Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
- (-) Remove jerusalem filter jerusalem
- and (26) Apply and filter
- eretz (26) Apply eretz filter
- israel (26) Apply israel filter
- document (16) Apply document filter
- letter (16) Apply letter filter
- letters, (16) Apply letters, filter
- manuscript (16) Apply manuscript filter
- book (10) Apply book filter
- matter (10) Apply matter filter
- print (10) Apply print filter
Displaying 13 - 24 of 26
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Unsold
Two lengthy letters of Torah thoughts - correspondence between R. Yitzchak Antebi and a Jerusalem Torah scholar. [Jerusalem and Aleppo, 1852].
Two letters: the first is a draft-letter of 12 pages, from an unidentified Torah scholar of Jerusalem named Yaakov (autograph, with deletions and emendations), responding to and challenging a halachic responsum by R. Yitzchak Antebi, and discussing it at length. The responsum by R. Yitzchak Antebi which this letter relates to was printed at the end of Mor VaAhalot (Livorno, 1843), by his father R. Avraham Antebi (the last responsum. Even HaEzer, section 13). The second letter is R. Yitzchak's response to this letter. To the best of our knowledge, both letters were never published.
We were unable to identify the Jerusalem Torah scholar. He appears to be named Yaakov, as he writes in his letter: "I will interpret, Yaakov the small one…", and as R. Yitzchak Antebi addresses him, with many titles of honor, including: "…the rabbi, may G-d of Yaakov come to his assistance…". R. Yitzchak concludes his letter: "So are the words of one who loves him faithfully and wholeheartedly, who signs here in Aleppo, 28th Elul 1852, Yitzchak Antebi".
R. Yitzchak Antebi (LiKedoshim Asher BaAretz, Jerusalem 1980, p. 146), a leading Torah scholar of Aleppo. He was the son of R. Avraham Antebi, who praises him profusely in his introduction to his book Mor VaAhalot. The rabbis of Aleppo describe him: "He has an arm with might in the battle of Torah…". His composition Chikekei Lev remains in manuscript form and only a few of his responsa were published.
Letter of R. Yitzchak Antebi: [2] leaves (7 written columns). 29.5 cm. Letter of the Jerusalem Torah scholar: [7] leaves (12 written pages). 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Large tears. Worming.
Two letters: the first is a draft-letter of 12 pages, from an unidentified Torah scholar of Jerusalem named Yaakov (autograph, with deletions and emendations), responding to and challenging a halachic responsum by R. Yitzchak Antebi, and discussing it at length. The responsum by R. Yitzchak Antebi which this letter relates to was printed at the end of Mor VaAhalot (Livorno, 1843), by his father R. Avraham Antebi (the last responsum. Even HaEzer, section 13). The second letter is R. Yitzchak's response to this letter. To the best of our knowledge, both letters were never published.
We were unable to identify the Jerusalem Torah scholar. He appears to be named Yaakov, as he writes in his letter: "I will interpret, Yaakov the small one…", and as R. Yitzchak Antebi addresses him, with many titles of honor, including: "…the rabbi, may G-d of Yaakov come to his assistance…". R. Yitzchak concludes his letter: "So are the words of one who loves him faithfully and wholeheartedly, who signs here in Aleppo, 28th Elul 1852, Yitzchak Antebi".
R. Yitzchak Antebi (LiKedoshim Asher BaAretz, Jerusalem 1980, p. 146), a leading Torah scholar of Aleppo. He was the son of R. Avraham Antebi, who praises him profusely in his introduction to his book Mor VaAhalot. The rabbis of Aleppo describe him: "He has an arm with might in the battle of Torah…". His composition Chikekei Lev remains in manuscript form and only a few of his responsa were published.
Letter of R. Yitzchak Antebi: [2] leaves (7 written columns). 29.5 cm. Letter of the Jerusalem Torah scholar: [7] leaves (12 written pages). 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Large tears. Worming.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $800
Unsold
Leaf containing eight letters handwritten and signed by rabbis and noted Torah scholars of Jerusalem and Tiberias. Jerusalem, Kislev-Av 1870-1871.
Letters of recommendation and commitment to purchase the book HaTzivi Tziyunim authored by R. Ben Tzion Shlez (the book was published in part in Jerusalem, 1871-1872).
• Letter from R. Tzvi Hirsch Berliner, son of R. Shlomo Hirschell Berlin Rabbi of London. • Letter from R. Yochanan Hirsh son of R. Mordechai Schlank (disciple of the Chatam Sofer, a founder of Kollel Holland and Deutschland). • Letter from R. Nachman Natan Coronel, author of Beit Natan. • Letter from Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Kahanov (leading Lithuanian rabbi, founder and dean of the Etz Chaim yeshiva in Jerusalem). • Letter from R. Moshe Eliezer Dan Ralbag (disciple and nephew of the Maharil Diskin. Dean of the Etz Chaim yeshiva). • Letter from R. Shalom son of R. Moshe (presumably, R. Shalom Silberstien of Boisk, see: Toldot Chachmei Yerushalayim, III, p. 272). • Letter from R. Yeshaya Reuven (Klinger) of Tiberias, rabbi of Săveni (immigrated to Eretz Israel from Romania in 1860; Encyclopedia LeYahadut Romania, II, p. 724). • Letter from R. Aharon Ze'ev Stuczynski of Hrodna (R. Wolf Stuczynski, head of Kollel Hrodna and of the Dorshei Tzion ViYerushalayim society in Grodno, see enclosed material).
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, wear and tears. Damage to text in corner.
