Lengthy letter (3 pages), handwritten and signed by R. Shabtai Ventura Rabbi of Spalatro, author of Nahar Shalom, addressed to R. Mordechai Tzemach Viterbo of Ancona, regarding copying the Etz Chaim manuscript (by R. Chaim Vital), and other topics. [Spalatro, today Split, Croatia], Shevat 8, 1771.
R. Shabtai begins the letter with a detailed account of his difficult financial situation and of the creditors who are hounding him, and then relates to R. Mordechai Tzemach Viterbo's request to copy for him the Etz Chaim composition – teachings of the Arizal recorded by R. Chaim Vital. He writes that the copy of Etz Chaim in his possession contains close to six hundred large leaves in Rashi script, and the task of copying it would be tedious and protracted. He also expresses his hesitation to copy this manuscript, since his primary teacher, R. David Pardo, allowed him to copy this composition on condition it would remain in his possession. He describes in effusive terms the significance of the manuscript he owns, writing that it is unique in the whole of Italy, and relating that he was aware of one scholar in Livorno who would pay fifty gold coins for it, yet was unable to obtain it. R. Shabtai writes that he is willing to copy the manuscript for him over the course of three years, on condition it would remain a secret, and requesting in exchange 25 Venetian gold coins, plus the repayment of one of his debts. He describes the importance of the Etz Chaim composition, which all Kabbalistic teachings are based upon, writing that if he would understand the supremacy of this item, through which a person can reach tremendous heights in this world and in the next, he would realize that the price he is requesting is not excessive.
One passage in the letter contains an interesting record of how the Etz Chaim manuscript travelled from Aleppo, Syria to Europe, with the Kabbalist R. Yaakov Belilios – teacher of R. David Pardo (who was in turn the teacher of R. Shabtai): "The Etz Chaim presently in the possession of my teacher, was previously held in the archives of R. Yaakov Belilios, his teacher, who attained it through much trouble and expense in Haleb (Allepo), and after the passing of his aforementioned teacher, the latter's brother, who was in very dire straits, sold it to R. David Pardo as a merit for his brother's soul, receiving in exchange a very substantial sum of money…".
Regarding this letter, its significance and historical setting, see the article by R. Moshe Hillel, The Identity of the Copyist of the Etz Chaim Book with the Colophon from 1579, in Chitzei Giborim, 10, Nisan 2017, pp. 847-911 (see enclosed material).
R. Shabtai Ventura (1732-1799) a renowned Rabbi and posek in his generation, was the rabbi of Spalatro (Split, today: Croatia), reputed for his Halachic composition Nahar Shalom on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim. He was a close disciple of R. David Pardo, who served before him as rabbi of Spalatro. His book Nahar Shalom is quoted extensively in Halachic works of recent generations, including in Mishna Berura by the Chafetz Chaim. His prominence in Halacha and in revealed realms of the Torah is well-known, yet here is a document testifying to his engagement in Kabbalah, and particularly in copying Kabbalistic manuscripts (for more details see the abovementioned article by R. Hillel).
[3] pages. 28 cm. Good-fair condition. A few stains. Pest damage and large marginal open tears, not affecting text. Folding marks.

Manuscript, composed of several compositions of practical Kabbalah: Sefer HaShemot, Holy Names and Names of Angels in alphabetical order and their use in amulets and hashba'ot; compilation of protections and segulot, with a guide for arranging amulets; Sefer HaYashar and Sefer HaMalbush. Neat calligraphic Ashkenazi script with kabbalistic illustrations and Angels' seals, tables and illustrations of the 12 zodiac signs. [Europe, 18th century].
The first composition is hitherto unknown. Apparently, it was written to be used for practicing kabbalah – hashba'ot and writing amulets, etc. It ends with protections and segulot, versions of hashba'ot and amulets, preparations and prayers (including the version of the blessing) before writing amulets.
Copyings from early books of practical kabbalah appear on the last six leaves: Sefer HaYashar and Sefer HaMalbush, beginning and ending with titles: "Salek Sefer HaYashar"; "Ze Sefer Malbush" [these compositions are attributed to Adam HaRishon, see quote below. Sections of this version of Sefer Hayashar were printed in the well-known Raziel HaMalach. Reputedly, Sefer HaMalbush by R. Elazar of Worms is one of the sources of the book Raziel HaMalach, however, the connection to this Sefer HaMalbush remains obscure].
