Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
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Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $1,500
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
"The Sabbatean Movement, Its Roots, Twists and Turns, and Aftermath", draft of an essay in the handwriting of Gershom Scholem. [1942-1945]. Hebrew.
The essay was intended as the introduction to Scholem's book, "Sabbatai Sevi and the Sabbatean Movement in His Lifetime" (Am Oved, Tel Aviv, 1957) (Hebrew). It surveys the history of the Sabbatean movement, its uniqueness, the circumstances of its emergence and those of its decline.
The handwritten title page that Scholem added to the draft contains a note reading: "Written between 1942 and 1945 and lost for a few years, and therefore I was unable to use it as an introduction to my book in 1955".
In 1987 the essay was finally published as part of the "Complete Works of Gershom Scholem", as the introduction to the said book.
[1] title page + [7] leaves (11 written pages) in Scholem's handwriting, with emphases and corrections. Approx. 28 cm. Good condition. Some stains and minor defects.
See: "Sabbatai Sevi and the Sabbatean Movement in His Lifetime" (Hebrew). Tel Aviv: Am Oved, 1987.
The essay was intended as the introduction to Scholem's book, "Sabbatai Sevi and the Sabbatean Movement in His Lifetime" (Am Oved, Tel Aviv, 1957) (Hebrew). It surveys the history of the Sabbatean movement, its uniqueness, the circumstances of its emergence and those of its decline.
The handwritten title page that Scholem added to the draft contains a note reading: "Written between 1942 and 1945 and lost for a few years, and therefore I was unable to use it as an introduction to my book in 1955".
In 1987 the essay was finally published as part of the "Complete Works of Gershom Scholem", as the introduction to the said book.
[1] title page + [7] leaves (11 written pages) in Scholem's handwriting, with emphases and corrections. Approx. 28 cm. Good condition. Some stains and minor defects.
See: "Sabbatai Sevi and the Sabbatean Movement in His Lifetime" (Hebrew). Tel Aviv: Am Oved, 1987.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
!["Le'Ma'aseh R. Yosef Della Reina" [Regarding the Story of Rabbi Yosef Della Reina], draft of an essay in the handwr](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale56-public/131.jpg "Gershom Scholem - \"Le-Ma'aseh R. Yosef Della Reina\" - Handwritten Essa")
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $1,500
Unsold
"Le'Ma'aseh R. Yosef Della Reina" [Regarding the Story of Rabbi Yosef Della Reina], draft of an essay in the handwriting of Gershom Scholem. [Ca. 1975?]. Hebrew.
The essay "Le'Ma'aseh R. Yosef Della Reina" was published twice during Scholem's lifetime, in two versions: the first was published in 1933, and the second in 1979. The present item is a draft of the later version, written in part on a print-out of the first version.
* 11 leaves in Scholem's handwriting (written on one side), with erasures and notes. Leaf size varies. Good condition. Some stains. Glued to the bottom margins of one of the leaves is a handwritten addition. Folding marks to three of the leaves.
* "Le'Ma'aseh R. Yosef Della Reina, special excerpt from the compilation 'Zion', fifth book", published by the Society for History and Ethnography in Palestine. Jerusalem, 1933. Printout with notes, erasures and corrections in Scholem's handwriting. 123-129, [1] pp, 24 cm. Tears to spine (cover partly detached), some stains.
Enclosed: the essay's final version (typewritten), incorporating the notes on the print-out and the handwritten leaves. 10 leaves. 33 cm. A number of erasures with white correction fluid and a number of handwritten corrections.
See:
1. "Zion", fifth book. Jerusalem, 1933.
2. "Ayin Hada: Research on Jewish History and Philosophy". Alabama, 1979.
The essay "Le'Ma'aseh R. Yosef Della Reina" was published twice during Scholem's lifetime, in two versions: the first was published in 1933, and the second in 1979. The present item is a draft of the later version, written in part on a print-out of the first version.
* 11 leaves in Scholem's handwriting (written on one side), with erasures and notes. Leaf size varies. Good condition. Some stains. Glued to the bottom margins of one of the leaves is a handwritten addition. Folding marks to three of the leaves.
