Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
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Displaying 13 - 24 of 26
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $250
Unsold
Printed pamphlet, with two halachic responses concerning vacating graves and burying ashes of cremated bodies, by Rabbi Meir Lerner Av Beit Din of Altona. Printed without a title page in Cracow 1903.
On the margins of the last page, Rabbi Meir Lerner added a handwritten letter addressed to Rabbi Shmuel Salant, with a request that he express his opinion on the responsa in the pamphlet. Rabbi Meir writes that "almost all the leading Jewish rabbis" already agreed with him and he lists the names of several rabbis.
In 1903, the question of vacating graves for paving a road arose in Altona to which Rabbi Lerner wrote the first responsum in this pamphlet. The second responsum deals with burying the ashes of bodies cremated by request. Rabbi Lerner printed the pamphlet and sent it to many rabbis. Rabbi Chanoch Ehrentrau of Munich printed the pamphlet Cheker Halacha as "a response to the pamphlets printed by Dr. Lerner Av Beit Din of Altona" (Munich 1904). A year later, Rabbi Meir printed the book Chayei Olam (Berlin 1905), with dozens of letters of responsa which he received from rabbis throughout the world who agreed with his opinion which also included the responsum of Rabbi Shmuel Salant of Jerusalem.
Enclosed is the envelope in which the pamphlet was sent from Altona to Jerusalem.
8 pages. 25 cm. Good condition, folding marks [for placing the pamphlet into the envelope], wear and few stains. + an envelope, with tears.
On the margins of the last page, Rabbi Meir Lerner added a handwritten letter addressed to Rabbi Shmuel Salant, with a request that he express his opinion on the responsa in the pamphlet. Rabbi Meir writes that "almost all the leading Jewish rabbis" already agreed with him and he lists the names of several rabbis.
In 1903, the question of vacating graves for paving a road arose in Altona to which Rabbi Lerner wrote the first responsum in this pamphlet. The second responsum deals with burying the ashes of bodies cremated by request. Rabbi Lerner printed the pamphlet and sent it to many rabbis. Rabbi Chanoch Ehrentrau of Munich printed the pamphlet Cheker Halacha as "a response to the pamphlets printed by Dr. Lerner Av Beit Din of Altona" (Munich 1904). A year later, Rabbi Meir printed the book Chayei Olam (Berlin 1905), with dozens of letters of responsa which he received from rabbis throughout the world who agreed with his opinion which also included the responsum of Rabbi Shmuel Salant of Jerusalem.
Enclosed is the envelope in which the pamphlet was sent from Altona to Jerusalem.
8 pages. 25 cm. Good condition, folding marks [for placing the pamphlet into the envelope], wear and few stains. + an envelope, with tears.
Category
The Old Yishuv in Jerusalem and Hebron – Letters to Rabbi Shmuel Salant
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $400
Sold for: $525
Including buyer's premium
Letter by Badatz Kashrut of city of Zaloshitz, to Ga’on Rabbi Shimshon Orenstein, Av Beit Din of Kalish and “President of Holy City”. Signed by the rabbis of the city Rabbi Moshe Yechiel HaLevi and the three Dayanim along with signatures of an additional five leaders of the congregation and Gabayim of charity funds of Eretz Israel. Zaloshitz, 1894.
Letter pertains to discrimination regarding division of funds in the Poland Kollel; refusal to include Rabbi Tzvi Asher Cahana Shapiro as recipient of funds despite the rabbinical ruling of the Badatz. Signed by: “Rabbi Moshe Yechiel HaLevi” and Dayanim: “Levi son of Rabbi D---“, “Shmuel…”, “Yosef --- rabbinical authority”. Leaders of the congregation: “Moshe Mamelak”, “Yisrael Holtzberger HaCohen”, [“Ben Zion--?”], “Avraham Yehoshua --- Gabay of Etrogim [citrons] for Eretz Israel” and Rabbi “Tzvi Yissachar Dov Hershnowitz”.
Ga’on Rabbi Moshe Yechiel HaLevi (Stashevsky) Av Beit Din of Dzialozyce (adjacent to Kielce, Poland), among Chassidim of Peshischa. (Passed away in 1904 at the age of ninety, Hapeles, year 4, pp. 882 – and Otzar HaRabbanim 15482 lists that passed away at age 83).
33.5 cm. Fair condition, wear damage and spotting. Four stamps in Hebrew and Polish.
Letter pertains to discrimination regarding division of funds in the Poland Kollel; refusal to include Rabbi Tzvi Asher Cahana Shapiro as recipient of funds despite the rabbinical ruling of the Badatz. Signed by: “Rabbi Moshe Yechiel HaLevi” and Dayanim: “Levi son of Rabbi D---“, “Shmuel…”, “Yosef --- rabbinical authority”. Leaders of the congregation: “Moshe Mamelak”, “Yisrael Holtzberger HaCohen”, [“Ben Zion--?”], “Avraham Yehoshua --- Gabay of Etrogim [citrons] for Eretz Israel” and Rabbi “Tzvi Yissachar Dov Hershnowitz”.
