Auction 58 - Rare and Important Items

Toldot Aharon - Copy of Kabbalist Rabbi Natan Adler of Frankfurt, Rabbi of the Chatam Sofer

Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Toldot Aharon, sources of verses of the Bible cited in the Talmud, Zohar, Akedah and Ikarim, by R. Aharon of Pesaro; with Toldot Ya'akov, sources of verses cited in the Talmud Yerushalmi, by R. Ya'akov Sasportas. Amsterdam, [1652].
Separate title page for Toldot Ya'akov.
Ownership inscription on blank leaf before the Book of Yehoshua: "Belongs to R. Natan Adler C.T. (Cohen Tzedek)". This inscription is in the handwriting of R. Natan Adler of Frankfurt am Main, Rabbi of the Chatam Sofer, in the form of a self-dedication. Enclosed is an expert's report identifying the handwriting of R. Natan Adler.
R. Nathan HaCohen Adler (1741-1800) was born in Frankfurt am Main, son of R. Ya'akov Shimon Adler. An outstanding Torah scholar and erudite in kabbalistic wisdom, he headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt and was the primary teacher of Rabbi Moshe Sofer, author of the Chatam Sofer. The latter mentions his teacher frequently in his books on Halacha and on kabbalah calling him "My close teacher, the famed pious Torah genius the great 'eagle'" ["eagle" is a poetic phrase alluding to the translation of the name Adler], "My teacher, the pious Cohen", etc. Rabbi Adler was pursued by his fellow Frankfurt populace causing him considerable distress. They even proscribed participating in the minyan he held in his Beit Midrash which adhered to his special Kabbalistic customs. For a while, he served as Rabbi of Boskovice but later returned to his home and his Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
[157; 32] leaves. Lacking leaf [82]. Most of the first title page is torn off and lacking. 16.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor wear. Old binding, partially detached.