Displaying 17641 - 17652 of 58939

Pages

Lot 91 Letter of Rabbinic Ordination Signed by the Noda BiYehuda, with the Signatures of the Dayanim in His Beit Din, Leading Prague Torah Scholars – 1760

Lettet of rabbinic ordination signed by R. Yechezkel Landau – the Noda BiYehuda, and by the dayanim of his Beit Din in Prague
Lettet of rabbinic ordination signed by R. Yechezkel Landau – the Noda BiYehuda, and by the dayanim of his Beit Din in Prague
Download picture
Download picture
Letter of Rabbinic Ordination Signed by the Noda BiYehuda, with the Signatures of the Dayanim in His Beit Din, Leading Prague Torah Scholars – 1760 Letter of Rabbinic Ordination Signed by the Noda BiYehuda, with the Signatures of the Dayanim in His Beit Din, Leading Prague Torah Scholars – 1760
2 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $40,000
Estimate: $50,000 - $100,000
Sold for: $50,000
Including buyer's premium
Lettet of rabbinic ordination signed by R. Yechezkel Landau – the Noda BiYehuda, and by the dayanim of his Beit Din in Prague. Prague, 3rd Sivan 1760.
The certificate was accorded to R. David son of R. Yitzchak Eizek Bindeles of Prague, granting him the title "Morenu HaRav".
Written by a scribe, the letter concludes: "So are the words of one who is engaged in Torah and worship of G-d, together with the rabbis of the Beit Din here in Prague on Sunday, 3rd Sivan 1760". This is followed by the handwritten signature of the Noda BiYehuda: " One who speaks in honor of the Torah and those who learn it, Yechezkel Segal Landau".
The signature of the Noda BiYehuda is followed by that of the dayanim of his Beit Din, leading Prague Torah scholars: " Yehuda Leib Kassowitz of Prague" – R. Leib Kassowitz (Rassowitz; d. 1783), head of the Beit Din during the time of the Noda BiYehuda; " Yitzchak Wolf son of R. Aharon Austerlitz Segal" – R. Yitzchak Binyamin Wolf Austerlitz (d. 1762), close disciple of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, dean of the Prague yeshiva and rabbi of the Chatzer HaGadol synagogue in Prague, one of the first signatories on the rabbinic appointment of the Noda BiYehuda; " Meir son of R. F. Bomsela" – R. Meir son of R. Fishel (Fischels) Bomsela (d. 1770), disciple and associate of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, served as head of the Prague Beit Din during the time of the Noda BiYehuda, dean of the Prague yeshiva for forty years, most of the Prague Torah scholars were his disciples; " Asher Anshel son of R. Baruch Osers" – R. Ascher Anschel Osers (d. 1765), a Prague Torah scholar and dayan in the Beit Din of the Noda BiYehuda, " Shlomo Zalman son of R. Gumpel Emerich" – R. Shlomo Zalman Emerich (d. 1794), disciple of R. Netanel Weill author of Korban Netanel, rabbi of the Maisel synagogue in Prague, dayan in the Prague Beit Din from 1762, and head of the Beit Din from 1793, author of Shisha Zironei Aruga (Prague 1789).
R. Yechezkel HaLevi Segal Landau – the Noda BiYehuda (1713-1793) was a leading halachic authority of all times, relied upon by the entire Jewish nation. Already as a young man, he was renowned as a leading Torah scholar of his generation. From the age of 13 until 30, he resided in Brody, a Torah center in those times, home to the celebrated Brody Kloiz. The outstanding Torah scholars who studied there covered all realms of Torah, and produced famous compositions on the Talmud, Halacha and Kabbala.
The Noda BiYehuda served for about ten years as head of one of the four Batei Din in Brody. During his stay there, he drew close to the Kloiz scholars, such as R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov) and R. Chaim Sanzer, one of the Kloiz's leading scholars, together with whom he studied the writings of the Arizal.
In ca. 1745, he went to serve as rabbi of Yampola (Yampil), and in 1754, he was appointed as rabbi of Prague and the region. In Prague, he led his community fearlessly, becoming a foremost leader of his generation. He established a large yeshiva, where he educated thousands of disciples, including many of the leading Torah scholars of that generation (his disciple R. Elazar Fleckeles, author of Teshuva MeAhava, eulogized him: "He edified several thousands of disciples, including hundreds of rabbis and dayanim". Olat HaChodesh HaShlishi, 17, p. 85a). Thousands of questions were addressed to him from far-flung places. Approximately 850 of his responsa were published in Noda BiYehuda. His books published in his lifetime, Responsa Noda BiYehuda – Mahadura Kama, and Tzelach on Tractates Pesachim and Berachot, earned him worldwide eminence already then (Noda BiYehuda – Mahadura Tinyana, printed after his passing, Prague 1811, includes hundreds of his responsa to questions regarding his first book, addressed to him from various places).
The Chida in Shem HaGedolim describes him as an exceptionally outstanding Torah scholar who disseminated much Torah through his books and disciples, and mentions the acuity and extensive Torah wisdom apparent in his responsa and books. The Noda BiYehuda himself wrote in one of his responsa, regarding one of his novellae, that in his opinion, it was a true Torah thought (Even HaEzer, Mahadura Tinyana section 23, 2). The Chatam Sofer comments on a responsum of the Noda BiYehuda (Responsa Chatam Sofer part II, Even HaEzer, section 95): "And the words of G-d are in his mouth, truth".
[1] double leaf. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding mark.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 92 Emissary Letter for Rabbi Zerachya Azulai, Father of the Chida – Jerusalem, 1741 – Signed by the Leading Torah Scholars of Jerusalem, Including the Chazon Nachum, the Admat Kodesh, the Chut HaMeshulash, the Pri HaAretz and the Pri HaAdama

