Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 61 - 72 of 116
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
A leaf of paper containing four letters: from Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer; from his stepsons, Rabbi Aharon Shatzkes and Rabbi Moshe Shatzkes; and from Rabbi Avigdor Menkewitz. Kaunas, Rosh Chodesh Adar Sheni 1902.
The letters were addressed to their beloved friend Rabbi Yeshaya Dov HaCohen Kosovsky. The letter by Rabbi Aharon Shatzkes contains information as to the distribution and sale of Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer's books and about their immigration to Eretz Israel. In his letter, Rabbi Moshe Shatzkes tells of his plan to travel to Telz after his family will leave for EretzI Israel. Rabbi Avigdor Mankewitz writes words of friendship and inspiration: "set much time for the study of Torah and mussar, and you should be successful in all your endeavors".
The fourth page is a letter of 11 lines handwritten and signed by Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer who writes words of friendship and rapport. He apologizes for the many burdens that prevent him from writing often and concludes with a farewell blessing before his imminent journey to Eretz Israel: "and I bless you with a farewell blessing, G-d should bestow upon you plenty of blessings and success, and He should allow you to peacefully study Torah and serve Him, and every way you turn you should succeed".
Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer, known as R' Itzele Peterburger (1837-1907), one of the leading disciples of Rabbi Yisrael of Salant, who spread the Mussar Movement throughout Lithuanian yeshivas. R’ Blazer was an exceptional Torah prodigy - among the greatest of his times. A man of ethics, he was the epitome of holiness and humility. Following the instructions of his teacher, Rabbi Yisrael of Salant, he served in the rabbinate of St. Petersburg during 1862-1878. In 1879, he resigned and moved to Kaunas and from 1880 he headed the Kaunas Kollel. After a while, he left this position and continued his holy work as a private individual. During all these times, he delivered mussar discourses to his companions from the Mussar Movement and at the Knesset Yisrael Yeshiva in Slobodka near Kaunas.
In 1902, he planned to immigrate to Eretz Israel and dwell there but he left Kaunas with his family only in 1903. Passing through Vilnius, he was met by a gathering of leading rabbis headed by the Chafetz Chaim and Rabbi Chaim Ozer who beseeched him to remain in Vilnius since he was needed there for the benefit of the Vilnius community. Rabbi Itzele conceded to their request and stayed for a year and a half after which he finally left Russia and arrived in Eretz Israel in 1904. Upon his arrival to Jaffa, he was greeted by many Jerusalem Torah scholars. He moved to Jerusalem and resided in the “Strauss Courtyard” together with the leading Mussar Movement figures who had previously moved to Jerusalem. He wrote the Pri Yitzchak responsa and Kochvei Or which was published as part of Or Yisrael authored by his teacher, Rabbi Yisrael of Salant.
Official stationery, 4 pages, 20.5 cm. Fair condition, damages and tears restored with paper filling. Stains.
The letters were addressed to their beloved friend Rabbi Yeshaya Dov HaCohen Kosovsky. The letter by Rabbi Aharon Shatzkes contains information as to the distribution and sale of Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer's books and about their immigration to Eretz Israel. In his letter, Rabbi Moshe Shatzkes tells of his plan to travel to Telz after his family will leave for EretzI Israel. Rabbi Avigdor Mankewitz writes words of friendship and inspiration: "set much time for the study of Torah and mussar, and you should be successful in all your endeavors".
The fourth page is a letter of 11 lines handwritten and signed by Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer who writes words of friendship and rapport. He apologizes for the many burdens that prevent him from writing often and concludes with a farewell blessing before his imminent journey to Eretz Israel: "and I bless you with a farewell blessing, G-d should bestow upon you plenty of blessings and success, and He should allow you to peacefully study Torah and serve Him, and every way you turn you should succeed".
Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer, known as R' Itzele Peterburger (1837-1907), one of the leading disciples of Rabbi Yisrael of Salant, who spread the Mussar Movement throughout Lithuanian yeshivas. R’ Blazer was an exceptional Torah prodigy - among the greatest of his times. A man of ethics, he was the epitome of holiness and humility. Following the instructions of his teacher, Rabbi Yisrael of Salant, he served in the rabbinate of St. Petersburg during 1862-1878. In 1879, he resigned and moved to Kaunas and from 1880 he headed the Kaunas Kollel. After a while, he left this position and continued his holy work as a private individual. During all these times, he delivered mussar discourses to his companions from the Mussar Movement and at the Knesset Yisrael Yeshiva in Slobodka near Kaunas.
In 1902, he planned to immigrate to Eretz Israel and dwell there but he left Kaunas with his family only in 1903. Passing through Vilnius, he was met by a gathering of leading rabbis headed by the Chafetz Chaim and Rabbi Chaim Ozer who beseeched him to remain in Vilnius since he was needed there for the benefit of the Vilnius community. Rabbi Itzele conceded to their request and stayed for a year and a half after which he finally left Russia and arrived in Eretz Israel in 1904. Upon his arrival to Jaffa, he was greeted by many Jerusalem Torah scholars. He moved to Jerusalem and resided in the “Strauss Courtyard” together with the leading Mussar Movement figures who had previously moved to Jerusalem. He wrote the Pri Yitzchak responsa and Kochvei Or which was published as part of Or Yisrael authored by his teacher, Rabbi Yisrael of Salant.