Ga’on Rabbi Moshe Yechiel HaLevi (Stashevsky) Av Beit Din of Dzialozyce (adjacent to Kielce, Poland), among Chassidim of Peshischa. (Passed away in 1904 at the age of ninety, Hapeles, year 4, pp. 882 – and Otzar HaRabbanim 15482 lists that passed away at age 83).
33.5 cm. Fair condition, wear damage and spotting. Four stamps in Hebrew and Polish.
Category
The Old Yishuv in Jerusalem and Hebron – Letters to Rabbi Shmuel Salant
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Letter to Rabbi Shmuel Salant, regarding arrangement of divorce for Rabbi Shneur Zalman son of Naftali of Karlin, who immigrated to Jerusalem, and his wife who remained in Mogilev and is unable to travel to him “since she does not possess provisions” for traveling. Mogilev, 1879.
Signed by rabbinical judges: Rabbi “Moshe Yitzchak HaCohen Rabinowitz”, rabbinical authority, Rabbi “Binyamin Eliyahu Hirshowitz” and Rabbi “Binyamin Beinish… [Ravinsky?]”.
22 cm. Good condition, slight creases.
Signed by rabbinical judges: Rabbi “Moshe Yitzchak HaCohen Rabinowitz”, rabbinical authority, Rabbi “Binyamin Eliyahu Hirshowitz” and Rabbi “Binyamin Beinish… [Ravinsky?]”.
22 cm. Good condition, slight creases.
Category
The Old Yishuv in Jerusalem and Hebron – Letters to Rabbi Shmuel Salant
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $350
Unsold
Handwritten and signed letter by Rabbi Ya'akov Zalman Libschitz, to his brother-in-law Rabbi Eliyahu Kletzkin chief of Beit Din in Lublin. Brisk, Lithuania, 1912.
Recommendation to assist the grandson of “world renowned genius of west and miracle worker of generation Rabbi Shmuel Salant”.
Ga’on Rabbi Ya'akov Zalman Libschitz, famous genius among pillars of Lithuania. Son of Ga’on Rabbi Baruch Mordechai Libschitz author of Brit Ya’akov. Among leaders of Brisk community and right hand of the Ga’on Rabbi Chaim of Brisk. Foremost authority in all holy matters, father of Yeshivot in Brisk and among leaders of orthodox community in Lithuania. Emissary of Rabbi Chaim of Brisk to Convention of Orthodox Congregation Against Zionism which convened in Kovno in 1899 (this organization was referred to in Zionist circles as “the black bureau of Kovno”). His Torah Chidushim were printed in various books and collections. The Sdei Chemed often corresponded with him in halachic matters.
Official stationery, 21 cm. Good condition.
Recommendation to assist the grandson of “world renowned genius of west and miracle worker of generation Rabbi Shmuel Salant”.
Ga’on Rabbi Ya'akov Zalman Libschitz, famous genius among pillars of Lithuania. Son of Ga’on Rabbi Baruch Mordechai Libschitz author of Brit Ya’akov. Among leaders of Brisk community and right hand of the Ga’on Rabbi Chaim of Brisk. Foremost authority in all holy matters, father of Yeshivot in Brisk and among leaders of orthodox community in Lithuania. Emissary of Rabbi Chaim of Brisk to Convention of Orthodox Congregation Against Zionism which convened in Kovno in 1899 (this organization was referred to in Zionist circles as “the black bureau of Kovno”). His Torah Chidushim were printed in various books and collections. The Sdei Chemed often corresponded with him in halachic matters.
Official stationery, 21 cm. Good condition.
Category
The Old Yishuv in Jerusalem and Hebron – Letters to Rabbi Shmuel Salant
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $250
Sold for: $525
Including buyer's premium
Lengthy and detailed letter, by Dr. Eliezer HaLevi, personal secretary of Moses Montefiore, to rabbis of Jerusalem Rabbi Raphael Moshe Panizil and Rabbi Shmuel Salant. Letter deals with matters concerning various “divisions”, related to philanthropic activities of Sir Moses Montefiore. Ramsgate, Tevet 1884.
Dr. Eliezer HaLevi - Louis Loewe (1809-1889), disciple of Chatam Sofer in Pressburg and disciple of Rabbi Mordechai Benet in Nickelsburg. Was involved in research of history, languages of Levant and more. In 1836 embarked upon great journey to countries of Middle East and North Africa for purpose of his research. On his way back to Europe, in 1838, met with Moses Montefiore who offered him to serve as his personal assistant, a position which he faithfully carried out for approximately forty eight years during the lifetime of Montefiore. HaLevi took care of the extensive public operations of Montefiore, accompanied him on his various journeys to Eretz Israel and other countries, and managed his charity operations related to funding of settlement of Eretz Israel. Corresponded in name of Montefiore in several languages with various figures throughout the world, and managed Montefiore’s letter archive.
