Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
Displaying 1 - 12 of 15
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $20,000
Sold for: $25,000
Including buyer's premium
Illustrated manuscript, Etz Chaim, Torah learned from the Ari HaKadosh by his disciple Rabbi Chaim Vital. [Eastern Europe, second half of 17th century].
Eloquent Ashkenazi writing. This composition was edited by Rabbi Meir Poppers, with introductions by him and by Rabbi Chaim Vital. Variations in the text, compared to the printed editions. Glosses on sheet margins, written by the scribe who wrote the manuscript and by another writer. Most glosses are those of Rabbi Ya'akov Tzemach, Rabbi Meir Poppers and other known glosses. Some are additions or corrections from a different manuscript [the glosses were not closely examined]. At the end of the second volume are replacement leaves in the handwriting of the scribe, and indexes by another writer.
The manuscript is illustrated throughout, with impressive artistic illustrations, in colorful ink of gold, gray and brown. The illustrations adorn the opening of each Heichal [the composition is divided into Heichalot, each Heichal is divided into chapters]. Each illustration is unique. Some illustrations are designed as architectural structures in the Eastern European style [onion-shaped roof domes, castles and tower turrets crowned by flags]. Illustrations of fowl, deer and lions. Decoration in floral and leaf patterns. In the third Heichal, Heichal Keter (Crown), is an illustration of a crown, with a lion on each side. The sixth Heichal has an illustration of a pair of winged lions with bird heads. At the end of the manuscript is a medallion adorned with leaf patterns, with a pair of eagles on its top, and clusters of grapes at the edges [the inside of the medallion is empty. Apparently, it was intended to be used by the scribe to write a colophon]. Illustrated decoration at the ends of Heichalot 1 and 2.
Complete manuscript. 3, 257, 2, [2] leaves. Good-fair condition. High-quality paper, most leaves in good condition. Several leaves restored with glued paper [on the text in several places and on an illustration on the first title page]. Spotting, few moth holes. Tears and damages to several leaves. Ancient vellum binding.
Eloquent Ashkenazi writing. This composition was edited by Rabbi Meir Poppers, with introductions by him and by Rabbi Chaim Vital. Variations in the text, compared to the printed editions. Glosses on sheet margins, written by the scribe who wrote the manuscript and by another writer. Most glosses are those of Rabbi Ya'akov Tzemach, Rabbi Meir Poppers and other known glosses. Some are additions or corrections from a different manuscript [the glosses were not closely examined]. At the end of the second volume are replacement leaves in the handwriting of the scribe, and indexes by another writer.
The manuscript is illustrated throughout, with impressive artistic illustrations, in colorful ink of gold, gray and brown. The illustrations adorn the opening of each Heichal [the composition is divided into Heichalot, each Heichal is divided into chapters]. Each illustration is unique. Some illustrations are designed as architectural structures in the Eastern European style [onion-shaped roof domes, castles and tower turrets crowned by flags]. Illustrations of fowl, deer and lions. Decoration in floral and leaf patterns. In the third Heichal, Heichal Keter (Crown), is an illustration of a crown, with a lion on each side. The sixth Heichal has an illustration of a pair of winged lions with bird heads. At the end of the manuscript is a medallion adorned with leaf patterns, with a pair of eagles on its top, and clusters of grapes at the edges [the inside of the medallion is empty. Apparently, it was intended to be used by the scribe to write a colophon]. Illustrated decoration at the ends of Heichalot 1 and 2.
Complete manuscript. 3, 257, 2, [2] leaves. Good-fair condition. High-quality paper, most leaves in good condition. Several leaves restored with glued paper [on the text in several places and on an illustration on the first title page]. Spotting, few moth holes. Tears and damages to several leaves. Ancient vellum binding.
Category
Manuscripts - Kabbalah
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $1,500
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript of Mevo She'arim, by Rabbi Chaim Vital. Early and especially handsome Ashkenazi writing [beginning of 18th century]. Adorned title page.
The book's arrangement is similar to the first edition printed in Korets in 1783. However, it contains many variations in style, resembling that of the 1806 Thessaloniki edition which was printed from a different manuscript. This manuscript was written decades before the two printings mentioned above, and has many variations which require close examination of content.
