dampness (large dampstains to some leaves). Worming and open tears, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper (many paper repairs to margins and in other places, occasionally close to text). Old binding, with damage and worming.
Copy of the Rashash. His signature appears (in square script) on p. 2a: "Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi" (see enclosed material on the authentication of the signature).
R. Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi – the Rashash (1720-1777) was born in Sharab, Yemen and lived in Sanaa. Already as a young man, he was an outstanding Torah scholar and kabbalist, though modest and self-effacing. In his youth, he was faced with a difficult challenge, which brought him to vow to immigrate to Jerusalem. He left Yemen, travelling through Bombay, Baghdad and Damascus, until finally reaching Jerusalem. There, he sought employment as a servant in the home and Beit Midrash of R. Gedaliah Hayyun – dean of the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists, concealing his greatness. He would wait on the Torah scholars of the yeshiva, quietly absorbing their teachings. When they were posed questions which they didn't know the answer to, he would secretly write the answer and leave it in the Beit Midrash. When R. Gedaliah Hayyun discovered the extent of his Torah knowledge and holiness, he took him as a husband for his daughter Chanah. After R. Gedaliah's passing in 1751, the Rashash was appointed to succeed him as dean of the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalists. He established a society for kabbalists named Chevrat Ahavat Shalom. The members of the society were bound together with specific conducts and regulations they adopted, and with mutual responsibility. Amongst the members of the society were the Chida, R. Yom Tov Algazi, R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov), and others. His disciple the Chida describes his holiness, his exceptional knowledge and understanding of the kabbalah of the Arizal, and his work in arranging the kavanot of the Arizal on prayer (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Gedolim, letter Shin). Of particular fame is the siddur he compiled, known as Siddur HaRashash, which contains the kabbalistic kavanot on the prayers according to the Arizal, which has since become the primary source for kabbalistic kavanot in prayer.
Ownership inscription of Yitzchak Saadiel on the title page, with his initials "Y.S.".
Several glosses in Sephardic script (some of the glosses trimmed) from various writers. Many references in Sephardic script.
The book originally comprised two title pages, the first one specifically for the table of contents at the beginning of the book, and the second, general title page, originally bound after the table of contents. The present copy is lacking the title page of the table of contents, and the general title page is bound instead at the beginning of the book.
[16], 2-167, 167-210, [1], 213-215 leaves. Lacking leaf [1] (title page for table of contents) and final leaf (leaf 216; replaced in photocopy). Extra copy of final leaf of table of contents enclosed. 28 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and traces of past dampness (large dampstains to some leaves). Worming and open tears, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper (many paper repairs to margins and in other places, occasionally close to text). Old binding, with damage and worming.
Category
Books with Signatures and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $37,500
Including buyer's premium
Kol Bochim – Megillat Eichah, with the Kinat Setarim commentary, by R. Avraham Galante. [Prague: Moses son of Joseph Betzalel Katz, 1621].
The book contains a kabbalistic commentary on Tractate Eichah by the kabbalist R. Avraham Galante, disciple of R. Moshe Cordovero. Passages of the Zohar on Eichah were printed at the beginning of the book.
The present copy contains hundreds of glosses, including many lengthy glosses, in Ashkenazic script typical of the 17th-18th centuries. These glosses form a complete composition of kabbalistic novellae, allusions and secrets, from an unidentified author who was evidently a great kabbalist. This composition of glosses contains much original material, and to the best of our research, has never been published.
Ownership inscription on p. [9b] by R. Chaim son of R. Shmuel HaKohen Chazan of Brody, dated 1722, attesting that he inherited this book from his father. The title page and back endpaper contain additional ownership inscriptions from the above writer and his brothers, Yosef and Moshe, from the 1710s-1720s. R. Shmuel son of R. Shlomo HaKohen Chazan of Brody was a disciple of the kabbalist R. Moshe son of R. Menachem Graf of Prague, and his glosses were incorporated in his teacher's book Vayakhel Moshe (Dessau, 1699).
Other signatures and ownership inscriptions: "Shmuel son of David of Eisenstadt", "Gumprecht Melamed", and more.
