Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
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Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $15,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Two manuscript volumes, works of kabbalist R. Menachem Azariah (Rama) of Fano. [Italy, ca. late 16th or early 17th century].
The present volumes contain three works by R. Menachem Azariah, the Rama of Fano. The first volume contains Maamar HaNefesh and Maamar Maayan Ganim, and the second volume contains Maamar Meah Kesitah.
Scribal writing, in Italian script. In several places, marginal glosses by another, unidentified writer.
The Rama authored his works in several recensions, in each one revising the works in a different way, reordering their contents and dividing them differently. Over the course of this complicated editorial process, the recensions were copied several times by his disciples (see: R. Yosef Avivi, Kabbalistic Writings of the Rama of Fano, Sefunot, XIX, pp. 347 ff. [Hebrew]). The present item is one of those recensions originating from his circle, which calls for comparison with the other recensions. Maamar HaNefesh appears here in an early recension which also includes Maamar Olam Katan, which was later separated into its own chapter by the Rama (see: Avivi, ibid., p. 350).
The present manuscripts were copied in the Rama's lifetime, apparently by a disciple of his, as each volume contains the signature of censor Camilo Jaghel, dated 1619, before the Rama's passing in 1620.
In volume I on leaf 76, at the end of Maamar HaNefesh – concluding poem by "the wise poet R. Meshulam Sulam" (beginning "Nodeh LeEl Baruch"; this poem appears at the end of Olam Katan by the Rama of Fano, printed in Taalumot Chochmah by Yashar Delmedigo, Hanau 1629).
Two volumes. Volume I (Maamar HaNefesh and Maamar Maayan Ganim): 218 leaves (the foliation in pencil is 219, mistakenly skipping a number); Volume II (Maamar Meah Kesitah): 159 leaves. Varying condition of volumes, good-fair. Stains, including dampstains. In volume II, dark stains and traces of mold. Open tears to several leaves in second volume, affecting text, repaired with paper filling. New bindings, incorporating portions of original bindings.
Category
Kabbalah – Manuscripts and Handwritten Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $15,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $50,000
Sold for: $81,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Sefer HaKavanot Part II, on Shabbat, festivals and additional topics, the Arizal's kabbalistic teachings by his disciple R. Chaim Vital. Venice, [1656].
Copy of the kabbalist R. Natan Nata Hannover, with his signature and many handwritten glosses by him – manuscript from the library of the Imrei Emet of Ger.
Fine cursive Italian script (with titles and initial words in square script). Illustrated title page, in the center of which is written: "Sefer Kavanot Part II… practices of Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, Chanukah and Purim and all the festivals, ancient and sweet words received from the Arizal which were sent here from Safed, written here in Venice the capital city, [1656]".
Under arch on title page, signature of kabbalist R. Natan Nata Hannover: "G-d granted me this book, Natan Nata son of the martyr R. Moshe Hannover Ashkenazi".
Before the title page are bound two leaves with indexes handwritten by R. Natan Nata Hannover. He refers to these leaves in an inscription at the top of the first leaf: "Says Natan Neta Naaman: I found this order in an old book of Kavanot, but it is ordered incorrectly and not chronologically… Afterwards I managed to find the correct order possessed by the kabbalist R. Moshe Zacuto and I considered annotating the pages according to that correct order. Afterwards I decided to write the correct order on an independent leaf, which is the previous leaf; see there".
Hundreds of glosses throughout the manuscript, in the margins and between the lines, including dozens of lengthy glosses, handwritten by R. Natan Nata, most in semi-cursive Ashkenazic script and others in cursive Ashkenazic script. He begins some of his glosses with his name or nickname, such as: "Says Natan Neta Naaman…", "Neta Naaman", "it appears in my humble opinion, Natan Ashkenazi", and more.
Apparently, the present Sefer HaKavanot was compiled by R. Natan Nata, and was written by a Venetian Jew at his direction. In several places, R. Natan Nata added a reference to the source, for example on p. 52a, after the title of the section relating to Shavuot, R. Natan Nata added: "I found this in the writings of my teacher R. Moshe Zacuto citing R. Binyamin HaLevi [of Safed]". Additional titles with this text appear on pp. 62a and 65a. Several sections in the book were written by R. Natan Nata himself, such as the Kavanot for blowing the shofar, as well as a section of the commentary on the Haggadah.
In several places written in the copyist's hand, there are quotations from the kabbalists whom R. Natan Nata met in Venice, such as on p. 45b: "I found written in the Kavanot of R. Natan Shapiro Yerushalmi…". On p. 52b, at the end of one of the sections: "I received a tradition from R. Binyamin HaLevi not to use these kavanot on Shabbat".
At the end of the manuscript (at the end of Kavanot HaZakan), R. Natan Nata concludes the copying, in his own handwriting, with verses of blessing: "Happy is the people who has such… For the Lord listens to the destitute… And He does not despise the poverty of the poor… and He listens to them when they entreat Him. Amen Selah. Blessed is the Lord forever, Amen and Amen". On the following leaf is the beginning of a copying in Ashkenazic script, titled "This belongs above in the laws of Shabbat".
It is unclear to us how the present manuscript relates to R. Natan Nata's work Neta Naaman, of which we possess only the fifth part entitled Shaarei Tzion (see below at length). As stated above, the expression "Neta Naaman" appears in some of the glosses in the present manuscript, which may be one of the lost parts of R. Natan Nata's work (on R. Natan Nata Hannover's recension, see: R. Yosef Avivi, Kabbalat HaAri, II, pp. 748-750).
