Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
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![Likutei Amarim Tanya, by HaAdmor HaZaken Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Zhovkva, [1798]. The title page states: "Tanya, which](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale63-public/127_1.jpg "Likutei Amarim – Tanya – Zhovkva, 1798 – First Edition of Igeret HaTes")
![Likutei Amarim Tanya, by HaAdmor HaZaken Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Zhovkva, [1798]. The title page states: "Tanya, which](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale63-public/127_2.jpg "Likutei Amarim – Tanya – Zhovkva, 1798 – First Edition of Igeret HaTes")
![Likutei Amarim Tanya, by HaAdmor HaZaken Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Zhovkva, [1798]. The title page states: "Tanya, which](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale63-public/127_3.jpg "Likutei Amarim – Tanya – Zhovkva, 1798 – First Edition of Igeret HaTes")
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $6,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Unsold
Likutei Amarim Tanya, by HaAdmor HaZaken Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Zhovkva, [1798].
The title page states: "Tanya, which is a book of collected writings… and we have added a touch… from the outstanding Torah scholar, the author, to explain the essence and topic of Teshuva, and this is a third part which was not included in the first edition printed in Slavita…" (emphasis original).
This edition is the second printing of the Tanya in the author's lifetime, and was presumably printed without his knowledge. This is the first edition to be printed outside Russia, and to contain chapters of Igeret HaTeshuva – Mahadura Kama at the end of the book (in Shklow 1806, the author published Igeret HaTeshuva Mahadura Batra).
The publisher R. Yaakov of Brody writes at the end of the book that many requested he undertake printing a new edition of this book, since the book was not available in his country (Galicia-Poland), due to the prohibition to export the book from Russia, where it was originally published.
The following statement appears before Igeret HaTeshuva [p. 67a]: "Says the publisher: A precious gem was in my possession from the scholarly author, a manuscript booklet pertaining to topics of repentance, and for the benefit of the public I have brought it to print".
This edition earned two important approbations from prominent rabbis. The first one from R. Moshe Tzvi Hirsh Meisels Rabbi of Zhovkva, and the second from R. Yitzchak HaLevi of Lviv, Rabbi of Kraków.
R. Yitzchak Shimshon Meisels Rabbi of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi), grandson of R. Moshe Tzvi Hirsh, relates in his approbation to the siddur of the Baal HaTanya that he was present when his grandfather accorded his approbation to the Tanya.
The second approbation was given by R. Yitzchak HaLevi of Lviv, Rabbi of Kraków, a foremost opponent of Chassidism. He was a leading signatory on the ban against Chassidim in Kraków in 1786, and the book Tzavaat HaRivash was burnt at his behest, while this book earned his effusive approbation, praising the author and his book profusely.
[3], 2-74 leaves. 17 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains. Slight worming. Tears to the title page affecting title border, repaired. Tears to the corners of leaves [2]-7, with some damage to the text, repaired. Minor marginal repairs to several other leaves. Tear to p. 74b, slightly affecting text. Marginal printing defect on p. 45a, due to crease in the paper. Ex-libris stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 623.
The title page states: "Tanya, which is a book of collected writings… and we have added a touch… from the outstanding Torah scholar, the author, to explain the essence and topic of Teshuva, and this is a third part which was not included in the first edition printed in Slavita…" (emphasis original).
This edition is the second printing of the Tanya in the author's lifetime, and was presumably printed without his knowledge. This is the first edition to be printed outside Russia, and to contain chapters of Igeret HaTeshuva – Mahadura Kama at the end of the book (in Shklow 1806, the author published Igeret HaTeshuva Mahadura Batra).
The publisher R. Yaakov of Brody writes at the end of the book that many requested he undertake printing a new edition of this book, since the book was not available in his country (Galicia-Poland), due to the prohibition to export the book from Russia, where it was originally published.
The following statement appears before Igeret HaTeshuva [p. 67a]: "Says the publisher: A precious gem was in my possession from the scholarly author, a manuscript booklet pertaining to topics of repentance, and for the benefit of the public I have brought it to print".
This edition earned two important approbations from prominent rabbis. The first one from R. Moshe Tzvi Hirsh Meisels Rabbi of Zhovkva, and the second from R. Yitzchak HaLevi of Lviv, Rabbi of Kraków.
R. Yitzchak Shimshon Meisels Rabbi of Czernowitz (Chernivtsi), grandson of R. Moshe Tzvi Hirsh, relates in his approbation to the siddur of the Baal HaTanya that he was present when his grandfather accorded his approbation to the Tanya.
The second approbation was given by R. Yitzchak HaLevi of Lviv, Rabbi of Kraków, a foremost opponent of Chassidism. He was a leading signatory on the ban against Chassidim in Kraków in 1786, and the book Tzavaat HaRivash was burnt at his behest, while this book earned his effusive approbation, praising the author and his book profusely.
[3], 2-74 leaves. 17 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains. Slight worming. Tears to the title page affecting title border, repaired. Tears to the corners of leaves [2]-7, with some damage to the text, repaired. Minor marginal repairs to several other leaves. Tear to p. 74b, slightly affecting text. Marginal printing defect on p. 45a, due to crease in the paper. Ex-libris stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 623.
Category
Chabad Chassidism – Letters and Printed Books Including Early and Rare Editions
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $50,000
Including buyer's premium
"Order of prayers for the whole year according to the Arizal Nusach", with "the meaning of the words according to the Kavanot of the Arizal", two parts, by HaAdmor HaZaken, Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi (Lyady), the Baal HaTanya. Kopust (Kopys): R. Yisrael Yoffe, a prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, 1816. First edition of Maamarei HaSiddur - discourses pertaining to the Siddur (Siddur im Dach).
The prayer rite in this siddur, the anthology of laws and the two Chassidic essays (HaKol Kol Yaakov and He'ara LeTikun Chatzot) were composed by the Baal HaTanya, and printed in his lifetime in several editions (see following article). This is the first edition containing his essays on the meaning of the words of the prayers according to Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings, which did not appear in preceding editions. These essays are based on discourses delivered mainly on Shabbat eves, before his sons and several elite disciples, recorded and brought to print by his son R. Dov Ber Shneuri, known as the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch (Lyubavichi). This siddur is known amongst Chabad followers as Siddur im Dach (Divrei Elokim Chaim – words of the Living G-d).
Some of the discourses were recorded and edited by R. Dov Ber in his style, with the addition of explanations and expansions, and some of the essays are a verbatim transcription of his father's words, without any of his own additions, "his words as they are, without any additions or omissions". In his foreword, R. Dov Ber describes the system of recording his father's discourses. He writes about the discourses which he edited and expanded upon, how he reviewed them time and again, to ensure they are understandable and accessible to all ages, whilst the discourses transcribed verbatim, regarding the meaning of the words of the prayers, from HaShamayim MeSaprim until VaYevarech David, were edited by the Rebbe himself, who was delighted with them, as they are written concisely yet contain much for those who comprehend what they allude to.
A large portion of the essays printed in the siddur are discourses on the Zohar said by the Baal HaTanya regularly on Shabbat eves. His son writes regarding these discourses that it is plainly obvious that the Rebbe benefitted from divine inspiration, revealing to him the hidden realms of the Torah (foreword to Biurei HaZohar, Kopust, 1816).
The printer and editor, R. Yisrael Yoffe (1740?-1828), was a prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, who exchanged profound correspondence with his teacher on topics of service of G-d. In his later years, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, settling in Hebron. His grandson, R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (a disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek) described him as an eminent Torah scholar, a great Chassid and one of the first Chassidim attached to the Baal HaTanya.
