Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 37 - 48 of 134
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
Three large manuscript volumes - Sefer Kiryat Sefer, novellae on Talmudic topics and on Tractates Beitza and Chulin, by R. Calev Feivel Weisel, rabbi of Turda. [Turda, 1877].
Complete compositions, prepared for print, in neat handwriting (evidently the handwriting of the author). At the beginning of the novellae on Talmudic topics are a long introduction signed by the author, dated Cheshvan, 1877, and an approbation by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Paneth, rabbi of Dej, also dated Cheshvan, 1877. The author states in his introduction that he intended to name his work "Nachlat Calev", but changed the title after consulting his friend, Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Dej, who wrote to him: "It would be appropriate to call this work 'Kiryat Sefer', for that was the inheritance of Calev as allocated to him by Otniel ben Kenaz". The author therefore writes: "I consented to call my work Kiryat Sefer as suggested by the holy man". The author signed at the end of the introduction: "The small Calev Feivel Weisel, rabbi of Turda and its environs".
To the best of our knowledge, these compositions have never been printed, with the exception of the approbation of Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Dej and parts of the introduction which were printed in the introductions to his work "Kiryat Sefer" on the Torah, published by his children in Dej, 1904. In the introduction to "Kiryat Sefer", his children mention the author's other manuscripts, including this manuscript of Talmudic novellae. This manuscript is also mentioned in the introduction of his grandson, R. Tzvi Yaakov Abraham, to the book "Beit Ulpana - Bracha MiTzion" (Brooklyn, 1953), in which he describes his grandfather, R. Calev Feivel: "the author of Sefer Kiryat Sefer on the Torah (whose other works remain in manuscript form, including compositions of Tractates Beitza and Chulin, with novellae on approximately seventy Talmudic topics)".
R. Calev Feivel Weisel (1834-1898) was born in Stupava, a town near Pressburg (Bratislava). His father, R. Yosef, was a member of the renowned Weisel family of Prague. He studied in the yeshiva of the Ktav Sofer in Pressburg for four years, and then studied with R. Hillel Lichtenstein in Marghita. He ascended to the rabbinate of Turda in 1865, where he was the first rabbi in the city. He served as rabbi until his passing 33 years later. His son, R. Ben Tzion Weisel (1864-1938), was appointed rabbi of Turda after his passing. R. Ben Tzion was renowned as one of the greatest rabbis of his generation and was head of the Orthodox rabbis of Transylvania.
3 volumes: [12], 125, [9] leaves; 132 leaves; 185 leaves. (Over 950 written pages in total). 34 cm. Some leaves are blueish. Good-fair condition. Tears and wear. Paper gluing to repair and fill missing page sections. Original bindings, worn and disintegrating.
Complete compositions, prepared for print, in neat handwriting (evidently the handwriting of the author). At the beginning of the novellae on Talmudic topics are a long introduction signed by the author, dated Cheshvan, 1877, and an approbation by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Paneth, rabbi of Dej, also dated Cheshvan, 1877. The author states in his introduction that he intended to name his work "Nachlat Calev", but changed the title after consulting his friend, Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Dej, who wrote to him: "It would be appropriate to call this work 'Kiryat Sefer', for that was the inheritance of Calev as allocated to him by Otniel ben Kenaz". The author therefore writes: "I consented to call my work Kiryat Sefer as suggested by the holy man". The author signed at the end of the introduction: "The small Calev Feivel Weisel, rabbi of Turda and its environs".
To the best of our knowledge, these compositions have never been printed, with the exception of the approbation of Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Dej and parts of the introduction which were printed in the introductions to his work "Kiryat Sefer" on the Torah, published by his children in Dej, 1904. In the introduction to "Kiryat Sefer", his children mention the author's other manuscripts, including this manuscript of Talmudic novellae. This manuscript is also mentioned in the introduction of his grandson, R. Tzvi Yaakov Abraham, to the book "Beit Ulpana - Bracha MiTzion" (Brooklyn, 1953), in which he describes his grandfather, R. Calev Feivel: "the author of Sefer Kiryat Sefer on the Torah (whose other works remain in manuscript form, including compositions of Tractates Beitza and Chulin, with novellae on approximately seventy Talmudic topics)".
R. Calev Feivel Weisel (1834-1898) was born in Stupava, a town near Pressburg (Bratislava). His father, R. Yosef, was a member of the renowned Weisel family of Prague. He studied in the yeshiva of the Ktav Sofer in Pressburg for four years, and then studied with R. Hillel Lichtenstein in Marghita. He ascended to the rabbinate of Turda in 1865, where he was the first rabbi in the city. He served as rabbi until his passing 33 years later. His son, R. Ben Tzion Weisel (1864-1938), was appointed rabbi of Turda after his passing. R. Ben Tzion was renowned as one of the greatest rabbis of his generation and was head of the Orthodox rabbis of Transylvania.
3 volumes: [12], 125, [9] leaves; 132 leaves; 185 leaves. (Over 950 written pages in total). 34 cm. Some leaves are blueish. Good-fair condition. Tears and wear. Paper gluing to repair and fill missing page sections. Original bindings, worn and disintegrating.
Catalogue
![Long letter (2 large pages) handwritten and signed by R. Mordechai Leib Winkler. [Brezova, 1900]. Halachic responsum regardin](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale61-public/38.jpg "Halachic Responsum Handwritten and Signed by Rabbi Mordechai Leib Wink")
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Long letter (2 large pages) handwritten and signed by R. Mordechai Leib Winkler. [Brezova, 1900].
Halachic responsum regarding the laws of birthright (story of a woman under suspicion, whose son was born with a resemblance to the man under suspicion).
R. Mordechai Leib Winkler, rabbi of Mád, author of "Levushei Mordechai" (1845-1932) was the preeminent disciple of R. Yitzchak Aharon Landsberg, rabbi of Grosswardein (Oradea). From 1874, he taught Torah and served in the rabbinate of the eminent Hungarian communities of Mezotelegd, of Brezova (in the Nitra, Slovakia region) and others. In 1902, he was appointed Rabbi of Mád (Hegyalja-Mád) for a thirty-year tenure until his death in 1932. He headed a large yeshiva in Mád and was known as one of the three rabbinical authorities in Hungary (together with R. Yeshaya Zilberstein, Rabbi of Waitzen [Vac] and R. Shimon Greenfeld, the Maharshag). The printing of his responsa earned him worldwide fame as a halachic posek. His halachic responsa were unanimously accepted and became basic teachings in halachic literature (see Cohen, Chachmei Transylvania, pp. 98-99).
[2] written pages, 34 cm. Fair condition. Wear and damages to margins and folding lines. Hole in the center of the leaf damaging several words of the text. Annotations and erasures in preparation for print.
Halachic responsum regarding the laws of birthright (story of a woman under suspicion, whose son was born with a resemblance to the man under suspicion).
