Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
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Displaying 85 - 96 of 200
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000
Sold for: $13,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter written by a scribe, signed by Rebbe Aharon of Chernobyl: "So says Aharon son of the renowned R. Mordechai". [Chernobyl, ca. late 1860s].
Familial greetings letter addressed to his son-in-law Rebbe David Moshe of Chortkov (Chortkiv) and daughter Rebbetzin Faiga, grandchildren R. Menachem [Nachum] Mordechai and his wife Sheva "of holy descent", and "my grandson R. Yisrael". Blessings for a complete recovery for his daughter and their daughter-in-law. The Rebbe requests and entreats them to inform him "explicitly of their health without altering the facts, and may G-d send a complete recovery to the dear daughter and their daughter-in-law immediately, and thereby literally restore my soul…".
Rebbe Aharon Twersky of Chernobyl (1787-1871) was a foremost and elder rebbe in his generation and prominent leader of the Jewish and Chassidic world in the mid-19th century. He was the eldest son of Rebbe Mordechai of Chernobyl and his ancestors' successor as rebbe of Chernobyl. He received his education from his grandfather Rebbe Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl, the Meor Einayim. Already during his father's lifetime, he occupied a central position in the Chassidic world, and his father wrote of him that he shields the generation by the scope of his holiness. After his father's passing in 1838, the latter's eight sons began serving as rebbes in various cities, and the eldest son R. Aharon acceded to his father's position in Chernobyl. His brothers all treated him with great deference and recognized his supremacy even in private matters. Rebbe Aharon himself was aware of the authority he held and would address the public in sharp and decisive terms. It is noteworthy to quote his wording in a letter he wrote: "I hereby inform them that even if they would live as long as Metushelach, they would not realize nor understand even a thousandth of what I did to assist them during those times, with the help of G-d who affords eternal salvation".
R. Aharon lived to an old age and saw many of his descendants serve as rebbes, as he was accustomed to appoint his grandsons as rebbes already in his lifetime. The most prominent rebbe amongst his descendants was the recipient of this letter – his son-in-law R. David Moshe of Chortkov (1827-1903), whom he greatly revered, as disclosed from the way he addresses him in this letter: "To my honored son-in-law, my close friend, the holy rabbi and renowned pious one, the holy luminary… R. David Moshe, and his wife my dear G-d fearing daughter Faiga…".
His daughter, Rebbetzin Faiga, was the maternal granddaughter of R. Aharon of Tetiyev (Tetiiv), a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov. His grandson R. Menachem Nachum Mordechai, mentioned in this letter, passed away at a young age in 1870, and his widow Rebbetzin Sheva remarried Rebbe Yisrael of Sadigura (Sadhora). His grandson Yisrael, mentioned in the letter, is Rebbe Yisrael of Chortkov (1854-1933), foremost rebbe and leader of Orthodox Jewry in the 1900-1930s.
[1] leaf. 21.5X11.5 cm. Very good condition. Stains and light creases.
Familial greetings letter addressed to his son-in-law Rebbe David Moshe of Chortkov (Chortkiv) and daughter Rebbetzin Faiga, grandchildren R. Menachem [Nachum] Mordechai and his wife Sheva "of holy descent", and "my grandson R. Yisrael". Blessings for a complete recovery for his daughter and their daughter-in-law. The Rebbe requests and entreats them to inform him "explicitly of their health without altering the facts, and may G-d send a complete recovery to the dear daughter and their daughter-in-law immediately, and thereby literally restore my soul…".
Rebbe Aharon Twersky of Chernobyl (1787-1871) was a foremost and elder rebbe in his generation and prominent leader of the Jewish and Chassidic world in the mid-19th century. He was the eldest son of Rebbe Mordechai of Chernobyl and his ancestors' successor as rebbe of Chernobyl. He received his education from his grandfather Rebbe Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl, the Meor Einayim. Already during his father's lifetime, he occupied a central position in the Chassidic world, and his father wrote of him that he shields the generation by the scope of his holiness. After his father's passing in 1838, the latter's eight sons began serving as rebbes in various cities, and the eldest son R. Aharon acceded to his father's position in Chernobyl. His brothers all treated him with great deference and recognized his supremacy even in private matters. Rebbe Aharon himself was aware of the authority he held and would address the public in sharp and decisive terms. It is noteworthy to quote his wording in a letter he wrote: "I hereby inform them that even if they would live as long as Metushelach, they would not realize nor understand even a thousandth of what I did to assist them during those times, with the help of G-d who affords eternal salvation".
R. Aharon lived to an old age and saw many of his descendants serve as rebbes, as he was accustomed to appoint his grandsons as rebbes already in his lifetime. The most prominent rebbe amongst his descendants was the recipient of this letter – his son-in-law R. David Moshe of Chortkov (1827-1903), whom he greatly revered, as disclosed from the way he addresses him in this letter: "To my honored son-in-law, my close friend, the holy rabbi and renowned pious one, the holy luminary… R. David Moshe, and his wife my dear G-d fearing daughter Faiga…".
His daughter, Rebbetzin Faiga, was the maternal granddaughter of R. Aharon of Tetiyev (Tetiiv), a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov. His grandson R. Menachem Nachum Mordechai, mentioned in this letter, passed away at a young age in 1870, and his widow Rebbetzin Sheva remarried Rebbe Yisrael of Sadigura (Sadhora). His grandson Yisrael, mentioned in the letter, is Rebbe Yisrael of Chortkov (1854-1933), foremost rebbe and leader of Orthodox Jewry in the 1900-1930s.
[1] leaf. 21.5X11.5 cm. Very good condition. Stains and light creases.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $6,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $13,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by Rebbe Avraham Yaakov son of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, addressed to the philanthropist R. Yisrael Chaim Daniel of Yas. Potik Estate, Tishrei 6 1851.
Letter confirming receipt of donations for Eretz Israel, with blessings for a positive final sealing "for good life and peace". Written by a scribe, with the handwritten signature: "So says Avraham Yaakov son of R. Yisrael". Composed at the beginning of his tenure as Rebbe, within a year of the passing of his father R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, and less than a month following the passing of his eldest brother R. Shalom Yosef on Elul 11, 1851.
Rebbe Avraham Yaakov Friedman (the I) of Sadigura (1819-1883) was a prominent Rebbe and Jewish leader in his generation. He was the son and successor of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin in his Beit Midrash in Sadigura (Sadhora), the son-in-law of R. Aharon of Karlin the Beit Aharon, and from his second marriage, of R. Menachem Nachum of Shtefanesht.
In Elul 1851, he was appointed Rebbe of Sadigura, in place of his father and older brother R. Shalom Yosef (who passed away Elul 11, 1851). He presumably reached Sadigura sometime in 1851-1852 (Derech Malchut, p. 455). This letter was written while he was still in Potik Estate, before he arrived in Sadigura (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 108 states that after his father passed away in 1851, all six brothers remained in their father's estate in Potik. That same year, the eldest brother R. Shalom Yosef of Ruzhin passed away. For the High Holidays of 1851, R. Avraham Yaakov was summoned to Sadigura, and since then, he resided there and became known by that name. This letter, which is dated Tishrei 6 1851, mentions the location it was written in: "Here, Potik", which does not conform with the facts recorded in the Encyclopedia, according to which R. Avraham Yaakov already spent the High Holidays in Sadigura).
He served as rebbe for close to 32 years, leading a Chassidic court of thousands of Chassidim and pious men. Many flocked to receive his blessings, guidance and advice. He concealed his holiness, and only by chance was it revealed that he dealt extensively in assisting deceased people attain a reparation for their soul. He conducted himself with majestic opulence and lavishness, as was customary in the Ruzhin dynasty, yet he himself was holy and ascetic, eating so little that his intestines shriveled up. He stood at the helm of Orthodox Jewry of his generation, and joined Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz under the Machzikei HaDat organism in Galicia. At his initiative, the magnificent Tiferet Yisrael synagogue in Jerusalem was completed. In his public activism, he maintained ties with important players of international politics, including Sir Moses Montefiore and the British diplomat Laurence Oliphant, who came to Sadigura specifically to meet him (Derech Malchut, p. 456). He suffered the Russian government's persecution of the Ruzhin dynasty, and after he addressed a letter to Montefiore requesting his intervention in saving Russian Jewry from the Russian Czar, he was denounced to the government of the Austro-Hungarian empire under trumped up charges of counterfeiting money, which led to his incarceration for almost two years (between 1856-1858).