Letters of recommendation and commitment to purchase the book HaTzivi Tziyunim authored by R. Ben Tzion Shlez (the book was published in part in Jerusalem, 1871-1872).
• Letter from R. Tzvi Hirsch Berliner, son of R. Shlomo Hirschell Berlin Rabbi of London. • Letter from R. Yochanan Hirsh son of R. Mordechai Schlank (disciple of the Chatam Sofer, a founder of Kollel Holland and Deutschland). • Letter from R. Nachman Natan Coronel, author of Beit Natan. • Letter from Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Kahanov (leading Lithuanian rabbi, founder and dean of the Etz Chaim yeshiva in Jerusalem). • Letter from R. Moshe Eliezer Dan Ralbag (disciple and nephew of the Maharil Diskin. Dean of the Etz Chaim yeshiva). • Letter from R. Shalom son of R. Moshe (presumably, R. Shalom Silberstien of Boisk, see: Toldot Chachmei Yerushalayim, III, p. 272). • Letter from R. Yeshaya Reuven (Klinger) of Tiberias, rabbi of Săveni (immigrated to Eretz Israel from Romania in 1860; Encyclopedia LeYahadut Romania, II, p. 724). • Letter from R. Aharon Ze'ev Stuczynski of Hrodna (R. Wolf Stuczynski, head of Kollel Hrodna and of the Dorshei Tzion ViYerushalayim society in Grodno, see enclosed material).
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 19.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, wear and tears. Damage to text in corner.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Unsold
Leaf with calligraphic script, decorated in colored ink - letter of good year wishes for the upcoming new year of 1892-1893, from the trustees of Kollel Austria-Hungary. Jerusalem, [Elul 1892?].
Addressed to the treasurer of the Kollel, R. Avraham Tzvi Hash Rabbi of Široké (Slovakia). Signed by the trustees and directors of the Kollel, R. Tuviah Aryeh Goldberger and R. Yosef Binyamin Schag.
R. Tuvia Aryeh Goldberger, a leading rabbi and communal worker in Jerusalem. A disciple of R. Yirmiyah Löw Rabbi of Ujhel. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1873, and was part of the initial group of dayanim in the Chassidic Beit Din in Jerusalem (lead by the Torat Chessed, Gaon of Lublin). He was an activist of Kollel Hungary and served as its trustee for twenty-three years together with R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld.
[1] leaf. 27 cm. Fair condition. Wear and light damage. Tears to folds. Colored ink slightly faded.
Addressed to the treasurer of the Kollel, R. Avraham Tzvi Hash Rabbi of Široké (Slovakia). Signed by the trustees and directors of the Kollel, R. Tuviah Aryeh Goldberger and R. Yosef Binyamin Schag.
R. Tuvia Aryeh Goldberger, a leading rabbi and communal worker in Jerusalem. A disciple of R. Yirmiyah Löw Rabbi of Ujhel. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1873, and was part of the initial group of dayanim in the Chassidic Beit Din in Jerusalem (lead by the Torat Chessed, Gaon of Lublin). He was an activist of Kollel Hungary and served as its trustee for twenty-three years together with R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld.
[1] leaf. 27 cm. Fair condition. Wear and light damage. Tears to folds. Colored ink slightly faded.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Unsold
Two leaves containing letters from the initial settlers of "Wadi el Chanin" (later: Ness Ziona) and from R. Naftali Hertz Rabbi of Jaffa, regarding the loan of a Torah scroll for the new synagogue being established in the moshava (settlement). Wadi Chanin and Jaffa, Elul 1893.
• Letter addressed to the Maharil Diskin in Jerusalem, signed by the settlers Mordechai Hochberg and Shlomo Yoffe. Their letter is followed by another letter (2 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Naftali Hertz HaLevi Rabbi of Jaffa and the moshavot, confirming that "there is in the Wadi Chanin colony (=moshava), approximately a minyan (prayer quorum) of men who are requesting as mentioned above… Monday, 23rd Elul 1893, so says Naftali Hertz HaLevi, residing here Jaffa".
The settlers relate in their letter that a "large and magnificent house" has been designated as a place of prayer, since the first synagogue (dedicated by R. Reuven Lehrer, founder of the moshava) had grown small for the increasing number of congregants, and the need arose to establish another minyan. They ask of the Maharil Diskin to attempt to obtain for them a "suitable Torah scroll, so that we should be able to pray at any time with a minyan…". They also relate of the need to set up a new synagogue close to their homes, for fear of the Bedouins "who set up their tents not far from us, and we cannot abandon our homes for the High Holidays…", and due to the fact that "during the rainy season, there are months when we will not be able to pray with a minyan".
• Another letter is enclosed, with the signatures of eleven of the first settlers and founders of the community, confirming reception of the Torah scroll, on loan from the Churva synagogue in the courtyard of R. Yehuda HaChassid, and pledging to return it whenever they would be asked to.
These historic documents, from the early years of the moshava Wadi Chanin (later named: Ness Ziona), document the dedication of a public house as synagogue in 1893 - a fact which is not known from other sources ("Mabat el HeAvar" - in the official website of the Ness Ziona municipality, states that only in 1907 was the cornerstone laid for the first public house, which served at one and the same time as a school, synagogue, meeting place, community center and Haganah house. Today this house serves as the Founder's house museum).