* "Le'Ma'aseh R. Yosef Della Reina, special excerpt from the compilation 'Zion', fifth book", published by the Society for History and Ethnography in Palestine. Jerusalem, 1933. Printout with notes, erasures and corrections in Scholem's handwriting. 123-129, [1] pp, 24 cm. Tears to spine (cover partly detached), some stains.
Enclosed: the essay's final version (typewritten), incorporating the notes on the print-out and the handwritten leaves. 10 leaves. 33 cm. A number of erasures with white correction fluid and a number of handwritten corrections.
See:
1. "Zion", fifth book. Jerusalem, 1933.
2. "Ayin Hada: Research on Jewish History and Philosophy". Alabama, 1979.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $500
Unsold
One-leaf draft in the handwriting of Gershom Scholem, for the essay "Why We Became Zionists". July 1931. Hebrew.
A short article composed by Gershom Scholem, analyzing Zionism's failures and its crisis following the 1929 riots. The essay's content refers, among other things, to the President of the Zionist Organization Nahum Sokolow, the beginnings of the split in the Zionist Movement, the Jews of the Diaspora, and other topics.
The essay was published in the book: "Another Thing, Chapters of Legacy and Revival (2)". Tel Aviv: Am Oved (1989).
[1] leaf, approx. 29 cm. Good condition. Emphases, erasures and some corrections in the text body (in Scholem's handwriting); two corrections in a different hand. Horizontal folding line. Light creases and small tears to margins. Small stain to upper margins, without damage to text.
A short article composed by Gershom Scholem, analyzing Zionism's failures and its crisis following the 1929 riots. The essay's content refers, among other things, to the President of the Zionist Organization Nahum Sokolow, the beginnings of the split in the Zionist Movement, the Jews of the Diaspora, and other topics.
The essay was published in the book: "Another Thing, Chapters of Legacy and Revival (2)". Tel Aviv: Am Oved (1989).
[1] leaf, approx. 29 cm. Good condition. Emphases, erasures and some corrections in the text body (in Scholem's handwriting); two corrections in a different hand. Horizontal folding line. Light creases and small tears to margins. Small stain to upper margins, without damage to text.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $400
Unsold
Four items from the estate of Gershom Scholem. Jerusalem, New York and Zurich, 1938-1971. Hebrew and English.
1. "Three Types of Jewish Piety", Zurich: Hein, 1971. Printout of an essay by Gershom Scholem with corrections in his hand (from the 1969 annual volume of the Eranos research institute). [1], 332-348 pp, approx. 20 cm. Pen inscription and white correction fluid marks on the front binding. The printout contains notes in a different hand.
2. Letter handwritten and signed by Dov Sadan, from 1960. Anecdote regarding Hillel Zeitlin and Gershom Scholem, which Sadan had found in a book. [1] leaf, approx. 20 cm.
3. Jewish Mysticism: Major Trends, invitation to an important lecture series delivered by Gershom Scholem in 1938 at the Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. Leaf folded in two ([4] pp), 18 cm.
4. "Memorandum Regarding a Consultation on the Training of University Students for the Work of Teaching", Jerusalem, 1942. Transcription of a conference with Scholem's participation, copy delivered to him. 12 pp, 22.5 cm. At the top of the booklet is a dedication to Gershom Scholem.
Condition varies. Good overall condition.
1. "Three Types of Jewish Piety", Zurich: Hein, 1971. Printout of an essay by Gershom Scholem with corrections in his hand (from the 1969 annual volume of the Eranos research institute). [1], 332-348 pp, approx. 20 cm. Pen inscription and white correction fluid marks on the front binding. The printout contains notes in a different hand.
2. Letter handwritten and signed by Dov Sadan, from 1960. Anecdote regarding Hillel Zeitlin and Gershom Scholem, which Sadan had found in a book. [1] leaf, approx. 20 cm.
3. Jewish Mysticism: Major Trends, invitation to an important lecture series delivered by Gershom Scholem in 1938 at the Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. Leaf folded in two ([4] pp), 18 cm.