R. Mordechai Leib Winkler, rabbi of Mád, author of "Levushei Mordechai" (1845-1932) was the preeminent disciple of R. Yitzchak Aharon Landsberg, rabbi of Grosswardein (Oradea). From 1874, he taught Torah and served in the rabbinate of the eminent Hungarian communities of Mezotelegd, of Brezova (in the Nitra, Slovakia region) and others. In 1902, he was appointed Rabbi of Mád (Hegyalja-Mád) for a thirty-year tenure until his death in 1932. He headed a large yeshiva in Mád and was known as one of the three rabbinical authorities in Hungary (together with R. Yeshaya Zilberstein, Rabbi of Waitzen [Vac] and R. Shimon Greenfeld, the Maharshag). The printing of his responsa earned him worldwide fame as a halachic posek. His halachic responsa were unanimously accepted and became basic teachings in halachic literature (see Cohen, Chachmei Transylvania, pp. 98-99).
[2] written pages, 34 cm. Fair condition. Wear and damages to margins and folding lines. Hole in the center of the leaf damaging several words of the text. Annotations and erasures in preparation for print.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,500
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Letter of recommendation to the rabbinate, signed by R. Meir Yechiel HaLevi of Ostrowiec, to R. Yissachar Tamar, author of the Ale Tamar series on the Talmud Yerushalmi. Ostrowiec [Poland], 1925.
Scribal writing with signature and stamp of the Rebbe. The ordination was given to his disciple, the renowned R. Yissachar Tamar, author of Ale Tamar on the Yerushalmi (seven volumes), who at that time served in the Breslau (Germany) rabbinate. In the letter, the rebbe writes that "…the prominent sharp and erudite Rabbi Yissachar son of R. Zvi Tamor of Częstochowa was ordained by leading Torah scholars and is fitting to fill the position of rabbi and posek in Jewish communities and can be relied upon as one of the important rabbis… I have heard men of truth lavishly praise this great rabbi… Ostrowiec, Tuesday of VaYetze 1925".
R. Meir Yechiel HaLevi Halstock Rabbi of Ostrowiec (1853-1928), prominent tsaddik and rabbi in Poland. Due to his asceticism and daily fasts, he became known as the "Rebbe who fasted 40 years". An outstanding Torah genius and holy person, he abstained from any material pleasure and for more than 40 years, was accustomed to fasting throughout the week to annul harsh decrees from the Jewish People and only ate a small meal at night. He had fixed routines for refraining from all mundane speech. His tearful prayers lasted many hours. During the week, he never removed his clothing and would abstain from enjoying music. Served as Rabbi of Skierniewice from 1880, in 1889 was appointed Rabbi of Ostrowiec. His fame drew thousands of Chassidim to Ostrowiec who came to learn from his holy conduct and to study Torah and Chassidism. Simple people also swarmed to his door with requests for blessing and deliverance. He was known for his genius and proficiency in all facets of Torah study as well as for his brilliant mathematical calculations in explaining Torah matters (compilations of these novellae were printed by his disciples in the Or Torah books). His son, R. Yechezkel Halstock, founded the Beit Meir chain of yeshivas in his memory, educating many students following the special methods of the Ostrovtza Rebbes.
His constant fasting sapped his strength and during his later years he was weak and ill. The trembling of his hands apparent in his signature on this letter, written about three years before his death, attest to his weakness and advanced age.
[1] leaf. 15.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears slightly affecting text. Folding marks.
Scribal writing with signature and stamp of the Rebbe. The ordination was given to his disciple, the renowned R. Yissachar Tamar, author of Ale Tamar on the Yerushalmi (seven volumes), who at that time served in the Breslau (Germany) rabbinate. In the letter, the rebbe writes that "…the prominent sharp and erudite Rabbi Yissachar son of R. Zvi Tamor of Częstochowa was ordained by leading Torah scholars and is fitting to fill the position of rabbi and posek in Jewish communities and can be relied upon as one of the important rabbis… I have heard men of truth lavishly praise this great rabbi… Ostrowiec, Tuesday of VaYetze 1925".
R. Meir Yechiel HaLevi Halstock Rabbi of Ostrowiec (1853-1928), prominent tsaddik and rabbi in Poland. Due to his asceticism and daily fasts, he became known as the "Rebbe who fasted 40 years". An outstanding Torah genius and holy person, he abstained from any material pleasure and for more than 40 years, was accustomed to fasting throughout the week to annul harsh decrees from the Jewish People and only ate a small meal at night. He had fixed routines for refraining from all mundane speech. His tearful prayers lasted many hours. During the week, he never removed his clothing and would abstain from enjoying music. Served as Rabbi of Skierniewice from 1880, in 1889 was appointed Rabbi of Ostrowiec. His fame drew thousands of Chassidim to Ostrowiec who came to learn from his holy conduct and to study Torah and Chassidism. Simple people also swarmed to his door with requests for blessing and deliverance. He was known for his genius and proficiency in all facets of Torah study as well as for his brilliant mathematical calculations in explaining Torah matters (compilations of these novellae were printed by his disciples in the Or Torah books). His son, R. Yechezkel Halstock, founded the Beit Meir chain of yeshivas in his memory, educating many students following the special methods of the Ostrovtza Rebbes.
His constant fasting sapped his strength and during his later years he was weak and ill. The trembling of his hands apparent in his signature on this letter, written about three years before his death, attest to his weakness and advanced age.
[1] leaf. 15.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears slightly affecting text. Folding marks.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $10,000
Unsold
Letter with the signature of R. Zvi Hirsh Shapira, Rabbi of Mukachevo. Mukachevo, 1913.
The letter was written in the handwriting of his son, author of Minchat Elazar. The letter endorses the book Ateret Eliyahu by R. Eliyahu Frankel, Rabbi of Levelek, and the notes titled VaYe'etar Yitzchak added to the book by the author's son, R. Yitzchak Frankel. This approbation was printed at the head of approbations to this book (printed by the author's son in 1913. See enclosed photocopy).
R. Zvi Hirsh Shapira, author of Darkei Teshuva (1855-1914, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Vol. 3, 618-620), son of R. Shlomo Shapira Rabbi of Mukachevo, author of Shem Shlomo, son of R. Elazar of Łańcut, son of R. Zvi Elimelech of Dynów, author of Bnei Yissaschar. A leading Torah scholar and Chassid, he succeeded his father as rabbi of Mukachevo. He established the Mukachevo Chassidism and had thousands of followers. Founder of Kollel Munkatch and Nesi Eretz Israel. Wrote: Darkei Teshuva, Be'er Lachai Ro'i, Zvi Tiferet, etc.
His son, R. Chaim Elazar Shapira, (1872-1937, Otzar HaRabbanim 6243) was erudite in Torah, halachah and Chassidism and was a prominent Kabbalist who staunchly warded all opposition to the holiness of the Jewish people. His teachings in Halacha and kabbalah were accepted all over the world. Among his books: Minchat Elazar responsa, Sha’ar Yissachar, Nimukei Orach Chaim, 9 volumes of his book Divrei Torah, and others. [See Darkei Chaim V’Shalom].