[9], 2-16, 15-44, [2], 45-66 leaves. 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears, primarily marginal, affecting glosses in several places.
The book contains a kabbalistic commentary on Tractate Eichah by the kabbalist R. Avraham Galante, disciple of R. Moshe Cordovero. Passages of the Zohar on Eichah were printed at the beginning of the book.
The present copy contains hundreds of glosses, including many lengthy glosses, in Ashkenazic script typical of the 17th-18th centuries. These glosses form a complete composition of kabbalistic novellae, allusions and secrets, from an unidentified author who was evidently a great kabbalist. This composition of glosses contains much original material, and to the best of our research, has never been published.
Ownership inscription on p. [9b] by R. Chaim son of R. Shmuel HaKohen Chazan of Brody, dated 1722, attesting that he inherited this book from his father. The title page and back endpaper contain additional ownership inscriptions from the above writer and his brothers, Yosef and Moshe, from the 1710s-1720s. R. Shmuel son of R. Shlomo HaKohen Chazan of Brody was a disciple of the kabbalist R. Moshe son of R. Menachem Graf of Prague, and his glosses were incorporated in his teacher's book Vayakhel Moshe (Dessau, 1699).
Other signatures and ownership inscriptions: "Shmuel son of David of Eisenstadt", "Gumprecht Melamed", and more.
[9], 2-16, 15-44, [2], 45-66 leaves. 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears, primarily marginal, affecting glosses in several places.
Category
Books with Signatures and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $500
Estimate: $800 - $1,200
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Yavin Shemuah, commentary by R. Nissim Shlomo Algazi on the book Halichot Olam by R. Yeshuah HaLevi; and Talmudic methodology by R. Yosef Karo. Venice: Giovanni Martinelli for Giovanni Vendramin, 1639.
Lengthy glosses in Ashkenazic script, by an unidentified writer.
Signatures on the title page: "Shalom Branach"[?], "Menachem Hager". Stamps of the "old and new" kloiz of Hamburg. Ownership inscription on the penultimate leaf: "Acquired with my money, Yaakov Aboab di Ambu[rgo]" (=of Hamburg) – the signatory may be from the family of R. Shmuel Aboab Rabbi of Venice, author of Devar Shmuel, who originated from Hamburg.
129, [16] leaves. Leaves 1-5 bound out of sequence. 29.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains (large stains to final leaves). Wear. Worming, affecting text. Minor marginal open tears to title page and to several other leaves, not affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Hole through some leaves, slightly affecting text. Old binding, damaged.
Lengthy glosses in Ashkenazic script, by an unidentified writer.
Signatures on the title page: "Shalom Branach"[?], "Menachem Hager". Stamps of the "old and new" kloiz of Hamburg. Ownership inscription on the penultimate leaf: "Acquired with my money, Yaakov Aboab di Ambu[rgo]" (=of Hamburg) – the signatory may be from the family of R. Shmuel Aboab Rabbi of Venice, author of Devar Shmuel, who originated from Hamburg.
129, [16] leaves. Leaves 1-5 bound out of sequence. 29.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains (large stains to final leaves). Wear. Worming, affecting text. Minor marginal open tears to title page and to several other leaves, not affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Hole through some leaves, slightly affecting text. Old binding, damaged.
Category
Books with Signatures and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $100
Estimate: $300 - $500
Sold for: $575
Including buyer's premium
Torat Chaim, novellae on the Talmud, by R. Avraham Chaim Schorr. Frankfurt an der Oder: Michel Gottschalk, [1734]. Fourth edition. Engraved title page depicting Moses and Aaron, King David, Jacob and the Angel, Jacob's ladder, and more.
Lengthy scholarly glosses are found on several leaves, mostly handwritten by R. Shmuel Berenstein Rabbi of Amsterdam (see Hebrew sidebar).
R. Shmuel Bernstein (1773-1839), leading Dutch rabbi. He was the son of R. Yissachar Berish Berenstein Rabbi of Hanover (son of the Pnei Aryeh and grandson of the Pnei Yehoshua), son-in-law of R. Yaakov Moshe Lowenstam Rabbi of Amsterdam. He served as rabbi of Groningen, Leeuwarden, and from 1815, of Amsterdam.