4. "Memorandum Regarding a Consultation on the Training of University Students for the Work of Teaching", Jerusalem, 1942. Transcription of a conference with Scholem's participation, copy delivered to him. 12 pp, 22.5 cm. At the top of the booklet is a dedication to Gershom Scholem.
Condition varies. Good overall condition.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $400
Unsold
Three letters handwritten by Martin Buber and an agreement concerning the publication of the book "Netivot BeUtopia". Jerusalem and Tübingen, 1945-1954.
1. A letter of agreement with "Am Oved" publishing house, concerning the publication of Buber's book "Netivot BeUtopia" (published in Tel-Aviv, 1947. Refered to in the letter as "Shvilim BeUtopia"). Jerusalem, March 2, 1945. Typewritten on official stationery of "Am Oved". Signed by Martin Buber and a representative of "Am Oved", and ink-stamped with publication house stamp. [1] leaf, approx. 27.5X20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Small tears at margins, folding marks, creases and stains.
2-4. Three letters handwritten by Martin Buber: two letters addressed to the author Ezra HaMenachem (sent from Tübingen in 1954); a letter to "Am Oved" (sent from Jerusalem in 1953). [3] leaves, approx. 20X12.5 cm. Overall good condition. Filing holes. Small tear at upper margins of one letter (not affecting text).
1. A letter of agreement with "Am Oved" publishing house, concerning the publication of Buber's book "Netivot BeUtopia" (published in Tel-Aviv, 1947. Refered to in the letter as "Shvilim BeUtopia"). Jerusalem, March 2, 1945. Typewritten on official stationery of "Am Oved". Signed by Martin Buber and a representative of "Am Oved", and ink-stamped with publication house stamp. [1] leaf, approx. 27.5X20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Small tears at margins, folding marks, creases and stains.
2-4. Three letters handwritten by Martin Buber: two letters addressed to the author Ezra HaMenachem (sent from Tübingen in 1954); a letter to "Am Oved" (sent from Jerusalem in 1953). [3] leaves, approx. 20X12.5 cm. Overall good condition. Filing holes. Small tear at upper margins of one letter (not affecting text).
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $400
Unsold
"Illustrations of Post-Biblical Jewish Ethical and Religious Thought", selected and edited by Leon Roth. Jerusalem: Rubin Mass, 1938. Hebrew.
Copy of the book by Leon Roth, one of the founders of the philosophy department at the Hebrew University, addressing the history of Jewish ethical and religious thought. The book contains dozens of footnotes [written in German and Czech shorthand], pencil markings and various inscriptions written by Samuel Hugo Bergmann, the book's owner.
Leon Roth (1869-1963) and Samuel Hugo Bergmann (1883-1975), the first two teachers of philosophy at the Hebrew University, were the most influential individuals at the time of the department's founding, and determined its character in its early years. Although they had studied in different philosophical traditions (the English and European traditions, respectively), they were mutually appreciative and collaborated for many years. The present work - a survey, written in a personal tone, of philosophical issues in the course of history, was Bergmann's personal copy. He read it closely and added notes, making it a document that illuminates the unique interaction between the two thinkers.
342 pp. Approx. 18.5 cm. Fair-good overall condition. Introduction page detached (with small tears). Light creases to some of the leaves. Slightly loose binding, with slight defects and stains.
Copy of the book by Leon Roth, one of the founders of the philosophy department at the Hebrew University, addressing the history of Jewish ethical and religious thought. The book contains dozens of footnotes [written in German and Czech shorthand], pencil markings and various inscriptions written by Samuel Hugo Bergmann, the book's owner.
Leon Roth (1869-1963) and Samuel Hugo Bergmann (1883-1975), the first two teachers of philosophy at the Hebrew University, were the most influential individuals at the time of the department's founding, and determined its character in its early years. Although they had studied in different philosophical traditions (the English and European traditions, respectively), they were mutually appreciative and collaborated for many years. The present work - a survey, written in a personal tone, of philosophical issues in the course of history, was Bergmann's personal copy. He read it closely and added notes, making it a document that illuminates the unique interaction between the two thinkers.