We could not identify the author of this book, however, we have concluded that this composition is well-arranged and edited (and almost complete, lacking only the introduction and a few places left to be completed inside the composition). The author refers to sources which he wrote in other places and to passages at the end of the book and in its introduction. For example, "As explained at the end of 'our holy book'" (see Entry Uriel); "See at length in Siman 25 and the version of amulets at the end of our book" and other similar referrals.
The author cites the Zohar, and in several places, mentions the book Emek HaMelech [first printed in Amsterdam in 1648]. The author also mentions the writings of the Ari and the book Brit Menucha. In one place, he writes: "So I have found written in the writings of R. Y. B. S. of Brisk" [perhaps he is referring to the Kabbalistic manuscripts of the Bach, R. Yoel son of Shmuel Sirkis, who from 1615-1618, served as Rabbi of Brisk in Lithuania or possibly to R. Ya'akov Bechor Shor who served as Rabbi of Brisk from 1652-1655].
"Sefer HaYashar – the lofty wonderful [book] written by Rabbeinu Shmuel Katz, head of the yeshiva, who received [these teachings] from R. Huna… and Rav Huna copied them from the great Sefer HaYashar of Rabbeinu Menachem… This book was given to Adam HaRishon, because upon his sin and expulsion from Gan Eden, Adam HaRishon wept and beseeched G-d and begged for mercy and He sent him this book by the Angel Galizur [one of the names of Raziel HaMalach], and he passed it to Shem, Chanoch and to Noach and to his servants Avraham Yitzchak and Ya'akov, and to Levi, Moshe, Aharon and Pinchas, and to all ensuing generations…".
[46] leaves, [1] blank leaf. 22.5 cm. High-quality thick light paper. Good-fair condition. Old reinforcements with strips of paper on the margins of most of the leaves. Worming (mostly to the margins, on the last leaves affecting text). New fabric binding.

Document signed by R. Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, author of the Hafla'ah. Frankfurt am Main, 18th of Elul 1795.
Beit Din contract regarding transfer of ownership of a house in Frankfurt am Main, given to a bridegroom as a dowry. Scribal writing signed by the Rabbi of the city, author of the Hafla'ah: "Pinchas HaLevi, Ish Horowitz", followed by the signature of "David son of Yechiel Michel Shwartz Schild, shamash of this community".
R. Pinchas HaLevi Ish Horowitz, author of the Hafla'ah (1731-1805), close disciple of R. Dov Ber the Magid of Mezeritch [studied under his tutelage together with his brother R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg]. For more than 30 years, he served as Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main, the hub of Torah study in Germany at that time. The Chatam Sofer was among his disciples. He authored important books, including HaMikneh on Tractate Kiddushin, Ketubah on Tractate Ketubot and the Hafla'ah on several tractates and on the Shulchan Aruch, according him the cognomen of "Ba'al HaHafla'a".
Folded leaf, 17 cm. Good condition. Stains, folding marks.

Two handwritten leaves – documents recording transfer of land ownership – one of them with the handwritten signature of Rebbe Chaim Tirer, author of Be'er Mayim Chaim and Sidduro Shel Shabbat, bequeathing his property in Europe to his sons prior to his immigration to Eretz Israel in the summer of 1813:
· Sale deed, transfer of property to the ownership of the rabbi of Botoshan, Rebbe Chaim son of R. Shlomo Tirer of Czernovitz (Chernivtsi), signed by the seller "Moshe son of Yehuda Leib". Botoshan (Botoșani, Moldavia), Av 15, 1804.
· Gift deed, transferring ownership of the property of R. Chaim Tirer in Botoshan, to his sons, R. Yosef Yaakov and Kalonymus Kalman. With his signature: "Chaim of Botoshan", the signature of his wife Rebbetzin "Dreizel daughter of Shimshon" and the signature of his three sons: "Shlomo son of R. Chaim of Botoshan"; "Yisrael son of R. Chaim"; "Kalonymus Kalman Yeshaya Tirer of Botoshan". Botoshan (Botoșani, Moldavia), Sivan 26, 1813.
This deed was (presumably) written during the course of the preparations of the Be'er Mayim Chaim and his wife to immigrate to Eretz Israel later that year. The deed was drawn up and written by the scribe of the Botoshan Beit Din, and consists of a testimony from the two witnesses signed below, attesting that R. Chaim and his wife Dreizel daughter of R. Shimshon transferred in their presence the ownership of their property located on Țiganii st. in Botoshan, to their two sons, according to the following allocation: the section of the property facing West would be granted to R. Yosef Yaakov, and the second part, facing East, with all the buildings standing on it, would belong to their son R. Kalonymus Kalman, as specified in the gift deed in his possession. The deed is signed by the two witnesses: "Aharon son of R. David", "Tzvi Hirsh son of R. Meir Segal".
