Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
Displaying 1 - 12 of 14
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,500
Unsold
Knesset HaGedola and Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola on Arbaa Turim, by R. Chaim Benveniste - eight volumes, including a complete set of all parts of Knesset HaGedola, first editions printed in various places over the course of decades, and two parts of Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola, on Orach Chaim (second edition) and on Yoreh De'ah (first edition). Livorno-Izmir-Constantinople, [1657-1734].
• Knesset HaGedola, Orach Chaim. Livorno, 1657. Handwritten scholarly glosses.
• Knesset HaGedola, Choshen Mishpat. Izmir, [1660].
• Knesset HaGedola, Choshen Mishpat (Mahadura Batra). Izmir, [1734]. Ownership inscriptions and a few glosses.
• Knesset HaGedola, Yoreh De'ah (part I). Constantinople, [1711].
• Knesset HaGedola, Yoreh De'ah (part II). Constantinople, [1716]. On the endpaper, signature of the Aruch LaNer, from his youth: "Yokev son of R. Aharon Ettlingen".
• Knesset HaGedola, Even HaEzer. Izmir, [1731].
• Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola, Yoreh De'ah. Constantinople, [1717].
• Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola, Orach Chaim. [Constantinople, 1729]. Second edition of this part. The title page belongs to the first edition of Orach Chaim, printed in Izmir in 1671. Lacking 7 leaves of final sequence. On the title page, inscription handwritten and signed by R. "Yitzchak Refael Alfandari".
Eight volumes. Vol. I (Orach Chaim): 6, 164 leaves. Vol. II (Choshen Mishpat): 2, 5-232 leaves. Vol. III (Yoreh De'ah I): [2], 206 leaves. Vol. IV (Yoreh De'ah II): [1], 4-246 leaves. Vol V (Even HaEzer): [2], 220 leaves. Vol. VI (Choshen Mishpat, Mahadura Batra): [2], 394 leaves. Vol VII (Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola, Orach Chaim): [2], 143 leaves. Lacking original title page, replaced with title page of first edition of this part. Lacking final 7 leaves. Vol VIII (Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola, Yoreh De'ah): 152 leaves. Height of most volumes: approx. 30 cm. One volume: 36 cm. Condition varies, good-fair. Stains. Wear to some leaves. Dampstains and traces of past dampness, with mold in various places. Tears and damage to several title pages and in various places. New, matching leather bindings (with erroneous inscriptions on the two volumes of Yoreh De'ah: the volume inscribed Vol. I is actually Vol II, and vice-versa).
• Knesset HaGedola, Orach Chaim. Livorno, 1657. Handwritten scholarly glosses.
• Knesset HaGedola, Choshen Mishpat. Izmir, [1660].
• Knesset HaGedola, Choshen Mishpat (Mahadura Batra). Izmir, [1734]. Ownership inscriptions and a few glosses.
• Knesset HaGedola, Yoreh De'ah (part I). Constantinople, [1711].
• Knesset HaGedola, Yoreh De'ah (part II). Constantinople, [1716]. On the endpaper, signature of the Aruch LaNer, from his youth: "Yokev son of R. Aharon Ettlingen".
• Knesset HaGedola, Even HaEzer. Izmir, [1731].
• Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola, Yoreh De'ah. Constantinople, [1717].
• Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola, Orach Chaim. [Constantinople, 1729]. Second edition of this part. The title page belongs to the first edition of Orach Chaim, printed in Izmir in 1671. Lacking 7 leaves of final sequence. On the title page, inscription handwritten and signed by R. "Yitzchak Refael Alfandari".
Eight volumes. Vol. I (Orach Chaim): 6, 164 leaves. Vol. II (Choshen Mishpat): 2, 5-232 leaves. Vol. III (Yoreh De'ah I): [2], 206 leaves. Vol. IV (Yoreh De'ah II): [1], 4-246 leaves. Vol V (Even HaEzer): [2], 220 leaves. Vol. VI (Choshen Mishpat, Mahadura Batra): [2], 394 leaves. Vol VII (Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola, Orach Chaim): [2], 143 leaves. Lacking original title page, replaced with title page of first edition of this part. Lacking final 7 leaves. Vol VIII (Sheyarei Knesset HaGedola, Yoreh De'ah): 152 leaves. Height of most volumes: approx. 30 cm. One volume: 36 cm. Condition varies, good-fair. Stains. Wear to some leaves. Dampstains and traces of past dampness, with mold in various places. Tears and damage to several title pages and in various places. New, matching leather bindings (with erroneous inscriptions on the two volumes of Yoreh De'ah: the volume inscribed Vol. I is actually Vol II, and vice-versa).