342 pp. Approx. 18.5 cm. Fair-good overall condition. Introduction page detached (with small tears). Light creases to some of the leaves. Slightly loose binding, with slight defects and stains.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $300
Unsold
About 30 monthlies, pamphlets and various publications of "Brit Shalom" and the early movements for Jewish-Arab rapprochement. Jerusalem, 1930s to 1960s.
Items include: * Five issues of "She'ifoteinu", the official publication of "Brit Shalom". * "Like All the Nations", compilation of essays by Y. L. Magnes presenting his ideological-political outlook and expressing reservations about the "Balfour Declaration". Jerusalem, [1930]. * "The Bond", the first and only publication of the "Bond" group of scholars. Jerusalem, 1939. * "Problems of the Day", journal with the participation of Y. L. Magnes, Akiva Ernst Simon and others (1 Elul 1941). * Eleven issues of "Ba'ayot [Problems], A Monthly Forum for Public Life", the main publication of the rapprochement movement, edited by Martin Buber. Non-consecutive issues, Nissan 1944 - Tevet 1948. * Ten issues of NER - Monthly for Political and Social Problems and for Jewish-Arab Rapprochement", founded by Rabbi Binyamin. 1951-1965. * Enclosed: photocopied material from newspapers and various pamphlets.
Size and condition vary. Good overall condition. Creases, small tears (mostly to covers of pamphlets and spines), dark leaves in some of the pamphlets. Pen inscription and ink stamps on a few items.
Items include: * Five issues of "She'ifoteinu", the official publication of "Brit Shalom". * "Like All the Nations", compilation of essays by Y. L. Magnes presenting his ideological-political outlook and expressing reservations about the "Balfour Declaration". Jerusalem, [1930]. * "The Bond", the first and only publication of the "Bond" group of scholars. Jerusalem, 1939. * "Problems of the Day", journal with the participation of Y. L. Magnes, Akiva Ernst Simon and others (1 Elul 1941). * Eleven issues of "Ba'ayot [Problems], A Monthly Forum for Public Life", the main publication of the rapprochement movement, edited by Martin Buber. Non-consecutive issues, Nissan 1944 - Tevet 1948. * Ten issues of NER - Monthly for Political and Social Problems and for Jewish-Arab Rapprochement", founded by Rabbi Binyamin. 1951-1965. * Enclosed: photocopied material from newspapers and various pamphlets.
Size and condition vary. Good overall condition. Creases, small tears (mostly to covers of pamphlets and spines), dark leaves in some of the pamphlets. Pen inscription and ink stamps on a few items.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
![Sha'a Gedola BeChayei HaUma [A Great Hour in the Nation's Life], by Prof. Joseph Klausner. A booklet from the series "El](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale56-public/137.jpg "Booklet with Signatures of David Raziel, Commander of Irgun, and Membe")
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $500
Unsold
Sha'a Gedola BeChayei HaUma [A Great Hour in the Nation's Life], by Prof. Joseph Klausner. A booklet from the series "El-Al Library", published by "El-Al Students' Union" in the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [1935]. Hebrew.
On the title page appear 9 signatures of members of the Students' union "El-Al", a union of Revisionist students, signed during a "festive party of El-Al union, 12-3-1935". Among the signatures are those of Avrhaham Yaari, Isaac Katz, S. Trachtman, Borovsky (?), and others, as well as the signature of the fourth commander of Irgun - David Raziel.
David Raziel (1910 Vilnius - 1941 Iraq), immigrated to Palestine with his family when he was three years old; but since the family had a Russian citizenship they were deported and wandered for eight years until they returned to the country. Raziel graduated from "Tachkemoni" school where his father served as a teacher, and continued his studies in Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav in Jerusalem. At the same time, he studied in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was a member of the students' union "El-Al".
Considering the events in Europe when World War II broke out Raziel announced that the negative attitude towards the British has to cease in order to fight the Nazis. In 1941 Raziel was sent by the British to Iraq to suppress an anti-British uprising. He headed a commando unit of four people and was killed during an attempt to occupy Faluja, by a German aircraft bomb.