The Baal HaTanya entrusted R. Yisrael Yoffe with one of the editions of the siddur for publishing, with oral and written instructions. The latter described this prominent siddur in the title page as "underwent meticulous and precise proofing".
Two volumes. Part I: [2], 104; 54 leaves. 23 cm. Part II: 68; 99 leaves. 24 cm. Fine copy, with wide margins. Mostly printed on light-blueish paper. Most of the leaves in good condition. Several leaves in fair condition. Stains. Dark stains to several leaves. Marginal open tears to the title page of part I, slightly affecting text on the top corner, professionally restored. Marginal tears to title page of part II, professionally restored. Holes and minor tears to several leaves, partly repaired (in one instance with minor damage to text). Tears to other leaves, repaired. New leather bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 409.
The prayer rite in this siddur, the anthology of laws and the two Chassidic essays (HaKol Kol Yaakov and He'ara LeTikun Chatzot) were composed by the Baal HaTanya, and printed in his lifetime in several editions (see following article). This is the first edition containing his essays on the meaning of the words of the prayers according to Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings, which did not appear in preceding editions. These essays are based on discourses delivered mainly on Shabbat eves, before his sons and several elite disciples, recorded and brought to print by his son R. Dov Ber Shneuri, known as the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch (Lyubavichi). This siddur is known amongst Chabad followers as Siddur im Dach (Divrei Elokim Chaim – words of the Living G-d).
Some of the discourses were recorded and edited by R. Dov Ber in his style, with the addition of explanations and expansions, and some of the essays are a verbatim transcription of his father's words, without any of his own additions, "his words as they are, without any additions or omissions". In his foreword, R. Dov Ber describes the system of recording his father's discourses. He writes about the discourses which he edited and expanded upon, how he reviewed them time and again, to ensure they are understandable and accessible to all ages, whilst the discourses transcribed verbatim, regarding the meaning of the words of the prayers, from HaShamayim MeSaprim until VaYevarech David, were edited by the Rebbe himself, who was delighted with them, as they are written concisely yet contain much for those who comprehend what they allude to.
A large portion of the essays printed in the siddur are discourses on the Zohar said by the Baal HaTanya regularly on Shabbat eves. His son writes regarding these discourses that it is plainly obvious that the Rebbe benefitted from divine inspiration, revealing to him the hidden realms of the Torah (foreword to Biurei HaZohar, Kopust, 1816).
The printer and editor, R. Yisrael Yoffe (1740?-1828), was a prominent disciple of the Baal HaTanya, who exchanged profound correspondence with his teacher on topics of service of G-d. In his later years, he immigrated to Eretz Israel, settling in Hebron. His grandson, R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (a disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek) described him as an eminent Torah scholar, a great Chassid and one of the first Chassidim attached to the Baal HaTanya.
The Baal HaTanya entrusted R. Yisrael Yoffe with one of the editions of the siddur for publishing, with oral and written instructions. The latter described this prominent siddur in the title page as "underwent meticulous and precise proofing".
Two volumes. Part I: [2], 104; 54 leaves. 23 cm. Part II: 68; 99 leaves. 24 cm. Fine copy, with wide margins. Mostly printed on light-blueish paper. Most of the leaves in good condition. Several leaves in fair condition. Stains. Dark stains to several leaves. Marginal open tears to the title page of part I, slightly affecting text on the top corner, professionally restored. Marginal tears to title page of part II, professionally restored. Holes and minor tears to several leaves, partly repaired (in one instance with minor damage to text). Tears to other leaves, repaired. New leather bindings.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 409.
Category
Chabad Chassidism – Letters and Printed Books Including Early and Rare Editions
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $75,000
Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000
Unsold
Siddur of year-round prayers, arranged following the prayer-rite of the Arizal, by HaAdmor HaZaken Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya. Slavita: Rebbe Shmuel Avraham Shapira, son of the rabbi of Slavita, 1827.
The title page states: "…superior to all siddurim preceding it from various prints, whether for the beauty of its print or for the precision of its proofing…".
The Slavita edition is considered one of the most precise editions of the Baal HaTanya's siddur. The siddur was printed in Slavita twice, in 1827 and in 1836 (the differences between the 1827 and 1836 editions are minute, affecting only the vocalization in a few places). According to the testimony of R. Lawat in his book Shaar HaKollel, the Tzemach Tzedek would pray from the Slavita edition of the siddur (presumably the one printed in 1836), and annotated it with his corrections and glosses.
The first edition printed in Slavita was up until now considered lost. Its existence was known only through an incidental mention in an approbation accorded to a siddur printed in Czernowitz (Chernivtsi) in 1853, which stated that this siddur was printed based on the format of siddurim printed in Slavita in 1827. As mentioned, this siddur had since disappeared.
This siddur contains several handwritten corrections to the vocalization and punctuation. The annotations correspond with those made by the Tzemach Tzedek in the margins of his siddur (these notes appear at the end of the Torah Or siddur).
The printer, Rebbe Shmuel Avraham Shapira (1784-1864) was the son of Rebbe Moshe Shapira, Rabbi of Slavita. His grandfather, R. Pinchas of Korets, described him before his birth as bearing a lofty soul. He studied under great Chassidic leaders, including R. Zushe of Anipoli (Hannopil), R. Baruch of Medzhybizh and the Saba of Shpoli (Shpola). In 1836, following the infamous libel, his printing press was shut down and in 1839 he was incarcerated with his brother until 1856. Upon his release, he was appointed rebbe. The Beit Aharon, Rebbe of Karlin, reputedly then handed him a Kvittel, requesting he effectuate a salvation for his son-in-law Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura (Sadhora).
Some of the title page letters are printed in red ink.
1-92, [2], 93-172 leaves. Lacking leaves 13, 62-63. Altogether lacking 3 leaves. 18 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Winestains to the leaves of the Passover Haggadah. Tears and damage to the title page, mainly to the inner margins, professionally restored, with slight damage to text. Tears and damage to many leaves, mainly to inner margins, professionally restored, with no damage to text. Open tears to leaves 12, 21, 33, 49-50, 74 and leaf [1] after 92, repaired with paper, with handwritten replacement of text in a script replicating the print. Four pages from different siddurim (unidentified editions) bound at the end of the siddur. Ownership inscriptions. New, elaborate leather binding.
Extremely rare. The book is not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, nor in the Vinograd-Rosenfeld CD. Does not appear in the NLI catalogue, nor in the catalogue of the Chabad library in Brooklyn.
The title page states: "…superior to all siddurim preceding it from various prints, whether for the beauty of its print or for the precision of its proofing…".
The Slavita edition is considered one of the most precise editions of the Baal HaTanya's siddur. The siddur was printed in Slavita twice, in 1827 and in 1836 (the differences between the 1827 and 1836 editions are minute, affecting only the vocalization in a few places). According to the testimony of R. Lawat in his book Shaar HaKollel, the Tzemach Tzedek would pray from the Slavita edition of the siddur (presumably the one printed in 1836), and annotated it with his corrections and glosses.
The first edition printed in Slavita was up until now considered lost. Its existence was known only through an incidental mention in an approbation accorded to a siddur printed in Czernowitz (Chernivtsi) in 1853, which stated that this siddur was printed based on the format of siddurim printed in Slavita in 1827. As mentioned, this siddur had since disappeared.
This siddur contains several handwritten corrections to the vocalization and punctuation. The annotations correspond with those made by the Tzemach Tzedek in the margins of his siddur (these notes appear at the end of the Torah Or siddur).