The recipient of the letter: the philanthropist, R. Yisrael Chaim Daniel of Yas (Iași, Romania), was a prominent wealthy man attached to the leading Chassidic righteous men, hosting them in his home. Amongst others, he was close to the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, who was appointed rabbi of Iași at his initiative. R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, the father of Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura (writer of this letter), spent the winter of 1842 in his home, when he escaped the Kiev prison to Iași. R. Daniel of Iași was a pious Chassid, who would rise every night to recite Tikun Chatzot. He dedicated a hall in his mansion for Torah study and prayer. He allegedly prepared a special gold painted room for hosting Mashiach (R. Yeshaya Horowitz, Zichronot Shilo, first printed in Migdal Oz by R. Y. Mondshine, p. 251).
[1] double leaf, 21.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear and folding marks. Slight damage to the top left-hand corner. Stamps and serial inscription at the head of the page.
This letter and a (partial) photograph of it were printed in Igrot HaRav MiRuzhin UBanav, II, pp. 152-153.
Letter confirming receipt of donations for Eretz Israel, with blessings for a positive final sealing "for good life and peace". Written by a scribe, with the handwritten signature: "So says Avraham Yaakov son of R. Yisrael". Composed at the beginning of his tenure as Rebbe, within a year of the passing of his father R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, and less than a month following the passing of his eldest brother R. Shalom Yosef on Elul 11, 1851.
Rebbe Avraham Yaakov Friedman (the I) of Sadigura (1819-1883) was a prominent Rebbe and Jewish leader in his generation. He was the son and successor of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin in his Beit Midrash in Sadigura (Sadhora), the son-in-law of R. Aharon of Karlin the Beit Aharon, and from his second marriage, of R. Menachem Nachum of Shtefanesht.
In Elul 1851, he was appointed Rebbe of Sadigura, in place of his father and older brother R. Shalom Yosef (who passed away Elul 11, 1851). He presumably reached Sadigura sometime in 1851-1852 (Derech Malchut, p. 455). This letter was written while he was still in Potik Estate, before he arrived in Sadigura (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 108 states that after his father passed away in 1851, all six brothers remained in their father's estate in Potik. That same year, the eldest brother R. Shalom Yosef of Ruzhin passed away. For the High Holidays of 1851, R. Avraham Yaakov was summoned to Sadigura, and since then, he resided there and became known by that name. This letter, which is dated Tishrei 6 1851, mentions the location it was written in: "Here, Potik", which does not conform with the facts recorded in the Encyclopedia, according to which R. Avraham Yaakov already spent the High Holidays in Sadigura).
He served as rebbe for close to 32 years, leading a Chassidic court of thousands of Chassidim and pious men. Many flocked to receive his blessings, guidance and advice. He concealed his holiness, and only by chance was it revealed that he dealt extensively in assisting deceased people attain a reparation for their soul. He conducted himself with majestic opulence and lavishness, as was customary in the Ruzhin dynasty, yet he himself was holy and ascetic, eating so little that his intestines shriveled up. He stood at the helm of Orthodox Jewry of his generation, and joined Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz under the Machzikei HaDat organism in Galicia. At his initiative, the magnificent Tiferet Yisrael synagogue in Jerusalem was completed. In his public activism, he maintained ties with important players of international politics, including Sir Moses Montefiore and the British diplomat Laurence Oliphant, who came to Sadigura specifically to meet him (Derech Malchut, p. 456). He suffered the Russian government's persecution of the Ruzhin dynasty, and after he addressed a letter to Montefiore requesting his intervention in saving Russian Jewry from the Russian Czar, he was denounced to the government of the Austro-Hungarian empire under trumped up charges of counterfeiting money, which led to his incarceration for almost two years (between 1856-1858).
The recipient of the letter: the philanthropist, R. Yisrael Chaim Daniel of Yas (Iași, Romania), was a prominent wealthy man attached to the leading Chassidic righteous men, hosting them in his home. Amongst others, he was close to the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, who was appointed rabbi of Iași at his initiative. R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, the father of Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura (writer of this letter), spent the winter of 1842 in his home, when he escaped the Kiev prison to Iași. R. Daniel of Iași was a pious Chassid, who would rise every night to recite Tikun Chatzot. He dedicated a hall in his mansion for Torah study and prayer. He allegedly prepared a special gold painted room for hosting Mashiach (R. Yeshaya Horowitz, Zichronot Shilo, first printed in Migdal Oz by R. Y. Mondshine, p. 251).
[1] double leaf, 21.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear and folding marks. Slight damage to the top left-hand corner. Stamps and serial inscription at the head of the page.
This letter and a (partial) photograph of it were printed in Igrot HaRav MiRuzhin UBanav, II, pp. 152-153.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $25,000
Including buyer's premium
Interesting letter regarding collection of funds for the Chassidic settlement in Tiberias, with lines handwritten and signed by Rebbe "Moshe son of our teacher R. Yisrael" of Kobryn. [Kobryn], Av [1853].
The letter was written to three managers of the Kollel Reisin, R. David Eliyahu [son of R. Neta of Brody], R. Menachem Eliezer [brother of R. Moshe of Kobryn] and R. Menachem Mendel [son of R. Mordechai of Reisin]. The letter begins with the Rebbe's good wishes for the New Year: "Life and peace and blessing and a blessed good year, ketiva v'chatima tova…".
This letter was written about four years before the Rebbe's passing and he writes that due to his old age, he cannot continue collecting funds for supporting the Chassidic yishuv in Eretz Israel. Further in the letter, the Rebbe outlines plans for the management and collection of funds for Eretz Israel from then on. At the end of the letter, the Rebbe made an effort and wrote eight lines in his own handwriting: "My friend… if G-d will give me life… I will not cease from expending efforts for… Although I do not know if I will be able to make the rounds by myself, I will do from my home whatever I can… G-d knows my heart that I want the best for them… and always seek their benefit. Moshe son of our teacher R. Yisrael".
The background of this letter: For many years, R. Moshe of Kobryn would devotedly and tirelessly make rounds throughout Lithuania and Reisin (Belarus) collecting funds to support the Chassidic settlement in Tiberias (descendants of the large Chassidic aliya in 1777). In his lifetime, his teacher the Saba Kaddisha R. Mordechai of Lyakhavichy (Lechovitz) appointed his disciple R. Moshe of Kobryn for this position. The Rebbe delegated the responsibility for collecting tzedaka for Eretz Israel charities to various gaba'im in a number of regions and R. Moshe of Kobryn would travel several times a year to collect these funds from the gaba'im. One of these gaba'im was a close friend of R. Moshe - R. Yechiel Rabbi of Novaya Mysh who died in Tevet 1852. At that time, R. Moshe who was nearing his seventies had aged considerably and could not continue these journeys. In this letter, he tells the managers of Kollel Reisin in Tiberias that his strength has ebbed and that he cannot endure these trips and suggests other ways to support the yishuv from then on.
In the summer of 1855, the managers of Kollel Reisin in Tiberias wrote a letter to R. Moshe's eminent disciple R. Avraham Weinberg, author of Yesod HaAvodah requesting that he take this responsibility upon himself, and he acceded to their request. In their letter, they wrote: "Upon receiving the long letter from the Rabbi [of Kobryn, apparently referring to this letter], stating that he cannot travel anymore on his own, and he instructed us to urge and authorize someone who is fitting for this activity… On behalf of Eretz Israel and its settlers, we have unanimously agreed to burden you with this work…" (Yesod HaMa'alah, vol. 1, p. 351).