Official stationery, 4 pages, 20.5 cm. Fair condition, damages and tears restored with paper filling. Stains.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $15,000
Unsold
Long letter (2 pages, approximately 26 lines), all in the handwriting and with the signature of Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaCohen of Radin, author of the Chafetz Chaim. [Radin], Adar Bet 1924.
Another letter, by his grandson Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Levinson, manager of the Radin Yeshiva, appears on the second page.
The letter was sent to Rabbi Shmuel Yosef Hillman, a rabbi in London, regarding his book Or HaYashar on Tractates Arachin and Tmura and his previous book on Tractate Bechorot. Further in the letter, the Chafetz Chaim requested assistance for the emissary of the Radin Yeshiva who was at that time in London "Collecting for our yeshiva which is in dire circumstances. About 200 students study here, as well as a number of young married men, great Torah scholars… the yeshiva is very illustrious, teaching also mussar and midot, and including great treasures…". The letter is signed, "The youngest Cohen Yisrael Meir HaCohen of Radin".
The tsaddik, Raban shel Yisrael, Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaCohen of Radin (1837-1933), became known by the name of his first book the Chafetz Chaim. He established and headed the Radin Yeshiva and authored many halachic and mussar books: Mishna Brura, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chesed and dozens of other books. Letters written in his senior years are very rare; this letter was written at the age of 87 [!]. Apparently, the Chafetz Chaim held Rabbi Hillman in great esteem [due to his study of Seder Kodshin and books written on its tractates], and therefore went to the trouble of sending him this letter in his own handwriting.
The recipient, Rabbi Shmuel Yitzchak Hillman (1868-1953), a student of the Volozhin Yeshiva and an outstanding Torah scholar, was appointed, in 1897, at the age of 19, to the Berezino rabbinate. In 1908, he immigrated to England to serve as Chief Rabbi of Glasgow, Scotland, and six years later was appointed Ra’avad of London. In 1934, he immigrated to Jerusalem and established the Ohel Torah Yeshiva [in which many future Torah leaders studied: Rabbi Y.S. Elyashiv, Rabbi S.Z. Auerbach, Rabbi S. Wosner, etc.]. Rabbi Hillman wrote and printed dozens of books in his Or HaYashar series with novellae, notes and sources on the entire Babylonian and Yerushalmi Talmud, Mishna and Midrashei Halacha, on the Bible and on the Rambam. His son-in-law was Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac HaLevi Herzog, Chief Rabbi of Eretz Israel.
4 pages 20.5 cm. Very good condition.
Another letter, by his grandson Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Levinson, manager of the Radin Yeshiva, appears on the second page.
The letter was sent to Rabbi Shmuel Yosef Hillman, a rabbi in London, regarding his book Or HaYashar on Tractates Arachin and Tmura and his previous book on Tractate Bechorot. Further in the letter, the Chafetz Chaim requested assistance for the emissary of the Radin Yeshiva who was at that time in London "Collecting for our yeshiva which is in dire circumstances. About 200 students study here, as well as a number of young married men, great Torah scholars… the yeshiva is very illustrious, teaching also mussar and midot, and including great treasures…". The letter is signed, "The youngest Cohen Yisrael Meir HaCohen of Radin".
The tsaddik, Raban shel Yisrael, Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaCohen of Radin (1837-1933), became known by the name of his first book the Chafetz Chaim. He established and headed the Radin Yeshiva and authored many halachic and mussar books: Mishna Brura, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chesed and dozens of other books. Letters written in his senior years are very rare; this letter was written at the age of 87 [!]. Apparently, the Chafetz Chaim held Rabbi Hillman in great esteem [due to his study of Seder Kodshin and books written on its tractates], and therefore went to the trouble of sending him this letter in his own handwriting.
The recipient, Rabbi Shmuel Yitzchak Hillman (1868-1953), a student of the Volozhin Yeshiva and an outstanding Torah scholar, was appointed, in 1897, at the age of 19, to the Berezino rabbinate. In 1908, he immigrated to England to serve as Chief Rabbi of Glasgow, Scotland, and six years later was appointed Ra’avad of London. In 1934, he immigrated to Jerusalem and established the Ohel Torah Yeshiva [in which many future Torah leaders studied: Rabbi Y.S. Elyashiv, Rabbi S.Z. Auerbach, Rabbi S. Wosner, etc.]. Rabbi Hillman wrote and printed dozens of books in his Or HaYashar series with novellae, notes and sources on the entire Babylonian and Yerushalmi Talmud, Mishna and Midrashei Halacha, on the Bible and on the Rambam. His son-in-law was Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac HaLevi Herzog, Chief Rabbi of Eretz Israel.