97 leaves, 30 cm. High-quality paper, good condition, wear around paper margins. The illustrated title page is from a later time. New elegant leather binding.
The book's arrangement is similar to the first edition printed in Korets in 1783. However, it contains many variations in style, resembling that of the 1806 Thessaloniki edition which was printed from a different manuscript. This manuscript was written decades before the two printings mentioned above, and has many variations which require close examination of content.
97 leaves, 30 cm. High-quality paper, good condition, wear around paper margins. The illustrated title page is from a later time. New elegant leather binding.
Category
Manuscripts - Kabbalah
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Etz Chaim by the Ari, with the addition of various compilations, a Kabbalistic commentary on Azamer B'Shvachin and Shabbat songs. A copy of the holy letter by Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropol. Compilations of Segulot and cures [noted in one place are Segulot copied from the letters by Rabbi Israel Ba'al Shem]. Unknown Kabbalistic Piyutim, various prayers, illustrations and Kabbalistic charts, etc. [Ashkenazi writing, Russia-Poland, c. 1770].
On Leaf 358/a is a colophon by the author: "Here the book Etz Chaim by the Ari was completed. Aharon ben Eliyahu from Chmieln ", copied in the city of Fastiv, Ukraine, in 1771, the book Pri Etz Chaim, listed in the catalogue of Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts, listing no. 0187441].
On the last leaves, after the completion of the book and on the first and last binding leaves, are various compilations [in a different handwriting from around the same time?]
For a complete list, please see the Hebrew description.
In general, we note that the "Etz Chaim" and the compilations added to this manuscript have different variations, seen in the versions of these books, printed in later years. The significance of the variations in these manuscripts was not examined thoroughly. However, in the sample examination conducted, many differences were found.
[5 pages], 358 leaves; [33 pages]. 19 cm. High-quality paper, good-fair condition, wear caused by usage and worm holes. Original leather-covered wooden binding, with decoration and clasp remnants, damaged and torn.
On Leaf 358/a is a colophon by the author: "Here the book Etz Chaim by the Ari was completed. Aharon ben Eliyahu from Chmieln ", copied in the city of Fastiv, Ukraine, in 1771, the book Pri Etz Chaim, listed in the catalogue of Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts, listing no. 0187441].
On the last leaves, after the completion of the book and on the first and last binding leaves, are various compilations [in a different handwriting from around the same time?]
For a complete list, please see the Hebrew description.
In general, we note that the "Etz Chaim" and the compilations added to this manuscript have different variations, seen in the versions of these books, printed in later years. The significance of the variations in these manuscripts was not examined thoroughly. However, in the sample examination conducted, many differences were found.
[5 pages], 358 leaves; [33 pages]. 19 cm. High-quality paper, good-fair condition, wear caused by usage and worm holes. Original leather-covered wooden binding, with decoration and clasp remnants, damaged and torn.
Category
Manuscripts - Kabbalah
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $850
Sold for: $1,063
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Pirkei Heichalot, Kabbalistic Midrash, attributed to ancient Tanna Rabbi Yishmael High Priest. Includes index. Ancient fine Ashkenazi writing with graphic ornamentation. [Russia-Poland?, 18th century].
4 leaves. 19.5 cm. Quality paper, good-fair condition, wear damage on leaf margins, foxing, ancient worn binding.
Manuscript, Pirkei Heichalot, Kabbalistic Midrash, attributed to ancient Tanna Rabbi Yishmael High Priest. Includes index. Ancient fine Ashkenazi writing with graphic ornamentation. [Russia-Poland?, 18th century].
4 leaves. 19.5 cm. Quality paper, good-fair condition, wear damage on leaf margins, foxing, ancient worn binding.
4 leaves. 19.5 cm. Quality paper, good-fair condition, wear damage on leaf margins, foxing, ancient worn binding.
Manuscript, Pirkei Heichalot, Kabbalistic Midrash, attributed to ancient Tanna Rabbi Yishmael High Priest. Includes index. Ancient fine Ashkenazi writing with graphic ornamentation. [Russia-Poland?, 18th century].
4 leaves. 19.5 cm. Quality paper, good-fair condition, wear damage on leaf margins, foxing, ancient worn binding.
