Auction 88 - Part I - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
Chiddushei Shnei HaMeorot, novellae on the writings of the Rambam and the Ramban in Sefer HaMitzvot, by R. Shneur Feivish son of R. Menachem of Bolekhiv. Constantinople, [1749].
An inscription in Sephardic script appears at the top of the title page. The first line of the inscription is missing, due to the trimming of the upper margin. The second line reads: "Avraham Gershon Kitover". Apparently, the book belonged to R. Avraham Gershon of Kitov, the famous brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov and a leading kabbalist. Possibly, the book was given to him by the author himself, R. Shneur Feivish of Bolekhiv, an Ashkenazi scholar in Jerusalem and emissary of the Ashkenazi community at the time R. Gershon resided in Jerusalem. Calligraphic signature on title page: "Shlomo Halegua" (his signature appears on the last page as well: "Salomon Halegua").
[1], 35 leaves. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, mostly to margins. Tears and damage to several leaves, slightly affecting text in some places. Tape repairs to inner margins of title page and several other leaves. Top margins trimmed with damage and loss to headings. Bottom margins trimmed with loss of text on verso of title page. New leather binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Divrei Agur, principles and rules of Hebrew grammar, by R. Yaakov Finzi. Venice: Zuan (Giovanni) di Gara, [1605]. Only edition.
Copy of Rebbe Nachum Dov Ber Friedman of Sadigura (d. 1883), grandson of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, with his stamps on the title page.
Signature of R. Avraham Chai Mussafia, Torah scholar of Turkey and Jerusalem, author of Tehillah LeDavid on Tehillim.
16 leaves. 13 cm. Good condition. Stains, including yellow stains to lower margins. Leaves trimmed with damage to catchwords. Fine new leather binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Tosafei HaRosh, on Tractates Yevamot and Ketubot. Livorno, [1776].
Copy of Rebbe Nachum Dov Ber of Sadigura (d. 1883), grandson of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, with his stamps on the title page. Emendations and brief glosses in several places.
[2], 59; 4, 65-97 leaves. 29.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. New binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Responsa Tzemach Tzedek, Even HaEzer, Part I, responsa on agunot, weddings and marriage, by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Vilna, 1870. First edition.
Two title pages at beginning of the book; title and imprint printed in gold. Separate title page for laws of weddings.
Stamps of Rebbe Yehoshua Asher Rabinowitz of Porisov-Otwosk (d. Tishrei 1937) on the first title page and other leaves.
[2], 147; [1], 82, [1] leaves. Leaves 95-96 bound out of sequence. 35 cm. Most leaves in good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Minor wear. Minor marginal tears to title page and several other leaves, slightly affecting text on final leaf (with paper repairs). Minor worming. Many stamps and handwritten inscriptions. Original leather binding, worn and damaged, partially detached. Initials lettered in gilt in corner of front board.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Tiferet HaTzvi, composition on Tractate Beitzah and novellae on the laws of Yoreh Deah, by R. Uziel Meisels of Ritshvol (Ryczywół), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. Zhovkva, 1803. First edition.
Copy of R. Meir Shapiro of Lublin, dean of the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva and founder of the Daf HaYomi. His stamps appear on the title page and front flyleaf: "Meir Shapiro Rabbi of Piotrkow".
Stamps of the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva library.
On the title page, stamp (over the stamps of R. Meir Shapiro) of R. Moshe Nachum Yerushalimski Rabbi of Kielce (1855-1916), a leading Halachic authority in his generation, who corresponded already in his youth with prominent Torah scholars of the time, such as the Shoel UMeshiv, R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn.
[2], 29; 16 leaves. Originally, 29 leaves bound at end of book (order of two works exchanged). 36.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and minor wear. Minor marginal tears to first two leaves. Minor tears and damage to last leaf, slightly affecting text. Minor worming, occasionally affecting text. Several leaves trimmed close to text, affecting headings and catchwords. Stamps. New binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Two responsa works by leading Galician Torah scholars, bound together:
• Kochav MiYaakov, Responsa by R. Yaakov Weidenfeld Rabbi of Hrymailiv. Biłgoraj: R. Nata Kronenberg, 1933. First edition, published by the author's sons.
• Imrei David, responsa by R. David HaLevi Ish Horowitz Rabbi of Stanislav. Biłgoraj: R. Nata Kronenberg, 1934. Only edition, published by the author.
Many stamps of R. David Dov Berish Meisels Rabbi of Ujhel on the title pages and leaves of both books.
R. David Dov Meisels Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely; 1875 – perished in the Holocaust 1944), leading Chassidic rabbi in Hungary. Son-in-law and successor of R. Moshe Yosef Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel (son of the Yitav Lev).
[1], 99 leaves; [1], 2-8; 108 leaves. 31.5 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Minor tears. Old cloth binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Two letters addressed to R. Avraham, rabbi of Tshechnov (Ciechanów), from his sons:
• Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf. Strikov (Stryków), 21st Adar 1860.
In this letter, R. Ze'ev Wolf informs his father of his projected journey to his son's wedding, via Tshechnov. He relates that his wife will not travel with them due to her poor health.
• Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Dov Berish. Biala (Biała Podlaska), Tishrei 1865.