The document delineates in detail the borders of the property from all four directions, and the names of the Jewish and non-Jewish neighbors adjoining it, as well as a precise indication of the division of the sections allocated to the two brothers, R. Yosef Yaakov and Kalonymus Kalman.
The signatures of the witnesses are followed by a confirmation that this deed is valid according to the laws of the county, with the handwritten signatures: "Chaim of Botoshan"; "Dreizel daughter of R. Shimshon"; "Shlomo son of R. Chaim of Botoshan"; "Yisrael son of R. Chaim"; "Kalonymus Kalman Yeshaya Tirer of Botoshan".
The foot of the deed contains countersignatures, confirming that R. Chaim, his wife Dreizel and their sons R. Shlomo and R. Yisrael signed the document and corroborated it with an act of acquisition in their presence. Signed by: "Tzvi Hirsh son of R. Meir Segal" and "Moshe Yisrael son of R. Yonah HaKohen".
On the verso of the leaf, an additional inscription appears, signed by three dayanim in the city, confirming that all the above – the transfer of ownership and all the signatures, took place in their presence, on the day cited on the recto, in Botoshan. Signed "Mordechai son of R. Shimshon", "Moshe son of R. Natan Shapira", "Yehuda Leib son of R. Shraga Segal".
The top of the back page contains several lines (in Romanian), presumably notarization.
The first leaf, dated 1804, consists of the sale deed recording the purchase by R. Chaim Tirer of this property: Testimony by the two witnesses signed below, dated Monday, Av 15 1804, in Botoshan, documenting the sale by R. Moshe son of R. Yehuda Leib of his house on Black St. (possibly referring to Gipsy St., mentioned in the second deed from 1813 as the street named Țiganii), to R. Chaim in their presence, and attesting that the latter had already paid in full the value of the property. The deed is not signed by witnesses, only by the seller: "Moshe son of Yehuda Leib".
Rebbe Chaim Tirer of Czernovitz (1760s-1817), was a Chassidic leader, close disciple of the Maggid of Zlotchov. He served as rabbi of Czernowitz, Mogilev, Botoșani and Kishinev (Chișinău). He had the reputation of a holy man, and wondrous tales about him abound. He was renowned in the Chassidic world for his extreme attachment to the holiness of Shabbat, when he soared to exalted levels. His teacher, the Maggid of Zlotchov attested that he drew his vitality from the holiness of Shabbat. According to Chassidic tradition, after his immersion before Shabbat,
his form would allegedly change and he would grow taller by a handbreadth (Kevutzat Yaakov). In the summer of 1813, he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Safed, where he composed Shaar HaTefilla (Sudylkiv, 1825) and Eretz HaChaim (Czernowitz, 1861) and was later buried. His fundamental works Sidduro shel Shabbat (Mogilev, 1813) and Be'er Mayim Chaim (Sudylkiv 1820) are unique for their clarity and conviction, as well as the enthusiastic Chassidic passion they exude. His books were published in many editions and are considered fundamental Chassidic teachings. He was greatly influential in reinforcing Torah observance in the Bukovina region. His books include several responsa and debates on profound topics. His responsum regarding reciting Leshem Yichud before performing a mitzva, in which he sharply refutes the critique of the Noda BiYehuda, is well-known.
His son, R. Yosef Yaakov Tirer – mentioned in the document as recipient of half his property, was the son-in-law of R. Yitzchak of Kalush, son of the Degel Machaneh Efraim. After his father's immigration to Eretz Israel, he replaced him in the rabbinate. He passed away in 1866.
No facts are known regarding the son R. Shlomo Tirer signed on this document. His son R. Yisrael signed here, is not mentioned by biographers of the Be'er Mayim Chaim and is not known.
His son Kalonymus Kalman Yeshaya Tirer – the third signatory on this document, was at first the son-in-law of Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, the Ohev Yisrael. After his marriage (ca. beginning of the 1800s), he forsook Torah observance, consequently divorcing his wife Yocheved (who then remarried to Rebbe Dan of Radvil). Despite this, his father did not cease loving him, and would send him gifts, rising early to prepare food and drink for him, and never refusing any of his requests. According to Chassidic tradition, after his father's passing, he underwent complete repentance in the wake of his father's appearance to him, urging him to repent. He was buried in Safed.