R. Moshe Polier of Kobryn (1784-1858), an illustrious Chassidic leader and prominent Lithuanian tsaddik. Primary disciple of R. Mordechai of Lyakhavichy and teacher of the first Slonim Rebbe, R. Avraham Weinberg, author of Yesod HaAvodah. In 1810, after the passing of his teacher R. Mordechai of Lyakhavichy, R. Moshe joined the court of R. Mordechai's son, R. Noach, and after the latter's passing in 1833, R. Moshe was given the position of Rebbe in Kobryn. Holy lofty tsaddik, wonder-worker with ruach hakodesh, he loved the Jewish People with all his heart. He would pray with fervency until fainting from the exertion. Author of Beit HaLevi, whose father-in-law was a Kobryn Chassid, once said about him "Moshe Emet V'Torato Emet (Moshe is truth and his Torah is truth)" [the book Machshevot Nachum (pp. 239-240) cites that R. Chaim of Brisk was seriously ill in his childhood and the blessing of R. Moshe of Kobryn saved his life. The family of the Kobryn Rebbes was accustomed to saying that R. Chaim was half a Chassid…].
[1] leaf. 20.5. Fair-poor condition. Dampstains. Faded ink. Wear and folding marks. Some lines are illegible. Mounted on thin paper for preservation.
The letter was written to three managers of the Kollel Reisin, R. David Eliyahu [son of R. Neta of Brody], R. Menachem Eliezer [brother of R. Moshe of Kobryn] and R. Menachem Mendel [son of R. Mordechai of Reisin]. The letter begins with the Rebbe's good wishes for the New Year: "Life and peace and blessing and a blessed good year, ketiva v'chatima tova…".
This letter was written about four years before the Rebbe's passing and he writes that due to his old age, he cannot continue collecting funds for supporting the Chassidic yishuv in Eretz Israel. Further in the letter, the Rebbe outlines plans for the management and collection of funds for Eretz Israel from then on. At the end of the letter, the Rebbe made an effort and wrote eight lines in his own handwriting: "My friend… if G-d will give me life… I will not cease from expending efforts for… Although I do not know if I will be able to make the rounds by myself, I will do from my home whatever I can… G-d knows my heart that I want the best for them… and always seek their benefit. Moshe son of our teacher R. Yisrael".
The background of this letter: For many years, R. Moshe of Kobryn would devotedly and tirelessly make rounds throughout Lithuania and Reisin (Belarus) collecting funds to support the Chassidic settlement in Tiberias (descendants of the large Chassidic aliya in 1777). In his lifetime, his teacher the Saba Kaddisha R. Mordechai of Lyakhavichy (Lechovitz) appointed his disciple R. Moshe of Kobryn for this position. The Rebbe delegated the responsibility for collecting tzedaka for Eretz Israel charities to various gaba'im in a number of regions and R. Moshe of Kobryn would travel several times a year to collect these funds from the gaba'im. One of these gaba'im was a close friend of R. Moshe - R. Yechiel Rabbi of Novaya Mysh who died in Tevet 1852. At that time, R. Moshe who was nearing his seventies had aged considerably and could not continue these journeys. In this letter, he tells the managers of Kollel Reisin in Tiberias that his strength has ebbed and that he cannot endure these trips and suggests other ways to support the yishuv from then on.
In the summer of 1855, the managers of Kollel Reisin in Tiberias wrote a letter to R. Moshe's eminent disciple R. Avraham Weinberg, author of Yesod HaAvodah requesting that he take this responsibility upon himself, and he acceded to their request. In their letter, they wrote: "Upon receiving the long letter from the Rabbi [of Kobryn, apparently referring to this letter], stating that he cannot travel anymore on his own, and he instructed us to urge and authorize someone who is fitting for this activity… On behalf of Eretz Israel and its settlers, we have unanimously agreed to burden you with this work…" (Yesod HaMa'alah, vol. 1, p. 351).
R. Moshe Polier of Kobryn (1784-1858), an illustrious Chassidic leader and prominent Lithuanian tsaddik. Primary disciple of R. Mordechai of Lyakhavichy and teacher of the first Slonim Rebbe, R. Avraham Weinberg, author of Yesod HaAvodah. In 1810, after the passing of his teacher R. Mordechai of Lyakhavichy, R. Moshe joined the court of R. Mordechai's son, R. Noach, and after the latter's passing in 1833, R. Moshe was given the position of Rebbe in Kobryn. Holy lofty tsaddik, wonder-worker with ruach hakodesh, he loved the Jewish People with all his heart. He would pray with fervency until fainting from the exertion. Author of Beit HaLevi, whose father-in-law was a Kobryn Chassid, once said about him "Moshe Emet V'Torato Emet (Moshe is truth and his Torah is truth)" [the book Machshevot Nachum (pp. 239-240) cites that R. Chaim of Brisk was seriously ill in his childhood and the blessing of R. Moshe of Kobryn saved his life. The family of the Kobryn Rebbes was accustomed to saying that R. Chaim was half a Chassid…].
[1] leaf. 20.5. Fair-poor condition. Dampstains. Faded ink. Wear and folding marks. Some lines are illegible. Mounted on thin paper for preservation.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $20,000
Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000
Unsold
Olelot Efraim, homilies for festivals and ethics, by R. Efraim of Luntschitz (Łęczyca). Zhovkva, 1763. The word "Amsterdam" is emphasized on the title page.
Ownership inscription at the top of the title page: "G-d granted me, Yitzchak Meir" – Signature of R. Yitzchak Meir Alter, the first Rebbe of Ger, author of Chiddushei HaRim (1799-1866, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut II, pp. 413-423). A foremost scholar in Torah and Chassidism in his times and a leader of Polish Jewry. He was born following the blessing of the Maggid of Kozhnitz (who foretold that he would "illuminate the world with Torah"), and was nurtured and raised in his home, becoming his close disciple. At the age of 13, he moved to his father-in-law's house in Warsaw, where he learnt under R. Aryeh Leib Zuenz and gained fame throughout Poland as "the prodigy from Warsaw". After the passing of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, he became one of the primary disciples of R. Simcha Bunim of Pshische. With the latter's passing, a number of Chassidim wished to appoint him successor, but R. Yitzchak Meir gave deference to R. Menachem Mendel of Kotzk, influencing most of the Chassidim to follow the Rebbe of Kotzk. He became the most outstanding personage in the Kotzker court, eventually becoming the Rebbe's brother-in-law. In 1859, R. Yitzchak Meir was appointed the Kotzker Rebbe's successor and moved to nearby Gur (Góra Kalwaria), establishing the Ger Chassidic court and serving in its rabbinate. During his seven-year tenure, his court blossomed and thousands became his followers. Besides his exceptional piety, he was venerated as an outstanding Torah scholar and wrote many responsa on Halacha and Aggada named Chiddushei HaRim (acronym of R. Yitzchak Meir), a title he became known by. His books were highly lauded and expose his sharpness and exceptional Torah proficiency. He has maintained friendship ties with all the leading Torah scholars of his times, including those who opposed Chassidism. Among them were R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, R. Yitzchak of Warka, R. Akiva Eiger, R. Yaakov of Lissa (Leszno) the Netivot, Rabbi Eizel Charif, R. Shlomo Kluger and others. He led Polish Jewry and firmly stood his ground on many public issues. He publicly supported the Polish revolution in 1830, and after it failed, was forced to flee to Lviv (which was at the time under Austrian rule). He was also known for his valiant struggle against the "Dress Decree" in 1846-1851. Following his orders to resist the decree, he was imprisoned but wide public protest forced the government to release him and cancel the decree. After his death, R. Chanoch Henach HaKohen of Aleksander succeeded him for a short while, and with his passing four years later, a grandson of the Chiddushei Harim, R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter, author of Sfat Emet was appointed the second rebbe of the Ger dynasty.
[23], 3-40, [34] leaves. Mispagination. 34 cm. Fair condition. Wear and worming to the text and margins, professionally restored with paper. New, ornamented and elegant leather binding, placed in a matching leather-covered slipcase.