Category
Manuscripts - Kabbalah
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $4,500
Unsold
Manuscript, Otzrot Chaim by Rabbi Chaim Vital. [Eastern Europe, 18th/19th century].
Otzrot Chaim is one of Rabbi Chaim Vital's books on the teachings of the Arizal, edited by the Mekubal Rabbi Ya'akov Tzemach. The book was first printed in Korets, 1783.
Volume in good condition. Handsome Ashkenazi handwriting. Glosses by Rabbi Natan Shapira Yerushalmi, Rabbi Moshe Zakut, and Rabbi Binyamin Cohen have been copied to this manuscript. The glosses were mostly written in a very small handwriting and with neat typographic separation. Several marginalia. At the beginning of the manuscript is a chart with the "Names of the faces of …".
173 leaves. 33 cm. Good condition, high-quality paper, spotting. Leather binding, damaged.
Enclosed is a specialist's opinion of this manuscript.
Otzrot Chaim is one of Rabbi Chaim Vital's books on the teachings of the Arizal, edited by the Mekubal Rabbi Ya'akov Tzemach. The book was first printed in Korets, 1783.
Volume in good condition. Handsome Ashkenazi handwriting. Glosses by Rabbi Natan Shapira Yerushalmi, Rabbi Moshe Zakut, and Rabbi Binyamin Cohen have been copied to this manuscript. The glosses were mostly written in a very small handwriting and with neat typographic separation. Several marginalia. At the beginning of the manuscript is a chart with the "Names of the faces of …".
173 leaves. 33 cm. Good condition, high-quality paper, spotting. Leather binding, damaged.
Enclosed is a specialist's opinion of this manuscript.
Category
Manuscripts - Kabbalah
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $2,500
Sold for: $3,125
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript – homiletics and articles, remazim and calculations, philosophy and Kabbalah. Ashkenazi writing, [second half of 18th century and beginning of 19th century].
Large collection of leaves bound together, addressed to "Shmuel ben Rabbi Yechezkel Cohen", hinting to his name in various ways on some of the leaves [with the date of writing (in gematriya). The leaves were written c. 1760-1820 and are composed of homiletics and ideas on the Torah and Aggadot Chazal, Kabbalah and philosophy with a commentary on Chad Gadya. The writer deals with the ideas of the early philosophers (such as the Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim, the author of the Akeda etc.) and he integrates discussions and various calculations of Kabalistic Sefirot, the seven Heavens, the Holy Chayot, the 12 constellations, etc. into the work. Some leaves have illustrations, the ten sefirot, the Merkava etc. Several leaves repeat themselves. The Messianic awareness of the writer is pronounced in several places and he also deals with calculations of the Messiah and hints to his knowledge of its secrets and to his hiding this revelation. The manuscript was not studied in depth and its significance is not clear. The writer's affiliation is also unknown.
Approximately 100 leaves. Varied size and condition of leaves. Bound with a new elaborate leather binding.
Large collection of leaves bound together, addressed to "Shmuel ben Rabbi Yechezkel Cohen", hinting to his name in various ways on some of the leaves [with the date of writing (in gematriya). The leaves were written c. 1760-1820 and are composed of homiletics and ideas on the Torah and Aggadot Chazal, Kabbalah and philosophy with a commentary on Chad Gadya. The writer deals with the ideas of the early philosophers (such as the Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim, the author of the Akeda etc.) and he integrates discussions and various calculations of Kabalistic Sefirot, the seven Heavens, the Holy Chayot, the 12 constellations, etc. into the work. Some leaves have illustrations, the ten sefirot, the Merkava etc. Several leaves repeat themselves. The Messianic awareness of the writer is pronounced in several places and he also deals with calculations of the Messiah and hints to his knowledge of its secrets and to his hiding this revelation. The manuscript was not studied in depth and its significance is not clear. The writer's affiliation is also unknown.
Approximately 100 leaves. Varied size and condition of leaves. Bound with a new elaborate leather binding.
Category
Manuscripts - Kabbalah
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $500
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Two leaf-remnants of an ancient manuscript of the Zohar, removed from the Binding Geniza. Oriental writing, [Italy? 15th century].
A section of the Idra Rabba (Parshat Naso). Appears in the first edition (Mantua, 1458), in Part 3, Leaves 134/a-135/a.