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Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
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Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $500
Including buyer's premium
Levush HaTechelet and Levush HaChur, with Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, by R. Mordechai Yoffe; with Eliyah Zuta, by R. Eliyahu Shapiro Rabbi of Tiktin (Tykocin). Prague: Grandsons of Moses Katz, 1601.
Original gilt-ornamented leather binding, with a dedication on front: "Bar-Mitzva gift, for the boy Moshe de Lima(?)".
Owners' signatures (partially deleted) on title page: "Belongs to me, Akiva son of R. Avraham(?)", "This was given to me from G-d, therefore I signed my name Aharon Fürst of Altona".
[2], 108; 109-134 leaves. Lacking two final leaves. Without [2] leaves (title page and preface?) at the beginning of Levush HaChur (which presumably are not present in all copies). Mispagination. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Darkened, stained leaves. Dampstains. Minor damage and tears to margins of title page, repaired. Stamp on title page. Bookplate. Original leather binding, with many gilt ornaments on both sides and on spine. Front board and spine somewhat detached. Other minor damage to binding.
Original gilt-ornamented leather binding, with a dedication on front: "Bar-Mitzva gift, for the boy Moshe de Lima(?)".
Owners' signatures (partially deleted) on title page: "Belongs to me, Akiva son of R. Avraham(?)", "This was given to me from G-d, therefore I signed my name Aharon Fürst of Altona".
[2], 108; 109-134 leaves. Lacking two final leaves. Without [2] leaves (title page and preface?) at the beginning of Levush HaChur (which presumably are not present in all copies). Mispagination. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Darkened, stained leaves. Dampstains. Minor damage and tears to margins of title page, repaired. Stamp on title page. Bookplate. Original leather binding, with many gilt ornaments on both sides and on spine. Front board and spine somewhat detached. Other minor damage to binding.
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Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
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![Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, complete set in four volumes. Amsterdam, [1702-1703]. The most accurate edition of the books of](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale67-public/124.jpg "Mishneh Torah by the Rambam - Amsterdam, 1702 (Michtav) - Complete Set")
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,625
Including buyer's premium
Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, complete set in four volumes. Amsterdam, [1702-1703]. The most accurate edition of the books of the Rambam, which served as basis for most subsequent editions. The first volume has an additional, engraved title page. Two volumes contain illustration plates pertaining to the laws of Shabbat, Sukkah, Kiddush HaChodesh and Kilayim. Four volumes.
Signature on the inside bindings: "Yitzchak Yochanan Bennet". Other inscriptions on the endpapers of vol. I, some deleted.
Four volumes. Vol. I: [11], 327, [4] leaves. Two illustration plates between the leaves of approbations and foreword. Vol. II: [2], 227, [4] leaves. Vol. III: [1], 8, [1] illustrated leaf, 9-368, [9] leaves. [1] illustrated plate between leaves 8 and 9. Vol. IV: [1], 199, 201-309, [13] leaves. Approx. 35 cm. Some darkened leaves. Overall good condition. Stains. Dampstains. Minor damage. Light worming. One title page slightly loose, with minor marginal tears, without loss. Original leather bindings, with clasp remnants. Edges of bindings rubbed. Damage to bindings. Open tear to one spine.
The illustration plates were bound in this copy at the beginning or in the middle of the volumes, although the printers noted that they are located at the end of the book: "See illustration at the end of the book…", "See diagram at the end of the book…". There are other copies in which the illustrations were indeed bound at the end of the volumes.
Signature on the inside bindings: "Yitzchak Yochanan Bennet". Other inscriptions on the endpapers of vol. I, some deleted.
Four volumes. Vol. I: [11], 327, [4] leaves. Two illustration plates between the leaves of approbations and foreword. Vol. II: [2], 227, [4] leaves. Vol. III: [1], 8, [1] illustrated leaf, 9-368, [9] leaves. [1] illustrated plate between leaves 8 and 9. Vol. IV: [1], 199, 201-309, [13] leaves. Approx. 35 cm. Some darkened leaves. Overall good condition. Stains. Dampstains. Minor damage. Light worming. One title page slightly loose, with minor marginal tears, without loss. Original leather bindings, with clasp remnants. Edges of bindings rubbed. Damage to bindings. Open tear to one spine.
