Auction 89 - Rare and Important Items
Copy of Rebbetzin Chava Teitelbaum – first wife of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, rabbi of Satmar (the rebbe may have also used the siddur over the years).
Inscriptions in Hebrew on the endpapers: "Chava Teitelbaum", and various inscriptions in Latin characters: "Teutelbomm Joel Satu-Mare". On the title page and other leaves: stamps of a bookstore in Satmar.
Rebbetzin Chava Teitelbaum (ca. 1880s – 1936), daughter of R. Avraham Chaim Horowitz Rabbi of Polaniec (from the Rozvadov-Ropshitz dynasty). She married R. Yoel Teitelbaum in Shevat 1904 (several days before the passing of her father-in-law the Kedushat Yom Tov). The couple settled in Satmar, where her husband gathered an elite group of disciples and chassidim, whom he taught Torah and Chassidut. Her husband later served as rabbi of Orsheva (Irshava), Karoly (Carei; from 1925) and Satmar (from 1934), managing in each of these places a large yeshiva and Chassidic court. He stood at the helm of faithful, uncompromising Orthodox Jewry in the Maramureș region. Three daughters were born to the rebbe from his wife Rebbetzin Chava, all of which passed away in their father's lifetime without leaving descendants: the eldest, Esther, died in her youth in 1921. The second daughter, Rachel Teitelbaum, married her cousin R. Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum, rebbe of Sighet, and passed away at the age of twenty in 1931. The third daughter, Chaya Raizel, married her cousin the Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa Meyer-Teitelbaum of Sassov. She passed away in Cheshvan 1954 and was buried in the Tiberias cemetery.
[10], 15-18, 3-6 pages; 19, 22-30, 33-81; [1], 31, 33-54, 57-67, 70-219 leaves; [17] leaves, 32 pages; 16; 53; 13, 18-21 leaves. Misfoliation – presumably lacking some 22 leaves in various places; several leaves bound out of sequence. Approx. 20 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains and extensive wear. Open tears to many leaves (including large open tears), affecting text (repaired in part with tape). Lacking leaves. Stamps. New leather binding.
Copy of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar. Stamps of the rebbe on the title page and on several other leaves, from his tenures as rabbi of Karoly (Carei) and Orsheva (Irshava).
Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar (1887-1979), a leader of his generation, president of the Edah HaChareidit and leader of American Orthodox Jewry, one of the founding pillars of Chassidic Jewry after the Holocaust. Born in Sighet, he was the son of Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda, the Yitav Lev, who both served as rabbis of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației) and were leaders of Chassidic Jewry in the Maramureș region. He was renowned from his youth as a leading Torah scholar, for his perspicacity and intellectual capacities, as well as for his holiness and outstanding purity. After his marriage to the daughter of Rebbe Avraham Chaim Horowitz of Polaniec, he settled in Satmar and taught Torah and Chassidut to an elite group of disciples and followers. He served as rabbi of Irshava, Karoly (Carei; from 1925), and Satmar (Satu Mare; from 1934), managing in each of these places a large yeshiva and Chassidic court. He stood at the helm of faithful, uncompromising Orthodox Jewry in the Maramureș region. During the Holocaust, he was rescued through the famous Kastner Train, and after a journey through Bergen-Belsen, Switzerland and Eretz Israel, he reached the United States, where he established the largest Chassidic group in the world.
[1], 111, [2] leaves; [1], 24 leaves. 36 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, wear, creases and some tears. New leather binding. Leaves from other books enclosed (possibly also from the library of the rebbe of Satmar).
First rabbinic study of Eretz Israel and its borders. R. Eshtori son of R. Moshe HaParchi, a Spanish and Provençal Torah scholar in the times of the Ramban, who lived in and toured Eretz Israel for seven years, studied its sites and clarified its laws. This work is the primary source for those researching the borders of Eretz Israel according to the Torah, and for the study of the commandments pertaining to the land.
Important ownership – from the library of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar. On the front endpapers, stamps from his tenure as rabbi of Karoly (Carei). Many handwritten inscriptions on the endpapers, including inscriptions handwritten and signed by R. Tzvi Hirsh Heller, author of Tiv Gittin, rabbi of Bonyhád and Ungvar (Uzhhorod).