Ownership inscription at the top of the title page: "G-d granted me, Yitzchak Meir" – Signature of R. Yitzchak Meir Alter, the first Rebbe of Ger, author of Chiddushei HaRim (1799-1866, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut II, pp. 413-423). A foremost scholar in Torah and Chassidism in his times and a leader of Polish Jewry. He was born following the blessing of the Maggid of Kozhnitz (who foretold that he would "illuminate the world with Torah"), and was nurtured and raised in his home, becoming his close disciple. At the age of 13, he moved to his father-in-law's house in Warsaw, where he learnt under R. Aryeh Leib Zuenz and gained fame throughout Poland as "the prodigy from Warsaw". After the passing of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, he became one of the primary disciples of R. Simcha Bunim of Pshische. With the latter's passing, a number of Chassidim wished to appoint him successor, but R. Yitzchak Meir gave deference to R. Menachem Mendel of Kotzk, influencing most of the Chassidim to follow the Rebbe of Kotzk. He became the most outstanding personage in the Kotzker court, eventually becoming the Rebbe's brother-in-law. In 1859, R. Yitzchak Meir was appointed the Kotzker Rebbe's successor and moved to nearby Gur (Góra Kalwaria), establishing the Ger Chassidic court and serving in its rabbinate. During his seven-year tenure, his court blossomed and thousands became his followers. Besides his exceptional piety, he was venerated as an outstanding Torah scholar and wrote many responsa on Halacha and Aggada named Chiddushei HaRim (acronym of R. Yitzchak Meir), a title he became known by. His books were highly lauded and expose his sharpness and exceptional Torah proficiency. He has maintained friendship ties with all the leading Torah scholars of his times, including those who opposed Chassidism. Among them were R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, R. Yitzchak of Warka, R. Akiva Eiger, R. Yaakov of Lissa (Leszno) the Netivot, Rabbi Eizel Charif, R. Shlomo Kluger and others. He led Polish Jewry and firmly stood his ground on many public issues. He publicly supported the Polish revolution in 1830, and after it failed, was forced to flee to Lviv (which was at the time under Austrian rule). He was also known for his valiant struggle against the "Dress Decree" in 1846-1851. Following his orders to resist the decree, he was imprisoned but wide public protest forced the government to release him and cancel the decree. After his death, R. Chanoch Henach HaKohen of Aleksander succeeded him for a short while, and with his passing four years later, a grandson of the Chiddushei Harim, R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter, author of Sfat Emet was appointed the second rebbe of the Ger dynasty.
[23], 3-40, [34] leaves. Mispagination. 34 cm. Fair condition. Wear and worming to the text and margins, professionally restored with paper. New, ornamented and elegant leather binding, placed in a matching leather-covered slipcase.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $5,250
Including buyer's premium
Double leaf (3 written pages), consisting of a copying of a responsum letter from R. Yisrael Yehoshua Trunk of Kutno, the Yeshuot Malko, and a complete page (21 lines) handwritten by Rebbe Yaakov Aryeh Gutterman, containing his response to R. Yisrael Yehoshua's letter. [Radzymin, 1856].
Both letters deal with laws of divorce documents. The letters are unsigned. The first letter, from the Gaon of Kutno, is addressed to R. Yaakov Aryeh, dated 9 Adar I, 1856: "To my dear friend, great rabbi, the prominent R. Yaakov Aryeh", and begins with a response to a previous letter by R. Yaakov Aryeh (this responsum was printed in full in his book Yavin Daat, Pietrokov, Selected Responsa section 1). The third page: the responsum of the holy Gaon of Radzymin, in his own (distinctive) handwriting, beginning with: "and what His Torah Eminence wrote…".
Our assumption is that these are copyings that the Gaon of Radzymin saved for his personal use. On the first page, a copyist recorded the main points of the letter by R. Yisrael Yehoshua, and on the second page, the Rebbe of Radzymin himself copied his response to the letter, without the introductory sentence and signature.
Rebbe Yaakov Aryeh Gutterman of Radzymin (1792-1874, Encyclopedia of Chassidut II, pp. 254-256), was one of the elder rebbes and progenitors of Chassidism in Poland, renowned as an exceptional miracle-worker. In his youth, he became a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, who seated him amongst his leading disciples, attesting that he possessed a very lofty soul. He was a beloved disciple of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, but particularly frequented the Peshischa court of the Yid HaKadosh and of R. Bunim of Peshischa, and was considered one of their foremost disciples together with the Seraf of Kotsk, R. Yitzchak of Warka and the Chidushei HaRim. After the passing of R. Yitzchak of Warka, he was appointed rebbe to thousands of Chassidim and became reputed as a holy man and wonder-worker. Under his leadership, Radzymin became one of the Chassidic centers in Poland, and thousands flocked to him to receive his blessings and salvations, and all Rebbes of Peshischa were known to send him Chassidim who required a salvation.
His handwriting is a recognized Segula for protection. The Imrei Emet, Rebbe of Gur, reputedly accorded his son, the Lev Simcha (a son-in-law of the Radzymin dynasty), a manuscript of the Rebbe of Radzymin as a Segula for protection. In his hasty flight from Poland in 1940, the Lev Simcha lost the manuscript and was greatly distressed over it. However, when he later obtained a different manuscript of the Rebbe of Radzymin, he was overjoyed. At that occasion, the Lev Simcha stated that it was extremely rare for his father the Imrei Emet to term an item a Segula and a protection, demonstrating the importance of such a manuscript in his eyes.
[1] double leaf. 20.5 cm. 3 written pages. Including 21 autograph lines of the Rebbe. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
Provenance: Collection of Rebbe Yechiel Meir Morgenstern of Kotsk-Łomazy (1894-1974), son of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Łomazy (who lived for a while in Praga, near Warsaw). The fourth page contains stamps of R. "Yechiel Meir son of the holy rabbi Rebbe of Praga" and a handwritten inscription: "Letter number 62".
Both letters deal with laws of divorce documents. The letters are unsigned. The first letter, from the Gaon of Kutno, is addressed to R. Yaakov Aryeh, dated 9 Adar I, 1856: "To my dear friend, great rabbi, the prominent R. Yaakov Aryeh", and begins with a response to a previous letter by R. Yaakov Aryeh (this responsum was printed in full in his book Yavin Daat, Pietrokov, Selected Responsa section 1). The third page: the responsum of the holy Gaon of Radzymin, in his own (distinctive) handwriting, beginning with: "and what His Torah Eminence wrote…".
Our assumption is that these are copyings that the Gaon of Radzymin saved for his personal use. On the first page, a copyist recorded the main points of the letter by R. Yisrael Yehoshua, and on the second page, the Rebbe of Radzymin himself copied his response to the letter, without the introductory sentence and signature.
Rebbe Yaakov Aryeh Gutterman of Radzymin (1792-1874, Encyclopedia of Chassidut II, pp. 254-256), was one of the elder rebbes and progenitors of Chassidism in Poland, renowned as an exceptional miracle-worker. In his youth, he became a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, who seated him amongst his leading disciples, attesting that he possessed a very lofty soul. He was a beloved disciple of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, but particularly frequented the Peshischa court of the Yid HaKadosh and of R. Bunim of Peshischa, and was considered one of their foremost disciples together with the Seraf of Kotsk, R. Yitzchak of Warka and the Chidushei HaRim. After the passing of R. Yitzchak of Warka, he was appointed rebbe to thousands of Chassidim and became reputed as a holy man and wonder-worker. Under his leadership, Radzymin became one of the Chassidic centers in Poland, and thousands flocked to him to receive his blessings and salvations, and all Rebbes of Peshischa were known to send him Chassidim who required a salvation.
His handwriting is a recognized Segula for protection. The Imrei Emet, Rebbe of Gur, reputedly accorded his son, the Lev Simcha (a son-in-law of the Radzymin dynasty), a manuscript of the Rebbe of Radzymin as a Segula for protection. In his hasty flight from Poland in 1940, the Lev Simcha lost the manuscript and was greatly distressed over it. However, when he later obtained a different manuscript of the Rebbe of Radzymin, he was overjoyed. At that occasion, the Lev Simcha stated that it was extremely rare for his father the Imrei Emet to term an item a Segula and a protection, demonstrating the importance of such a manuscript in his eyes.
[1] double leaf. 20.5 cm. 3 written pages. Including 21 autograph lines of the Rebbe. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
Provenance: Collection of Rebbe Yechiel Meir Morgenstern of Kotsk-Łomazy (1894-1974), son of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Łomazy (who lived for a while in Praga, near Warsaw). The fourth page contains stamps of R. "Yechiel Meir son of the holy rabbi Rebbe of Praga" and a handwritten inscription: "Letter number 62".
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Sold for: $16,250
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by Rebbe Menashe Rubin of Ropshitz (Ropczyce). Invitation to the wedding of his daughter Reitza with the groom R. Eliezer Lipa. Ropshitz, [Elul 1857].