[1], 45, [1] pp, 19 cm. Fair-good condition. Dampstains and stains. Defects to title page. Tears at margins of leaves (sheets were cut not professionally after being folded).
On the title page appear 9 signatures of members of the Students' union "El-Al", a union of Revisionist students, signed during a "festive party of El-Al union, 12-3-1935". Among the signatures are those of Avrhaham Yaari, Isaac Katz, S. Trachtman, Borovsky (?), and others, as well as the signature of the fourth commander of Irgun - David Raziel.
David Raziel (1910 Vilnius - 1941 Iraq), immigrated to Palestine with his family when he was three years old; but since the family had a Russian citizenship they were deported and wandered for eight years until they returned to the country. Raziel graduated from "Tachkemoni" school where his father served as a teacher, and continued his studies in Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav in Jerusalem. At the same time, he studied in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was a member of the students' union "El-Al".
Considering the events in Europe when World War II broke out Raziel announced that the negative attitude towards the British has to cease in order to fight the Nazis. In 1941 Raziel was sent by the British to Iraq to suppress an anti-British uprising. He headed a commando unit of four people and was killed during an attempt to occupy Faluja, by a German aircraft bomb.
[1], 45, [1] pp, 19 cm. Fair-good condition. Dampstains and stains. Defects to title page. Tears at margins of leaves (sheets were cut not professionally after being folded).
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $400
Unsold
Menachem Begin, autograph letter, signed, to Rabbi Aryeh Levin. Jerusalem, 1951. Hebrew.
Begin thanks Rabbi Levin, not before he expresses respect and appreciation, for showing interest in Begin's well-being when he was sick and writes: "his prayer, dear Rabbi, was received… I feel better, thanks G-d… I believe that only through the love that we all feel for you - we can pay for his love to us which is like the love a father feels for his children".
[1] leaf, approx. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Many stains (some dark), folding marks, creases and tears. Mold marks. Slight defects to text.
Begin thanks Rabbi Levin, not before he expresses respect and appreciation, for showing interest in Begin's well-being when he was sick and writes: "his prayer, dear Rabbi, was received… I feel better, thanks G-d… I believe that only through the love that we all feel for you - we can pay for his love to us which is like the love a father feels for his children".
[1] leaf, approx. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Many stains (some dark), folding marks, creases and tears. Mold marks. Slight defects to text.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Long letter handwritten and signed by David Ben-Gurion, addressed to Menachem Zaharoni. Sde Boker, January 30, 1967. Hebrew.
Interesting letter in which Ben-Gurion addresses the Lavon Affair, the political and societal situation in Israel, the Holocaust, the state's future, Herzl and Zionism, and more. The letter is a response to a harsh letter from Menachem Zaharoni to Ben-Gurion, in which Zaharoni expresses his disappointment with the government's conduct and his pessimistic view of Israeli society.
Ben-Gurion begins his letter with the following words: "I read your letter with great interest, and I have no doubt as to the candidness of your emotions. Yet you are mistaken on a number of points, both factual and moral. And first of all I should tell you that I disagree with you and many others who attribute the state's establishment and other such acts to me, since it is only a pioneering enterprise spanning generations that is capable of such acts… I have been witness to events in Israel for over sixty years now, and I have some knowledge of Jewish and general history, and I do not believe that any man can change the world or renew it. In my youth I was a great admirer of Herzl… but Herzl said, rightly, that if he had read Pinsker's Auto-Emancipation before writing The Jewish State, he would not have written it. As for myself I think it is good he had not read Pinsker and did write 'The Jewish State', though this pamphlet contains no new ideas. Yet Herzl inspired the Jewish masses in both East and West Europe with a new spirit… but I do not believe he created 'Zionism'. It already existed before him…".
