Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
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Displaying 49 - 60 of 200
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Sefer HaGilgulim, kabbalistic teachings of the Arizal, by R. Chaim Vital. Frankfurt: David Grünhut, 1684. First edition.
The book is based on the writings of R. Yaakov Tzemach, and was edited by R. Meir Poppers. During a conference of Frankfurt rabbis in 1682, a ruling was issued prohibiting the publisher R. David Grünhut to distribute Sefer HaGilgulim "due to danger", but the publisher did not heed the warning and printed the book in 1684. In the "printer's foreword", on verso of the title page, the publisher condemns the decision to forbid the printing of the book, supporting his claim by naming various kabbalah books which were previously printed in Frankfurt with the approbation of prominent Frankfurt rabbis (see further: R. Mordechai HaLevi Horowitz, Rabbanei Frankfurt, Jerusalem 1972, pp. 64-66).
At top of title page, signature in early Ashkenazic script: "Shmuel Kohen Schotten" – this is the name of the famous Torah scholar R. Shmuel Kohen Schotten, the Maharsheshach (1644-1719), author of Kos Yeshuot, a Frankfurt rabbi and a leading Ashkenazi Torah scholar of his generation, grandfather of the Chatam Sofer. It is not clear whether the present signature is his own or that of a relative.
[1], 45 leaves. 18 cm. Browning of paper to some leaves. Fair condition. Stains. Open tears across margins of title page and many other leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper filling. New binding.
CB, no. 4715,2.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $23,750
Including buyer's premium
"This is the book of Adam HaRishon given to him by Raziel HaMalach". Kabbalah and segulot. Amsterdam: Moses Mendes Coitinho, 1701. First edition. Many kabbalistic illustrations.
First edition, compiled and printed directly from manuscripts. This book is the source of many well-known segulot, such as for remembering Torah study, a protective amulet for a woman giving birth, etc. Merely having this book in the house is a reputed segulah for protection from harm and fire, as stated on the title page: "An excellent segulah to bear wise and sage sons; for success, blessing and to extinguish fire, so that it not affect one's home, and no demon or evil incident will affect the dwelling of one who keeps this holy, awesome book safe with his money in his treasury, and in times of fear and trouble it will afford him speedy salvation. And this will be attested to by any Torah observer". Some say that it is a segulah for the childless and for women experiencing difficult labor.
On p. 42b is printed the text of an amulet followed by a special prayer: "May you open the heart of Leib son of Sarah to study Torah… and Torah rationales, secrets and depths, and may his heart be like a flowing spring…". A Chassidic tradition finds hinted in this prayer the wondrous powers of the tzaddik R. Leib Sarah's (Leib son of Sarah), a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. The book was printed about thirty years before his birth (see: Shem HaGedolim HeChadash, letter lamed, leaves 42-43).
18, [1], 19-45 leaves. 24 cm. Wide margins. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Light wear to several leaves. Open tear to title page, affecting text on verso, and small marginal tears to several other leaves. Inner margin of title page repaired with paper. Early binding, damaged.
CB, no. 4042; Zedner, p. 35; Roest, p. 50.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $4,250
Including buyer's premium
Nachalat Shimon, ethical and Chassidic essays on the weekly Torah portions, by R. Shimon Deutsch Ashkenazi, Rabbi of Dobromyl, disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. [Łaszczów]: printer not indicated, [1815]. First edition.
The author, R. Shimon Deutsch Ashkenazi Rabbi of Dobromyl (d. 1801), a holy Torah scholar, foremost disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. Held in high esteem by Chassidic leaders, his Torah thoughts are quoted reverently in the writings of such authors as the Bnei Yissachar, Melo HaRoim, R. Alexander of Komarno, R. Moshe of Kozhnitz and others. He corresponded on halachic issues with leading rabbis of his times, leaving behind many manuscript works on the Talmud and halacha as well as responsa, which were all destroyed in a fire after his passing. This work was authored by his disciples who committed his weekly Shabbat sermons to writing. As the author did not leave behind any offspring, the publisher named the book Nachalat Shimon, declaring that "this will be his heritage" (from the foreword). The Yeshuot Yaakov writes in his approbation to the book: "When I lived in Jarosław he was nearby, and he sometimes spoke with me on halachic matters, and all his words are to be considered well-examined". In this book, the author quotes his teacher, the illustrious R. Elimelech of Lizhensk (Parashat Vaera). R. Shimon Ashkenazi's gravesite in Dobromyl was a prayer site frequented by many up until the Holocaust. Since he did not bear any children, the local Beit Midrash had the custom to recite an extra Aleinu prayer on Shabbat morning followed by a kaddish in his memory (R. Sh.Ch. Parush, Or Yekarot, IV, p. 379). The Beit Avraham of Slonim would often recount an oral tradition from the Nachalat Shimon describing the elevated Shabbat atmosphere in the house of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, which was so palpable that the cooks would make the customary Yom Kippur request for forgiveness of each other every Friday, so that no grudge would hold them back from experiencing the holiness of Shabbat. R. Shimon of Dobromyl said that when he saw this, R. Elimelech's son R. Elazar told him: "See how far the light of my father's Shabbat reaches… even the maidservants attain the light" (Beit Avraham, Slonim, pp. 67, 259).
[4], 2-5, 5-20; 38 leaves. 17.5 cm. Some browned leaves. Fair-good condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text. Inner margin of title page repaired with paper. New binding.
Zedner, p. 59.
Category
Chassidut – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Volume comprising two important early editions of Breslov Chassidic books, with two additional ethical and kabbalistic works printed in Russia-Poland:
· Likutei Tefillot, Parts I-II, based on discourses in Likutei Moharan, by R. Natan Sternhartz (Moharnat), disciple of R. Nachman of Breslov. [Lviv? Zhovkva?: printer not indicated, ca. 1848].
First edition of this anthology of prayers, which were not included in the two parts of the first edition of the book. The prayers in the present anthology were written by R. Natan of Breslov in 1827, before Part II of the first edition was finally printed. R. Natan wanted to write prayers corresponding to each of the teachings in Likutei Moharan (the present book contains 45 prayers on Part I of Likutei Moharan, 7 prayers on Part II, and two prayers on Sichot HaRan); the persecution of Jews that year may have provided another motive for writing the prayers (see: Natan Tzvi Kenig, Neveh Tzaddikim, p. 123). These prayers, not printed then, were first published in the present book (apparently by R. Nachman of Tulchyn), after R. Natan's death, as the author is mentioned on the title page with a blessing for the deceased.
Location and date of printing after: G. Scholem, Eleh Shemot, Jerusalem, 1928, p. 20, no. 60; Natan Tzvi Kenig, Neveh Tzaddikim, Bnei Brak, 1969, p. 123, no. 2.
· Tikun HaKlali, by R. Nachman of Breslov. [Lviv?: printer not indicated, 1859?]. Rare, second edition.
Location and date of printing after: Natan Tzvi Kenig, Neveh Tzaddikim (Bnei Brak, 1969) p. 67, no. 2. The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book records [9] leaves, and the location and date of printing are recorded as Zhovkva, ca. 1860-1876. G. Scholem (Eleh Shemot, Jerusalem, 1928, p. 38, no. 147) records [9] leaves, and estimates the date of printing as 1860-1865 in Lviv. The digitized copy on the NLI website contains only [8] leaves, as in the present copy.