4 pages 20.5 cm. Very good condition.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $3,500
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by Rabbi Yerucham Leibowitz. Mir, Cheshvan 1934.
The content concerns a shidduch (match).
Rabbi Yerucham HaLevi Leibowitz (1875-1936), a leading educator and Torah scholar of his times, affiliated with the Musar Movement. Disciple of Beit HaTalmud in Kelm and teacher of Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein. He served as spiritual leader in Lithuanian yeshivas, in the Radin Yeshiva, etc. His was primarily known as mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva, which he navigated when the Mir Yeshiva moved to Poltava during World War I. He was the backbone of the reconstruction of the yeshiva and had many close disciples who became illustrious Torah leaders, including many of the head of yeshivas in our times. His students were accustomed to calling him Admor [Chassidic title: Our Master, Teacher and Rabbi]. Among his disciples were Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz and Rabbi Aryeh Leib Malin (who edited the book of his discourses Chever Ma'amarim, Da'at Chochma U'Musar, etc.).
He especially befriended the students who arrived form Central Europe to the yeshiva and delivered special va’adim (casual classes) for them, in which he spoke of the basics of faith and the deep Torah thinking of Lithuanian yeshivot, (later printed in the five volumes of Da’at Torah).
Rabbi Wolbe, one of the youngest of Rabbi Leibowitz’s disciples wrote of his teacher in the introduction to his well-known book Alei Shur: “When I was young, a storm brought me to bask in the shadow of a giant among men, the light of our eyes…R’ Yerucham HaLevi…and he showed us… the life of a great man…”.
Official stationery of the Mir Yeshiva, 14X21 cm. 7 handwritten lines. Good condition, filing holes, minor wear and stains.
The content concerns a shidduch (match).
Rabbi Yerucham HaLevi Leibowitz (1875-1936), a leading educator and Torah scholar of his times, affiliated with the Musar Movement. Disciple of Beit HaTalmud in Kelm and teacher of Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein. He served as spiritual leader in Lithuanian yeshivas, in the Radin Yeshiva, etc. His was primarily known as mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva, which he navigated when the Mir Yeshiva moved to Poltava during World War I. He was the backbone of the reconstruction of the yeshiva and had many close disciples who became illustrious Torah leaders, including many of the head of yeshivas in our times. His students were accustomed to calling him Admor [Chassidic title: Our Master, Teacher and Rabbi]. Among his disciples were Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz and Rabbi Aryeh Leib Malin (who edited the book of his discourses Chever Ma'amarim, Da'at Chochma U'Musar, etc.).
He especially befriended the students who arrived form Central Europe to the yeshiva and delivered special va’adim (casual classes) for them, in which he spoke of the basics of faith and the deep Torah thinking of Lithuanian yeshivot, (later printed in the five volumes of Da’at Torah).
Rabbi Wolbe, one of the youngest of Rabbi Leibowitz’s disciples wrote of his teacher in the introduction to his well-known book Alei Shur: “When I was young, a storm brought me to bask in the shadow of a giant among men, the light of our eyes…R’ Yerucham HaLevi…and he showed us… the life of a great man…”.
Official stationery of the Mir Yeshiva, 14X21 cm. 7 handwritten lines. Good condition, filing holes, minor wear and stains.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Long letter sent to the USA by the management of the Talmud Torah of Brisk, Lithuania, signed by Rabbi "Zvi Hirsh son of R'… Moharam Gimpel Yaffe" and Rabbi "Baruch Bendit… Rosenberg". At the end are 11 lines handwritten and signed by Rabbi "Yitzchak Ze'ev son of... Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik" and his stamp: "Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik – Av Beit Din Brisk of Lithuania". Brisk, Tamuz 1920.
This letter was written when the Gryz began serving in the Brisk rabbinate after the Jews of the city returned from Minsk from their exile during World War I, and following the death of his father, Rabbi Chaim of Brisk, in Warsaw. In the letter, the Gryz thanks the people of Va'ad HaEzra from New York, for their activities on behalf of the city residents and particularly for the large sum of money – 200,000 Marks, sent with a special emissary for the building of the Talmud Torah which had been burnt to the ground, and praises their part in "illuminating their souls with the light of Torah and mitzvoth and you should be blessed with all the blessings which are intended for supporters of Torah in this world and in the World to Come". Further in the letter, he encourages them to add to their donation: "One who begins a mitzvah is told to conclude it, we have strong hopes that you will give your hearts to the Talmud Torah… and increase your help to complete it… and you should be blessed with all good, long lives, wealth and honor".
Rabbi Yitzchak Ze’ev Soloveitchik (1886-1959), son of Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk and grandson of the Beit HaLevi, was considered from his youth – even during his father’s lifetime - as one of the famous Torah scholars of his time. In 1920 [at the age of 32], he continued his forefathers’ position as Rabbi of Brisk and managed the matters of the Jewish population of the city and its surroundings.
