Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $20,000
Unsold
"Prayers for the year-round", with kavanot of the Arizal, prayers for weekdays, Shabbat and festivals, Nusach Sefard, compiled by the kabbalist R. Shabtai of Rashkov - disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. Korets, [1794]. First edition. Two volumes.
This siddur is the first to contain kavanot and customs of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov - prime teacher of the compiler of this siddur, R. Shabtai of Rashkov. The title page states that "Yichudim from the G-dly and holy Baal Shem Tov, whose name is renowned throughout the world" were added to this siddur. Additionally, this siddur is the first to feature the custom of reciting Viyehi Noam and Yoshev BeSeter Elyon seven times at the Chanukah candle lighting ceremony, which the Baal Shem Tov innovated: "And in the name of my teacher R. Yisrael Baal Shem, one should say seven times Viyehi Noam and Yoshev BeSeter in the ordinary way, and he would also recite these Psalms during the High Holidays and at any time of trouble…" (vol. I, p. 336b). Likewise, this is the source of the Baal Shem Tov's custom of refraining from idle talk on Shavuot night until after the Kedushah prayer of Mussaf: "In the name of my teacher, one must be very careful after the Tikkun in the night, not to interrupt with any mundane talk, until after Kedushah in Mussaf…" (vol. II, p. 52b). The page before states: "I received from my teacher, that when Shavuot falls on… one should focus during the reading of the Ten Commandments…". Likewise, he quotes kavanot "from my teacher, which one should focus on during the time of learning early in the morning, as well as kavanot for Hatarat Nedarim (annulment of a vow).
The siddur and its holy author were deemed holy and highly regarded by Chassidim, and especially by great Chassidic leaders. Seder HaDorot HaChadash (Satmar 1941, p. 19a) states: "R. Shabtai Rashkover, the holy kabbalist, composed a siddur with the kavanot of the Arizal, and it was printed a long time ago, and it is very rare…" (this was written in 1865). Michael Levi Rodkinson writes in his book Toldot Amudei HaChabad (Königsberg 1876, pp. 31-32) that when Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi compiled his siddur "he chose the siddur of R. Shabtai Sheftel of Rashkov from amongst the printed siddurim of the Arizal… and for the most part, he based the text of the prayers in his siddur on the siddur of R. Shabtai Rashkover". Imrei Pinchas HaShalem (I, pp. 223-224) quotes R. Yaakov Shimon son of R. Pinchas of Korets: "One must only pray from the rite of the Arizal printed in Lviv (=1788, R. Asher's siddur) or from the siddur of R. Shabtai, and not from other editions of the new siddurim". It also brings the words of R. Binyamin Ze'ev of Balta - close disciple of R. Pinchas of Korets: "…the siddur of R. Shabtai is also one of the siddurim we use". The Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Ateret Tzvi of Ziditchov and the Minchat Elazar of Munkacs studied the siddur of R. Shabtai in depth, and annotated it with glosses and commentaries which were later printed. Rebbe Shmuel Abba of Zichlin prayed his entire life from the siddur of R. Shabtai (Lahav Esh, Piotrkow 1935, p. 28).
R. Yisrael of Ruzhin would always pray from the copy of R. Shabtai's siddur actually handwritten by the author. Reputedly, after R. Yisrael of Ruzhin moved to Sadigura, "he constantly asked the people around him to make the effort to go bring him the siddur which he left in Iași, since it was handwritten by R. Shabtai… and when they finally brought the siddur to Sadigura, he exclaimed 'This siddur is my life!'" (Yeshuot Yisrael, Podgórze 1904, II, p. 49).
