Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
- (-) Remove letters, filter letters,
- and (151) Apply and filter
- letter (151) Apply letter filter
- rabbi (67) Apply rabbi filter
- manuscript (66) Apply manuscript filter
- eretz (53) Apply eretz filter
- chassid (42) Apply chassid filter
- isra (37) Apply isra filter
- lithuanian (37) Apply lithuanian filter
- lithuanian, (37) Apply lithuanian, filter
- polish (37) Apply polish filter
- european (30) Apply european filter
- central (18) Apply central filter
- galician (18) Apply galician filter
- hungarian (18) Apply hungarian filter
- hungarian, (18) Apply hungarian, filter
- document (16) Apply document filter
- israel (16) Apply israel filter
- jerusalem (16) Apply jerusalem filter
- north (16) Apply north filter
- chabad (12) Apply chabad filter
- german (12) Apply german filter
- leader (12) Apply leader filter
- rebb (12) Apply rebb filter
- matter (10) Apply matter filter
- print (10) Apply print filter
- jewri (8) Apply jewri filter
- bolshevik (6) Apply bolshevik filter
- histor (6) Apply histor filter
- russia (6) Apply russia filter
- tsarist (6) Apply tsarist filter
- african (4) Apply african filter
- indian (4) Apply indian filter
- matter, (4) Apply matter, filter
- persian (4) Apply persian filter
Displaying 1 - 12 of 151
![Manuscript, Torah novellae handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Berdugo. [Morocco, ca. first half of the 19th century]. These](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/46_1.jpg "Manuscript, Torah Novellae Handwritten and Signed by Rabbi Yaakov Berd")
![Manuscript, Torah novellae handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Berdugo. [Morocco, ca. first half of the 19th century]. These](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/46_2.jpg "Manuscript, Torah Novellae Handwritten and Signed by Rabbi Yaakov Berd")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Torah novellae handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Berdugo. [Morocco, ca. first half of the 19th century].
These leaves were handwritten by R. Yaakov Berdugo, head of the Meknes Beit Din. They contain two halachic treatises: 1. Property claimed against an unpaid debt. R. Yaakov's signature appears at the end of the responsum, on p. [7b]: "Tolaat Yaakov", with his distinctive flourish. 2. Shtar Hatava (a deed giving the right to buy back sold property). This part contains many interlinear and marginal deletions, additions and emendations. He mentions the dayanim R. Yosef Ashriki and R. Aharon Monsonego. R. Yaakov writes: "In regard to this topic of Hatava, I see a troop of scholars debating in Halacha, one building and the other one destroying, one obligating and the other one exempting… and I was requested to express my opinion, according to which opinion Halacha should be established, even though I am unintelligent…".
R. Yaakov Berdugo (1786-1843), leading Meknes Torah scholar, served as head of the Meknes Beit Din. He was the son of R. Yekutiel Berdugo (eldest brother of HaMalach Refael Berdugo). "He was renowned throughout the Maghreb for his wisdom and holiness" (Malchei Rabbanan, p. 70). He was known in his times as "L'Haham" (=the Chacham), a title which expressed the veneration for him, and wondrous stories are retold about him (see article). He authored Shufreih DeYaakov, Kol Yaakov and other books.
[9] leaves (18 written pages). 19 cm. Fair condition. Worming and dampness damage, traces of mold, affecting text. Leaves professionally restored.
These leaves were handwritten by R. Yaakov Berdugo, head of the Meknes Beit Din. They contain two halachic treatises: 1. Property claimed against an unpaid debt. R. Yaakov's signature appears at the end of the responsum, on p. [7b]: "Tolaat Yaakov", with his distinctive flourish. 2. Shtar Hatava (a deed giving the right to buy back sold property). This part contains many interlinear and marginal deletions, additions and emendations. He mentions the dayanim R. Yosef Ashriki and R. Aharon Monsonego. R. Yaakov writes: "In regard to this topic of Hatava, I see a troop of scholars debating in Halacha, one building and the other one destroying, one obligating and the other one exempting… and I was requested to express my opinion, according to which opinion Halacha should be established, even though I am unintelligent…".