The book contains several glosses in early Ashkenazic-Italian script. Many signatures of "Leib Eisenstadt", and several glosses in his handwriting (two of them are signed – pp. 80b and 422b). The endpapers contain various inscriptions signed by R. Leib Eisenstadt, and signed by R. Tzvi Hirsh Heller: Inscription by R. Leib Eisenstadt from Adar 1826 in Vienna, regarding lending the book to the rabbi of Eisenstadt, with a request to return it with a reliable messenger before the end of the summer. Another inscription from Vienna, 18th Elul 1828, regarding lending the book for three months to the rabbi of Bonyhád. Followed by an inscription handwritten and signed by R. Tzvi Hirsh Heller, confirming that he received the book on the 26th Elul 1828. An additional inscription handwritten by R. Tzvi Hirsh Heller, dated Monday 24th Iyar 1834 in Alt-Ofen, attesting that he received the book from the heirs of the above-mentioned person (Ishim BiTeshuvot HaChatam Sofer, p. 349, states that R. Tzvi Hirsh Heller moved from Ungvar to Alt-Ofen in the middle of 1834 – he was apparently already there in Iyar).
R. Tzvi Hirsh Heller (1776-1835, Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, II, pp. 665-671), leading Hungarian rabbi, known as "R. Hirsh Charif" for his brilliance and perspicacity. He served as rabbi of Brigel, Galicia, and later as prominent yeshiva dean in Brody. He was compelled to flee the city after he was informed upon, reached Hungary, and served as rabbi of Bonyhád, Ungvar, and Alt-Ofen (Óbuda). He edified prominent disciples, including Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska and R. Shlomo Ganzfried author of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. He authored Chiddushei Tiv Gittin and other works.
Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar (1887-1979), a leader of his generation, president of the Edah HaChareidit and leader of American Orthodox Jewry, one of the founding pillars of Chassidic Jewry after the Holocaust. Born in Sighet, he was the son of Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda, the Yitav Lev, who both served as rabbis of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației) and were leaders of Chassidic Jewry in the Maramureș region. He was renowned from his youth as a leading Torah scholar, for his perspicacity and intellectual capacities, as well as for his holiness and outstanding purity. After his marriage to the daughter of Rebbe Avraham Chaim Horowitz of Polaniec, he settled in Satmar and taught Torah and Chassidut to an elite group of disciples and followers. He served as rabbi of Irshava, Karoly (Carei; from 1925), and Satmar (Satu Mare; from 1934), managing in each of these places a large yeshiva and Chassidic court. He stood at the helm of faithful, uncompromising Orthodox Jewry in the Maramureș region. During the Holocaust, he was rescued through the famous Kastner Train, and after a journey through Bergen-Belsen, Switzerland and Eretz Israel, he reached the United States, where he established the largest Chassidic group in the world.
2-24, 24-95, 95-109, 200-209, 300-309, 400-444, 444-447, [2] leaves. Lacking title page. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Marginal tears, open tears and wear. Marginal paper repairs to several leaves. Stamps, signatures and inscriptions by various writers. New leather binding.
Printer's colophon on final leaf. Date of printing according to A.M. Habermann, The Parenzo Printers in Venice, Aresheth, I, 1959, p. 69, no. 6.
Copy of Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Friedman of Shtefanesht (Stefáneşti), with his ink stamp (slightly faded) on the title page, depicting a lion in the center; an additional stamp of his (embossed) at the top of the title page.
The author was a great Chassidic leader in the generation of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and his brother R. Zusha of Anipoli, who held him in high esteem. The book bears many approbations extolling the great holiness of the book and its author, accorded by foremost Chassidic leaders such as R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Chozeh of Lublin, R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta and the Be'er Mayim Chaim.
The Chozeh of Lublin writes in his approbation: "…as a child, I subjected myself to his authority, and drank from his faithful waters, and I knew that all his matters were for the sake of Heaven only, to give satisfaction to G-d, and he was so elevated, that R. Moshe Alshech would appear to him…". Indeed, Or Pnei Moshe is based upon the teachings of R. Moshe Alshech, and it quotes him extensively, expounding upon his words. In their approbation (added to some copies of the book), the sons of R. Zusha of Anipoli quote a testimony from their great father, who described to them how the author composed this book, having observed him while he was studying, "and his appearance resembled that of a heavenly angel, and while he was writing his holy book, a tongue of flame would rise from his holy written words".