Emissary letter appointing R. Avraham son of Asher and R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai – father of the Chida, as emissaries on be
Emissary letter appointing R. Avraham son of Asher and R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai – father of the Chida, as emissaries on be
Download picture
Download picture
Emissary Letter for Rabbi Zerachya Azulai, Father of the Chida – Jerusalem, 1741 – Signed by the Leading Torah Scholars of Jerusalem, Including the Chazon Nachum, the Admat Kodesh, the Chut HaMeshulash, the Pri HaAretz and the Pri HaAdama Emissary Letter for Rabbi Zerachya Azulai, Father of the Chida – Jerusalem, 1741 – Signed by the Leading Torah Scholars of Jerusalem, Including the Chazon Nachum, the Admat Kodesh, the Chut HaMeshulash, the Pri HaAretz and the Pri HaAdama
2 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Emissary letter appointing R. Avraham son of Asher and R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai – father of the Chida, as emissaries on behalf of the Jerusalem community, to travel to Italy and Western Europe. The letter is addressed to the rabbis and dignitaries of the Ancona community, Italy, and is signed by the leading Torah scholars of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, [1741].
Neat scribal script (similar to the handwriting of the Chida). Calligraphic signatures of eight of Jerusalem's leading Torah scholars. The list of signees is headed by the Rishon LeTzion, R. "Eliezer Nachum" – author of Chazon Nachum (1662-1745, renowned rabbi and yeshiva dean in Turkey, immigrated to Eretz Israel were he succeeded R. Binyamin HaKohen Maali as rabbi of Jerusalem). The other signees are the dayanim of his Beit Din – leading Torah scholars of Jerusalem: R. "Nissim Chaim Moshe Mizrachi" – author of Admat Kodesh (ca. 1690-1749, succeeded R. Eliezer Nachum as Rishon LeTzion), R. "Yehuda son of R. Amram Diwan" – author of Chut HaMeshulash (d. ca. 1752), R. "Yisrael Meir son of R. Yosef Mizrachi" – author of Pri HaAretz (d. after 1749. He was the brother of R. Nissim Chaim Moshe Mizrachi and served as dean of the Beit Yaakov Yeshiva), R. "David Yekutiel HaKohen", R. "Yitzchak Aruch", R. "Yaakov Ashkenazi" and R. "Meyuchas Bechor Shmuel" author of Pri HaAdama and Mizbach Adama (1695-1771. Served as Rishon LeTzion following the passing of R. Yaakov Yisrael Algazi).
The letter is addressed to "Our brethren, our saviors in Ancona…", and depicts at length the trials and tribulations the Jerusalem community are undergoing. The Torah scholars of Jerusalem appoint R. Avraham son of R. Asher and R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai as emissaries, to raise funds from the Jews of Ancona on behalf of the Jewish settlement in Jerusalem.
Address inscribed on verso "To our dear brethren, the community of Ancona…".
R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai (1702-1765) was one of the leading Torah scholars and kabbalists in Jerusalem in his times. A member of the Beit Yaakov study hall, he served as dean of the yeshiva founded by the wealthy Mordechai Tallouk (named Gedulat Mordechai), alongside his brother-in-law R. Yona Navon. He was a dayan in the Batei Din of leading rabbis of Jerusalem, and his signature is featured together with theirs on the city regulations. His eldest son was the Chida, who quotes him extensively in his works. R. Yitzchak Zerachya was the first of a prestigious dynasty of four generations of emissaries who travelled abroad on behalf of Eretz Israel: his son the Chida – a renowned emissary, his grandsons R. Avraham Azulai and R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (sons of the Chida) and later, the grandson of R. Refael Yeshaya (son of his son R. Moshe) – R. Yehuda Zerachya Azulai.
R. Yitzchak Zerachya's companion, R. Avraham son of R. Asher (d. 1772), served as head of the Jerusalem Beit Din and dean of the Yefa'er Anavim yeshiva. In 1771 (following the passing of R. Meyuchas Bechor Shmuel, one of the signees of this letter), he was appointed Rishon LeTzion and rabbi of Jerusalem, yet he passed away a year later during an epidemic. While in Constantinople on an earlier mission on behalf of the Jerusalem community, in 1734, he published the book Shaarei Kedusha by R. Chaim Vital, based on a manuscript he found in Egypt. R. Avraham completed the mission documented in this letter on his own, after R. Yitzchak Zerachya took ill upon reaching Constantinople and was compelled to return to Eretz Israel. See A. Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 389-391. A different letter written for these two emissaries is also featured there.
[1] double leaf. 29 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 93 Letter Handwritten and Signed by Rabbi Elazar Kalir, Author of Or Chadash – To his Disciple Rabbi Shmuel Kauder, Author of Olat Shmuel – Cheshvan, 1794