The printer, Rebbe Shmuel Avraham Shapira (1784-1864) was the son of Rebbe Moshe Shapira, Rabbi of Slavita. His grandfather, R. Pinchas of Korets, described him before his birth as bearing a lofty soul. He studied under great Chassidic leaders, including R. Zushe of Anipoli (Hannopil), R. Baruch of Medzhybizh and the Saba of Shpoli (Shpola). In 1836, following the infamous libel, his printing press was shut down and in 1839 he was incarcerated with his brother until 1856. Upon his release, he was appointed rebbe. The Beit Aharon, Rebbe of Karlin, reputedly then handed him a Kvittel, requesting he effectuate a salvation for his son-in-law Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura (Sadhora).
Some of the title page letters are printed in red ink.
1-92, [2], 93-172 leaves. Lacking leaves 13, 62-63. Altogether lacking 3 leaves. 18 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Winestains to the leaves of the Passover Haggadah. Tears and damage to the title page, mainly to the inner margins, professionally restored, with slight damage to text. Tears and damage to many leaves, mainly to inner margins, professionally restored, with no damage to text. Open tears to leaves 12, 21, 33, 49-50, 74 and leaf [1] after 92, repaired with paper, with handwritten replacement of text in a script replicating the print. Four pages from different siddurim (unidentified editions) bound at the end of the siddur. Ownership inscriptions. New, elaborate leather binding.
Extremely rare. The book is not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, nor in the Vinograd-Rosenfeld CD. Does not appear in the NLI catalogue, nor in the catalogue of the Chabad library in Brooklyn.
Category
Chabad Chassidism – Letters and Printed Books Including Early and Rare Editions
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $6,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
"Order of prayers according to the prayer-rite of the Arizal", two parts in one volume, for Shabbat and weekdays, by HaAdmor HaZaken R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi – the Baal HaTanya. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heschel Shapira, 1863. Some letters on the title page are printed in red ink.
The text of the Siddur, the laws and the two Chassidic essays were composed and compiled by the Baal HaTanya, and were even published in his lifetime in several editions (the essays are: HaKol Kol Yaakov and Heara LeTikun Chatzot). The other Chassidic essays (commentaries to the prayers) were delivered by the Baal HaTanya and recorded by his son the Mitteler Rebbe, R. Dov Ber Shneuri of Lubavitch (first published in Kopust, 1816 – see item 116). These siddurim are known amongst Chabad chassidim as Siddur im Dach (Divrei Elokim Chaim – words of the Living G-d). This edition includes the additional Dach essays, first printed in the Berditchev (Berdychiv) 1818 edition, and not appearing in the first, Kopust (Kopys) 1816 edition.
In this edition, the Holy Names in Pesukei DeZimra and in other places were vocalized according to Kabbalah. R. Avraham David Lawat testified that the Tzemach Tzedek, Rebbe of Lubavitch, criticized the printers for modifying what the Baal HaTanya established, thereby allowing the siddur to be used even by those who have no knowledge in Kabbalah, including youths (Shaar HaKoller 6, section 9).
[4], 308 pages; 3-124 pages; 188 pages. Lacking title page of part II. 27 cm. Light-colored, high-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Extensive worming (some repaired with paper). Tears to title page and several other leaves, repaired. New, elaborate leather binding.
The text of the Siddur, the laws and the two Chassidic essays were composed and compiled by the Baal HaTanya, and were even published in his lifetime in several editions (the essays are: HaKol Kol Yaakov and Heara LeTikun Chatzot). The other Chassidic essays (commentaries to the prayers) were delivered by the Baal HaTanya and recorded by his son the Mitteler Rebbe, R. Dov Ber Shneuri of Lubavitch (first published in Kopust, 1816 – see item 116). These siddurim are known amongst Chabad chassidim as Siddur im Dach (Divrei Elokim Chaim – words of the Living G-d). This edition includes the additional Dach essays, first printed in the Berditchev (Berdychiv) 1818 edition, and not appearing in the first, Kopust (Kopys) 1816 edition.
In this edition, the Holy Names in Pesukei DeZimra and in other places were vocalized according to Kabbalah. R. Avraham David Lawat testified that the Tzemach Tzedek, Rebbe of Lubavitch, criticized the printers for modifying what the Baal HaTanya established, thereby allowing the siddur to be used even by those who have no knowledge in Kabbalah, including youths (Shaar HaKoller 6, section 9).
[4], 308 pages; 3-124 pages; 188 pages. Lacking title page of part II. 27 cm. Light-colored, high-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Extensive worming (some repaired with paper). Tears to title page and several other leaves, repaired. New, elaborate leather binding.
Category
Chabad Chassidism – Letters and Printed Books Including Early and Rare Editions
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $16,250
Including buyer's premium
Two documents related to R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark Rabbi of Horki:
· Letter with ruling regarding the rabbinical position of R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark Rabbi of Horki, endorsed with the signatures of R. Yehuda Leib of Kopys, R. Chaim Schneur of Liadi and R. Yisrael Noach of Nizhyn. Lyubavichi, Elul 1855 – Horki, Tishrei 1856.
The margins of the ruling bear the signatures of "Naftali Hirsch", "Yechezkel HaCohen" and "Noach son of R. Avraham Ginzburg". We do not have further information regarding these three rabbis and presumably, they were disciples of the author of the Tzemech Tzedek and lived in Lyubavichi or were visiting there for the High Holidays.
The verso bears the signatures of three sons of the Tzemech Tzedek: R. Yehuda Leib of Kopys (Kapust), R. Chaim Schneur Zalman of Liadi and R. Yisrael Noach of Nizhyn who endorse the ruling: "Regarding the ruling, we agree to it. And G-d should bestow peace in your cities… Yehuda Leib and Chaim S. Zalman and Yisrael Noach". Under these signatures, are signatures of ten Horki community leaders endorsing the compromise: "We, the undersigned, endorse all that which has been decided by the parties and by the sons of the Rebbe. For reinforcement, we have signed on Sunday night [Erev Sukkot] 1857, here in Horki".
· Letter of semicha (ordination) to the rabbinate sent by R. Naftali Hirsch to the Horki community leaders. [Without note of location or date, apparently, written together with the rulings in the town of Lyubavichi, Elul-Tishrei 1856].
Letter of semicha to the rabbinate sent by R. Naftali Hirsch to the Horki community leaders, containing lavish praise of the cleverness and knowledge of R. Meshulam Zalman and his ability to rule practical halachic decisions and "he is fitting for the position of rabbi and can be relied upon in all Torah matters…". Further in the letter, R. Naftali refers to a halachic responsum written by R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark.
Background of the letter: In the town of Horki (Mogilev region, Belarus. Chabad town, near Shklow and Lyubavichi), R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark, succeeded his father-in-law, R. Yehoshua Eliyahu, as rabbi of Horki from 1850-1826. Some Horki community leaders were opposed to the officiation of R. Meshulam Zalman alone as rabbi of their town and tried to push the appointment of another rabbi named R. Duber. R. Meshulam Zalman did not acquiesce to the additional position and the matter was brought before the dayanim who signed this letter for arbitration and they proposed a compromise that R. Duber join R. Meshulam Zalman for a period of three years… "And he will receive one and a half rubles every week from the community funds and the salary of R. M. Zalman of four rubles will be reduced by only one half ruble and he and the widow of the late R. [Yehoshua] Eliyahu [died ca. 1856] will receive three and one half rubles. After the conclusion of these three years, the community is not obligated to pay a salary to R. Duber even if his party does not wish to rely solely on R. Zalman… We hereby sign this on Sunday, the 14th of Elul 1857, here in Lyubavichi. Naftali Hirsch, Yechezkel HaCohen, Noach son of R. Avraham Ginzburg".