The renowned kabbalist, R. Naftali Hertz HaLevi (Weidenbaum) Rabbi of Jaffa (1852-1902), foremost kabbalist in Lithuania and Jerusalem. He was a disciple of the Maharil Diskin. He immigrated to Jerusalem from Białystok in 1884, and was a leading disseminator of Torah in the city. He delivered halachic lectures in the Degel Torah yeshiva which he founded in Jerusalem, as well as profound lectures on Kabbalah (which were attended by even the elder Lithuanian kabbalists in Jerusalem). In 1886, he was appointed by R. Shmuel Salant as rabbi of Jaffa and the moshavot of Eretz Israel, and was the first rabbi of the Ashkenazi community of Jaffa, by appointment of the rabbis of Jerusalem, to oversee the religious matters of the new settlements in Eretz Israel.
[2] leaves. 25.5-29 cm. Good-fair condition. Thin, dry paper, with tears. Adhesive tape to verso.
• Letter addressed to the Maharil Diskin in Jerusalem, signed by the settlers Mordechai Hochberg and Shlomo Yoffe. Their letter is followed by another letter (2 lines) handwritten and signed by R. Naftali Hertz HaLevi Rabbi of Jaffa and the moshavot, confirming that "there is in the Wadi Chanin colony (=moshava), approximately a minyan (prayer quorum) of men who are requesting as mentioned above… Monday, 23rd Elul 1893, so says Naftali Hertz HaLevi, residing here Jaffa".
The settlers relate in their letter that a "large and magnificent house" has been designated as a place of prayer, since the first synagogue (dedicated by R. Reuven Lehrer, founder of the moshava) had grown small for the increasing number of congregants, and the need arose to establish another minyan. They ask of the Maharil Diskin to attempt to obtain for them a "suitable Torah scroll, so that we should be able to pray at any time with a minyan…". They also relate of the need to set up a new synagogue close to their homes, for fear of the Bedouins "who set up their tents not far from us, and we cannot abandon our homes for the High Holidays…", and due to the fact that "during the rainy season, there are months when we will not be able to pray with a minyan".
• Another letter is enclosed, with the signatures of eleven of the first settlers and founders of the community, confirming reception of the Torah scroll, on loan from the Churva synagogue in the courtyard of R. Yehuda HaChassid, and pledging to return it whenever they would be asked to.
These historic documents, from the early years of the moshava Wadi Chanin (later named: Ness Ziona), document the dedication of a public house as synagogue in 1893 - a fact which is not known from other sources ("Mabat el HeAvar" - in the official website of the Ness Ziona municipality, states that only in 1907 was the cornerstone laid for the first public house, which served at one and the same time as a school, synagogue, meeting place, community center and Haganah house. Today this house serves as the Founder's house museum).
The renowned kabbalist, R. Naftali Hertz HaLevi (Weidenbaum) Rabbi of Jaffa (1852-1902), foremost kabbalist in Lithuania and Jerusalem. He was a disciple of the Maharil Diskin. He immigrated to Jerusalem from Białystok in 1884, and was a leading disseminator of Torah in the city. He delivered halachic lectures in the Degel Torah yeshiva which he founded in Jerusalem, as well as profound lectures on Kabbalah (which were attended by even the elder Lithuanian kabbalists in Jerusalem). In 1886, he was appointed by R. Shmuel Salant as rabbi of Jaffa and the moshavot of Eretz Israel, and was the first rabbi of the Ashkenazi community of Jaffa, by appointment of the rabbis of Jerusalem, to oversee the religious matters of the new settlements in Eretz Israel.
[2] leaves. 25.5-29 cm. Good-fair condition. Thin, dry paper, with tears. Adhesive tape to verso.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Lot 186 Lengthy Letter of Torah Thoughts by Rabbi Yosef Bechor Benveniste, a Jerusalem Torah Scholar
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Unsold
Lengthy letter of Torah thoughts, handwritten and signed by R. Yosef Bechor Benveniste, a Torah scholar of Jerusalem, addressed to R. Shalom Moshe Chai (Same'ach) Gagin, dean of the Beit Kel yeshiva for kabbalists. [Jerusalem, after 1878].
Sheet of paper, written on both sides in narrow columns (8 columns). Lengthy letter, in which R. Yosef Benveniste discusses the teachings of R. Gagin in his book Yismach Lev. Signed: "Until here I will come, and I will not continue… Yosef known as Bechor Benveniste", with his calligraphic signature.
R. Yosef Bechor son of R. Rachamim Shneur Benveniste (1840-1916, Otzar HaRabbanim 8733) was born in Jerusalem. In 1874, he travelled as emissary of Jerusalem and in 1883, of Hebron. In 1900, he served as head of the Sephardi Beit Din in Jerusalem.
[1] sheet of paper, written on both sides (8 written columns). 30 cm. Fair condition. Large tears, affecting text. Folding marks and wear.
Sheet of paper, written on both sides in narrow columns (8 columns). Lengthy letter, in which R. Yosef Benveniste discusses the teachings of R. Gagin in his book Yismach Lev. Signed: "Until here I will come, and I will not continue… Yosef known as Bechor Benveniste", with his calligraphic signature.
R. Yosef Bechor son of R. Rachamim Shneur Benveniste (1840-1916, Otzar HaRabbanim 8733) was born in Jerusalem. In 1874, he travelled as emissary of Jerusalem and in 1883, of Hebron. In 1900, he served as head of the Sephardi Beit Din in Jerusalem.