Letter handwritten and signed by R. Elazar Kalir rabbi of Rechnitz and Kolin. [Kolin], 17th Cheshvan, 1794. Letter (one lea
Download picture
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Elazar Kalir rabbi of Rechnitz and Kolin. [Kolin], 17th Cheshvan, 1794.
Letter (one leaf folded in half) with words of inspiration and friendship, sent to "Rabbi Shmuel Leib of Prague" (apparently, R. Shmuel Leib Kauder of Prague, author of Olat Shmuel).
R. Elazar opens his letter with praise of his disciple's Torah knowledge and diligence and writes that he is enclosing a copy of his book Or Chadash on tractate Pesachim (Frankfurt an der Oder, 1776) with his letter. He ends the letter with words of inspiration: " Do not forsake G-d's Torah and rely on G-d, and honor will be forthcoming".
The name of the recipient and his address are written on verso of the letter: "To Prague… R. Shmuel Leib". Apparently, this letter has never been printed.
R. Elazar Kalir (1738-1801) was one of the most renowned Torah scholars of his times. He served as rabbi of Zablodove, Rechnitz (1768-1781) and Kolin (1781-1801). In each place he also served as yeshiva dean. He edified many disciples and many of the rabbis of his generation were his close disciples. He corresponded extensively with the Noda BiYehuda and dozens of responsa in the Responsa Noda BiYehuda are addressed to him. The Noda BiYehuda esteemed him greatly although R. Elazar was decades younger than him and in one responsum addresses him with many honorary titles. In his approbation to the book Or Chadash on Pesachim, the Noda BiYehuda writes that R. Elazar's novellae befit the Rishonim. R. Baruch Jeitteles, a Prague Torah scholar, writes in the preface to his book Taam HaMelech of R. Elazar's high stature in Central
Europe after the passing of R. Yechezkel Landau: "After the death of the Noda BiYehuda, R. Elazar, author of the Or Chadash books, became the leader of the Jewish People, the one individual in our country to whom all eyes turn and many Prague Torah scholars consider him a halachic authority".
He authored: Or Chadash on the Torah (Fürth, 1766), Or Chadash on tractate Pesachim (Frankfurt an der Oder, 1776), Or Chadash on tractate Kiddushin (Vienna, 1769), Chavat Yair HeChadash (Prague, 1792) and Responsa Cheker Halacha (Vienna, 1838).
R. Shmuel Kauder (1766-1838) was one of the leading Torah scholars in Prague. He was a close associate of R. Betzalel Ronsburg, and dayan in his Beit Din in Prague. He was a prime disciple of R. Michael Bacharach Rabbi of Prague, and later of R. Elazar Kalir author of Or Chadash (R. Shmuel writes about this in the preface to his book Olat Shmuel, and in another place in his book, he calls his teacher R. Elazar "Rabbi of the entire Diaspora"). He resided in Kalady (Koloděje), and from 1812 served as rabbi in the communities of Tábor and Budweis (České Budějovice) in Bohemia. In 1835 he was appointed head of the Prague Beit Din, where he disseminated Torah and was renowned as a prominent halachic authority. Of his many writings, only Responsa Olat Shmuel (on Orach Chaim), Ahavat Emet (homily) and Zikaron BaSefer (on tractate Megillah) were published.
[1] double leaf. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 94 First Rabbinic Contract of the Aruch LaNer – With His Signature – Ladenburg, 1828

"Rabbonus Brief", a handwritten rabbinic contract of the Aruch LaNer, for his first rabbinic position in the distri
"Rabbonus Brief", a handwritten rabbinic contract of the Aruch LaNer, for his first rabbinic position in the distri
"Rabbonus Brief", a handwritten rabbinic contract of the Aruch LaNer, for his first rabbinic position in the distri
Download picture
Download picture
Download picture
First Rabbinic Contract of the Aruch LaNer – With His Signature – Ladenburg, 1828 First Rabbinic Contract of the Aruch LaNer – With His Signature – Ladenburg, 1828 First Rabbinic Contract of the Aruch LaNer – With His Signature – Ladenburg, 1828
3 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
"Rabbonus Brief", a handwritten rabbinic contract of the Aruch LaNer, for his first rabbinic position in the district of Ladenburg, signed by leaders of the Jewish community and by the Aruch LaNer. [Ladenburg district, Germany], Elul 1828.
A contract of 16 clauses, with opening and concluding passages. Calligraphic and cursive scripts. The contract is signed by several leaders of the Jewish community of the Ladenburg district, as well as by the newly appointed rabbi, the Aruch LaNer: " Yukev son of R. Aharon Ettlingen, rabbi of the Ladenburg district".
The contract is bound in a paper cover, inscribed: "Rabbonus Brief [rabbinic contract] – 1828".
R. Yaakov Yukev Ettlinger (1798-1871), chief rabbi of Altona and the surroundings, was a foremost leader of German Jewry and one of the strongest opponents of the Reform movement. In his youth, he served as lecturer in the yeshiva of his father, R. Aharon Ettlinger (Ettlingen) in Karlsruhe, and was one of the primary disciples of R. Asher Wallerstein, son of the Shaagat Aryeh and rabbi of the city. He also studied in the Würzburg yeshiva under R. Avraham Bing, and was a colleague of Chacham Yitzchak Bernays of Hamburg and R. Elazar Bergman of Jerusalem.
In 1828, he was appointed as district rabbi of Ladenburg and settled in nearby Mannheim, where he was appointed dean of the yeshiva and rabbi of the Kloiz (at that time, R. Samson Refael Hirsch of Hamburg was his disciple). This document attests to R. Ettlinger's appointment as rabbi of the Ladenburg district.
In 1836, he went to serve as rabbi of the Three Communities (Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbeck), where he established a prominent yeshiva. R. Yaakov Ettlinger dedicated his life to disseminating Torah, and leading German rabbis were his disciples, the most renowned ones include: R. Samson Refael Hirsch; R. Azriel Hildesheimer, R. Tzvi Binyamin Auerbach Rabbi of Halberstadt and author of Nachal Eshkol, R. Getsch Schlesinger dayan in Hamburg, R. Eliyahu Munk dayan in Altona and his son R. Yehuda Munk Rabbi of Marburg, R. Zev Yitzchak HaLevi Dünner of Köln author of LiChevod Amudei HaTorah, R. Moshe Weisskopf Rabbi of Paris, and other renowned disciples who glorified German communities in that generation.
He authored the following books: Aruch LaNer on Talmudic tractates, Bikurei Yaakov, Responsa Binyan Tzion, Minchat Ani on the Torah and others. He was the founder and editor of the Orthodox periodical Shomer Tzion HaNe'eman. His books are studied until this day in Torah study halls, and his teachings are quoted extensively in Halachic literature. Already in his generation, he was considered a leading Halachic authority, and Halachic questions were referred to him from Jerusalem and throughout the Jewish world. R. Yosef Shaul Natansohn wrote in several dispensations for Agunot, that he will issue a permission only if the "Gaon of Altona" will concur with him (Shoel UMeshiv, Telitaa, II, 216; III, 87). He was the supreme authority amongst German rabbis, and even the great Torah scholar from Würzburg, R. Yitzchak Dov Bamberger, wrote regarding him: "Since then, I would bring any difficulty before one of the leading Torah scholars of the generation, R. M. Kargau and my mechutan R. Yaakov Ettlinger… before them I posed any difficult matter" (Responsa Yad HaLevi, Jerusalem 1988, p. 60). After his passing and that of the Ktav Sofer the same year, Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Deyzh termed them the righteous men of the generation (Maaglei Tzedek, I, Parashat Vaera).
[4] leaves (including cover). 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor tears. Folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 95 Recommendation Letter from the Mashgiach Rabbi Yerucham Leibowitz – Mir, 1934