Between the two above books are bound:
· Sefer HaYirah, by Rabbenu Yonah of Gerondi. Lviv (Lemberg): printer not indicated, [1849].
· Shaarei Kedushah, by R. Chaim Vital. Lviv (Lemberg): Chayah Gittel Grossman, [1848].
Four books in one volume. Likutei Tefillot: 36 leaves. Sefer HaYirah: [8] leaves. Shaarei Kedushah: [1], 20, [1] leaves. Tikun HaKlali: [8] leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Light wear. Worming, slightly affecting text. Small tears and open tears to margins of several leaves. New cardboard binding.
Category
Chassidut – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $37,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Beit Chochmah – kabbalistic commentary on Shir HaShirim, handwritten by the author, R. Yeshayah Yaakov HaLevi, Rabbi of Alesk, a member of the Kloiz of Brody and disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. [Galicia or Podolia], 1803.
Neat Ashkenazic cursive script, with some corrections, handwritten by author. At the beginning of the manuscript, title page dated 1803. Colophon at end of manuscript: "Completed 25th Nisan 1803". The present item was one of the manuscripts of the author purchased by Rebbe Shalom I of Kaminka, printed at the initiative of his son Rebbe Yehoshua of Kaminka in 1898 in Podgórze by Shaul Chananiah Deutscher.
R. Yeshayah Yaakov HaLevi of Alesk (ca. 1740-1811), holy kabbalist and member of the Kloiz of Brody, where he was an intimate disciple of the kabbalist R. Chaim Sanzer, and later (as attested by the Imrei Yosef of Spinka) also drew close to the Baal Shem Tov (see below).
A description of his youth in the Brody Kloiz is preserved by R. Chaim Landau, Rabbi of Pidkamin – the leading rabbi of the Kloiz, who describes R. Yeshayah Yaakov: "I remember when I was a boy… he did not depart the tent of Torah, studying much and receiving much from senior Torah scholars, until he became like an inexhaustible wellspring and an ever-flowing river in the revealed and hidden Torah…" (from his approbation to VeCherev Pifiyot).
At the Kloiz, R. Yeshayah Yaakov of Alesk became the close disciple of the kabbalist R. Chaim Sanzer, head of the Kloiz kabbalists (the Noda BiYehudah, who studied kabbalah with R. Chaim Sanzer, said that he had mastered all the writings of the Arizal and all other known kabbalists, and the Baal Shem Tov stated that he had a spark of the soul of Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai). R. Chaim Sanzer held R. Yeshayah Yaakov in high esteem, stating that "his brain could contain the brains of a thousand other sages of his generation" (cited by Rebbe Shalom II of Kaminka in his approbation to Beit Malchut, in the name of Rebbe Shalom I of Kaminka).
The title page of the printed edition of the present work contains a brief allusion to a miracle he experienced, when he received divine approval for his works: "…who had heavenly approval with a candle of mitzvah while writing his holy writings". The full story is recounted by the Imrei Yosef of Spinka: After the Noda BiYehudah left Brody for Prague, the members of the Kloiz decided to each perform some service for R. Chaim Sanzer. R. Yeshayah Yaakov took upon himself to put on R. Chaim Sanzer his belt before prayer, during which time R. Yeshayah Yaakov would contemplate lofty kavanot. R. Yeshayah Yaakov, who had avoided writing down his many novellae so as not to waste time for Torah study, decided to perform an experiment to see whether it was G-d's will for him to write them down. He lit a small candle and held it in his hand, and decided to write until he felt the fire on his fingers. Although it was a long winter night, the candle miraculously burned all night long, and consequently he was late in putting on R. Chaim Sanzer's belt. When R. Chaim Sanzer felt that he was thinking about the heavenly sign he had received to write his novellae, he rebuked him, quoting the verse "A haughty heart is abominated by the Lord" (R. Yitzchak Weiss, Elef Ketav, II, Bnei Brak 1997, no. 512; another version appears in Otzar HaSipurim, I, Jerusalem 1951, pp. 10-12).
The Imrei Yosef of Spinka added (Elef Ketav, ibid.) that he later became a student of the Baal Shem Tov, who once reminded him of the verse R. Chaim Sanzer had quoted to him, demonstrating to him the Baal Shem Tov's ruach hakodesh.
The printed edition of Beit Chochmah contains two additional selections from the writings of R. Yeshayah Yaakov of Alesk (not in the present manuscript): a commentary Maalei Shabta on Psalm 107 (Hodu), and the commentary Shaar HaEchad on Kegavna. The custom to recite Hodu before Minchah on Friday afternoon was established by the Baal Shem Tov (see article by Rivkah Shatz cited below), and the custom to recite Kegavna before Maariv on Shabbat eve was apparently established by the rabbis of the Brody Kloiz, but became widespread in the second generation of Chassidut. R. Yeshayah Yaakov's commentary on Psalm 107 evidences that he possessed a commentary by the Baal Shem Tov on this psalm (see: Rivkah Shatz, Perusho Shel HaBaal Shem Tov LeMizmor 107, Tarbitz, XLII, 1973, p. 158).
VeCherev Pifiyot is the only book by R. Yeshayah Yaakov of Alesk printed in his lifetime, in Lviv 1787 (with approbations by the rabbis of the Brody Kloiz, R. Shmuel son of R. Chaim Sanzer, R. Yissachar Ber of Zlotchov author of Mevaser Tzedek and Bat Eini, and more). His other works remained in manuscript in many volumes. R. Shalom I of Kaminka purchased R. Yeshayah Yaakov's works from his heirs, who passed them down until they reached R. Elazar of Oshpitzin (son-in-law of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz). Some works were published at the initiative of Rebbe Yehoshua of Kaminka and his son Rebbe Shalom II of Kaminka, by their relative R. Azriel Yitzchak of Kaminka: Beit HaMalchut – on the Book of Ruth, Kraków, 1892; Netiv HaChochmah – on halachic measures, Kraków, 1892; and the present work – in Podgórze 1898. These books include approbations by leading rebbes and Chassidic tzaddikim of the time, including Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shinova, Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam of Bobov, Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach of Belz, Rebbe Eliezer Tzvi Safrin of Komarno, Rebbe Yehudah Tzvi of Dolyna and Rebbe Yosef Meir of Spinka.
These approbations demonstrate that they prized these writings and held the author in high esteem, and shower innumerable blessings on whoever publishes and purchases the writings. The Rebbe of Shinova writes about the present work that "it is a shemirah to bring the blessing of life into one's home". The Rebbe of Bobov blesses those who assist in publishing this book: "All those who assist will certainly be saved with great salvations in soul and body…". The Rebbe of Belz grants the blessing: "May the merit of the author protect you for you to be blessed with all good". Rebbe Yosef Meir of Spinka states that the author's works "will certainly bring about blessing and heightened protection to the house of whoever purchases them and assists in printing them…", adding that the merit of the author "will stand for them and their offspring to be saved from every disease and sickness and be blessed from the storehouse of blessings with the threefold blessing of children, life and easy sustenance…"; the latter blessings are also repeated in the approbation by the Rebbe of Dolyna.
Leading Chassidic masters cherished the author's works; the approbation of Rebbe Yosef Meir of Spinka attests that the book was praised by the Rebbe of Ropshitz, his disciple the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, the Rebbe of Zidichov and his disciple the Rebbe of Komarno: "I recall when I first came to our teacher R. Chaim of Sanz, he asked me if I had the holy book Cherev Pifiyot, and he told me how his teacher, the Rebbe of Ropshitz, praised the book exceedingly and cherished it immensely. And I likewise heard my teacher R. Yitzchak of Komarno offer exceptional praise for the book and his other works, and he said that his teacher the Rebbe of Zidichov also offered exceptional praise for the author's books".