Official stationery, approx. 22 cm. Good condition. Folding marks, stains and wear.
The letter was written in the handwriting of his son, author of Minchat Elazar. The letter endorses the book Ateret Eliyahu by R. Eliyahu Frankel, Rabbi of Levelek, and the notes titled VaYe'etar Yitzchak added to the book by the author's son, R. Yitzchak Frankel. This approbation was printed at the head of approbations to this book (printed by the author's son in 1913. See enclosed photocopy).
R. Zvi Hirsh Shapira, author of Darkei Teshuva (1855-1914, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Vol. 3, 618-620), son of R. Shlomo Shapira Rabbi of Mukachevo, author of Shem Shlomo, son of R. Elazar of Łańcut, son of R. Zvi Elimelech of Dynów, author of Bnei Yissaschar. A leading Torah scholar and Chassid, he succeeded his father as rabbi of Mukachevo. He established the Mukachevo Chassidism and had thousands of followers. Founder of Kollel Munkatch and Nesi Eretz Israel. Wrote: Darkei Teshuva, Be'er Lachai Ro'i, Zvi Tiferet, etc.
His son, R. Chaim Elazar Shapira, (1872-1937, Otzar HaRabbanim 6243) was erudite in Torah, halachah and Chassidism and was a prominent Kabbalist who staunchly warded all opposition to the holiness of the Jewish people. His teachings in Halacha and kabbalah were accepted all over the world. Among his books: Minchat Elazar responsa, Sha’ar Yissachar, Nimukei Orach Chaim, 9 volumes of his book Divrei Torah, and others. [See Darkei Chaim V’Shalom].
Official stationery, approx. 22 cm. Good condition. Folding marks, stains and wear.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Two letters signed by the Rebbe Rayatz, R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch:
1. Letter handwritten by a scribe, with two lines handwritten and signed by the Rebbe Rayatz. Leningrad [St. Petersburg], Nissan 1927.
Sent to "Rabbi Yaakov" who apparently lived in Eretz Israel, with a request regarding "two volumes handwritten by the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek to give to our friend R. S. Z. Havlin" [R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin (1877-1936) was a prominent disciple of the Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch, a leading teacher of Chabad Chassidism in Eretz Israel, founder and head of the Torat Emet Yeshiva in Hebron and in Jerusalem]. The letter ends with two lines handwritten and signed by the rebbe - a blessing signed "Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn".
[1] leaf. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks. Large tear to folding mark, slightly affecting text.
2. Letter with a blessing for a "good and sweet year in materiality and in spirituality", by the Rebbe Rayatz, to R. David Levanon of Jerusalem [one of the directors of the Chabad Kollel in Eretz Israel]. Otwock (Poland), Elul 1937. The Rebbe's official stationery. Typewritten, with his signature.
[1] leaf. 24 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
1. Letter handwritten by a scribe, with two lines handwritten and signed by the Rebbe Rayatz. Leningrad [St. Petersburg], Nissan 1927.
Sent to "Rabbi Yaakov" who apparently lived in Eretz Israel, with a request regarding "two volumes handwritten by the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek to give to our friend R. S. Z. Havlin" [R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin (1877-1936) was a prominent disciple of the Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch, a leading teacher of Chabad Chassidism in Eretz Israel, founder and head of the Torat Emet Yeshiva in Hebron and in Jerusalem]. The letter ends with two lines handwritten and signed by the rebbe - a blessing signed "Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn".
[1] leaf. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks. Large tear to folding mark, slightly affecting text.
2. Letter with a blessing for a "good and sweet year in materiality and in spirituality", by the Rebbe Rayatz, to R. David Levanon of Jerusalem [one of the directors of the Chabad Kollel in Eretz Israel]. Otwock (Poland), Elul 1937. The Rebbe's official stationery. Typewritten, with his signature.
[1] leaf. 24 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $4,250
Including buyer's premium
A letter (24 lines) handwritten and signed by Rebbe Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman, R. Itzik'l of Pshevorsk. Antwerp, [ca. 1950s-1970s].
The letter opens with heartfelt blessings (in Yiddish and Hebrew) upon receiving funds from a London philanthropist sent by the recipient of the letter. The rebbe cites an interesting saying (in Yiddish) in the name of his father the rebbe, who often cited an ancient custom of giving "leiz-geld" [a tip] to a good emissary who brings mishlo'ach manot on Purim. Therefore, the rebbe writes, I give the good emissary "the blessing of a simple person [himself] and leiz-geld for your mission, that you and your wife and children should be healthy and strong, happy and content, and you should raise your children with ease and plenty".
Further in the letter, the rebbe requests to raise more funds for a respectable Jerusalem Jew, a descendant of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, who arrived in Europe to collect charity. The rebbe apologizes for this request, "although I abstain from intervening on behalf of charitable matters because I understand that you have many charitable causes", however, he requests that he make efforts for this cause since this needy Jerusalem Jew has been delayed in Antwerp and did not travel to London, "because he saw that I was very ill and suffering greatly… he dedicated all his time to tend to me faithfully and resuscitated myself and my family… therefore, I have the obligation not to send him empty-handed to his home, hence I request that you forgive me and speak to the philanthropist… and quickly collect at least a couple of hundred dollars… because next week, he will be leaving. Moshe Yitzchak, descendant of R. Elimelech, his merit shall protect us and all the Jewish People, Amen".
The holy R. Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman, known as Rebbe Itzik'l of Pshevorsk (1882-Yom Kippur 1976), was a fifth-generation descendant of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk. He was a close Chassid of R. Yechezkel of Sieniawa, and of his son, the Divrei Simcha of Cieszanów. Served as Rebbe of Przeworsk. Survived the Holocaust in Siberian exile and thereafter traveled via Poland and France and settled in Antwerp, Belgium. Known for his holiness and for his exceptional abstention and self-denial (for decades he never lay on a bed and would sleep in a sitting position), he followed in the footsteps of his illustrious ancestor, author of the Noam Elimelech, who incorporated devotion to G-d's service with charitable deeds to his fellow Jews. Thousands flocked to his court seeking his wise counsel as well as his prayers on behalf of the ill and suffering. Famed for the charitable acts he performed, he distributed large sums of money to needy Jews throughout the world.
Official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Wear and folding marks.
The letter opens with heartfelt blessings (in Yiddish and Hebrew) upon receiving funds from a London philanthropist sent by the recipient of the letter. The rebbe cites an interesting saying (in Yiddish) in the name of his father the rebbe, who often cited an ancient custom of giving "leiz-geld" [a tip] to a good emissary who brings mishlo'ach manot on Purim. Therefore, the rebbe writes, I give the good emissary "the blessing of a simple person [himself] and leiz-geld for your mission, that you and your wife and children should be healthy and strong, happy and content, and you should raise your children with ease and plenty".