The present work contains chapters on: Shabbat, Motzaei Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, Chanukah, Tu BiShevat, Purim, Pesach and the Exodus from Egypt, the Omer, commentary on the Haggadah, Sefirat HaOmer, seventh day of Pesach, Shavuot, 40 days of Elul, Rosh Hashanah, kavanot for the shofar blowing, kavanot for the shofar, secret of the shofar, Yom Kippur, lashes, Sukkot, Hoshana Rabba, secret of the sukkah, lulav and etrog, on the sukkah, Simchat Torah, travel, holiness, shemitah, purifying the soul, kavanot for study, kavanot for all the days of the week, the reading of the Torah, attainment of wisdom, the weight of the ketoret, tzedakah, plague, seven circuits for the dead, phases of the moon, immersion, ritual slaughter, positive interpretation of a dream, Torah reading for Shabbat, yichud for Nishmat, Amidah, the prayer as a whole, principle for zivugim, the prayer of R. Yeisa Sava before eating, kavanot for eating, Birkat HaMazon, blessings for pleasures and mitzvot, kavanot for corners of the hair and beard, Aleinu, prayers for mercy in tikunim of Atik DeAtikin.
In several places appear glosses (kavanot and verses) in Sephardic script, by an unidentified writer.
Signatures on title page: "Yitzchak Altaras" (crossed out), "Shlomo son of R. Yitzchak Altaras". Additional signature of R. Shlomo Altaras on leaf following title page. R. Yitzchak Altaras, an important member of the Venetian community. His son R. Shlomo Altaras immigrated from Venice to Split (Bosnia, present-day Croatia). He later emigrated to Eretz Israel, settling in Aleppo on the way. R. Shlomo Altaras brought with him books and manuscripts, mainly kabbalistic, from Italy and Bosnia (see: R. Moshe Hillel, Ohel Re'em, p. 162, note 73).
On last leaf, ownership inscriptions in Sephardic script: "This book belongs to me, R. Shmuel Florentin son of Yaakov…" (we know of a R. Chaim Shmuel son of Yaakov Florentin, a 17th-century Torah scholar in Thessaloniki, d. 1719, author of Me'il Shmuel, Thessaloniki 1725).
The present manuscript was later made part of the famous library of Rebbe Avraham Mordechai Alter, the Imrei Emet of Ger, which disappeared in the Holocaust. The present manuscript was listed in catalogs of books and manuscripts in the Rebbe's library, which were put up for sale by the Alter Hebrew Book bookshop founded by the Rebbe together with his sons-in-law R. Yitzchak Meir Alter and R. Yitzchak Meir Levin. These catalogs were printed in Warsaw in 1901 and in New York in 1921. A detailed description of the present manuscript, with an added citation from the title page and the glosses of R. Natan Nata, appears in the catalogue of manuscripts published by R. Moshe Hillel, Ohel Re'em – listing of manuscripts in the collection of Rebbe Avraham Mordechai Alter of Ger, Kehilot Yisrael, Jerusalem 2018, no. 125, pp. 231-232 (see there at length on the history of the library, the Rebbe's bookshop and the above catalogs). At the beginning of this entry's description, the present manuscript is described as: "Kavanot Part II – a different recension than the seven books of Kavanot listed by the Chida in his book, who did not see it" (i.e. this Kavanot compiled by R. Natan Nata differs from the seven recensions of Sefer HaKavanot listed by the Chida in Shem HaGedolim [Maarechet Sofrim, entry Kavanot], apparently indicating it was unknown to him. R. Moshe Hillel, ibid.). The fact that this manuscript from the library of the Rebbe of Ger was preserved, was hitherto unknown.
R. Natan Nata Hannover, author of Shaarei Tzion (see Lot 179), born in Iziaslav, was a survivor of the Chmielnicki massacres of 1648-1649 (see Lot 133), in which his father R. Moshe was martyred. He authored Yeven Metzulah, a chronicle of the hardships suffered by the Jews during those times. During his wanderings he reached Italy, where he met the leading kabbalists of his day, the first generation to produce recensions of the Arizal's teachings in Eretz Israel and Italy. He stayed first in Livorno, where he met R. Chaim HaKohen of Aleppo, a disciple of R. Chaim Vital who came to Italy in order to print his book Mekor Chaim, who taught him some of the Arizal's kabbalistic teachings, as R. Natan Nata recounts in the introduction to his Shaarei Tzion: "G-d had me wander from my birthplace… until I reached Italy, a city full of sages and scribes called Leghorn [=Livorno]… When I was there for about a full year, 1654… G-d inspired a holy man to pass by us, R. Chaim Kohen, a close disciple of R. Chaim Vital, and I received this splendid science from him in person, and he transmitted to me several good novel ideas that he received from his teacher which are not mentioned in Etz Chaim…".