Letter (11 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Yerucham Leibowitz. Mir, Nissan 1934. Letter of recommendation for the yeshi
Download picture
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter (11 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Yerucham Leibowitz. Mir, Nissan 1934.
Letter of recommendation for the yeshiva student Mr. Eliyahu Zorkes, in advance of his immigration to the Holy Land: "… He studied in our yeshiva for two years with diligence and grew in sharpness and knowledge and correct understanding…".
R. Yerucham HaLevi Leibowitz (1875-1936), a leading educator and Torah scholar of his times, affiliated with the Mussar Movement. Disciple of Beit HaTalmud in Kelm and teacher of R. Yechezkel Levenstein. He served as mashgiach in Lithuanian yeshivot, in the Radin Yeshiva and others. His most productive position was his long tenure as mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva, which he directed in its move to Poltava during WWI. After the return of the yeshiva to Mir, he was the backbone of its reconstruction, raising close disciples, including many illustrious yeshiva deans of our times. R. Chaim Shmuelevitz and R. Aryeh Leib Malin, who edited the books of his discourses, Chever Maamarim and Daat Chochmah UMussar, were among these disciples.
He showed special care for the students from Central Europe and delivered classes especially for them, illuminating the basic tenets of faith and the deep Torah thinking of Lithuanian yeshivot (some were later printed in the five volumes of Daat Torah).
Rabbi Wolbe, one of the youngest disciples of Rabbi Leibowitz, wrote in the preface to his well-known book Alei Shur: "…How does a Torah man look, after becoming a different person? Come with me… and see the beauty… The author of this book, in his youth… was brought close to a giant among men, the light of our eyes, who resurrects the dead with his speech, R. Yerucham HaLevi… in the Mir Yeshiva…".
[1] leaf, official stationery of the Mir Yeshiva. 27.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears to folds, with adhesive tape repairs on verso.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 96 Letter from the Steipler – Nissan, 1985 – Refusal to Accept Support from the Bnei Brak Municipality, With a Returned Bank Check

Letter from the Bnei Brak municipality, to "The rabbi and tzaddik, the Gaon of Steipel", with an enclosed bank chec
Letter from the Bnei Brak municipality, to "The rabbi and tzaddik, the Gaon of Steipel", with an enclosed bank chec
Letter from the Bnei Brak municipality, to "The rabbi and tzaddik, the Gaon of Steipel", with an enclosed bank chec
Download picture
Download picture
Download picture
Letter from the Steipler – Nissan, 1985 – Refusal to Accept Support from the Bnei Brak Municipality, With a Returned Bank Check Letter from the Steipler – Nissan, 1985 – Refusal to Accept Support from the Bnei Brak Municipality, With a Returned Bank Check Letter from the Steipler – Nissan, 1985 – Refusal to Accept Support from the Bnei Brak Municipality, With a Returned Bank Check
3 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $500
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $4,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter from the Bnei Brak municipality, to "The rabbi and tzaddik, the Gaon of Steipel", with an enclosed bank check – "…Grant from the Bnei Brak municipality to participate in the printing of his books". A response letter (4 lines), handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, appears on the leaf, in which he refuses to accept the grant. [Bnei Brak, Nissan 1985].
This letter, written in the last months of the Steipler's life (he passed away in Av 1985; the handwriting is indicative of his old age and frailty), is addressed to the mayor, R. Moshe Irenstein: "…T o the Mayor, I do not accept any help with the exception of taxes from which the Torah exempts me, because thank G-d, I am not poor. My regards and honor... Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky".
The Steipler, in his righteousness, refused the funds – sent at the decision of the municipality to support the city's rabbis towards Pesach – and returned the check to the mayor.
R. Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (1899-1985), one of the most prominent Torah leaders of the past generation. He was known as the Steipler, appellation derived from his hometown Hornostaipil, Ukraine. A foremost student of the Novardok yeshivot in Ukraine and Poland, he was reputed as one of the most diligent and scholarly students in the yeshiva world. In his youth, he published his book Shaarei Tevuna and after seeing the book, the Chazon Ish chose him as a match for his younger sister Pesha Miriam. After his marriage, he served as dean of the Novardok yeshiva in Pinsk, and in 1934, he immigrated to Eretz Israel to serve as dean of the Beit Yosef-Novardok yeshiva in Bnei Brak. For many years, he lived in Bnei Brak in the same house as his brother-in-law, the Chazon Ish. After the yeshiva shut down, he resumed his studies in Kollel Chazon Ish and in his home, and authored the Kehillot Yaakov series on most Talmudic topics and tractates. He was known as a wonder-worker who benefitted from Divine Inspiration, and many sought his blessings and counsel.
[1] leaf, official stationery of the Mayor of Bnei Brak, 23.5 cm + bank check + envelope. Good-fair condition. Creases and folding marks.
Category
Rabbinic Letters
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 97 Knesset HaGedolah – Fürth, 1692 – Copy of the Pnei Yehoshua – With His Early Signatures