Letter written by a scribe, concluding with one line handwritten and signed by Rebbe Menashe of Ropshitz: "So are the words of he who loves him, his relative and friend who seeks the welfare of his Torah wholeheartedly, Menashe Ropshitz".
The letter was sent to the Gorlice community, addressed to the philanthropist R. Betzalel Weinberger. The verso of the leaf contains the address, and an additional letter (in Yiddish) handwritten and signed by R. Shmuel Weinberger, writing to his mother and requesting she send a certain item with the messenger bearing this letter.
Rebbe Menashe Rubin of Ropshitz (1795-1860), author of Lechem Shemeina, was the son and successor of Rebbe Asher Yeshaya Rubin of Ropshitz (1775-1845, author of Or Yesha, son-in-law and successor of Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz) and a disciple of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Rimanov (Rymanów). His disciples include several elders of the generation who still merited learning under his grandfather R. Naftali of Ropshitz. He was renowned for his love for his fellow Jew and his desire to shower them with an abundance of livelihood and blessing. In the foreword to his book Lechem Shemeina (Lviv, 1876), printed after his demise, the publisher R. Eliezer Eisen, Posek in Istrik (Ustrzyki Dolne) wrote: "and I called it (the book) so since I remember that in his lifetime, he always wished to draw upon the Jewish people an abundance of blessing and success". He had six daughters who produced dynasties of rebbes, chassidim and great people. His sons-in-law include: his successor Rebbe Yitzchak Mariles of Ropshitz, Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa Teitelbaum of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației) the Kedushat Yom Tov (a son-in-law in his first marriage), Rebbe Yissachar Berish Eichenstein of Veretzky (Nyzhni Vorota), author of Malbush LeShabbat VeYom Tov.
The recipient of the letter, the philanthropist R. Betzalel Weinberger of Gorlice, father-in-law of R. Avraham Chaim Horowitz Rabbi of Plontch (Połaniec) (who was the father-in-law of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Satmar [Satu Mare], in his first marriage).
[1] folded leaf, 17.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks, creases and stains. Writing on verso showing through.
Letter written by a scribe, concluding with one line handwritten and signed by Rebbe Menashe of Ropshitz: "So are the words of he who loves him, his relative and friend who seeks the welfare of his Torah wholeheartedly, Menashe Ropshitz".
The letter was sent to the Gorlice community, addressed to the philanthropist R. Betzalel Weinberger. The verso of the leaf contains the address, and an additional letter (in Yiddish) handwritten and signed by R. Shmuel Weinberger, writing to his mother and requesting she send a certain item with the messenger bearing this letter.
Rebbe Menashe Rubin of Ropshitz (1795-1860), author of Lechem Shemeina, was the son and successor of Rebbe Asher Yeshaya Rubin of Ropshitz (1775-1845, author of Or Yesha, son-in-law and successor of Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz) and a disciple of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Rimanov (Rymanów). His disciples include several elders of the generation who still merited learning under his grandfather R. Naftali of Ropshitz. He was renowned for his love for his fellow Jew and his desire to shower them with an abundance of livelihood and blessing. In the foreword to his book Lechem Shemeina (Lviv, 1876), printed after his demise, the publisher R. Eliezer Eisen, Posek in Istrik (Ustrzyki Dolne) wrote: "and I called it (the book) so since I remember that in his lifetime, he always wished to draw upon the Jewish people an abundance of blessing and success". He had six daughters who produced dynasties of rebbes, chassidim and great people. His sons-in-law include: his successor Rebbe Yitzchak Mariles of Ropshitz, Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa Teitelbaum of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației) the Kedushat Yom Tov (a son-in-law in his first marriage), Rebbe Yissachar Berish Eichenstein of Veretzky (Nyzhni Vorota), author of Malbush LeShabbat VeYom Tov.
The recipient of the letter, the philanthropist R. Betzalel Weinberger of Gorlice, father-in-law of R. Avraham Chaim Horowitz Rabbi of Plontch (Połaniec) (who was the father-in-law of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Satmar [Satu Mare], in his first marriage).
[1] folded leaf, 17.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks, creases and stains. Writing on verso showing through.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $15,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $27,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter of congratulations (unsigned), handwritten by Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, Rabbi of Sanz (Nowy Sącz), author of Divrei Chaim. [Sanz, ca. 1844].
Addressed to R. Yechezkel Panet, author of Mareh Yechezkel, congratulating him for the appointment of his son, R. Menachem Mendel of Desh (Dej) as rabbi and posek (of Urişor, Dej region):
"His letter reached me and I rejoiced upon hearing of the appointment of his astute son Menachem Mendel as rabbi and posek, may he be successful, edify upright disciples, lead his flock with compassion to fine springs and pastures, guiding them in the correct path, may his prestige be raised and may he grow onwards and upwards".
Inaccurate copies of this letter were published in Heichal HaBesht, 8, Tishrei 2004, pp. 100-101 (see there regarding the historic background of this letter); and in Ateret Chaim – Yalkut Igrot Kodesh, II, Brooklyn 1980, p. 106, letter 99.
Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, Rabbi of Sanz and author of Divrei Chaim (1797-1876) was the founder of the Sanz Chassidic dynasty. He was the son-in-law of R. Baruch Frankel-Teomim, author of Baruch Taam, and a disciple of Rebbe Naftali Tzvi of Ropshitz (Ropczyce) and Rebbe Tzvi Hirsch of Zidichov (Zhydachiv). He was renowned not only as one of the great Chassidic masters of his times, but also as a noted Halachic authority. His court attracted thousands of followers, among them many of the generation's rebbes. He established contact with many of the leading rabbis of his time and was an influential leader of Galician and Eastern European Jewry. His descendants followed in his footsteps, combining Chassidic leadership with Halachic erudition and serving both as Chassidic rebbes and as rabbis of cities in Galicia, Hungary and Romania. His eldest son was R. Yechezkel Halberstam, Rabbi and Rebbe of Shineva (Sieniawa). The Sanz dynasty is continued today through the Chassidic courts of Bobov, Sanz-Klausenberg, Stropkov, Czchow, Zhmigrod, Gorlice, and others.
R. Menachem Mendel Panet, Rabbi of Dej (1818-1885) was the son of Rebbe Yechezkel author of Mareh Yechezkel (1783-1845, a disciple of R. Mendel of Rymanów, served as Rabbi of Carlsburg [Alba Iulia] and of Siebenburgen [Transylvania]). In 1837, he studied in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer and was the only young man in the Pressburg Yeshiva who donned a Chassidic silk robe on Shabbat. His teacher, the Chatam Sofer, was very fond of him and used to stroll while conversing with him every Shabbat eve (he would dub him "the golden one"). While studying in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer, he merited a revelation of Eliyahu HaNavi who greeted him in the Beit Midrash, in the disguise of a poor person. R. Menachem Mendel was appointed by his father in ca. 1842-1844 as rabbi of the northern counties of Transylvania, yet since the government did not allow Jews to settle in the county capital Dej at that time, he meanwhile served as rabbi of Urişor (which is approx. 3 km away from Dej), and only in 1858 did he move over to serve as rabbi of Dej. From ca. 1855, he served as Chief Rabbi of Transylvania. He authored Maaglei Tzedek on the Torah and the series of responsa books Avnei Tzedek, Shaarei Tzedek and Mishpat Tzedek.
[1] leaf. approx. 13X5.5 cm. 5 lines handwritten by the Divrei Chaim. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
Addressed to R. Yechezkel Panet, author of Mareh Yechezkel, congratulating him for the appointment of his son, R. Menachem Mendel of Desh (Dej) as rabbi and posek (of Urişor, Dej region):
"His letter reached me and I rejoiced upon hearing of the appointment of his astute son Menachem Mendel as rabbi and posek, may he be successful, edify upright disciples, lead his flock with compassion to fine springs and pastures, guiding them in the correct path, may his prestige be raised and may he grow onwards and upwards".
Inaccurate copies of this letter were published in Heichal HaBesht, 8, Tishrei 2004, pp. 100-101 (see there regarding the historic background of this letter); and in Ateret Chaim – Yalkut Igrot Kodesh, II, Brooklyn 1980, p. 106, letter 99.
Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, Rabbi of Sanz and author of Divrei Chaim (1797-1876) was the founder of the Sanz Chassidic dynasty. He was the son-in-law of R. Baruch Frankel-Teomim, author of Baruch Taam, and a disciple of Rebbe Naftali Tzvi of Ropshitz (Ropczyce) and Rebbe Tzvi Hirsch of Zidichov (Zhydachiv). He was renowned not only as one of the great Chassidic masters of his times, but also as a noted Halachic authority. His court attracted thousands of followers, among them many of the generation's rebbes. He established contact with many of the leading rabbis of his time and was an influential leader of Galician and Eastern European Jewry. His descendants followed in his footsteps, combining Chassidic leadership with Halachic erudition and serving both as Chassidic rebbes and as rabbis of cities in Galicia, Hungary and Romania. His eldest son was R. Yechezkel Halberstam, Rabbi and Rebbe of Shineva (Sieniawa). The Sanz dynasty is continued today through the Chassidic courts of Bobov, Sanz-Klausenberg, Stropkov, Czchow, Zhmigrod, Gorlice, and others.
R. Menachem Mendel Panet, Rabbi of Dej (1818-1885) was the son of Rebbe Yechezkel author of Mareh Yechezkel (1783-1845, a disciple of R. Mendel of Rymanów, served as Rabbi of Carlsburg [Alba Iulia] and of Siebenburgen [Transylvania]). In 1837, he studied in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer and was the only young man in the Pressburg Yeshiva who donned a Chassidic silk robe on Shabbat. His teacher, the Chatam Sofer, was very fond of him and used to stroll while conversing with him every Shabbat eve (he would dub him "the golden one"). While studying in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer, he merited a revelation of Eliyahu HaNavi who greeted him in the Beit Midrash, in the disguise of a poor person. R. Menachem Mendel was appointed by his father in ca. 1842-1844 as rabbi of the northern counties of Transylvania, yet since the government did not allow Jews to settle in the county capital Dej at that time, he meanwhile served as rabbi of Urişor (which is approx. 3 km away from Dej), and only in 1858 did he move over to serve as rabbi of Dej. From ca. 1855, he served as Chief Rabbi of Transylvania. He authored Maaglei Tzedek on the Torah and the series of responsa books Avnei Tzedek, Shaarei Tzedek and Mishpat Tzedek.
[1] leaf. approx. 13X5.5 cm. 5 lines handwritten by the Divrei Chaim. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $12,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $25,000
Sold for: $35,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, Rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa). Sieniawa (Poland), Chanukah 1886.
Blessings of recovery for the residents of Téglás, who sent their names to be mentioned in prayer by the Rebbe (presumably following an epidemic):
"An abundance of goodness and imminent salvation to my friends the rabbis… residents of the Téglás village. I received your letter with the Pidyon Nefesh (redemption money) for the members of your community mentioned by name. May G-d have compassion on you, the healthy should not fall ill and the ill should recover speedily, and no misfortune should be heard in your boundaries nor in any Jewish town, only life, health and all the best…".
Written on his behalf by his scribe and attendant, the letter concludes with a line in the handwriting of the Rebbe: "So are the words of one who awaits good tidings amongst the entire Jewish people, Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam".
The first Shinova Rebbe, R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, Rabbi of Sieniawa (1815-1899), was the author of Divrei Yechezkel and eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. An outstanding Torah scholar, he was proficient in all realms of Torah, exoteric and esoteric, Halachic and Chassidic teachings. He was venerated in his role as rabbi and rebbe already during his father's lifetime. Progenitor of important Chassidic dynasties, with many of his sons and grandsons serving as rabbis and rebbes in various cities already in his lifetime. Holy and pure from his youth, he attended leading rebbes of his times and was considered their prominent disciple. He was famed for the miracles he performed, and reputedly instructed his disciples to save his letters, which would afford them protection and salvation.
[1] leaf. 22.5 cm. Fair condition. Tears to folding marks. Adhesive tape stains. Professionally mounted on thin paper for preservation. Stamp of the Rebbe: "Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, Sieniawa".
Blessings of recovery for the residents of Téglás, who sent their names to be mentioned in prayer by the Rebbe (presumably following an epidemic):
"An abundance of goodness and imminent salvation to my friends the rabbis… residents of the Téglás village. I received your letter with the Pidyon Nefesh (redemption money) for the members of your community mentioned by name. May G-d have compassion on you, the healthy should not fall ill and the ill should recover speedily, and no misfortune should be heard in your boundaries nor in any Jewish town, only life, health and all the best…".
Written on his behalf by his scribe and attendant, the letter concludes with a line in the handwriting of the Rebbe: "So are the words of one who awaits good tidings amongst the entire Jewish people, Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam".
The first Shinova Rebbe, R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, Rabbi of Sieniawa (1815-1899), was the author of Divrei Yechezkel and eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. An outstanding Torah scholar, he was proficient in all realms of Torah, exoteric and esoteric, Halachic and Chassidic teachings. He was venerated in his role as rabbi and rebbe already during his father's lifetime. Progenitor of important Chassidic dynasties, with many of his sons and grandsons serving as rabbis and rebbes in various cities already in his lifetime. Holy and pure from his youth, he attended leading rebbes of his times and was considered their prominent disciple. He was famed for the miracles he performed, and reputedly instructed his disciples to save his letters, which would afford them protection and salvation.
[1] leaf. 22.5 cm. Fair condition. Tears to folding marks. Adhesive tape stains. Professionally mounted on thin paper for preservation. Stamp of the Rebbe: "Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, Sieniawa".
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
![Letter signed by Rebbe Shalom Eliezer Halberstam. [Tarnów, 1897]. Written by a scribe and signed by R. "Shalom Eliezer Halber](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale63-public/93.jpg "Letter from Rebbe Shalom Eliezer Halberstam of Ratzfert – Tarnów, 1897")
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $7,000 - $9,000
Sold for: $9,375
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by Rebbe Shalom Eliezer Halberstam. [Tarnów, 1897]. Written by a scribe and signed by R. "Shalom Eliezer Halberstam son of the rabbi of Sanz". Stamps in Hebrew and Latin characters from the period of his residence in Tarnów: "Rabiner S.L. Halberstam, Tarnow, Galizien".
Addressed to a Jewish philanthropist in Hungary, the Rebbe writes: "…When I was in Hungary I heard of his honor… I am the son of the righteous and holy Rabbi of Sanz, and brother of the righteous and holy Rabbi of Shinova, and since I am very impoverished and the needs are great before the festivals, I am hereby pleading his honor... to afford me his generous donation, and in that merit may G-d bless his wealth and pour upon him an abundance of blessing and success, life and peace forever, and I too will pray for his wellbeing always …".
Rebbe Shalom Eliezer Halberstam (1862-1944) was one of the younger sons of the Divrei Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz, a leading righteous man and wonder-worker in the pre-Holocaust generation. Already as a youngster, prominent rebbes spoke of his holiness and lofty soul. For instance, during his stay in Sanz, the Tiferet Shlomo, Rebbe of Radomsk, reputedly pointed to R. Shalom Eliezer and said that at the coming of the Messiah he will be among the Jewish leaders. At the time of his father's death, he was only 14 years old, and was raised by his elder brother, the Rebbe of Shinova. He married his niece, daughter of his sister and brother-in-law Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky, Rabbi of Hornostaipil. In 1886, R. Shalom Eliezer settled in the city of Tarnów (Galicia), and cloistered himself in the kloiz of the Sanz Chassidim studying Torah day and night. In 1899, he established his court in Ratzfert (Ujfeherto, Hungary), remaining there for over 40 years. His reputation as a wonder-worker drew Jews from all over Hungary to his court in Ratzfert, who were subsequently helped by his blessings (see Rabbeinu HaKadosh MiRatzfert, Bnei Brak 2007, for numerous testimonies and accounts of miracles and salvations he effected). During the Holocaust he refused to abandon his community, and perished with them in Auschwitz in Sivan 1944.
Postcard. 14X9 cm. Good condition.