Regarding Zaharoni's claims about Israeli society, Ben-Gurion writes: "I am not as pessimistic as you are, because I know that today there are more pioneers, and better ones, than there were in the days of the Second Aliya… I am personally acquainted with quite a few Israeli Jews, young ones and not so young, who inspire and fortify my faith in the future of the Jewish people and its moral qualities, and although I can also see the other side of the coin - I don't agree with your pessimism. I also suffered bitter disappointments in my life. 60 years ago, and 30 years ago, I had great hopes, which now, I know, will never be fulfilled… due to the extermination of six million Jews - the best we had in these generations. For them a Jewish state was a vital necessity, they had the desire and ability and need to build it… but they are gone, and we are unable to bring them back to life, and they have no replacements or heirs, and our people is different today from what it was thirty years ago - and we have no choice, we must do what the Jewish people can do, as it is. But to this end it must receive guidance - not in words, but in deeds…".
Further on Ben-Gurion expands on the Lavon Affair and on Zaharoni's declaration that he has lost his faith in Ben-Gurion, concluding the letter with the following: "All of our political parties, none excluded, are interested only in marginal issues and not in the issues that are the mainstays of our life: the absorption of immigrants… making the desert bloom and populating the entire country… excellent maintenance of security and the safeguarding of our financial independence, without which our political independence is not secure either. And above all, the aspiration to be a Chosen People, an aspiration that can attract the masses in the affluent nations, who have no financial or political constraint to flee their countries of residence. This is my credo".
6 leaves, 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Some dampstains, with ink smears.
Enclosed is part of Menachem Zaharoni's letter to Ben-Gurion.
Interesting letter in which Ben-Gurion addresses the Lavon Affair, the political and societal situation in Israel, the Holocaust, the state's future, Herzl and Zionism, and more. The letter is a response to a harsh letter from Menachem Zaharoni to Ben-Gurion, in which Zaharoni expresses his disappointment with the government's conduct and his pessimistic view of Israeli society.
Ben-Gurion begins his letter with the following words: "I read your letter with great interest, and I have no doubt as to the candidness of your emotions. Yet you are mistaken on a number of points, both factual and moral. And first of all I should tell you that I disagree with you and many others who attribute the state's establishment and other such acts to me, since it is only a pioneering enterprise spanning generations that is capable of such acts… I have been witness to events in Israel for over sixty years now, and I have some knowledge of Jewish and general history, and I do not believe that any man can change the world or renew it. In my youth I was a great admirer of Herzl… but Herzl said, rightly, that if he had read Pinsker's Auto-Emancipation before writing The Jewish State, he would not have written it. As for myself I think it is good he had not read Pinsker and did write 'The Jewish State', though this pamphlet contains no new ideas. Yet Herzl inspired the Jewish masses in both East and West Europe with a new spirit… but I do not believe he created 'Zionism'. It already existed before him…".
Regarding Zaharoni's claims about Israeli society, Ben-Gurion writes: "I am not as pessimistic as you are, because I know that today there are more pioneers, and better ones, than there were in the days of the Second Aliya… I am personally acquainted with quite a few Israeli Jews, young ones and not so young, who inspire and fortify my faith in the future of the Jewish people and its moral qualities, and although I can also see the other side of the coin - I don't agree with your pessimism. I also suffered bitter disappointments in my life. 60 years ago, and 30 years ago, I had great hopes, which now, I know, will never be fulfilled… due to the extermination of six million Jews - the best we had in these generations. For them a Jewish state was a vital necessity, they had the desire and ability and need to build it… but they are gone, and we are unable to bring them back to life, and they have no replacements or heirs, and our people is different today from what it was thirty years ago - and we have no choice, we must do what the Jewish people can do, as it is. But to this end it must receive guidance - not in words, but in deeds…".
Further on Ben-Gurion expands on the Lavon Affair and on Zaharoni's declaration that he has lost his faith in Ben-Gurion, concluding the letter with the following: "All of our political parties, none excluded, are interested only in marginal issues and not in the issues that are the mainstays of our life: the absorption of immigrants… making the desert bloom and populating the entire country… excellent maintenance of security and the safeguarding of our financial independence, without which our political independence is not secure either. And above all, the aspiration to be a Chosen People, an aspiration that can attract the masses in the affluent nations, who have no financial or political constraint to flee their countries of residence. This is my credo".