R. Natan Nata later met the kabbalist R. Natan Shapiro, who came to Italy in 1655 as an emissary from Jerusalem, and R. Natan Nata accompanied him to Venice: "Afterwards a holy man from Jerusalem came to me with many bundles of writings of the Arizal, the kabbalist R. Natan Shapiro, and I followed him to the great city of Venice…". In Venice, R. Natan Nata was chosen as a member of the "great yeshiva", where he studied for two years (1655-1656). He states that during his stay in Venice, he associated with and studied under the leading Torah scholars and kabbalists, R. Shmuel Aboab and R. Moshe Zacuto (the Ramaz), as well as R. Binyamin HaLevi of Safed. In Venice he copied their kabbalistic writings: "In addition, I copied the Etz Chaim from them, and the glosses on the Zohar, Tikunim and Zohar Chadash…". From his meeting with the leading transmitters and compilers of the Arizal's kabbalistic teachings, R. Natan Nata came to possess many works on the Arizal's teachings. On the basis of these works, R. Natan Nata authored a comprehensive work, Neta Naaman, condensing the Arizal's kabbalistic teachings based on the works he possessed, as he goes on to state in the introduction: "And I authored a fine work called Neta Naaman… and I myself wrote and transmitted all the booklets of Etz Chaim extant outside of Eretz Israel and novel laws from the Zohar, Tikunim and Zohar Chadash and other kabbalistic books concisely, and I divided them into five parts corresponding to five partzufim, as I explained at length in the introduction to my book Neta Naaman… And thus I begin Part V… I called the name of this book Shaarei Tzion…". Of all five parts of his book, only the fifth part has reached us – Shaarei Tzion, which was published twice in his lifetime (in Prague 1662 and Amsterdam 1671; subsequently printed in dozens of editions). In 1662 R. Natan Nata reached Iași, Romania, where he served as local rabbi and "Rabbi and yeshiva dean of Wallachia" (as he is called on the title page of the second edition of the book). R. Natan Nata is said to have subsequently reached Uherský Brod, Moravia (present-day Czech Republic), where he was killed in 1683 when soldiers attacked the Jewish community during the Hungarian revolt against the Ottomans.
Complete manuscript. [2], 23, 23-96, 96-100, 102-112, [1] leaves (some misfoliation; leaves 46-49 are blank). Approx. 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Light wear. Worming, slightly affecting text. New binding.
Category
Kabbalah – Manuscripts and Handwritten Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $40,000
Estimate: $80,000 - $120,000
Sold for: $187,500
Including buyer's premium
Illustrated manuscript, Pri Etz Chaim, teachings of the Arizal by R. Chaim Vital, compiled by R. Meir Poppers; scribed by R. Moshe son of R. Yosef of Liuboml. [Brody?], 1743.
Copy of kabbalist R. Avraham Gershon of Kitov (Kitover), the famous brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov (see at length below).
Written and illustrated artistically, in neat Ashkenazic cursive script, with decorations and illustrations. Minute flower and leaf decorations throughout the manuscript. Two large and impressive illustrations – resembling rugs – on pp. 178a and 252b: The illustration on p. 178a covers most of the page and is headed by the Biblical title "This is the table that is before the Lord". Two colors of ink are used in it, and it is decorated with closely drawn symmetric vegetal patterns – twisting vines, leaves and flowers – some minute. In the upper half is a square frame with six medallions containing letters of the four-lettered Name of G-d, topped by a decoration of a jug with a spout designed as a bird head. In the bottom half is a pair of erect lions hissing, between which is a large vase set upon a stylized base. The decorations are bordered by a wide rectangular frame, which incorporates a cartouche and thirteen medallions, all blank.
The illustration on p. 252b depicts the seven lower Sefirot in circles, between them fine illustrations with symmetrical vegetal patterns, including twisting vines, jugs and large flowers. On either side of the Sefirah of Yesod appear illustrations of a predatory bird (eagle) and rabbit.
Several other small illustrations (illustration of tefillin bayit on leaf 35; illustration of shofar on leaf 224).
At the top of the first leaf: "For the unification of the Holy One Blessed is He and His divine presence by that which is concealed and hidden, I begin to write the book of weekday Kavanot".
On p. 151b, at the end of Shaar Tikun Chatzot, colophon of scribe in rhyming prose: "I raise my feeble arms in prayer… May He grant us the merit to attain high levels… and complete repentance, to be a faithful servant of G-d by day and night; so says the writer Moshe son of R. Yosef of Liuboml, and it was completed Friday, 23rd Elul 1743…".
On the front endpaper appear inscriptions by another writer, including two kabbalistic passages, headed by an ownership inscription: "Pri Etz Chaim, belongs to the great rabbi… R. Avraham Gershon" – apparently referring to R. Avraham Gershon of Kitov, one of the kabbalists of the Brody Kloiz and brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov.
We know of two other manuscripts attributed to this scribe, which demonstrate that he was active in Brody and Yampil in the years 1744-1750. The first manuscript is the Siddur Kavanot HaAri which he wrote in Yampil, 1750; this siddur was published in facsimile in 1998 by R. Shlomo Yisrael Mehudar. The date and location appear on the title page, and the scribe's colophon on p. 204a of the siddur: "…Moshe son of R. Yosef of Liuboml". Notably, at the end of the above manuscript appear inscriptions, apparently by another writer, including a kabbalistic kavanah for immersion by the Baal Shem Tov. The second is the manuscript Derech Etz Chaim (formerly of the collection of R. David Frankel of Bnei Brak), a facsimile of the title page of which appears in the abovementioned facsimile edition, which attributes it to him, although the scribe's name does not appear in the facsimile (the attribution is likely, judging by the style of writing and title page decorations). The above manuscript of Derech Etz Chaim was written in Brody, as mentioned on the title page; the chronogram and thus date of writing should apparently be read 1744. The latter manuscript contains the signature of R. Yechezkel Landau, the Noda BiYehudah (notably, the other manuscript, the Kavanot HaAri, was written in Yampil during the Noda BiYehudah's tenure as city rabbi).