Further in the letter, the rebbe requests to raise more funds for a respectable Jerusalem Jew, a descendant of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, who arrived in Europe to collect charity. The rebbe apologizes for this request, "although I abstain from intervening on behalf of charitable matters because I understand that you have many charitable causes", however, he requests that he make efforts for this cause since this needy Jerusalem Jew has been delayed in Antwerp and did not travel to London, "because he saw that I was very ill and suffering greatly… he dedicated all his time to tend to me faithfully and resuscitated myself and my family… therefore, I have the obligation not to send him empty-handed to his home, hence I request that you forgive me and speak to the philanthropist… and quickly collect at least a couple of hundred dollars… because next week, he will be leaving. Moshe Yitzchak, descendant of R. Elimelech, his merit shall protect us and all the Jewish People, Amen".
The holy R. Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman, known as Rebbe Itzik'l of Pshevorsk (1882-Yom Kippur 1976), was a fifth-generation descendant of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk. He was a close Chassid of R. Yechezkel of Sieniawa, and of his son, the Divrei Simcha of Cieszanów. Served as Rebbe of Przeworsk. Survived the Holocaust in Siberian exile and thereafter traveled via Poland and France and settled in Antwerp, Belgium. Known for his holiness and for his exceptional abstention and self-denial (for decades he never lay on a bed and would sleep in a sitting position), he followed in the footsteps of his illustrious ancestor, author of the Noam Elimelech, who incorporated devotion to G-d's service with charitable deeds to his fellow Jews. Thousands flocked to his court seeking his wise counsel as well as his prayers on behalf of the ill and suffering. Famed for the charitable acts he performed, he distributed large sums of money to needy Jews throughout the world.
Official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Wear and folding marks.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
Ohr HaYashar, Kabbalistic practices and ethics, by R. Meir Poppers. Lviv: Yehuda Gershon Druker, 1875.
Ownership stamps of Rebbe "Isaje [Yeshaya] Steiner" of Kerestir (Bodrogkeresztúr, Hungary). On the flyleaf is a handwritten ownership inscription: "This book belongs to the great and holy R. Yeshaya Steiner". Additional signatures of R. Aharon Spitzer of Hajdúnánás and of R. Klonimus Lowy of Nyíracsád. Handwritten corrections.
Ohr HaYashar contains ethical instruction as well as laws and practices of the Arizal, regarding prayers, mealtimes and daily routine, including daily routine for Shabbat and holidays, and other laws and practices. The book is divided into three parts corresponding to the three "pillars" upon which the world stands: Torah, worship and acts of kindness. This work has been incorporated into various Chassidic Kabbalistic siddurim, and was exceedingly beloved by the great Chassidic masters. Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz famously wrote that his father, the first Belzer Rebbe, stated that although he never writes approbations, he would give one to someone who wishes to print the siddur Ohr Hayashar, since this siddur introduced him to Yirat Shamayim… (see the approbation of Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz to Siddur Ohr HaYashar - Tefillah L'Moshe, Przemyśl, 1892).
R. Yeshaya Steiner of Bodrogkeresztúr (1852-1922) was the disciple and successor of Rebbe Zvi Hirsh of Liska (Olaszliszka), author of Ach Pri Tevuah. He was orphaned from his father at the age of three, and was raised in the home of R. Zvi Hirsh of Liska from the age of twelve. He was drawn to Chassidism and travelled to Rebbe Chaim Halberstam of Sanz and to Rebbe Mordechai of Nadvorna. However, his primary rebbe and mentor remained Rebbe Zvi Hirsh of Liska, and he eventually became his close assistant. [Even when R. Yeshaya already served as rebbe, with masses from all over Hungary flocking to his court, he would still sign his letters and on his stamp: "…who served the rebbe, the tzaddik of Liska"]. Rebbe Yeshaya was revered by the leading rebbes of his day, including Rebbe Chaim of Sanz and Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz [who stated that the "key to sustenance" is in the hands of R. Yeshaya of Kerestir]. He performed thousands of charitable deeds, engaged in hachnasat orchim himself, and was considered one of the pillars of chessed and prayer in his times. He was renowned as a holy man, and thousands of Jews (as well as non-Jews) from all over Hungary would travel to his court to seek his advice. He was also renowned as a wonder-worker and gave amulets (see next item). Till today his portrait is hung in homes as a segula for protection from mice. The story behind this custom is related in his biography, Mei Be'er Yeshayahu.
[24] leaves. 18 cm. Thin, high-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Wear and minor tears. Minor staining. Original binding, worn, with leather spine.
Ownership stamps of Rebbe "Isaje [Yeshaya] Steiner" of Kerestir (Bodrogkeresztúr, Hungary). On the flyleaf is a handwritten ownership inscription: "This book belongs to the great and holy R. Yeshaya Steiner". Additional signatures of R. Aharon Spitzer of Hajdúnánás and of R. Klonimus Lowy of Nyíracsád. Handwritten corrections.
Ohr HaYashar contains ethical instruction as well as laws and practices of the Arizal, regarding prayers, mealtimes and daily routine, including daily routine for Shabbat and holidays, and other laws and practices. The book is divided into three parts corresponding to the three "pillars" upon which the world stands: Torah, worship and acts of kindness. This work has been incorporated into various Chassidic Kabbalistic siddurim, and was exceedingly beloved by the great Chassidic masters. Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz famously wrote that his father, the first Belzer Rebbe, stated that although he never writes approbations, he would give one to someone who wishes to print the siddur Ohr Hayashar, since this siddur introduced him to Yirat Shamayim… (see the approbation of Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz to Siddur Ohr HaYashar - Tefillah L'Moshe, Przemyśl, 1892).
R. Yeshaya Steiner of Bodrogkeresztúr (1852-1922) was the disciple and successor of Rebbe Zvi Hirsh of Liska (Olaszliszka), author of Ach Pri Tevuah. He was orphaned from his father at the age of three, and was raised in the home of R. Zvi Hirsh of Liska from the age of twelve. He was drawn to Chassidism and travelled to Rebbe Chaim Halberstam of Sanz and to Rebbe Mordechai of Nadvorna. However, his primary rebbe and mentor remained Rebbe Zvi Hirsh of Liska, and he eventually became his close assistant. [Even when R. Yeshaya already served as rebbe, with masses from all over Hungary flocking to his court, he would still sign his letters and on his stamp: "…who served the rebbe, the tzaddik of Liska"]. Rebbe Yeshaya was revered by the leading rebbes of his day, including Rebbe Chaim of Sanz and Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz [who stated that the "key to sustenance" is in the hands of R. Yeshaya of Kerestir]. He performed thousands of charitable deeds, engaged in hachnasat orchim himself, and was considered one of the pillars of chessed and prayer in his times. He was renowned as a holy man, and thousands of Jews (as well as non-Jews) from all over Hungary would travel to his court to seek his advice. He was also renowned as a wonder-worker and gave amulets (see next item). Till today his portrait is hung in homes as a segula for protection from mice. The story behind this custom is related in his biography, Mei Be'er Yeshayahu.