R. Yaakov Berdugo (1786-1843), leading Meknes Torah scholar, served as head of the Meknes Beit Din. He was the son of R. Yekutiel Berdugo (eldest brother of HaMalach Refael Berdugo). "He was renowned throughout the Maghreb for his wisdom and holiness" (Malchei Rabbanan, p. 70). He was known in his times as "L'Haham" (=the Chacham), a title which expressed the veneration for him, and wondrous stories are retold about him (see article). He authored Shufreih DeYaakov, Kol Yaakov and other books.
[9] leaves (18 written pages). 19 cm. Fair condition. Worming and dampness damage, traces of mold, affecting text. Leaves professionally restored.
Category
North African Jewry - Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $400
Sold for: $813
Including buyer's premium
Collection of handwritten leaves found in the binding of a book - fragments of various compositions; signatures of rabbis of Ghris, Morocco (today: Goulmima). [Morocco, first half of the 19th century].
All the leaves were found in the binding of one book. The leaves include: • Leaves with lists of names of people. • Many leaves handwritten by R. Moshe Abikhzer. Some bear his calligraphic signature. One leaf states: "My writing… Moshe son of Yosef… Abikhzer". One leaf (double leaf, 3 pages) opens with: "A person must set times to study Torah especially at night…". Signed at the end of the page: "Moshe Abikhzer". The second page contains another passage with a personal testimony of his study schedule: "And this is the Torah learning schedule I established, I… whose signature appears below…", with an additional signature; the third page features another passage, also signed (the third signature and part of the text were damaged from worming). The leaf is dated 1819. This may be his will. • A fragment of a contract from 1818, with the calligraphic signatures of the rabbis of Ghris: R. Sa'id son of Moshe Illouz, R. Yaakov son of Yitzchak Simchon and R. Moshe Bensoussan. • A contract from 1780, signed by R. Machlouf son of Yosef Andam and R. Ya'ish son of Yosef Attia. • Fragment of a calendar of Tekufot, for 1740-1762. • Leaf with illustrations of the Menorah and Temple utensils. • Leaf with a passage from a commentary to the Thirteen principles of Faith of the Rambam. • Fragment of a decorated ketubah. • Fragments of other compositions.
The collection includes the binding from which these leaves were removed; enclosed are photographs from the process of disassembling the binding, and the separation of the leaves.
R. Moshe son of R. Yosef Abikhzer, a foremost Torah scholar in the Tafilalt region of Morocco in the 19th century. He was a close friend of R. Yaakov Abuchatzeira - the Abir Yaakov, and their signatures appear together on halachic rulings. He lived in the village of Ghris, "and all the neighboring villages subjected themselves to his authority. He was a great scholar and collected many books from distant countries at great personal effort. Eventually, he established a library, and all the books scattered throughout the villages of Tafilalt were left by him" (Malchei Rabbanan, in his entry). Two questions he addressed to R. Yaakov Berdugo were published in the latter's book Shufreih DeYaakov.
Approx. 50 leaves and leaf fragments. Size and condition vary (various degrees of damage due to use as binding and worming).
All the leaves were found in the binding of one book. The leaves include: • Leaves with lists of names of people. • Many leaves handwritten by R. Moshe Abikhzer. Some bear his calligraphic signature. One leaf states: "My writing… Moshe son of Yosef… Abikhzer". One leaf (double leaf, 3 pages) opens with: "A person must set times to study Torah especially at night…". Signed at the end of the page: "Moshe Abikhzer". The second page contains another passage with a personal testimony of his study schedule: "And this is the Torah learning schedule I established, I… whose signature appears below…", with an additional signature; the third page features another passage, also signed (the third signature and part of the text were damaged from worming). The leaf is dated 1819. This may be his will. • A fragment of a contract from 1818, with the calligraphic signatures of the rabbis of Ghris: R. Sa'id son of Moshe Illouz, R. Yaakov son of Yitzchak Simchon and R. Moshe Bensoussan. • A contract from 1780, signed by R. Machlouf son of Yosef Andam and R. Ya'ish son of Yosef Attia. • Fragment of a calendar of Tekufot, for 1740-1762. • Leaf with illustrations of the Menorah and Temple utensils. • Leaf with a passage from a commentary to the Thirteen principles of Faith of the Rambam. • Fragment of a decorated ketubah. • Fragments of other compositions.
The collection includes the binding from which these leaves were removed; enclosed are photographs from the process of disassembling the binding, and the separation of the leaves.