R. Yeshayah Yaakov was eventually appointed Rabbi of Tchan (Podolia; today: Teofipol, Ukraine). On the leaf appended to (some copies of) Olam Gadol – Midrash LePerushim by R. Eliezer Fishel of Strizov, Zhovkva 1800, appears an approbation by R. Yeshayah, referred to as "the great luminary, the kabbalist, Rabbi of Tchan, author of Cherev Pifiyot. He was later appointed Rabbi of Alesk, Galicia (near Brody; today: Olesko, Ukraine). In his 1808 approbation to Nachal Eshkol (Dubno, 1809), he is referred to as "the pious and saintly kabbalist, Rabbi of Alesk and Tchan".
In recent years, the writings of R. Yeshayah Yaakov of Alesk have been gradually printed in first editions from his manuscripts and in new editions of previously-published works. The Shaar HaShamayim kabbalistic yeshiva in Jerusalem printed four of his works from his autograph manuscripts: Atzei Eden, homilies on the Torah (2002); Eretz Tov, on kabbalah (2002); Sefer HaPartzuf, Torah secrets on the Book of Bereshit (2005); and Tapuchei Zahav, on the mitzvot (2008). In 2019 another of his works was published by Oz VeHadar for the first time from manuscript: Tapuchei Zahav, on the Book of Vayikra (two parts).
[1], 27 leaves. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Wear and tears to margins. Worming in a few places. Reinforced with tape in several places. New binding, with bookmark.
Category
Chassidut – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $12,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $25,000
Sold for: $37,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Chassidic novellae by R. Yehudah Leib dayan of Linitz, disciple of Rebbe Gedaliah of Linitz author of Teshuot Chen, publisher of his teacher's Teshuot Chen and editor of Shivchei HaBesht. [Linitz (Illintsi), ca. 1830s-1840s].
Bound with an original letter of approbation handwritten and signed by Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky of Hornostaipil, with letters from Rebbe Mordechai Dov's sons and son-in-law.
Complete work, recently published in a book titled Beit Lechem Yehuda (Monsey, 2020), containing sayings of the Baal Shem Tov and his leading disciples, the first generation of Chassidic Tzaddikim, including: the Maggid of Mezeritch (pp. 27a-b), the Mochiach of Polonne (p. 24a), R. Yaakov Shimshon of Shepetovka (p. 61b), R. Chaim of Krasna (p. 80a), R. Yosef of Kaminka (p. 26b, citing the Baal Shem Tov), R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl author of Meor Einayim (p. 101b, see below), R. Ze'ev Wolf of Zhitomir author of Or HaMeir (p. 6a), R. Gershon of Lutsk (p. 101a) and others. The author also quotes sayings of his father R. Dov Ber, shochet of Linitz, author of Shivchei HaBesht.
The manuscript contains novellae on all the Torah portions, followed by several novellae on Shir HaShirim, short notes on the Mishnah and halachic responsa on the waiting period for widows and divorcees, laws of Torah scrolls and novellae on the Rambam.
The manuscript also contains two Segulot in the name of the Baal Shem Tov:
On p. 80a: "A Segulah for building the house which I received from the late R. Yosef of Kaminka who received it from the Baal Shem Tov…".
On p. 101b: "A tradition I received from R. Menachem Nachum for someone whose children are dying young, deriving from the Baal Shem Tov…".
In addition, the manuscript contains a fragment of the Shivchei HaBesht which was meant to have been included in the book but was eventually omitted (see sidebar).
The present manuscript was copied by a scribe who was apparently a relative of the author R. Yehudah Leib of Linitz. In two places (pp. 41a and 110a), the scribe signs his name: "Shmuel Bernstein of Linitz", or "Bernstein" (R. Yehudah Leib Linitz's grandson in male line was R. Avraham Ze'ev Bernstein, who served as Rabbi of Linitz).
One of the homilies in the present manuscript, on Parashat Bo, was printed in the introduction of R. Yehudah Leib of Linitz to Teshuot Chen by R. Gedaliah of Linitz, disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, in Berditchev 1816. Teshuot Chen was edited by R. Yehudah Leib, close disciple of R. Gedaliah of Linitz. In his renowned introduction to this book, R. Yehudah Leib writes among other things in praise of his teacher R. Gedaliah. The abovementioned homily on Parashat Bo was printed as part of the introduction. In the present manuscript, this homily is copied in the appropriate Torah portion, and at the end of the manuscript the scribe copied the rest of R. Yehudah Leib's introduction with this homily omitted. After R. Yehudah Leib's introduction, the scribe also copied part of the introduction of R. Shmuel Yehudah, son of R. Gedaliah of Linitz, to Teshuot Chen (the scribe only copied the part relating to R. Yehudah Leib and omitted the rest of the introduction relating to other people). These sections of the introductions were copied from the printed edition.
The present manuscript later came into the possession of a descendant of R. Yehudah Leib, R. Nachum Pinchas Rabinowitz, who planned the publication and printing of the book. This is evidenced by the leaf bound at the end of the manuscript containing a letter of approbation handwritten and signed by Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky of Hornostaipil, who writes that "R. Nachum Pinchas… brought a pearl from there… the manuscript of his ancestor R. Yehudah Leib of Linitz, who wrote an introduction to Teshuot Chen… and his grandson wishes to publish and print them…". In this approbation Rebbe Mordechai Dov praises the present work: "Pure words refined sevenfold, exciting Jewish hearts and souls, pleasant to those who study them, sweeter than honey and honeycomb…". He blesses those assisting in the printing: "And may the merit of the author, whose lips will be moving in the grave and will be alive in both worlds, protect his grandson and those assisting him…", and he writes that he will purchase a copy when it is published. With this leaf are bound additional leaves, including additional letters handwritten and signed by R. Mordechai Dov's sons and son-in-law, also committing to purchase a copy of the book after it is printed. The present item contains letters from his sons R. Elimelech Aharon of Krasna, R. Yehudah Leib of Hornostaipil and R. Baruch David of Kalinkavichy, and his son-in-law R. Moshe Gutterman of Savran.
R. Nachum Pinchas Rabinowitz (d. 1911) was the son of R. Moshe Chaim Efraim of Sudylkiv-Safed, a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov through his grandfather the Degel Machaneh Efraim. R. Moshe Chaim Efraim's mother, Freida, was the daughter of R. Yehudah Leib of Linitz. R. Nachum Pinchas lived in Safed, where he served as an official of the Volhynia Kollel on behalf of the president of the Kollel, R. Mordechai Dov of Hornostaipil. In a letter by R. Mordechai Dov to the Torat Chesed of Lublin (ca. 1900), he writes: "It has been a few years since I chose my relative R. Nachum Pinchas of Safed as supervisor on my behalf…".
R. Nachum Pinchas never managed to publish the work.
Later, in 1901, two discourses from the present work were printed in HaChaim VehaBerachah by R. Bentzion Bogomolny, printed in Zhitomir. Both discourses, from Parashat Bereshit, were printed at the end of the book, with extensive additional commentary by the same author. The discourses were said to have been printed "from the writings of my uncle, the late R. Leib, posek of Linitz… in the possession of my relative the late R. Yitzchak, posek of Linitz, grandson of the above R. Leib".