During the holocaust, he and part of his family were saved and immigrated to Jerusalem where Rabbi Yitzchak Ze’ev rebuilt his yeshiva. His authority was accepted throughout the Torah world in Eretz Israel and abroad. He authored Chiddushei Maran Ryz [R’ Yitzchak Ze’ev] HaLevi on the Rambam and on the Torah. Writings produced from notes taken at his discourses were published in the series Chiddushei HaGryz and still in our times his Torah teachings are some of the basic books for deep Torah study in yeshiva circles.
Three pages, 22 cm. Good condition.
This letter of Rabbi Yitzchak Ze’ev Soloveitchik is not known and is not included in Igrot Maran Riz HaLevi (Jerusalem, 2008).
This letter was written when the Gryz began serving in the Brisk rabbinate after the Jews of the city returned from Minsk from their exile during World War I, and following the death of his father, Rabbi Chaim of Brisk, in Warsaw. In the letter, the Gryz thanks the people of Va'ad HaEzra from New York, for their activities on behalf of the city residents and particularly for the large sum of money – 200,000 Marks, sent with a special emissary for the building of the Talmud Torah which had been burnt to the ground, and praises their part in "illuminating their souls with the light of Torah and mitzvoth and you should be blessed with all the blessings which are intended for supporters of Torah in this world and in the World to Come". Further in the letter, he encourages them to add to their donation: "One who begins a mitzvah is told to conclude it, we have strong hopes that you will give your hearts to the Talmud Torah… and increase your help to complete it… and you should be blessed with all good, long lives, wealth and honor".
Rabbi Yitzchak Ze’ev Soloveitchik (1886-1959), son of Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk and grandson of the Beit HaLevi, was considered from his youth – even during his father’s lifetime - as one of the famous Torah scholars of his time. In 1920 [at the age of 32], he continued his forefathers’ position as Rabbi of Brisk and managed the matters of the Jewish population of the city and its surroundings.
During the holocaust, he and part of his family were saved and immigrated to Jerusalem where Rabbi Yitzchak Ze’ev rebuilt his yeshiva. His authority was accepted throughout the Torah world in Eretz Israel and abroad. He authored Chiddushei Maran Ryz [R’ Yitzchak Ze’ev] HaLevi on the Rambam and on the Torah. Writings produced from notes taken at his discourses were published in the series Chiddushei HaGryz and still in our times his Torah teachings are some of the basic books for deep Torah study in yeshiva circles.
Three pages, 22 cm. Good condition.
This letter of Rabbi Yitzchak Ze’ev Soloveitchik is not known and is not included in Igrot Maran Riz HaLevi (Jerusalem, 2008).
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
Handwritten and signed letter by Rabbi "Shimshon Karelitz", to his son Rabbi Shemaryahu Yosef and his grandchildren, Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya, author of the Chazon Ish. [Kosava, ca. 1880s].
The letter mentions the father-in-law and brother-in-law of Rabbi Shemaryahu Yosef, Rabbi Shaul Katzenelbogen, Av Beit Din of Kobryn, and his son Rabbi Avraham Meir Katzenelbogen [author of Imrei Noam].
The tsaddik Rabbi Shimshon, son of Rabbi Shemaryahu Karelitz, lived in Kosava. He was a descendent of the Kabbalist Rabbi Shimshon Epstein of Königsberg [who was also the grandfather of his mechutan Rabbi Shaul Katzenelbogen], and a descendent of Rabbi Shimshon of Kremenets, brother of the Maharal of Prague.
[1] Leaf, 19 cm. Fair condition, wear damages, professionally restored.
The letter mentions the father-in-law and brother-in-law of Rabbi Shemaryahu Yosef, Rabbi Shaul Katzenelbogen, Av Beit Din of Kobryn, and his son Rabbi Avraham Meir Katzenelbogen [author of Imrei Noam].
The tsaddik Rabbi Shimshon, son of Rabbi Shemaryahu Karelitz, lived in Kosava. He was a descendent of the Kabbalist Rabbi Shimshon Epstein of Königsberg [who was also the grandfather of his mechutan Rabbi Shaul Katzenelbogen], and a descendent of Rabbi Shimshon of Kremenets, brother of the Maharal of Prague.
[1] Leaf, 19 cm. Fair condition, wear damages, professionally restored.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $4,000
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by the author of Chazon Ish, twice signed "Hadosht Ish [acronym: HaDoresh Shelom Torato, Avraham Yeshaya]. Bnei Brak, [ca. 1934].
On the line designated for the sender's name, there is a third signature of the Chazon Ish: "A. Karelitz – Bnei Brak".
Sent to the USA. The content of the letter is about the Novardok Yeshivas in Eretz Israel, and charity campaigns for the yeshiva in the US.