R. Moshe son of R. Yosef Abikhzer, a foremost Torah scholar in the Tafilalt region of Morocco in the 19th century. He was a close friend of R. Yaakov Abuchatzeira - the Abir Yaakov, and their signatures appear together on halachic rulings. He lived in the village of Ghris, "and all the neighboring villages subjected themselves to his authority. He was a great scholar and collected many books from distant countries at great personal effort. Eventually, he established a library, and all the books scattered throughout the villages of Tafilalt were left by him" (Malchei Rabbanan, in his entry). Two questions he addressed to R. Yaakov Berdugo were published in the latter's book Shufreih DeYaakov.
Approx. 50 leaves and leaf fragments. Size and condition vary (various degrees of damage due to use as binding and worming).
Category
North African Jewry - Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $750
Sold for: $938
Including buyer's premium
Signed letter, containing a copying of the letter sent from the Tunis Beit Din to the Livorno community, Italy, documenting the expulsion of the kabbalist R. Avraham Lulu from Tunis, for his use of Holy Names and practical Kabbalah. [Tunis], Cheshvan 1804.
This letter is an official copying of the letter from 1804 which the Tunis Torah scholars sent to Livorno. This copy, (also sent to Livorno), is signed by two Tunis Torah scholars: R. Shlomo Kohen and R. Mordechai Darmon. A countersign in Italian dated February 1805 was added at the foot of the letter, written and signed by R. Yaakov Nunez Vais, rabbi of Livorno, with the signature of R. Avraham Vita (Chaim) Tapia. The letter was written following an inquiry from the Livorno Torah scholars as to "how the verdict regarding R. Avraham Lulu was reached". The Tunis Torah scholars responded that they investigated the claims on R. Avraham Lulu, examined the books he used and found their contents to be even worse than what had been reported, and they therefore buried them. Afraid that he would cause them harm by turning to the authorities, they decided to banish him from Tunis.
Wondrous stories of miracles performed through Holy Names and practical Kabbalah circulated in those times regarding the kabbalist R. Avraham Lulu, whom this letter discusses. Perach Shoshan by R. Shushan HaKohen (Jerusalem 1977) quotes several such stories. Reputedly, he would go to study with his friends at night in the courtyard of the king's palace, miraculously producing donkeys for them to ride on, cause the palace walls to open up, and bring them into the courtyard with no resistance. It is also retold that R. Avraham Lulu succeeded in restoring a wealthy man's entire fortune which had been stolen. Maaseh Tzaddikm by R. Avraham Khalfon (Telamim 2009) quotes "The tale of the wind with R. Avraham Lulu" (see enclosed material).
R. Avraham Lulu, was born in Marrakesh, Morocco, and later wandered to Tunis and Livorno (in the final years of the Chida). This letter reveals that he left Tunis following the opposition of the Tunis rabbis to his actions. He is described by R. Yosef HaKohen Tangi in Toldot Chachmei Tunis: "He was renowned in Tunis as exceptionally proficient in Practical Kabbalah, and could extract wine from a wall, as is retold about the Baal Shem". A lengthy halachic letter from R. Avraham Lulu was printed in the book Pekudat HaMelech by R. Yisrael Nachman Drohobyczer (Livorno 1804). The Pekudat HaMelech met R. Avraham Lulu while passing through Livorno, and printed the latter's words together with his response (this indicates that R. Avraham Lulu was already residing in Livorno in 1804). It is interesting to note that there is an extant manuscript on Practical Kabbalah previously owned by R. Avraham Lulu (National Library of France, MS Hebr. 1380).
[1] double leaf. 30.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor marginal tears. Folding marks.
This letter is an official copying of the letter from 1804 which the Tunis Torah scholars sent to Livorno. This copy, (also sent to Livorno), is signed by two Tunis Torah scholars: R. Shlomo Kohen and R. Mordechai Darmon. A countersign in Italian dated February 1805 was added at the foot of the letter, written and signed by R. Yaakov Nunez Vais, rabbi of Livorno, with the signature of R. Avraham Vita (Chaim) Tapia. The letter was written following an inquiry from the Livorno Torah scholars as to "how the verdict regarding R. Avraham Lulu was reached". The Tunis Torah scholars responded that they investigated the claims on R. Avraham Lulu, examined the books he used and found their contents to be even worse than what had been reported, and they therefore buried them. Afraid that he would cause them harm by turning to the authorities, they decided to banish him from Tunis.