R. Moshe of Pshevorsk (1720?-1806) was renowned amongst the great Chassidic leaders as a supremely holy and pure Torah scribe. Tefillin and mezuzot he scribed were deemed exceptionally holy, and some were preserved from generation to generation with particular care. Reputedly, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk attested that he saw King David standing beside R. Moshe, and they thereafter became acquainted (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, p. 303). In a letter from R. Moshe to R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, he writes to him that the price of his tefillin is one red-gulden, yet he is unable to keep up with the demand. Many traditions and legends were recorded regarding this matter.
The rebbe of Shtefanest, Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Friedman (1848-1933, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 131-132), famous tzadik and wonder-worker. He was the son of Rebbe Nachum of Shtefanesht, son of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. He succeeded his father at the age of 21, and under his leadership, Shtefanesht grew to be an important Chassidic center. He served as rebbe for over 60 years. He was re-interred in Eretz Israel in the Nachalat Yitzchak cemetery, and his gravesite serves until this day as a pilgrimage destination for prayer and salvation.
Handwritten inscription on the title page: "Yeshaya son-in-law of R. Chaim M[--??]".
[2], 240 leaves. 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains, and dark stains to several leaves. Tears, including minor open tears (minor tear to title page), affecting text, repaired in part with tape. Minor worming, slightly affecting text. Abrasions and minor defects to several leaves, affecting text. Leaves trimmed with slight damage to text in several places. Inscriptions. New leather binding.
Without two additional leaves of approbations (leaves 3-4), added to some copies after the printing.
Copy of R. Mordechai Rokeach, the "Bilgorayer Rav", with his signature at the top of the title page: " Mordechai Rokeach son of the late rebbe of Belz".
R. Mordechai Rokeach, the "Bilgorayer Rav" (1901-1949, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut III, pp. 224-225), was the son of Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz. Following the death of his father, he was appointed rabbi of Biłgoraj, renouncing the position of rebbe to his older brother. During the Holocaust, after much wandering, he was reunited with his brother and they travelled together, eventually miraculously succeeding in reaching Eretz Israel. Upon their arrival, R. Mordechai became one of the most prominent figures in Eretz Israel and assisted his brother with the reestablishment of the Belz dynasty. In 1946, upon receiving word that his wife and children were murdered in the Holocaust, he remarried. He passed away shortly thereafter. His only son from that marriage, the current Rebbe of Belz, was born in Shevat 1948.
[3], 2-119 pages; 112 pages. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to final leaf and marginal tears to several leaves. New leather binding.
Copy of Rebbe Chaim Meir Hager of Vizhnitz. On first leaf, stamp from when he was living in Tel Aviv. Inscription (trimmed) under the stamp, dedicating the book to the rebbe. "I acquired it with my wealth… Chanoch Zundel son of Perel, and I gave it in honor of the rebbe…". On verso, inscription attesting to having received the book as wedding gift from the rebbe of Vizhnitz. Signatures: "Yisrael Yaakov Heilperin"; other stamps.
Rebbe Chaim Meir Hager, author of Imrei Chaim (1888-1972), second son and successor of the Ahavat Yisrael of Vizhnitz. He escaped the camps in 1944, returning to Grosswardein (Oradea) after the Holocaust. In 1947, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and established the Kiryat Vizhnitz neighborhood in Bnei Brak. He rebuilt the Vizhnitz Chassidic dynasty, and set up its institutions. He was one of the leaders of Orthodox Jewry in Eretz Israel, and a member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. His teachings were published in the Imrei Chaim series.
The author, R. Eliezer HaLevi Horowitz Rabbi of Tarnogród (d. 1806), a holy and eminent Torah scholar, disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and the Maggid of Zlotchov. In this book, he quotes numerous Torah thoughts from prominent and early Chassidic masters. The book bears 11 approbations by leaders of that generation, highlighting the holiness and asceticism of the author. The Chozeh of Lublin acclaims him in his approbation: "…all his ways were for the sake of Heaven... and he was very exceptional and unparalleled, whether in halachah or aggadah… and an exceptional orator…". The Maggid of Kozhnitz writes in his approbation: "and all the teachings in this book were established to instruct on the way of acquiring holiness and true humility".
Incomplete copy. [2], 34, 37-62, 65-102; 7-8, 11-22, 25-74 leaves. Lacking 20 leaves in various places: title page and second leaf, leaves 35-36, 63-64 of first sequence, and leaves 1-6, 9-10, 23-24, 75-76, [2] of second sequence. 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, affecting text. Tears, including large open tears to final two leaves, with significant damage to text, repaired with paper. Tape repairs to first leaf, over text. Leaves trimmed with damage to text in several places. Stamps. New binding.
Copy of Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch – signature and stamp of the rebbe on the title page: "Shalom Dov Ber Schneersohn"; "S.B.S.". Additional signature on leaf 2: "Shalom Dov Ber", and signature extending over leaf 7 of first sequence and leaf 7 of second sequence: "Shalom Dov Ber".
Rebbe Shalom Dov Ber Schneersohn – the Rashab of Lubavitch (1861-1920), fifth rebbe of the Chabad dynasty. A prominent leader of Russian Jewry. Son of Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch, and son-in-law of Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak of Ovruch (son of the Tzemach Tzedek). After the passing of his father the Maharash in Tishrei 1883, he at first refused to serve as rebbe, yet with time he began to lead the Chassidim, and in 1894 he was acting as rebbe in all senses. The Lubavitch Chassidut expanded considerably in his times. In 1897, the Rashab founded the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva in Lubavitch, and later opened several additional branches of the yeshiva in other towns. In 1916, during WWI, he fled Lubavitch together with the yeshiva students, and settled in Rostov, southwestern Russia. He lived there until his passing in Nissan 1920, and there he was buried.
Rebbe Rashab was one of the prominent leaders of Orthodox Jewry in Russia. He reached the peak of his communal activity at the famous rabbinical conference in St. Petersburg in 1910, and at the preliminary conference held in Vilna 1909, where his leadership abilities and great impact were revealed. He was completely devoted to the needs of the Jewish people and to improving its material and spiritual state. Rebbe Rashab was one of the first to fight the Zionist movement. His articulate and eloquent letter against Zionism, which was published in the book Or LaYesharim (Warsaw 1900), caused a great uproar at the time. His writings in Halachah were compiled in the book Torat Shalom (Brooklyn 2013). His profound Chassidic essays were published in twenty-nine volumes, in several editions. The Rashab also composed the famous booklets of guidance for the students of the Tomchei Temimim yeshivot: Etz HaChaim, Kuntress HaTefillah and Kuntress HaAvodah.
16; 296 pages. 27.5 cm. Dry paper. Good condition. Stains. Stamps. New binding.
Two parts in two volumes.
This edition was brought to print by R. Menachem Nachum, son of the Mitteler Rebbe, together with his brother-in-law R. Yekutiel Zalman, son-in-law of the Mitteler Rebbe and grandson of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
Some ten new discourses by the Baal HaTanya were printed for the first time in this edition of the siddur. The new discourses, which cover over 50 pages, are marked with inverted parentheses. The additions are mentioned on the title page: "With many additions… of holy teachings… which were not published in the previous siddur" [the Kopust 1816 edition].
Handwritten inscription on the final leaf of vol. I, prayer for the Redemption: "May it be G-d's will… that Mashiach should come speedily, and the secrets of kabbalah shall be unveiled, and this Torah and wisdom shall be exposed like a garment which is in plain view…". The inscription concludes with a signature (deleted and difficult to decipher). Deleted signature on title page of vol. I.
Two volumes. Vol. I: [3], 6-46, [1], 49-94, 93-100, 105-169 leaves. Vol. II: 162 leaves. 20.5 cm. Vol. I in good-fair condition, vol. II in fair condition. Stains. Dampstains and dark stains to vol. II. Open tears, affecting text in several places, repaired with paper (with handwritten replacement of several words on one leaf in vol. I). Large open tears to title page and final leaf of vol. II, affecting text, repaired with paper. Worming, affecting text. Extensive worming to vol. I, affecting text, repaired with paper (with handwritten text replacement). Marginal paper repairs to several leaves in vol. II. Leaves trimmed with damage to text in several places. New leather bindings.
With the signature of the Lubavitcher rebbe, Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, at the end of the book.
The following was written about this signature of the rebbe: "At the end of the month of Tishrei 1978, during private audiences with guests, the rebbe gave instructions to go to the office to receive a Tanya…These books were especially cherished because they bore the signature of the rebbe himself, on the book of the Tanya at its end…" (Kovetz L'Chizuk HaHitkashrut, 29, Tishrei 2010, p. 7).
[4], 167, [2], 169-216, [1] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. New (non-original) leather binding.
Responsa and commentaries – She'erit Yosef, by R. Yosef Katz, rabbi of Kraków (brother-in-law of the Rema). Kraków: Isaac Prostitz, [1590]. First edition.
Copy with glosses handwritten by the author (one of them signed), and many glosses by a contemporary Torah leader.
On p. 31b, at the end of the second paragraph, the author added in his handwriting: "This needs more study", and at the foot of the leaf he added a gloss (partially trimmed), signed: "so says Yosef" (in a handwriting identical to that of his full signature – see following item).
Over twenty lengthy, scholarly glosses in Ashkenazic script from the time of the printing (some trimmed). It is apparent that the writer was a Torah leader in the times of the author, however we were unable to conclusively identify the writer. In his glosses, he challenges the author without hesitation, even dismissing his words in sharp terms.
In a gloss on p. 26b (erroneously marked 28), the writer mentions his work, presumably a commentary on the Tur or on Shulchan Aruch: "…as I resolved it in my commentary".
The contents of this gloss parallel teachings of the Bach in his commentary on the Tur, in this section, as well as the Shach's comments in his work on the Shulchan Aruch. We were however unable to conclusively identify the writer.
Most the glosses are found in the novellae and commentary section (on the Mordechai and Tur Choshen Mishpat), apart from one other lengthy gloss on p. 9a, by the same writer.
[6], 5-92; 32 leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Good condition. Stains. Tears and worming to several leaves, slightly affecting text. Old binding, damaged.
The book opens with [2] leaves comprising 4 responsa added after the printing was completed. These leaves were presumably added to only a few copies (see: Y. Yudlov, Ginzei Yisrael, no. 724).
Rabbi Yosef Katz Author of She'erit Yosef – Brother-in-Law of the Rema, Leading Halachic Authority, Rabbi and Yeshiva Dean in Kraków
R. Yosef son of R. Mordechai Gershon Katz (ca. 1511-1591), rabbi of Kraków, brother-in-law of the Rema and leading Torah scholar in his times. He was appointed dayan in the Kraków Beit Din in 1541, as a young man. With time, he was promoted to the highest panel of the Beit Din, sitting alongside R. Moshe Segal Landau and R. Moshe Isserles – the Rema (author of HaMapah on the Shulchan Aruch). The Rema later became his brother-in-law when he married Kreindel, the sister of R. Yosef Katz (in 1542, after the passing of the first wife of the Rema, Golda daughter of R. Shachna of Lublin). At the end of a ruling from 1558 (section 78 in the present book, last responsum in the responsa section), the community scribe lists the three dayanim in the following order: R. Moshe Landau, R. Yosef Katz, and the Rema. The Rema, when referring to this ruling in one of his responsa (section 17, 2), humbly writes that he was included as third dayan by default – "I am the least of them"
Apart from his position as dayan, R. Yosef Katz served as yeshiva dean in Kraków, and after the passing of the Rema, he was recognized as the foremost Torah disseminator and community leader in Kraków. He was reputed throughout the Jewish world as an outstanding Torah scholar, posek and halachic authority, and even his brother-in-law the Rema took his rulings into consideration and accepted his teachings. Amongst the Torah leaders who sent R. Yosef Katz their rulings and asked for his opinion was the Maharshal, who despite being known as a resolute individual who would not flatter anyone, writes of him with admiration and self-effacement, describing his own teachings as the discussions of a student before his teacher. One of R. Yosef Katz's Torah enterprises was the publication of Sefer HaAgudah by R. Alexander Suslin HaKohen of Frankfurt, in Kraków 1571, after toiling to proofread and correct it based on an old manuscript he obtained. A year before his passing, R. Yosef Katz brought to print his book She'erit Yosef, comprising for the main part responsa, as well as novellae and commentaries on the Mordechai (on various tractates) and on Tur Choshen Mishpat. She'erit Yosef spread rapidly after its publication amongst the Torah scholars of the generation, who discuss the novellae and rulings found in the book and quote them in their works. These include his contemporaries (disciples of the Rema and the Maharsha) R. Binyamin Aharon Slonik in his book Mas'at Binyamin and R. Yehoshua Falk, the Sema, in his book Derisha UPerisha. R. Yoel Sirkis, the Bach, who succeeded him as rabbi of Kraków, mentions him in his work; followed by R. Shabtai Katz, the Shach, who discusses his teachings several times in his work on the Shulchan Aruch.
His contemporary, R. David Ganz of Prague (disciple of the Rema), describes R. Yosef Katz in his book Tzemach David as bearing four crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood, the crown of royalty and greatness, and the crown of a good name.
His epitaph reads: "…R. Yosef son of R. Mordechai Gershon Katz, rabbi and yeshiva dean here in Kraków for over fifty years…".
(For a detailed biography of R. Yosef Katz, see introduction by R. Moshe David Chechik at the beginning of She'erit Yosef, Zichron Aharon edition, Jerusalem 2017).
Responsa of the Ralbach – responsa by R. Levi ibn Habib. [Venice, printer not indicated, 1565]. First edition.
Important copy belonging in the 16th century to R. Yosef Katz Rabbi of Kraków and author of She'erit Yosef (brother-in-law of the Rema), with his signature. The copy later reached Maharam Ash Rabbi of Ungvar (Uzhhorod), disciple of the Chatam Sofer.
Main title page and three leaves of table of contents lacking at beginning of the book. These leaves were replaced in neat script, with the title page text set in a fine, ornamental border in black and red ink.
The replacement leaves are followed by leaf 1, the printed half-title.
On the following leaf (leaf 2), signature of the She'erit Yosef: "Yosef son of R. Mordechai Gershon Katz of Kraków".
At the top of the half-title (leaf 1), signature of R. Yechiel Michel Segal of Głogów, rabbi of Eisenstadt (Ishim BiTeshuvot HaChatam Sofer, pp. 180-181, section 271; the Chatam Sofer heard R. Yechiel Michel's sermons when the latter served as maggid in Vienna, stating "I tasted the pleasantness of his speech and sweetness of his honey").
This signature is followed by an inscription dedicating the book to R. Meir Ash Rabbi of Ungvar, by Mordechai Silber of Yarmut. Additional inscription: "This holy book by the Ralbach belongs to R. Meir Ash, rabbi of Ungvar".
Deleted signature on the decorated title page, by a grandson of R. Meir Ash – R. Meir son of R. Menachem Ash.
Additional signature on leaf 2 (in the initial word panel): "Yitzchak son of R. Menachem Bacharach". Another inscription by the same person on the final leaf.
R. Meir Eisenstaedter – Maharam Ash (1780-1852, HaChatam Sofer V'Talmidav, pp. 296-303) was a foremost disciple of the Chatam Sofer and a leading Hungarian rabbi, son-in-law of R. David Deutsch Rabbi of Neustadt. He served as rabbi of several Hungarian cities, and from 1835, as rabbi of Ungvar. He authored Responsa Imrei Esh and other books. He studied under the Chatam Sofer for five years, and the Chatam Sofer attested that no disciple enlightened him like R. Meir did (HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, p. 297). A holy man, he fasted every weekday of the Shovavim period, and was known to benefit from Divine inspiration. In 1831, he went to visit his teacher the Chatam Sofer, who expressed amazement at the extent of his disciple's retention of his teachings. He was very attached to the Chatam Sofer. Each day, he would cloister himself in his room for a whole hour, praying for the Chatam Sofer's longevity. On the day of his teacher's demise, after seeing a Sefer Torah cloaked in black, he ceased this custom, knowing that the Chatam Sofer had passed away (HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, p. 299 and p. 301). The Ktav Sofer eulogized Maharam Ash as the foremost disciple of his father, the elite of the elite of his foremost disciples, in Torah, piety and character traits. He mentioned the account of the Chatam Sofer's amazement at his proficiency, recalling that the latter had exclaimed to those who were present that he had never seen such an erudite Torah scholar, with exceptional fluency in everything he had learnt, as if it was written before him (Drashot Ktav Sofer, pp. 197-199, Jerusalem 1972 edition).
209, [1], 217-328 leaves. Lacking 6 leaves: title page, three leaves of table of contents, and two leaves of errata. Title page and three leaves of table of contents replaced in handwriting (table of contents over two leaves) at beginning of book. Leaf 8 bound out of sequence, after leaf 3. 29.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including large, dark dampstains. Wear. Tears, including open tears, slightly affecting text in several places, repaired in part with paper. Minor open tears to decorated title page, due to ink erosion. Minor worming, affecting text. Early leather binding, worn and rubbed.
The book contains many printed glosses by an anonymous proofreader. The book was presumably first printed with the proofreader's glosses, and many leaves were later reprinted, with changes or omission of the glosses. There are therefore many differences between the various copies of the book (in the number of new leaves included, and more). Regarding the differences between the various copies, see: Y. Rivkind, Dikdukei Sefarim, Kiryat Sefer, X, 1933-1934, pp. 492-493, no. 8; Y. Yudlov, Ginzei Yisrael, Jerusalem 1985, pp. 119-120, no. 715.
Rabbi Yosef Katz Author of She'erit Yosef – Brother-in-Law of the Rema, Leading Halachic Authority, Rabbi and Yeshiva Dean in Kraków
R. Yosef son of R. Mordechai Gershon Katz (ca. 1511-1591), rabbi of Kraków, brother-in-law of the Rema and leading Torah scholar in his times. He was appointed dayan in the Kraków Beit Din in 1541, as a young man. With time, he was promoted to the highest panel of the Beit Din, sitting alongside R. Moshe Segal Landau and R. Moshe Isserles – the Rema (author of HaMapah on the Shulchan Aruch). The Rema later became his brother-in-law when he married Kreindel, the sister of R. Yosef Katz (in 1542, after the passing of the first wife of the Rema, Golda daughter of R. Shachna of Lublin). At the end of a ruling from 1558 (section 78 in the present book, last responsum in the responsa section), the community scribe lists the three dayanim in the following order: R. Moshe Landau, R. Yosef Katz, and the Rema. The Rema, when referring to this ruling in one of his responsa (section 17, 2), humbly writes that he was included as third dayan by default – "I am the least of them"
Apart from his position as dayan, R. Yosef Katz served as yeshiva dean in Kraków, and after the passing of the Rema, he was recognized as the foremost Torah disseminator and community leader in Kraków. He was reputed throughout the Jewish world as an outstanding Torah scholar, posek and halachic authority, and even his brother-in-law the Rema took his rulings into consideration and accepted his teachings. Amongst the Torah leaders who sent R. Yosef Katz their rulings and asked for his opinion was the Maharshal, who despite being known as a resolute individual who would not flatter anyone, writes of him with admiration and self-effacement, describing his own teachings as the discussions of a student before his teacher. One of R. Yosef Katz's Torah enterprises was the publication of Sefer HaAgudah by R. Alexander Suslin HaKohen of Frankfurt, in Kraków 1571, after toiling to proofread and correct it based on an old manuscript he obtained. A year before his passing, R. Yosef Katz brought to print his book She'erit Yosef, comprising for the main part responsa, as well as novellae and commentaries on the Mordechai (on various tractates) and on Tur Choshen Mishpat. She'erit Yosef spread rapidly after its publication amongst the Torah scholars of the generation, who discuss the novellae and rulings found in the book and quote them in their works. These include his contemporaries (disciples of the Rema and the Maharsha) R. Binyamin Aharon Slonik in his book Mas'at Binyamin and R. Yehoshua Falk, the Sema, in his book Derisha UPerisha. R. Yoel Sirkis, the Bach, who succeeded him as rabbi of Kraków, mentions him in his work; followed by R. Shabtai Katz, the Shach, who discusses his teachings several times in his work on the Shulchan Aruch.
His contemporary, R. David Ganz of Prague (disciple of the Rema), describes R. Yosef Katz in his book Tzemach David as bearing four crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood, the crown of royalty and greatness, and the crown of a good name.
His epitaph reads: "…R. Yosef son of R. Mordechai Gershon Katz, rabbi and yeshiva dean here in Kraków for over fifty years…".
(For a detailed biography of R. Yosef Katz, see introduction by R. Moshe David Chechik at the beginning of She'erit Yosef, Zichron Aharon edition, Jerusalem 2017).
This is the first book published by the Chavot Yair, containing the teachings of three generations: responsa and novellae by his grandfather R. Avraham Shmuel Bacharach, by his father R. Moshe Shimshon Bacharach, and several responsa by R. Yair Chaim Bacharach himself. In his preface, R. Yair Chaim Bacharach writes of nine books he intends to publish, including: Mekor Chaim on Shulchan Aruch (ultimately only printed in 1982 by Machon Yerushalayim), Responsa Chavot Yair (published by the author twenty years later, in 1699), and other works (which are still unpublished).
The present copy was owned by the publisher and author, the Chavot Yair; signed on the title page: "Yair Chaim Bacharach". A brief gloss in his handwriting on leaf 107.
Ownership inscription (deleted with ink) of R. Shaul Berlin, author of Besamim Rosh: "Shaul son of R. Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of London". On the title page, stamp of "Jews' College London" (R. Shaul Berlin passed away in London; the book may have been given to the Jews' College together with the library of his brother R. Shlomo Hirschell, rabbi of London).
R. Yair Chaim Bacharach (1638-1701), rabbi of Worms, prominent Torah scholar of his generation and leading halachic authority of all times. A disciple of his father R. Shimshon Bacharach and R. Mendel Bass Rabbi of Frankfurt. In 1666, he was appointed rabbi of Koblenz, and in 1669, he returned to Worms where he succeeded R. Aharon Teomim as rabbi and dayan in the city. After the destruction of Worms in 1689, he fled together with the community, and upon their return, he was appointed rabbi of the city, a position he held until his passing. He was known as a tremendous Torah scholar, well-versed in all Torah fields, with a phenomenal memory and outstanding erudition which are reflected in his works. He was also well versed in sciences. He composed dozens of works, most of which remained in manuscript; some were published in recent times. He is however known for all generations for his responsa work Chavot Yair. Although Chavot Yair only contains a small part of over six hundred responsa which he prepared for print, the book was received as a fundamental responsa work and important source for halachic ruling, and is mentioned repeatedly in halachic literature until this day. His other works include: Mekor Chaim, commentary on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, which he prepared for print but before it was actually published, Meginei Eretz appeared, containing the Turei Zahav and Magen Avraham commentaries, which are arranged in a similar way to his work. He was therefore compelled to rewrite his work (it was eventually published based on his manuscript in 1982-1984); Mar Keshisha – Talmudic methodology, published in 1983; a huge encyclopedic work of forty-six volumes which was lost, of which only the index part titled Yair Netiv is extant.
R. Shaul Berlin (1740-1794), son of R. Tzvi Hirsch Levin, rabbi of London and Berlin, and grandson of Chacham Tzvi. A tremendous Torah scholar. He was rabbinically ordained at a young age, and at the age of 28, he was appointed rabbi of Frankfurt an der Oder. He later resigned from the rabbinate and moved to Berlin, where his father served as rabbi. He published booklets challenging the Chida's Birkei Yosef, and against the books of R. Refael HaKohen of Hamburg. These booklets aroused great polemics, and caused bans to be issued against him. In 1793, R. Shaul published the responsa work Besamim Rosh, which he claimed was an anthology of responsa by the Rosh and other Rishonim, compiled by a Torah scholar named R. Yitzchak de Molina, who lived in the times of the Beit Yosef and added his glosses to the work. R. Shaul also added his own commentary to the book – Kasa DeHarsena. The book received the approbation of his father R. Tzvi Hirsh, who praised him profusely. The book also contains a letter by the Noda BiYehuda, who extols the virtues of the author and describes him as a Torah leader whose novellae don't need an approbation. A great controversy aroused surrounding the book, as some claimed that it was forged, and that the responsa were not authored by the Rosh or other Rishonim, rather by R. Shaul himself. The responsa and R. Shaul's commentaries contain strange passages and unaccepted halachic leniencies, such as the permission to drink non-kosher wine – yayin nesech, travel on Shabbat, shave on Chol HaMoed; as well as problematic arguments to alter Torah commandments due to various considerations. The book drew public opposition from several Torah leaders of the generation, especially R. Mordechai Banet and the Chatam Sofer, who even dubbed the book Kizvei HaRosh (Lies of the Rosh). R. Shaul's father, R. Tzvi Hirsch Levin Rabbi of Berlin, refused to accept the contentions of those who questioned the book, and even published a special book in which he valiantly defends his son (Ish Anav, Berlin 1793). The authenticity of the book remained disputed throughout the generations. While certain rabbis entirely rejected it, many halachic authorities quote passages from the book and discuss its teachings, even writing on it glosses and commentaries. Until this day, the attitude towards the book remains mixed; some refrain entirely from using it, while others refer to it warily, without seeing it as an authoritative source from the time of the Rishonim.
[1], 92, 95-115 leaves. 18 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Leaves trimmed, with damage to headings in several places. Open tear to final leaf (of errata), affecting text (repaired with paper). Minor worming. Stamps. New leather binding.
The author cut out the original leaves 23-24, and pasted in their place two reprinted leaves, with his own responsa (these leaves originally comprised responsa 19-20, while the new leaves comprise: part of the conclusion of responsa 18, an unnumbered responsa, and the beginning of responsa 21 – see Bibliography of the Hebrew Book. Only a few books are extant with the original leaves. The Bar-Ilan University library contains an uncorrected copy, with the omitted sections. See: Y.Sh. Spiegel, HaMaayan, 47, issue 3, Nissan 2007, pp. 69-76 (where a photocopy of the original leaves was included).