Official stationery, with title “Holy Land - Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart”. 19.5 cm. High-quality thin bluish stationery. Good condition.
Dr. Eliezer HaLevi - Louis Loewe (1809-1889), disciple of Chatam Sofer in Pressburg and disciple of Rabbi Mordechai Benet in Nickelsburg. Was involved in research of history, languages of Levant and more. In 1836 embarked upon great journey to countries of Middle East and North Africa for purpose of his research. On his way back to Europe, in 1838, met with Moses Montefiore who offered him to serve as his personal assistant, a position which he faithfully carried out for approximately forty eight years during the lifetime of Montefiore. HaLevi took care of the extensive public operations of Montefiore, accompanied him on his various journeys to Eretz Israel and other countries, and managed his charity operations related to funding of settlement of Eretz Israel. Corresponded in name of Montefiore in several languages with various figures throughout the world, and managed Montefiore’s letter archive.
Official stationery, with title “Holy Land - Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart”. 19.5 cm. High-quality thin bluish stationery. Good condition.
Category
The Old Yishuv in Jerusalem and Hebron – Letters to Rabbi Shmuel Salant
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $300
Sold for: $938
Including buyer's premium
Agreement for distribution of joint ownership of the land among the four founders of the Nachalat Shiv'a neighborhood signed by Rabbi Shmuel Moni Zilberman, Rabbi Michel HaCohen, Rabbi Yosef Rivlin, Rabbi Yehuda Leib Salant, Rabbi Binyamin Beinish Salant, Rabbi Yehoshua Yellin and Rabbi Aryeh Leib Horowitz. Jerusalem, 1871.
The Nachalat Shiv'a neighborhood was one of the first Jewish neighborhoods built outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem in 1869. The neighborhood was named for the seven first pioneers who founded it: Rabbi Yosef Rivlin [who lived alone in the neighborhood for two years], Rabbi Yoel Moshe Salomon, Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Kovner, Rabbi Yehoshua Yellin, Rabbi Leib Horwitz of Lomza, Rabbi Michel HaCohen and Rabbi Binyamin Beinish Salant. Five of the seven founders signed this document.
To our knowledge, this document is not known. Among other things, it shows that Rabbi Yehuda Leib Salant was a joint owner [together with his nephew Rabbi Beinish Salant] of the land of Nachalat Shiv'a, although he was not known to be one of the seven founders of the neighborhood.
30 cm. leaf. Good condition, creased and folding marks.
The Nachalat Shiv'a neighborhood was one of the first Jewish neighborhoods built outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem in 1869. The neighborhood was named for the seven first pioneers who founded it: Rabbi Yosef Rivlin [who lived alone in the neighborhood for two years], Rabbi Yoel Moshe Salomon, Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Kovner, Rabbi Yehoshua Yellin, Rabbi Leib Horwitz of Lomza, Rabbi Michel HaCohen and Rabbi Binyamin Beinish Salant. Five of the seven founders signed this document.
To our knowledge, this document is not known. Among other things, it shows that Rabbi Yehuda Leib Salant was a joint owner [together with his nephew Rabbi Beinish Salant] of the land of Nachalat Shiv'a, although he was not known to be one of the seven founders of the neighborhood.
30 cm. leaf. Good condition, creased and folding marks.
Category
The Old Yishuv in Jerusalem and Hebron – Letters to Rabbi Shmuel Salant
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $3,000
Unsold
Two historical documents by the Saba Kadisha, the Elder Holy Rabbi Shlomo Eliezer Alfandari from the beginning of the British Mandate in Eretz Israel. At that time, a conflict arose between the Zionist Va'ad HaTzirim (Committee of Delegates) headed by Dr. Chaim Weizmann and the Charedi circles in Jerusalem, who tried to stop the progress of Dr. Weizmann's control over the systems of the Rabbinate, education and the Charedi communities. At the beginning of the clash in 1919, the Va'ad HaTzirim assisted the establishment of the "Office of the Rabbinate of the Jewish Community" which served as the foundation of the Chief Rabbinate of Eretz Israel in 1921. Another stage of that dispute came about through the Communities statute of the Mandate government, according to which every Jewish citizen must pay the Hebrew community taxes [money which was not distributed to the Torah education systems in the independent Talmudei Torah and to Charedi community needs in general]. Later, the Communities Statute was amended with recognition of the separate Charedi community, which "departed" from the Knesset Israel community, however the Charedi community was obliged to sign special forms of "departure". This period was characterized by much propaganda supporting and opposing "departure".