Some glosses in late script on the book pages and on the endpapers. The endpapers contain handwritten inscriptions and many signatures of family members and students of the yeshiva of R. Asher Anshel Weiss Rabbi of Nagyfalu (Nușfalău, Sălaj County, Transylvania), whose stamp appears on the title page.
[1], 103, 105-148 leaves. 32 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear and creases. Open tears to title page and several other leaves, slightly affecting border and text. Marginal paper repairs to title page. Worming, affecting text in several places. One endpaper detached. Old binding, damaged (tears to spine), partially detached.
Provenance: The present book was offered at an auction held by the Levisson-Proops company in Amsterdam, on December 16, 1907 – items from the estate of R. B. Berenstein Rabbi of The Hague. See auction catalog (titled Binah LeItim), p. 63, listing 1282.
Lengthy scholarly glosses are found on several leaves, mostly handwritten by R. Shmuel Berenstein Rabbi of Amsterdam (see Hebrew sidebar).
R. Shmuel Bernstein (1773-1839), leading Dutch rabbi. He was the son of R. Yissachar Berish Berenstein Rabbi of Hanover (son of the Pnei Aryeh and grandson of the Pnei Yehoshua), son-in-law of R. Yaakov Moshe Lowenstam Rabbi of Amsterdam. He served as rabbi of Groningen, Leeuwarden, and from 1815, of Amsterdam.
Some glosses in late script on the book pages and on the endpapers. The endpapers contain handwritten inscriptions and many signatures of family members and students of the yeshiva of R. Asher Anshel Weiss Rabbi of Nagyfalu (Nușfalău, Sălaj County, Transylvania), whose stamp appears on the title page.
[1], 103, 105-148 leaves. 32 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear and creases. Open tears to title page and several other leaves, slightly affecting border and text. Marginal paper repairs to title page. Worming, affecting text in several places. One endpaper detached. Old binding, damaged (tears to spine), partially detached.
Provenance: The present book was offered at an auction held by the Levisson-Proops company in Amsterdam, on December 16, 1907 – items from the estate of R. B. Berenstein Rabbi of The Hague. See auction catalog (titled Binah LeItim), p. 63, listing 1282.
Category
Books with Signatures and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $21,250
Including buyer's premium
Responsa Besamim Rosh, halachic responsa attributed to the Rosh and other prominent Rishonim, with the Kasa DeHarsena commentary by R. Shaul Berlin. Berlin, [1793]. First edition. Approbations by the author's father, R. Tzvi Hirsh Levin Rabbi of Berlin, and by the Noda BiYehuda.
This book was the focus of a great polemic, with the Torah leaders of the generation – R. Mordechai Banet, the Chatam Sofer, and others, claiming that the book is forged and its responsa were authored by the publisher R. Shaul Berlin, rather than by the Rosh, as claimed. The authenticity of the book remains disputed until this day (see Hebrew sidebar).
Special copy belonging to the author's father, R. Tzvi Hirsh Levin Rabbi of Berlin, with his glosses, typically signed "Tzava" (=Tzvi ben Aryeh, after which his book was titled Tzava Rav).
The present copy was presumably presented by the author as a gift to his father, and he had the following inscription lettered on the binding: "To my father… R. Tzvi Hirsch Rabbi of Berlin".
The book contains four glosses handwritten by R. Tzvi Hirsh Berlin, three of them signed (at the beginning) with his acronym: "Tzava".
R. Tzvi Hirsh valiantly defended his son against those who questioned the authenticity of the book, firmly asserting that the book was not forged (see Hebrew sidebar). In his glosses, R. Tzvi Hirsh discusses his son's words.
The gloss on p. 108b is of particular interest, as it relates to one of the responsa which was the focus of the polemic against the book – responsa 375, which permits travelling on Shabbat in a case where interrupting the journey would force the person to become a burden on the community and accept charity. Near this responsum, his father noted: "Tzava – Although this responsum seems strange, it is nevertheless Torah... but nowadays it will cause a Chilul Hashem... it is definitely forbidden".