Knesset HaGedolah, on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat, by R. Chaim Benveniste. Fürth, [1692]. Second edition. Copy of t
Knesset HaGedolah, on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat, by R. Chaim Benveniste. Fürth, [1692]. Second edition. Copy of t
Download picture
Download picture
Knesset HaGedolah – Fürth, 1692 – Copy of the Pnei Yehoshua – With His Early Signatures Knesset HaGedolah – Fürth, 1692 – Copy of the Pnei Yehoshua – With His Early Signatures
2 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000
Sold for: $22,500
Including buyer's premium
Knesset HaGedolah, on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat, by R. Chaim Benveniste. Fürth, [1692]. Second edition.
Copy of the Pnei Yehoshua. The back endpaper bears several of his signatures and quill trials: "Yoshua‏ son of R. Tzvi Hirsh"; "Purchased with my wealth in honor of my Creator, Yoshua‏ son R. Tzvi… Hirsh"; ownership inscription: "…R. Yaakov Yoshua".
R. Yaakov Yehoshua Falk, author of Pnei Yehoshua (1680-1756), born in Cracow, served as rabbi of several important cities: Lviv (1718-1720), the Lviv region (1722-1730), Berlin (1730-1733), Metz (1734-1740) and Frankfurt am Main (1740-1750). His yeshiva in Frankfurt was the most prominent of all the Ashkenazi yeshivas in his times and produced great Torah scholars, including the renowned Kabbalist R. Natan Adler. His four-part work Pnei Yehoshua on Talmudic tractates, earned him everlasting renown and became a classic Torah text, regularly studied to this day. The Mareh Yechezkel of Deyzh writes in his Responsa Avnei Tzedek, in the name of his teacher the Chatam Sofer: "I have heard directly from the mouth of my teacher the Chatam Sofer that from the time the Rashba wrote his composition, no composition was written that can compare to the Pnei Yehoshua". The Chida, in his book Shem HaGedolim, writes: "The work Pnei Yehoshua earned him worldwide renown… I merited visiting him for several days, and his appearance is like an angel of G-d, and he gifted me with the book Pnei Yehoshua".
The Pnei Yehoshua was first named Yehoshua (after his grandfather, author of Meginei Shlomo); the name Yaakov was added later in his life (apparently due to illness), as he mentions in the preface to his book. In 1721, he already signed with both names. The signatures in this book are apparently from his youth (before 1721), prior to the addition of the name Yaakov.
He was accustomed to signing "Yoshua" and not "Yehoshua", as can be seen in his signatures in this book (see also a picture of a signature from his later years in the book Pnei Yehoshua published by HaMaor, Vol. I, Jerusalem 2006, p. 14). Likewise, on the title pages of the two parts of his book printed during his lifetime, his name is spelled "Yaakov Yoshua". His grandfather, author of Meginei Shlomo, after whom he was named, also used to sign his name the same way. The reason for this was to refrain from writing most of the letters of the name of G-d.
Ownership inscriptions on the title page, signatures and stamps of Eliezer and Elimelech Shubman of Lublin.
196 leaves. 30 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Stains and traces of past dampness to margins. Worming. Marginal tears to approx. 10 first leaves, repaired with paper, affecting the border of the title page and text (mostly in the first leaves). Small hole damaging a small part of the text in the center of several leaves. Repaired tear to last leaf. Handwritten inscriptions and stamps. New leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 98 Mishneh Torah by the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1702 (Michtav) – Complete Set in Four Volumes – Set of Rabbi Zerach Eidlitz of Prague, with His Signature

Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, complete set in four volumes. Amsterdam, [1702-1703]. The most accurate edition of the books of
Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, complete set in four volumes. Amsterdam, [1702-1703]. The most accurate edition of the books of
Download picture
Download picture
Mishneh Torah by the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1702 (Michtav) – Complete Set in Four Volumes – Set of Rabbi Zerach Eidlitz of Prague, with His Signature Mishneh Torah by the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1702 (Michtav) – Complete Set in Four Volumes – Set of Rabbi Zerach Eidlitz of Prague, with His Signature
2 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, complete set in four volumes. Amsterdam, [1702-1703]. The most accurate edition of the books of the Rambam, which served as basis for most subsequent editions. The first volume has an additional, engraved title page. Two volumes contain illustration plates pertaining to the laws of Shabbat, Sukkah, Kiddush HaChodesh and Kilayim. Four volumes.
Signature of R. " Zerach Eidlitz" of Prague on the engraved title page of the first volume, as well as other ownership inscriptions. On the title page of the second volume, ownership inscriptions (slightly trimmed) attesting that the book belongs to R. Zerach Eidlitz: "This book belongs to the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Zerach of Prague, and I hereby affix my signature to this, Yaakov…". Quotation marks were added to the page number of p. 7 (ז) in this volume, presumably by R. Zerach (in allusion to his name, which begins with a "ז", supposedly to prevent theft). This marking is found in all the volumes, and it is therefore assumed that the entire set belonged to him.
A few handwritten glosses from several writers.
R. Zerach Eidlitz (ca. 1725-1780), author of Or LaYesharim. A leading rabbi and Torah disseminator in Prague in the time of the Noda BiYehuda. He served as preacher and dayan. He devoted himself to the education of young boys, and edified thousands of disciples, whom he enthused in Torah study through his unique and profound study method, and many of them grew up to be the Torah leaders of their generation. His epitaph attests that he imparted knowledge to his disciples unceasingly for forty years.
In his youth, he studied under R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, who raised him as a son after he was orphaned from his father. R. Zerach relates to this fact in his eulogy of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, and recounts that he was particularly cherished by his teacher, "…and of course I loved him very much, more than his other disciples did…". With time, he became a preacher and reprover of the public in the various synagogues in Prague. His sermons created a powerful impact, to the point that the Noda BiYehuda – rabbi of the city, and other Torah scholars would come to hear his passionate discourses, which displayed exceptional brilliance. The Noda BiYehuda wrote in his approbation to Or LaYesharim, R. Zerach Eidlitz's book of homily (Prague, 1785): "…he disseminated Torah with perspicacity and erudition throughout his entire life, he edified many disciples as is well-known, and apart from being very astute and sharp-witted in the study of Halacha… he was also very wise in delivering Aggadah and words of reproach, as he preached frequently in the synagogues of our community, and I heard from him delightful words, which penetrated the hearts of the listeners, impassioning them in fear of G-d". The Noda BiYehuda concludes: "Certainly one who reads these homilies will acquire thereby fear of his Creator, and will fortify himself like a lion to achieve complete repentance".
[9], 327, [6] leaves; [2], 227, [4] leaves; [2], 368, [9] leaves; [1], 309, [13] leaves. 35 cm. [2] Illustrated plates in vol. I (out of the [6] leaves of the last sequence) are bound before leaf 327. Overall good condition. Stains. Dampstains to several leaves. In vol. I, open tears to both title pages. Tears to several leaves, repaired. Paper repairs, primarily to first and final leaves. Tear affecting text to one leaf in vol. IV. New, elegant leather bindings.
See: Stefansky Classics, p. 48.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 99 Midrash Shocher Tov – Prague, 1613 – Copy of Rabbi Natan Adler, Teacher of the Chatam Sofer – Ownership Inscription from 1800, Signed by Rabbi Wolf Heidenheim – Handwritten Glosses

Midrash Shocher Tov, on Tehillim, Mishlei and the book of Shmuel, with glosses and explanations by R. Yitzchak Katz (son-in-l
Midrash Shocher Tov, on Tehillim, Mishlei and the book of Shmuel, with glosses and explanations by R. Yitzchak Katz (son-in-l
Download picture
Download picture
Midrash Shocher Tov – Prague, 1613 – Copy of Rabbi Natan Adler, Teacher of the Chatam Sofer – Ownership Inscription from 1800, Signed by Rabbi Wolf Heidenheim – Handwritten Glosses Midrash Shocher Tov – Prague, 1613 – Copy of Rabbi Natan Adler, Teacher of the Chatam Sofer – Ownership Inscription from 1800, Signed by Rabbi Wolf Heidenheim – Handwritten Glosses
2 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Midrash Shocher Tov, on Tehillim, Mishlei and the book of Shmuel, with glosses and explanations by R. Yitzchak Katz (son-in-law of the Maharal of Prague). Prague, Yaakov son of R. Gershon Bak [1613]. First edition of Hagahot Mahari Katz.
Copy of R. Natan Adler. Ownership inscriptions on front flyleaf, attesting that the book belonged to him: " Belongs to… the famous Rabbi Natan Adler Katz…"; a similar inscription signed "Tevele son of A.M.Tz."; German inscription from Frankfurt, 1776, mentioning "Nathan Simon Adler". Inscription signed by R. "Wolf Heidenheim" who purchased the book from "R. Avraham Stern the bookseller" in the month of Kislev 1800 (after the passing of R. Natan Adler). The original stamp of R. Wolf Heidenheim appears on the title page. Signatures of "Avraham HaKohen of Głogów" in Hebrew and German. Long and brief glosses and short revisions in the handwriting of several writers (some apparently, were written by R. Wolf Heidenheim. Possibly, one correction is in the handwriting of R. Natan Adler).
R. Natan HaKohen Adler (1741-1800) was born in Frankfurt am Main to R. Yaakov Shimon Adler. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and eminent kabbalist. He headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt, and was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer – the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as "my prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles. He suffered much persecution from the residents of his city, who even forbade him from holding prayers services in his Beit Midrash conforming with his singular kabbalistic customs. In 1782, R. Natan Adler left Frankfurt and settled in Boskowitz (Boskovice), Moravia. His disciple R. Moshe Sofer (the Chatam Sofer) remained with him, accompanying him to Boskowitz where he continued studying under him. R. Natan Adler served for only two years in Boskowitz, and this was the only time he held a rabbinic position. In ca. 1785, he returned to his home and Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
R. Ze'ev Wolf Heidenheim (1757-1832), renowned commentator, grammarian and Masorah researcher. In his printing press in Rödelheim (near Frankfurt am Main), he printed his books on Hebrew grammar, his Masorah-accurate chumashim, and his famous machzorim – Sefer Kerovot, which contributed greatly to the research and preservation of the piyyutim of Ashkenazi rites (the Chatam Sofer praised his books and cites the commentaries and corrections of "HaChacham R. Wolf Heidenheim" many times in his sermons and writings).
31, [1], 37-88, 69-86 leaves. 28.5 cm. Darkened paper. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Tears and damage to margins of title page and of several other leaves. Leaves trimmed with minor damage to headings of several leaves. New leather binding.
See: Stefansky Classics, no. 130.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 100 Commentary of Rabbi David Arama on the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1706 – Signature of Rabbi Natan Adler, Teacher of the Chatam Sofer – With Inscription by Rabbi Moshe Avraham Brandeis Attesting to Having Received the Book as a Wedding Gift from Rabbi Natan Adler