[24] leaves. 18 cm. Thin, high-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Wear and minor tears. Minor staining. Original binding, worn, with leather spine.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $10,000
Sold for: $15,000
Including buyer's premium
Ancient amulet for safeguarding the home from thieves and evil spirits, of the type of amulets given by Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir (Bodrogkeresztúr, Hungary - "R. Yeshaya'le Kerestirer"). [Europe, 19th century].
Scribal writing ("STaM") on a piece of parchment, placed in an original tin frame, with a loop for hanging over the doorway and a glass window (broken).
Amulets of this type are known as "Kerestirer amulets" - since most of the amulets given by R. Yeshaya'le of Kerestir were in this format, written specifically upon his order by several scribes in Kerestir. The book "Mofet HaDor" (a biography of R. Yeshaya'le of Kerestir) recounts that a store protected by such amulets, sent by R. Yeshaya'le, was miraculously protected from arson (see there two photographs of such amulets).
The book "Elef Ktav" (by R. Yitzchak Weiss of Vrbové, section 515), interprets the text of the amulet as the acronym of three protective verses. The first line contains the alternating acronyms of two verses from Psalms, and the second line contains the acronym of a verse from Genesis. The text of the amulet originates with Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, author of "Yismach Moshe", who gave this amulet for the safeguarding of the home. The "Nachalat Zvi" anthology (XVI, pp. 126-127) contains a picture of a similar amulet written by R. Moshe Teitelbaum, which was given by his grandson, the Yitav Lev, to his assistant, R. Meir Schwartz. The anthology also relates that when Rebbe Yoel of Satmar visited Eretz Israel, he went specifically to see this amulet. Similar amulets were also given by the rebbes of Sanz, Belz, Ruzhyn, Sighet and Liska. R. Hillel of Kolomyia, in his book Teshuvot Beit Hillel HaChadash (section 32), recommends writing this amulet and placing it for a while on all the doorways of a new home, thereby preventing harm to all its residents.
Parchment leaf, placed in a 77X35 mm tin frame, with a tin loop for hanging above the doorway. Good-fair condition. Stains. The tin is slightly rusted, and the back has traces of old house paint. Original glass window, broken. Not examined out of frame.
Scribal writing ("STaM") on a piece of parchment, placed in an original tin frame, with a loop for hanging over the doorway and a glass window (broken).
Amulets of this type are known as "Kerestirer amulets" - since most of the amulets given by R. Yeshaya'le of Kerestir were in this format, written specifically upon his order by several scribes in Kerestir. The book "Mofet HaDor" (a biography of R. Yeshaya'le of Kerestir) recounts that a store protected by such amulets, sent by R. Yeshaya'le, was miraculously protected from arson (see there two photographs of such amulets).
The book "Elef Ktav" (by R. Yitzchak Weiss of Vrbové, section 515), interprets the text of the amulet as the acronym of three protective verses. The first line contains the alternating acronyms of two verses from Psalms, and the second line contains the acronym of a verse from Genesis. The text of the amulet originates with Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, author of "Yismach Moshe", who gave this amulet for the safeguarding of the home. The "Nachalat Zvi" anthology (XVI, pp. 126-127) contains a picture of a similar amulet written by R. Moshe Teitelbaum, which was given by his grandson, the Yitav Lev, to his assistant, R. Meir Schwartz. The anthology also relates that when Rebbe Yoel of Satmar visited Eretz Israel, he went specifically to see this amulet. Similar amulets were also given by the rebbes of Sanz, Belz, Ruzhyn, Sighet and Liska. R. Hillel of Kolomyia, in his book Teshuvot Beit Hillel HaChadash (section 32), recommends writing this amulet and placing it for a while on all the doorways of a new home, thereby preventing harm to all its residents.
Parchment leaf, placed in a 77X35 mm tin frame, with a tin loop for hanging above the doorway. Good-fair condition. Stains. The tin is slightly rusted, and the back has traces of old house paint. Original glass window, broken. Not examined out of frame.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $3,000
Sold for: $4,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript of the book Shaar HaKavanot, containing the teachings of the Ari and of R. Chaim Vital, edited by his son R. Shmuel Vital. [Late 16th-early 17th centuries]. Title page in a later writing [ca. 19th century]: "Shaar HaShishi - Shaar HaKavanot arranged by R. Shmuel Vital, from the writings of his father R. Chaim Vital, which he received from his teacher, the Arizal".
An early copying of the book Shaar HaKavanot, in various handwritings in Oriental-Sephardi script. Apparently, the copying of the composition was divided in an organized manner amongst four scribes, and they took turns copying the book. It is unclear in which country the manuscript was written, if in Europe or in North Africa. The handwritings of the four scribes are different [the handwriting of the first scribe has motifs characteristic to North African script and the other three handwritings are more reminiscent of other regions (Europe, Eretz Israel-Syria and other countries). Apparently, scribes from various countries gathered in one place]. This manuscript contains most of the book Shaar HaKavanot, ending in the middle of the homilies for Hoshana Raba and lacking the teachings for Chanukah and Purim.
The manuscript has dozens of long kabbalistic glosses in Oriental script [from a later time - Turkey?/Balkans?, second half of the 19th century]. Two begin with "Yitzchak says" and dozens begin with the initials of those two words. Leaf 9 was replaced in the handwriting of that same unidentified kabbalist whose name is R. "Yitzchak". In his glosses he mentions the writings of the Rashash, and often refers to the book Torat Chacham (by R. Hayim de lah Rozah, printed in Salonika in 1848). This writer also refers to Shaar HaKavanot printed in Salonika [in 1852]. Several more glosses in a different handwriting.
[2], 65, [316] leaves. The last two leaves are bound out of order and actually belong to the section on Kabbalat Shabbat. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming. Ancient leather binding, slightly worn, with embossed ornamentation. Gilt ornamentations to spine.
An early copying of the book Shaar HaKavanot, in various handwritings in Oriental-Sephardi script. Apparently, the copying of the composition was divided in an organized manner amongst four scribes, and they took turns copying the book. It is unclear in which country the manuscript was written, if in Europe or in North Africa. The handwritings of the four scribes are different [the handwriting of the first scribe has motifs characteristic to North African script and the other three handwritings are more reminiscent of other regions (Europe, Eretz Israel-Syria and other countries). Apparently, scribes from various countries gathered in one place]. This manuscript contains most of the book Shaar HaKavanot, ending in the middle of the homilies for Hoshana Raba and lacking the teachings for Chanukah and Purim.
The manuscript has dozens of long kabbalistic glosses in Oriental script [from a later time - Turkey?/Balkans?, second half of the 19th century]. Two begin with "Yitzchak says" and dozens begin with the initials of those two words. Leaf 9 was replaced in the handwriting of that same unidentified kabbalist whose name is R. "Yitzchak". In his glosses he mentions the writings of the Rashash, and often refers to the book Torat Chacham (by R. Hayim de lah Rozah, printed in Salonika in 1848). This writer also refers to Shaar HaKavanot printed in Salonika [in 1852]. Several more glosses in a different handwriting.