R. Yehudah Leib of Linitz, close disciple of R. Gedaliah Rabbi of Linitz (disciple of the Baal Shem Tov), from whom he received Torah and Chassidic teachings, which he wrote down in his Teshuot Chen. In his approbation to the book, R. Shmuel Yehudah, son of R. Gedaliah, writes of R. Yehudah Leib: "My dear friend who attended to my father, the exceptional, faithful R. Yehudah Leib son of R. Dov Ber from our community of Linitz, who listened closely and wrote… in concise, elegant words, condensing much into a little…". In R. Yehudah Leib's famous introduction to Teshuot Chen, he describes his teacher and cites some of his novellae (see above).
R. Yehudah Leib's father was R. Dov Ber, shochet of Linitz, a son-in-law of R. Alexander Shochet, the Baal Shem Tov's scribe. R. Dov Ber authored the famous Shivchei HaBesht, recording testimonies and stories he collected and heard from the disciples and intimates of the Baal Shem Tov. R. Yehudah Leib was a partner of his father in editing and publishing this book (see sidebar).
Apart from his teacher R. Gedaliah of Linitz, R. Yehudah Leib studied under the leading Chassidic tzaddikim of the generation, first- and second-generation disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, as the present manuscript demonstrates extensively, as well as his father (see for example p. 93a of the present manuscript; he also cites teachings he heard from his father in the name of R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne in his introduction to Teshuot Chen). The profound novellae and teachings in the present manuscript evidence that he was an extraordinary Torah and Chassidic scholar in his own right.
R. Yehudah Leib's sons and grandsons served as dayanim and rabbis in Linitz: his son R. Chaim Gedalyahu served as dayan and posek in the city for about 45 years, and his son R. Yitzchak also served as dayan and posek in the city for about 18 years. R. Yitzchak's son, R. Avraham Ze'ev Bernstein, served as Rabbi of Linitz from 1897, and as Rabbi of Ananiv from 1908. R. Yehudah Leib's daughter Mrs. Freida married R. Aharon son of R. Tzvi Hirsch, grandson of R. David of Sudylkiv, son-in-law of the Degel Machaneh Efraim (their grandson R. Nachum Pinchas Rabinowitz of Safed was in possession of the manuscript; see above).
Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky of Hornostaipil (1839-1903), son of R. Meshulam Zusha of Tlumach and son-in-law of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised in the house of his grandfather Rebbe Yaakov Yisrael Twersky of Cherkasy. His skill and fear of G-d were remarkable from a young age. He was an extraordinary scholar of halachah and kabbalah, and was an exceptional and holy man. His father-in-law, the Divrei Chaim, attested that he studied Torah for its own sake. When his grandfather moved to Cherkasy in 1863, he appointed him as Rebbe and Rabbi of Hornostaipil, and many Chassidim began flocking to his court. In 1876, after his grandfather's passing, his followers increased, and he became known as one of the most prominent rebbes in Russia. He was also renowned as a foremost halachic authority of his times, corresponding with leading rabbis in his country and beyond, including the Shoel UMeshiv, Maharil Diskin and R. Chaim Berlin. In addition to his better-known books, he also authored Kad HaZahav on kabbalah, but the book remained in manuscript and was destroyed in the course of a pogrom in Ukraine.
43, [3], 45-115; [3] leaves. 22 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Worming in several places, affecting text in a few places. Tears and open tears, affecting text in several places, partially repaired with tape and paper. New binding, with leather spine (spine mislabeled: "Teshuot Chen").
Fragment of R. Yehudah Leib of Linitz's Recension of Shivchei HaBesht
R. Yehudah Leib of Linitz, close disciple of R. Gedaliah of Linitz, worked together with his father to edit his famous Shivchei HaBesht. The book was first printed anonymously, in 1815 in Kopust, by R. Yisrael Yaffe; later that year it was reprinted in Berditchev by R. Shmuel Segal, with the author's name mentioned along with an introduction by his son R. Yehudah Leib; and soon thereafter in Yiddish translation in Ostroh-Korets, 1815-1816 (on the relation between the various editions, see: R. Yehoshua Mondschein, preface to his edition of Shivchei HaBesht, Jerusalem 1982).
In his introduction to the Berditchev edition, R. Yehudah Leib, calling himself "the copyist son of the storyteller", describes his part in the copying and editing of the book, and writes that his father requested that he add his own Torah thought after each story to arouse the readers: "…Since it is true that I was instructed by my father and master to copy these stories and revise the wording where revision is needed, and he commanded me to write a Torah thought on a Biblical verse or teaching of the Sages after each and every story in accordance with my little comprehension… in order to bring merit to the public by arousing them to love of G-d…". R. Yehudah Leib adds that the stories have meanwhile been printed "plainly", i.e. without his additional Torah novellae. He expresses his appreciation that the stories will at least not disappear and adds his hope to yet fulfill his father's wish: "These writings have been copied repeatedly until they were printed plainly, and I praise and thank G-d for this, for although my full plan was not completed, I nevertheless appreciate… that I no longer hold responsibility for their perishing since they have been disseminated throughout the world, and G-d willing when I have prepared everything in accordance with my father's instruction…". This work by R. Yehudah Leib was never printed, and was apparently never completed.
The present manuscript contains a unique section that was apparently preserved from R. Yehudah Leib's editorial work on Shivchei HaBesht, in accordance with his father's request to add a Torah thought to every story. On p. 23b appears a title heading a homily on Parashat Miketz: "This belongs to the story where a sinner came to the Baal Shem Tov and he greeted him kindly, and then an honorable person came to him and he didn't greet him". This is effectively the only documentation that R. Yehudah Leib began to prepare Torah thoughts to go along with the stories about the Baal Shem Tov. In fact, the story it relates to also does not appear in the printed editions of Shivchei HaBesht. A similar story about the Baal Shem Tov is preserved in Pri Chaim on Tractate Avot (4:4) by R. Avraham Chaim of Zlotchov: "I heard that the Baal Shem Tov would even embrace sinners who were not haughty, and distanced Torah learners who were not sinners but were haughty, saying that when a sinner knows he is a sinner and is therefore lowly, G-d is with him… but as for this person, although he is not a sinner but he is haughty, G-d is not with him…".
Notably, one of the stories in Shivchei HaBesht is cited in the name of R. Yehudah Leib: "I heard from my son R. Leib…" (Shivchei HaBesht, Rubenstein edition, Jerusalem 1992, p. 119). Furthermore, a sizeable portion of the stories in Shivchei HaBesht originated from R. Gedaliah of Linitz, the teacher of R. Yehudah Leib (Rubenstein, in the preface to his edition, p. 30 note 19, writes: "Over a third of the stories in Shivchei HaBesht with a known source were heard from R. Gedaliah").
For more on R. Yehudah Leib of Linitz and his role in editing Shivchei HaBesht, see: Avraham Rubenstein, Hearot LeSefer Shivchei HaBesht, Sinai LXXXVI, 1-2 (Tishrei-Cheshvan 1980), pp. 62ff.
Category
Chassidut – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $40,000
Estimate: $60,000 - $100,000
Sold for: $93,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter of blessings by Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, Rabbi of Sanz (Nowy Sącz), author of Divrei Chaim, with three lines in his handwriting and his signature. Sanz, Cheshvan 1872.