In this letter, R. Dov Berish informs his father of the purchase of a house in Biala, and of the match arranged for his son R. Aharon Tzvi.
Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf Landau of Strikov (1807-1891), close disciple of Rebbe Mendele of Kotsk and the Chiddushei HaRim. In 1866, following the passing of the Chiddushei HaRim, most of the Chassidim recognized Rebbe Chanoch Heinich of Alexander as their rebbe, but a small part began frequenting the court of R. Ze'ev Wolf's father, the rabbi of Tshechnov. In 1878, following his father's passing, R. Ze'ev Wolf was appointed rebbe, with thousands of Chassidim accepting his authority and leadership, which followed the Kotsk style.
Rebbe Dov Berish Landau of Biala (1820-1876), a disciple of his illustrious father, and a Chassid who cleaved to Rebbe Yitzchak of Warka and his son Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Warka. The latter would speak sparingly, and it was his leading disciple, R. Dov Berish, who would explain the depth of his teacher's intent in his concise words. In 1868, the rebbe of Warka passed away, and most of his Chassidim went over to follow R. Dov Berish, appointing him as their rebbe.
2 letters (each on a folded leaf). Approx. 21 cm. With address inscribed on back leaf of each letter. Folding marks.
Provenance: Prominent private collection, New York. Acquired at Kedem, auction 48, item 48.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Letter signed by Rebbe "Yitzchak Yaakov son of R. Natan David". Biala (Biała Podlaska, Poland), 1886.
Letter of good year wishes, with blessings for "children, life and sustenance, perfect health… a good and sweet year, a life of satisfaction, joyous heart, and peace of mind for Torah study and worship of G-d…".
The first Rebbe of Biala – R. Yitzchak Yaakov Rabinowitz (1847–1905), a leading Polish rebbe. He was the son of Rebbe Natan David of Shidlovtsa, who was the grandson of the Yid HaKadosh, R. Yitzchak Yaakov of Peshischa. Already as a young child, he stood out for his exceptional intellectual capacities and his exalted soul. In 1873, he succeeded his father-in-law Rebbe Yehoshua of Ostrova-Lentsha as rebbe, with a following of thousands of Chassidim. Many flocked to his court, which later relocated to Biala.
He was accepted and revered by all the great Chassidic leaders of Poland. His teachings were published in the Divrei Binah and Yishrei Lev series.
[1] leaf. Written by a scribe, with the rebbe's signature. 20 cm. Good condition. Dry paper. Filing holes and minor wear to folds.
Provenance: Prominent private collection, New York. Acquired at Kedem, auction 48, item 49.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Lengthy letter (3 large pages) handwritten by the first rebbe of Slonim, R. Avraham Weinberg author of Yesod HaAvodah. [Slonim], Thursday Taanit Esther [after 1875].
Letter to Slonim Chassidim who immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Tiberias. Most of the letter comprises a profound, in-depth Chassidic kabbalistic essay, regarding Purim and the obliteration of Amalek. With blessings at the beginning and end of the letter. The Chassidic essay was published (with minor variations) in his book Yesod HaAvodah, without the letter opening and parts of the conclusion (which are presumably unpublished).
[1] double leaf (3 written pages). Approx. 32 cm. Fair condition. Large open tears, affecting text and signature, repaired with paper.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Lot 237 Letter Signed by Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky of Hornostaipil, Son-in-Law of the Divrei Chaim
Letter signed by Rebbe "Mordechai Dov son of R. M.Z." [Hornostaipil, ca. 1890s].
Request to interrupt the sale process of a house.
Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky (Chanukah 1839–Elul 1903), son of R. Meshulam Zusha of Tlumach and son-in-law of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. In 1863, he was appointed rebbe and rabbi of Hornostaipil, and many Chassidim began flocking to his court. He later became one of the most prominent rebbes in Russia. He was also renowned as a foremost halachic authority of his times, and exchanged halachic correspondence with leading rabbis in his country and beyond.
[1] leaf. Written by a scribe, with the rebbe's signature. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Minor creases.
Provenance: Prominent private collection, New York. Acquired at Kedem, auction 48, item 50.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Postcard with letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Chaim Elazar Shapira, the Minchat Elazar. Munkacs, [1932].
Addressed to his relative R. David Perkowitz in Jerusalem. The letter is very concise, written with many acronyms, and signed by the rebbe.
On the verso of the postcard, there is a long letter from the rebbe's attendant, R. Chaim Dov Gross, writing on behalf of the rebbe. He confirms the receipt of the kvittel and tzitzit from Eretz Israel, and relays the rebbe's blessings for an easy pregnancy and birth.
Rebbe Chaim Elazar Shapira Rabbi of Munkacs (1872-1937) was a leading Torah scholar, halachic authority, rebbe and kabbalist in his generation. Author of Minchat Elazar and many other Torah works.
Postcard. 15X10.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, creases and wear.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Eliezer Hager of Vizhnitz. Tel Aviv, Shevat 1946.
Letter of recommendation, in which the rebbe asks in the name of his brother-in-law the Kopycznitzer Rebbe to employ the bearer of this letter in one of his factories, preferably in Jerusalem, since he is an expert in that field.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 9 autograph lines. Approx. 17 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.