Wondrous stories of miracles performed through Holy Names and practical Kabbalah circulated in those times regarding the kabbalist R. Avraham Lulu, whom this letter discusses. Perach Shoshan by R. Shushan HaKohen (Jerusalem 1977) quotes several such stories. Reputedly, he would go to study with his friends at night in the courtyard of the king's palace, miraculously producing donkeys for them to ride on, cause the palace walls to open up, and bring them into the courtyard with no resistance. It is also retold that R. Avraham Lulu succeeded in restoring a wealthy man's entire fortune which had been stolen. Maaseh Tzaddikm by R. Avraham Khalfon (Telamim 2009) quotes "The tale of the wind with R. Avraham Lulu" (see enclosed material).
R. Avraham Lulu, was born in Marrakesh, Morocco, and later wandered to Tunis and Livorno (in the final years of the Chida). This letter reveals that he left Tunis following the opposition of the Tunis rabbis to his actions. He is described by R. Yosef HaKohen Tangi in Toldot Chachmei Tunis: "He was renowned in Tunis as exceptionally proficient in Practical Kabbalah, and could extract wine from a wall, as is retold about the Baal Shem". A lengthy halachic letter from R. Avraham Lulu was printed in the book Pekudat HaMelech by R. Yisrael Nachman Drohobyczer (Livorno 1804). The Pekudat HaMelech met R. Avraham Lulu while passing through Livorno, and printed the latter's words together with his response (this indicates that R. Avraham Lulu was already residing in Livorno in 1804). It is interesting to note that there is an extant manuscript on Practical Kabbalah previously owned by R. Avraham Lulu (National Library of France, MS Hebr. 1380).
[1] double leaf. 30.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor marginal tears. Folding marks.
Category
North African Jewry - Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Varied collection of handwritten leaves, documents and printed items, most are presumably from Tunisian Torah scholars. [Early 20th century].
The collection includes: leaves with Torah thoughts from various writers, many of them handwritten by R. Machlouf Aidan (a Tunisian Torah scholar, rabbi in Djerba). One leaf bears his signature. • Official documents (in Arabic), signed by the rabbis of Gabès: R. Fredji Allouch, R. Michael Allouch, R. Yitzchak Gagou Serour, and others. • Manuscript, piyyutim from Tunisian composers (the manuscript is lacking the beginning and end). • Novellae notebook (in late Western script), several printed leaves and other paper items.
The collection was not thoroughly examined.
Over 100 leaves. Size and condition vary.
The collection includes: leaves with Torah thoughts from various writers, many of them handwritten by R. Machlouf Aidan (a Tunisian Torah scholar, rabbi in Djerba). One leaf bears his signature. • Official documents (in Arabic), signed by the rabbis of Gabès: R. Fredji Allouch, R. Michael Allouch, R. Yitzchak Gagou Serour, and others. • Manuscript, piyyutim from Tunisian composers (the manuscript is lacking the beginning and end). • Novellae notebook (in late Western script), several printed leaves and other paper items.
The collection was not thoroughly examined.
Over 100 leaves. Size and condition vary.
Category
North African Jewry - Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
![Handwritten notebook, in Devanagari script (used in several official languages in India). [India, 19th century]. The notebook](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/58.jpg "Hindi Manuscript - Synagogue Ledger and \"Rulings\" - India, 19th Centur")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $938
Including buyer's premium
Handwritten notebook, in Devanagari script (used in several official languages in India). [India, 19th century].
The notebook contains the ledger of the Shaarei Rachamim synagogue from 1878, and an anthology of rulings based on Biblical verses, pertaining to marriage, conversion, visits to holy sites, and more.
[37] written pages, and many blank leaves. 16 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Original binding, with minor damage.
The notebook contains the ledger of the Shaarei Rachamim synagogue from 1878, and an anthology of rulings based on Biblical verses, pertaining to marriage, conversion, visits to holy sites, and more.
[37] written pages, and many blank leaves. 16 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Original binding, with minor damage.
Category
Indian and Persian Jewry - Printed Matter, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Passover Haggadah, with translation and laws in Marathi, and with illustrations, edited by Moshe Yaakov and Aharon Daniel Telker. Poona (Pune, India): Vitthal Sakharam Agnihotri, 1874. Lithograph.
Text of the Haggadah and translation on facing pages, with corresponding pagination. Illustrations at the beginning of the Haggadah.