Signature on the title page: "I acquired it from R. Leib son of R. Shaul for 1 Löwen Taler, Aryeh Leib Berlin" (the Leib mentioned here may be Aryeh Leib son of R. Shaul Berlin, who converted to Christianity. He may have inherited this copy from his grandfather, and later sold it).
[4], 110, [5] leaves. 32.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Detached leaves and gatherings. Inscriptions. Original binding with gilt lettering. Binding damaged, lacking spine and back board.
This book was the focus of a great polemic, with the Torah leaders of the generation – R. Mordechai Banet, the Chatam Sofer, and others, claiming that the book is forged and its responsa were authored by the publisher R. Shaul Berlin, rather than by the Rosh, as claimed. The authenticity of the book remains disputed until this day (see Hebrew sidebar).
Special copy belonging to the author's father, R. Tzvi Hirsh Levin Rabbi of Berlin, with his glosses, typically signed "Tzava" (=Tzvi ben Aryeh, after which his book was titled Tzava Rav).
The present copy was presumably presented by the author as a gift to his father, and he had the following inscription lettered on the binding: "To my father… R. Tzvi Hirsch Rabbi of Berlin".
The book contains four glosses handwritten by R. Tzvi Hirsh Berlin, three of them signed (at the beginning) with his acronym: "Tzava".
R. Tzvi Hirsh valiantly defended his son against those who questioned the authenticity of the book, firmly asserting that the book was not forged (see Hebrew sidebar). In his glosses, R. Tzvi Hirsh discusses his son's words.
The gloss on p. 108b is of particular interest, as it relates to one of the responsa which was the focus of the polemic against the book – responsa 375, which permits travelling on Shabbat in a case where interrupting the journey would force the person to become a burden on the community and accept charity. Near this responsum, his father noted: "Tzava – Although this responsum seems strange, it is nevertheless Torah... but nowadays it will cause a Chilul Hashem... it is definitely forbidden".
Signature on the title page: "I acquired it from R. Leib son of R. Shaul for 1 Löwen Taler, Aryeh Leib Berlin" (the Leib mentioned here may be Aryeh Leib son of R. Shaul Berlin, who converted to Christianity. He may have inherited this copy from his grandfather, and later sold it).
[4], 110, [5] leaves. 32.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Detached leaves and gatherings. Inscriptions. Original binding with gilt lettering. Binding damaged, lacking spine and back board.
Category
Books with Signatures and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Unsold
Maleh Ratzon, "to resolve all the difficulties in the Talmud", by R. Avraham Naftali Hirsch HaLevi Spitz Segal, rabbi of Worms and the region. Frankfurt am Main, [1710]. First edition. Approbation by R. Naftali Katz Rabbi of Frankfurt, author of Semichat Chachamim.
At the top of the title page, signature of R. Meir Yaakov Horowitz, son of the Haflaa: "G-d granted me this, Meir Yaakov son of R. Pinchas HaLevi Ish Horowitz". On same page, inscriptions of R. Hertz Wohl (presumably listed by Horowitz in Avnei Zikaron, Frankfurt am Main 1901, no. 3660, as prayer leader and beadle in Frankfurt, d. 1780) and of R. Itzek Fulda (presumably also from Frankfurt, see Avnei Zikaron no. 2494).
Inscription on the leaf following the title page, attesting to having received the book as wedding gift from R. Meir Yaakov.
Additional inscription on the following leaf, signed by Shmuel Sanvil.
R. Meir Yaakov Horowitz (1754-1780), son of the Haflaa and son-in-law of R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam. He passed away at the young age of 26, in his father's lifetime. His father published a collection of his novellae at the end of his book Haflaa on Ketubot (leaves 75-86), introducing them with the following words: "My late son and disciple… who was summoned to the Heavenly yeshiva at the age of 26, and he was filled with Torah and fear of G-d, exceptional in his sharpness and erudition, and he asked me before his passing to publish some of his novellae…". Other novellae he authored were published at the end of the book Machaneh Levi by his brother, printed together with the book HaMikneh.