Commentary on the Rambam, by R. David Arama. Amsterdam, [1706]. Second edition. The signature of R. " Natan Adler&quo
Commentary on the Rambam, by R. David Arama. Amsterdam, [1706]. Second edition. The signature of R. " Natan Adler&quo
Commentary on the Rambam, by R. David Arama. Amsterdam, [1706]. Second edition. The signature of R. " Natan Adler&quo
Download picture
Download picture
Download picture
Commentary of Rabbi David Arama on the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1706 – Signature of Rabbi Natan Adler, Teacher of the Chatam Sofer – With Inscription by Rabbi Moshe Avraham Brandeis Attesting to Having Received the Book as a Wedding Gift from Rabbi Natan Adler Commentary of Rabbi David Arama on the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1706 – Signature of Rabbi Natan Adler, Teacher of the Chatam Sofer – With Inscription by Rabbi Moshe Avraham Brandeis Attesting to Having Received the Book as a Wedding Gift from Rabbi Natan Adler Commentary of Rabbi David Arama on the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1706 – Signature of Rabbi Natan Adler, Teacher of the Chatam Sofer – With Inscription by Rabbi Moshe Avraham Brandeis Attesting to Having Received the Book as a Wedding Gift from Rabbi Natan Adler
3 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Commentary on the Rambam, by R. David Arama. Amsterdam, [1706]. Second edition.
The signature of R. " Natan Adler" appears in the center of the title page. Other signatures and dedications appear in the margins of the title page. Several handwritten scholarly glosses. An inscription attesting to having received the book from R. Natan Adler as a wedding gift appears on the endpaper: " Given to me for a wedding gift by Rabbi Natan Adler of Frankfurt am Main. Moshe Avraham Brandeis Segal".
R. Natan HaKohen Adler (1741-1800) was born in Frankfurt am Main to R. Yaakov Shimon Adler. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and eminent kabbalist. He headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt, and was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer – the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as "my prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles. He suffered much persecution from the residents of his city, who even forbade him from holding prayers services in his Beit Midrash conforming with his singular kabbalistic customs. In 1782, R. Natan Adler left Frankfurt and settled in Boskowitz (Boskovice), Moravia. His disciple R. Moshe Sofer (the Chatam Sofer) remained with him, accompanying him to Boskowitz where he continued studying under him. R. Natan Adler served for only two years in Boskowitz, and this was the only time he held a rabbinic position. In ca. 1785, he returned to his home and Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
The recipient, R. Moshe Avraham Brandeis Segal was apparently a descendant of the well-known Torah scholar R. Moshe Brandeis Segal (1680-1767), Rabbi of Schnaittach, Bumsla and Mainz, known as "Rabbi Moshe Charif".
[3], 2-40, [1], 42-85 leaves. Approx. 20 cm. High-quality paper. Wide margins. Good-fair condition. Dampstains. Wear to margins. Worming, affecting text. Damage and small tears to title page. New leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 101 Five Books of the Torah – Vienna, 1804 – Copy for Use of Jewish Witnesses Taking Oath in a Christian Court of Law – With Handwritten Authorization from Rabbi Elazar Fleckeles, Head of the Prague Beit Din, and from the Censor Carl Fischer