[1] sheet of paper, written on both sides (8 written columns). 30 cm. Fair condition. Large tears, affecting text. Folding marks and wear.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
![Manuscript, eulogy sermon on R. Yitzchak Prague Oplatka. [Jerusalem, 1900]. Neat Sephardic script. The manuscript bears the f](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/187.jpg "Manuscript - Eulogy on Rabbi Yitzchak Prague Oplatka - Jerusalem, 1900")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Unsold
Manuscript, eulogy sermon on R. Yitzchak Prague Oplatka. [Jerusalem, 1900].
Neat Sephardic script. The manuscript bears the following heading: "A sermon which I delivered upon the conclusion of the month of mourning for my grandfather R. Y. Prague". The writer is presumably R. Chananya Gabriel, who was married to Rachel, granddaughter of R. Yitzchak Prague, whom he refers to in the eulogy as "my wife's grandfather".
"Weeping and lamenting should increase, over the disappearance of a Tzaddik from the world… and his passing is as tragic as the burning of a Torah scroll… who was renowned to all for his great wisdom, his memory was exceptional, and he was like a gushing wellspring, and he enlightened the Torah scholars in Halacha…".
R. Yitzchak Prague Oplatka (1819-1900), a native of Prague and a disciple of the Chatam Sofer in Pressburg. He immigrated to Eretz Israel upon the urging of his teacher and settled in Jerusalem, where he became a prominent figure as a rabbi, physician and communal worker. Upon reaching Jerusalem, he was hosted by the Rishon LeTzion R. Yaakov Moshe Ayash, and thereafter began adopting Sephardi customs and mode of dress, and began speaking Ladino. He married the daughter of R. Ayash, and since then represented the integration between the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities in Jerusalem. R. Yitzchak was involved in all communal matters in Jerusalem. He was renowned as an outstanding Torah scholar, and even acquired knowledge in medicine. He tended to the sick through various mediums, with medicinal herbs and even hypnosis, and later directed the Meir Rothschild hospital. He was one of the founders of Kollel Hod (Holland-Deutschland), and established and directed the Doresh Tzion boys' school. His granddaughter Rachel, daughter of his son R. Avraham Prague, married R. Chananya Yehoshua Gabriel, a native of Salonika, rabbi and emissary, later head of the Sephardi Beit Din in Jerusalem, author of Minchat HaChag and Shalmei HaChag. He is presumably the author of this eulogy.
[10] leaves (20 written pages). 19.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Ink smudging from dampness, with blurring of text in several places.
Neat Sephardic script. The manuscript bears the following heading: "A sermon which I delivered upon the conclusion of the month of mourning for my grandfather R. Y. Prague". The writer is presumably R. Chananya Gabriel, who was married to Rachel, granddaughter of R. Yitzchak Prague, whom he refers to in the eulogy as "my wife's grandfather".
"Weeping and lamenting should increase, over the disappearance of a Tzaddik from the world… and his passing is as tragic as the burning of a Torah scroll… who was renowned to all for his great wisdom, his memory was exceptional, and he was like a gushing wellspring, and he enlightened the Torah scholars in Halacha…".
R. Yitzchak Prague Oplatka (1819-1900), a native of Prague and a disciple of the Chatam Sofer in Pressburg. He immigrated to Eretz Israel upon the urging of his teacher and settled in Jerusalem, where he became a prominent figure as a rabbi, physician and communal worker. Upon reaching Jerusalem, he was hosted by the Rishon LeTzion R. Yaakov Moshe Ayash, and thereafter began adopting Sephardi customs and mode of dress, and began speaking Ladino. He married the daughter of R. Ayash, and since then represented the integration between the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities in Jerusalem. R. Yitzchak was involved in all communal matters in Jerusalem. He was renowned as an outstanding Torah scholar, and even acquired knowledge in medicine. He tended to the sick through various mediums, with medicinal herbs and even hypnosis, and later directed the Meir Rothschild hospital. He was one of the founders of Kollel Hod (Holland-Deutschland), and established and directed the Doresh Tzion boys' school. His granddaughter Rachel, daughter of his son R. Avraham Prague, married R. Chananya Yehoshua Gabriel, a native of Salonika, rabbi and emissary, later head of the Sephardi Beit Din in Jerusalem, author of Minchat HaChag and Shalmei HaChag. He is presumably the author of this eulogy.
[10] leaves (20 written pages). 19.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Ink smudging from dampness, with blurring of text in several places.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
![Midrash Rabbot with various commentaries, on Bamidbar, Devarim and the Five Megillot. [Amsterdam, 1725]. On the first leaf,](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/188_1.jpg "Midrash Rabba - Lengthy Glosses - Dedication from the Emissary Rabbi A")
![Midrash Rabbot with various commentaries, on Bamidbar, Devarim and the Five Megillot. [Amsterdam, 1725]. On the first leaf,](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/188_2.jpg "Midrash Rabba - Lengthy Glosses - Dedication from the Emissary Rabbi A")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Unsold
Midrash Rabbot with various commentaries, on Bamidbar, Devarim and the Five Megillot. [Amsterdam, 1725].
On the first leaf, dedication from the emissary R. Avraham Halua of Jerusalem: "I sold this book to R. Mordechai Babaye… May he merit to study it, him and his sons… so are the words of the emissary of the Kollel of the Maghrebi communities in Jerusalem, Avraham Halua".
The book contains some twenty glosses in neat handwriting, half of them lengthy, with homiletic contents.
The emissary R. Avraham Halua (1858-1924, Sheluchei Eretz Israel p. 754), a Torah scholar and rabbi of Jerusalem. Born in Jerusalem, he studied in its yeshivot. At the age of 29, he set out on a mission on behalf of the Sephardi and Maghrebi Kollelot in Jerusalem, to the Arab world, Persia, North Africa and the Balkans. His final mission was on behalf of the Beit Kel yeshiva of kabbalists, to various countries, and with the conclusion of his mission, he settled in Livorno. He published his book Minchat Avraham on the Torah in 1901.