The illustration plates were bound in this copy at the beginning or in the middle of the volumes, although the printers noted that they are located at the end of the book: "See illustration at the end of the book…", "See diagram at the end of the book…". There are other copies in which the illustrations were indeed bound at the end of the volumes.
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Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
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Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $400
Sold for: $750
Including buyer's premium
Shulchan Aruch with Likutei R. Gur Aryeh HaLevi. Complete set, four parts. Mantua: Isaac Yareh and Jacob Haver Tov, [1721-1723]. Proofread by the rabbis of Italy, R. Avraham Yedidia son of R. Shimshon Basilea, R. Refael Chaim d'Italia the physician and R. Aviad Sar Shalom Basilea (brother of the first), with their annotations.
Variant. Orach Chaim features the rare title page with the supposed portraits of Rashi, Rambam, Maharil, Maharik, the Rema and R. Gur Aryeh. Reputedly, following the opposition which arose in Mantua against the attempt to depict great rabbis, the rabbis of Mantua commanded to destroy the original title page and replace it with a title page without portraits. This copy includes the original title page.
Signatures on the three title pages: "A.ChY.M." - R. Avraham Chai Mussafia (Otzar HaRabbanim 1056), Torah scholar of Turkey and Jerusalem in the 19th century. He was the son of R. Chaim Yitzchak Rabbi of Spalatro (Split), who would also sign "A.Ch.Y.M." - Amar Chaim Yitzchak Mussafia). He authored Tehilla LeDavid on Tehillim (Livorno 1867) and his novellae were also published in his father's book Chaim VeChessed (Livorno 1844).
All the parts in one thick volume. [Part I] Orach Chaim: [3], 2-146 leaves; [Part II] Yoreh De'ah: [1], 148-288 leaves; [Part III] Even HaEzer: (Lacking title page) 2-88 leaves; [Part IV] Choshen Mishpat: [1], 90-268, [1] leaves. 22.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Dampstains. Early leather binding, torn and detached. Worming to some leaves. Title page of Orach Chaim repaired with paper (partially covering border).
Variant. Orach Chaim features the rare title page with the supposed portraits of Rashi, Rambam, Maharil, Maharik, the Rema and R. Gur Aryeh. Reputedly, following the opposition which arose in Mantua against the attempt to depict great rabbis, the rabbis of Mantua commanded to destroy the original title page and replace it with a title page without portraits. This copy includes the original title page.
Signatures on the three title pages: "A.ChY.M." - R. Avraham Chai Mussafia (Otzar HaRabbanim 1056), Torah scholar of Turkey and Jerusalem in the 19th century. He was the son of R. Chaim Yitzchak Rabbi of Spalatro (Split), who would also sign "A.Ch.Y.M." - Amar Chaim Yitzchak Mussafia). He authored Tehilla LeDavid on Tehillim (Livorno 1867) and his novellae were also published in his father's book Chaim VeChessed (Livorno 1844).
All the parts in one thick volume. [Part I] Orach Chaim: [3], 2-146 leaves; [Part II] Yoreh De'ah: [1], 148-288 leaves; [Part III] Even HaEzer: (Lacking title page) 2-88 leaves; [Part IV] Choshen Mishpat: [1], 90-268, [1] leaves. 22.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Dampstains. Early leather binding, torn and detached. Worming to some leaves. Title page of Orach Chaim repaired with paper (partially covering border).
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Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
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Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Unsold
Five books by R. Shlomo de Oliveyra, rabbi of Amsterdam, bound together:
• Igeret… Ayelet Ahavim - ethics in poetry form. Amsterdam, [1665]. • Sharshot Gavlut - roots in rhyme. Amsterdam, [1665]. Darchei Noam - Talmudic principles, with Tuv Taam - the cantillation notes, and Darchei HaShem - index of the 613 commandments. Amsterdam [1688-1689]. Etz Chaim - Hebrew-Aramaic-Portuguese lexicon. Amsterdam, [1682-1683]. • Yad Lashon - Dal Sefatayim, two grammatical compositions on the Holy Tongue andAramaic. Amsterdam, [1689].
All the books were printed by David de Castro Tartas. All are first editions; some were never reprinted.
5 books, bound together. Varying paginations. 4 leaves (5-8) of Darchei Noam bound out of sequence. 2 leaves from Yad Lashon - Dal Sefatayim bound out of sequence. 14.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Damage and minor tears to some leaves. Some leaves trimmed (not affecting text). Fine, new binding.