2, [9] leaves, [1], 5-50, 5-44, 5 pages. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and light wear. Dampstains. Worming. Damage. Tears to margins of title page and other leaves, slightly affecting title border, text and illustrations, repaired with paper (many leaves professionally restored). New, elegant leather binding.
Yaari 1077; Otzar HaHaggadot 1437.
Text of the Haggadah and translation on facing pages, with corresponding pagination. Illustrations at the beginning of the Haggadah.
2, [9] leaves, [1], 5-50, 5-44, 5 pages. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and light wear. Dampstains. Worming. Damage. Tears to margins of title page and other leaves, slightly affecting title border, text and illustrations, repaired with paper (many leaves professionally restored). New, elegant leather binding.
Yaari 1077; Otzar HaHaggadot 1437.
Category
Indian and Persian Jewry - Printed Matter, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $800
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Tiferet Avot, commentary to Tractate Avot, with kabbalistic contents, by R. Yaakov son of Michael. [Persia, 19th century].
Complete and comprehensive composition on Tractate Avot, with commentaries and novellae, including kabbalistic contents. Between chapters IV and V (leaves 125-127), several pages with "Sodot Merkava", including tables and diagrams of the Ten Sefirot and other kabbalistic topics. The manuscript begins and ends with various selections.
In his preface (leaf [9]), the author states: "And it is known, that I, the inadequate one, Yaakov son of Michael, wrote it and composed it in my handwriting, since I cannot afford to print it, therefore this book was not published, for lack of means I handwrote it myself…".
We were not able to identify the writer. He may have been Yaakov son of Michael of Sablagh (Mahabad, Azerbaijan Province), who copied an anthology of compositions - Ben-Zvi Institute, MS 992 (see: Netzer, Otzar Kitvei HaYad shel Yehudei Paras, p. 106).
[9], 8; 42, 42-107, 108-195, [2] leaves (mispagination, no lacking leaves; leaves 163-167 and 192 - blank. Altogether 205 written leaves). Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Dampness damage to several leaves, with ink-smudging and damage to text. Original binding, damaged.
Complete and comprehensive composition on Tractate Avot, with commentaries and novellae, including kabbalistic contents. Between chapters IV and V (leaves 125-127), several pages with "Sodot Merkava", including tables and diagrams of the Ten Sefirot and other kabbalistic topics. The manuscript begins and ends with various selections.
In his preface (leaf [9]), the author states: "And it is known, that I, the inadequate one, Yaakov son of Michael, wrote it and composed it in my handwriting, since I cannot afford to print it, therefore this book was not published, for lack of means I handwrote it myself…".
We were not able to identify the writer. He may have been Yaakov son of Michael of Sablagh (Mahabad, Azerbaijan Province), who copied an anthology of compositions - Ben-Zvi Institute, MS 992 (see: Netzer, Otzar Kitvei HaYad shel Yehudei Paras, p. 106).
[9], 8; 42, 42-107, 108-195, [2] leaves (mispagination, no lacking leaves; leaves 163-167 and 192 - blank. Altogether 205 written leaves). Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Dampness damage to several leaves, with ink-smudging and damage to text. Original binding, damaged.
Category
Indian and Persian Jewry - Printed Matter, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $800
Unsold
Manuscript, Michlal HaMishnah - comprehensive Judeo-Persian lexicon of words of the Mishnah, covering the Six Orders of the Mishnah, by R. Shlomo Ababa son of Nuriel. [Persia], 1874.
Complete manuscript, covering all Six Orders of the Mishnah. Neat Persian script, with vocalization to the words of the Mishnah. The manuscript opens with an interesting preface by the author. The copyist added to the end of the preface the date of writing this copy of the composition: "And the writing of this book began on Sunday, 26th Adar, 1874…".
The manuscript closes with a poetic conclusion by the author, in praise of the Mishnah and more.
[5], 165 leaves. 18 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Marginal wear and tears. Ownership inscriptions. Original leather binding, slightly damaged.
Complete manuscript, covering all Six Orders of the Mishnah. Neat Persian script, with vocalization to the words of the Mishnah. The manuscript opens with an interesting preface by the author. The copyist added to the end of the preface the date of writing this copy of the composition: "And the writing of this book began on Sunday, 26th Adar, 1874…".