[2], 65, [316] leaves. The last two leaves are bound out of order and actually belong to the section on Kabbalat Shabbat. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming. Ancient leather binding, slightly worn, with embossed ornamentation. Gilt ornamentations to spine.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $5,000
Unsold
Manuscript, Siddur with Kavanot HaArizal - year-round prayers with kabbalistic practices and kavanot (hidden meanings), kabbalistic illustrations and charts, menorahs and a LaMenatze'ach menorah. [North Africa/Morocco, ca. mid-18th century].
Siddur of the Sephardi rite, and Seder Kavanot according to the arrangement of Maharam Poppers. The prayers are written in square script, integrated with commentaries and kavanot in Western-Sephardic script. Contains: weekday prayers, birkot hanehenin and birkot hamitzvot; Sod HaTevila; Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh and Festival services; kavanot of the mitzvot and ketoret (incense); Birkat HaMazon; prayers for the High Holidays and kavanot for the blowing of the shofar; service for kindling Chanukah lights and kavanot for Purim; Passover Haggadah and Sefirat HaOmer.
Many long kabbalistic glosses are written in "windows" and in parentheses within the main text, as well as on the margins. Some glosses open or end with the names of the sources from which they were copied, such as: "Tzemach" [R. Yaakov Tzemach], "The writer", "Commentary", "Sefer HaKavanot", "Siddur HaRav", "Siddur HaRemez". The book Zera Kodesh [published in 1696] is mentioned in one gloss (p. 36b). Two glosses signed Tzemach (p. 143b, p. 148a) appear in the Passover Haggadah.
Three glosses in "windows" on leaf [8] (before leaf 1) are signed "Yosef". Another gloss in parentheses on p. 97a reads: "…However, it seems to me to edit here… Yosef Luria. And I say… and it is unnecessary to edit, so it seems to me, the writer". R. Yosef who is signed on these glosses is apparently R. Yosef Luria son of R. Shlomo son of the Ari, who reached North Africa and in 1655 signed a halachic responsum written in Morocco: "Yosef son of R. Shlomo Luria Ashkenazi" (see article by R. Moshe Hillel, Mekabtziel, Issue 39, pp. 708-709, note 30). His glosses on kabbalistic books were copied into several manuscripts in North Africa and have not yet been printed.
To the best of our knowledge, many of these glosses and additions have never been printed (such as theadditions beginning with the words "Commentary"/"In my lowly opinion", found on pp. 31b-32a; 42a; 59a).
An interesting addition before the Baruch Sh'Amar prayer (p. 14b): "One should not recite L'David Barchi Nafshi. So I have found in the Siddur HaRav; however, in the rest of the siddurim of the Remez, the instructions are not to recite it on Shabbat and Festivals". Gloss on p. 14a: "See Siddur HaRav".
The Arizal did not write the kabbalistic kavanot himself, rather these kavanot were arranged by second-generation disciples according to the teachings of the Ari and of his disciple, R. Chaim Vital. The first book of the kabbalistic teachings of the Ari which was printed is the edition of Sefer HaKavanot by R. Moshe Trinki (Venice, 1620). R. Meir Poppers (died in 1662) compiled and arranged Seder Kavanot, which is the source of most of the siddurim of kavanot which were widespread in various countries [from which were printed in the late 18th-early 19th centuries Siddur Rabbi Asher and Siddur HaAri Kol Yaakov]. Here is an early copying of Siddur Kavanot in Sephardi writing, with additions and arrangement variations (within the main text and on the margins). Some of these additions do not appear in other siddurim.
Most of the siddur [with the exception of the first nine leaves and the leaves at the end from leaf 189] was written by one scribe, with additions and glosses in various handwritings by several scribes and proofreaders.
[9]; 1-23, 25-81, [4], 82-136, [1], leaf 137, [2], leaf 138, [1], 139-149, 151-152, [2], 153-154, [1], [6] (leaves 159, 155, 150, 156, 158, 157 - leaves 150-159 are bound out of order), 160-161, [2], 189-192, [4], 193-200, [10] leaves. (Lacking leaves 162-188 - which contained most of the services of the High Holidays, except two of them).
Approx. 208 leaves, including 22 blank leaves. 18 cm. Fair condition. Wear, stains and water damage. Faded and hardly legible ink in many places. New parchment binding.
Siddur of the Sephardi rite, and Seder Kavanot according to the arrangement of Maharam Poppers. The prayers are written in square script, integrated with commentaries and kavanot in Western-Sephardic script. Contains: weekday prayers, birkot hanehenin and birkot hamitzvot; Sod HaTevila; Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh and Festival services; kavanot of the mitzvot and ketoret (incense); Birkat HaMazon; prayers for the High Holidays and kavanot for the blowing of the shofar; service for kindling Chanukah lights and kavanot for Purim; Passover Haggadah and Sefirat HaOmer.
Many long kabbalistic glosses are written in "windows" and in parentheses within the main text, as well as on the margins. Some glosses open or end with the names of the sources from which they were copied, such as: "Tzemach" [R. Yaakov Tzemach], "The writer", "Commentary", "Sefer HaKavanot", "Siddur HaRav", "Siddur HaRemez". The book Zera Kodesh [published in 1696] is mentioned in one gloss (p. 36b). Two glosses signed Tzemach (p. 143b, p. 148a) appear in the Passover Haggadah.
Three glosses in "windows" on leaf [8] (before leaf 1) are signed "Yosef". Another gloss in parentheses on p. 97a reads: "…However, it seems to me to edit here… Yosef Luria. And I say… and it is unnecessary to edit, so it seems to me, the writer". R. Yosef who is signed on these glosses is apparently R. Yosef Luria son of R. Shlomo son of the Ari, who reached North Africa and in 1655 signed a halachic responsum written in Morocco: "Yosef son of R. Shlomo Luria Ashkenazi" (see article by R. Moshe Hillel, Mekabtziel, Issue 39, pp. 708-709, note 30). His glosses on kabbalistic books were copied into several manuscripts in North Africa and have not yet been printed.
To the best of our knowledge, many of these glosses and additions have never been printed (such as theadditions beginning with the words "Commentary"/"In my lowly opinion", found on pp. 31b-32a; 42a; 59a).
An interesting addition before the Baruch Sh'Amar prayer (p. 14b): "One should not recite L'David Barchi Nafshi. So I have found in the Siddur HaRav; however, in the rest of the siddurim of the Remez, the instructions are not to recite it on Shabbat and Festivals". Gloss on p. 14a: "See Siddur HaRav".
The Arizal did not write the kabbalistic kavanot himself, rather these kavanot were arranged by second-generation disciples according to the teachings of the Ari and of his disciple, R. Chaim Vital. The first book of the kabbalistic teachings of the Ari which was printed is the edition of Sefer HaKavanot by R. Moshe Trinki (Venice, 1620). R. Meir Poppers (died in 1662) compiled and arranged Seder Kavanot, which is the source of most of the siddurim of kavanot which were widespread in various countries [from which were printed in the late 18th-early 19th centuries Siddur Rabbi Asher and Siddur HaAri Kol Yaakov]. Here is an early copying of Siddur Kavanot in Sephardi writing, with additions and arrangement variations (within the main text and on the margins). Some of these additions do not appear in other siddurim.