• Igeret… Ayelet Ahavim - ethics in poetry form. Amsterdam, [1665]. • Sharshot Gavlut - roots in rhyme. Amsterdam, [1665]. Darchei Noam - Talmudic principles, with Tuv Taam - the cantillation notes, and Darchei HaShem - index of the 613 commandments. Amsterdam [1688-1689]. Etz Chaim - Hebrew-Aramaic-Portuguese lexicon. Amsterdam, [1682-1683]. • Yad Lashon - Dal Sefatayim, two grammatical compositions on the Holy Tongue andAramaic. Amsterdam, [1689].
All the books were printed by David de Castro Tartas. All are first editions; some were never reprinted.
5 books, bound together. Varying paginations. 4 leaves (5-8) of Darchei Noam bound out of sequence. 2 leaves from Yad Lashon - Dal Sefatayim bound out of sequence. 14.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Damage and minor tears to some leaves. Some leaves trimmed (not affecting text). Fine, new binding.
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Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
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Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Tractatus Talmudicus, Pirke Abhoth. Sive Capitula partum, Una cum versione Hebraica duorum capitum Danielis (Pirkei Avot, with translation and notes in Latin, and with translation of the Aramaic text of chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Daniel to Hebrew and Latin, and an additional verse from the book of Yirmiyah), compiled by Johann Leusden. Utrecht: Meinardus van Dreunen, 1665. Hebrew and Latin.
[8], 129, [2] pages. 21.5 cm. Wide margins. High-quality paper. Untrimmed pages. Good condition. Stains and wear. Light worming. Without binding.
Not in NLI.
[8], 129, [2] pages. 21.5 cm. Wide margins. High-quality paper. Untrimmed pages. Good condition. Stains and wear. Light worming. Without binding.
Not in NLI.
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Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
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Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
Five Latin books, grammar and theology, in one volume:
• Clavis hebraica Veteris Testamenti, in qua themata difficiliora Veteris Test. Referantur (index of words and expressions following the order of the chapters in the Bible), by Johann Leusden. Utrecht: Franciscum Halma, 1683.
• Sexcenta & tredecim praecepta mosaica (613 commandments according to Sefer HaMitzvot by the Rambam, with Latin translation), compiled by Johann Leusden. Utrecht: Franciscus Halma, 1686.
• Grammatica quatuor linguarum hebraicae, chaldaicae, syriacae et arabicae (composition regarding Hebrew grammar and its sources, in comparison with other Middle Eastern languages), by Johann Heinrich Hottinger. Heidelberg: Adriani Wyngaerden, 1659.
• Henrici Opitii sive Syriasmus facilitati & integritati suæ restitutus (grammatical composition), by Heinrich Opitz. Leipzig and Frankfurt am Main: Colerianis, 1678. Markings and underlines to body of text.
• Trifolium orientale, continens commentarios Abarbenelis in Haggaeum, Sal. Jarchi in parsch. I. Geneseos, & Mos. Majemonidae theologiam, by Johann Adam Scherzer. Leipzig: Johannis Baueri, 1663. Latin and Hebrew.
Theological study of Maaseh Bereshit (Creation of the World) and Maaseh Merkava, based on the commentaries of the Abarbanel (to Neviim), Rashi (to Bereshit), Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah) and other sources, by the theologist and Lutheran priest Johann Scherzer, who was the teacher of Gottfried Leibniz.
Five books in one volume. [1] illustrated frontispiece, [14], 535 pages; [4], 56 pages (right to left pagination); [6], 211, [1] pages; [8], 200, [20] pages, one folded leaf between pp. 82-83; [8], 170, [14] pages. 19 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Overall good condition. A few stains. Illustrated frontispiece of first book detached, with minor marginal tears and damage. Part of title page of final book cut out, with loss of year and place of printing. Original parchment binding, without spine. Damage to binding.
• Clavis hebraica Veteris Testamenti, in qua themata difficiliora Veteris Test. Referantur (index of words and expressions following the order of the chapters in the Bible), by Johann Leusden. Utrecht: Franciscum Halma, 1683.
• Sexcenta & tredecim praecepta mosaica (613 commandments according to Sefer HaMitzvot by the Rambam, with Latin translation), compiled by Johann Leusden. Utrecht: Franciscus Halma, 1686.