On the margins and front of the postcard: Another letter, addressed to his friend Rabbi Moshe Razin Av Beit Din of Kedainiai, in which he writes of the printing of the book Nezer HaKodesh on Menachot [printed in New York, 1934], about his book Chazon Ish on Tractate Eruvin, etc.
Postcard: 9X14 cm, approximately 19 handwritten lines. Good condition, stains. Without the stamp and postmarks (torn off).
On the line designated for the sender's name, there is a third signature of the Chazon Ish: "A. Karelitz – Bnei Brak".
Sent to the USA. The content of the letter is about the Novardok Yeshivas in Eretz Israel, and charity campaigns for the yeshiva in the US.
On the margins and front of the postcard: Another letter, addressed to his friend Rabbi Moshe Razin Av Beit Din of Kedainiai, in which he writes of the printing of the book Nezer HaKodesh on Menachot [printed in New York, 1934], about his book Chazon Ish on Tractate Eruvin, etc.
Postcard: 9X14 cm, approximately 19 handwritten lines. Good condition, stains. Without the stamp and postmarks (torn off).
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $6,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Documents related to the immigration of the Chazon Ish to Eretz Israel:
· Letter signed by Rabbi Moshe Glickman Porush from the Agudat Israel office in Jerusalem, to Rabbi Chaim Ozer with an immigration permit for "The famous Torah scholar Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz… G-d should grant that his immigration should bring much blessing to the Charedi Jews in Eretz Israel". Jerusalem, Iyar 1933. · Letter to the Chazon Ish from the Agudat Israel office in Vilnius informing him that he received the immigration permit to Eretz Israel. May 1933. · Authorization (Polish) from the Central Office for Jewish Emigration to Eretz Israel in Warsaw, for the immigration of Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz and his wife Basha. June 1933.
· Printed document completed by hand and signed by Rabbi "Avraham Karelitz" [author of Chazon Ish]. An application to the Mandate government in Palestine, requesting an immigration permit to Eretz Israel for his mother, Rebbetzin Resha Karelitz. [c.1934-1935]. The Chazon Ish filled in the space of annual income with “Sales of books - authored in Eretz Israel, America and Poland, by special agents”.
The emigration of Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu from Vilnius to Eretz Israel was a turning point in the establishment of the Charedi community in the new settlements of Eretz Israel. At the time he resided in Vilnius, the Chazon Ish remained relatively anonymous but even then, Rabbi Chaim Ozer would consult him about issues concerning Charedi Jews and Agudat Israel. Before his immigration to Eretz Israel, Rabbi Chaim Ozer sent a letter to the heads of Agudat Israel in Jerusalem informing them that a great person is immigrating to Eretz Israel. Indeed, as soon as he arrived, the fame of the Chazon Ish spread and he became the upmost authority of the Charedi Jewish community in Eretz Israel. He was the key figure behind the Charedi education system, the yeshivas and the Torah communities in Eretz Israel.
Four documents, varied size and condition.
· Letter signed by Rabbi Moshe Glickman Porush from the Agudat Israel office in Jerusalem, to Rabbi Chaim Ozer with an immigration permit for "The famous Torah scholar Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz… G-d should grant that his immigration should bring much blessing to the Charedi Jews in Eretz Israel". Jerusalem, Iyar 1933. · Letter to the Chazon Ish from the Agudat Israel office in Vilnius informing him that he received the immigration permit to Eretz Israel. May 1933. · Authorization (Polish) from the Central Office for Jewish Emigration to Eretz Israel in Warsaw, for the immigration of Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz and his wife Basha. June 1933.
· Printed document completed by hand and signed by Rabbi "Avraham Karelitz" [author of Chazon Ish]. An application to the Mandate government in Palestine, requesting an immigration permit to Eretz Israel for his mother, Rebbetzin Resha Karelitz. [c.1934-1935]. The Chazon Ish filled in the space of annual income with “Sales of books - authored in Eretz Israel, America and Poland, by special agents”.
The emigration of Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu from Vilnius to Eretz Israel was a turning point in the establishment of the Charedi community in the new settlements of Eretz Israel. At the time he resided in Vilnius, the Chazon Ish remained relatively anonymous but even then, Rabbi Chaim Ozer would consult him about issues concerning Charedi Jews and Agudat Israel. Before his immigration to Eretz Israel, Rabbi Chaim Ozer sent a letter to the heads of Agudat Israel in Jerusalem informing them that a great person is immigrating to Eretz Israel. Indeed, as soon as he arrived, the fame of the Chazon Ish spread and he became the upmost authority of the Charedi Jewish community in Eretz Israel. He was the key figure behind the Charedi education system, the yeshivas and the Torah communities in Eretz Israel.
Four documents, varied size and condition.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Long letter (3 pages) handwritten and signed by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook, Chief Rabbi of Eretz Israel, concerning the Bnei Akiva movement. Jerusalem, the 11th of Nissan [Erev Pesach] 1934.