Copy lacking approximately half: 177-246 leaves; [1], 2-95 leaves (originally: [3], 109, 30 [i.e. 130]-246; 95 leaves). 34 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming to final leaves. Damage to last leaf. Early leather binding, worn.
On the first leaf, dedication from the emissary R. Avraham Halua of Jerusalem: "I sold this book to R. Mordechai Babaye… May he merit to study it, him and his sons… so are the words of the emissary of the Kollel of the Maghrebi communities in Jerusalem, Avraham Halua".
The book contains some twenty glosses in neat handwriting, half of them lengthy, with homiletic contents.
The emissary R. Avraham Halua (1858-1924, Sheluchei Eretz Israel p. 754), a Torah scholar and rabbi of Jerusalem. Born in Jerusalem, he studied in its yeshivot. At the age of 29, he set out on a mission on behalf of the Sephardi and Maghrebi Kollelot in Jerusalem, to the Arab world, Persia, North Africa and the Balkans. His final mission was on behalf of the Beit Kel yeshiva of kabbalists, to various countries, and with the conclusion of his mission, he settled in Livorno. He published his book Minchat Avraham on the Torah in 1901.
Copy lacking approximately half: 177-246 leaves; [1], 2-95 leaves (originally: [3], 109, 30 [i.e. 130]-246; 95 leaves). 34 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming to final leaves. Damage to last leaf. Early leather binding, worn.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,500
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
"Elaka DeMeir Yaanenu" (G-d of Meir will answer us) - large parchment certificate - letter of appointment for R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, leaving on a mission on behalf of the Kollelot of Tiberias to Iraq, Iran, Kurdistan, Syria, Turkey and the surrounding regions, signed by 54 Torah scholars and rabbis of the city. Tiberias, Tammuz 1914.
Calligraphic Oriental square and semi-cursive script, on a large parchment sheet, with a rounded top. Words and sentences emphasized in large square script.
R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, a Torah scholar in Tiberias at that time, was appointed through this certificate as emissary of the Tiberias community. The certificate lists the cities he is headed for, including the cities of Kurdistan, Greater and Lesser Persia, Damascus, Beirut, Sidon, Antioch, Aleppo, Kilz, Ein Tab, Urfa, Mosul, Nusaybin, Auroville, Zakho, Akar, Koy Sanjaq, Kirkuk, Baghdad, Baqubah, Diyarbakir, Basra, Bushehr.
At the foot of the certificate, 54 rabbis and Torah scholars of the holy city of Tiberias affixed their signatures, as follows:
First line: R. Eliyahu Illouz, R. Menashe Hamawi, R. Yaakov Chai Zrihen, R. Pinchas Refael Toledano, R. Moshe Dweck, R. Akiva Chiya Behlul, R. Eliyahu Adahan, R. Shmuel Ben Kiki, R. Yaakov Vaknin, R. Moshe Ifrah, R. Yitzchak Legrabli, R. Mimoun Ravuah, R. Eliyahu Melamed, R. Machlouf Chetrit, R. Masoud Adahan, R. Yehuda Toledano.
Second line: R. Yaakov Toledano, (undeciphered), (undeciphered), R. Yaakov Ben Tzuri, R. Yaakov Chai Berdugo, R. Mordechai Adahan, R. Yehuda Chai [--?], R. Moshe Avraham Hamawi, R. Eliyahu Avigdor, R. Mordechai Benamozegh, R. Shimon Nachmani, (undeciphered), R. Nissim Toledano, R. Yichye Abuchatzeira, R. Shalom Malka, R. Ben Tzion Rachamim Behlul, R. Betzalel Malka, R. Avraham Nachum [--?].
Third line: R. David Chai Bohbot, R. Bechor Avraham Elkoubi, R. Mordechai Refael Ohana, (undeciphered), R. Yaakov Abitbol, R. Yosef Alon, R. Shimon Abadi, R. Refael Azrad, R. Shmuel Assabag, R. Azariah Chaim HaLevi, R. Yosef Chaim Illouz.
Stamps of R. Refael Bibas, R. Elazar Behlul, R. Yitzchak Shalom Mizrahi, and others.
On verso of the certificate, two authorizations, one signed and stamped (and perhaps also handwritten) by the chief rabbi of Tiberias R. Chaim Yissachar Abulafia, confirming that he is appointing R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton as emissary "with the authority received from the government". This authorization is followed by another inscription from the Tiberias rabbis, dated 1921, explaining that due to the war and "the tribulations of this period", the emissary was delayed in his mission until that time, and that they are hereby renewing his appointment. This inscription is signed by R. Yaakov Chai Zrihen, R. Eliyahu Illouz, R. Moshe Ifrah, R. Yehuda Toledano, and another signatory (some with a handwritten signature, and some with a stamp reproducing their signature).
Large parchment certificate. Maximum height: 78 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and creases. Several tears. Two open tears to parchment, close to signatures. Several signatures faded.
Calligraphic Oriental square and semi-cursive script, on a large parchment sheet, with a rounded top. Words and sentences emphasized in large square script.
R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, a Torah scholar in Tiberias at that time, was appointed through this certificate as emissary of the Tiberias community. The certificate lists the cities he is headed for, including the cities of Kurdistan, Greater and Lesser Persia, Damascus, Beirut, Sidon, Antioch, Aleppo, Kilz, Ein Tab, Urfa, Mosul, Nusaybin, Auroville, Zakho, Akar, Koy Sanjaq, Kirkuk, Baghdad, Baqubah, Diyarbakir, Basra, Bushehr.