The watermark matches the paper produced in Modena, Italy in 1435 (according to the Briquet Index 3984).
[4] pages. Approximately 28 cm. Major damages, varying condition among the pages (the two outer pages are legible whereas the inner pages are heavily damaged). Professionally restored. New binding.
A section of the Idra Rabba (Parshat Naso). Appears in the first edition (Mantua, 1458), in Part 3, Leaves 134/a-135/a.
The watermark matches the paper produced in Modena, Italy in 1435 (according to the Briquet Index 3984).
[4] pages. Approximately 28 cm. Major damages, varying condition among the pages (the two outer pages are legible whereas the inner pages are heavily damaged). Professionally restored. New binding.
Category
Manuscripts - Kabbalah
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $4,750
Including buyer's premium
Mishnat Chassidim with Siddur Nusach Sefarad (Ashkenaz, with corrections in parentheses for Nusach Sefarad), by the Mekubal Rabbi Emanuel Chai Riki: "He arranged the year-round prayers according to the holy pure Siddur of the Ari". Amsterdam, [1764]. Printed by Leib Zusmensch. Approbations of Rabbi Shaul, Av Beit Din of Amsterdam and Rabbi Shaul HaLevi, Av Beit Din of Hague.
[4], 230 leaves. 19 cm. High-quality paper, good condition, rust stains and spotting. Ownership stamps. Elaborate leather binding, adorned with Dutch-style gilded impressions from the time of printing. gilt-edged. Minor damages on the binding.
One of the first Nusach Sefarad – Nusach Ha'Ari, Kabbalist- Ashkenazi Siddurim, which later became the Nusach of prayer accepted by all Chassidic communities.
Additional [7] leaves are listed in the Bibliography Institute CD, listing no. 0182654, which do not appear in this copy, nor in the copy scanned for HebrewBooks. The copies in the National Library of Israel also do not include these seven leaves.
[4], 230 leaves. 19 cm. High-quality paper, good condition, rust stains and spotting. Ownership stamps. Elaborate leather binding, adorned with Dutch-style gilded impressions from the time of printing. gilt-edged. Minor damages on the binding.
One of the first Nusach Sefarad – Nusach Ha'Ari, Kabbalist- Ashkenazi Siddurim, which later became the Nusach of prayer accepted by all Chassidic communities.
Additional [7] leaves are listed in the Bibliography Institute CD, listing no. 0182654, which do not appear in this copy, nor in the copy scanned for HebrewBooks. The copies in the National Library of Israel also do not include these seven leaves.
Category
Kabbalah Books
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Zohar Chadash and Midrash HaNe'elam, two parts. The edition was proofread by Rabbi Moshe Zakut according to the glosses of the Ari and the Maharam Di Lunzano. Venice, 1658. Title pages illustrated with angels, Tablets of Law and images of the Prophet Jeremiah and King Solomon.
On the title page of the first part is an ownership signature in Italian handwriting: "Nissim Moshe Chai Panichi". Kabbalistic glosses and corrections in early Italian writing.
[2], 96 leaves; 58, 39, [1] leaves. 19 cm. Fair condition, spotting on some of the leaves and worm damages to text, the first title page is damaged and stained. Ancient vellum binding with new impression.
On the title page of the first part is an ownership signature in Italian handwriting: "Nissim Moshe Chai Panichi". Kabbalistic glosses and corrections in early Italian writing.
[2], 96 leaves; 58, 39, [1] leaves. 19 cm. Fair condition, spotting on some of the leaves and worm damages to text, the first title page is damaged and stained. Ancient vellum binding with new impression.
Category
Kabbalah Books
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $250
Sold for: $400
Including buyer's premium
Matzat Shemurim, "on the secrets of (the mitzvoth of) mezuzah, tzitzit, tefillin…also Birkot HaShachar", Kabalistic explanations and kavanot according to the Ari, by the Mekubal Rabbi Natan Shapira Ha'Yerushalmi. Venice, [1660]. [Vinderamin printing].