The book Beit Komarna relates that this Kalonymus Kalman resided for several years in Komarna, where he attached himself to negative influences. In 1801, R. Chaim came in person to Komarna to visit his son, and found him in a pub suffused with the steam of nonkosher food, playing cards, with sweat pouring down his face. R. Chaim wiped the sweat from his face with his handkerchief, kissed him on his forehead, and encouraged him to leave Komarna and return with him to Czernowitz. As they were exiting Komarna, residents threw stones at them, and R. Chaim inadvertently uttered a curse, that the city should be burnt. They had not yet left the city borders when a fire broke out, consuming all the houses (Beit Komarna, by R. Baruch Yashar Schlichter, Jerusalem 1965, pp. 16-17). It further relates that R. Chaim was known to say that his son's deterioration was a heaven-sent test to see if he would continue loving him, since he always pled for the Jewish people, arguing: "Master of the Universe, and if Your sons sin, will You not have mercy on them? After all, even if they sin, they are still Your sons!". He was therefore tested by G-d with a corrupted son, whether he would continue loving him and having mercy on him (Beit Komarna, p. 16). In Anaf Etz Avot, a substantiated statement is quoted in the name of Rebbe David Moshe of Tchorkov, explaining R. Chaim's conduct with his son as a basis for advocating before G-d, that if he, as a human being, continues loving his wayward son, so G-d should have mercy on His sons, who in under all circumstances are called His sons (Anaf Etz Avot, Jerusalem 1972, p. 24, quoting R. Shmuel Heilprin of Amsterdam, whose father R. Yosef Heilprin heard this from the Rebbe of Tchortkov).
In this gift deed, we see that R. Chaim and his wife expressed love for their son Kalonymus, bequeathing to him half of their property in the city, equal part to what his brother R. Yosef Yaakov received: "And the second part… belongs to our son Kalonymus Kalman, as is described in the gift document in his possession from us…".
[2] leaves. 32.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, creases and folding marks. On the leaf dated 1813, tear to the left margin, minimally affecting text, repaired with adhesive tape.
An autograph signature of R. Chaim Tirer is most rare. Several books are extant bearing signatures assumed to be his, while this document contains a clearly autographic signature, upon an original deed, with the original countersignatures of witnesses authenticating the signature of: "The saintly Rabbi, renowned and true Torah scholar R. Chaim", who signed in their presence.

Letter of confirmation (in Polish) regarding Radomsko community matters, bearing the (Hebrew) signature of the city rabbi, the first Radomsk Rebbe "Shlomo HaCohen Rabbi of Radomsko Rabinowitz" and his stamp with an illustration of a crown and priestly hands. Radomsko, February 1834.
This confirmation was written in his early years as Rabbi of Radomsko. He confirms that that three people, Wolf Zolman, Michael Poznansky and Yoel Hochman belong to the Radomsko community ("the old religion").
The first Radomsk Rebbe – R. Shlomo HaCohen Rabinowitz, author of Tiferet Shlomo (1803-1866), important Polish rebbe, outstanding Torah scholar and holy person. His father was a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and of the Yehudi HaKadosh, and in his childhood, R. Shlomo had the merit of accompanying him on his journeys to them. In later years, R. Shlomo became a close disciple of the disciples of the Chozeh and the Yehudi HaKadosh, R. Meir of Apta author of Or LaShamayim, R. Ber of Radoshitz and R. Bunim of Peshischa. He was appointed Rabbi of Radomsko and hundreds of Chassidim thronged to hear his Torah discourses. At first, he tried to turn them away, however, with passing time, he acquiesced to their wishes and led one of the most prominent Chassidic courts in his days. Before R. Moshe of Lelov left for Eretz Israel, he instructed his Chassidim in Poland to follow the Radomsk Rebbe, who was especially revered for his love of the Jewish People and for his sagacity and activities on behalf of the community and individual Jews as well. Teacher and Rebbe of the Chassid of Hamburg, R. Aharon Marcus [author of the book HeChassidut], who emigrated from Germany to Poland to cling to the Radomsk Rebbe and to Chassidism (R. Aharon Marcus describes the Rebbe in his book: "People gravitated to this amazing tsaddik in spite of his outward strict and unwavering appearance… One can imagine that this must have been the appearance of the Cohen Gadol…").
[1] leaf. 19.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Large worming hole at one corner.