The manuscript closes with a poetic conclusion by the author, in praise of the Mishnah and more.
[5], 165 leaves. 18 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Marginal wear and tears. Ownership inscriptions. Original leather binding, slightly damaged.
Category
Indian and Persian Jewry - Printed Matter, Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Unsold
Two documents pertaining to the Hebron emissaries R. Chaim Rachamim Bajaio and R. Yitzchak Ze'evi:
• Letter signed by R. Chaim Rachamim Bajaio and R. Yitzchak Ze'evi, during the course of their mission. Turin, Cheshvan 1767.
Addressed to "The wealthy, wise, benevolent… brothers, who provided us with fine lodgings, R. Yitzchak and R. Azriel Cohen Vitali" of Alessandria. In their letter, the emissaries express their appreciation to the brothers for their kind hospitality, and outline their projected itinerary: "We are presently in Turin, and will travel tomorrow to Nizza (Monferrato), and from there to the four communities…". They request to clarify a certain topic pertaining to the donation made by the wealthy Yoel Cohen Vitali, and inquire of the wellbeing of the rabbi of Alessandria (R. Eliyahu HaLevi), the wealthy members of the community and their families, and extend their blessings to everyone.
Double leaf. Leaf folded for sending by post, address of brothers in Italian on verso, with remnants of wax seal. 23 cm. Stains, dampstains, folding marks. Small tear to place of opening letter, not affecting text.
• Printed pamphlet, Molto illustri signori - Emissary letter of R. Chaim Rachamim Bajaio and R. Yitzchak Ze'evi, in Italian. [Italy, ca. 1763-1772]. At the top of the emissary letter, list of places to which the emissaries (or the letter) were sent, including England and America: "…Keilot D'Italia, Romagna, Francia, Olanda, Inghilterra & America".
R. Chaim Rachamim Bajaio and R. Yitzchak Ze'evi, two leading Hebron Torah scholars, left for Europe on a mission in 1763. Their mission extended over nine years. During the course of their travels, they generated extensive publicity in favor of their mission, including by printing this emissary letter in French and Italian. The emissaries reached Turin in 1767, and from there sent out this letter. In Turin, R. Yitzchak Ze'evi wrote a responsum regarding a case of a marriage which took place in Savigliano in 1764. He also fell ill there, and was unable to continue on his travels. R. Chaim Rachamim thus continued on his own to southern France, and from there travelled to Holland, where he was joined by R. Yitzchak Ze'evi, who had meanwhile recovered. In 1769, they both accorded their approbation to Chiddushei HaMe'iri on Tractate Megillah in Amsterdam, signing: "So say the emissaries of Hebron". From Holland, they continued to northern Germany. In 1770, R. Yitzchak Ze'evi gave his approbation to the books Pirkei Rabbi Eliya and Yesod Mora printed in Hamburg. Upon completing their mission, they both returned to Italy, and in 1772, they granted their approbation to Nahar Shalom by R. Shabtai Ventura in Livorno. See more about their mission: Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 586-589.
[2] leaves. 31.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear, folding marks.
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
• Letter signed by R. Chaim Rachamim Bajaio and R. Yitzchak Ze'evi, during the course of their mission. Turin, Cheshvan 1767.
Addressed to "The wealthy, wise, benevolent… brothers, who provided us with fine lodgings, R. Yitzchak and R. Azriel Cohen Vitali" of Alessandria. In their letter, the emissaries express their appreciation to the brothers for their kind hospitality, and outline their projected itinerary: "We are presently in Turin, and will travel tomorrow to Nizza (Monferrato), and from there to the four communities…". They request to clarify a certain topic pertaining to the donation made by the wealthy Yoel Cohen Vitali, and inquire of the wellbeing of the rabbi of Alessandria (R. Eliyahu HaLevi), the wealthy members of the community and their families, and extend their blessings to everyone.
Double leaf. Leaf folded for sending by post, address of brothers in Italian on verso, with remnants of wax seal. 23 cm. Stains, dampstains, folding marks. Small tear to place of opening letter, not affecting text.
• Printed pamphlet, Molto illustri signori - Emissary letter of R. Chaim Rachamim Bajaio and R. Yitzchak Ze'evi, in Italian. [Italy, ca. 1763-1772]. At the top of the emissary letter, list of places to which the emissaries (or the letter) were sent, including England and America: "…Keilot D'Italia, Romagna, Francia, Olanda, Inghilterra & America".