The conflict mainly encountered the Ashkenazi rabbis while most of the Sephardic members of Rabbinical institutes and communities cooperated with the new systems of the Chief Rabbinate and the establishment of the National Committee. One exception to this was the elderly Rabbi of Safed, the Saba Kadisha Moharsha Alfandari, who was 105 years old at the time. Initially, the Rabbinate circles thought that he would cooperate with them [as portrayed by Item no. 1, sent to him by the Rabbinate Office], but they were not aware of his uncompromising opinions. Only later he became known as one of the few Sephardic rabbis who actively opposed the Zionists. Even after the Saba Kadisha moved to Jerusalem, he signed a "Departure" form from the Knesset Israel [see Item no. 2].
* Printed invitation to the "Convention of the Rabbis of Eretz Israel", beginning of Iyar 1919, on behalf of the Rabbinical Office of the Congregation of Israel, "For the purpose of organizing all the rabbis of Eretz Israel in one union". Sent to Safed, to the city's rabbi Moharsha Alfandari and to the Sephardic Beit Din. Jerusalem, Nissan 1919. On the side of the invitation is a long list [in the handwriting of Rabbi Shmuel Aharon Weber, secretary of the Rabbinical Office] with names of the rabbis of the various cities in Eretz Israel who were invited to this convention. This convention was one of the milestones on the way to the establishment of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
* A printed document in Hebrew, Yiddish and Arabic in Hebrew letters, with a notice according to the communities' statute, in support of "departure" and unsubscribing from the notebook of the "National Committee – Knesset Israel", with the [trembling] signature of the Saba Kadisha Rabbi "Shlomo A. Alfandari", with an authorization validating "the signature of the elder of the Torah leaders Shlomo Eliezer Alfandari" signed by Rabbi Aharon Avraham Slotki and Rabbi Ezra Shalom Shkalo Chalabi. Jerusalem, Adar Aleph 1929.
* Enclosed is a printed leaf "Song of the Departing" – commemorating the authorization of the communities statute in Eretz Israel, the 8th of Tevet 1928, with a song encouraging Charedi Jews who chose to depart from the lists of the "National Committee – Knesset Israel", including musical notes.
The Saba Kadisha, The holy, aged Torah genius Rabbi Shlomo Eliezer Alfandari, born c. 1813 and died in 1930, was a leading rabbi in Turkey. In his youth, he corresponded on halachic affairs with Rabbi Akiva Eiger [died in 1837]. He was Chief Rabbi of Constantinople and Damascus. At a very old age, close to 100, he moved to Eretz Israel and served in the Safed rabbinate. He spent his last years in Jerusalem, where he died at a very old age. While residing in Jerusalem, he seldom involved himself in public affairs and stayed home studying Torah, Halacha and "Hidden Wisdom", together with a few of the holy rabbis of Jerusalem. During his last year, the Rebbe of Munkatch, the author of Minchat Eliezer, came to Eretz Israel especially to meet the Rabbi Alfandari, and together they discussed Kabbalistic matters. He wrote the Maharsha responsa, the Saba Kadisha responsa and more.
The first signature is by the renowned Mekubal Rabbi Aharon Avraham Slotki (1883-1976), a close disciple of the Rav HaSadeh (Rabbi Chaim Shmuel HaCohen Dweck) and Rabbi Alfandari. One of the leading mekubalim in Jerusalem and one of the heads of the Sha'ar HaShamayim Yeshiva. He lived a long life and during his last years he headed the Ahavat Shalom Yeshiva for the study of Kabbala.
The second signature belongs to Rabbi Ezra Shkalo (1892-1982), who moved from Aleppo to Jerusalem in 1918. His father Rabbi Shalom ben Rabbi Ezra Shma Shkalo, an exceptionally pious Mekubal from Aleppo, died in 1919. Rabbi Ezra who assisted the leaders and Tzaddikim of his time, lived in the court of the Silvera Synagogue and was a neighbor of Rabbi Alfadari and Rabbi David Laniado, author of L'Kdoshim Asher Ba'Aretz. He supported the various activities of the Mekubal Rabbi Yehuda Fatiyah, and assisted in publishing and distributing his works and in arranging prayers and Tikunim during the Holocaust. Many of the rabbis of the Tawil family are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
3 leaves, varied size and condition.
The conflict mainly encountered the Ashkenazi rabbis while most of the Sephardic members of Rabbinical institutes and communities cooperated with the new systems of the Chief Rabbinate and the establishment of the National Committee. One exception to this was the elderly Rabbi of Safed, the Saba Kadisha Moharsha Alfandari, who was 105 years old at the time. Initially, the Rabbinate circles thought that he would cooperate with them [as portrayed by Item no. 1, sent to him by the Rabbinate Office], but they were not aware of his uncompromising opinions. Only later he became known as one of the few Sephardic rabbis who actively opposed the Zionists. Even after the Saba Kadisha moved to Jerusalem, he signed a "Departure" form from the Knesset Israel [see Item no. 2].