• Grammatica quatuor linguarum hebraicae, chaldaicae, syriacae et arabicae (composition regarding Hebrew grammar and its sources, in comparison with other Middle Eastern languages), by Johann Heinrich Hottinger. Heidelberg: Adriani Wyngaerden, 1659.
• Henrici Opitii sive Syriasmus facilitati & integritati suæ restitutus (grammatical composition), by Heinrich Opitz. Leipzig and Frankfurt am Main: Colerianis, 1678. Markings and underlines to body of text.
• Trifolium orientale, continens commentarios Abarbenelis in Haggaeum, Sal. Jarchi in parsch. I. Geneseos, & Mos. Majemonidae theologiam, by Johann Adam Scherzer. Leipzig: Johannis Baueri, 1663. Latin and Hebrew.
Theological study of Maaseh Bereshit (Creation of the World) and Maaseh Merkava, based on the commentaries of the Abarbanel (to Neviim), Rashi (to Bereshit), Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah) and other sources, by the theologist and Lutheran priest Johann Scherzer, who was the teacher of Gottfried Leibniz.
Five books in one volume. [1] illustrated frontispiece, [14], 535 pages; [4], 56 pages (right to left pagination); [6], 211, [1] pages; [8], 200, [20] pages, one folded leaf between pp. 82-83; [8], 170, [14] pages. 19 cm. Thick, high-quality paper. Overall good condition. A few stains. Illustrated frontispiece of first book detached, with minor marginal tears and damage. Part of title page of final book cut out, with loss of year and place of printing. Original parchment binding, without spine. Damage to binding.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
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Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Sold for: $1,375
Including buyer's premium
Luchot Edut, essays and letters from rabbis, regarding the amulet polemic which arose surrounding R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz. Altona, [1755]. First edition.
Essays, letters and proclamations from rabbis and community leaders, who supported R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz in the dispute which arose following the false accusations of Sabbatianism leveled against him, and the objections raised against the amulets he wrote. The book opens with a foreword by R. Yehonatan, in which he describes how the dispute evolved. It concludes with a commentary on one amulet, and a sermon "which I delivered when the commotion began, on 26th Shevat 1751 in public, in which I defended myself at length".
[12], 2-78 leaves. 19 cm. Some darkened leaves. Good-fair condition. Stains. Title page restored. Inscriptions on endpapers. Library stamps. Old, worn binding.
Essays, letters and proclamations from rabbis and community leaders, who supported R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz in the dispute which arose following the false accusations of Sabbatianism leveled against him, and the objections raised against the amulets he wrote. The book opens with a foreword by R. Yehonatan, in which he describes how the dispute evolved. It concludes with a commentary on one amulet, and a sermon "which I delivered when the commotion began, on 26th Shevat 1751 in public, in which I defended myself at length".
[12], 2-78 leaves. 19 cm. Some darkened leaves. Good-fair condition. Stains. Title page restored. Inscriptions on endpapers. Library stamps. Old, worn binding.
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Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
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Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Sold for: $1,750
Including buyer's premium
Zera Shimshon, homily on the Torah and the Five Megillot, by R. Shimshon Chaim son of R. Nachman Michael Nachmani. Mantua, [1778]. Segulah for offspring, good life and plentiful livelihood.
The author, R. Shimshon Chaim Nachmani (1706-1779) was an Italian kabbalist and Torah scholar. He disseminated Torah in Modena and Mantua and edified disciples who later held rabbinic positions in several Italian communities. He also authored Toldot Shimshon, on Tractate Avot. The Chida wrote that he was well-versed in practical Kabbalah and had ordered his kabbalistic writings to be buried in his grave (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, 46).
In the preface, the author implores "with ten expressions of prayer" to study his book, and blesses the one who does so: "The One who repays will recompense you… with the threefold blessing of offspring, life and plentiful livelihood". Further in the preface, the author writes that since his only son had passed away, leaving him without any descendants, he named his book Zera Shimshon, and promises: "And your eyes will witness sons and grandsons like olive shoots around your table, wise and intelligent, and houses full of goodness, neither wealth nor honor will cease from your descendants…".
In recent years, there has been a reawakening of interest surrounding this book, and many accounts have been publicized of couples who were blessed with children in the merit of this book. These stories were recorded in the Niflaot Shimshon leaflets and later published in Kovetz Sipurei Yeshuot printed at the end of the new edition of the book (Association for the Dissemination of the Teachings of the Zera Shimshon, Arad 2015).
Ownership inscription in Sephardic script on the title page, signed "Avraham Hassan".