[2], 4; 97 [i.e. 99]; 40, 42-43, 45-114; 7, 9-10; 13, [1] leaves. Lacking leaves 41 and 44 of third sequence. Leaves 49-50 of second sequence bound out of order. 30 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, tears and wear. Worming to several leaves, affecting text. Binding damaged, lacking spine, and detached.
At the top of the title page, signature of R. Meir Yaakov Horowitz, son of the Haflaa: "G-d granted me this, Meir Yaakov son of R. Pinchas HaLevi Ish Horowitz". On same page, inscriptions of R. Hertz Wohl (presumably listed by Horowitz in Avnei Zikaron, Frankfurt am Main 1901, no. 3660, as prayer leader and beadle in Frankfurt, d. 1780) and of R. Itzek Fulda (presumably also from Frankfurt, see Avnei Zikaron no. 2494).
Inscription on the leaf following the title page, attesting to having received the book as wedding gift from R. Meir Yaakov.
Additional inscription on the following leaf, signed by Shmuel Sanvil.
R. Meir Yaakov Horowitz (1754-1780), son of the Haflaa and son-in-law of R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam. He passed away at the young age of 26, in his father's lifetime. His father published a collection of his novellae at the end of his book Haflaa on Ketubot (leaves 75-86), introducing them with the following words: "My late son and disciple… who was summoned to the Heavenly yeshiva at the age of 26, and he was filled with Torah and fear of G-d, exceptional in his sharpness and erudition, and he asked me before his passing to publish some of his novellae…". Other novellae he authored were published at the end of the book Machaneh Levi by his brother, printed together with the book HaMikneh.
[2], 4; 97 [i.e. 99]; 40, 42-43, 45-114; 7, 9-10; 13, [1] leaves. Lacking leaves 41 and 44 of third sequence. Leaves 49-50 of second sequence bound out of order. 30 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, tears and wear. Worming to several leaves, affecting text. Binding damaged, lacking spine, and detached.
Category
Books with Signatures and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $200
Estimate: $300 - $500
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Responsa Keter Kehunah, by R. Yitzchak Avraham Katz of Pinchov (Pińczów; descendant of R. Shabtai Kohen, the Shach). [Zhovkva]: Avraham Yehuda Leib of Svirzh, [1805]. First edition.
The title page states "Part I", yet no other parts were printed. An exchange of halachic letters regarding an agunah the Maggid of Kozhnitz permitted to remarry was printed in section 76, with two responsa by the Maggid of Kozhnitz, a responsum by R. Pinchas Horowitz author of the Haflaa, and a responsum by the author.
Signatures and inscriptions on the title page, including two signatures of R. Shlomo Baruch Tenenbaum of Stropkov (1809-1891), disciple of Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz. He served as posek in Zborov and head of the Stropkov Beit Din. R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shinova wished to appoint him as rebbe, but he refused.
Many stamps of R. Naftali Teitelbaum Rabbi of Nyírbátor (1867-1928), leading Hungarian rabbi and head of the Orthodox Bureau (in Budapest).
[1], 77 leaves. 36 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear. Tears, including marginal tears to title page (not affecting text), and minor open tear affecting text in one place. Worming, affecting text in several places. Leaves trimmed with minor damage to text in several places. Old binding, worn and damaged.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 248.
The title page states "Part I", yet no other parts were printed. An exchange of halachic letters regarding an agunah the Maggid of Kozhnitz permitted to remarry was printed in section 76, with two responsa by the Maggid of Kozhnitz, a responsum by R. Pinchas Horowitz author of the Haflaa, and a responsum by the author.
Signatures and inscriptions on the title page, including two signatures of R. Shlomo Baruch Tenenbaum of Stropkov (1809-1891), disciple of Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz. He served as posek in Zborov and head of the Stropkov Beit Din. R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shinova wished to appoint him as rebbe, but he refused.
Many stamps of R. Naftali Teitelbaum Rabbi of Nyírbátor (1867-1928), leading Hungarian rabbi and head of the Orthodox Bureau (in Budapest).
[1], 77 leaves. 36 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear. Tears, including marginal tears to title page (not affecting text), and minor open tear affecting text in one place. Worming, affecting text in several places. Leaves trimmed with minor damage to text in several places. Old binding, worn and damaged.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 248.