R. Chaim Rachamim Bajaio and R. Yitzchak Ze'evi, two leading Hebron Torah scholars, left for Europe on a mission in 1763. Their mission extended over nine years. During the course of their travels, they generated extensive publicity in favor of their mission, including by printing this emissary letter in French and Italian. The emissaries reached Turin in 1767, and from there sent out this letter. In Turin, R. Yitzchak Ze'evi wrote a responsum regarding a case of a marriage which took place in Savigliano in 1764. He also fell ill there, and was unable to continue on his travels. R. Chaim Rachamim thus continued on his own to southern France, and from there travelled to Holland, where he was joined by R. Yitzchak Ze'evi, who had meanwhile recovered. In 1769, they both accorded their approbation to Chiddushei HaMe'iri on Tractate Megillah in Amsterdam, signing: "So say the emissaries of Hebron". From Holland, they continued to northern Germany. In 1770, R. Yitzchak Ze'evi gave his approbation to the books Pirkei Rabbi Eliya and Yesod Mora printed in Hamburg. Upon completing their mission, they both returned to Italy, and in 1772, they granted their approbation to Nahar Shalom by R. Shabtai Ventura in Livorno. See more about their mission: Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 586-589.
[2] leaves. 31.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear, folding marks.
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
Category
Jerusalem and Eretz Israel - Letters, Manuscripts and Documents
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $400
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Refael Moshe son of R. Shmuel Meyuchas, emissary of Jerusalem. "Twatzene" (Quatzenheim, Alsace, France), 21st Av 1791.
Letter acknowledging receipt of donation (Machatzit HaShekel monies) for the benefit of "Kollelot of the Holy City", from "the wise and exalted philanthropist, trusted gabbai and trustee of Eretz Israel, R. Gumper known as Efraim son of Yaakov". The emissary blesses him for his donation: "He shall receive blessing from G-d, lengthy years of life for him and his sons amongst the Jewish people…".
The letter is signed with the elaborate calligraphic signature of R. Refael Moshe Meyuchas: "Refael Meyuchas Moshe son of R. Shmuel".
R. Refael Moshe son of R. Shmuel Meyuchas (the second, d. 1824), leading Jerusalem Torah scholar and emissary of the Beit El yeshiva of Jerusalem in Europe. During the course of his travels, he reached the communities of Germany, Poland, Italy, France, the Netherlands and even London. An approbation he accorded during his stay in Hamburg is printed at the end of LeDarchei David (by R. David Meldola, at the end of part I of his book Darchei David, Amsterdam 1794). In the title of the approbation, he is referred to as: "A holy man, emissary, who came to seek support for our brethren in Jerusalem… the perfect Torah scholar, the exacting scribe of holy lineage, R. Refael Meyuchas Moshe…" (see: Ben-Yaakov, Yerushalayim Bein HaChomot, pp. 224-226).
[1] double leaf. 17.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, minor marginal wear.
Letter acknowledging receipt of donation (Machatzit HaShekel monies) for the benefit of "Kollelot of the Holy City", from "the wise and exalted philanthropist, trusted gabbai and trustee of Eretz Israel, R. Gumper known as Efraim son of Yaakov". The emissary blesses him for his donation: "He shall receive blessing from G-d, lengthy years of life for him and his sons amongst the Jewish people…".
The letter is signed with the elaborate calligraphic signature of R. Refael Moshe Meyuchas: "Refael Meyuchas Moshe son of R. Shmuel".
R. Refael Moshe son of R. Shmuel Meyuchas (the second, d. 1824), leading Jerusalem Torah scholar and emissary of the Beit El yeshiva of Jerusalem in Europe. During the course of his travels, he reached the communities of Germany, Poland, Italy, France, the Netherlands and even London. An approbation he accorded during his stay in Hamburg is printed at the end of LeDarchei David (by R. David Meldola, at the end of part I of his book Darchei David, Amsterdam 1794). In the title of the approbation, he is referred to as: "A holy man, emissary, who came to seek support for our brethren in Jerusalem… the perfect Torah scholar, the exacting scribe of holy lineage, R. Refael Meyuchas Moshe…" (see: Ben-Yaakov, Yerushalayim Bein HaChomot, pp. 224-226).
[1] double leaf. 17.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, minor marginal wear.
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
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