From the time the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek (1789-1866) was appointed in 1828, he was followed by a large segment of Jews in Belarus. In the 1840s, growing weaker with age, he enlisted the assistance of his illustrious sons in receiving Chassidim and giving advice and delivering Chassidic discourses in public. From time to time, the rebbe would send his sons to faraway towns to inspire the people and eventually, they reached out to thousands of Chabad Chassidim. They would also arbitrate disputes and Chabad public affairs and disagreements were resolved according to their rulings. Only difficult cases were presented to the ruling of their great father. Each of the sons (with the exception of the eldest) had a court in Lyubavichi with their own admirers and close followers during their father's lifetime. Some towns as well, were divided in their affiliation with one of the brothers. A number of letters with the signatures of all three brothers survived until today and this is one of those letters which documents their activities in the leadership of Chabad Chassidism in those days (another letter of the three sons of the Tzemach Tzedek from 1860, regarding the rabbinical position of R. Meshulam Zalman in Horki after the conclusion of the three-year period mentioned in this letter is printed in the 2013 edition of Igrot Kodesh of the Rebbe, the Tzemach, p. 203).
Rebbe Yehuda Leib of Kopys (1811-1866), clung to his grandfather, the Mitteler Rebbe (R. Dov Ber) from a young age. During the leadership of his father, the Tzemach Tzedek, he would manage all public matters of the Chabad communities. His father relied on him completely and trusted him with many issues including sensitive matters and appointed him to deliver public Chassidic discourses as well. Most of the Chabad Chassidim followed his leadership and he was the most dominant son of the Tzemach Tzedek. During his father's last years, he served as Rebbe in all matters, even receiving kvitlach and his words proved to be prophetically true. After his father's passing in 1866, he moved from Lyubavichi to Kopys (Kapust). That Rosh Hashanah, thousands of Chassidim flocked to his court. He had grand aspirations and plans to disseminate Chassidic teachings, however, he died suddenly only one half year after his father.
Rebbe Chaim Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1814-1880), was renowned for his fervent prayers whose passion would break the hearts of those who heard them and rouse them to repentance. He was wise and clever and had an exceptionally good heart and would graciously welcome each and every person. His council brought success and his blessings were fulfilled. In 1869, he moved from Lyubavichi to Liadi and continued leading Chassidim from there. The author, Alexander Ziskind Rabinowitz, born in Liadi, reminisces about the aristocratic bearing, diligence, good heart, royal court, rich library and melodious moving prayers of R. Chaim Schneur Zalman.
Rebbe Yisrael Noach of Nizhyn (1817-1883) was an outstanding Torah prodigy in his proficiency of Talmud and poskim. Some of his responsa were printed in contemporary books. His responsa were clearly and pleasingly edited, without leaving unresolved issues, especially excelling in his ability to find allowances in his rulings. During his father's lifetime, especially during his father's later years, he would present questions to his father and cite his responses. Sometimes, he would write the Rebbe's responses and at other times, he himself would write the responsa and his father would edit the answer before it was sent. In one of his books, R. Chaim Na'eh writes that R. Yisrael Noach was vexed with the publisher of his father's books of responsa since he included some responsa of R. Yisrael Noach as well and did not bother to cite them in his name, lending to confusion between the responsa of the Tzemach Tzedek and those of his son. R. Yisrael Noach was known for his extreme humility and his prayers were recited with bitter tears. In a letter, he movingly writes of a scene which affected him greatly, describing a hachnasat sefer Torah which took place with much pomp and joy by former Cantonists, simple unlearned Jews. He tells that while lying in bed enveloped in his thoughts, he heard a Heavenly voice call out to him in a dream: "Do not wonder why the bush is burning and the bush is not consumed…".
We have not been able to reveal many details regarding the life of R. Naftali Hirsh whose signature appears on the semicha letter and whose signature heads the three other signatures on the ruling. Apparently, he was a foremost Torah figure in his times since the Tzemach Tzedek and his sons appointed him as head of the Beit Din which arbitrated the issue of the rabbinate of the Horki community and he also wrote a letter of semicha for R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark [who evidently began his tenure as rabbi before receiving semicha].
The subject of the letter, R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark (died in 1893) was an important Chabad rabbi, disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek and of R. Shmuel Schneersohn of Lubavitch. He served in the rabbinates of Horki, Starodub, Vitebsk and Nevel. He was very active in rescuing Jews from conscription to the Russian army and was imprisoned for two years, in 1881-1882, paying for this "crime". The Maharil of Kopys wrote about him: "Famous posek, erudite in halachic rulings and in Chassidic knowledge as well…".
[2] leaves. [3] written pages. 23 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Folding marks. Wear and tears to edges and to folding marks, not affecting text.
To the best of our knowledge, these letters have never been printed.
· Letter with ruling regarding the rabbinical position of R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark Rabbi of Horki, endorsed with the signatures of R. Yehuda Leib of Kopys, R. Chaim Schneur of Liadi and R. Yisrael Noach of Nizhyn. Lyubavichi, Elul 1855 – Horki, Tishrei 1856.
The margins of the ruling bear the signatures of "Naftali Hirsch", "Yechezkel HaCohen" and "Noach son of R. Avraham Ginzburg". We do not have further information regarding these three rabbis and presumably, they were disciples of the author of the Tzemech Tzedek and lived in Lyubavichi or were visiting there for the High Holidays.
The verso bears the signatures of three sons of the Tzemech Tzedek: R. Yehuda Leib of Kopys (Kapust), R. Chaim Schneur Zalman of Liadi and R. Yisrael Noach of Nizhyn who endorse the ruling: "Regarding the ruling, we agree to it. And G-d should bestow peace in your cities… Yehuda Leib and Chaim S. Zalman and Yisrael Noach". Under these signatures, are signatures of ten Horki community leaders endorsing the compromise: "We, the undersigned, endorse all that which has been decided by the parties and by the sons of the Rebbe. For reinforcement, we have signed on Sunday night [Erev Sukkot] 1857, here in Horki".
· Letter of semicha (ordination) to the rabbinate sent by R. Naftali Hirsch to the Horki community leaders. [Without note of location or date, apparently, written together with the rulings in the town of Lyubavichi, Elul-Tishrei 1856].
Letter of semicha to the rabbinate sent by R. Naftali Hirsch to the Horki community leaders, containing lavish praise of the cleverness and knowledge of R. Meshulam Zalman and his ability to rule practical halachic decisions and "he is fitting for the position of rabbi and can be relied upon in all Torah matters…". Further in the letter, R. Naftali refers to a halachic responsum written by R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark.
Background of the letter: In the town of Horki (Mogilev region, Belarus. Chabad town, near Shklow and Lyubavichi), R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark, succeeded his father-in-law, R. Yehoshua Eliyahu, as rabbi of Horki from 1850-1826. Some Horki community leaders were opposed to the officiation of R. Meshulam Zalman alone as rabbi of their town and tried to push the appointment of another rabbi named R. Duber. R. Meshulam Zalman did not acquiesce to the additional position and the matter was brought before the dayanim who signed this letter for arbitration and they proposed a compromise that R. Duber join R. Meshulam Zalman for a period of three years… "And he will receive one and a half rubles every week from the community funds and the salary of R. M. Zalman of four rubles will be reduced by only one half ruble and he and the widow of the late R. [Yehoshua] Eliyahu [died ca. 1856] will receive three and one half rubles. After the conclusion of these three years, the community is not obligated to pay a salary to R. Duber even if his party does not wish to rely solely on R. Zalman… We hereby sign this on Sunday, the 14th of Elul 1857, here in Lyubavichi. Naftali Hirsch, Yechezkel HaCohen, Noach son of R. Avraham Ginzburg".