Addressed to his close friend Rebbe Menachem Mendel Panet, author of Maaglei Tzedek, Rabbi of Deyzh (Dej) and Chief Rabbi of Transylvania. The letter begins in scribal writing, and contains three lines at the end handwritten and signed by the Divrei Chaim. Letters from his later years with added words in his handwriting are rare; in this case, apparently out of respect for the recipient, the Divrei Chaim went out of his way to add a few handwritten lines.
This letter was sent in reply to the Maaglei Tzedek of Deyzh, who addressed the Divrei Chaim on behalf of Jews living in the Deyzh region. The response indicates that these Jews feared a plot such as expulsion from the estates and inns where they made a living.
"Monday, Toldot 1872, Sanz.
Abundant peace and salvation to my friend, the great luminary, the Gaon… R. Menachem Mendel Paneth, Rabbi of Deyzh.
The kvittels with the pidyon of twenty silver coins reached me as intended, and I prayed for the people specified regarding the above kvittels, that no man be able to touch them for evil, G-d forbid, and that they remain in their place in accordance with their wish and desire, and that they have grace in the eyes of all who see them, and that they succeed in all their pursuits, and enjoy satisfaction from all their offspring, and that G-d fulfill all their wishes for the good, and may all those who sent their request through you be saved with all good amongst all of Israel".
To the above letter, written by his scribe, the Divrei Chaim added in his own handwriting:
"I received your letter, and may the good G-d grant good to the dwellers of the region, and may no oppressor be able to disturb them, and may they dwell securely with no fear. And have peace and blessing and all good[?], seeking your welfare with love, Chaim Halbers[tam]".
Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, Rabbi of Sanz and author of Divrei Chaim (1797-1876) was the founder of the Sanz Chassidic dynasty and a leading Chassidic master of Galicia and Hungary. He was the son-in-law of R. Baruch Frankel-Teomim, author of Baruch Taam, and a disciple of Rebbe Naftali Tzvi of Ropshitz, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsch of Zidichov and the Sar Shalom of Belz. He was a noted halachic authority as well as possessing a sharp mind and expertise in all areas of the Torah, both revealed and hidden. A holy man, he was divinely inspired and was renowned as a wonderworker. Known as a prolific author of responsa, he corresponded on halachic issues with leading rabbis. He was one of the most influential leaders in Galician and Eastern European Jewry. His court attracted tens of thousands of followers, and his close disciples included R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, the Tiferet Shlomo of Radomsk, the Yitav Lev of Sighet and others. His descendants followed in his footsteps, combining Chassidic leadership with halachic erudition, and dozens of them served simulaneously as Chassidic rebbes and as rabbis of cities in Galicia, Hungary and Romania, most famously his son R. Yechezkel Halberstam, Rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa). The Sanz dynasty is continued today through the Chassidic courts of Sanz-Klausenberg, Bobov, Stropkov, Czchów, Zhmigrod, Gorlitz, and others.
R. Menachem Mendel Panet (1818-1885), Rabbi of Deyzh (Dej) and Chief Rabbi of Transylvania, son of the Mareh Yechezkel of Deyzh (a disciple of R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, served as Rabbi of Karlsburg and Transylvania). In 1832-1837, he studied under the Chatam Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, where he was the only student to don a Chassidic silk robe on Shabbat. The Chatam Sofer was very fond of him and used to stroll while conversing with him every Friday. While studying in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer, he merited a revelation and greeting from Eliyahu HaNavi in the guise of a pauper. In 1839, after his marriage, he lived in Ujhel, where he became intimate with the Yismach Moshe. In 1842, he was appointed Rabbi of Urișor, and in ca. 1855, of Deyzh (Dej), where he established a large yeshiva, edifying numerous disciples, many of whom later served as rabbis in Transylvania. Starting ca. 1842, he began serving as Chief Rabbi of Transylvania. During those years, he would frequent the courts of leading rebbes, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. From the beginning of his tenure in Deyzh, entire areas of Transylvania were captivated by his charm, and many Jews, who until then had no connection to Chassidut, became chassidim. R. Menachem Mendel was a prominent halachic authority in Transylvania, and corresponded with the leading rabbis of Hungary and Galicia. His responsa are published in the series Responsa Avnei Tzedek, Shaarei Tzedek and Mishpat Tzedek. He is renowned in the Chassidic world for his book Maaglei Tzedek on the Torah, published in the last year of his life. In this book, he quotes extensively from his three prime teachers, his father the Mareh Yechezkel, the Chatam Sofer and the Yismach Moshe. Special significance is ascribed to this book as a segulah for livelihood (see: Maaglei Tzedek HaMevoar, Bnei Brak, 2007, p. 22).
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains and dampstains. Wear and folding marks. Open tears to margins and folds, with loss to the last three letters of his signature: "Halbers[tam]".
We were unable to locate an earlier printing of the present letter. It does not appear among the letters by Sanz rebbes printed in Ateret Chaim – Yalkut Igrot Kodesh (Brooklyn, 1980).
Category
Chassidut – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $800
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
Sold for: $12,500
Including buyer's premium
Four letters from three of the six sons of the Yenuka, R. Yisrael Perlow of Karlin-Stolin:
· Letter signed by Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow of Karlin – signed "Avraham Elimelech son of the Tzaddik", sent to R. Avraham Leib Silberman, Rabbi of Safed – Shanah Tovah blessing. [Jerusalem, ca. 1930s].
Written on rare official stationery dating to the Rebbe's visit in Eretz Israel, with the title: "Avraham Elimelech Perlow – Karlin Karolinska 13/18 – now here in Jerusalem".
· Letter signed by Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow of Karlin – signed "Avraham Elimelech son of the Tzaddik", sent to R. Yaakov Pinchas [of Tiberias] – consolation for the "terrible tragedy" and words of encouragement. [Jerusalem, ca. 1935].
Written on rare official stationery dating to the Rebbe's visit in Eretz Israel, with the title: "Avraham Elimelech Perlow – Karlin Karolinska 13/18 – now here in Jerusalem". On verso of leaf, handwritten inscription, apparently on the date of receipt of the letter: "Iyar 1935".
· Printed reply card, on subscription to the HaSegulah periodical printed in Jerusalem, signed by Rebbe Moshe Perlow of Stolin: "Moshe son of the Tzaddik R. Yisrael". [Ca. 1930s].
· Letter signed by R. Asher of Stolin: "Asher son of the Tzaddik R. Yisrael" – confirmation of receipt of funds, and many blessings for the Passover holiday. Stolin, Nisan 1926.
Rebbe Yisrael, the Yenuka of Karlin-Stolin, known as the Frankfurter (1869-1922), left behind six sons and four daughters – R. Asher of Stolin, Rebbe Moshe of Stolin, Rebbe Avraham Elimelech of Karlin, Rebbe Yochanan of Lutsk, Rebbe Yaakov of Detroit and R. Aharon of Warsaw.
Rebbe Avraham Elimelech Perlow (1891-1942, Encyclopedia LaChassidut I, p. 57), fifth son of Rebbe Yisrael of Stolin and son-in-law of his uncle R. Mordechai Yosef Twersky of Zlatopil. He was the most prominent and renowned of the six sons of R. Yisrael of Stolin, and most of his father's Chassidim in Russia and Eretz Israel followed him. In order to avoid tension with the followers of his brother Rebbe Moshe of Stolin, he moved to Karlin (Karalin, near Pinsk) where he settled and established his Chassidic court. He established the Karlin yeshiva in Luninyets. He visited Eretz Israel several times. World War II broke out on his last visit; when he heard that the Nazis invaded his town, he sought to return to be with his community. His followers tried to dissuade him, but he insisted on returning on the last ship leaving Eretz Israel for Europe, and perished in the Holocaust together with his descendants.