* Printed invitation to the "Convention of the Rabbis of Eretz Israel", beginning of Iyar 1919, on behalf of the Rabbinical Office of the Congregation of Israel, "For the purpose of organizing all the rabbis of Eretz Israel in one union". Sent to Safed, to the city's rabbi Moharsha Alfandari and to the Sephardic Beit Din. Jerusalem, Nissan 1919. On the side of the invitation is a long list [in the handwriting of Rabbi Shmuel Aharon Weber, secretary of the Rabbinical Office] with names of the rabbis of the various cities in Eretz Israel who were invited to this convention. This convention was one of the milestones on the way to the establishment of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
* A printed document in Hebrew, Yiddish and Arabic in Hebrew letters, with a notice according to the communities' statute, in support of "departure" and unsubscribing from the notebook of the "National Committee – Knesset Israel", with the [trembling] signature of the Saba Kadisha Rabbi "Shlomo A. Alfandari", with an authorization validating "the signature of the elder of the Torah leaders Shlomo Eliezer Alfandari" signed by Rabbi Aharon Avraham Slotki and Rabbi Ezra Shalom Shkalo Chalabi. Jerusalem, Adar Aleph 1929.
* Enclosed is a printed leaf "Song of the Departing" – commemorating the authorization of the communities statute in Eretz Israel, the 8th of Tevet 1928, with a song encouraging Charedi Jews who chose to depart from the lists of the "National Committee – Knesset Israel", including musical notes.
The Saba Kadisha, The holy, aged Torah genius Rabbi Shlomo Eliezer Alfandari, born c. 1813 and died in 1930, was a leading rabbi in Turkey. In his youth, he corresponded on halachic affairs with Rabbi Akiva Eiger [died in 1837]. He was Chief Rabbi of Constantinople and Damascus. At a very old age, close to 100, he moved to Eretz Israel and served in the Safed rabbinate. He spent his last years in Jerusalem, where he died at a very old age. While residing in Jerusalem, he seldom involved himself in public affairs and stayed home studying Torah, Halacha and "Hidden Wisdom", together with a few of the holy rabbis of Jerusalem. During his last year, the Rebbe of Munkatch, the author of Minchat Eliezer, came to Eretz Israel especially to meet the Rabbi Alfandari, and together they discussed Kabbalistic matters. He wrote the Maharsha responsa, the Saba Kadisha responsa and more.
The first signature is by the renowned Mekubal Rabbi Aharon Avraham Slotki (1883-1976), a close disciple of the Rav HaSadeh (Rabbi Chaim Shmuel HaCohen Dweck) and Rabbi Alfandari. One of the leading mekubalim in Jerusalem and one of the heads of the Sha'ar HaShamayim Yeshiva. He lived a long life and during his last years he headed the Ahavat Shalom Yeshiva for the study of Kabbala.
The second signature belongs to Rabbi Ezra Shkalo (1892-1982), who moved from Aleppo to Jerusalem in 1918. His father Rabbi Shalom ben Rabbi Ezra Shma Shkalo, an exceptionally pious Mekubal from Aleppo, died in 1919. Rabbi Ezra who assisted the leaders and Tzaddikim of his time, lived in the court of the Silvera Synagogue and was a neighbor of Rabbi Alfadari and Rabbi David Laniado, author of L'Kdoshim Asher Ba'Aretz. He supported the various activities of the Mekubal Rabbi Yehuda Fatiyah, and assisted in publishing and distributing his works and in arranging prayers and Tikunim during the Holocaust. Many of the rabbis of the Tawil family are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
3 leaves, varied size and condition.
Category
The Old Yishuv in Jerusalem and Hebron – Letters to Rabbi Shmuel Salant
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Large archive containing hundreds of letters and court rulings, documents and various listings, of Grand Court for all Ashkenazi Congregations in Jerusalem from approximately 1930-1970. Members of rabbinical court who wrote and signed these documents: Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank, Rabbi Yosef Gershon Horowitz, Rabbi Eliyahu Re’em, Rabbi Avraham David Rosenthal, Rabbi Shraga Feivel son of Rabbi Zev Frank, Rabbi Rephael Binyamin Levine, and more.
The archive has great historical value, providing information about the history of Jerusalem. It includes: Court journals, signed court rulings, drafts of court rulings and various memoranda in handwriting of rabbis (some in handwriting of Ga’on Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank). Letters from rabbis and public figures throughout the world, which were sent to the court. Court rulings on matrimonial and monetary laws. Management of public institutions and letters requesting assistance for needy (institutions in Jerusalem: Kollel Vohlin, Kollel Minsk, Kollel Chabad, Va'ad HaYeshivot, Bikur Cholim Hospital, and more). Marriage Ketubot (printed and handwritten) and divorce certificates. Authorizations of divorce and marriage annulments [from 1930’s – when many singles immigrated to Eretz Israel fictitiously claiming to be married, thereby enabling the immigration of two unmarried individuals under one immigration certificate…]. Documents related to holocaust survivors (A testimony regarding a woman murdered in a concentration camp. Rome, 1947; A testimony regarding a woman that was murdered in the holocaust, in order to permit her husband to Remarry). Letters to mandatory legal authorities concerning legislation of laws and rulings on various public ordinances. A draft of a proclamation "about She'erit HaPleita" – calling for prayer and awakening. Various printed proclamations (concerning polemic of Rabbi Kook, prayer rally during holocaust period and more). Bills of sale of Chametz – with tens of signatures by Jerusalem's residents and Rabbis (amongst them are signatures by well-known rabbis today such as Rabbi Azriel Auerbach, Rabbi Sraya Dvilezki and others), invitations to court hearings and other various documents.