Damaged and incomplete copy, containing only the commentary to the Torah, without the Five Megillot. 104, 108-115, [2], 117-141 [i.e. 142] leaves. Lacking leaves 143-62 [i.e.: 162]; 21, [1]. 34 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains, with mold. Worming. Tears and extensive damage, affecting text. Large tears to title page and first leaves (including leaf of author's preface), affecting text with some loss, with unskilled paper repairs. Marginal creases. Old and damaged binding, partly detached.
The author, R. Shimshon Chaim Nachmani (1706-1779) was an Italian kabbalist and Torah scholar. He disseminated Torah in Modena and Mantua and edified disciples who later held rabbinic positions in several Italian communities. He also authored Toldot Shimshon, on Tractate Avot. The Chida wrote that he was well-versed in practical Kabbalah and had ordered his kabbalistic writings to be buried in his grave (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, 46).
In the preface, the author implores "with ten expressions of prayer" to study his book, and blesses the one who does so: "The One who repays will recompense you… with the threefold blessing of offspring, life and plentiful livelihood". Further in the preface, the author writes that since his only son had passed away, leaving him without any descendants, he named his book Zera Shimshon, and promises: "And your eyes will witness sons and grandsons like olive shoots around your table, wise and intelligent, and houses full of goodness, neither wealth nor honor will cease from your descendants…".
In recent years, there has been a reawakening of interest surrounding this book, and many accounts have been publicized of couples who were blessed with children in the merit of this book. These stories were recorded in the Niflaot Shimshon leaflets and later published in Kovetz Sipurei Yeshuot printed at the end of the new edition of the book (Association for the Dissemination of the Teachings of the Zera Shimshon, Arad 2015).
Ownership inscription in Sephardic script on the title page, signed "Avraham Hassan".
Damaged and incomplete copy, containing only the commentary to the Torah, without the Five Megillot. 104, 108-115, [2], 117-141 [i.e. 142] leaves. Lacking leaves 143-62 [i.e.: 162]; 21, [1]. 34 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains, with mold. Worming. Tears and extensive damage, affecting text. Large tears to title page and first leaves (including leaf of author's preface), affecting text with some loss, with unskilled paper repairs. Marginal creases. Old and damaged binding, partly detached.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $500
Unsold
Minchat Chinuch, "A wide-ranging commentary to Sefer HaChinuch, with tremendous pilpul and wondrous, wide-ranging erudition", parts I and III. Lemberg (Lviv): R. Uri Ze'ev Wolf Salat, [1869]. Without part II.
First edition of the book, published anonymously in the lifetime of the author - R. Yosef Babad Rabbi of Tarnopol, as stated on the title page: "Composed by one of the greatest Torah scholars of our times, who is holy and pure, and published it anonymously out of his exceptional modesty… was published through the efforts of R. Reuven Kohen Rappaport". Only in the second edition, printed in Lviv 1889, approx. 15 years after the passing of the author, did the publisher reveal the name of the author. Over the years, Minchat Chinuch became a basic book in the world of scholarly and in-depth study, in all study halls, in Galicia and Poland, Lithuania or Hungary, and throughout the Jewish world until this day. To date, hundreds of thousands of copies have been printed in dozens of different editions, apart from dozens of books discussing his teachings and questions.
Parts I and III only, without part II. [2], 116 leaves; [2], 105, 5 leaves. Lacking [3] leaves at the end of part III (part III originally comprised: [2], 105, [2], 4, [1] leaves. Leaf 5 at the end of part III in this copy was supplied from a later edition). 36.5 cm. Some brittle leaves. Fair condition. Tears, creases, worming and extensive wear to first two leaves (leaves partially detached). Stains and wear. Worming. Tears and damage to final leaves, affecting text. Light mold stains. Old binding, worn and damaged.
First edition of the book, published anonymously in the lifetime of the author - R. Yosef Babad Rabbi of Tarnopol, as stated on the title page: "Composed by one of the greatest Torah scholars of our times, who is holy and pure, and published it anonymously out of his exceptional modesty… was published through the efforts of R. Reuven Kohen Rappaport". Only in the second edition, printed in Lviv 1889, approx. 15 years after the passing of the author, did the publisher reveal the name of the author. Over the years, Minchat Chinuch became a basic book in the world of scholarly and in-depth study, in all study halls, in Galicia and Poland, Lithuania or Hungary, and throughout the Jewish world until this day. To date, hundreds of thousands of copies have been printed in dozens of different editions, apart from dozens of books discussing his teachings and questions.