At the foot of the certificate, 54 rabbis and Torah scholars of the holy city of Tiberias affixed their signatures, as follows:
First line: R. Eliyahu Illouz, R. Menashe Hamawi, R. Yaakov Chai Zrihen, R. Pinchas Refael Toledano, R. Moshe Dweck, R. Akiva Chiya Behlul, R. Eliyahu Adahan, R. Shmuel Ben Kiki, R. Yaakov Vaknin, R. Moshe Ifrah, R. Yitzchak Legrabli, R. Mimoun Ravuah, R. Eliyahu Melamed, R. Machlouf Chetrit, R. Masoud Adahan, R. Yehuda Toledano.
Second line: R. Yaakov Toledano, (undeciphered), (undeciphered), R. Yaakov Ben Tzuri, R. Yaakov Chai Berdugo, R. Mordechai Adahan, R. Yehuda Chai [--?], R. Moshe Avraham Hamawi, R. Eliyahu Avigdor, R. Mordechai Benamozegh, R. Shimon Nachmani, (undeciphered), R. Nissim Toledano, R. Yichye Abuchatzeira, R. Shalom Malka, R. Ben Tzion Rachamim Behlul, R. Betzalel Malka, R. Avraham Nachum [--?].
Third line: R. David Chai Bohbot, R. Bechor Avraham Elkoubi, R. Mordechai Refael Ohana, (undeciphered), R. Yaakov Abitbol, R. Yosef Alon, R. Shimon Abadi, R. Refael Azrad, R. Shmuel Assabag, R. Azariah Chaim HaLevi, R. Yosef Chaim Illouz.
Stamps of R. Refael Bibas, R. Elazar Behlul, R. Yitzchak Shalom Mizrahi, and others.
On verso of the certificate, two authorizations, one signed and stamped (and perhaps also handwritten) by the chief rabbi of Tiberias R. Chaim Yissachar Abulafia, confirming that he is appointing R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton as emissary "with the authority received from the government". This authorization is followed by another inscription from the Tiberias rabbis, dated 1921, explaining that due to the war and "the tribulations of this period", the emissary was delayed in his mission until that time, and that they are hereby renewing his appointment. This inscription is signed by R. Yaakov Chai Zrihen, R. Eliyahu Illouz, R. Moshe Ifrah, R. Yehuda Toledano, and another signatory (some with a handwritten signature, and some with a stamp reproducing their signature).
Large parchment certificate. Maximum height: 78 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and creases. Several tears. Two open tears to parchment, close to signatures. Several signatures faded.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Unsold
Collection of certificates related to R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, emissary of the Tiberias community, with his personal seal:
• Certificate of ordination as a shochet and bodek (ritual slaughterer and inspector), accorded to R. Yaakov Lubaton. Signed (and stamped) by the Torah scholars of Tiberias: R. Yaakov Kohen Skali, R. Yaakov Chai Zrihen, R. Aharon Kohen Skali, R. Masoud Adahan. Tiberias, [1913].
• Emissary letter from the Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes fund of the central committee for the Sephardic community in Tiberias, for the emissary R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, with stamps of the Tiberias Torah scholars. [1920s]. The letter states that the emissary is being sent to collect funds due to "the great and terrible inflation" caused by the "horrific war" (WWI).
• Handwritten leaf, official copying of an emissary letter from Tiberias Torah scholars, for R. Nissim Alchadif, dated 1914, signed by R. Moshe Ifrah, another signatory, and the emissary R. Nissim Alhadef. At the foot of the leaf, an authorization from 1914, transferring the emissary rights from R. Yaakov Tzuri to R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, signed by R. Shimon Nachmani, R. Yaakov Tzuri and another signatory (signature partially torn). (R. Yaakov Lubaton's letter of appointment as emissary from 1914 is being offered in this auction, see item 189).
• Personal seal of R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, with the inscription: "Yaakov Chai Lubaton from the holy city of Tiberias", in Hebrew, French and Arabic.
[3] handwritten leaves. Size varies. Fair condition. Tears and wear, repaired with acidic tape.
Seal: 5X2.5 cm. Good condition.
• Certificate of ordination as a shochet and bodek (ritual slaughterer and inspector), accorded to R. Yaakov Lubaton. Signed (and stamped) by the Torah scholars of Tiberias: R. Yaakov Kohen Skali, R. Yaakov Chai Zrihen, R. Aharon Kohen Skali, R. Masoud Adahan. Tiberias, [1913].
• Emissary letter from the Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes fund of the central committee for the Sephardic community in Tiberias, for the emissary R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, with stamps of the Tiberias Torah scholars. [1920s]. The letter states that the emissary is being sent to collect funds due to "the great and terrible inflation" caused by the "horrific war" (WWI).
• Handwritten leaf, official copying of an emissary letter from Tiberias Torah scholars, for R. Nissim Alchadif, dated 1914, signed by R. Moshe Ifrah, another signatory, and the emissary R. Nissim Alhadef. At the foot of the leaf, an authorization from 1914, transferring the emissary rights from R. Yaakov Tzuri to R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, signed by R. Shimon Nachmani, R. Yaakov Tzuri and another signatory (signature partially torn). (R. Yaakov Lubaton's letter of appointment as emissary from 1914 is being offered in this auction, see item 189).