Rebbe Moshe Perlow of Stolin (perished in the Holocaust in 1942), fourth son of Rebbe Yisrael of Stolin and son-in-law of Rebbe Pinchas Rabinowitz of Kantikozva. An exceptional scholar proficient in revealed and hidden Torah knowledge. He succeeded his father as Rebbe of Stolin and established a large yeshiva named Beit Yisrael. He was very active in education, charity and settlement of Eretz Israel. He and his whole family perished in the Holocaust and in exile in Russia.
R. Asher Perlow (the third) of Stolin (1883-1942; perished in the Holocaust), eldest son of Rebbe Yisrael of Stolin and son-in-law of Rebbe Mordechai Twersky of Shpikov. A holy, elevated man, he was known for his great wisdom and insight, and for his holy prayers and tunes. After the passing of his father, R. "Asherke" refused to serve as rebbe and lived in Stolin together with his mother and his brother Rebbe Moshe of Stolin. He perishing along with his entire family during the Elul 1942 massacre in Stolin, together with his mother, brother and the rest of their family.
Four items. Varying size and condition.
Category
Chassidut – Books, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $45,000
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Amarot Tehorot – on the Torah, Neviim and Ketuvim, handwritten by author R. Shmuel Garmison. [Jerusalem, ca. latter half of 17th century].
Large volume. Most in autograph handwriting by author, with some in another hand. The page headers originally read: "Appendix to Imrei Emet". This header was deleted and replaced with: "Amarot Tehorot".
The manuscript begins with an interesting introduction by R. Shmuel Garmison, who later deleted it. At the beginning of this introduction appears a decorated frame reading: "Yam HaGadol – authored by me, the small and insignificant Shmuel Garmisano, which is an explanation of Torah, Neviim and Ketuvim, according to the method of allusion, and an explanation of the Masorah of each verse, apart from the books Torat Emet and Lechem Panim which I already authored. Now this sea is large [Yam Gadol] and wide, full of innumerable hints, Masorah Ketanah along with Masorah Gedolah, with no bound. Now here are the three books on the Tanach, each going in its own way, with the help of heaven". These lines were also deleted by the author. His introduction states that he in fact wrote three works on the Tanach, one according to the kabbalistic method, another according to the simple and homiletical method, and the present work according to the method of allusion and Masorah. He originally considered authoring all the books as a single work, but later decided to write each one separately for ease of reading, "for each person's desires and longings accord with the root of his soul, as explained in the appropriate place, and some choose the simple method, some choose the homiletical method, some choose the allusive method and others choose the esoteric method". He further mentions his statement about himself in the introduction to his work Lechem Panim: "In the early days of my youth, the spirit of G-d spoke with me, and I disseminated Torah publicly morning, afternoon and evening…". He writes of the present work: "I trust my Father in Heaven that the readers and preachers who disseminate Torah will find this book favorable and sweet as honeycomb…".
The present work has never been published.
R. Shmuel Garmison (ca. 1600-1675), a leading Jerusalem rabbi in the generation of R. Moshe Galante and R. Yaakov Chagiz. Apparently born in Thessaloniki, he immigrated to Jerusalem at a young age. He set out as an emissary for Jerusalem in the 1640s, and on his return journey (apparently winter of 1649-1650) he was captured by Maltese pirates, a fact which is attested in the letters of R. Shmuel Aboab, who made efforts to redeem him (see at length the biographical introduction by M. Benayahu, at the beginning of Imrei Binah on Tractate Sanhedrin, Jerusalem 1989). He subsequently returned to Jerusalem, and in 1662 he is mentioned as head of the Jerusalem Beit Din regarding a divorce arrangement (Benayahu, ibid.). In Jerusalem, he was a rabbi of the Beit Yaakov (Viga) yeshiva headed by R. Yaakov Chagiz, alongside other leading rabbis of the generation – R. Moshe Galante (HaRav HaMagen), R. Avraham Amigo, R. Avraham Ben Chananiah and others. He was considered one of the greatest Torah scholars of Jerusalem, and leading halachic authorities from Eretz Israel, Egypt and Turkey sent him questions and decisions, as is discernable from his responsa. His high status in Jerusalem is also evident from an old document seen by the Chida, which had R. Shmuel Garmison's signature second, after R. Shlomo Algazi and before R. Moshe Galante and R. Yaakov Chagiz (Shem HaGedolim, entry on R. Shmuel). His leading disciples in Jerusalem included R. Moshe ibn Habib.
R. Shmuel Garmison was one of the voluminous authors of all times, leading the Chida to say that his writings are "astounding to consider". He authored works on all facets of the Torah, Talmudic novellae, Biblical commentary, halachah and aggadah, on both revealed and hidden aspects of the Torah. Prof. Meir Benayahu writes of him (ibid.): "R. Shmuel Garmison was one of the greatest authors. There has been no other commentator to comment on every tractate of the Talmud, to explain each and every statement, jot and tittle, including those tractates which have no Gemara… As he commented on the Talmud, so he commented on Scripture, continuously explaining and commenting according to all the Pardes methods again and again…". The Chida (Shem HaGedolim, ibid.) describes what was known to him of his writings: "He made amazing commentaries on the entire Talmud, including some tractates for which he authored a revised commentary, as well as a commentary on Zera'im and Taharot, and forty or fifty homilies on every Parashah, and a commentary to the Tur, as well as several books of responsa. I saw about 600 sheets, and I know for a fact that this is a small minority of what he wrote and of his many books which he mentions in his writings. I also saw a commentary on Berachot by him, entirely according to the kabbalistic method, over fifty sheets long. All his books on the Tur and other halachic authorities are written on many sheets; it is astounding to consider all his writings. In our many sins we have not merited for any of his writings to be printed, and nothing has been published from his enormous writings…". Only in the last generation have his manuscripts begun to be published, including ten volumes of his Imrei Binah on the Talmud, published by Yad HaRav Nissim (Jerusalem, 1988-1993).
In a catalog of his extant manuscripts, Benayahu (in his introduction, ibid., p. 38) also mentions the present manuscript. He writes that he saw it briefly in the hands of a Jerusalem bookseller, adding that the merchant "did not allow me to examine the manuscript for more than a few moments, and prevented me from copying the deleted introduction of R. Shmuel Garmison on leaf 141, which contains important information about him and his books…".
[144] leaves (with a few original foliations, some deleted; foliation beginning at 141 retained). Incomplete at end (number of missing leaves unknown). 29.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains and particularly dark stains to some leaves. Worming, affecting text. Tears and open tears to several leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper. New binding.
Category
Manuscripts and Letters – Prominent Torah Scholars
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $30,000
Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000
Sold for: $112,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Responsa Pundak DeAvraham, novellae on the Talmud and Rambam in question and answer form, by R. Avraham Avrel Yosef of Metz and Worms, disciple of the Pnei Yehoshua and Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeshitz. [Metz, Cheshvan 1781].
At the beginning of the volume, on the verso of the title page, is mounted an original letter of ordination handwritten and signed by R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz, Rabbi of Metz, who praises the yeshiva student R. Avraham Avrel and ordains him with the title "chaver". Metz, Av [1745].
"I elevate a young man from the nation… who studied with us in our yeshiva… and did not budge from the tent of Torah, and he dwelled between my shoulders in the inner dwellings and chambers of knowledge, until his Torah study reached the level of the expert young men. And Avraham will certainly be like one of the respected early authorities, for his teaching is clear and his dialectical ability is strong, posing deep questions and answering them. And therefore I saw fit to honor him before my people's elders and to give him a certificate to glorify and honor him so that it be known that he is worthy of honor and has an understanding and examining heart. So his name will no longer be called Avraham, but rather the chaver R. Avraham Avrel son of R. Meir…
Yehonatan son of R. Nata, dwelling here in Metz and its suburbs".
Yehonatan son of R. Nata, dwelling here in Metz and its suburbs".
On top of the letter by R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz and the leaf the letter is mounted on, appear inscriptions handwritten by the famous R. Aharon Worms, son of R. Avraham Avrel, telling of his deceased father and his greatness in Torah study. He also writes that he published a few of his Torah novellae in his name at the end of Part I of his Meorei Esh (printed in Metz, 1790; see there, leaves 76-77). In the middle of his inscription he copies the text of the author's gravestone, which states that he passed away in Cheshvan 1786 at the age of 67.
Neat Ashkenazic cursive script, with titles in square script (copied by a scribe, or by the author himself). Marginal glosses in several places (by the author or by his son R. Aharon Worms). The present work is an edited work prepared for press, including an index at the end of the book with references to page numbers of the manuscript, including a table of contents, and an index of references to Talmudic passages, Rashi and Tosafot, both with rhyming titles. At the beginning of the manuscript is a decorated title page, with rhyming text.
Pundak DeAvraham includes clarifications of Talmudic passages and novellae on the Rambam, in styled prose, presented as a dialogue between two brothers. In fact, both questions and answers were written by the author, as alluded to in the rhyming text on the title page: "Avraham is one and there is no second to count; the work was constructed doubly from his spirit, as two brothers…". Each section of the work is titled with abbreviations, the key to which is given in the preface: "Tell me, Avraham", and "Avraham said". The author's son R. Aharon Worms (dayan and yeshiva dean in Metz, author of Meorei Esh) is referred to in the introduction by his initials "Eshel – Aharon Shalman Lieberman".
In his interesting introduction, the author gives a brief and enigmatic account of the history of his family, parents, relatives, wife and offspring. At the end of the introduction, he signs with a chronogram for Parashat Lech Lecha (Cheshvan) 1781 – "Avraham, called Avrele, son of R. Meir of Worms, my city of birth and home of my fathers, the great attendants and officials who performed public service faithfully, family and parents. May the important woman be blessed beyond women in the tent… my mother, aunt of the deceased… communal leader of the region… R. Moshe Blin".
In the work, he deals at length with the positions of his great teacher R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz, quoting both from his books and his oral teachings which he heard firsthand, for example: "I remembered that I heard this reasoning firsthand – as printed in his novellae to the laws of Niddah – from our master and teacher, the true Gaon R. Yehonatan, to explain the topic…" (p. 2b). Likewise, he quotes other contemporary rabbis and his peers.
The author,
R. Avraham Avrele Yosef Worms, was born ca. 1720 in Worms and studied in Metz, while the Pnei Yehoshua and R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz were serving as Rabbi and yeshiva dean. In the introduction to the work, he tells of his great masters in the Worms, Fürth and Metz yeshivas: "Ever since I matured, I studied under my teachers, going from one yeshiva to another in my youth and serving the great rabbis, namely R. Baruch Charif of Fürth, the author of Pnei Yehoshua Rabbi of Metz, where I was one of a number of his close students in the great yeshiva in this land to which I came from Worms…" (i.e., he was one of the yeshiva students that the Metz community arranged to support at public expense; the Pnei Yehoshua served as Rabbi and yeshiva dean of Metz between 1734-1741, and was succeeded by R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz between 1741-1750).
R. Avraham Avrele Yosef Worms, was born ca. 1720 in Worms and studied in Metz, while the Pnei Yehoshua and R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz were serving as Rabbi and yeshiva dean. In the introduction to the work, he tells of his great masters in the Worms, Fürth and Metz yeshivas: "Ever since I matured, I studied under my teachers, going from one yeshiva to another in my youth and serving the great rabbis, namely R. Baruch Charif of Fürth, the author of Pnei Yehoshua Rabbi of Metz, where I was one of a number of his close students in the great yeshiva in this land to which I came from Worms…" (i.e., he was one of the yeshiva students that the Metz community arranged to support at public expense; the Pnei Yehoshua served as Rabbi and yeshiva dean of Metz between 1734-1741, and was succeeded by R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz between 1741-1750).
He goes on to tell of his intimacy with his great teacher R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz, "head of the entire diaspora, Yehonatan who very insightfully spread Torah throughout the Jewish people. And I merited a portion from the heavenly table, I tasted of the honeycomb of Yehonatan and my eyes were enlightened with his true Torah teachings, and with effort I succeeded…".
Following his marriage, R. Avrele lived in Metz for the rest of his life. He was a great Torah scholar, but always concealed his wisdom. His teacher R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz alludes to this in the present letter of ordination. The author himself tells in his introduction of his practice to conceal his efforts in Torah study: "Since then I have never stopped studying, dwelling in the depths of halachah with intense love and desire, but my efforts were always private; no man [Adam] knew hiding [Chava], and I concealed myself in apparent laziness, not even revealing from my heart to my mouth…". His son R. Aharon Worms also writes of "the reason why he concealed his Torah, as he writes in the introduction… It was not known that he was sharp and proficient, and his inside was not apparent on the outside, as externally he appeared like any totally unlearned layman, because he profited from his own labor from his marriage until his death… If he had seen that he could support leaving business to study constantly he would have enjoyed it more, and he would doubtless have attained a rabbinic position and been a famous halachic decisor…". His grave in Metz states: "A righteous man who studied Torah for its own sake; this one has acquired wisdom; he delved into its depths and his arms held faithfully… His name is R. Avraham Yosef son of R. Meir of Worms… His years were sixty-seven… and he passed away on the 21st of Cheshvan of this year, 1786".
[4], 95, [5] leaves. 31 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including marginal mold stains. Wear and tears. Margins of first leaves repaired with paper. Ex libris label. New binding, with parchment spine.
To the best of our knowledge, the present work has never been published.
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Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $40,000
Estimate: $60,000 - $100,000
Sold for: $87,500
Including buyer's premium
Five handwritten booklets, comprising a halachic correspondence between the Noda BiYehudah and Rabbi Peretz Frankel, Rabbi of Göding (Hodonín). [Ca. autumn of 1766-1767]:
· Handwritten booklet, containing: a letter signed by R. Yechezkel HaLevi Segal Landau, Rabbi of Prague, the Noda BiYehudah, and a halachic responsum (7 pages in scribal writing) with additions and corrections handwritten by the Noda BiYehudah, as well as concluding words and another signature by the Noda BiYehudah. Prague, 25th Kislev [November 27] 1766. This responsum was sent to R. Peretz Frankel, Rabbi of Göding (near Nikolsburg, Moravia; present-day Hodonín, Czech Republic). On the outer side is the recipient's address in German, with remains of a wax seal.