From the time the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek (1789-1866) was appointed in 1828, he was followed by a large segment of Jews in Belarus. In the 1840s, growing weaker with age, he enlisted the assistance of his illustrious sons in receiving Chassidim and giving advice and delivering Chassidic discourses in public. From time to time, the rebbe would send his sons to faraway towns to inspire the people and eventually, they reached out to thousands of Chabad Chassidim. They would also arbitrate disputes and Chabad public affairs and disagreements were resolved according to their rulings. Only difficult cases were presented to the ruling of their great father. Each of the sons (with the exception of the eldest) had a court in Lyubavichi with their own admirers and close followers during their father's lifetime. Some towns as well, were divided in their affiliation with one of the brothers. A number of letters with the signatures of all three brothers survived until today and this is one of those letters which documents their activities in the leadership of Chabad Chassidism in those days (another letter of the three sons of the Tzemach Tzedek from 1860, regarding the rabbinical position of R. Meshulam Zalman in Horki after the conclusion of the three-year period mentioned in this letter is printed in the 2013 edition of Igrot Kodesh of the Rebbe, the Tzemach, p. 203).
Rebbe Yehuda Leib of Kopys (1811-1866), clung to his grandfather, the Mitteler Rebbe (R. Dov Ber) from a young age. During the leadership of his father, the Tzemach Tzedek, he would manage all public matters of the Chabad communities. His father relied on him completely and trusted him with many issues including sensitive matters and appointed him to deliver public Chassidic discourses as well. Most of the Chabad Chassidim followed his leadership and he was the most dominant son of the Tzemach Tzedek. During his father's last years, he served as Rebbe in all matters, even receiving kvitlach and his words proved to be prophetically true. After his father's passing in 1866, he moved from Lyubavichi to Kopys (Kapust). That Rosh Hashanah, thousands of Chassidim flocked to his court. He had grand aspirations and plans to disseminate Chassidic teachings, however, he died suddenly only one half year after his father.
Rebbe Chaim Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1814-1880), was renowned for his fervent prayers whose passion would break the hearts of those who heard them and rouse them to repentance. He was wise and clever and had an exceptionally good heart and would graciously welcome each and every person. His council brought success and his blessings were fulfilled. In 1869, he moved from Lyubavichi to Liadi and continued leading Chassidim from there. The author, Alexander Ziskind Rabinowitz, born in Liadi, reminisces about the aristocratic bearing, diligence, good heart, royal court, rich library and melodious moving prayers of R. Chaim Schneur Zalman.
Rebbe Yisrael Noach of Nizhyn (1817-1883) was an outstanding Torah prodigy in his proficiency of Talmud and poskim. Some of his responsa were printed in contemporary books. His responsa were clearly and pleasingly edited, without leaving unresolved issues, especially excelling in his ability to find allowances in his rulings. During his father's lifetime, especially during his father's later years, he would present questions to his father and cite his responses. Sometimes, he would write the Rebbe's responses and at other times, he himself would write the responsa and his father would edit the answer before it was sent. In one of his books, R. Chaim Na'eh writes that R. Yisrael Noach was vexed with the publisher of his father's books of responsa since he included some responsa of R. Yisrael Noach as well and did not bother to cite them in his name, lending to confusion between the responsa of the Tzemach Tzedek and those of his son. R. Yisrael Noach was known for his extreme humility and his prayers were recited with bitter tears. In a letter, he movingly writes of a scene which affected him greatly, describing a hachnasat sefer Torah which took place with much pomp and joy by former Cantonists, simple unlearned Jews. He tells that while lying in bed enveloped in his thoughts, he heard a Heavenly voice call out to him in a dream: "Do not wonder why the bush is burning and the bush is not consumed…".
We have not been able to reveal many details regarding the life of R. Naftali Hirsh whose signature appears on the semicha letter and whose signature heads the three other signatures on the ruling. Apparently, he was a foremost Torah figure in his times since the Tzemach Tzedek and his sons appointed him as head of the Beit Din which arbitrated the issue of the rabbinate of the Horki community and he also wrote a letter of semicha for R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark [who evidently began his tenure as rabbi before receiving semicha].
The subject of the letter, R. Meshulam Zalman Neumark (died in 1893) was an important Chabad rabbi, disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek and of R. Shmuel Schneersohn of Lubavitch. He served in the rabbinates of Horki, Starodub, Vitebsk and Nevel. He was very active in rescuing Jews from conscription to the Russian army and was imprisoned for two years, in 1881-1882, paying for this "crime". The Maharil of Kopys wrote about him: "Famous posek, erudite in halachic rulings and in Chassidic knowledge as well…".
[2] leaves. [3] written pages. 23 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Folding marks. Wear and tears to edges and to folding marks, not affecting text.
To the best of our knowledge, these letters have never been printed.
Category
Chabad Chassidism – Letters and Printed Books Including Early and Rare Editions
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
Lengthy letter (6 pages, over 102 lines) handwritten and signed by Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Shneersohn of Lubavitch, addressed to R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin, with instructions for the administration of the Torat Emet yeshiva in Hebron. Kislev, 1913.
At the time of the writing of this letter, the Rayatz was the close attendant of his father R. Shalom Ber in directing the Chabad yeshivot (at the age of 33, in the lifetime of his father, Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch). In this letter, the Rayatz provides R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin with general guidelines for managing the yeshiva in material and spiritual realms, without needing detailed instructions at every step of the way.
At the beginning of the letter, the Rebbe writes: "…I am not always able to answer every query… we instate people and delegate the leadership to them, and they are responsible for the activities in their jurisdiction. We do not have the strength to supervise everything down to the fine points…". Later in the letter, he describes the style of ideal Chabad education, in contrast with Polish and Lithuanian education, using extremely sharp expressions.
The first half of the letter was published in the anthology of his letters (first published in HaMashpia, pp. 72-74, and from there in Igrot Kodesh, vol. I, pp. 89-91), where only the first four pages were printed, but the last two pages have not as yet been published, since the printers did not have the second leaf. The printed letter is incomplete and ends in the middle of a sentence, and in this letter, the end of the sentence is found on the fifth page.
The letter concludes with a request from R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin to purchase old books: "…I heard that in Hebron, one can purchase old books from yeshivot or from an entire yeshiva… and the main thing is to buy at a low price, and then I will send him a detailed list of how much to pay for each one…".
The background of the letter: In autumn 1911, Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch opened a yeshiva named Torah Emet in Hebron. To that end, he sent his disciple R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin to serve as spiritual and material director, accompanied with seven of his disciples, leading students of the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva in Lubavitch. The directors and presidents of the yeshiva were Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch and his son the Rayatz, who undertook to provide for the yeshiva's material needs. This letter discloses that in 1914, an additional branch of the yeshiva operated in Jerusalem.
Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Shneersohn of Lubavitch (1880-1950) directed the Chabad yeshivot already during the lifetime of his father – Rebbe Rashab, and was his father's close attendant in public leadership and disseminating Chassidut. After his father's passing in 1920, the Rayatz was appointed Rebbe of the Chabad dynasty. See next item. Educational and yeshiva matters were focal points for Rebbe Rayatz, who apart from being an inexhaustible activist, was an outstanding educator, who deeply understood his disciples. In his many letters, he explores in-depth various educational issues (see his booklet: Klalei HaChinuch VehaHadracha).
2 double leaves, official stationery, 6 written pages, over 102 autograph lines of the Rebbe and his signature. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
Enclosed is the envelope in which the letter was sent, bearing the red wax-seal of the Rebbe, and an inscription, presumably handwritten by R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin: "From Kislev 3, 1913, exceptional letter, distinguishing 3 categories: Chabad, Prushim and Polish".