• Personal seal of R. Yaakov Chai Lubaton, with the inscription: "Yaakov Chai Lubaton from the holy city of Tiberias", in Hebrew, French and Arabic.
[3] handwritten leaves. Size varies. Fair condition. Tears and wear, repaired with acidic tape.
Seal: 5X2.5 cm. Good condition.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Two handwritten notebooks (in Oriental script), comprising various selections, recorded by the scribe of the Safed Beit Din. 1888-1913.
The notebooks include: Texts of various contracts drawn up by the Safed Beit Din (texts of marriage and betrothal contracts, sale and rental contracts, partnerships and loans, and more); handbook of charity related letters and emissary letters; segulot and cures (some copied from the writings of R. Chaim Vital), with a broad alphabetical list of the properties of plants and fruit; various riddles with their solutions; selected novellae on the Torah portions and homilies; financial records concerning relatives and public figures; piyyutim and poems (Sharh Mi Chamocha) and various notes.
An ornamented title page appears at the beginning of one notebook, dated 1888, stating the name of the writer: "Abba Mizrachi". The writer was presumably one of the scribes of the Safed Beit Din, and this volume contains the texts of special contracts drawn up by the Safed Beit Din for specific cases. The National Library's collection of ketubot includes a ketubah from Safed 1804, signed by the witness R. Abba Mizrachi (MS Heb. 901.926).
Two notebooks, containing in total approx. 336 written pages. 12.5-14 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear and tears. Original bindings, damaged.
The notebooks include: Texts of various contracts drawn up by the Safed Beit Din (texts of marriage and betrothal contracts, sale and rental contracts, partnerships and loans, and more); handbook of charity related letters and emissary letters; segulot and cures (some copied from the writings of R. Chaim Vital), with a broad alphabetical list of the properties of plants and fruit; various riddles with their solutions; selected novellae on the Torah portions and homilies; financial records concerning relatives and public figures; piyyutim and poems (Sharh Mi Chamocha) and various notes.
An ornamented title page appears at the beginning of one notebook, dated 1888, stating the name of the writer: "Abba Mizrachi". The writer was presumably one of the scribes of the Safed Beit Din, and this volume contains the texts of special contracts drawn up by the Safed Beit Din for specific cases. The National Library's collection of ketubot includes a ketubah from Safed 1804, signed by the witness R. Abba Mizrachi (MS Heb. 901.926).
Two notebooks, containing in total approx. 336 written pages. 12.5-14 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear and tears. Original bindings, damaged.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $400
Including buyer's premium
Letter of recommendation handwritten and signed by R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, head of the Eida HaCharedit Beit Din in Jerusalem, with a letter of recommendation handwritten and signed by R. Yosef Binyamin Shimonovitz, head of the shochatim and bodkim (ritual slaughterers and inspectors) in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Tevet 1922.
Letter of recommendation from R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, addressed to the administrators of a charity organization in Jerusalem, requesting they provide support for "a prominent, respected and elderly Torah scholar, a very noble person, whom since his youth… has been delving diligently in Torah study and worship of G-d…". Beneath R. Sonnenfeld's signature is his stamp: "Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, rabbi and head of the Beit Din of the Ashkenazi community in Jerusalem".
R. Sonnenfeld's letter of recommendation is preceded by an additional recommendation from the shochet R. Yosef Binyamin Shimonovitz, in the upper part of the page.
R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1849-1932), spiritual leader of Orthodox Jewry in Eretz Israel. Outstanding Torah scholar, a wise and holy man. Disciple of the Ketav Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, and of R. Avraham Schag Rabbi of Kobersdorf. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1873 together with his teacher R. Avraham Schag, and was renowned as one of its leading Torah scholars. He was also reputed for his righteousness and holiness, and was zealously involved in communal and charity matters, operating with great wisdom. When R. Yehoshua Leib Diskin immigrated to Jerusalem in 1879, R. Yosef Chaim cleaved to him, becoming his close disciple and head of his Beit Din. He was the Maharil's right-hand man in the battle against the Christian mission and the Haskala movement, which threatened the old Yishuv in Jerusalem. In 1919-1921, the separate community of Eida HaChareidit of Ashkenazi communities was established, and R. Yosef Chaim was appointed the first rabbi of the Eida HaChareidit earning the title of Mara D'Ara DeYisrael.
R. Yosef Binyamin Shimonovitz (1849-1927), an outstanding Torah scholar, head of the shochatim in Jerusalem. He was a disciple of the Ketav Sofer and R. Aharon David Deutsch author of Goren David. He served as lecturer in the Chatam Sofer yeshiva in Jerusalem, and as posek in the Batei Ungarin neighborhood. In the mid-1880s, he was appointed by R. Shmuel Salant Rabbi of Jerusalem and by the Maharil Diskin as head shochet in Jerusalem. Even the Torat Chesed and the Aderet relied on his slaughtering. The Maharil Diskin would only eat meat slaughtered by R. Yosef Binyamin. The Maharil Diskin attested that "R. Yosef Binyamin innovates novellae attaining the true meaning of Torah". R. Tzvi Pesach Frank Rabbi of Jerusalem wrote in his approbation to Yemin Yosef - book authored by R. Yosef Binyamin (Jerusalem 1957), that its author was "renowned in the previous generation as one of the leaders of the holy city of Jerusalem".
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tear, not affecting text. Folding marks and creases.