Category
Books with Signatures and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $800
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Mizbach Kaparah – Shitah Mekubetzet on Tractates Zevachim and Bechorot; novellae of the Ramban on Tractate Chullin; novellae and homiletics (titled Ronu LeYaakov), by R. Yaakov Fitoussi; glosses and comments (titled Mizbe'ach Chadash), by R. Yosef Shaul HaLevi Nathansohn. Lviv, 1861.
Copy of the kabbalist R. Yitchak Eizik Weisz of Svaliava, with his glosses. His signature appears at the top of the title page: "Yitzchak Eizik Weisz", with his stamp in Hebrew and Hungarian. The book contains several glosses in his handwriting.
R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz (1824-1894), rabbi of Svaliava and later head of the Munkacs Beit Din, author of Beit Yitzchak. He was the prime teacher of his nephew, R. Yosef Meir Weisz, first Rebbe of Spinka, author of Imrei Yosef. Born in Munkacs to R. Avraham Weisz (who was like a son to R. Yitzchak Eizik of Kaliv). R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz was a progenitor of Chassidism in Transylvania in the mid-19th century, and the disciple of foremost rebbes: Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov author of Bnei Yissaschar, Rebbe Yehuda Tzvi of Rozdil author of Daat Kedoshim (book compiled by his disciple R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz), Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik of Zidichov (who acclaimed him as one of the "sixty mighty men surrounding him", and relied upon him to edit his writings in Chassidut and Kabbalah). He also visited the courts of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Chaim of Kosov, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Rimanov and Rebbe Meir of Premishlan. His son-in-law was Rebbe Elimelech Lőwy, son of the first Rebbe of Tosh R. Meshulam Feish Lőwy. The Maharshag, R. Shimon Grünfeld Rabbi of Szemihály described R. Yitzchak Eizik: "and I knew that he was a great Kabbalist, almost unique in the country in this wisdom" (Responsa Maharshag, part I, Orach Chaim section 30). From his large collection of writings, only the following were published: Toldot Yitzchak on the Torah, Divrei Yitzchak, and Beit Yitzchak on Tractate Megillah.
Signatures and stamps of "Yosef Epstein of Svaliava"; "Yosef Epstein Sofer and maggid in Satmar".
[2], 59, [2]; 21 leaves. 36 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Original binding, damaged and worn.
Copy of the kabbalist R. Yitchak Eizik Weisz of Svaliava, with his glosses. His signature appears at the top of the title page: "Yitzchak Eizik Weisz", with his stamp in Hebrew and Hungarian. The book contains several glosses in his handwriting.
R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz (1824-1894), rabbi of Svaliava and later head of the Munkacs Beit Din, author of Beit Yitzchak. He was the prime teacher of his nephew, R. Yosef Meir Weisz, first Rebbe of Spinka, author of Imrei Yosef. Born in Munkacs to R. Avraham Weisz (who was like a son to R. Yitzchak Eizik of Kaliv). R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz was a progenitor of Chassidism in Transylvania in the mid-19th century, and the disciple of foremost rebbes: Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov author of Bnei Yissaschar, Rebbe Yehuda Tzvi of Rozdil author of Daat Kedoshim (book compiled by his disciple R. Yitzchak Eizik Weisz), Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik of Zidichov (who acclaimed him as one of the "sixty mighty men surrounding him", and relied upon him to edit his writings in Chassidut and Kabbalah). He also visited the courts of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Chaim of Kosov, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Rimanov and Rebbe Meir of Premishlan. His son-in-law was Rebbe Elimelech Lőwy, son of the first Rebbe of Tosh R. Meshulam Feish Lőwy. The Maharshag, R. Shimon Grünfeld Rabbi of Szemihály described R. Yitzchak Eizik: "and I knew that he was a great Kabbalist, almost unique in the country in this wisdom" (Responsa Maharshag, part I, Orach Chaim section 30). From his large collection of writings, only the following were published: Toldot Yitzchak on the Torah, Divrei Yitzchak, and Beit Yitzchak on Tractate Megillah.