Parts I and III only, without part II. [2], 116 leaves; [2], 105, 5 leaves. Lacking [3] leaves at the end of part III (part III originally comprised: [2], 105, [2], 4, [1] leaves. Leaf 5 at the end of part III in this copy was supplied from a later edition). 36.5 cm. Some brittle leaves. Fair condition. Tears, creases, worming and extensive wear to first two leaves (leaves partially detached). Stains and wear. Worming. Tears and damage to final leaves, affecting text. Light mold stains. Old binding, worn and damaged.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Zivchei Tzedek, laws of Shechita (ritual slaughter) and responsa on various topics, two parts, by R. Abdallah Somech. Baghdad, [1899]. First edition.
Two parts in two volumes.
R. Abdallah Somech (1813-1889), leading Iraqi Torah scholar and rabbi, teacher of the Ben Ish Chai and other leading Baghdadi Torah scholars. Following his marriage, he first earned his living as a merchant, but when he realized that Torah education was waning, he began devoting himself to disseminating Torah. He abandoned commerce, and assembled around him a group of students, whom he taught free of charge. Consequently, the Baghdadi philanthropist Yechezkel Reuven built for him a Beit Midrash, "Midrash Abu Menashi" (later renamed Beit Zilcha). R. Abdallah Somech led this Beit Midrash until his passing. Many leading Torah scholars of the area were his disciples, as R. Shlomo Bechor Hussein (publisher of this book) wrote: "He restored Torah to its original splendor, the glory of Torah to the Babylonian yeshiva, after it had been lost for several hundred years, by establishing a large, spacious Beit Midrash where he edified numerous disciples, and disseminated Torah to the Jewish people, and almost all the Torah scholars, rabbis and poskim in Iraq, Persia, and India drew from his wellsprings" (Surasky, Orot MiMizrach, 1974, p. 71). R. Abdallah was considered the supreme halachic authority, and halachic queries were addressed to him from throughout Iraq, Persia and India. Some of his responsa were published at the end of vol. II of this book. (For more information, see: A. ben Yaakov, Toldot HaRav Abdallah Somech, Jerusalem, 1949; Brief biography at the beginning of Zivchei Tzedek, Ahavat Shalom edition, Jerusalem 2003).
Part I: [8], 448 pages. Part II: 335; 132 pages. Approx. 25 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming in several places. Original bindings, with marbled paper and leather spines, with damage.
Two parts in two volumes.
R. Abdallah Somech (1813-1889), leading Iraqi Torah scholar and rabbi, teacher of the Ben Ish Chai and other leading Baghdadi Torah scholars. Following his marriage, he first earned his living as a merchant, but when he realized that Torah education was waning, he began devoting himself to disseminating Torah. He abandoned commerce, and assembled around him a group of students, whom he taught free of charge. Consequently, the Baghdadi philanthropist Yechezkel Reuven built for him a Beit Midrash, "Midrash Abu Menashi" (later renamed Beit Zilcha). R. Abdallah Somech led this Beit Midrash until his passing. Many leading Torah scholars of the area were his disciples, as R. Shlomo Bechor Hussein (publisher of this book) wrote: "He restored Torah to its original splendor, the glory of Torah to the Babylonian yeshiva, after it had been lost for several hundred years, by establishing a large, spacious Beit Midrash where he edified numerous disciples, and disseminated Torah to the Jewish people, and almost all the Torah scholars, rabbis and poskim in Iraq, Persia, and India drew from his wellsprings" (Surasky, Orot MiMizrach, 1974, p. 71). R. Abdallah was considered the supreme halachic authority, and halachic queries were addressed to him from throughout Iraq, Persia and India. Some of his responsa were published at the end of vol. II of this book. (For more information, see: A. ben Yaakov, Toldot HaRav Abdallah Somech, Jerusalem, 1949; Brief biography at the beginning of Zivchei Tzedek, Ahavat Shalom edition, Jerusalem 2003).
Part I: [8], 448 pages. Part II: 335; 132 pages. Approx. 25 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming in several places. Original bindings, with marbled paper and leather spines, with damage.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
Catalogue
Auction 67 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 18, 2019
Opening: $400
Unsold
Besamim Rosh, eight discourses on Halachah and Aggadah by R. Yitzchak Ashkenazi son of R. Asher Anshel Ashkenazi; with the will of his grandfather, R. Moshe David Ashkenazi Rabbi of Tolcsva. [Frankfurt am Main, ca. 1915 / Munkacs, 1903].
In reality, only the cover was printed in Frankfurt, while the book itself was an old printing of the final section of Shemen Rosh - the book of his father R. Asher Anshel Ashkenazi Rabbi of Stanislav, which was published in Munkacs, 1903 (see: enclosed copy). This is an interesting case of plagiarism between father and son: R. Yitzchak Ashkenazi, son of R. Asher Anshel Ashkenazi, was exiled during WWI and settled in Frankfurt am Main. During his stay there, he took the original booklets of Besamim Rosh from his father's book (printed in Munkacs, 1903), added a new printed wrapper featuring the title page, in which he attributes the composition to himself: "Besamim Rosh, includes eight discourses in Halacha and Aggadah, by R. Y. Ashkenazi… son of R. Asher Anshel Ashkenazi…". In the lower part of the title page, two additional lines are printed with emphasis: "This is the one booklet which was saved from the destruction in our town, and the printed part testifies on the whole…". At the bottom of the title page, the following statement is printed: "Now, in times of emergency and destruction, the address of the rabbi, author and publisher is…".
A possible explanation for this strange plagiarism is the difficult and desperate situation which R. Yitzchak Ashkenazi found himself in during WWI, which compelled him to wander and reduced him to dire financial straits. Publication of this booklet, and attributing it to himself, was perhaps an attempt on his part to earn recognition, so as to receive financial and material help which would allow him to survive the war.
[1] Title wrapper, 16 leaves. 33 cm. Very dry and brittle paper. Fair condition. Stains. Tears to several leaves, affecting text with some loss. Damage. Cover detached and damaged.
Enclosed: Original copy of Shemen Rosh - Responsa on all four parts of Shulchan Aruch, with the Besamim Rosh section, various discourses and eulogies, by R. Asher Anshel Ashkenazi Rabbi of Stanislav. Munkacs, [1903].
[4], 45; [1], 1-52, 51-60; 24; [1]-2, 27-42, [2]; 16 leaves. Approx. 33 cm. Very dry and brittle paper. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Minor tears and damage to title page and other leaves. Marginal creases to some leaves. Old, crumbling binding, without spine.
In reality, only the cover was printed in Frankfurt, while the book itself was an old printing of the final section of Shemen Rosh - the book of his father R. Asher Anshel Ashkenazi Rabbi of Stanislav, which was published in Munkacs, 1903 (see: enclosed copy). This is an interesting case of plagiarism between father and son: R. Yitzchak Ashkenazi, son of R. Asher Anshel Ashkenazi, was exiled during WWI and settled in Frankfurt am Main. During his stay there, he took the original booklets of Besamim Rosh from his father's book (printed in Munkacs, 1903), added a new printed wrapper featuring the title page, in which he attributes the composition to himself: "Besamim Rosh, includes eight discourses in Halacha and Aggadah, by R. Y. Ashkenazi… son of R. Asher Anshel Ashkenazi…". In the lower part of the title page, two additional lines are printed with emphasis: "This is the one booklet which was saved from the destruction in our town, and the printed part testifies on the whole…". At the bottom of the title page, the following statement is printed: "Now, in times of emergency and destruction, the address of the rabbi, author and publisher is…".
A possible explanation for this strange plagiarism is the difficult and desperate situation which R. Yitzchak Ashkenazi found himself in during WWI, which compelled him to wander and reduced him to dire financial straits. Publication of this booklet, and attributing it to himself, was perhaps an attempt on his part to earn recognition, so as to receive financial and material help which would allow him to survive the war.
[1] Title wrapper, 16 leaves. 33 cm. Very dry and brittle paper. Fair condition. Stains. Tears to several leaves, affecting text with some loss. Damage. Cover detached and damaged.
Enclosed: Original copy of Shemen Rosh - Responsa on all four parts of Shulchan Aruch, with the Besamim Rosh section, various discourses and eulogies, by R. Asher Anshel Ashkenazi Rabbi of Stanislav. Munkacs, [1903].
[4], 45; [1], 1-52, 51-60; 24; [1]-2, 27-42, [2]; 16 leaves. Approx. 33 cm. Very dry and brittle paper. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Minor tears and damage to title page and other leaves. Marginal creases to some leaves. Old, crumbling binding, without spine.
Category
Classic Books and Miscellaneous Books
Catalogue