At the time of the writing of this letter, the Rayatz was the close attendant of his father R. Shalom Ber in directing the Chabad yeshivot (at the age of 33, in the lifetime of his father, Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch). In this letter, the Rayatz provides R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin with general guidelines for managing the yeshiva in material and spiritual realms, without needing detailed instructions at every step of the way.
At the beginning of the letter, the Rebbe writes: "…I am not always able to answer every query… we instate people and delegate the leadership to them, and they are responsible for the activities in their jurisdiction. We do not have the strength to supervise everything down to the fine points…". Later in the letter, he describes the style of ideal Chabad education, in contrast with Polish and Lithuanian education, using extremely sharp expressions.
The first half of the letter was published in the anthology of his letters (first published in HaMashpia, pp. 72-74, and from there in Igrot Kodesh, vol. I, pp. 89-91), where only the first four pages were printed, but the last two pages have not as yet been published, since the printers did not have the second leaf. The printed letter is incomplete and ends in the middle of a sentence, and in this letter, the end of the sentence is found on the fifth page.
The letter concludes with a request from R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin to purchase old books: "…I heard that in Hebron, one can purchase old books from yeshivot or from an entire yeshiva… and the main thing is to buy at a low price, and then I will send him a detailed list of how much to pay for each one…".
The background of the letter: In autumn 1911, Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch opened a yeshiva named Torah Emet in Hebron. To that end, he sent his disciple R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin to serve as spiritual and material director, accompanied with seven of his disciples, leading students of the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva in Lubavitch. The directors and presidents of the yeshiva were Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch and his son the Rayatz, who undertook to provide for the yeshiva's material needs. This letter discloses that in 1914, an additional branch of the yeshiva operated in Jerusalem.
Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Shneersohn of Lubavitch (1880-1950) directed the Chabad yeshivot already during the lifetime of his father – Rebbe Rashab, and was his father's close attendant in public leadership and disseminating Chassidut. After his father's passing in 1920, the Rayatz was appointed Rebbe of the Chabad dynasty. See next item. Educational and yeshiva matters were focal points for Rebbe Rayatz, who apart from being an inexhaustible activist, was an outstanding educator, who deeply understood his disciples. In his many letters, he explores in-depth various educational issues (see his booklet: Klalei HaChinuch VehaHadracha).
2 double leaves, official stationery, 6 written pages, over 102 autograph lines of the Rebbe and his signature. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
Enclosed is the envelope in which the letter was sent, bearing the red wax-seal of the Rebbe, and an inscription, presumably handwritten by R. Shlomo Zalman Havlin: "From Kislev 3, 1913, exceptional letter, distinguishing 3 categories: Chabad, Prushim and Polish".
Category
Chabad Chassidism – Letters and Printed Books Including Early and Rare Editions
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $30,000
Estimate: $40,000 - $50,000
Unsold
Large collection of letters by the Rebbe the Rayatz of Lubavitch, bearing his signatures and some additions handwritten by him, most sent to Mr. Elchanan Glazer. Brooklyn, New york, 1944-1950.
35 letters, typewritten on the official stationery of the Rebbe the Rayatz, bearing his own signature. Most are in Yiddish, some in Hebrew and in English. Some of the letters have not been printed. Some bear the Rebbe's full signature, including his last name and several are signed with the letter Yud in Ashurit script, the special signature he used in the last year of his life.
The collection also contains two letters written in the name of the Rebbe the Rayatz on his stationery, signed by his secretary and a telegram sent on behalf of the Rebbe to his Chassidim in honor of Yom HaGeula.
Enclosed: · 5 envelopes with postage stamps sent with some of the letters in the collection, with the official letterhead of the Rebbe the Rayatz. · 4 photographs. Three are photos of the Rebbe and the fourth is a photo of a Chabad event (the Rebbe is not seen in the photo).
Items in the collection:
· Letter of good wishes for a wedding, with blessings for the New Year, with the Rebbe's full signature (including his last name).
· 4 letters of New Year wishes, one with two words in the Rebbe's handwriting.
· 6 letters of blessings related to medical issues, pregnancy and birth. A few words in the Rebbe's handwriting were added to four letters. Three were written in the last year of his life, with the letter Yud of his name Yitzchak in Ashurit script.
· 20 letters on various matters, some regarding assistance to refugees, another about reprinting the responsa of the Tzemach Tzedek, etc. One bears his full signature (including his last name). Most were not printed. Leaves with translations from Yiddish to English are attached to three of the letters.
· Two letters in the name of the Rebbe, signed by his secretary, R. Chaim Liberman.
· Letter in English, with his full signature (including his last name).
· Letter to R. Chanoch Hendel [Havlin] with a request to sell the property owned by the Rebbe the Rayatz in the city of Hebron, and with the proceeds to buy a new building in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. 1944. Unprinted.
· Long letter, 2 pages, in Yiddish, to the Committee for Taharat HaMishpacha in Montevideo, capital city of Uruguay, regarding the construction of a mikveh. 1946. Unprinted.
· Four large photographs, taken on his first visit to the US in 1930. One photo was taken during his visit to the White House and the others were taken on the deck of the ship on his return trip from the US. Another photo is from a Chabad event (without the Rebbe).
R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson of Lubavitch-Chabad (1880-1950) was appointed Rebbe in 1920. In the lifetime of his father, the Rashab, he began his leadership role as his father's close assistant (at the age of 15, he accompanied his father to rabbinic conventions in Russia and in Europe). After his father's death, he served as Rebbe and led Chabad Chassidim who devotedly engaged in Torah activities under the Communist rule. His efforts to maintain Jewish life in Communist Russia landed him in prison several times. His last imprisonment was in 1927 and he was sentenced to death. Due to international pressure, he was released on the 12th of Tamuz (hence, this date is celebrated by Chabad Chassidism as Chag HaGe'ula). After his release, from 1928-1933, he lived in Riga, the capital city of Latvia, and from 1933-1940 in Poland, getting trapped in Warsaw at the outbreak of WWII. Chabad Chassidim in the US feverishly attempted to rescue him from Poland. After involving senior American officials and with the assistance of the head of Intelligence of the German Army, the Rayatz and his family were smuggled from Poland to the US (in Adar Bet 1940). A short while after he immigrated to the US, he purchased the 770 building in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY, which became his residence in his later years and headquarters of the worldwide Chabad center. In the US, the Rayatz established the central institutes of Chabad Chassidism - "The center for education", "Machane Yisrael" and the Kehot (Karnei Hod Torah) Publication Society and the center of the Tomchei Temimim Yeshivas.
The Rayatz was a devoted, active leader who was involved in all matters related to the Jewish People and was famous for his love and dedication to all Jews, also famed as an outstanding educator who understood the souls of his students. In his many letters, he deeply discusses various educational issues (see his pamphlet: Rules of education and guidance). Known for his writings with clear concise explanations of deep intangible Kabbalistic and Chassidic concepts. After his passing, he left thousands of manuscripts which were printed in dozens of volumes of his letters, articles and discourses. R. Shloimke of Zvhil who greatly admired the Rayatz, told a close friend that he received a revelation from Heaven that the Rebbe the Rayatz was the tsaddik of his generation. In 1928, in honor of the 12th of Tamuz, the first Chag HaGeula, R. A.Y.H. Kook, Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and of Eretz Israel, published a proclamation in the newpaper Doar Hayom: "…G-d has given us rescuing angel in our generation… the lofty holy tsaddik R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Lubavitch Rebbe, who with amazing self-sacrifice upheld the pillars of the religion and Judaism and lit with the light of Torah and mitzvoth the gloom of that dark country (Russia)…".
48 paper items (containing 35 letters with the signature of the Rebbe the Rayatz) + 4 photographs. Size varies. Overall good condition.