Signatures and stamps of "Yosef Epstein of Svaliava"; "Yosef Epstein Sofer and maggid in Satmar".
[2], 59, [2]; 21 leaves. 36 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Original binding, damaged and worn.
Category
Books with Signatures and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $300
Estimate: $500 - $1,000
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Sefer Yetzirah, attributed to Avraham Avinu, with four commentaries: R. Saadiah Gaon, R. Eliezer of Worms, the Ramban and the Raavad. [Mantua: Jacob Kohen of Gazolo, 1562. First edition]. Kabbalistic diagrams and charts.
Signature at the top of the first leaf: " Chaim Rabbi of Liska".
Rebbe Chaim Friedlander – rabbi of Liska (d. 1904), son of R. Moshe Friedlander Rabbi of Kleinwardein, and son-in-law of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska author of Ach Pri Tevuah. He succeeded his father-in-law as rabbi and rebbe of Liska in 1874, a position he held for thirty years. He authored Tal Chaim on the Talmud, and Tal Chaim UVracha on the Torah.
Various inscriptions on the endpapers, including interesting inscriptions regarding zodiac signs and planets. Signature: "Moshe Frey" (perhaps R. Moshe Frey Rabbi of Negyed, grandson of the Ktav Sofer, or one of his family members).
Sefer Yetzirah includes several diagrams designed for the addition of moveable parts (volvelles), for calculating Holy Name combinations. The moveable parts were printed on a separate plate, for the reader to cut out and assemble. This plate, and the moveable parts, are missing from most extant copies of the book, and from this copy as well (see Kedem Auction 51, item 44).
Incomplete copy. 2-52, 54-55, 61-64, 69-88, [88-89, i.e. 92-93], 95-104, [1] leaves. (Originally: 105 leaves; [1] leaves. Altogether lacking 16 leaves: title page and leaves 53, 56-60, 65-68, 89-91, 94, and [1] plate of volvelles [see above]). 18 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming. Tears and open tears, affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Some leaves trimmed close to text. Inscriptions. Signatures and stamps. Old leather binding, damaged.
Signature at the top of the first leaf: " Chaim Rabbi of Liska".
Rebbe Chaim Friedlander – rabbi of Liska (d. 1904), son of R. Moshe Friedlander Rabbi of Kleinwardein, and son-in-law of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska author of Ach Pri Tevuah. He succeeded his father-in-law as rabbi and rebbe of Liska in 1874, a position he held for thirty years. He authored Tal Chaim on the Talmud, and Tal Chaim UVracha on the Torah.
Various inscriptions on the endpapers, including interesting inscriptions regarding zodiac signs and planets. Signature: "Moshe Frey" (perhaps R. Moshe Frey Rabbi of Negyed, grandson of the Ktav Sofer, or one of his family members).
Sefer Yetzirah includes several diagrams designed for the addition of moveable parts (volvelles), for calculating Holy Name combinations. The moveable parts were printed on a separate plate, for the reader to cut out and assemble. This plate, and the moveable parts, are missing from most extant copies of the book, and from this copy as well (see Kedem Auction 51, item 44).
Incomplete copy. 2-52, 54-55, 61-64, 69-88, [88-89, i.e. 92-93], 95-104, [1] leaves. (Originally: 105 leaves; [1] leaves. Altogether lacking 16 leaves: title page and leaves 53, 56-60, 65-68, 89-91, 94, and [1] plate of volvelles [see above]). 18 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming. Tears and open tears, affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Some leaves trimmed close to text. Inscriptions. Signatures and stamps. Old leather binding, damaged.
Category
Books with Signatures and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part II - The Leo Rapaport Collection
May 24, 2022
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Toldot Adam VeChava and Sefer Mesharim – halachot by Rabbenu Yerucham of Provence. [Constantinople, 1516]. First edition.
Colophon on leaf 272 (at the end of Toldot Adam VeChava): "These two parts were completed… in Adar 1516, and printed in Constantinople...". Colophon on final leaf (at the end of Sefer Mesharim): "This book was completed on 15th Av 1516, and was printed in Constantinople, under the rule of our master the king, His Majesty Sultan Selim…".