This famous letter by Rabbi Kook to Bnei Akiva was sent to the movement's convention. In his beautiful wording, Rabbi Kook expresses the importance of the movement and its complex, yet essential task. He also writes guidance to the leaders of the movement to stride according to the three ideals of Rabbi Akiva, after whom the movement was named: "First, love of Torah even to self-sacrifice…", "Secondly – Including all… many various divisions stream in separate direction… but all flow into the same large sea, the inclusive Torah of Rabbi Akiva…", "And third… Rabbi Akiva's trait… awakening at present with the growth of the Redemption… to strengthen all visions of Redemption and revival of the Jewish People and their land…".
The Bnei Akiva movement was founded in 1929 in Jerusalem by members of the Po’el Mizrachi movement. Shortly after its founding, Rabbi Moshe Zvi Neria joined the movement, with the encouragement of his teacher Rabbi Kook, and became the rabbi and mentor of Bnei Akiva. This is the original letter quoted in the movement’s publications [printed in its entirety in the book Ma’amarei HaRa’ayah, Vol. 1, Jerusalem 1984, pp. 202-203].
3 pages, written on one side (approximately 50 lines in his handwriting and with his signature). Rabbi Kook’s official stationery. 29.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Folding marks, wear and tears.
This famous letter by Rabbi Kook to Bnei Akiva was sent to the movement's convention. In his beautiful wording, Rabbi Kook expresses the importance of the movement and its complex, yet essential task. He also writes guidance to the leaders of the movement to stride according to the three ideals of Rabbi Akiva, after whom the movement was named: "First, love of Torah even to self-sacrifice…", "Secondly – Including all… many various divisions stream in separate direction… but all flow into the same large sea, the inclusive Torah of Rabbi Akiva…", "And third… Rabbi Akiva's trait… awakening at present with the growth of the Redemption… to strengthen all visions of Redemption and revival of the Jewish People and their land…".
The Bnei Akiva movement was founded in 1929 in Jerusalem by members of the Po’el Mizrachi movement. Shortly after its founding, Rabbi Moshe Zvi Neria joined the movement, with the encouragement of his teacher Rabbi Kook, and became the rabbi and mentor of Bnei Akiva. This is the original letter quoted in the movement’s publications [printed in its entirety in the book Ma’amarei HaRa’ayah, Vol. 1, Jerusalem 1984, pp. 202-203].
3 pages, written on one side (approximately 50 lines in his handwriting and with his signature). Rabbi Kook’s official stationery. 29.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Folding marks, wear and tears.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
Exquisite autograph album, with dedications and autographs to Mrs. Farha Feuchtwanger Sassoon. England and India, 1930s-1950s.
On the album binding are embossed in gold the initials F.S. – initials of Mrs. Farha Sassoon (1914-2000) – daughter of the well-known collector Rabbi David Sassoon and Selina Sassoon (neé Prinz), granddaughter of Indian-English businesswoman, scholar and philanthropist Farha (Flora) Sassoon (named after her). Sassoon studied Gemara, together with her brother and later on by herself, with Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler. Married Rabbi Asher Feuchtwanger. Died in London and was buried at the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery.
In the album appear autographs and dedications from rabbis, heads of Yeshivot, Jewish sages, scholars, bibliographers, authors, and others, who visited the Sassoon family in London.
A dedication written by Rabbi Elchonon Bunem Wasserman of Baranovichi appears on one of the leaves. Rabbi Wasserman writes: “I bless her… with peace, happiness… Elchnon Bunem Wasserman of Baranovichi, Tuesday, Tishrei 13 ‘34” [Hebrew].
Among the dignitaries whose autographs appear in the album are: Moshe Meir (Mauritz) Printz and his wife Ema Roselia, Avraham Ya’ari, Bezalel Roth, David Yellin and his wife, Rabbi Dr. Binyamin Menashe Levine, Avraham Marmerstein, Rabbi Binyamin Ze’ev Jacobsohn of Copenhagen, Rabbi Elhanan son of Nathan Hacohen Adler, Eliyahu son of Rabbi Meir Zvi Jung, Naftali son of Yona Bundi, Rabbi Menachem M. Kasher, Rabbi Shmuel Daiches, Rabbi Dr. Yekutiel Ya’akov Neubauer, Zvi Meir Lazarus, Rabbi Yoel Leib Halevi Herzog and his son Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Halevi Herzog, Rabbi Meir Hildesheimer son of Rabbi Azriel Hildesheimer, Rabbi Eliyahu Hacohen Munk, Rabbi Haim Heller, Rabbi Simcha Assaf, Rabbi Yehezkel Abramsky, Rabbi Shmuel Yitzchak Hillman, Rabbi Yitzchak Halevi Horowitz, representative of the Rebbe of Lubavitch, Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Avraham Alkalai Chief Rabbi of Yugoslavia, Rabbi Zvi ben Binyamin Oppenheimer and his wife, Rabbi Meir Berlin, Rabbi Israel Halberstam, Shmuel Krois, Lehman-Wallerstein family members, Shlomo Rozovsky, a nice painting in watercolor (on a whole page) created by Hermann Struck, Nahum Sokolow and his wife, Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Meislish, Av-Beit-Din of Bergen-Belsen (1946), autograph by S.Y. Agnon on a note, Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin, Rabbi David Feldman of Leipzig and Manchester as well as autographs by Sassoon family members.