35 letters, typewritten on the official stationery of the Rebbe the Rayatz, bearing his own signature. Most are in Yiddish, some in Hebrew and in English. Some of the letters have not been printed. Some bear the Rebbe's full signature, including his last name and several are signed with the letter Yud in Ashurit script, the special signature he used in the last year of his life.
The collection also contains two letters written in the name of the Rebbe the Rayatz on his stationery, signed by his secretary and a telegram sent on behalf of the Rebbe to his Chassidim in honor of Yom HaGeula.
Enclosed: · 5 envelopes with postage stamps sent with some of the letters in the collection, with the official letterhead of the Rebbe the Rayatz. · 4 photographs. Three are photos of the Rebbe and the fourth is a photo of a Chabad event (the Rebbe is not seen in the photo).
Items in the collection:
· Letter of good wishes for a wedding, with blessings for the New Year, with the Rebbe's full signature (including his last name).
· 4 letters of New Year wishes, one with two words in the Rebbe's handwriting.
· 6 letters of blessings related to medical issues, pregnancy and birth. A few words in the Rebbe's handwriting were added to four letters. Three were written in the last year of his life, with the letter Yud of his name Yitzchak in Ashurit script.
· 20 letters on various matters, some regarding assistance to refugees, another about reprinting the responsa of the Tzemach Tzedek, etc. One bears his full signature (including his last name). Most were not printed. Leaves with translations from Yiddish to English are attached to three of the letters.
· Two letters in the name of the Rebbe, signed by his secretary, R. Chaim Liberman.
· Letter in English, with his full signature (including his last name).
· Letter to R. Chanoch Hendel [Havlin] with a request to sell the property owned by the Rebbe the Rayatz in the city of Hebron, and with the proceeds to buy a new building in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. 1944. Unprinted.
· Long letter, 2 pages, in Yiddish, to the Committee for Taharat HaMishpacha in Montevideo, capital city of Uruguay, regarding the construction of a mikveh. 1946. Unprinted.
· Four large photographs, taken on his first visit to the US in 1930. One photo was taken during his visit to the White House and the others were taken on the deck of the ship on his return trip from the US. Another photo is from a Chabad event (without the Rebbe).
R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson of Lubavitch-Chabad (1880-1950) was appointed Rebbe in 1920. In the lifetime of his father, the Rashab, he began his leadership role as his father's close assistant (at the age of 15, he accompanied his father to rabbinic conventions in Russia and in Europe). After his father's death, he served as Rebbe and led Chabad Chassidim who devotedly engaged in Torah activities under the Communist rule. His efforts to maintain Jewish life in Communist Russia landed him in prison several times. His last imprisonment was in 1927 and he was sentenced to death. Due to international pressure, he was released on the 12th of Tamuz (hence, this date is celebrated by Chabad Chassidism as Chag HaGe'ula). After his release, from 1928-1933, he lived in Riga, the capital city of Latvia, and from 1933-1940 in Poland, getting trapped in Warsaw at the outbreak of WWII. Chabad Chassidim in the US feverishly attempted to rescue him from Poland. After involving senior American officials and with the assistance of the head of Intelligence of the German Army, the Rayatz and his family were smuggled from Poland to the US (in Adar Bet 1940). A short while after he immigrated to the US, he purchased the 770 building in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY, which became his residence in his later years and headquarters of the worldwide Chabad center. In the US, the Rayatz established the central institutes of Chabad Chassidism - "The center for education", "Machane Yisrael" and the Kehot (Karnei Hod Torah) Publication Society and the center of the Tomchei Temimim Yeshivas.
The Rayatz was a devoted, active leader who was involved in all matters related to the Jewish People and was famous for his love and dedication to all Jews, also famed as an outstanding educator who understood the souls of his students. In his many letters, he deeply discusses various educational issues (see his pamphlet: Rules of education and guidance). Known for his writings with clear concise explanations of deep intangible Kabbalistic and Chassidic concepts. After his passing, he left thousands of manuscripts which were printed in dozens of volumes of his letters, articles and discourses. R. Shloimke of Zvhil who greatly admired the Rayatz, told a close friend that he received a revelation from Heaven that the Rebbe the Rayatz was the tsaddik of his generation. In 1928, in honor of the 12th of Tamuz, the first Chag HaGeula, R. A.Y.H. Kook, Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and of Eretz Israel, published a proclamation in the newpaper Doar Hayom: "…G-d has given us rescuing angel in our generation… the lofty holy tsaddik R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Lubavitch Rebbe, who with amazing self-sacrifice upheld the pillars of the religion and Judaism and lit with the light of Torah and mitzvoth the gloom of that dark country (Russia)…".
48 paper items (containing 35 letters with the signature of the Rebbe the Rayatz) + 4 photographs. Size varies. Overall good condition.
Category
Chabad Chassidism – Letters and Printed Books Including Early and Rare Editions
Catalogue
Auction 63 - Rare and Important Items
November 13, 2018
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Unsold
Eight booklets of Chassidic essays, printed and distributed by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Lubavitch-Chabad Rebbe, from 1977-1992.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe was known for his love of the printed word. He printed hundreds of letters addressed to various authors, some containing encouragement for printing Torah novellae and others with comments on their books. During the years of his leadership and even earlier, dozens of books of Chabad teachings were printed and proofread by the Rebbe. "The rebbe practiced a distinctive custom of handing out books or booklets containing Chassidic teachings with his own holy hands to the large audience who came to see him, men, women and children" (History of the Kehot Publishing Co.).
This lot contains eight booklets handed out by the Rebbe:
· "Kuntress Ahavat Yisrael", anthology of sayings and articles of Chabad Rebbes on the subject of Ahavat Yisrael. Brooklyn, Nissan, 1977. Inscription on title page: "I have received this from the holy hands of the Rebbe, David Gottesman".
· "Kuntress 11th of Nisan – 1990", Chassidic essay, discourse delivered by the Rebbe on the 11th of Nisan 1978, which he himself proofread and printed in honor of his 88th birthday. Brooklyn, Nisan, 1990. First edition.
This booklet was distributed by the Rebbe on the eve of the 11th of Nisan 1990, in honor of his 88th birthday. It was bound in a "light-blue festive binding… the countenance of the Rebbe was particularly shining while distributing [the booklets]…" (Beit Chayenu).
· "Kuntress Etz HaChaim", about the obligation to study esoteric facets of the Torah, by R. Shalom Duber Schneerson of Lubavitch. Cheshvan, 1991.
· Kuntress "Ma'amar Baruch She'asa Nisim – 1904", Chassidic essay of a discourse delivered by R. Shalom Duber Schneerson of Lubavitch in 1904, put into writing by his son the Rayatz. Brooklyn, Shevat, 1991. First edition.
· "Kuntress Siyum V'Hachnassat Sefer Torah", two Chassidic articles containing a discourse delivered by the Rebbe at two events of dedication of new Sifrei Torah in 1970 and in 1981, proofread by the Rebbe. Brooklyn, Kislev, 1992. Inscription on title page: "Received from the holy hand of the Rebbe, David Avraham Gottesman".
This booklet was distributed by the Rebbe, on the eve of the 28th of Cheshvan 1992, in honor of a hachnasat Sefer Torah written by Moroccan Jews in memory of his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. "The booklet for a siyum and hachnasat Sefer Torah, with a brown cover, slightly similar to parchment… 'Special edition' appears under the title".
· "Kuntress Derushei Chatuna" (homilies for weddings), seven Chassidic essays spoken and written by R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Rayatz of Lubavitch, in honor of his daughter's marriage to his son-in-law the Rebbe in Kislev 1929, with two articles by the Rebbe based on his father-in-law's articles printed in this booklet.
Brooklyn, Kislev, 1992.
The booklet was handed out by the Rebbe on the 17th of Kislev. "It is bound in a light-blue cover of high-quality paper and inscribed in spectacular red letters: Kuntress Derushei Chatuna… Thousands of people passed before the Rebbe, one after another… quickly, to merit a glimpse of the king's countenance… and to leave happily with a special gift…".
· "Kuntress Ma'amarim 1912", three Chassidic articles, their content delivered and written by R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rayatz of Lubavitch in Tishrei 1912. Brooklyn, Shevat, 1922. First edition. Inscribed on the title page: "Received from the holy hand of the Rebbe, David Avraham Gottesman".
The booklet was distributed by the Rebbe on the eve of the 10th of Shevat 1992.
· "Kovetz 22nd of Shevat", compilation of discourses and letters of the Rebbe, "related to the special role of a woman and Jewish daughter in fulfilling the special mission of our generation in disseminating Torah and Judaism…". Brooklyn, Shevat, 1992. Inscribed on title page: "Received from the holy hand of the Rebbe, David Avraham Gottesman".
This booklet was distributed by the Rebbe on the 22nd of Shevat 1992. "The booklet contains about 60 pages, pink color… The distribution lasted for five hours during which the Rebbe handed out more than 10,000 pamphlets…".
The Lubavitcher Rebbe R. Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994) was the seventh Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, son of R. Levi Yitzchak, rabbi of Ekatrinoslav (today Dnipro, Ukraine) and sixth-generation direct descendant of the Tzemach Tzedek. His brilliance and outstanding leadership qualities were evident from a young age. He married the daughter of the Rebbe Rayatz and upon their immigration to the US, he became his father-in-law's close assistant and among other tasks, undertook the management of the central Chabad institutes and was chief editor of Kehot publishing. After the passing of his father-in-law in 1950, R. Menachem Mendel was appointed Rebbe and head of the world Lubavitch Chassidism. He established the "sheluchim" (emissaries) project which has spread to all corners of the world and the Rebbe was renowned for his genuine love and concern for each and every Jew. Famed as a miracle worker with far-reaching foresight, his prayers and blessing assisted thousands. His vast knowledge in all spheres of Torah, halacha and Kabbalah were world-renowned and evident in the dozens of books he authored. Esteemed by the leading Chassidic Rebbes of his times, the Rebbe, author of Netivot Shalom of Slonim referred to his in a letter written in 1961: "The great and holy leader crown and glory of the Jewish People".
8 items. Size varies. Overall good condition.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe was known for his love of the printed word. He printed hundreds of letters addressed to various authors, some containing encouragement for printing Torah novellae and others with comments on their books. During the years of his leadership and even earlier, dozens of books of Chabad teachings were printed and proofread by the Rebbe. "The rebbe practiced a distinctive custom of handing out books or booklets containing Chassidic teachings with his own holy hands to the large audience who came to see him, men, women and children" (History of the Kehot Publishing Co.).
This lot contains eight booklets handed out by the Rebbe:
· "Kuntress Ahavat Yisrael", anthology of sayings and articles of Chabad Rebbes on the subject of Ahavat Yisrael. Brooklyn, Nissan, 1977. Inscription on title page: "I have received this from the holy hands of the Rebbe, David Gottesman".
· "Kuntress 11th of Nisan – 1990", Chassidic essay, discourse delivered by the Rebbe on the 11th of Nisan 1978, which he himself proofread and printed in honor of his 88th birthday. Brooklyn, Nisan, 1990. First edition.
This booklet was distributed by the Rebbe on the eve of the 11th of Nisan 1990, in honor of his 88th birthday. It was bound in a "light-blue festive binding… the countenance of the Rebbe was particularly shining while distributing [the booklets]…" (Beit Chayenu).
· "Kuntress Etz HaChaim", about the obligation to study esoteric facets of the Torah, by R. Shalom Duber Schneerson of Lubavitch. Cheshvan, 1991.
· Kuntress "Ma'amar Baruch She'asa Nisim – 1904", Chassidic essay of a discourse delivered by R. Shalom Duber Schneerson of Lubavitch in 1904, put into writing by his son the Rayatz. Brooklyn, Shevat, 1991. First edition.
· "Kuntress Siyum V'Hachnassat Sefer Torah", two Chassidic articles containing a discourse delivered by the Rebbe at two events of dedication of new Sifrei Torah in 1970 and in 1981, proofread by the Rebbe. Brooklyn, Kislev, 1992. Inscription on title page: "Received from the holy hand of the Rebbe, David Avraham Gottesman".
This booklet was distributed by the Rebbe, on the eve of the 28th of Cheshvan 1992, in honor of a hachnasat Sefer Torah written by Moroccan Jews in memory of his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. "The booklet for a siyum and hachnasat Sefer Torah, with a brown cover, slightly similar to parchment… 'Special edition' appears under the title".
· "Kuntress Derushei Chatuna" (homilies for weddings), seven Chassidic essays spoken and written by R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Rayatz of Lubavitch, in honor of his daughter's marriage to his son-in-law the Rebbe in Kislev 1929, with two articles by the Rebbe based on his father-in-law's articles printed in this booklet.
Brooklyn, Kislev, 1992.
The booklet was handed out by the Rebbe on the 17th of Kislev. "It is bound in a light-blue cover of high-quality paper and inscribed in spectacular red letters: Kuntress Derushei Chatuna… Thousands of people passed before the Rebbe, one after another… quickly, to merit a glimpse of the king's countenance… and to leave happily with a special gift…".
· "Kuntress Ma'amarim 1912", three Chassidic articles, their content delivered and written by R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rayatz of Lubavitch in Tishrei 1912. Brooklyn, Shevat, 1922. First edition. Inscribed on the title page: "Received from the holy hand of the Rebbe, David Avraham Gottesman".
The booklet was distributed by the Rebbe on the eve of the 10th of Shevat 1992.
· "Kovetz 22nd of Shevat", compilation of discourses and letters of the Rebbe, "related to the special role of a woman and Jewish daughter in fulfilling the special mission of our generation in disseminating Torah and Judaism…". Brooklyn, Shevat, 1992. Inscribed on title page: "Received from the holy hand of the Rebbe, David Avraham Gottesman".
This booklet was distributed by the Rebbe on the 22nd of Shevat 1992. "The booklet contains about 60 pages, pink color… The distribution lasted for five hours during which the Rebbe handed out more than 10,000 pamphlets…".
The Lubavitcher Rebbe R. Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994) was the seventh Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, son of R. Levi Yitzchak, rabbi of Ekatrinoslav (today Dnipro, Ukraine) and sixth-generation direct descendant of the Tzemach Tzedek. His brilliance and outstanding leadership qualities were evident from a young age. He married the daughter of the Rebbe Rayatz and upon their immigration to the US, he became his father-in-law's close assistant and among other tasks, undertook the management of the central Chabad institutes and was chief editor of Kehot publishing. After the passing of his father-in-law in 1950, R. Menachem Mendel was appointed Rebbe and head of the world Lubavitch Chassidism. He established the "sheluchim" (emissaries) project which has spread to all corners of the world and the Rebbe was renowned for his genuine love and concern for each and every Jew. Famed as a miracle worker with far-reaching foresight, his prayers and blessing assisted thousands. His vast knowledge in all spheres of Torah, halacha and Kabbalah were world-renowned and evident in the dozens of books he authored. Esteemed by the leading Chassidic Rebbes of his times, the Rebbe, author of Netivot Shalom of Slonim referred to his in a letter written in 1961: "The great and holy leader crown and glory of the Jewish People".
8 items. Size varies. Overall good condition.
Category
Chabad Chassidism – Letters and Printed Books Including Early and Rare Editions
Catalogue