Five books of the Torah, with Rashi commentary, Targum Onkelos and the Five Megillot. Vienna: Anton Schmidt, [1804]. A spec
Five books of the Torah, with Rashi commentary, Targum Onkelos and the Five Megillot. Vienna: Anton Schmidt, [1804]. A spec
Five books of the Torah, with Rashi commentary, Targum Onkelos and the Five Megillot. Vienna: Anton Schmidt, [1804]. A spec
Download picture
Download picture
Download picture
Five Books of the Torah – Vienna, 1804 – Copy for Use of Jewish Witnesses Taking Oath in a Christian Court of Law – With Handwritten Authorization from Rabbi Elazar Fleckeles, Head of the Prague Beit Din, and from the Censor Carl Fischer Five Books of the Torah – Vienna, 1804 – Copy for Use of Jewish Witnesses Taking Oath in a Christian Court of Law – With Handwritten Authorization from Rabbi Elazar Fleckeles, Head of the Prague Beit Din, and from the Censor Carl Fischer Five Books of the Torah – Vienna, 1804 – Copy for Use of Jewish Witnesses Taking Oath in a Christian Court of Law – With Handwritten Authorization from Rabbi Elazar Fleckeles, Head of the Prague Beit Din, and from the Censor Carl Fischer
3 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Five books of the Torah, with Rashi commentary, Targum Onkelos and the Five Megillot. Vienna: Anton Schmidt, [1804].
A special copy used for administering oaths to Jewish witnesses in a Christian court of law. A handwritten document in German is bound before the title page, signed by Carl (Carolus) Fischer, Royal-imperial censor, reviser of Jewish books and Hebrew translator, and by R. Elazar Fleckeles, head of the Prague Beit Din (in German). The document authorizes this book for administering oaths to Jews testifying in court and states the exact place in the book where one must rest one's hand while taking the oath (Vayikra 26:14 onwards – the curses in Parashat Bechukotai). The leaves of the book of Vayikra are numbered by hand. On folio 38, handwritten markings based on this document.
On the preceding leaf, another authorization signed by Carl Fischer.
Enclosed: a printed pamphlet, in German and Czech – official notice issued by Archduke Stephan Franz Victor ("Kundmachung des kaiserl. konigl. hohin. Landes Guberniums"), with regulations related to administering oaths to Jewish witnesses in court; Prague, January 1, 1847 (not in OCLC).
R. Elazar Fleckeles (1754-1826), leading disciple of the Noda BiYehuda and head of the Prague Beit Din. He served as rabbi of Kojetín from 1779, and in 1783 was appointed dayan and head of the Prague Beit Din. A leading Torah scholar of his generation. Author of Responsa Teshuva MeAhava (three parts) and other books.
R. Elazar Fleckeles and Carl Fischer maintained a remarkable friendship and even corresponded in Hebrew. Printed in his book, Teshuva MeAhava (I, 26), is a responsum which R. Elazar Fleckeles wrote to Mr. Fischer on the subject of Jews' oaths to non-Jews. Among other matters, he discusses the significance of a person placing his hand upon a Chumash, tefillin or on the Zohar while taking an oath. See enclosed material.
74; 72; 53; 62; 70 leaves (separate title page for each Chumash) + [2] leaves (at the beginning of the book) + printed pamphlet. 23.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming to several leaves. Original binding, with minor damage.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
View Details

Lot 102 Nekudot HaKesef – Copy of Rabbi Mordechai Banet, Rabbi of Nikolsburg – His Signature and Glosses

Nekudot HaKesef, on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah, by R. Shabtai Cohen, author of the Shach. Objections to the words of the Taz.
Nekudot HaKesef, on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah, by R. Shabtai Cohen, author of the Shach. Objections to the words of the Taz.
Download picture
Download picture
Nekudot HaKesef – Copy of Rabbi Mordechai Banet, Rabbi of Nikolsburg – His Signature and Glosses Nekudot HaKesef – Copy of Rabbi Mordechai Banet, Rabbi of Nikolsburg – His Signature and Glosses
2 PHOTOS
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Nekudot HaKesef, on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah, by R. Shabtai Cohen, author of the Shach. Objections to the words of the Taz. Prague, [1777].
Copy of R. Mordechai Banet, Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Moravia. Ownership inscriptions on front flyleaf: " Gift of G-d to his servant Mordechai Banet of Nikolsburg"; " This book Nekudot HaKesef was granted by G-d [---] Aberel Banet of Nikolsburg" (possibly the signature of his eldest son, R. Yaakov Aberel Banet, 1779-1865).
On p. 23a, two long scholarly glosses (approx. 200 words), written in tiny close handwriting (apparently, the handwriting of R. Mordechai Banet).
R. Mordechai (Maharam) Banet (1753-1829), Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Chief Rabbi of Moravia, was a foremost leader of his generation. He was a disciple of the Noda BiYehuda and of R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg (R. Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz Rabbi of Nikolsburg, a Chassidic leader, brother of the Haflaah), who taught him Kabbalah. Reputedly, while staying in his teacher's house, he met R. Elimelech of Lizhensk the Noam Elimelech (some say it was the latter's brother, R. Zusha of Anipoli), who chastised him for his excessive fasting and asceticism, lest he jeopardize his health.
After the passing of R. Gershon Chayes rabbi of Nikolsburg, R. Banet was appointed in his stead rabbi of Nikolsburg and Chief Rabbi of Moravia, a position he held for some 40 years. He also headed the Nikolsburg yeshiva, which at its pinnacle comprised some 400 students. He was one of the prominent figures in the battle against the Reform movement which emerged in those days. He edified many disciples, some of whom became leading rabbis in that generation, including R. Simcha Bunim of Peshischa (Przysucha) – a leading Chassidic figure, R. Yehuda Aszód, R. Yirmiya Loew author of Divrei Yirmiya, and many others. He authored Techelet Mordechai – sermons, Har HaMor (Gedulat Mordechai) – responsa, Parashat Mordechai – responsa, Machashevet Mordechai – on the Torah, Sefer Maharam Banet (Divrei Mordechai) – novellae on Tur and Shulchan Aruch, and other works.
The Chatam Sofer eulogized him as a pious person, leader of the Jewish people and master in all areas of the Torah. In the Chatam Sofer's approbation to his responsa book Har HaMor (Gedulat Mordechai), he writes: "The great Torah scholar… leader of the whole Diaspora Jewry… who lit up the world with his Torah…".
[1], 2-44 leaves. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Stamps. New leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
View Details

Pages