Grand Court for Ashkenazi Congregations is the veteran court of Rabbi Shmuel Salant which was established in 1841 and for many years was situated in an office in the courtyard of the Churva synagogue. The Ga’on Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank was already appointed as rabbinical judge during lifetime of Rabbi Shmuel Salant, and was eventually appointed Av Beit Din. During period of the documents in this archive the rabbinical court was managed by Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Rosenthal and his son, the Ga’on Rabbi Avraham David Rosenthal (rabbi of Sha’arei Chessed community), who at first served as rabbinical court scribe, and was later appointed as member of rabbinical court and Av Beit Din.
Hundreds of documents and various items within ten thick binders. Varying sizes and conditions, very good to fair (some items damaged).
The archive has great historical value, providing information about the history of Jerusalem. It includes: Court journals, signed court rulings, drafts of court rulings and various memoranda in handwriting of rabbis (some in handwriting of Ga’on Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank). Letters from rabbis and public figures throughout the world, which were sent to the court. Court rulings on matrimonial and monetary laws. Management of public institutions and letters requesting assistance for needy (institutions in Jerusalem: Kollel Vohlin, Kollel Minsk, Kollel Chabad, Va'ad HaYeshivot, Bikur Cholim Hospital, and more). Marriage Ketubot (printed and handwritten) and divorce certificates. Authorizations of divorce and marriage annulments [from 1930’s – when many singles immigrated to Eretz Israel fictitiously claiming to be married, thereby enabling the immigration of two unmarried individuals under one immigration certificate…]. Documents related to holocaust survivors (A testimony regarding a woman murdered in a concentration camp. Rome, 1947; A testimony regarding a woman that was murdered in the holocaust, in order to permit her husband to Remarry). Letters to mandatory legal authorities concerning legislation of laws and rulings on various public ordinances. A draft of a proclamation "about She'erit HaPleita" – calling for prayer and awakening. Various printed proclamations (concerning polemic of Rabbi Kook, prayer rally during holocaust period and more). Bills of sale of Chametz – with tens of signatures by Jerusalem's residents and Rabbis (amongst them are signatures by well-known rabbis today such as Rabbi Azriel Auerbach, Rabbi Sraya Dvilezki and others), invitations to court hearings and other various documents.
Grand Court for Ashkenazi Congregations is the veteran court of Rabbi Shmuel Salant which was established in 1841 and for many years was situated in an office in the courtyard of the Churva synagogue. The Ga’on Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank was already appointed as rabbinical judge during lifetime of Rabbi Shmuel Salant, and was eventually appointed Av Beit Din. During period of the documents in this archive the rabbinical court was managed by Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Rosenthal and his son, the Ga’on Rabbi Avraham David Rosenthal (rabbi of Sha’arei Chessed community), who at first served as rabbinical court scribe, and was later appointed as member of rabbinical court and Av Beit Din.
Hundreds of documents and various items within ten thick binders. Varying sizes and conditions, very good to fair (some items damaged).
Category
The Old Yishuv in Jerusalem and Hebron – Letters to Rabbi Shmuel Salant
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $600
Sold for: $16,250
Including buyer's premium
Letter handwritten and signed by Rabbi Shemaryahu Yosef Karelitz, "to my dear beloved son Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu and to his wife, my dear daughter-in-law", and a letter (in Yiddish) in the handwriting of his wife, Rebbetzin Rashe Leah, to their son Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz, author of the Chazon Ish. Kosava, Shevat 1907.
Rabbi Shmaryahu Yosef Karelitz (1852-1916), author of Beit Talmud, served as Av Beit Din and Rosh Yeshiva of Kosava bordering with Grodno. Son-in-law of Rabbi Shaul Katzenelbogen Av-Beit-Din of Kobryn. His wife, Rebbetzin Rashe Leah was known for her righteousness and her modesty and not in vain did she merit seeing all nine sons and sons-in-laws become outstanding G-d fearing Torah scholars and important rabbis. Among them are Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz, author of Chazon Ish, Rabbi Meir Karelitz Av Beit Din of Lyakhavichy and one of the heads of Mo'etzet Gedolei HaTorah and Rabbi Ya’akov Yisrael Kanievsky author of Kehilot Ya’akov (the Steipler).
This rare letter is from an early time, when the Chazon Ish was about 30 years old, a hitherto unknown young man. From between the lines, we can discern the care and esteem the great father felt towards his son Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya.
Stamped postcard, 14 cm. Good-fair condition, slightly creased.
Rabbi Shmaryahu Yosef Karelitz (1852-1916), author of Beit Talmud, served as Av Beit Din and Rosh Yeshiva of Kosava bordering with Grodno. Son-in-law of Rabbi Shaul Katzenelbogen Av-Beit-Din of Kobryn. His wife, Rebbetzin Rashe Leah was known for her righteousness and her modesty and not in vain did she merit seeing all nine sons and sons-in-laws become outstanding G-d fearing Torah scholars and important rabbis. Among them are Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz, author of Chazon Ish, Rabbi Meir Karelitz Av Beit Din of Lyakhavichy and one of the heads of Mo'etzet Gedolei HaTorah and Rabbi Ya’akov Yisrael Kanievsky author of Kehilot Ya’akov (the Steipler).
This rare letter is from an early time, when the Chazon Ish was about 30 years old, a hitherto unknown young man. From between the lines, we can discern the care and esteem the great father felt towards his son Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya.
Stamped postcard, 14 cm. Good-fair condition, slightly creased.
Category
Letters to the Chazon Ish
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $400
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
A letter handwritten and signed by Rabbi Nachum Meir [Karelitz-Tzivolnik] Av Beit Din of Maišiagala, to his brother-in-law the Chazon Ish and his brother Rabbi Meir Karelitz in which he informs them of the state of health of their sick sister. Maišiagala, 1934.
On the margins of the letter, his wife Rebbetzin Batya adds in her handwriting: "Shalom and all the best, Bashka". Their young son [8 years old who later became famous, Rabbi Nissim Karelitz of Bnei Brak] added in his childish handwriting: "Shalom, Nissim".
Rabbi Nachum Meir Tzivolnik-Karelitz (1889-Tevet 1958), student of the Volozhin, Kelm, Radin and Mir Yeshivot, son-in-law of Rabbi Shmaryahu Yosef Karelitz Av Beit Din of Kosava, served in the rabbinate of Maišiagala, Vilna district. Due to the weak state of health of his wife Rebbetzin Batya, he ascended to Eretz Israel in 1938. He served in the rabbinate of the Heligman Synagogue in Bnei Brak and headed the Center of Torah Education in Eretz Israel. He established the Zichron Meir Kollel for Young Men which was later called Kollel Chazon Ish.
A postcard with postage stamp and stamp, 10.5X14.5 cm. Good-fair condition, creases.
On the margins of the letter, his wife Rebbetzin Batya adds in her handwriting: "Shalom and all the best, Bashka". Their young son [8 years old who later became famous, Rabbi Nissim Karelitz of Bnei Brak] added in his childish handwriting: "Shalom, Nissim".
Rabbi Nachum Meir Tzivolnik-Karelitz (1889-Tevet 1958), student of the Volozhin, Kelm, Radin and Mir Yeshivot, son-in-law of Rabbi Shmaryahu Yosef Karelitz Av Beit Din of Kosava, served in the rabbinate of Maišiagala, Vilna district. Due to the weak state of health of his wife Rebbetzin Batya, he ascended to Eretz Israel in 1938. He served in the rabbinate of the Heligman Synagogue in Bnei Brak and headed the Center of Torah Education in Eretz Israel. He established the Zichron Meir Kollel for Young Men which was later called Kollel Chazon Ish.
A postcard with postage stamp and stamp, 10.5X14.5 cm. Good-fair condition, creases.
Category
Letters to the Chazon Ish
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $750
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
A long interesting letter by Rabbi Avraham Chaim Na'eh, to Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz. Jerusalem, Tishrei 1943.
The letter deals mainly with the measure of the Draham weight, written at the request of the Chazon Ish by Rabbi A.C. Na'eh to write him the results of his study of the subject. The matter of the measures caused a great disagreement between the Chazon Ish and his brother-in-law the Steipler, and Rabbi Chaim Na'eh of Jerusalem. In the opinion of the Chazon Ish, the measure of an Amah (cubit) and a Revi'it were larger than the measures Rabbi Chaim Na'eh wrote in his book Shi'urei Torah. Concerning that polemic, the Chazon Ish requested the Steipler to write the halachic works Shi'urin D'Oreita (Bnei Brak, 1948) and Eifat Tzedek (Bnei Brak, 1949). In response to Shi'urin D'Oreita, Rabbi Chaim wrote Shi'urei Zion, about which the Steipler wrote in the introduction to his book Eifat Tzedek that "Shi'urei Zion was arranged entirely for the purpose of criticizing my words and my book Shi'urin D'Oreita…".