The scribe of the manuscript, R. Moshe son of R. Yosef of Liuboml, would then have been active in Brody and Yampil, and in addition to the present manuscript (R. Meir Poppers' recension of Pri Etz Chaim), he also scribed another volume of the Arizal's writings (Derech Etz Chaim, also in R. Meir Poppers' recension), which was in the possession of the Noda BiYehudah. Significantly, the Noda BiYehudah was a close friend of R. Avraham Gershon of Kitov, and both were members of the Brody Kloiz, where they stayed until 1744, when they were expelled from the city along with R. Meir Margaliot, author of Meir Netivim (see below).
We know nothing else of the scribe R. Moshe of Liuboml, but he was evidently the scribe of several kabbalistic manuscripts used by members of the Brody Kloiz, and he himself may have also been a member of the kabbalistic circle of the Kloiz.
In Shaar Shabbat, the scribe integrated glosses by the kabbalist R. Yaakov Tzemach (with the opening word "Tzemach") and by a kabbalist named "Elchanan" (leaves 159-160), in "windows" in the main text. Apparently, the latter is the kabbalist R. Elchanan of Brody (about whom no biographical details are known; his name appears in his Leket HaPardes which is preserved in several manuscripts. An autograph of his written in 1714 is known, and his name indicates he was from Brody).
Several marginal glosses by writers we were unable to identify.
The original manuscript breaks off in the middle of Shaar Yemei HaPurim (chapter 4), at the end of which appears a fragment of another leaf. At the end of the manuscript are bound three more leaves by another scribe, including sections of the introduction printed at the beginning of Pri Etz Chaim (Korets 1785). These leaves contain many inscriptions and pen trials (particularly to margins), partially deleted, including drafts of salutations for letters.
R. Avraham Gershon of Kitov (Kuty; d. Adar 1761), a prominent Torah scholar and kabbalist, was a member of the Kloiz in Brody. He was the famous brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first Chassidim to immigrate to Eretz Israel. Shivchei HaBesht recounts wondrous tales of his relationship with his brother-in-law, the Baal Shem Tov. At first, he did not recognize the stature of the Baal Shem Tov and thought him to be an unlearned simpleton, but eventually he clung to him wholeheartedly and joined his circle. The Baal Shem Tov revealed esoteric secrets to his brother-in-law and showed him the way to elevate souls during the Minchah prayer on Erev Shabbat. R. Avraham Gershon lived in Brody, where he studied in the well-known Brody Kloiz. At the Kloiz, he served as prayer leader, and there he became acquainted with the Noda BiYehudah, a friendship which lasted for many years. The Noda BiYehudah later called him "The apple of my eye and desire of my heart… a sage who is greater than a prophet, a lion, my beloved, dear friend… expert and excellent in Torah and piety…" (from the beginning of a letter sent to R. Avraham Gershon when he was in Constantinople; Noda BiYehudah Kama, Even HaEzer, 73).
In 1744, the Noda BiYehudah, R. Avraham Gershon of Kitov and R. Meir Margaliot author of Meir Netivim, were forced to leave Brody after they published a halachic decision ruling that the wife of a powerful member of the Brody community is forbidden to him. This act cost them dearly; R. Yechezkel was heavily fined, forcing him to hand over all his money and property; the Meir Netivim was lashed; and R. Gershon of Kitov managed to escape before being punished (on the affair, see Kedem Catalogue 63, Lot 13). According to Chassidic tradition, when the Baal Shem Tov heard of the incident, he stated that "these three were allotted greatness for sanctifying G-d's name publicly, R. Yechezkel will be Rabbi of Prague, R. Meir Margaliot will be Rabbi of Lviv and Ostroh, and R. Avraham Gershon will be in the Holy Land… and so it was" (Emunat Tzaddikim, Warsaw 1900, p. 19; see also Kedem Catalogue 69, Part 1, Lot 16).
After escaping Brody, R. Avraham Gershon stayed for two years by his brother-in-law the Baal Shem Tov in Mezhibuzh (Medzhybizh), teaching the Baal Shem Tov's son, R. Tzvi. In 1746, R. Gershon began his journey to Eretz Israel. Some say that he was sent to Eretz Israel by the Baal Shem Tov, who hoped to disseminate Chassidut in the Orient. The letters exchanged between the Baal Shem Tov and R. Gershon while living in Eretz Israel attest to the deep spiritual and emotional ties between them. Especially well known is the letter from the Baal Shem Tov telling of his conversation with the Messiah: "'When are you coming, my master?' 'When your wellsprings spread outward'". R. Gershon first settled in Hebron, and in ca. 1754 he moved to Jerusalem, where he became a leading Torah scholar and head of the developing Ashkenazi community. He joined the kabbalistic Beit El yeshiva and studied under the great kabbalist, the Rashash. R. Yitzchak Zerachiah Azulai, father of the Chida, was his close friend during that period.
[2], 3-164, [1], 165-258 leaves (misfoliated) + [3] leaves in another hand. 36 cm. Overall good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Dampstains with ink smudging to several leaves. Browning to some leaves. Damage, ink erosion and ink fading in several places, slightly affecting text. Tears to several leaves, affecting text (including open tear to leaf 252, affecting illustration). New leather binding.
Category
Kabbalah – Manuscripts and Handwritten Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $16,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, anthology of practical kabbalah, Segulot and cures, amulets, Hashbaot and Goralot. [Italy, early 18th century].
