Auction 92 Part 1 Rare and Important Items
Igeret HaKodesh (Vitebsk) and Sefer HaZechirah (by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) – Russia-Poland, 1840 – Copy of Rebbe Shalom Halberstam, First Rebbe of Stropkov
Igeret HaKodesh, Chassidic essays and various selections from Chassidic leaders: R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, R. Avraham of Kalisk, R. Chaim Chaikel of Amdur and R. Elimelech of Lizhensk; with Pirkei Hanhagot HaMitboded by the Rambam and Sefer HaZechirah by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. [Russia-Poland (Lviv or Zhovkva?), ca. 1840].
Copy of Rebbe Shalom Halberstam, first rebbe of Stropkov, son of the Divrei Yechezkel of Shinova. Early stamp (faded) on the title page: "Shalom Halberstam son of the rebbe of Shinova. Here in Kraków".
Rebbe (Avraham) Shalom Halberstam (1856-1940), the Divrei Shalom, cherished son of Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shinova-Sanz, the Divrei Yechezkel (eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz), who would acclaim him for "his very holy and supremely lofty soul". R. Shalom was born from his father's fourth marriage, and the latter would say that he was able to effect salvations, since he was born in holiness, in accordance with the words of the Tana D'Vei Eliyahu (Zuta, chapter III), that one who marries for the sake of Heaven would have sons who would save the Jewish people in times of trouble (Rabbenu HaKadosh MiSanz, II, p. 190). He served as rabbi and rebbe of Stropkov, and was the first rebbe of the Stropkov Chassidic dynasty. His court was always teeming with Chassidim and thousands came to seek his blessings. He was reputed for his wonderworks. Over the years, the rebbe lived in several different places (Stropkov was a small town, remote from the Jewish centers, and the rebbe often spent extended periods of time in larger cities; see: Rabbenu HaKadosh MiSanz, II, p. 191). In the late 1900s, he relocated to Kraków, and the present stamp dates from that period (even while living in Kraków, he still served as rabbi of Stropkov, see his approbation from 1909 to the book Yemei Chayecha HaYamim, Munkacs 1911, where he signs "Shalom Halberstam Rabbi of Stropkov", while he was living in Kraków). In 1919, he moved to Ungvar (Uzhhorod), where he remained for several years, eventually returning to Stropkov. In 1930, the rebbe settled in Kashoi (Košice), despite the entreaties of the members of the Stropkov community (see Rabbenu HaKadosh MiSanz, ibid. p. 193).
[1], 2-19, [1], 21-24 leaves. 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dark marginal stains to title page and other leaves. Minor wear and tears. New leather binding.
Regarding this edition, see: Ch. Lieberman, Sefer Igeret HaKodesh, Kiryat Sefer 36 (1961), pp. 127-128.