6 leaves, 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Some dampstains, with ink smears.
Enclosed is part of Menachem Zaharoni's letter to Ben-Gurion.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
![Letter handwritten and signed by David Ben-Gurion. Addressed to "Dear beloved Shlomo" [Shlomo Zemach], signed: &quo](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale56-public/140.jpg "David Ben-Gurion - Handwritten Letter to Shlomo Zemach - Sde Boker, 19")
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $500
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by David Ben-Gurion. Addressed to "Dear beloved Shlomo" [Shlomo Zemach], signed: "David". Sde Boker, 1973. Hebrew.
In the letter Ben-Gurion mentions his health ("My health is not quite good but it is getting better") and his plans to meet with Zemach in Jerusalem. The letter is written in an intimate tone, reflecting the long friendship between the two. For example, near the end of the letter Ben-Gurion writes: "I think you and I are the only ones still alive out of all those who arrived in the country together. The best thing you said in your last letter to me was that 'We are like brothers'. We were brothers in our childhood and have remained brothers our whole lives".
Shlomo Zemach (1886-1974), Israeli author and educator, born in Plonsk (Poland); one of the first pioneers arriving as part of the Second Aliya to Palestine. Winner of the Bialik Prize and the Israel Prize for Literature. In his youth Zemach befriended David Ben-Gurion (who also grew up in Plonsk), and together they founded the "Ezra" society for the study of Hebrew.
[1] leaf, 22 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and creases, some stains and minor defects. Pen inscription on reverse.
In the letter Ben-Gurion mentions his health ("My health is not quite good but it is getting better") and his plans to meet with Zemach in Jerusalem. The letter is written in an intimate tone, reflecting the long friendship between the two. For example, near the end of the letter Ben-Gurion writes: "I think you and I are the only ones still alive out of all those who arrived in the country together. The best thing you said in your last letter to me was that 'We are like brothers'. We were brothers in our childhood and have remained brothers our whole lives".
Shlomo Zemach (1886-1974), Israeli author and educator, born in Plonsk (Poland); one of the first pioneers arriving as part of the Second Aliya to Palestine. Winner of the Bialik Prize and the Israel Prize for Literature. In his youth Zemach befriended David Ben-Gurion (who also grew up in Plonsk), and together they founded the "Ezra" society for the study of Hebrew.
[1] leaf, 22 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and creases, some stains and minor defects. Pen inscription on reverse.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue
Auction 56 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture
June 27, 2017
Opening: $400
Unsold
Notebook with 50 autographs of leaders and public figures, among them signatories of the Independence Scroll, members of the first Knesset, Zionist leaders, ambassadors and other dignitaries. Israel, ca. 1950s.
Among the signatories: David Ben-Gurion, Zalman Shazar, Golda Meir, Moshe Sharet, Yigael Yadin, Pinchas Rosen, David Remez, Abba Even, Ya'akov Dori, Herbert Samuel, Menachem Ussishkin (on a postcard), Abba Hillel Silver and others.
The autographs were collected by an Israeli girl, who decorated the album leaves with the photographs of the signatories. Many autographs are dedicated to the girl and three appear on letters of response to her requests.
Total of 50 autographs (some signed more than once). Notebook: 17.5X10 cm. Documents and notes are pasted to the notebook leaves. Good-fair condition. Stains. Some detached leaves.
Among the signatories: David Ben-Gurion, Zalman Shazar, Golda Meir, Moshe Sharet, Yigael Yadin, Pinchas Rosen, David Remez, Abba Even, Ya'akov Dori, Herbert Samuel, Menachem Ussishkin (on a postcard), Abba Hillel Silver and others.
The autographs were collected by an Israeli girl, who decorated the album leaves with the photographs of the signatories. Many autographs are dedicated to the girl and three appear on letters of response to her requests.
Total of 50 autographs (some signed more than once). Notebook: 17.5X10 cm. Documents and notes are pasted to the notebook leaves. Good-fair condition. Stains. Some detached leaves.
Category
Autographs, Manuscripts and Archives, Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Catalogue