Large anthology, in cursive Italian script, with handwritten additions by R. Refael Yeshayah Azulai, son of the Chida. Including kabbalistic illustrations, diagrams and decorations, most colored gray.
Fine illustrated title page, in the center of which is written: "I found an opportunity to compose a book of fine things, namely awesome secrets and amazing Segulot which I copied from several books…".
At the beginning of the manuscript (before the title page) is a "hundred-year calendar", in the handwriting of the scribe, beginning in 1707.
The anthology contains hundreds of paragraphs of Segulot and cures for various matters, Holy Names for protection and salvation, dream questions, amulet texts, Hashbaot for angels and demons, and more. Some contain charts with Holy Names, Angelic script and kabbalistic illustrations. On p. 39a, large drawing of a key, following the paragraph containing "the name of the key for opening the heart…" (another similar illustration on p. 152b). On p. 221a, large Lamnatzeach menorah illustration, and on following leaves, kavanot and secrets of the Lamnatzeach psalm and menorah.
On p. 68b: "Pidyon nefesh"; on p. 75b: "Amidah prayer arranged for the destruction of the enemies of Israel…" by R. Menachem Recanati; on p. 81a, Sefer HaCheshek; on leaves 99-100, illustrations of angelic seals; on leaves 101-116: "Shimush Tehillim" (with fine illustrations throughout); on leaves 164-180: "Shimush shel Torah"; on leaves 181-194: discussion of seasons and kabbalistic prayers for the success of various matters; on p. 242b: "Chapter on physiognomy"; on leaves 250-259: Goralot.
Leaves 260-278: Indexes of Segulot and cures in the manuscript, compiled by the scribe.
On the leaves at the beginning and end of the volume are inscriptions and additions in other hands, including handwritten additions by R. Refael Yeshayah Azulai, and additions by another writer in a script similar to that used by Livorno Torah scholars (such as R. Yosef Ergas or R. Malachi HaKohen). R. Yeshayah Azulai's additions appear on leaves 3-4, 6b, 259b, 279a, 281a. R. Yeshayah added Segulot, texts of amulets and Holy Names. In addition, several marginal inscriptions are in his handwriting. The second writer's additions appear on leaves 2a, 8a, 280b, as well as several glosses by this writer in the manuscript. At the top of p. 8b, next to one of the Segulot and amulets that he added, the second writer attributes it to his teacher "Ch. B. A." – which may be a reference to R. Chaim Ben Attar, author of Or HaChaim (who stayed in Livorno between 1739-1741).
R. Refael Yeshayah Azulai (1743-1826), eldest son of the illustrious R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida, and a great Torah scholar in his own right. Born in Jerusalem, he served as rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him in terms of endearment and esteem ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great sage", "the light of my eyes", "beloved of my soul"). After the death of R. Avraham Yisrael Rabbi of Ancona in 1785, the community leaders turned to the Chida who hinted that his son R. Refael Yeshayah was suitable for this position. He served as Rabbi of Ancona until his passing on 9th Shevat 1826 (at the age of 83, like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his community for a long time (for further information, see M. Benayahu's book on the Chida, pp. 476-487).
[281] leaves (several leaves missing throughout the manuscript; first leaf blank). 17 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, mainly to inner margins, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper filling. New binding.
Category
Kabbalah – Manuscripts and Handwritten Glosses
Catalogue
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat West](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/39_1.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur Kavanot HaAri – Morocco, 18th Century – Glosses – C")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat West](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/39_10.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur Kavanot HaAri – Morocco, 18th Century – Glosses – C")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat West](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/39_12.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur Kavanot HaAri – Morocco, 18th Century – Glosses – C")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat West](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/39_14-web.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur Kavanot HaAri – Morocco, 18th Century – Glosses – C")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat West](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/39_15-web.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur Kavanot HaAri – Morocco, 18th Century – Glosses – C")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat West](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/39_2.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur Kavanot HaAri – Morocco, 18th Century – Glosses – C")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat West](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/39_3.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur Kavanot HaAri – Morocco, 18th Century – Glosses – C")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat West](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/39_6.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur Kavanot HaAri – Morocco, 18th Century – Glosses – C")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat West](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/39_9.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur Kavanot HaAri – Morocco, 18th Century – Glosses – C")
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $6,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $18,750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, year-round siddur with Kavanot HaAri. [Morocco, ca. early 18th century].
Complete manuscript in neat Western script, with fine typography. The text of the prayers is written in large letters, while the commentary and Kavanot are written in smaller script.
Siddur with Kavanot, based on the recension of R. Meir Poppers. The text incorporates glosses of kabbalists: R. Yosef Luria, which appear in several copyings of Kavanot siddurim from North Africa, on pp. 98b, 148a and more (R. Yosef Luria, son of R. Shlomo son of the Arizal, who in 1655 signed a halachic responsum in Morocco; see R. Moshe Hillel, Mekabtziel, XXXIX, pp. 708-709, note 30); R. Avraham Azulai, on pp. 73b, 98a, 107b, and more; R. Shalem Siboni (p. 24b, citing a gloss in the book he was copying from; a parallel manuscript in Western script from 1725, with these additions, is Ben Tzvi Institute, Jerusalem, Ms. 2217).
Includes prayers and Kavanot for weekdays and Shabbat, eating, blessings after meals, Rosh Chodesh, weeks preceding Tishah B'Av, High Holidays, Hoshana Rabba, festivals, Passover Haggadah, Chanukah, Purim and more. Several diagrams and tables. On leaves 83-84, menorah illustrations.