Ca. [56] leaves with autographs, Album: 23.5X18 cm, in the original cloth pouch. Some detached leaves. Papers in different colors. Gilt edges.
On the album binding are embossed in gold the initials F.S. – initials of Mrs. Farha Sassoon (1914-2000) – daughter of the well-known collector Rabbi David Sassoon and Selina Sassoon (neé Prinz), granddaughter of Indian-English businesswoman, scholar and philanthropist Farha (Flora) Sassoon (named after her). Sassoon studied Gemara, together with her brother and later on by herself, with Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler. Married Rabbi Asher Feuchtwanger. Died in London and was buried at the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery.
In the album appear autographs and dedications from rabbis, heads of Yeshivot, Jewish sages, scholars, bibliographers, authors, and others, who visited the Sassoon family in London.
A dedication written by Rabbi Elchonon Bunem Wasserman of Baranovichi appears on one of the leaves. Rabbi Wasserman writes: “I bless her… with peace, happiness… Elchnon Bunem Wasserman of Baranovichi, Tuesday, Tishrei 13 ‘34” [Hebrew].
Among the dignitaries whose autographs appear in the album are: Moshe Meir (Mauritz) Printz and his wife Ema Roselia, Avraham Ya’ari, Bezalel Roth, David Yellin and his wife, Rabbi Dr. Binyamin Menashe Levine, Avraham Marmerstein, Rabbi Binyamin Ze’ev Jacobsohn of Copenhagen, Rabbi Elhanan son of Nathan Hacohen Adler, Eliyahu son of Rabbi Meir Zvi Jung, Naftali son of Yona Bundi, Rabbi Menachem M. Kasher, Rabbi Shmuel Daiches, Rabbi Dr. Yekutiel Ya’akov Neubauer, Zvi Meir Lazarus, Rabbi Yoel Leib Halevi Herzog and his son Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Halevi Herzog, Rabbi Meir Hildesheimer son of Rabbi Azriel Hildesheimer, Rabbi Eliyahu Hacohen Munk, Rabbi Haim Heller, Rabbi Simcha Assaf, Rabbi Yehezkel Abramsky, Rabbi Shmuel Yitzchak Hillman, Rabbi Yitzchak Halevi Horowitz, representative of the Rebbe of Lubavitch, Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Avraham Alkalai Chief Rabbi of Yugoslavia, Rabbi Zvi ben Binyamin Oppenheimer and his wife, Rabbi Meir Berlin, Rabbi Israel Halberstam, Shmuel Krois, Lehman-Wallerstein family members, Shlomo Rozovsky, a nice painting in watercolor (on a whole page) created by Hermann Struck, Nahum Sokolow and his wife, Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Meislish, Av-Beit-Din of Bergen-Belsen (1946), autograph by S.Y. Agnon on a note, Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin, Rabbi David Feldman of Leipzig and Manchester as well as autographs by Sassoon family members.
Ca. [56] leaves with autographs, Album: 23.5X18 cm, in the original cloth pouch. Some detached leaves. Papers in different colors. Gilt edges.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $15,000
Unsold
Click here to view a video of Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach confirming that this bowl belonged to Maharil Diskin
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $11,250
Including buyer's premium
Torah Ark curtain (Parochet). Venasca (in the Province of Cuneo in the region Piedmont), Italy, 1719.
Silk threads embroidery on hand-woven linen fabric.
An elaborate Torah Ark curtain, decorated with colorful embroidery. Rectangular frames decorated with floral motifs. Embroidered on the upper part with the inscriptions "Da lifnei mi ata omed" and "lichvod shechina", with two embroidered crowns between the inscriptions.
In the center - a large seven-branched Menorah, with branches and fonts in vegetal patterns with seven flames. The Menorah rests on a large Star of David, embroidered with yellow threads. In the center of the Star of David is a circle containing a star. On both sides of the Star of David are four embroidered flags on top of poles with embroidered inscriptions: "Degel Machane Yehudah", "Degel Machane Ephraim" (right), "Degel Machane Reuven" and "Degel Machane Dan (left). To the right of the flags – an embroidered Manna Jar with the inscription "Tzintzenet" (jar) and to the left side of the flags – Rod of Aaron the Prophet, blooming, inscribed "Mateh Aharon".
On the lower part of the curtain appears an embroidered dedication: "…1719 / donation of Yosef ben Yesha'aya / …Venasca".
A later embroidery in black threads appears on the bottom "ze Parochet Sheli".
In the 18th century, Venasca was famous for its textile and silk industry, which was active until the 19th century. In 2013, the population of Venasca, located about 25 kilometres northwest of Cuneo, was estimated at 1500.