Most of the siddur [with the exception of the first nine leaves and the leaves at the end from leaf 189] was written by one scribe, with additions and glosses in various handwritings by several scribes and proofreaders.
[9]; 1-23, 25-81, [4], 82-136, [1], leaf 137, [2], leaf 138, [1], 139-149, 151-152, [2], 153-154, [1], [6] (leaves 159, 155, 150, 156, 158, 157 - leaves 150-159 are bound out of order), 160-161, [2], 189-192, [4], 193-200, [10] leaves. (Lacking leaves 162-188 - which contained most of the services of the High Holidays, except two of them).
Approx. 208 leaves, including 22 blank leaves. 18 cm. Fair condition. Wear, stains and water damage. Faded and hardly legible ink in many places. New parchment binding.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $4,000
Sold for: $11,875
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Kanfei Yonah, Lurianic kabbalah edited by R. Menachem Azariah (Rema) of Fano; with various compositions from the writings of the Ari. [Europe, 17th century].
Complete manuscript, fine copying in ancient Ashkenazic script, with textual variations from the printed edition. The scribe included many glosses in "windows" in the text and in the margins, including many unprinted glosses and glosses by the Kabbalist R. Naftali Bachrach Ashkenazi, author of Emek HaMelech, which were previously unknown and have not been printed.
Kanfei Yonah is the first composition that collected and summarized the teachings of the Ari, R. Yitzchak Luria. It was compiled by several of the Ari's disciples, and later edited several times by the Rema of Fano, with many additions and glosses. The work as it is known today, first printed in Korets, 1786, is the version edited by the Rema of Fano, with additional glosses by German and Polish Kabbalists.
This manuscript contains the complete text of Kanfei Yonah, including all five parts, with many variations and additions from the printed version (the Korets edition has only four parts, and the fifth part was printed in Warsaw, 1899). The first paragraph of the manuscript differs markedly from the printed version as well as from other known manuscripts.
Additionally, this manuscript includes many glosses and textual variations which have not been printed. In some places, the scribe determines which is the correct version of the text (at times he compares the text with a manuscript written in Venice).
The manuscript was evidently copied after 1620, the year of the Rema of Fano's passing, since the colophon at the end of the fifth part ends with the words: "These are the words of the great author of blessed memory".
The previously unknown glosses of R. Naftali Bachrach Ashkenazi of Frankfurt, author of Emek HaMelech, add great importance to this manuscript. One of the glosses (part II, section 109), is signed with his full name: "Naftali Bachrach Ashkenazi", and two further glosses (part IV, section 12; kavanot of the "V'Lameshumadim" blessing) are signed "in my humble opinion, Naftali". It is possible that some of the other unsigned glosses were also authored by him.
Two glosses contain particularly fascinating content. One (part II, section 109) states, "It seems to me that this is from the teachings of R. Moshe Cordovero through his disciple R. Avraham HaLevi, and thus states R. Chaim Vital in his writings…". A second (ibid, section 115) states, "The rabbi wrote in Kavanat HaMitzvot that the Ari said that these verses… should not be said, and he almost doubted them being of the tradition from R. Shimon bar Yochai, and I am surprised that Rema of Fano included them here".
Several essays from the writings of the Ari were copied at the end of the manuscript, following "Kanfei Yonah":
· Essay regarding Shevirat HaMelachim, copied from the Ari's own handwriting. Printed with variations in Shaar Maamarei Rashbi and Sefer HaLikutim.
· Maamar HaMilluim by Rema of Fano. Printed at the end of the fifth part of Kanfei Yonah, Warsaw, 1899.
· "Sod HaMargala Maamar Olam Katan", from the school of R. Yisrael Sarug. Unprinted.
· Derush A.T. B.Ch. (mystical arrangements of the Hebrew alphabet). Printed in Etz Chaim, chapters 4-5.
· "Maamar HaMilluim" - kavanot (hidden meanings) for the weekday morning prayers and the Shabbat prayers, by R. Yehuda Romano, a disciple of the Ari. The first half of this essay has not been printed, while the second half, beginning with the kavanot of the Shemoneh Esrei, was printed in Sefer HaKavanot (Venice, 1620). This copying is, however, more accurate than the printed version.
Sod HaMargala and Drush A.T. B.Ch. are written in a different handwriting, evidently by a different scribe.
R. Naftali Bachrach Ashkenazi of Frankfurt, author of "Emek Hamelech" (Amsterdam, 1648), was a descendant of Rabbenu Gershom Me'or HaGolah, and considered among the greatest of the German kabbalists. He studied Kabbalah from a young age, and travelled great distances in order to acquire rare Kabbalistic texts, even reaching Eretz Israel. His book Emek HaMelech contains the first exposition of the teachings of Lurianic Kabbalah in Germany and Poland, over 130 years before the printing of Etz Chaim, R. Chaim Vital's exposition of the same subject matter. Emek HaMelech is based on the teachings of R. Yisrael Sarug, the teacher of Rema of Fano, and therefore aroused the criticism of the Sephardic kabbalists, led by R. Chaim Cohen, disciple of R. Chaim Vital (see Chida, Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, additions to letter Kuf), who forbade studying Lurianic Kabbalah from any source other than the teachings of R. Chaim Vital. On the other hand, the teachings of R. Naftali Bachrach were widely acclaimed by the Ashkenazic kabbalists, both Chassidim and Mitnagdim. His work has approbations from the "Pnei Yehoshua" and the "Tosfot Yom Tov". The author of the "Leshem" wrote in a letter: "When comparing the works of R. Chaim Cohen and Emek HaMelech, it is difficult to ascertain who was greater and if it is right to dismiss the Emek HaMelech…" (Yeshurun, 22, p. 842). The Leshem further wrote there: "R. Shmuel Chassid… quoted the Gra as stating that Emek HaMelech is an extremely important work".
Among the important sources of Emek HaMelech are the writings of the Rema of Fano, especially his book Kanfei Yonah, which R. Naftali Bachrach refers to as "finely-sifted flour… the greatest of his works widespread in the Diaspora". Entire paragraphs from Kanfei Yonah are copied into Emek Hamelech, occasionally without specifying their source. Nevertheless, until now it was unknown that any writings of the Ari or Rema of Fano were annotated or edited by R. Naftali Bachrach, and these glosses are the first discovery of his annotations to Kabbalistic works.
[199] leaves. 20 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains. New binding.
Complete manuscript, fine copying in ancient Ashkenazic script, with textual variations from the printed edition. The scribe included many glosses in "windows" in the text and in the margins, including many unprinted glosses and glosses by the Kabbalist R. Naftali Bachrach Ashkenazi, author of Emek HaMelech, which were previously unknown and have not been printed.
Kanfei Yonah is the first composition that collected and summarized the teachings of the Ari, R. Yitzchak Luria. It was compiled by several of the Ari's disciples, and later edited several times by the Rema of Fano, with many additions and glosses. The work as it is known today, first printed in Korets, 1786, is the version edited by the Rema of Fano, with additional glosses by German and Polish Kabbalists.