Letter of recommendation from R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, addressed to the administrators of a charity organization in Jerusalem, requesting they provide support for "a prominent, respected and elderly Torah scholar, a very noble person, whom since his youth… has been delving diligently in Torah study and worship of G-d…". Beneath R. Sonnenfeld's signature is his stamp: "Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, rabbi and head of the Beit Din of the Ashkenazi community in Jerusalem".
R. Sonnenfeld's letter of recommendation is preceded by an additional recommendation from the shochet R. Yosef Binyamin Shimonovitz, in the upper part of the page.
R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1849-1932), spiritual leader of Orthodox Jewry in Eretz Israel. Outstanding Torah scholar, a wise and holy man. Disciple of the Ketav Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, and of R. Avraham Schag Rabbi of Kobersdorf. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1873 together with his teacher R. Avraham Schag, and was renowned as one of its leading Torah scholars. He was also reputed for his righteousness and holiness, and was zealously involved in communal and charity matters, operating with great wisdom. When R. Yehoshua Leib Diskin immigrated to Jerusalem in 1879, R. Yosef Chaim cleaved to him, becoming his close disciple and head of his Beit Din. He was the Maharil's right-hand man in the battle against the Christian mission and the Haskala movement, which threatened the old Yishuv in Jerusalem. In 1919-1921, the separate community of Eida HaChareidit of Ashkenazi communities was established, and R. Yosef Chaim was appointed the first rabbi of the Eida HaChareidit earning the title of Mara D'Ara DeYisrael.
R. Yosef Binyamin Shimonovitz (1849-1927), an outstanding Torah scholar, head of the shochatim in Jerusalem. He was a disciple of the Ketav Sofer and R. Aharon David Deutsch author of Goren David. He served as lecturer in the Chatam Sofer yeshiva in Jerusalem, and as posek in the Batei Ungarin neighborhood. In the mid-1880s, he was appointed by R. Shmuel Salant Rabbi of Jerusalem and by the Maharil Diskin as head shochet in Jerusalem. Even the Torat Chesed and the Aderet relied on his slaughtering. The Maharil Diskin would only eat meat slaughtered by R. Yosef Binyamin. The Maharil Diskin attested that "R. Yosef Binyamin innovates novellae attaining the true meaning of Torah". R. Tzvi Pesach Frank Rabbi of Jerusalem wrote in his approbation to Yemin Yosef - book authored by R. Yosef Binyamin (Jerusalem 1957), that its author was "renowned in the previous generation as one of the leaders of the holy city of Jerusalem".
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tear, not affecting text. Folding marks and creases.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Unsold
Letter signed by R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld. Jerusalem, Cheshvan 1926.
Recommendation to support a Jew from Jerusalem, travelling to Vienna to find a cure for his mute daughter. R. Yosef Chaim relates how tragically, this daughter is the only surviving one of this person's seven children. R. Yosef Chaim notes that the Jew is "a native of Jerusalem, and has never before travelled abroad, and he has no acquaintances or contacts there".
R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1849-1932), spiritual leader of Orthodox Jewry in Eretz Israel. Outstanding Torah scholar, a wise and holy man. Disciple of the Ketav Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, and of R. Avraham Schag Rabbi of Kobersdorf. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1873 together with his teacher R. Avraham Schag, and was renowned as one of its leading Torah scholars. He was also reputed for his righteousness and holiness, and was zealously involved in communal and charity matters, operating with great wisdom. When R. Yehoshua Leib Diskin immigrated to Jerusalem in 1879, R. Yosef Chaim cleaved to him, becoming his close disciple and head of his Beit Din. He was the Maharil's right-hand man in the battle against the Christian mission and the Haskala movement, which threatened the old Yishuv in Jerusalem. In 1919-1921, the separate community of Eida HaChareidit of Ashkenazi communities was established, and R. Yosef Chaim was appointed the first rabbi of the Eida HaChareidit earning the title of Mara D'Ara DeYisrael.
[1] leaf, official stationery ("Rabbi of the Askenazi communities in Jerusalem"). 28.5 cm. Typewritten, with his handwritten signature. Good-fair condition. Large dampstains. Wear and folding marks. Minor tears to folds.
Recommendation to support a Jew from Jerusalem, travelling to Vienna to find a cure for his mute daughter. R. Yosef Chaim relates how tragically, this daughter is the only surviving one of this person's seven children. R. Yosef Chaim notes that the Jew is "a native of Jerusalem, and has never before travelled abroad, and he has no acquaintances or contacts there".
R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1849-1932), spiritual leader of Orthodox Jewry in Eretz Israel. Outstanding Torah scholar, a wise and holy man. Disciple of the Ketav Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, and of R. Avraham Schag Rabbi of Kobersdorf. He immigrated to Jerusalem in 1873 together with his teacher R. Avraham Schag, and was renowned as one of its leading Torah scholars. He was also reputed for his righteousness and holiness, and was zealously involved in communal and charity matters, operating with great wisdom. When R. Yehoshua Leib Diskin immigrated to Jerusalem in 1879, R. Yosef Chaim cleaved to him, becoming his close disciple and head of his Beit Din. He was the Maharil's right-hand man in the battle against the Christian mission and the Haskala movement, which threatened the old Yishuv in Jerusalem. In 1919-1921, the separate community of Eida HaChareidit of Ashkenazi communities was established, and R. Yosef Chaim was appointed the first rabbi of the Eida HaChareidit earning the title of Mara D'Ara DeYisrael.
[1] leaf, official stationery ("Rabbi of the Askenazi communities in Jerusalem"). 28.5 cm. Typewritten, with his handwritten signature. Good-fair condition. Large dampstains. Wear and folding marks. Minor tears to folds.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue