Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $38,000
Estimate: $50,000 - $60,000
Unsold
Lengthy letter (approx. 27 lines) handwritten and signed by the kabbalist R. Zekel Leib Wormser – the Baal Shem of Michelstadt. Michelstadt, 1845. Yiddish, with some Hebrew.
Addressed to "My friend the chaver R. Nehem [=Nachum?] and his wife". The first part of the letter contains a response to questions regarding charity and maaser (tithes). The Baal Shem offers them some good advice – to anticipate that their business will prosper, and cause G-d to be their "debtor" by separating in advance a tithe of their projected income. Further in the letter, the Baal Shem designates 248 – numerical value of Ramach – as the recommended sum of money to donate to charity every Erev Rosh Chodesh, and makes various other calculations.
In the second part of the letter, the Baal Shem appeals for assistance for his granddaughter's wedding, and for financial support for his son R. Wolf. He concludes by wishing them "life and blessing for a safeguard [of peace?]", and signs: " Zekel Leib son of R. Matityahu of here, my wife Hanna and all the members of my household [also send regards?]".
R. Zekel Leib (Yitzchak Aryeh) Wormser (1768-1847) – the Baal Shem of Michelstadt. A scion of the Luria family, from the family of the Maharshal and Rashi, and a descendant of R. Eliyahu Baal Shem of Loans – the Baal Shem of Worms. In his youth, he studied under the kabbalist R. Natan Adler in Frankfurt, later returning to his hometown Michelstadt, where he served as rabbi of the town and the vicinity, and established his Beit Midrash, as well as a yeshiva which attracted many students. He was renowned as a righteous man and wonder-worker, earning him the appellation of "Baal Shem". Many flocked to him in quest of cures and salvations, even from other countries, and numerous people experienced salvations through his blessings, segulot and amulets.
He was widely acclaimed by Jews and non-Jews alike. Reputedly, German soldiers who prayed by his gravesite during WWI all returned from the battlefield healthy and well. The Michelstadt municipality posted a memorial plaque on the house he lived in, dubbing him "a friend of the people". His novellae and writings were published in the book Baal Shem MiMichelstadt (Machon Yerushalayim, 2006).
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains, large tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Mounted on paper for preservation.
Addressed to "My friend the chaver R. Nehem [=Nachum?] and his wife". The first part of the letter contains a response to questions regarding charity and maaser (tithes). The Baal Shem offers them some good advice – to anticipate that their business will prosper, and cause G-d to be their "debtor" by separating in advance a tithe of their projected income. Further in the letter, the Baal Shem designates 248 – numerical value of Ramach – as the recommended sum of money to donate to charity every Erev Rosh Chodesh, and makes various other calculations.
In the second part of the letter, the Baal Shem appeals for assistance for his granddaughter's wedding, and for financial support for his son R. Wolf. He concludes by wishing them "life and blessing for a safeguard [of peace?]", and signs: " Zekel Leib son of R. Matityahu of here, my wife Hanna and all the members of my household [also send regards?]".
R. Zekel Leib (Yitzchak Aryeh) Wormser (1768-1847) – the Baal Shem of Michelstadt. A scion of the Luria family, from the family of the Maharshal and Rashi, and a descendant of R. Eliyahu Baal Shem of Loans – the Baal Shem of Worms. In his youth, he studied under the kabbalist R. Natan Adler in Frankfurt, later returning to his hometown Michelstadt, where he served as rabbi of the town and the vicinity, and established his Beit Midrash, as well as a yeshiva which attracted many students. He was renowned as a righteous man and wonder-worker, earning him the appellation of "Baal Shem". Many flocked to him in quest of cures and salvations, even from other countries, and numerous people experienced salvations through his blessings, segulot and amulets.
He was widely acclaimed by Jews and non-Jews alike. Reputedly, German soldiers who prayed by his gravesite during WWI all returned from the battlefield healthy and well. The Michelstadt municipality posted a memorial plaque on the house he lived in, dubbing him "a friend of the people". His novellae and writings were published in the book Baal Shem MiMichelstadt (Machon Yerushalayim, 2006).
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains, large tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Mounted on paper for preservation.
Category
Rabbinical Letters
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $2,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Letter of approbation from R. Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg Rabbi of Königsberg, author of HaKetav VehaKabbalah, for the printing of Chiddushei HaRitva on Tractate Rosh Hashana. Königsberg, 1858.
R. Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg (1785-1865), rabbi of Königsberg, a foremost rabbi of his times. He was a close disciple of R. Akiva Eger. Through his writings, he was one of the first to defend faithful Judaism from the attacks of Reform. In his book HaKetav VehaKabbalah, he follows the Gaon of Vilna's approach of connecting the Written and Oral Torah, basing himself considerably on the books and writings of the Gaon which he had access to in manuscript. He assisted in publishing the writings of the Gaon of Vilna, especially on Kabbalah, and even participated in composing the biography on the Gaon named Aliyot Eliyahu. The unique style of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah commentary charted the way for the celebrated commentary to the Bible of his colleague, the Malbim (his successor as rabbi of Königsberg).
[1] leaf. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Fold lines.
R. Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg (1785-1865), rabbi of Königsberg, a foremost rabbi of his times. He was a close disciple of R. Akiva Eger. Through his writings, he was one of the first to defend faithful Judaism from the attacks of Reform. In his book HaKetav VehaKabbalah, he follows the Gaon of Vilna's approach of connecting the Written and Oral Torah, basing himself considerably on the books and writings of the Gaon which he had access to in manuscript. He assisted in publishing the writings of the Gaon of Vilna, especially on Kabbalah, and even participated in composing the biography on the Gaon named Aliyot Eliyahu. The unique style of the HaKetav VehaKabbalah commentary charted the way for the celebrated commentary to the Bible of his colleague, the Malbim (his successor as rabbi of Königsberg).
[1] leaf. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Fold lines.
Category
Rabbinical Letters
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $6,000
Sold for: $4,250
Including buyer's premium
Three versions of a letter, including a draft handwritten by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, with comments handwritten by R. Azriel Hildesheimer. Berlin, 1881. German, with some Hebrew.
Letter from German rabbis, addressed to the Prussian Minister of War Georg von Kameke, in which they ask him to act on behalf of the Jewish soldiers in the Prussian army, and grant them an exemption from military duties on Shabbat (just as soldiers are already exempted on festivals and fast days). The letter describes various aspects of the importance of the Shabbat in Judaism.
This is a draft of the letter, entirely handwritten by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, with his marginal deletions, emendations and additions. There are also two lengthy notes in the margins, handwritten by R. Azriel Hildesheimer. In one of them, he writes in Hebrew (in praise of R. S. R. Hirsch): "And who do we have greater than him, who personifies 'my tongue is a pen of an expert scribe'". This draft is dated: "Berlin, 19th May 1881". The draft concludes with an undecipherable calligraphic inscription, possibly the signature of R. Samson Raphael Hirsch.
Enclosed with the draft are two neat copyings, handwritten by a scribe. The first is dated: "Berlin, 27th May 1881" (this date was deleted and replaced with "7th June"). This copying contains two particularly lengthy additions handwritten by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch. The second copying is dated: "Berlin, 7th June 1881", and incorporates R. Samson Raphael Hirsch's additions.
Both copyings feature the signatures (copied by the scribe) of eleven German rabbis: "Rabbi Dr. Hildesheimer, Berlin; R. Hirsch, Frankfurt; Dr. Löb, Altona; Dr. Auerbach, Halberstadt; Dr. Plato, Cologne; Dr. Ehrman, Trier; Dr. Kahn, Wiesbaden; Dr. S. Cohn, Berlin; Dr. Feilchenfeld, Posen; Ehrenfeld, Gnesen; Dr. Löb, Samter".
This letter provides an interesting documentation of the joint efforts of R. Samson Raphael Hirsch and R. Azriel Hildesheimer on behalf of the Jewish soldiers in Germany. These leaves disclose the various steps in the process of producing the final letter, beginning with the draft handwritten by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, the editing it underwent by R. Hirsch and R. Hildesheimer, copying it into a well-presented letter, a second editing, and the final copying.
R. Shimshon son of R. Refael Hirsch (1808-1888) was the legendary leader of German Orthodox Jewry and founder of the association of independent communities. He was a disciple of Chacham Bernays of Hamburg, and of R. Yaakov Ettlinger of Altona – the Aruch LaNer. At the age of 22, he began serving as rabbi of Oldenburg, Emden and later Nikolsburg. In 1850, he was summoned by eleven Orthodox families in Frankfurt am Main to stand at the helm of the new Adath Yeshurun Orthodox community. R. Samson Raphael Hirsch was the first to attempt to stem the rapid spiritual decline of German Jewry, painstakingly rebuilding Orthodox Jewry in Germany. He invested great effort in establishing independent communities in various German cities, and educated an entire generation to Torah and observance, through his discourses, books and essays (the Nineteen Letters, Horeb and others), which were originally delivered and written in German, and have since been translated and published in many editions, in Hebrew and other languages.
R. Azriel Hildesheimer (1820-1899), rabbi, posek and leader. A foremost rabbi in his times, he stood at the helm of Orthodox Jewry in Germany. He was a close disciple of R. Yaakov Ettlinger – the Aruch LaNer in Altona (who refers to him in Responsa Binyan Tzion as "my son"), and studied under Chacham Bernays (R. Yitzchak Bernays) of Hamburg. In 1848, he founded a yeshiva in Halberstadt, and in 1851, he was appointed rabbi of Eisenstadt, where he also served as yeshiva dean and established a unique educational system. In 1869, he began serving as rabbi of the Adath Israel Orthodox community in Berlin, where he founded a yeshiva. In 1874, he opened the Rabbinical seminary, which edified generations of rabbis, educators and community leaders. Just like his teacher the Aruch LaNer, he was titled "Nesi Eretz Israel". He was renowned for his wide-ranging efforts on behalf of German Jewry, and for his extensive activities on behalf of Russian Jewry. He authored many novellae and halachic responsa, which were published in the books Responsa of R. Azriel (2 volumes), Chiddushei R. Azriel – on the Talmud (3 volumes) and others.
[1] leaf (2 pages) handwritten by R. Hirsch + [2] double leaves (8 written pages) of copyings of the letter. Size varies. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears, fold lines.
Enclosed: A handwritten leaf from the same period, in German (copy of an army regulation?); English translation (recent) of the letter.
Letter from German rabbis, addressed to the Prussian Minister of War Georg von Kameke, in which they ask him to act on behalf of the Jewish soldiers in the Prussian army, and grant them an exemption from military duties on Shabbat (just as soldiers are already exempted on festivals and fast days). The letter describes various aspects of the importance of the Shabbat in Judaism.
This is a draft of the letter, entirely handwritten by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, with his marginal deletions, emendations and additions. There are also two lengthy notes in the margins, handwritten by R. Azriel Hildesheimer. In one of them, he writes in Hebrew (in praise of R. S. R. Hirsch): "And who do we have greater than him, who personifies 'my tongue is a pen of an expert scribe'". This draft is dated: "Berlin, 19th May 1881". The draft concludes with an undecipherable calligraphic inscription, possibly the signature of R. Samson Raphael Hirsch.
Enclosed with the draft are two neat copyings, handwritten by a scribe. The first is dated: "Berlin, 27th May 1881" (this date was deleted and replaced with "7th June"). This copying contains two particularly lengthy additions handwritten by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch. The second copying is dated: "Berlin, 7th June 1881", and incorporates R. Samson Raphael Hirsch's additions.
Both copyings feature the signatures (copied by the scribe) of eleven German rabbis: "Rabbi Dr. Hildesheimer, Berlin; R. Hirsch, Frankfurt; Dr. Löb, Altona; Dr. Auerbach, Halberstadt; Dr. Plato, Cologne; Dr. Ehrman, Trier; Dr. Kahn, Wiesbaden; Dr. S. Cohn, Berlin; Dr. Feilchenfeld, Posen; Ehrenfeld, Gnesen; Dr. Löb, Samter".
This letter provides an interesting documentation of the joint efforts of R. Samson Raphael Hirsch and R. Azriel Hildesheimer on behalf of the Jewish soldiers in Germany. These leaves disclose the various steps in the process of producing the final letter, beginning with the draft handwritten by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, the editing it underwent by R. Hirsch and R. Hildesheimer, copying it into a well-presented letter, a second editing, and the final copying.
R. Shimshon son of R. Refael Hirsch (1808-1888) was the legendary leader of German Orthodox Jewry and founder of the association of independent communities. He was a disciple of Chacham Bernays of Hamburg, and of R. Yaakov Ettlinger of Altona – the Aruch LaNer. At the age of 22, he began serving as rabbi of Oldenburg, Emden and later Nikolsburg. In 1850, he was summoned by eleven Orthodox families in Frankfurt am Main to stand at the helm of the new Adath Yeshurun Orthodox community. R. Samson Raphael Hirsch was the first to attempt to stem the rapid spiritual decline of German Jewry, painstakingly rebuilding Orthodox Jewry in Germany. He invested great effort in establishing independent communities in various German cities, and educated an entire generation to Torah and observance, through his discourses, books and essays (the Nineteen Letters, Horeb and others), which were originally delivered and written in German, and have since been translated and published in many editions, in Hebrew and other languages.
R. Azriel Hildesheimer (1820-1899), rabbi, posek and leader. A foremost rabbi in his times, he stood at the helm of Orthodox Jewry in Germany. He was a close disciple of R. Yaakov Ettlinger – the Aruch LaNer in Altona (who refers to him in Responsa Binyan Tzion as "my son"), and studied under Chacham Bernays (R. Yitzchak Bernays) of Hamburg. In 1848, he founded a yeshiva in Halberstadt, and in 1851, he was appointed rabbi of Eisenstadt, where he also served as yeshiva dean and established a unique educational system. In 1869, he began serving as rabbi of the Adath Israel Orthodox community in Berlin, where he founded a yeshiva. In 1874, he opened the Rabbinical seminary, which edified generations of rabbis, educators and community leaders. Just like his teacher the Aruch LaNer, he was titled "Nesi Eretz Israel". He was renowned for his wide-ranging efforts on behalf of German Jewry, and for his extensive activities on behalf of Russian Jewry. He authored many novellae and halachic responsa, which were published in the books Responsa of R. Azriel (2 volumes), Chiddushei R. Azriel – on the Talmud (3 volumes) and others.
[1] leaf (2 pages) handwritten by R. Hirsch + [2] double leaves (8 written pages) of copyings of the letter. Size varies. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears, fold lines.
Enclosed: A handwritten leaf from the same period, in German (copy of an army regulation?); English translation (recent) of the letter.
Category
Rabbinical Letters
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Collection of letters from German rabbis, written as a response to the question whether it is permitted to lay or plant flowers in honor of the deceased at a Jewish funeral and in Jewish cemeteries; including letters handwritten and signed by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch and R. Azriel Hildesheimer. Germany, 1882-1883. German, with some Hebrew.
These letters were written following a petition from a Jewish merchant from Heilbronn (southwest Germany) to the German authorities in 1882, requesting permission to plant flowers in the Jewish cemetery and place wreaths of flowers on caskets at funerals – two distinctly Christian practices. Mr. Wolf, a leader of the Heilbronn community, wrote letters to German rabbis asking for their opinion on the matter – whether it was permitted and suitable to adopt these practices. These letters are the responses he received from the rabbis, with their diverging views on the matter.
The letters include: • A letter handwritten and signed by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch. Frankfurt am Main, 1882. • A letter handwritten and signed by R. Azriel Hildesheimer. Berlin, Motzaei Shabbat Parashat Toldot 1882. • Two letters from R. Nathan Bamberger Rabbi of Würzburg. Würzburg, 1882. One letter is handwritten and signed by R. Bamberger, and the second is written by a scribe, with R. Bamberger's signature. • Additional letters from: R. Aryeh (Adolf) Schwarz Rabbi of Karlsruhe (author of Higayon Aryeh on Tosefta), R. Menachem (Menco) Berlinger Rabbi of Braunsbach, R. Hillel Sondheimer Rabbi of Heidelberg, R. Yosef Eschelbacher Rabbi of Bruchsal and R. Alexander Stein Rabbi of Worms.
Some of the letters were written on the verso of the letter presenting the question.
Three of the letters – those of R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, R. Azriel Hildesheimer and R. Bamberger, together with the letter presenting the question, were published in the 29th June 1899 issue of the Der Israelit newspaper.
Enclosed are several letters from Heilbronn and Stuttgart (one signed by R. Moshe Engelbert Rabbi of Heilbronn), presumably on the same topic, as well as a letter from 21st June 1899 from the editorial staff of Der Israelit addressed to Mr. Wolf, confirming receipt of these letters.
See previous item regarding R. Samson Raphael Hirsch and R. Azriel Hildesheimer.
Approx. 15 letters. Size varies. Overall good condition.
These letters were written following a petition from a Jewish merchant from Heilbronn (southwest Germany) to the German authorities in 1882, requesting permission to plant flowers in the Jewish cemetery and place wreaths of flowers on caskets at funerals – two distinctly Christian practices. Mr. Wolf, a leader of the Heilbronn community, wrote letters to German rabbis asking for their opinion on the matter – whether it was permitted and suitable to adopt these practices. These letters are the responses he received from the rabbis, with their diverging views on the matter.
The letters include: • A letter handwritten and signed by R. Samson Raphael Hirsch. Frankfurt am Main, 1882. • A letter handwritten and signed by R. Azriel Hildesheimer. Berlin, Motzaei Shabbat Parashat Toldot 1882. • Two letters from R. Nathan Bamberger Rabbi of Würzburg. Würzburg, 1882. One letter is handwritten and signed by R. Bamberger, and the second is written by a scribe, with R. Bamberger's signature. • Additional letters from: R. Aryeh (Adolf) Schwarz Rabbi of Karlsruhe (author of Higayon Aryeh on Tosefta), R. Menachem (Menco) Berlinger Rabbi of Braunsbach, R. Hillel Sondheimer Rabbi of Heidelberg, R. Yosef Eschelbacher Rabbi of Bruchsal and R. Alexander Stein Rabbi of Worms.
Some of the letters were written on the verso of the letter presenting the question.
Three of the letters – those of R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, R. Azriel Hildesheimer and R. Bamberger, together with the letter presenting the question, were published in the 29th June 1899 issue of the Der Israelit newspaper.
Enclosed are several letters from Heilbronn and Stuttgart (one signed by R. Moshe Engelbert Rabbi of Heilbronn), presumably on the same topic, as well as a letter from 21st June 1899 from the editorial staff of Der Israelit addressed to Mr. Wolf, confirming receipt of these letters.
See previous item regarding R. Samson Raphael Hirsch and R. Azriel Hildesheimer.
Approx. 15 letters. Size varies. Overall good condition.
Category
Rabbinical Letters
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Sold for: $11,250
Including buyer's premium
Letter from R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin, the Chafetz Chaim. Radin (Radun), Kislev 1926.
Written by a scribe on the official stationery of the Chafetz Chaim, with the latter's handwritten signature ("Yisrael Meir HaKohen") and stamp.
Letter of acknowledgement, in Yiddish, for a donation made to the Radin yeshiva, addressed to Mrs. Chana Slew of Chicago. The letter concludes with the Chafetz Chaim's heartfelt blessings: " In the merit of the holy mitzva of supporting Torah study, may G-d help you in all matters, and fulfill all your wishes for the good, as is her wish and that of the one who blesses her, Yisrael Meir HaKohen".
R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin (1837-1933; Otzar HaRabbanim 12262), leader of the Jewish people, was widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He founded the Radin yeshiva and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishna Berura, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and dozens more. This letter was written in his later years, at the age of about 90 (his advanced age is noticeable in the tremulous signature).
[1] leaf. 27.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Fold lines. Tears to fold lines, slightly affecting several letters, repaired.
Written by a scribe on the official stationery of the Chafetz Chaim, with the latter's handwritten signature ("Yisrael Meir HaKohen") and stamp.
Letter of acknowledgement, in Yiddish, for a donation made to the Radin yeshiva, addressed to Mrs. Chana Slew of Chicago. The letter concludes with the Chafetz Chaim's heartfelt blessings: " In the merit of the holy mitzva of supporting Torah study, may G-d help you in all matters, and fulfill all your wishes for the good, as is her wish and that of the one who blesses her, Yisrael Meir HaKohen".
R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin (1837-1933; Otzar HaRabbanim 12262), leader of the Jewish people, was widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He founded the Radin yeshiva and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishna Berura, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed and dozens more. This letter was written in his later years, at the age of about 90 (his advanced age is noticeable in the tremulous signature).
[1] leaf. 27.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Fold lines. Tears to fold lines, slightly affecting several letters, repaired.
Category
Rabbinical Letters
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Three letters from R. Shimon Shkop, dean of the Grodno yeshiva, addressed to his disciple R. Shmuel HaLevi Lewenberg in Brooklyn, NY:
• Letter handwritten and signed by R. Shimon Shkop. Grodno, Shevat 1938. Official stationery. Letter concerning assistance for the yeshiva, assistance for one of the yeshiva students requiring surgery, and other matters.
• Letter from R. Shimon Shkop. Grodno, Adar I 1938. Typewritten on official stationery, with the addition of two lines handwritten and signed by R. Shimon Shkop. Letter of condolences for the passing of the recipient's father – R. Yehuda Heschel Lewenberg (dean of the New Haven Yeshiva, the first Lithuanian yeshiva in America). In the handwritten closing lines, R. Shimon adds further words of consolation and affection: "…I share your sorrow and await your better future, Shimon Yehuda HaKohen Shkop".
• Letter from R. Shimon Shkop. Av 1938. Typewritten on official stationery, with R. Shimon Shkop's signature stamp and official stamp. Appeal on behalf of the yeshiva.
R. Shimon Yehuda Shkop (1860-1939), a disciple of R. Chaim Soloveitchik in the Volozhin yeshiva, where he absorbed the intricate and profound methodology of Torah study. At the age of 24, he was appointed dean of the Telshe yeshiva (founded by his uncle R. Eliezer Gordon). There, he transmitted to the many students his innovative method of logical study – approach adopted by the entire Torah world until this day. One of his foremost disciples from that period was R. Elchanan Wasserman. In 1920, he was called to head the Shaar HaTorah yeshiva in Grodno. His works include: Shaarei Yosher, Maarechet HaKinyanim and Chiddushei R. Shimon Yehuda HaKohen.
3 letters. 27-29 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Fold lines. Several tears to folds, without loss. Enclosed: official envelopes of two of the letters, torn and damaged.
• Letter handwritten and signed by R. Shimon Shkop. Grodno, Shevat 1938. Official stationery. Letter concerning assistance for the yeshiva, assistance for one of the yeshiva students requiring surgery, and other matters.
• Letter from R. Shimon Shkop. Grodno, Adar I 1938. Typewritten on official stationery, with the addition of two lines handwritten and signed by R. Shimon Shkop. Letter of condolences for the passing of the recipient's father – R. Yehuda Heschel Lewenberg (dean of the New Haven Yeshiva, the first Lithuanian yeshiva in America). In the handwritten closing lines, R. Shimon adds further words of consolation and affection: "…I share your sorrow and await your better future, Shimon Yehuda HaKohen Shkop".
• Letter from R. Shimon Shkop. Av 1938. Typewritten on official stationery, with R. Shimon Shkop's signature stamp and official stamp. Appeal on behalf of the yeshiva.
R. Shimon Yehuda Shkop (1860-1939), a disciple of R. Chaim Soloveitchik in the Volozhin yeshiva, where he absorbed the intricate and profound methodology of Torah study. At the age of 24, he was appointed dean of the Telshe yeshiva (founded by his uncle R. Eliezer Gordon). There, he transmitted to the many students his innovative method of logical study – approach adopted by the entire Torah world until this day. One of his foremost disciples from that period was R. Elchanan Wasserman. In 1920, he was called to head the Shaar HaTorah yeshiva in Grodno. His works include: Shaarei Yosher, Maarechet HaKinyanim and Chiddushei R. Shimon Yehuda HaKohen.
3 letters. 27-29 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Fold lines. Several tears to folds, without loss. Enclosed: official envelopes of two of the letters, torn and damaged.
Category
Rabbinical Letters
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Marriage certificate issued by the Beit Din of the Eida HaChareidit, signed by the Brisker Rav, R. Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik. Jerusalem, 1946.
Marriage certificate. Official printed certificate of the "Council of the Ashkenazic Jewish Community in Jerusalem", filled-in by hand to record the marriage of R. Nachman Feldman to Tzirel Barbash. The certificate is signed by R. " Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik", who served as mesader kiddushin. The wedding took place in Jerusalem, in the Tzion hotel, on 11th Adar I 1946 (see HaRav MiBrisk, I, p. 21 – picture of the Brisker Rav officiating at that wedding).
The signature of the Brisker Rav in the capacity of mesader kiddushin is very rare, since the latter did not generally agree to officiate at weddings in Jerusalem.
R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik – the Brisker Rav (1887-1959), son of R. Chaim HaLevi of Brisk, and grandson of the Beit HaLevi. Already in his father's lifetime, at a young age, he was considered one of the prominent leaders of the generation. In 1920 (at the age of 32), he succeeded his forefathers as rabbi of Brisk, and with his Torah authority he directed all Jewish matters in Brisk and the surroundings. He survived the Holocaust together with some of his children and immigrated to Jerusalem, where he reestablished his yeshiva. His authority was recognized throughout the Torah world, whether in Eretz Israel or abroad. He authored Chiddushei Maran R. Y.Z. HaLevi on the Rambam and the Torah. His orally transmitted novellae were published in the Chiddushei HaGriz series, and until this day, his teachings serve as the basis of profound Torah study in yeshivot, and his views direct the Torah outlook and leadership within Orthodox Jewry.
[1] leaf. 25 cm. Good condition. Stains, ink stains. Filing holes. Fold lines.
Marriage certificate. Official printed certificate of the "Council of the Ashkenazic Jewish Community in Jerusalem", filled-in by hand to record the marriage of R. Nachman Feldman to Tzirel Barbash. The certificate is signed by R. " Yitzchak Ze'ev HaLevi Soloveitchik", who served as mesader kiddushin. The wedding took place in Jerusalem, in the Tzion hotel, on 11th Adar I 1946 (see HaRav MiBrisk, I, p. 21 – picture of the Brisker Rav officiating at that wedding).
The signature of the Brisker Rav in the capacity of mesader kiddushin is very rare, since the latter did not generally agree to officiate at weddings in Jerusalem.
R. Yitzchak Ze'ev Soloveitchik – the Brisker Rav (1887-1959), son of R. Chaim HaLevi of Brisk, and grandson of the Beit HaLevi. Already in his father's lifetime, at a young age, he was considered one of the prominent leaders of the generation. In 1920 (at the age of 32), he succeeded his forefathers as rabbi of Brisk, and with his Torah authority he directed all Jewish matters in Brisk and the surroundings. He survived the Holocaust together with some of his children and immigrated to Jerusalem, where he reestablished his yeshiva. His authority was recognized throughout the Torah world, whether in Eretz Israel or abroad. He authored Chiddushei Maran R. Y.Z. HaLevi on the Rambam and the Torah. His orally transmitted novellae were published in the Chiddushei HaGriz series, and until this day, his teachings serve as the basis of profound Torah study in yeshivot, and his views direct the Torah outlook and leadership within Orthodox Jewry.
[1] leaf. 25 cm. Good condition. Stains, ink stains. Filing holes. Fold lines.
Category
Rabbinical Letters
Catalogue
Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items
December 3, 2019
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $18,750
Including buyer's premium
Handwritten Tena'im, recording the betrothal of R. Chaim Kanievsky to Rebbetzin Batsheva, daughter of R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. Jerusalem, Iyar 1951.
Signed by the witnesses: " Aharon son of R. Reuven Katz" (R. Aharon Katz, son of R. Reuven Katz Rabbi and dean of Petach Tikva, where the groom was studying); " Yitzchak son of R. Pinchas Baruchson" (R. Yitzchak Baruchson, mashgiach of the Lomza yeshiva in Petach Tikva, previously a dean of the Or Yisrael yeshiva in Slabodka-Kovno). The guarantor on behalf of the groom was his uncle R. Meir Karelitz, while the guarantor on behalf of the bride was her uncle R. Shmuel Aharon Yudelevitz.
The match between R. Chaim Kanievsky and Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky (1932-2012), eldest daughter of R. Elyashiv, was concluded upon the advice of the groom's uncle - the Chazon Ish, who attested that as a daughter of a veritable Torah scholar, she was truly suited for him. The Steipler, father of R. Chaim Kanievsky, held R. Elyashiv his mechutan in high regard, and would refer to him halachic questions and names to be mentioned in prayer and for blessings. He even sent people to be blessed by his daughter-in-law Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky, as a woman of holy lineage. Over the years, her great abilities were publicized, and many experienced salvations as a result of her prayers and blessings. Thousands of women flocked to Rebbetzin Batsheva, seeking her heartfelt encouragement and wise counsel.
[1] leaf. 32.5 cm. Good condition. Fold lines.
Signed by the witnesses: " Aharon son of R. Reuven Katz" (R. Aharon Katz, son of R. Reuven Katz Rabbi and dean of Petach Tikva, where the groom was studying); " Yitzchak son of R. Pinchas Baruchson" (R. Yitzchak Baruchson, mashgiach of the Lomza yeshiva in Petach Tikva, previously a dean of the Or Yisrael yeshiva in Slabodka-Kovno). The guarantor on behalf of the groom was his uncle R. Meir Karelitz, while the guarantor on behalf of the bride was her uncle R. Shmuel Aharon Yudelevitz.
The match between R. Chaim Kanievsky and Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky (1932-2012), eldest daughter of R. Elyashiv, was concluded upon the advice of the groom's uncle - the Chazon Ish, who attested that as a daughter of a veritable Torah scholar, she was truly suited for him. The Steipler, father of R. Chaim Kanievsky, held R. Elyashiv his mechutan in high regard, and would refer to him halachic questions and names to be mentioned in prayer and for blessings. He even sent people to be blessed by his daughter-in-law Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky, as a woman of holy lineage. Over the years, her great abilities were publicized, and many experienced salvations as a result of her prayers and blessings. Thousands of women flocked to Rebbetzin Batsheva, seeking her heartfelt encouragement and wise counsel.
[1] leaf. 32.5 cm. Good condition. Fold lines.
Category
Rabbinical Letters
Catalogue