· Four booklets handwritten by the querent R. Peretz Frankel, Rabbi of Göding: two drafts of the first question sent to the Noda BiYehudah, one of them titled: "This is the wording that I asked the Gaon R. Yechezkel Landau, Rabbi of Prague"; a draft of a reply letter by the same R. Peretz on the Noda BiYehudah's responsum – with the title: "This is what I replied to the response of the Gaon, Rabbi and yeshiva dean of Prague, R. Yechezkel Segal Landau"; and a draft letter from R. Peretz to a responsum of R. Gershon Politz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg (Mikulov) and Moravia on the subject – entitled: "This is my response to the Gaon, Rabbi of the country, R. Gershon Politz".
These halachic responsa discuss a widow who had a daughter after her husband's death, leading to rumors that her child was from another man. If this were true, her husband would have died childless, requiring her to perform yibum or chalitzah with her husband's brother, who was three years old at the time and, as a minor, would be unable to do so for another ten years. In the present responsum, the Noda BiYehudah permits the woman to remarry without chalitzah, and dismisses the allegations. The present responsum is printed in Responsa Noda BiYehudah (Kama, 69), without the present introductory letter. The remainder of the present manuscript – the questions and responses of R. Peretz Frankel – have never been printed, to the best of our knowledge (the responsum by R. Gershon Politz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg, to which R. Peretz responded, has also, to the best of our knowledge, not been printed, ).
In his letter beginning the booklet, the Noda BiYehudah praises R. Peretz: "Abundant peace and salvation to the sweetened light, rabbi and scholar, excellent and exceptional, sage and scribe… R. Peretz". He writes that although he was busy, he found time to answer the question, which was enclosed, although he apologizes for his delay in responding: "Since I did not have a scribe to copy it, it was delayed until today. Peace from his friend, always seeking his welfare, Yechezkel Segal Landau". After his signature, he adds another line of blessing, wishing peace to R. Peretz's family.
At the end of the halachic responsum in scribal writing, the Noda BiYehudah added two lines in his handwriting, adding that the question should be directed to the Rabbi of Moravia, R. Gershon Politz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg: "However, since this affair took place in Moravia, I do not wish to permit this until my mechutan, the Gaon R. Gershon, Rabbi of the country, issues a permissive ruling. Peace from the above Yechezkel". The last sentence with the signature do not appear in the printed version of Responsa Noda BiYehudah.
R. Yechezkel HaLevi Landau (1713-1793) was a leading halachic authority of all times. From a young age, he was renowned as a leading Torah scholar of his generation. He studied for 17 years in the celebrated Brody Kloiz renowned for study of both the revealed and hidden portions of the Torah, which included such Torah scholars as R. Chaim Sanzer and R. Gershon of Kitov (brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov). During those years, he studied the Arizal's writings together with R. Chaim Sanzer, a leading scholar in the Kloiz. There he served for ten years as head of one Beit Din of the four that were in Brody. He went on to serve as Rabbi of Jampol ca. 1745, and in 1754, he began serving as Rabbi of Prague and the region. In Prague, he established a large yeshiva, where he educated thousands of disciples, including many of the leaders of that generation. His disciple R. Elazar Fleckeles, author of Teshuvah MeAhavah, eulogized him: "He edified several thousands of disciples, including hundreds of rabbis and dayanim" (Olat HaChodesh HaShlishi, 17, p. 85a).
Thousands of queries were addressed to him from far-flung places, many of them published in his Noda BiYehudah. The Chida in Shem HaGedolim greatly praises the book Noda BiYehudah as well as its author, describing 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 BiYehudah himself wrote in a responsum regarding one of his novellae, that in his opinion it is "a true matter in the Torah of Moshe" (Even HaEzer, Mahadura Tinyana, section 23, 2). The Chatam Sofer writing of this responsum (in his own responsa, Part II, Even HaEzer, section 95), confirms his assessment: "The word of G-d in his mouth is true".
R. Peretz Frankel, Rabbi of Göding (Hodonín; d. 13th Shevat 1773), a descendant of Rabbenu Peretz the Tosafist. Son and disciple of R. Shlomo, Rabbi of Göding, he served as Rabbi of Mährisch Aussee (Úsov), and was appointed Rabbi of Göding in 1770 (Darchei Moshe HeChadash, p. 24). The present responsum reveals that he was already involved in communal affairs in Göding in 1767. He corresponded on halachic issues with leading rabbis of his generation. A halachic discussion on names in divorce documents between R. Peretz and R. Gershon Politz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg (d. 1772, predecessor of R. Shmelke Horowitz of Nikolsburg), was published in Tzefunot (XV, pp. 24-29).
R. Peretz's descendants include R. Moshe (Maharam) Schick, Rabbi of Khust (1807-1879), whose mother Rivkah (sister of R. Yitzchak Frankel-Schussburg, Rabbi of Frauenkirchen) was a grandson of R. Peretz Rabbi of Göding; his brother-in-law R. Peretz Frankel of Holíč (next to Göding) was also a grandson of R. Peretz Frankel Rabbi of Göding.
5 booklets, containing a total of about 32 written pages (7-page responsum of the Noda BiYehudah, and 25 pages handwritten by R. Peretz Frankel). Approx. 22-22.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, wear and folding marks. Open tears, affecting text (margins of the responsum of the Noda BiYehudah lack about a half cm throughout).
Provenance: These booklets may have come down to us through the Maharam Schick, Rabbi of Khust, a descendant of R. Peretz Frankel Rabbi of Göding, later passing to a grandson of Maharam Schick – Leopold Klein of Berlin (R. Meir Stein of Trnava, son-in-law of R. Shlomo Tzvi Schick, writes that on his 1915 visit to Berlin, he saw responsa booklets of R. Peretz Frankel; see enclosed material).
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Manuscripts and Letters – Prominent Torah Scholars
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, commentary of the Vilna Gaon on the Books of Shir HaShirim, Divrei HaYamim, Yonah and Eichah. [Lithuania, 18th century].
Neat scribal handwriting, with handwritten corrections.
The present manuscript was described by R. Dovid Kamenetsky (Torat HaGra, p. 360, note 39), who writes: "It appears that the manuscript was written during the Vilna Gaon's lifetime, or soon after his death".
The manuscript contains: The Vilna Gaon's commentary on Shir HaShirim (leaves 1-19), with variations from the printed edition of 1842 – moreover, the present commentary is complete, whereas the printed commentary lacks the comments on the last three verses; the Vilna Gaon's commentary to Divrei HaYamim (leaves 20-34), with variations from the printed edition (1820); the Vilna Gaon's commentary to Yonah (leaves 34-43), with variations from the printed edition (1800); the Vilna Gaon's commentary on Eichah (leaves 44-45), resembling the printed edition (in Berak HaShachar, 1863) with minor variations.
At the end of the last page: "Binyan Yechezkel…", apparently beginning a section that was never completed.
Short glosses, most of them corrections and changes of words, by several writers. Victor Klagsbald's notes to this manuscript (enclosed) state that these glosses are handwritten by the Vilna Gaon. We were unable to confirm or negate this claim.
Signature on margin of first page: "Yirmiyah Akiva of Novardok" – R. Yirmiyah Akiva (d. 1866), a member of the Vilna Kloiz, known as the "matmid of Novardok" for his outstanding diligence. His son was the author R. Bentzion Alfes.
[46] leaves. Approx. 20 cm. Bluish paper. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dark stains to several leaves, slightly affecting text in a few places. Tears. Large tear on leaf 15, repaired with paper. New binding.
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Manuscripts and Letters – Prominent Torah Scholars
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