This manuscript contains the complete text of Kanfei Yonah, including all five parts, with many variations and additions from the printed version (the Korets edition has only four parts, and the fifth part was printed in Warsaw, 1899). The first paragraph of the manuscript differs markedly from the printed version as well as from other known manuscripts.
Additionally, this manuscript includes many glosses and textual variations which have not been printed. In some places, the scribe determines which is the correct version of the text (at times he compares the text with a manuscript written in Venice).
The manuscript was evidently copied after 1620, the year of the Rema of Fano's passing, since the colophon at the end of the fifth part ends with the words: "These are the words of the great author of blessed memory".
The previously unknown glosses of R. Naftali Bachrach Ashkenazi of Frankfurt, author of Emek HaMelech, add great importance to this manuscript. One of the glosses (part II, section 109), is signed with his full name: "Naftali Bachrach Ashkenazi", and two further glosses (part IV, section 12; kavanot of the "V'Lameshumadim" blessing) are signed "in my humble opinion, Naftali". It is possible that some of the other unsigned glosses were also authored by him.
Two glosses contain particularly fascinating content. One (part II, section 109) states, "It seems to me that this is from the teachings of R. Moshe Cordovero through his disciple R. Avraham HaLevi, and thus states R. Chaim Vital in his writings…". A second (ibid, section 115) states, "The rabbi wrote in Kavanat HaMitzvot that the Ari said that these verses… should not be said, and he almost doubted them being of the tradition from R. Shimon bar Yochai, and I am surprised that Rema of Fano included them here".
Several essays from the writings of the Ari were copied at the end of the manuscript, following "Kanfei Yonah":
· Essay regarding Shevirat HaMelachim, copied from the Ari's own handwriting. Printed with variations in Shaar Maamarei Rashbi and Sefer HaLikutim.
· Maamar HaMilluim by Rema of Fano. Printed at the end of the fifth part of Kanfei Yonah, Warsaw, 1899.
· "Sod HaMargala Maamar Olam Katan", from the school of R. Yisrael Sarug. Unprinted.
· Derush A.T. B.Ch. (mystical arrangements of the Hebrew alphabet). Printed in Etz Chaim, chapters 4-5.
· "Maamar HaMilluim" - kavanot (hidden meanings) for the weekday morning prayers and the Shabbat prayers, by R. Yehuda Romano, a disciple of the Ari. The first half of this essay has not been printed, while the second half, beginning with the kavanot of the Shemoneh Esrei, was printed in Sefer HaKavanot (Venice, 1620). This copying is, however, more accurate than the printed version.
Sod HaMargala and Drush A.T. B.Ch. are written in a different handwriting, evidently by a different scribe.
R. Naftali Bachrach Ashkenazi of Frankfurt, author of "Emek Hamelech" (Amsterdam, 1648), was a descendant of Rabbenu Gershom Me'or HaGolah, and considered among the greatest of the German kabbalists. He studied Kabbalah from a young age, and travelled great distances in order to acquire rare Kabbalistic texts, even reaching Eretz Israel. His book Emek HaMelech contains the first exposition of the teachings of Lurianic Kabbalah in Germany and Poland, over 130 years before the printing of Etz Chaim, R. Chaim Vital's exposition of the same subject matter. Emek HaMelech is based on the teachings of R. Yisrael Sarug, the teacher of Rema of Fano, and therefore aroused the criticism of the Sephardic kabbalists, led by R. Chaim Cohen, disciple of R. Chaim Vital (see Chida, Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, additions to letter Kuf), who forbade studying Lurianic Kabbalah from any source other than the teachings of R. Chaim Vital. On the other hand, the teachings of R. Naftali Bachrach were widely acclaimed by the Ashkenazic kabbalists, both Chassidim and Mitnagdim. His work has approbations from the "Pnei Yehoshua" and the "Tosfot Yom Tov". The author of the "Leshem" wrote in a letter: "When comparing the works of R. Chaim Cohen and Emek HaMelech, it is difficult to ascertain who was greater and if it is right to dismiss the Emek HaMelech…" (Yeshurun, 22, p. 842). The Leshem further wrote there: "R. Shmuel Chassid… quoted the Gra as stating that Emek HaMelech is an extremely important work".
Among the important sources of Emek HaMelech are the writings of the Rema of Fano, especially his book Kanfei Yonah, which R. Naftali Bachrach refers to as "finely-sifted flour… the greatest of his works widespread in the Diaspora". Entire paragraphs from Kanfei Yonah are copied into Emek Hamelech, occasionally without specifying their source. Nevertheless, until now it was unknown that any writings of the Ari or Rema of Fano were annotated or edited by R. Naftali Bachrach, and these glosses are the first discovery of his annotations to Kabbalistic works.
[199] leaves. 20 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains. New binding.
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Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $9,375
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, "Etz HaChaim of the Ari", by R. Chaim Vital, with various additions: prayers, liturgical poems, Shabbat songs with commentary, Kabbalistic illustrations and charts, segulot and cures. [Neat Ashkenazic handwriting, Russia-Poland, ca. 1770].
The scribe's colophon (p. 358a) reads: "The book Etz HaChaim of the Ari is complete. Aharon son of Eliyahu, who wrote this book" [the copier is, seemingly, R. Aharon ben Eliyahu of Chmielnik, who copied the book Pri Etz Chaim in Fastiv, Ukraine, in 1771; see the catalogue of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts, call no. F 40398].
The final leaves of the book, as well as the flyleaves and endpapers, contain a miscellany (in a different handwriting, ca. 18th century) including prayers, poems, and Kabbalistic commentaries (for a detailed listing, see the Hebrew description).
The texts of Etz Chaim and of the various additions in this manuscript vary considerably from the printed versions of these works, which were brought to print in the following years.
[5 pages], 358 leaves; [33 pages]. 19 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Wear and worming. Original leather-covered wooden binding, with ornamentation and remnants of clasps; damaged and torn. Placed in a matching slipcase.
The scribe's colophon (p. 358a) reads: "The book Etz HaChaim of the Ari is complete. Aharon son of Eliyahu, who wrote this book" [the copier is, seemingly, R. Aharon ben Eliyahu of Chmielnik, who copied the book Pri Etz Chaim in Fastiv, Ukraine, in 1771; see the catalogue of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts, call no. F 40398].
The final leaves of the book, as well as the flyleaves and endpapers, contain a miscellany (in a different handwriting, ca. 18th century) including prayers, poems, and Kabbalistic commentaries (for a detailed listing, see the Hebrew description).
The texts of Etz Chaim and of the various additions in this manuscript vary considerably from the printed versions of these works, which were brought to print in the following years.
[5 pages], 358 leaves; [33 pages]. 19 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Wear and worming. Original leather-covered wooden binding, with ornamentation and remnants of clasps; damaged and torn. Placed in a matching slipcase.
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