Length: 91 cm, width: 73 cm. Good condition. Some damages to embroidery. Fringes added later. Lined with light blue silk and gold ribbon on the reverse. Eight fabric and metal loops for hanging – also added later.
Silk threads embroidery on hand-woven linen fabric.
An elaborate Torah Ark curtain, decorated with colorful embroidery. Rectangular frames decorated with floral motifs. Embroidered on the upper part with the inscriptions "Da lifnei mi ata omed" and "lichvod shechina", with two embroidered crowns between the inscriptions.
In the center - a large seven-branched Menorah, with branches and fonts in vegetal patterns with seven flames. The Menorah rests on a large Star of David, embroidered with yellow threads. In the center of the Star of David is a circle containing a star. On both sides of the Star of David are four embroidered flags on top of poles with embroidered inscriptions: "Degel Machane Yehudah", "Degel Machane Ephraim" (right), "Degel Machane Reuven" and "Degel Machane Dan (left). To the right of the flags – an embroidered Manna Jar with the inscription "Tzintzenet" (jar) and to the left side of the flags – Rod of Aaron the Prophet, blooming, inscribed "Mateh Aharon".
On the lower part of the curtain appears an embroidered dedication: "…1719 / donation of Yosef ben Yesha'aya / …Venasca".
A later embroidery in black threads appears on the bottom "ze Parochet Sheli".
In the 18th century, Venasca was famous for its textile and silk industry, which was active until the 19th century. In 2013, the population of Venasca, located about 25 kilometres northwest of Cuneo, was estimated at 1500.
Length: 91 cm, width: 73 cm. Good condition. Some damages to embroidery. Fringes added later. Lined with light blue silk and gold ribbon on the reverse. Eight fabric and metal loops for hanging – also added later.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue
![Magnificent Torah mantle. [Germany or Czech Republic, late 17th century / early 18th century].
Silver and fabric threads embr](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale48-public/072_1.JPG "Torah Mantle – Germany-Czech Republic, 18th Century")
![Magnificent Torah mantle. [Germany or Czech Republic, late 17th century / early 18th century].
Silver and fabric threads embr](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale48-public/072_2.JPG "Torah Mantle – Germany-Czech Republic, 18th Century")
![Magnificent Torah mantle. [Germany or Czech Republic, late 17th century / early 18th century].
Silver and fabric threads embr](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale48-public/072_3.JPG "Torah Mantle – Germany-Czech Republic, 18th Century")
![Magnificent Torah mantle. [Germany or Czech Republic, late 17th century / early 18th century].
Silver and fabric threads embr](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale48-public/072_4.JPG "Torah Mantle – Germany-Czech Republic, 18th Century")
Auction 48 - Rare and Important Items
December 2, 2015
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
Magnificent Torah mantle. [Germany or Czech Republic, late 17th century / early 18th century].
Silver and fabric threads embroidery on cardboard linings; velvet; fabric ribbons; sequins.
Exquisite mantle, adorned with rich embroidery of good quality on both sides.
Silver and colorful threads embroidery on dark red velvet and on heavy cardboard linings: a large embossed Torah Crown on the top of the mantle, with a silver thread embroidered inscription: "Keter Torah". On the left side and on the right side – a pair of columns intertwined with grapevine branches with leaves and fruit. The columns are topped with two vases with rich vegetation. A "carpet" in the center of the mantle is adorned with dense and rich silver threads embroidery in vegetal and symmetric geometrical patterns; the flowers’ leaves are adorned with blue velvet. On the lower part – embroidery of leaves and branches with pomegranates. The reverse of the mantle is also adorned with rich embroidery, in vegetal patterns with pomegranate-like fruit.
90X46 cm. Fair condition. Velvet is worn, torn and lacking in some places. Numerous spots of embroidery are unraveled. Tears at margins and at the connection of the front and back sheets.
Silver and fabric threads embroidery on cardboard linings; velvet; fabric ribbons; sequins.
Exquisite mantle, adorned with rich embroidery of good quality on both sides.
Silver and colorful threads embroidery on dark red velvet and on heavy cardboard linings: a large embossed Torah Crown on the top of the mantle, with a silver thread embroidered inscription: "Keter Torah". On the left side and on the right side – a pair of columns intertwined with grapevine branches with leaves and fruit. The columns are topped with two vases with rich vegetation. A "carpet" in the center of the mantle is adorned with dense and rich silver threads embroidery in vegetal and symmetric geometrical patterns; the flowers’ leaves are adorned with blue velvet. On the lower part – embroidery of leaves and branches with pomegranates. The reverse of the mantle is also adorned with rich embroidery, in vegetal patterns with pomegranate-like fruit.
90X46 cm. Fair condition. Velvet is worn, torn and lacking in some places. Numerous spots of embroidery are unraveled. Tears at margins and at the connection of the front and back sheets.
Category
Rare and Important Items
Catalogue