At the beginning of the manuscript appears the introduction of kabbalist R. Chaim HaKohen of Aleppo to his siddur.
Many kabbalistic marginal glosses, with novellae and Kavanot, most by the same writer (who was demonstrably an expert kabbalistic scholar) and several glosses by other writers. We were unable to identify the kabbalists who authored these glosses. Some of the margins containing the glosses were folded to preserve the glosses; some glosses were trimmed.
This manuscript reached Ancona, and was formerly Ms. 24 of the community's library. The first leaves contain signatures and inscriptions of the Morpurgo family of Ancona – signatures (calligraphic) by "Yosef Chaim Moshe Morpurgo" and an inscription: "This book belongs to Yosef son of R. Yehudah Avraham Yisrael Morpurgo". Ownership inscription on last leaf: "This book belongs to the perfect scholar… R. David Avraham Chai" – apparently R. David Avraham Chai Vivanti (1806-1876), Rabbi of Ancona.
This Yehudah Avraham Morpurgo is listed as a pre-subscriber to Chaim VaChesed (by R. Chaim Yitzchak Musafia, Livorno 1844), as a resident of Ancona. R. David Avraham Chai Vivanti apparently married his daughter Simcha Malka (for a poem leaf authored for this wedding, see Kedem Catalogue 57, Lot 209).
On first leaf, copying of the piyyut Shaar HaRachamim LeAm Becha Boteach (by R. Yehudah HaLevi), in Italian script.
[199] leaves (as well as several blank leaves at end). Approx. 17 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Worming, slightly affecting text. Tears resulting from ink erosion in several places, slightly affecting text. Marginal open tears to several leaves, affecting some glosses. New leather binding.
Category
Kabbalah – Manuscripts and Handwritten Glosses
Catalogue
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with kavanot of the Arizal. [Kurdistan], 1742/1743.
Neat Oriental script, with decorati](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/40_1.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur with Kavanot of the Arizal – Kurdistan, 1742/1743 –")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with kavanot of the Arizal. [Kurdistan], 1742/1743.
Neat Oriental script, with decorati](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/40_2.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur with Kavanot of the Arizal – Kurdistan, 1742/1743 –")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with kavanot of the Arizal. [Kurdistan], 1742/1743.
Neat Oriental script, with decorati](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/40_3.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur with Kavanot of the Arizal – Kurdistan, 1742/1743 –")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with kavanot of the Arizal. [Kurdistan], 1742/1743.
Neat Oriental script, with decorati](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/40_4.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur with Kavanot of the Arizal – Kurdistan, 1742/1743 –")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with kavanot of the Arizal. [Kurdistan], 1742/1743.
Neat Oriental script, with decorati](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/40_6-web.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur with Kavanot of the Arizal – Kurdistan, 1742/1743 –")
![Manuscript, year-round siddur with kavanot of the Arizal. [Kurdistan], 1742/1743.
Neat Oriental script, with decorati](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale100/40_7.jpg "Manuscript, Siddur with Kavanot of the Arizal – Kurdistan, 1742/1743 –")
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, year-round siddur with kavanot of the Arizal. [Kurdistan], 1742/1743.
Neat Oriental script, with decorations.
Decorated title page (decorated with verse from Proverbs: "Happy is the person who listens to me…"; a similar title page design can be found in a manuscript from Kurdistan, from the Gross collection, sold in Kedem Auction 92, Part 2, Lot 137). In the center in square script: "Year-round siddur with kavanot for the one praying to know to bring down the flow of bounty from above", below which is written in semi-cursive script: "Completed in the week of [Parashat Bo] in the year [1742], I the scribe Yechezkel son of Elazar".
On the verso of the title page is an introduction by the scribe, with allusions for prayer and the chazan, ending with an apologia for possible errors, concluding: "One who knows how to have these kavanot in prayer will receive ancestral blessings. Concluded in the week of [Parashat Bo] in the year [1743]".
On leaf 137, colophon of the scribe: "Completed… Yechezkel son of Elazar". His stamps appear on this leaf and on p. 120a.
The siddur contains: Weekday, Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh prayers, Hallel, Sefirat HaOmer, bakashot and several other prayers.
On many pages, the prayer text is written in a thin column, with the kavanot in minute script on both sides. On other leaves, the prayer text is written over the entire leaf, with the kavanot written in "windows" or as marginal glosses. Some of the glosses on these and other pages were written by another scribe.
On leaves following colophon (138-148), calendars (tekufot and leap years) for the years 1765-1813.
Signature on leaf 111: "Yosef Yechezkel".
On leaves 137 and 140, birth and death inscriptions: "The day Rachamim had a son and we called him Azariah… 1821", "The day I had a son… and I called him Moshe… 10th Shevat 1824", "The day Rachamim son of Azariah was born… 1794", "The day Yechezkel son of Rachamim was born… 1816", "The day Rachamim was sought… 1835"; "The day Rachamim son of Azariah had a son… whose name is Moshe, 1829", "The day Rachamim had a son named Yeshayah… 1830", "The day Rachamim had a son named Shlomo… 1834", "The day Rachamim son of Chizkiel was born… 1849", "The day Yechezkel son of Rachamim was born… 1887".
[138] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Tears and open tears, mainly to margins of leaves, affecting text in some places (affecting some glosses), mostly repaired with paper filling. New binding.
