Auction 88 - Part I - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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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.
Lengthy letter (2 pages, unsigned), handwritten by Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, rabbi of Satmar. [Satmar, ca. 1930s].
Presumably addressed to a contemporary rebbe, whom we were not able to identify. R. Yoel describes the plight of a Torah scholar from Satmar imprisoned in Kraków, stressing the importance of providing support for his unfortunate family both for living expenses and to secure his release. R. Yoel also asks the recipient to pray for this Torah scholar, and involve others who can provide assistance.
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 23.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Dampstains and creases.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Letter of wedding wishes, signed by Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar. New York [ca. 1940s].
Addressed to R. Shalom Ozer Braun, on the occasion of his daughter's wedding.
The letter is written by a scribe, with the concluding line handwritten and signed by Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Folding marks with minor tears, repaired in part with sellotape.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Three letters handwritten and signed by Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Rosenbaum of Kretchnif. [Kiryat Ata?], 1970-1972.
Letters of guidance in worship of G-d addressed to his chassidim, and a letter regarding the battle of an association of shochetim.
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Rosenbaum of Kretchnif (1912-2006), served as rebbe in Sighet, Kiryat Ata and Jerusalem. Renowned for the wonders he performed with his heartfelt prayers.
3 letters on official stationery. Approx. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and tape stains.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Letter signed by Rebbe Pinchas Menachem Alter. [Tel Aviv?], Av 1972.
Typewritten, with the rebbe's hand signature. Addressed to R. Yaakov Landau Rabbi of Bnei Brak, in appreciation for his efforts to strengthen Torah observance and raise the stature of the Orthodox community in Bnei Brak, by including the Agudath Yisrael party in the municipal elections.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 22.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Filing holes.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Two documents of Rebbe Yaakov Leiser (R. Yankele) of Pshevorsk, with his pictures and signatures.
1. Certificate issued by the Belgian delegation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for Rebbe Yaakov Leiser. Brussels (Belgium), May 1958. French.
The certificate includes the rebbe's details, his name and date of birth, and more; with his picture and his signature in Latin characters. Official signature and stamp.
11 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
2. Titre de Voyage (Travel document) issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Commerce, for Rebbe Yaakov Leiser. Brussels, 6th January 1982. French and Dutch.
The document includes the rebbe's details: name, place and date of birth (Rogach, Poland; 23 December 1906), physical description, profession, address, name of spouse (Glanz Alta – Rebbetzin Alta Bina, daughter of Rebbe Moshe Yitzchak Gevirzman, first rebbe of Pshevorsk).
The rebbe's picture appears on p. 3, with his signature in Latin characters. Official ink stamp.
The document includes entry visas to Austria, England, United States and Holland, with many stamps and inscriptions from the rebbe's various trips.
Approx. 14.5 cm. Good condition.
Rebbe Yaakov Leiser (R. Yankele; (1906-1998), second rebbe of Pshevorsk. Succeeded his father-in-law as rebbe in Antwerp, Belgium.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Elchanan Halpern, prominent London rabbi. [London?], Adar II 1989.
Addressed to R. Yehuda Meir Abramowicz, general secretary of Agudat Yisrael. It appears from the letter that the latter had asked R. Halpern, who was accepted in all circles, to attempt to restore peace between the various factions of Agudat Yisrael (in Tishrei that year, R. Shach split from Agudat Yisrael and founded the Degel HaTorah party, as part of his battle against Chabad).
R. Elchanan Halpern refers to the dispute aroused by R. Schach's opposition to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and writes that he sees no hope for reconciling the parties, one of the reasons being that it would be difficult to sway R. Shach. He also writes that it is inconceivable that a Chassidic rabbi should support a ban on the Chabad movement.
R. Elchanan Halpern (1921-2015), prominent London rabbi, rabbi of the Golders Green neighborhood for over seventy years. President of the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 24.5 cm. Good condition.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.