The title page and colophon feature a lion rampant – printer's device of Yehuda Sasson, who printed books in the press of the Nahmias brothers in Constantinople (see: Yaari, Diglei HaMadpisim HaIvriim, Jerusalem 1944, no. 8; p. 7 and p. 126).
This book was not published as a complete unit, but rather in separate booklets distributed to buyers every Shabbat in the synagogues, as was customary in Constantinople at that time (see: Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeKushta, Jerusalem 1967, p. 14 and p. 103, no. 145. A halachic debate arose amongst the Constantinople rabbis who opposed this practice). It is therefore rare to find complete copies.
Signatures and inscriptions on title page, including: "Avraham Lattes" (possibly R. Avraham Lattes Rabbi of Venice); "Moshe Herzfeld" – R. Moshe Herzfeld Rabbi of Szilas-Bolhas (Mezőszilas), disciple of the Chatam Sofer and son-in-law of R. Daniel Prostitz (HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 348-349).
Signatures (in pencil) in several places: "Shlomo Mohr", "Shlomo son of R. Naftali Mohr" – R. Shlomo Mohr-Rosenthal of Pest (Budapest), a highly influential figure in Hungary who was in close contact with the Chatam Sofer on current affairs (Ishim BiTeshuvot HaChatam Sofer, p. 370).
Inscription in Italian script (trimmed) on final leaf, attesting that the book was given by R. Shlomo Nechemiah Montagnana as a collateral.
Several lengthy glosses in Sephardic script, from several writers (some trimmed). Several glosses in Italian script (mostly trimmed).
272, [14]; 122 leaves. 26.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming and some tears, with almost no damage to text (open tear on one leaf, slightly affecting text; minor damage to handwritten gloss on another leaf). Marginal paper repairs to title page and several other leaves. Leaves trimmed with damage to heading in one place. Non-original binding, with tears and damage.
Colophon on leaf 272 (at the end of Toldot Adam VeChava): "These two parts were completed… in Adar 1516, and printed in Constantinople...". Colophon on final leaf (at the end of Sefer Mesharim): "This book was completed on 15th Av 1516, and was printed in Constantinople, under the rule of our master the king, His Majesty Sultan Selim…".
The title page and colophon feature a lion rampant – printer's device of Yehuda Sasson, who printed books in the press of the Nahmias brothers in Constantinople (see: Yaari, Diglei HaMadpisim HaIvriim, Jerusalem 1944, no. 8; p. 7 and p. 126).
This book was not published as a complete unit, but rather in separate booklets distributed to buyers every Shabbat in the synagogues, as was customary in Constantinople at that time (see: Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeKushta, Jerusalem 1967, p. 14 and p. 103, no. 145. A halachic debate arose amongst the Constantinople rabbis who opposed this practice). It is therefore rare to find complete copies.
Signatures and inscriptions on title page, including: "Avraham Lattes" (possibly R. Avraham Lattes Rabbi of Venice); "Moshe Herzfeld" – R. Moshe Herzfeld Rabbi of Szilas-Bolhas (Mezőszilas), disciple of the Chatam Sofer and son-in-law of R. Daniel Prostitz (HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 348-349).
Signatures (in pencil) in several places: "Shlomo Mohr", "Shlomo son of R. Naftali Mohr" – R. Shlomo Mohr-Rosenthal of Pest (Budapest), a highly influential figure in Hungary who was in close contact with the Chatam Sofer on current affairs (Ishim BiTeshuvot HaChatam Sofer, p. 370).
Inscription in Italian script (trimmed) on final leaf, attesting that the book was given by R. Shlomo Nechemiah Montagnana as a collateral.
Several lengthy glosses in Sephardic script, from several writers (some trimmed). Several glosses in Italian script (mostly trimmed).
272, [14]; 122 leaves. 26.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming and some tears, with almost no damage to text (open tear on one leaf, slightly affecting text; minor damage to handwritten gloss on another leaf). Marginal paper repairs to title page and several other leaves. Leaves trimmed with damage to heading in one place. Non-original binding, with tears and damage.
Category
Early Books and Miscellanea
Catalogue