Rabbi Natan ben Rabbi Reuven Shapira (Maharnash, died in 1666 or 1667), one of the leading mekubalim and editor of the Ari writings. He ascended from Cracow to Jerusalem and was appointed rabbi of the Ashkenazi community. Later, sent as an emissary from Eretz Israel, he traveled to Italy and died in the city of Reggio. He wrote Tuv Ha'Aretz, Yayin HaMeshumar, Torat Natan and other works which were not printed.
A sketch of the order and manner of placement of the parshiot of Tefillin shel Rosh and Tefillin shel Yad is printed on Leaf 39/b. This book is the source of the Kabalistic custom of saying the verse, "And I have betrothed you to me forever" while wrapping the tefillin strap on one's finger.
8, [4], 9-12, 21-84 leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Spotting. Wear and damages to several leaves. Elaborate leather binding, new.
Rabbi Natan ben Rabbi Reuven Shapira (Maharnash, died in 1666 or 1667), one of the leading mekubalim and editor of the Ari writings. He ascended from Cracow to Jerusalem and was appointed rabbi of the Ashkenazi community. Later, sent as an emissary from Eretz Israel, he traveled to Italy and died in the city of Reggio. He wrote Tuv Ha'Aretz, Yayin HaMeshumar, Torat Natan and other works which were not printed.
A sketch of the order and manner of placement of the parshiot of Tefillin shel Rosh and Tefillin shel Yad is printed on Leaf 39/b. This book is the source of the Kabalistic custom of saying the verse, "And I have betrothed you to me forever" while wrapping the tefillin strap on one's finger.
8, [4], 9-12, 21-84 leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Spotting. Wear and damages to several leaves. Elaborate leather binding, new.
Category
Kabbalah Books
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $3,500
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Shnei Luchot HaBrit (Shla) by Rabbi Yeshaya HaLevi Horowitz. Amsterdam, 1698. Printing press of Emanuel son of Yosef Atiash. Illustrated title page (by Avraham ben Ya’akov Hager).
Signatures, a stamp and ownership inscriptions by Rabbi "Ber Deitsch of Chojnice". Dozens of scholarly glosses in halacha and aggada in Ashkenazi handwriting from the 17th/18th century, by an anonymous author.
[4], 422, 44, [12] leaves. 30.5 cm. Good-fair condition; spotting and wear. Ancient leather binding.
In letters written by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch (letter II 853) he refers to Sefer HaKadosh “which was printed in 1698 in an elaborate edition. The year 1698 which is the numerical value of 'nachat' is a sign that the revelation of the holy book caused heavenly satisfaction, and in that same year the Ba’al Shem Tov was born… and the Ba’al Shem Tov was used to saying that he was born in the year that the Shla HaKadosh was printed to enlighten the world with the light of G-d of Torah and fear of Heaven".
Signatures, a stamp and ownership inscriptions by Rabbi "Ber Deitsch of Chojnice". Dozens of scholarly glosses in halacha and aggada in Ashkenazi handwriting from the 17th/18th century, by an anonymous author.
[4], 422, 44, [12] leaves. 30.5 cm. Good-fair condition; spotting and wear. Ancient leather binding.
In letters written by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch (letter II 853) he refers to Sefer HaKadosh “which was printed in 1698 in an elaborate edition. The year 1698 which is the numerical value of 'nachat' is a sign that the revelation of the holy book caused heavenly satisfaction, and in that same year the Ba’al Shem Tov was born… and the Ba’al Shem Tov was used to saying that he was born in the year that the Shla HaKadosh was printed to enlighten the world with the light of G-d of Torah and fear of Heaven".
Category
Kabbalah Books
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $300
Sold for: $475
Including buyer's premium
Pardess Rimonim, by Rabbi Moshe Cordovero – the Ramak. Kabbalistic illustrations. Korets [1786]. Ownership inscriptions in ancient handwriting.
168 leaves. 32 cm. Fair condition, wear and spotting. Ancient stamps of the "New Chabad Beit Midrash" in the city of Vaslui. Worn damaged leather binding.
Written on the title page: "Printed for the third time". Other copies, with some variations in the title pages, are known.
168 leaves. 32 cm. Fair condition, wear and spotting. Ancient stamps of the "New Chabad Beit Midrash" in the city of Vaslui. Worn damaged leather binding.
Written on the title page: "Printed for the third time". Other copies, with some variations in the title pages, are known.
Category
Kabbalah Books
Catalogue