Addressed to a Jewish philanthropist in Hungary, the Rebbe writes: "…When I was in Hungary I heard of his honor… I am the son of the righteous and holy Rabbi of Sanz, and brother of the righteous and holy Rabbi of Shinova, and since I am very impoverished and the needs are great before the festivals, I am hereby pleading his honor... to afford me his generous donation, and in that merit may G-d bless his wealth and pour upon him an abundance of blessing and success, life and peace forever, and I too will pray for his wellbeing always …".
Rebbe Shalom Eliezer Halberstam (1862-1944) was one of the younger sons of the Divrei Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz, a leading righteous man and wonder-worker in the pre-Holocaust generation. Already as a youngster, prominent rebbes spoke of his holiness and lofty soul. For instance, during his stay in Sanz, the Tiferet Shlomo, Rebbe of Radomsk, reputedly pointed to R. Shalom Eliezer and said that at the coming of the Messiah he will be among the Jewish leaders. At the time of his father's death, he was only 14 years old, and was raised by his elder brother, the Rebbe of Shinova. He married his niece, daughter of his sister and brother-in-law Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky, Rabbi of Hornostaipil. In 1886, R. Shalom Eliezer settled in the city of Tarnów (Galicia), and cloistered himself in the kloiz of the Sanz Chassidim studying Torah day and night. In 1899, he established his court in Ratzfert (Ujfeherto, Hungary), remaining there for over 40 years. His reputation as a wonder-worker drew Jews from all over Hungary to his court in Ratzfert, who were subsequently helped by his blessings (see Rabbeinu HaKadosh MiRatzfert, Bnei Brak 2007, for numerous testimonies and accounts of miracles and salvations he effected). During the Holocaust he refused to abandon his community, and perished with them in Auschwitz in Sivan 1944.
Postcard. 14X9 cm. Good condition.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $6,000 - $9,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Letter of good year and complete recovery wishes, with two lines handwritten and signed by Rebbe Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam. Kraków, Tishrei 1931.
Written on an official postcard from the Rebbe's court in Kraków, addressed to "the great rabbi… the chassid… Shlomo Gottlieb" in Tel-Aviv. The Rebbe informs him of receipt of the dollar he sent as Pidyon Nefesh and extends his warm blessings: "…and I pray… that G-d should send him His help, a complete and speedy recovery together with all infirm Jews, may the coming year be renewed upon him for good and for blessing together with all Jews, and may we hear and be informed of good tidings". Written by a scribe, with the addition of two lines handwritten and signed by the Rebbe: "The words of his friend who seeks his wellbeing with love, and blesses him with Gmar Chatima Tova, Yitzchak Yeshaya son of the pious rabbi of Sanz".
Rebbe Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam of Tshechov (1864-1943, perished in the Holocaust, Encyclopedia of Chassidism II, pp. 412-413) was the youngest son of Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Son-in-law of R. Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (Murovani Kurylivtsi), and in his second marriage, of R. Yaakov Tzvi of Parysów. His father, R. Chaim of Sanz, stated that he possesses a holy soul. He absorbed Chassidism from his older brothers: R. Yechezkel Shraga of Shinova (Sieniawa), R. Baruch of Gorlitz (Gorlice) and R. David of Chrzanów; after his marriage he settled in Belz and learned Torah from the grandfather of his wife, Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz. At the age of nineteen, he was appointed rabbi of Tshechov and was since referred to as R. Yeshayale Tshechover. From Tshechov he moved to Satmar and later established his court in Kraków. He earnt the reputation of a righteous and pious miracle worker and thousands of followers flocked to his court. Upon German invasion of Kraków, he was sent to the ghetto. After escaping to Lviv, he wandered from place to place before settling in Bochnia. The Germans searched for him, eventually locating the bunker he was hiding in and murdering all its inhabitants. According to another version, he was murdered together with R. Meir of Vielipoli (Wielopole Skrzyńskie) in the town square, both wrapped in their prayer shawls.
Official postcard with letterhead: "Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam, Kraków"; the Rebbe's name and address are printed in Polish on the verso. 14.5X9.5 cm. Postage stamps and postmarks. Very good condition.
Enclosed: Photograph of the Rebbe strolling in a holiday resort, together with his attendants. Marienbad (Mariánské Lázně), [ca. 1930s].
14X9 cm. Good-fair condition. Damage to the corners of the photograph.
Written on an official postcard from the Rebbe's court in Kraków, addressed to "the great rabbi… the chassid… Shlomo Gottlieb" in Tel-Aviv. The Rebbe informs him of receipt of the dollar he sent as Pidyon Nefesh and extends his warm blessings: "…and I pray… that G-d should send him His help, a complete and speedy recovery together with all infirm Jews, may the coming year be renewed upon him for good and for blessing together with all Jews, and may we hear and be informed of good tidings". Written by a scribe, with the addition of two lines handwritten and signed by the Rebbe: "The words of his friend who seeks his wellbeing with love, and blesses him with Gmar Chatima Tova, Yitzchak Yeshaya son of the pious rabbi of Sanz".
Rebbe Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam of Tshechov (1864-1943, perished in the Holocaust, Encyclopedia of Chassidism II, pp. 412-413) was the youngest son of Rebbe Chaim Halberstam, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Son-in-law of R. Yechiel Heshel of Krilovitz (Murovani Kurylivtsi), and in his second marriage, of R. Yaakov Tzvi of Parysów. His father, R. Chaim of Sanz, stated that he possesses a holy soul. He absorbed Chassidism from his older brothers: R. Yechezkel Shraga of Shinova (Sieniawa), R. Baruch of Gorlitz (Gorlice) and R. David of Chrzanów; after his marriage he settled in Belz and learned Torah from the grandfather of his wife, Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz. At the age of nineteen, he was appointed rabbi of Tshechov and was since referred to as R. Yeshayale Tshechover. From Tshechov he moved to Satmar and later established his court in Kraków. He earnt the reputation of a righteous and pious miracle worker and thousands of followers flocked to his court. Upon German invasion of Kraków, he was sent to the ghetto. After escaping to Lviv, he wandered from place to place before settling in Bochnia. The Germans searched for him, eventually locating the bunker he was hiding in and murdering all its inhabitants. According to another version, he was murdered together with R. Meir of Vielipoli (Wielopole Skrzyńskie) in the town square, both wrapped in their prayer shawls.
Official postcard with letterhead: "Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam, Kraków"; the Rebbe's name and address are printed in Polish on the verso. 14.5X9.5 cm. Postage stamps and postmarks. Very good condition.
Enclosed: Photograph of the Rebbe strolling in a holiday resort, together with his attendants. Marienbad (Mariánské Lázně), [ca. 1930s].
14X9 cm. Good-fair condition. Damage to the corners of the photograph.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $15,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $22,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam. Bobov (Bobowa), Tishrei 1904.
Addressed to the philanthropist R. Yeshaya Moshe Gross, with heartfelt blessings from the Rebbe: "…I hereby bless him that G-d should raise his prestige in wealth and honor, and help him see extensive blessing in his business and in all his endeavors… And may they reap only satisfaction from all their descendants, and may he and his entire family continue being completely healthy, and may only good be heard in all his matters in his home".
The letter concludes with blessings for the new year: "Who seeks his wellbeing wholeheartedly, and blesses him with a positive sealing for a good year, blessed with all good, Shlomo Halberstam".
R. Shlomo Halberstam, first Rebbe of Bobov (1847-1905) was the grandson of the Divrei Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz and of Rebbe Eliezer Horowitz of Dzikov-Ropshitz. He was orphaned in his childhood of his father, R. Meir Natan Halberstam, and was raised and educated by his two illustrious grandfathers. After his marriage with the daughter of Rebbe Yehoshua of Kaminka, he was appointed rabbi of Bukowsko at the young age of 17, and later of Ushpitzin (Oświęcim). In 1875, he was one of the grandchildren selected by R. Chaim of Sanz to publish his book Responsa Divrei Chaim. In 1878, he went to serve as rabbi of Vishnitsa, and in 1892, of Bobov, which he became renowned for. He served as Rebbe to thousands of Chassidim, particularly working on drawing youths to Chassidism, developing Bobov into a large center of thousands of young Chassidim, who transformed Galician Jewry by disseminating Torah and Chassidism. He founded a large yeshiva in Bobov, with dozens of secondary branches in surrounding cities. R. Shlomo was a leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia and joined the Machzikei HaDat organization (in contrast to the other rebbes of the Sanz dynasty who did not endorse this organization). His son was Rebbe Ben Tzion Halberstam, the Kedushat Tzion, father of Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam (the II), Rebbe of Bobov-USA – who established the large center of Bobov Chassidism in the United States.