This letter written with amity and respect as is the way of the Torah, Rabbi A.C. Na'eh summarizes his words concerning the weight of the Draham from a book which he was about to print on this matter. [The manner in which he wrote his opinion is like correspondence between two friends who are studying the same treatise and no traces of the polemic which for many years shook the Torah world can be discerned]. At the end of the letter, Rabbi Na'eh mentions the name of his daughter for which to pray "that G-d should send a proper match for my eldest daughter Sarah Faiga" and he signs his name and the name of his mother: Avraham Chaim son of Musa".
3 written pages, 16.5X21 cm. Fair-poor condition, moisture stains (the text is legible). + A post envelope with a postage stamp and stamps, with the "detailed" address: "HaGaon Chazon Ish, Bnei Brak, Eretz Israel".
The letter deals mainly with the measure of the Draham weight, written at the request of the Chazon Ish by Rabbi A.C. Na'eh to write him the results of his study of the subject. The matter of the measures caused a great disagreement between the Chazon Ish and his brother-in-law the Steipler, and Rabbi Chaim Na'eh of Jerusalem. In the opinion of the Chazon Ish, the measure of an Amah (cubit) and a Revi'it were larger than the measures Rabbi Chaim Na'eh wrote in his book Shi'urei Torah. Concerning that polemic, the Chazon Ish requested the Steipler to write the halachic works Shi'urin D'Oreita (Bnei Brak, 1948) and Eifat Tzedek (Bnei Brak, 1949). In response to Shi'urin D'Oreita, Rabbi Chaim wrote Shi'urei Zion, about which the Steipler wrote in the introduction to his book Eifat Tzedek that "Shi'urei Zion was arranged entirely for the purpose of criticizing my words and my book Shi'urin D'Oreita…".
This letter written with amity and respect as is the way of the Torah, Rabbi A.C. Na'eh summarizes his words concerning the weight of the Draham from a book which he was about to print on this matter. [The manner in which he wrote his opinion is like correspondence between two friends who are studying the same treatise and no traces of the polemic which for many years shook the Torah world can be discerned]. At the end of the letter, Rabbi Na'eh mentions the name of his daughter for which to pray "that G-d should send a proper match for my eldest daughter Sarah Faiga" and he signs his name and the name of his mother: Avraham Chaim son of Musa".
3 written pages, 16.5X21 cm. Fair-poor condition, moisture stains (the text is legible). + A post envelope with a postage stamp and stamps, with the "detailed" address: "HaGaon Chazon Ish, Bnei Brak, Eretz Israel".
Category
Letters to the Chazon Ish
Catalogue
Auction 40 - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters
September 3, 2014
Opening: $300
Sold for: $813
Including buyer's premium
The content of the letter reveals that it was sent to the Chazon Ish regarding the polemic regarding the halachic definition of the International Date Line. Among other things, Rabbi Tikochinsky notes the opinions which he presented in his book HaYomam B'Kadur HaAretz, printed in the winter of 1943 and written in opposition to the Kuntress 18 Sha'ot written by the Chazon Ish which was also printed in 1943.
This polemic about the determination of the date in Japan arose after yeshiva refugees fled Russia during World War II and found refuge in Japan. Since Japan is situated west of the International Date Line, the question arose regarding the date of Shabbat and festivals. According to the opinion of the Chazon Ish, the halachic date line is the eastern shore of the Asian continent and therefore the halachic status of Japan which is situated on a separate island is similar to places situated east of the International Date Line. Therefore, the halachic time of Shabbat is Sunday according to local calculations. However, Rabbi Michel Tikochinsky wrote his opinion in justification of the custom of the few Jews who ended up in Japan who kept Shabbat according to the local calculation of the Seventh Day. On the title page of this book, Rabbi Tikochinsky writes that "he solves the question with the location of the Israeli Date Line… and that determines the days of the week and Shabbat all over the world".
Official stationery, approximately 21 cm. Typewritten, proofread and signed in his handwriting. Good-fair condition.
This polemic about the determination of the date in Japan arose after yeshiva refugees fled Russia during World War II and found refuge in Japan. Since Japan is situated west of the International Date Line, the question arose regarding the date of Shabbat and festivals. According to the opinion of the Chazon Ish, the halachic date line is the eastern shore of the Asian continent and therefore the halachic status of Japan which is situated on a separate island is similar to places situated east of the International Date Line. Therefore, the halachic time of Shabbat is Sunday according to local calculations. However, Rabbi Michel Tikochinsky wrote his opinion in justification of the custom of the few Jews who ended up in Japan who kept Shabbat according to the local calculation of the Seventh Day. On the title page of this book, Rabbi Tikochinsky writes that "he solves the question with the location of the Israeli Date Line… and that determines the days of the week and Shabbat all over the world".
Official stationery, approximately 21 cm. Typewritten, proofread and signed in his handwriting. Good-fair condition.
Category
Letters to the Chazon Ish
Catalogue