Category
Kabbalah – Manuscripts and Handwritten Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $1,500 - $3,000
Sold for: $27,500
Including buyer's premium
Three books by kabbalist R. Moshe Cordovero – the Ramak. First editions printed posthumously by his son R. Gedaliah Cordovero and R. Moshe Bassola [della Rocca]. Bound in one volume.
· Or Ne'erav, by R. Moshe Cordovero – the Ramak. Venice: Zuan (Giovanni) di Gara, [1587].
The book was proofread by R. Menachem Azariah (Rama) of Fano (as stated by R. Gedaliah Cordovero in his introduction). At the beginning of the book appears an introduction by R. Menachem Azariah.
Or Ne'erav is a fundamental introduction to kabbalah. The Ramak writes of the importance of studying kabbalah and the proper ways to do so. In the book he also mentions excursions into the fields (Gerushim) which Safed kabbalists used to make, and of the holy spirit which they attained. He tells of excursions he had with his brother-in-law and teacher R. Shlomo Alkabetz (author of Lechah Dodi): "The eighth virtue is what I and others have experienced, regarding the excursions that we would make to the field with the kabbalist R. Shlomo ibn Alkabetz HaLevi, to study the verses of the Torah spontaneously with no intense study. And we would conceive of novel ideas that would be unbelievable to anyone who didn't see or try this…" (Part V, chapter 2).
· Perush Seder Avodat Yom HaKippurim, commentary on the Avodah (Yom Kippur Temple service) by R. Moshe Cordovero. Venice: Zuan (Giovanni) di Gara, 1587. On title page: "Printed in a small volume so that it can be attached at the end of a siddur"; "Printed… at the request of R. Gedaliah Cordovero his son".
· Tomer Devorah, "on the straight path for one to select, and one's meditation, goal and contemplation of one's ways", by R. Moshe Cordovero. Venice: Zuan (Giovanni) di Gara, 1589.
First edition of an important ethical work.
On verso of title page, introduction by R. Moshe Bassola, stating that the book was given to him for publication by R. Menachem Azariah.
The present volume belonged to R. Yaakov Abensour – the Yaavetz, who added handwritten glosses to many pages. Most of the glosses are short; some are trimmed. Several glosses by other writers. On p. 9b of second book (commentary on Yom Kippur Temple service), the Yaavetz begins a gloss with his name: "Says Yaakov Abensour …". On the same page is an earlier gloss, signed "Aharon HaSiboni". This gloss is apparently by kabbalist R. Aharon Siboni (HaSiboni; ca. 1630-1707), a rabbi of Salé, disciple of R. Yaakov Sasportas and his fellow opponent of Sabbateanism. His glosses are printed in Heichal HaKodesh, kabbalistic commentary on prayers by R. Moshe Elbaz, published by R. Yaakov Sasportas (Amsterdam 1653).
Lengthy inscription by the Yaavetz on front endpaper, with "Index to Or Ne'erav". Another inscription by him on title page of second book. On front endpaper, additional inscription, in the characteristic handwriting of R. Shlomo Eliyahu (son of R. Yaakov) Abensour (1822-1873), a descendant of the Yaavetz. On title page of first book, stamp of R. Refael Abensour (the youngest) son of R. Shlomo (son of R. Refael) Abensour (1830-1917; succeeded his progenitors as Rabbi of Fez, known for his large library of books and manuscripts).
R. Yaakov Abensour – the Yaavetz (1673-1752), one of the most illustrious figures in Moroccan Jewry. A leading halachic authority of his generation (which included the Or HaChaim and his teachers), a poet and a kabbalist, he was also well versed in practical kabbalah. At the age of twenty, he was appointed scribe of the Beit Din of R. Vidal HaTzarfati, R. Menachem Serero and R. Yehudah ibn Attar in Fez. He then authored Et Sofer – laws and customs of halachic documents. With the passing of R. Vidal HaTzarfati, R. Yehudah ibn Attar was appointed head of the Beit Din and the Yaavetz became his fellow dayan. The Yaavetz (together with R. Yehudah ibn Attar and other leading Torah scholars of the generation) authored the approbation to Chefetz Hashem by R. Chaim ibn Attar – the Or HaChaim (printed in Amsterdam, 1732). Following R. Yehudah ibn Attar's passing, the Yaavetz succeeded him as head of the Fez Beit Din, and became the supreme authority in Morocco, responding to halachic queries from throughout the Maghreb. The Yaavetz was compelled to leave Fez several times. Between 1719-1728 he resided in Meknes, and during the famine of 1738, he wandered to Tétouan. In these places he was also received with great honor and joined the local rabbis in the Beit Din, even heading the list of signatories on Beit Din rulings. In his later years, he appointed five of his disciples to assist him in leading the community, who became known as "the Beit Din of Five", and they served as the leaders of the community in his old age and after his passing.
He wrote numerous halachic responsa and other works. Some of his responsa were published in his two-part book Mishpat UTzedakah BeYaakov (printed in Alexandria, Egypt, 1894 and 1903), some were published in the books of his contemporaries, and the rest remain in manuscript form. The Yaavetz was renowned for his talents as a poet and he even authored books in this field, including his renowned book Et Lechol Chefetz (Alexandria, 1893), containing some four hundred piyyutim and poems he composed. The Chida describes him and his works in Shem HaGedolim, and also mentions the Yaavetz's practice of annotating his books with numerous glosses: "…He authored numerous works, and beyond the many books he authored, all his books are replete with his marginal notes; he was also versed in practical kabbalah" (Maarechet Gedolim, Yud, 256); "Et Sofer, in manuscript, authored by R. Yaakov Abensour regarding the correct way of writing halachic documents, and he authored numerous works… and he also wrote extensively in the margins of his books, and he was well versed in all the customs of the rabbis who were exiled from Spain during the expulsion, and he left no topic unwritten, major or minor…" (Maarechet Sefarim, Ayin, 31).
Three books in one volume. Or Ne'erav: 56 leaves. Commentary on the Yom Kippur Temple service: 40 leaves. Tomer Devorah: 19 leaves. 13.5 cm. Most leaves in good-fair condition; first leaves of Or Ne'erav in fair condition. Stains, including dampstains (mainly to first leaves of Or Ne'erav). Light wear. Close trimming, affecting title frames of Or Ne'erav and Tomer Devorah. Title page of Or Ne'erav partly detached. Stamp on title page of Or Ne'erav. New binding.
Category
Kabbalah – Manuscripts and Handwritten Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $35,000
Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000
Sold for: $100,000
Including buyer's premium
Zohar Chadash and Midrash HaNe'elam, two parts. Venice: Bragadin, 1658.
Personal copy of the kabbalist R. Moshe Zacuto, the Ramaz, the proofreader of this edition, with over one hundred glosses, including especially lengthy glosses, in his handwriting, in the margins and between the lines. This copy came into the possession of R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (the Chida) in Livorno, who signed his name on the title page.
The present edition contains two parts. Part I – Zohar Chadash on the Five Books of the Torah, and Part II (with divisional title page) – on Shir HaShirim, Ruth and Eichah, with "Tikunim by R. Shimon bar Yochai". This edition was published by R. Yosef Camis and proofread by his colleague R. Moshe Zacuto. It additionally contains printed glosses of the kabbalist R. Menachem de Lonzano.
The present book is the personal copy of R. Moshe Zacuto, with especially wide margins (R. Moshe Zacuto received it from the press before trimming). On the leaves of the book, in the margins and between the lines, are many glosses and additions handwritten by R. Moshe Zacuto, some especially long. Some contain corrections or additions to the text that he received after the printing, and some contain expansive interpretations of various concepts (for example, a particularly long passage on pp. 9a-b of the second sequence, on the prohibition of wearing tefillin on Shabbat and festivals). These glosses and comments of R. Moshe Zacuto have never been published.
Many handwritten glosses of R. Moshe Zacuto begin with his initials. In a gloss on the first page, R. Moshe Zacuto writes: "In 1668, I received the actual Zohar of R. Menachem de Lonzano, printed in Cremona… and I found in it a few more glosses and ideas, which I will cite with the initials for 'large Zohar'".
On p. 15a of the second sequence is a diagram hand-drawn by R. Moshe Zacuto, who writes beforehand: "After printing the Zohar I came to possess an image of all four pillars, as follows…".
This copy later came to be owned by R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida, while he was in Livorno. On the title page of Part I appears an inscription and signature handwritten by the Chida: "Purchased by me for the service of my Creator. Chaim Yosef David Azulai, Livorno, 28th Tevet [1783]".
The present copy, containing the glosses and comments of R. Moshe Zacuto, is documented several times in the works of the Chida, whose citations and quotations match R. Moshe Zacuto's glosses here. For example, in Machazik Berachah (Orach Chaim 495:3), the Chida writes: "And now G-d granted me the merit to have the Zohar Chadash with the autograph glosses of R. Moshe Zacuto, and I saw that he writes on p. 60b…". The Chida likewise cites R. Moshe Zacuto's glosses in his Chaim Shaal (section 1), Chomat Anach (Mishlei 22) and Nachal Kedumim (Shemot 21:1).
Notably, in Livorno the Chida came to own several manuscript works by R. Moshe Zacuto, in some cases the autograph, including: Shibolet Shel Leket, cited several times in the Chida's works, handwritten by a disciple of R. Moshe Zacuto, R. Aharon Meza, with autograph glosses by R. Moshe Zacuto (NLI Ms. 400) – which the Chida received from the son of R. Eliyahu HaKohen of Livorno; a volume of autograph letters of R. Moshe Zacuto which reached the Chida in Livorno in 1789 (British Library Or. 9165); in Shem HaGedolim (entry Chesed LeAvraham) the Chida writes that in Livorno he came to own a manuscript Chesed LeAvraham which had belonged to R. Moshe Zacuto.
The present leaves also contain glosses in another hand, characteristic of Livorno, mostly with other texts or various emendations (some conjectural). In one of the glosses (p. 35b of the second sequence), the writer mentions a statement made by his teacher in the latter's manuscript glosses.
Signature on p. 65a: "Chaim son of Eliyahu" (perhaps the son of R. Eliyahu HaKohen of Livorno; in that case, the Chida would have also received this book from R. Eliyahu HaKohen's son, in the same way he received the manuscript Shibolet Shel Leket mentioned above).
[2], 96; 58; 40 leaves. Approx. 25 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Most leaves in good condition. Several leaves in good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Most leaves trimmed evenly, but several leaves left untrimmed to preserve marginal glosses of R. Moshe Zacuto. Wear and minute marginal tears to these leaves, in some cases slightly affecting text of glosses. Several leaves detached. Fine old leather binding.
Category
Kabbalah – Manuscripts and Handwritten Glosses
Catalogue