His grandfather the Divrei Chaim cherished and revered him greatly, and in a halachic letter of 1871, he addresses him in terms of great honor (Responsa Divrei Chaim, Yoreh De'ah, section 32). In that responsum, his grandfather requests: "Please pray for me since I am very weak, may G-d help him with a long life… seeking the wellbeing of your Torah and awaiting to see you in peace".
[1] leaf. 21.5 cm. Thin, acidic paper. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Dark folding marks and creases. Mounted on paper for preservation.
Addressed to the philanthropist R. Yeshaya Moshe Gross, with heartfelt blessings from the Rebbe: "…I hereby bless him that G-d should raise his prestige in wealth and honor, and help him see extensive blessing in his business and in all his endeavors… And may they reap only satisfaction from all their descendants, and may he and his entire family continue being completely healthy, and may only good be heard in all his matters in his home".
The letter concludes with blessings for the new year: "Who seeks his wellbeing wholeheartedly, and blesses him with a positive sealing for a good year, blessed with all good, Shlomo Halberstam".
R. Shlomo Halberstam, first Rebbe of Bobov (1847-1905) was the grandson of the Divrei Chaim, Rebbe of Sanz and of Rebbe Eliezer Horowitz of Dzikov-Ropshitz. He was orphaned in his childhood of his father, R. Meir Natan Halberstam, and was raised and educated by his two illustrious grandfathers. After his marriage with the daughter of Rebbe Yehoshua of Kaminka, he was appointed rabbi of Bukowsko at the young age of 17, and later of Ushpitzin (Oświęcim). In 1875, he was one of the grandchildren selected by R. Chaim of Sanz to publish his book Responsa Divrei Chaim. In 1878, he went to serve as rabbi of Vishnitsa, and in 1892, of Bobov, which he became renowned for. He served as Rebbe to thousands of Chassidim, particularly working on drawing youths to Chassidism, developing Bobov into a large center of thousands of young Chassidim, who transformed Galician Jewry by disseminating Torah and Chassidism. He founded a large yeshiva in Bobov, with dozens of secondary branches in surrounding cities. R. Shlomo was a leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia and joined the Machzikei HaDat organization (in contrast to the other rebbes of the Sanz dynasty who did not endorse this organization). His son was Rebbe Ben Tzion Halberstam, the Kedushat Tzion, father of Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam (the II), Rebbe of Bobov-USA – who established the large center of Bobov Chassidism in the United States.
His grandfather the Divrei Chaim cherished and revered him greatly, and in a halachic letter of 1871, he addresses him in terms of great honor (Responsa Divrei Chaim, Yoreh De'ah, section 32). In that responsum, his grandfather requests: "Please pray for me since I am very weak, may G-d help him with a long life… seeking the wellbeing of your Torah and awaiting to see you in peace".
[1] leaf. 21.5 cm. Thin, acidic paper. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Dark folding marks and creases. Mounted on paper for preservation.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
![Letter containing three lines handwritten and signed by Rebbe "Yissachar Dov of Belz". Belz, [no date indicated]. Letter conf](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale63-public/96.jpg "Letter from Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz – HaMaharid – Blessings \"May G")
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $30,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter containing three lines handwritten and signed by Rebbe "Yissachar Dov of Belz". Belz, [no date indicated].
Letter confirming receipt of funds "for the Beit HaMidrash purposes", the first lines were handwritten by one of the Rebbe's attendants, and the three concluding lines are in the Rebbe's own handwriting, extending his blessings: "the words of his friend who awaits G-d's speedy raising of his prestige in all areas, and blesses him with all good. Yissachar Dov of Belz".
Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach – HaMaharid (1854-1926) was a foremost Chassidic leader of his times and leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia. The third Rebbe in the Belz dynasty, he was a son of Rebbe Yehoshua Rokeach of Belz and son-in-law of R. Zushe Twersky (son of Rebbe Aharon of Chernobyl). He settled in Chernobyl after his marriage and studied Torah. Known as an outstanding Torah scholar, he was held in high esteem by the leading Halachic authorities of his times (see for instance in Responsa Beit Yitzchak by R. Yitzchak Schmelkes of Lviv). In 1878, he returned to Belz from Chernobyl to assist his father and was appointed as the latter's successor in 1898, with thousands of Belzer chassidim accepting his authority.
During the course of his leadership, which spanned over thirty years, tens of thousands of followers joined his court. Belz Chassidism extended to Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Transylvania, apart from the many thousands of Chassidim who flocked to him from all over Galicia and Poland. Belz Chassidism was unique for its community of hundreds of "sitters" - Torah scholars who sat unceasingly in the Belz study hall, studying Torah and Chassidism. His influence on Jewish life in Poland was extensive, and he headed the Orthodox Jewry public institutes including the Machzikei HaDat organization. He battled fiercely against all Enlightenment and Zionist movements, even opposing Agudat Yisrael. He banned any change in community procedures or in the study orders of the Boys' schools and study halls.
In 1914, with the outbreak of WWI, he escaped to Ratzfert (Újfehértó), Hungary, later settling in Munkacs (Munkachevo). In 1921, he returned to Galicia, first settling in Oleszyce near Jarosław, since Belz had been severely affected by the war, only returning to Belz in 1925, after his home and the Beit Midrash had been refurbished. This letter was written in Belz, but does not mention any date (it was possibly written between 1894-1914, or in 1925-1926, after he returned to his Beit Midrash in Belz).
[1] leaf. approx. 15 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Large marginal tears, not affecting text. Professionally restored, mounted on paper for preservation.
Letters bearing the handwritten signature of Rebbes of Belz are scarce.
Letter confirming receipt of funds "for the Beit HaMidrash purposes", the first lines were handwritten by one of the Rebbe's attendants, and the three concluding lines are in the Rebbe's own handwriting, extending his blessings: "the words of his friend who awaits G-d's speedy raising of his prestige in all areas, and blesses him with all good. Yissachar Dov of Belz".
Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach – HaMaharid (1854-1926) was a foremost Chassidic leader of his times and leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia. The third Rebbe in the Belz dynasty, he was a son of Rebbe Yehoshua Rokeach of Belz and son-in-law of R. Zushe Twersky (son of Rebbe Aharon of Chernobyl). He settled in Chernobyl after his marriage and studied Torah. Known as an outstanding Torah scholar, he was held in high esteem by the leading Halachic authorities of his times (see for instance in Responsa Beit Yitzchak by R. Yitzchak Schmelkes of Lviv). In 1878, he returned to Belz from Chernobyl to assist his father and was appointed as the latter's successor in 1898, with thousands of Belzer chassidim accepting his authority.
During the course of his leadership, which spanned over thirty years, tens of thousands of followers joined his court. Belz Chassidism extended to Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Transylvania, apart from the many thousands of Chassidim who flocked to him from all over Galicia and Poland. Belz Chassidism was unique for its community of hundreds of "sitters" - Torah scholars who sat unceasingly in the Belz study hall, studying Torah and Chassidism. His influence on Jewish life in Poland was extensive, and he headed the Orthodox Jewry public institutes including the Machzikei HaDat organization. He battled fiercely against all Enlightenment and Zionist movements, even opposing Agudat Yisrael. He banned any change in community procedures or in the study orders of the Boys' schools and study halls.
In 1914, with the outbreak of WWI, he escaped to Ratzfert (Újfehértó), Hungary, later settling in Munkacs (Munkachevo). In 1921, he returned to Galicia, first settling in Oleszyce near Jarosław, since Belz had been severely affected by the war, only returning to Belz in 1925, after his home and the Beit Midrash had been refurbished. This letter was written in Belz, but does not mention any date (it was possibly written between 1894-1914, or in 1925-1926, after he returned to his Beit Midrash in Belz).
[1] leaf. approx. 15 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Large marginal tears, not affecting text. Professionally restored, mounted on paper for preservation.
Letters bearing the handwritten signature of Rebbes of Belz are scarce.
Category
Chassidic Luminaries – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue