Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
- (-) Remove book filter book
- earli (84) Apply earli filter
- print (84) Apply print filter
- itali (53) Apply itali filter
- europ (20) Apply europ filter
- poland (20) Apply poland filter
- poland, (20) Apply poland, filter
- pragu (20) Apply pragu filter
- western (20) Apply western filter
- amsterdam (14) Apply amsterdam filter
- classic (14) Apply classic filter
- prayer (14) Apply prayer filter
- press (14) Apply press filter
- manuscript (12) Apply manuscript filter
- east (11) Apply east filter
- turkey (11) Apply turkey filter
- kabbalist (8) Apply kabbalist filter
- against (6) Apply against filter
- books, (6) Apply books, filter
- chassidut (6) Apply chassidut filter
- emden (6) Apply emden filter
- french (6) Apply french filter
- jewri (6) Apply jewri filter
- letter (6) Apply letter filter
- polem (6) Apply polem filter
- r. (6) Apply r. filter
- sabbatean (6) Apply sabbatean filter
- yaakov (6) Apply yaakov filter
Displaying 1 - 12 of 124
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $17,500
Including buyer's premium
Tikunei Zohar. Mantua: Meir son of Efraim of Padua and Yaakov son of Naftali HaKohen of Gazzuolo, 1557. First edition.
First edition of Tikunei Zohar, a kabbalistic work attributed to R. Shimon bar Yochai and his companions, including seventy explanations or permutations for the word Bereshit. This edition was edited by R. Imanuel of Benevento based on ten manuscript copies. The editor added eleven additional Tikunim he had found (leaves 137-146; these Tikunim were copied from Zohar Chadash), which were henceforth printed in all editions.
At the beginning of the book are four halachic rulings permitting the printing of the Zohar and Tikunei Zohar.
On the last leaf, signature of the censor Camillo Jaghel, dated 1629.
[4], 146, [2] leaves. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, slightly affecting title frame. Marginal open tears to several leaves. Tear affecting text on one leaf. Early binding, damaged.
On the printing of the Zohar and Tikunei Zohar, see: Y. Tishbi, The Zohar Controversy in 16th-Century Italy, Perakim, I, 1967-1968, pp. 131-182 (Hebrew).
CB, no. 3492; Zedner, p. 707.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $15,000 - $35,000
Sold for: $52,500
Including buyer's premium
Zohar, attributed to R. Shimon bar Yochai, all three parts, on Bereshit, Shemot and Vayikra-Devarim. Cremona: Vincenzo Conti, 1559-1560. First edition of the Zohar, printed simultaneously with the Mantua edition.
Despite the imprint for 1559-1560 on the title page, the printing of the present edition actually began in 1558, the same year that printing of the Mantua edition of the Zohar commenced (M. Benayahu claims that the present edition even preceded the Mantua printing).
The present edition, with the Zohar printed in one volume and in large format (in square script), was known as the "large Zohar", while the small-format Mantua edition printed in three volumes (in Rashi script) was known as the "small Zohar".
Many copies of the present edition reached Ashkenazic lands – Poland and Germany (it may be that the printers never intended to distribute copies of this edition in Italy). Evidencing this, many authors from Ashkenazic lands cite the text of the Cremona edition until well past the mid-18th century (see further Y. Yudlov's article, below). The subsequent Lublin 1622 and Sulzbach 1684 editions follow the form of the Cremona edition.
Over the years, the Cremona edition became especially rare, in contrast to the Mantua edition which was relatively more common. Benayahu writes that many copies of the Zohar were destroyed in the Cremona burning of Hebrew books (HaDefus HaIvri BiCremona, p. 137). This edition was rare even in the very next generation, as R. Moshe Zacuto writes in one of his letters: "Only a small minority possess the large [Cremona] edition…" (Igrot HaRamaz, Livorno 1780, 2).
Biblical references are printed in the margins of the leaves (uniquely characteristic of the Cremona edition, unlike the Mantua edition). In addition to the foliation of leaves, the columns and lines are also numbered (every tenth line).
There are known to be variations between copies of the Cremona edition. In most known copies, the title page is dated 1559-1560, as in the present copy. These copies contain eight leaves (leaves 5-6 of Bereshit and leaves 113, 118-122 of Shemot) which according to Benayahu (see below) were printed in Mantua, and are typographically distinct from the other leaves. The Schocken collection contains a copy with a different title page which doesn't mention the date of printing, and in which the abovementioned eight leaves were printed in Cremona and resemble the rest of the leaves of the book. The present copy contains the common version of the title page; leaves 5-6 of Bereshit are in fact identical to the leaves printed in Mantua, like the other copies, but leaves 113, 118-122 of Shemot are identical to the leaves appearing in the Schocken copy printed in Cremona.
Colophon on last leaf: "The holy work was completed… today, Friday… and was proofread by Chaim son of R. Shmuel ibn Gattegno… and R. Vittorio Eliano, grandson of the chief grammarian R. Eliyahu HaMedakdek".
Under the colophon is printed a Latin approval of printing on the authority of the Milano inquisition, dated August 1558.
Signature (deleted) on title page: "Yaakov son of M."; additional signature on title page: "Imanuel Baruch Cuzzer", and on endpaper: "Imanuel son of Shemariah Cuzzer". Additional handwritten inscriptions.
All parts in one volume. Bereshit: 132 leaves. Shemot: 122 leaves. Vayikra-Devarim: 146 leaves. Approx. 30 cm. Overall good condition. Stains (on several leaves many stains). Dark inkstains to one leaf, affecting text. Worming, affecting text of several leaves. Tears, including open tears to title page and several other leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper (with handwritten text replacement). New binding.
For a general description of the book and its printing, on the relation between the Cremona and Mantua editions and different copies of the Cremona edition, see: Meir Benayahu, HaDefus HaIvri BiCremona, Jerusalem 1971, pp. 121-137; Y. Yudlov, On Books, Printers and Publishers, HaSefer – 70-year jubilee volume for Mosad Harav Kook, Jerusalem 2008, pp. 556-559 (Hebrew).
CB, no. 3478.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Tapuchei Zahav – Yesod Shirim, the Midrash HaNe'elam on the Book of Ruth, part of the Zohar. Tiengen: Eliezer son of R. Naftali Treves and R. Yosef son of Naftali, 1559. First edition.
On the title page the name is given as "Tapuchei Zahav… Yesod Shirim". The work printed here is Midrash HaNe'elam on the Book of Ruth.
This is effectively the first printing of this part of the Zohar on the Book of Ruth, in the same time period as the other first editions of the Zohar printed in Mantua and Cremona (1558-1560).
Colophon on last leaf: "Thanks to the truly perfect one… has brought me to the conclusion of the printing of this book… R. Eliezer son of R. Naftali Treves, printed here in Tiengen by the oppressed Yosef son of R. Naftali, Sunday 23rd Tevet 1559".
On title page – inscription of verse with marking of word serving as initials ("R. Ch. M." for Refael Chaim Monselice). Additional inscriptions. Signatures of censor Giovanni Domenico Vistorini and of Fra Camillo.
On front endpaper, inscription dated 28th Sivan 1657.
[32] leaves. 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Light wear. Small marginal tears. Worming, slightly affecting text, partially repaired with paper filling. Small open tears to several leaves, affecting text. Stamps. New binding.
Rare edition. The 16th-century Tiengen press (Waldshut-Tiengen, southern Germany, near the French border) printed only six Hebrew books over the course of a few months in 1559-1560.
CB, no. 3501.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $2,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $9,375
Including buyer's premium
Adam Sichli – Hadrat Kodesh, kabbalistic commentary on the Rambam's thirteen principles of faith, by R. Shimon son of R. Shmuel of France. Tiengen: [Yosef son of Naftali], 1560. First edition.
Kabbalistic work containing a commentary on the thirteen principles of faith listed by the Rambam in his Commentary to the Mishnah (Sanhedrin, chapter Chelek, containing the Rambam's words with a few differences), comparing them to the thirteen attributes and the ten commandments.
On verso of last page, signature of censor Giovanni Domenico Vistorini, dated 1609.
[24] leaves. 20.5 cm. Wide margins. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. New binding.
Rare edition. The 16th-century Tiengen press (Waldshut-Tiengen, southern Germany, near the French border) printed only six Hebrew books over the course of a few months in 1559-1560.
CB, no. 7224,1.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Sold for: $12,500
Including buyer's premium
Sefer Yetzirah, attributed to Abraham, with four commentaries: R. Saadiah Gaon, R. Eliezer of Worms, the Ramban and the Raavad. Mantua: Yaakov Kohen of Gazzuolo, 1562. First edition. Kabbalistic diagrams and charts.
Sefer Yetzirah includes several diagrams designed for the addition of moveable parts (volvelles), for calculating Holy Name combinations. The moveable parts were printed on a separate plate, for the reader to cut out and assemble (onto pp. 8b, 10b, 33a and 77a). This leaf is partially lacking, and it does not appear in most copies of the book.
Signature on title page: "Wolf ---" (the remainder is cut off by a tear to the leaf).
Several kabbalistic glosses (somewhat trimmed) in Ashkenazic script (some from the period of the book's printing), by several writers.
104, [1] leaves, [1] blank leaf; [1] plate with diagrams (partially lacking). 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Tears, including open tear to upper margin of title page and tear across the width of one leaf, repaired with tape (over the text). New binding.
CB, no. 3562; Zedner, p. 13.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue
Auction 100 – Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Books from the Victor (Avigdor) Klagsbald Collection
Jan 21, 2025
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $2,500 - $3,000
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
Keneh Chochmah Keneh Binah, "the first of the seven branches of the supernal menorah", kabbalistic commentary on Shema and Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto, and on Holy Names, attributed to R. Nechuniah son of HaKanah. Prague: printer not indicated, 1609-1611. First edition.
This is the first edition of the ancient kabbalistic work known as Sefer HaKanah. In the introduction, the author gives his name as Kanah Even Gedor, a descendant of R. Nechuniah HaKanah, a master of Torah secrets. The author's introduction also tells of his son Nachum, saying that many kabbalistic secrets were revealed to him as early as the age of three, and the book incorporates various statements in his name ("The words of Even Gedor our father"; "And these are the words of my son Nachum").
The book was edited by R. Elazar Altschuler of Prague, who writes in the "proofreader's apologia" (p. 25b) that the commentary on the seventy-two-letter Holy Name was copied from an ancient parchment manuscript ("some hundreds of years old") which he found among the possessions of his father R. Avraham Chanoch of Prague (who told him he had found it in the Worms synagogue). R. Elazar added comments and explanations from later kabbalistic works.
The second edition of the book was printed in Wilhermsdorf, 1730, but omit several glosses by the first publisher which appear in the present edition.
Ownership inscription on front endpaper: "Granted to me by G-d, Itzik Fishel Ehrlich, formerly a shochet and second prayer leader in Kempen, and now in 1853 a prayer leader in Breslau".
40 leaves. 18.5 cm. Paper mostly browned. Fair-good condition. Stains. Tears, including marginal open tears to title page, affecting title frame and slightly affecting text on verso, repaired with paper (around entire title page). Worming in a few places adjacent to back binding. Several other leaves repaired with paper. Early binding, lightly damaged.
CB, no. 4921,2; CB, no. 4032; Zedner, p. 409.
Category
Kabbalistic Books
Catalogue
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