The kabbalist R. Shabtai son of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Rashkov (Rașcov; b. before 1720? - d. 1781-1784) was a disciple of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov and the latter's sofer. Some say that he was the disciple of R. Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezeritch. R. Meir of Premishlan the first served as a teacher of young boys in the home of R. Shabtai, and reputedly, the Baal Shem Tov went to visit them, so that they could together make efforts, through Yichudim and kavanot, to cancel the influence of the Frankist movement which had broadened at that time. R. Shabtai was known as an expert copyist and editor of manuscripts, especially holy manuscripts of the teachings of the Arizal and his disciples. Thus for instance, Pri Etz Chaim (by R. Chaim Vital), printed in Korets 1785, contains many additions from the disciples of the Arizal which were not included in the first edition: "This comes to improve upon the first, since we toiled and found a very accurate Pri Etz Chaim, copied by R. Shabtai Rashkover, whose writings are all considered perfect…". Reputedly, the Baal Shem Tov asked R. Shabtai to copy for him the composition of the kabbalist R. Heshel Tzoref, "and he gave it to him to copy, and the time was not ripe, until R. Yisrael Baal Shem was summoned to the Heavenly academy". A wondrous story is related regarding the exceptional holiness of the writings of R. Shabtai, in the name of the rabbi of Otyniyia. Once, a manuscript of the siddur of R. Shabtai mistakenly fell into the fireplace without anyone realizing. The fire burnt on it throughout the entire winter, and nevertheless, only the blank leaves of the manuscript got consumed, the rest remained completely intact. R. Shabtai's year of birth and death are shrouded in mystery. He left behind an illustrious dynasty of Tzaddikim and rebbes, including his son Rebbe Yosef - disciple of R. Pinchas of Korets, his grandson - Rebbe Shlomo Zalmina of Rashkov, his great-grandson - R. Shabtai (the second) of Rashkov, and others (Siddur R. Shabtai, Jerusalem 2008 - biography of the author).
This siddur is based upon previous editions of Ashkenazic siddurim of the Arizal. The first Arizal siddur, printed in Zhovkva in 1781, was compiled by the kabbalist R. Aryeh son of R. Avraham of Zhovkva, with the approbation of the Torah scholars and kabbalists of the Brody Kloiz. Subsequently, R. Asher's siddur was printed in Lviv, 1788, compiled by R. Asher Margolies of Mezhibuzh - disciple of R. Chaim Sanzer of Brody. In the Lviv 1788 edition, errors which crept into the first edition were corrected, and additions based on other books of the writings of the Arizal were added: Etz Chaim, Sefer HaYichudim, Machberet HaKodesh, as well as "the siddur of the great kabbalist, the renowned Chassid, the G-dly man R. Shabtai of Rashkov" (this siddur was then still in manuscript; from R. Asher Margolies' preface to his siddur). R. Shabtai's siddur is thus built upon the siddur printed in Zhovkva 1781, to which R. Shabtai added further important additions from the writings of the Arizal.
Two volumes. Vol. I: 236, 241-248, 253-256, [1], 257-263, 261-344 leaves. Lacking first two leaves (replaced in photocopy). Without [1] leaf between leaves 263 and 261, presumably included in some copies only, with Psalm 107, for Mincha of Shabbat, and the passage from the Zohar "Kegavna" for Kabbalat Shabbat. Vol. II: 62; 99 leaves. Vol. I: 17 cm. Vol. II: 18.5 cm. Condition varies. Many leaves in good-fair condition. Some leaves in fair condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains. Traces of past dampness with mold. Signs of use. Worming, repaired. Damage. Marginal tears to many leaves in various places in both volumes, occasionally slightly affecting text with some minor loss, repaired with paper (many leaves were restored). Many tears and damage to leaves 1-2 of vol. I and final 3 leaves of vol. II, repaired with paper. New leather bindings, placed in a matching leather-covered slipcase.
On p. 225b of the first volume, stamp of the kabbalist R. "Aharon Avraham Slotki, Jerusalem".
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 412; Stefansky Classics, no. 426.
This siddur is the first to contain kavanot and customs of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov - prime teacher of the compiler of this siddur, R. Shabtai of Rashkov. The title page states that "Yichudim from the G-dly and holy Baal Shem Tov, whose name is renowned throughout the world" were added to this siddur. Additionally, this siddur is the first to feature the custom of reciting Viyehi Noam and Yoshev BeSeter Elyon seven times at the Chanukah candle lighting ceremony, which the Baal Shem Tov innovated: "And in the name of my teacher R. Yisrael Baal Shem, one should say seven times Viyehi Noam and Yoshev BeSeter in the ordinary way, and he would also recite these Psalms during the High Holidays and at any time of trouble…" (vol. I, p. 336b). Likewise, this is the source of the Baal Shem Tov's custom of refraining from idle talk on Shavuot night until after the Kedushah prayer of Mussaf: "In the name of my teacher, one must be very careful after the Tikkun in the night, not to interrupt with any mundane talk, until after Kedushah in Mussaf…" (vol. II, p. 52b). The page before states: "I received from my teacher, that when Shavuot falls on… one should focus during the reading of the Ten Commandments…". Likewise, he quotes kavanot "from my teacher, which one should focus on during the time of learning early in the morning, as well as kavanot for Hatarat Nedarim (annulment of a vow).
The siddur and its holy author were deemed holy and highly regarded by Chassidim, and especially by great Chassidic leaders. Seder HaDorot HaChadash (Satmar 1941, p. 19a) states: "R. Shabtai Rashkover, the holy kabbalist, composed a siddur with the kavanot of the Arizal, and it was printed a long time ago, and it is very rare…" (this was written in 1865). Michael Levi Rodkinson writes in his book Toldot Amudei HaChabad (Königsberg 1876, pp. 31-32) that when Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi compiled his siddur "he chose the siddur of R. Shabtai Sheftel of Rashkov from amongst the printed siddurim of the Arizal… and for the most part, he based the text of the prayers in his siddur on the siddur of R. Shabtai Rashkover". Imrei Pinchas HaShalem (I, pp. 223-224) quotes R. Yaakov Shimon son of R. Pinchas of Korets: "One must only pray from the rite of the Arizal printed in Lviv (=1788, R. Asher's siddur) or from the siddur of R. Shabtai, and not from other editions of the new siddurim". It also brings the words of R. Binyamin Ze'ev of Balta - close disciple of R. Pinchas of Korets: "…the siddur of R. Shabtai is also one of the siddurim we use". The Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Ateret Tzvi of Ziditchov and the Minchat Elazar of Munkacs studied the siddur of R. Shabtai in depth, and annotated it with glosses and commentaries which were later printed. Rebbe Shmuel Abba of Zichlin prayed his entire life from the siddur of R. Shabtai (Lahav Esh, Piotrkow 1935, p. 28).
R. Yisrael of Ruzhin would always pray from the copy of R. Shabtai's siddur actually handwritten by the author. Reputedly, after R. Yisrael of Ruzhin moved to Sadigura, "he constantly asked the people around him to make the effort to go bring him the siddur which he left in Iași, since it was handwritten by R. Shabtai… and when they finally brought the siddur to Sadigura, he exclaimed 'This siddur is my life!'" (Yeshuot Yisrael, Podgórze 1904, II, p. 49).
The kabbalist R. Shabtai son of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Rashkov (Rașcov; b. before 1720? - d. 1781-1784) was a disciple of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov and the latter's sofer. Some say that he was the disciple of R. Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezeritch. R. Meir of Premishlan the first served as a teacher of young boys in the home of R. Shabtai, and reputedly, the Baal Shem Tov went to visit them, so that they could together make efforts, through Yichudim and kavanot, to cancel the influence of the Frankist movement which had broadened at that time. R. Shabtai was known as an expert copyist and editor of manuscripts, especially holy manuscripts of the teachings of the Arizal and his disciples. Thus for instance, Pri Etz Chaim (by R. Chaim Vital), printed in Korets 1785, contains many additions from the disciples of the Arizal which were not included in the first edition: "This comes to improve upon the first, since we toiled and found a very accurate Pri Etz Chaim, copied by R. Shabtai Rashkover, whose writings are all considered perfect…". Reputedly, the Baal Shem Tov asked R. Shabtai to copy for him the composition of the kabbalist R. Heshel Tzoref, "and he gave it to him to copy, and the time was not ripe, until R. Yisrael Baal Shem was summoned to the Heavenly academy". A wondrous story is related regarding the exceptional holiness of the writings of R. Shabtai, in the name of the rabbi of Otyniyia. Once, a manuscript of the siddur of R. Shabtai mistakenly fell into the fireplace without anyone realizing. The fire burnt on it throughout the entire winter, and nevertheless, only the blank leaves of the manuscript got consumed, the rest remained completely intact. R. Shabtai's year of birth and death are shrouded in mystery. He left behind an illustrious dynasty of Tzaddikim and rebbes, including his son Rebbe Yosef - disciple of R. Pinchas of Korets, his grandson - Rebbe Shlomo Zalmina of Rashkov, his great-grandson - R. Shabtai (the second) of Rashkov, and others (Siddur R. Shabtai, Jerusalem 2008 - biography of the author).
This siddur is based upon previous editions of Ashkenazic siddurim of the Arizal. The first Arizal siddur, printed in Zhovkva in 1781, was compiled by the kabbalist R. Aryeh son of R. Avraham of Zhovkva, with the approbation of the Torah scholars and kabbalists of the Brody Kloiz. Subsequently, R. Asher's siddur was printed in Lviv, 1788, compiled by R. Asher Margolies of Mezhibuzh - disciple of R. Chaim Sanzer of Brody. In the Lviv 1788 edition, errors which crept into the first edition were corrected, and additions based on other books of the writings of the Arizal were added: Etz Chaim, Sefer HaYichudim, Machberet HaKodesh, as well as "the siddur of the great kabbalist, the renowned Chassid, the G-dly man R. Shabtai of Rashkov" (this siddur was then still in manuscript; from R. Asher Margolies' preface to his siddur). R. Shabtai's siddur is thus built upon the siddur printed in Zhovkva 1781, to which R. Shabtai added further important additions from the writings of the Arizal.
Two volumes. Vol. I: 236, 241-248, 253-256, [1], 257-263, 261-344 leaves. Lacking first two leaves (replaced in photocopy). Without [1] leaf between leaves 263 and 261, presumably included in some copies only, with Psalm 107, for Mincha of Shabbat, and the passage from the Zohar "Kegavna" for Kabbalat Shabbat. Vol. II: 62; 99 leaves. Vol. I: 17 cm. Vol. II: 18.5 cm. Condition varies. Many leaves in good-fair condition. Some leaves in fair condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains. Traces of past dampness with mold. Signs of use. Worming, repaired. Damage. Marginal tears to many leaves in various places in both volumes, occasionally slightly affecting text with some minor loss, repaired with paper (many leaves were restored). Many tears and damage to leaves 1-2 of vol. I and final 3 leaves of vol. II, repaired with paper. New leather bindings, placed in a matching leather-covered slipcase.
On p. 225b of the first volume, stamp of the kabbalist R. "Aharon Avraham Slotki, Jerusalem".
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 412; Stefansky Classics, no. 426.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,800
Unsold
Responsa Or Olam – Meir Netivim, two parts, halachic responsa, and pilpul on the weekly Torah portions, by R. Meir Margolies Rabbi of Lviv and Ostroh. Polonne, [1791-1792]. First edition.
Many approbations by great Chassidic leaders: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Asher Tzvi of Ostroh and his beit din, R. Yitzchak Yosef of Polonne, R. Zusha of Anipoli and R. Meir of Konstantin, son of the Yaavetz.
The author, R. Meir Margolies (ca. 1707?-1790), was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, even prior to the Baal Shem Tov becoming famous. R. Meir is considered a "colleague-disciple" of the Baal Shem Tov and mentions him in several places as "my teacher" and "my friend". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he writes of "my teachers, prominent in Torah and Chassidism, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…".
R. Meir Margolies served as rabbi of Horodenka, Lviv (from 1754) and Ostroh (from 1777), and was a leading and prominent rabbi in his times. In 1776, he received an official nomination from the King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, notifying the rabbis of those provinces of R. Meir's appointment by the royal court, retroactively from 1766, as Chief Rabbi of Ukraine (the rabbinical appointment, in gilt lettering, is preserved until this day in the Dubnow archives in New York). The Meir Netivim was a prolific author in both revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in Halacha and in homily. After his passing, his writings were arranged and published by his sons. The series of books was entitled Or Olam. This book, Meir Netivim in two parts, was the first book to be published. The book bears enthusiastic approbations by Chassidic leaders, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Zusha of Anipoli and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. The preface contains novellae by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev on Tractate Pesachim. The last eight leaves of the book are comprised of novellae on Tractate Berachot by the brother of the author, R. Yitzchak Dov Ber Margolies, Rabbi of Yazlowitz, a close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov.
Various stamps and signatures. Early stamps: "Aharon Yosef Yuspa son of R. Moshe of Polonne". The heading of leaf 60 bears an early signature: "Yosef Aharon Kahana". A handwritten correction and a gloss appear on p. 21b.
[2], 3-30, 33-97 leaves; [1], 3-56 leaves (mispagination). 33 cm. Condition varies, most leaves in good to good-fair condition. Stains, wear and tears (with old paper repairs). Damage to first two leaves (repaired). Significant stains and worming to several leaves. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 313.
Many approbations by great Chassidic leaders: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Asher Tzvi of Ostroh and his beit din, R. Yitzchak Yosef of Polonne, R. Zusha of Anipoli and R. Meir of Konstantin, son of the Yaavetz.
The author, R. Meir Margolies (ca. 1707?-1790), was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, even prior to the Baal Shem Tov becoming famous. R. Meir is considered a "colleague-disciple" of the Baal Shem Tov and mentions him in several places as "my teacher" and "my friend". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he writes of "my teachers, prominent in Torah and Chassidism, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…".
R. Meir Margolies served as rabbi of Horodenka, Lviv (from 1754) and Ostroh (from 1777), and was a leading and prominent rabbi in his times. In 1776, he received an official nomination from the King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, notifying the rabbis of those provinces of R. Meir's appointment by the royal court, retroactively from 1766, as Chief Rabbi of Ukraine (the rabbinical appointment, in gilt lettering, is preserved until this day in the Dubnow archives in New York). The Meir Netivim was a prolific author in both revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in Halacha and in homily. After his passing, his writings were arranged and published by his sons. The series of books was entitled Or Olam. This book, Meir Netivim in two parts, was the first book to be published. The book bears enthusiastic approbations by Chassidic leaders, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Zusha of Anipoli and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. The preface contains novellae by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev on Tractate Pesachim. The last eight leaves of the book are comprised of novellae on Tractate Berachot by the brother of the author, R. Yitzchak Dov Ber Margolies, Rabbi of Yazlowitz, a close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov.
Various stamps and signatures. Early stamps: "Aharon Yosef Yuspa son of R. Moshe of Polonne". The heading of leaf 60 bears an early signature: "Yosef Aharon Kahana". A handwritten correction and a gloss appear on p. 21b.
[2], 3-30, 33-97 leaves; [1], 3-56 leaves (mispagination). 33 cm. Condition varies, most leaves in good to good-fair condition. Stains, wear and tears (with old paper repairs). Damage to first two leaves (repaired). Significant stains and worming to several leaves. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 313.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $800
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Or Olam – Fourth Light – HaDerech HaTov VehaYashar (the good and straight path), a long poem composed of good practices and laws, briefly summarizing the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch and the 613 commandments, by R. Meir Margolies, Rabbi of Lviv and Ostroh, author of Meir Netivim. Polonne, [1795]. First edition.
"Approbations of great Torah scholars": R. Meir of Konstantin - son of the Yaavetz, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel Rabbi of Kolbuszowa (later, the Rabbi of Apta), and others.
The Meir Netivim was a prolific author in both revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in halacha and in homily. After his passing, his writings were arranged and published by his sons. The series of books was entitled Or Olam: Responsa Meir Netivim - Or Olam, two parts – First Light and Second Light (Polonne, 1791-1792); Sod Yachin UBoaz - Or Olam, Third Light, his will with many profound kabbalistic and Chassidic matters (Ostroh, 1794); and this book, HaDerech HaTov VehaYashar, the Fourth Light of the Or Olam series.
This composition was written by the author in response to a request by his son R. Shaul Margolies that he briefly summarizes the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch. R. Meir wrote a long acrostic poem, in alphabetical order, forming also his name Meir and the name of his son Shaul. The poem contains all the laws and practices of the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch and the 613 commandments.
The author, R. Meir Margolies (ca. 1707?-1790), was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, even prior to the Baal Shem Tov becoming famous. R. Meir is considered a "colleague-disciple" of the Baal Shem Tov and mentions him in several places as "my teacher" and "my friend". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he writes of "my teachers, prominent in Torah and Chassidism, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…".
R. Meir Margolies served as rabbi of Horodenka, Lviv (from 1754) and Ostroh (from 1777), and was a leading and prominent rabbi in his times. In 1776, he received an official nomination from the King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, notifying the rabbis of those provinces of R. Meir's appointment by the royal court, retroactively from 1766, as Chief Rabbi of Ukraine (the rabbinical appointment, in gilt lettering, is preserved until this day in the Dubnow archives in New York).
[2], 3-40 leaves. 19.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Tear to top center of title page, with minor loss. Leaves trimmed, affecting headings of leaves 31-32. New cloth binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 169.
"Approbations of great Torah scholars": R. Meir of Konstantin - son of the Yaavetz, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Avraham Yehoshua Heshel Rabbi of Kolbuszowa (later, the Rabbi of Apta), and others.
The Meir Netivim was a prolific author in both revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in halacha and in homily. After his passing, his writings were arranged and published by his sons. The series of books was entitled Or Olam: Responsa Meir Netivim - Or Olam, two parts – First Light and Second Light (Polonne, 1791-1792); Sod Yachin UBoaz - Or Olam, Third Light, his will with many profound kabbalistic and Chassidic matters (Ostroh, 1794); and this book, HaDerech HaTov VehaYashar, the Fourth Light of the Or Olam series.
This composition was written by the author in response to a request by his son R. Shaul Margolies that he briefly summarizes the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch. R. Meir wrote a long acrostic poem, in alphabetical order, forming also his name Meir and the name of his son Shaul. The poem contains all the laws and practices of the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch and the 613 commandments.
The author, R. Meir Margolies (ca. 1707?-1790), was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, even prior to the Baal Shem Tov becoming famous. R. Meir is considered a "colleague-disciple" of the Baal Shem Tov and mentions him in several places as "my teacher" and "my friend". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he writes of "my teachers, prominent in Torah and Chassidism, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…".
R. Meir Margolies served as rabbi of Horodenka, Lviv (from 1754) and Ostroh (from 1777), and was a leading and prominent rabbi in his times. In 1776, he received an official nomination from the King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, notifying the rabbis of those provinces of R. Meir's appointment by the royal court, retroactively from 1766, as Chief Rabbi of Ukraine (the rabbinical appointment, in gilt lettering, is preserved until this day in the Dubnow archives in New York).
[2], 3-40 leaves. 19.5 cm. High-quality paper. Good condition. Tear to top center of title page, with minor loss. Leaves trimmed, affecting headings of leaves 31-32. New cloth binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 169.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Kotnot Or, 613 commandments in rhyme and acrostics, by R. Meir Margolies Rabbi of Lviv and Ostroh, author of Meir Netivim, foremost disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. With the Shemen LaMaor Gadol commentary, by his son R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh (who added at the beginning of the book a special prayer which he composed, to be recited before saying the order of commandments). [Berditchev (Berdychiv): Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal, 1816]. First edition.
Kotnot Or contains the order of the 613 commandments in poems, rhyme and acrostics. "Each commandment has three stanzas and each stanza three words". The section on positive commandments is named Kotnot Or, and the section on negative commandments, Or Torah. All the poems in the section of positive commandments are acrostics spelling out: "Meir son of the great luminary, outstanding in Torah and fear, R. Tzvi Hirsh" (in some poems, "renowned" replaces "outstanding"), whilst the poems in the section on negative commandments are acrostics of "Meir, small in wisdom and intellect". On the right-hand pages, twenty lines of rhymes are printed, one line per commandment.
A commentary to the rhymes, named Shemen LaMaor Gadol, is printed at the foot of the right-hand pages and on the left-hand pages. This commentary was composed by the publisher and son of the author - R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh. The publisher R. Betzalel, who also wrote a lengthy foreword to the book, suggests there to read every day one page containing twenty commandments, and he even printed at the beginning of the book a short supplication to recite before reading the commandments.
At the beginning of the book, a notice is printed, informing that due to the heavy costs of printing, the approbations were not printed, and only the names of those who accorded an approbation to the book are listed, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Zusha of Anipoli, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, R. Yosef of Kaminka and others.
Stamps on title page: "Rabbi Shlomo Friedman of Chortkov" - stamps of Rebbe Shlomo Friedman of Chortkov (1894-1958, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, p. 713), author of Divrei Shlomo, was the son of Rebbe Nachum Mordechai of Chortkov and son-in-law of Rebbe Yisrael Friedman of Sadigura. He succeeded his father as Rebbe in Tel-Aviv, 1946, and was the last Rebbe of the Chortkov dynasty.
34, [1] leaves. 20 cm. Bluish-greenish paper. Good condition. Stains. Light worming to several leaves, slightly affecting text. Stamps and inscriptions on title page. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 247.
Kotnot Or contains the order of the 613 commandments in poems, rhyme and acrostics. "Each commandment has three stanzas and each stanza three words". The section on positive commandments is named Kotnot Or, and the section on negative commandments, Or Torah. All the poems in the section of positive commandments are acrostics spelling out: "Meir son of the great luminary, outstanding in Torah and fear, R. Tzvi Hirsh" (in some poems, "renowned" replaces "outstanding"), whilst the poems in the section on negative commandments are acrostics of "Meir, small in wisdom and intellect". On the right-hand pages, twenty lines of rhymes are printed, one line per commandment.
A commentary to the rhymes, named Shemen LaMaor Gadol, is printed at the foot of the right-hand pages and on the left-hand pages. This commentary was composed by the publisher and son of the author - R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh. The publisher R. Betzalel, who also wrote a lengthy foreword to the book, suggests there to read every day one page containing twenty commandments, and he even printed at the beginning of the book a short supplication to recite before reading the commandments.
At the beginning of the book, a notice is printed, informing that due to the heavy costs of printing, the approbations were not printed, and only the names of those who accorded an approbation to the book are listed, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Zusha of Anipoli, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, R. Yosef of Kaminka and others.
Stamps on title page: "Rabbi Shlomo Friedman of Chortkov" - stamps of Rebbe Shlomo Friedman of Chortkov (1894-1958, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, p. 713), author of Divrei Shlomo, was the son of Rebbe Nachum Mordechai of Chortkov and son-in-law of Rebbe Yisrael Friedman of Sadigura. He succeeded his father as Rebbe in Tel-Aviv, 1946, and was the last Rebbe of the Chortkov dynasty.
34, [1] leaves. 20 cm. Bluish-greenish paper. Good condition. Stains. Light worming to several leaves, slightly affecting text. Stamps and inscriptions on title page. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 247.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Rav Yeibi, ethical and Chassidic essays and aggadic novellae on the Torah, Tehillim and Talmudic aggadot, and novellae on several Talmudic tractates, by R. Yaakov Yosef maggid and posek of Ostroh. Slavita, [1792]. First edition. With approbation of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
The title of the book forms the initials of the author's name: R. Yaakov Yosef ben Yehuda.
Leaves 1-12 of the second sequence contain essays by R. Yehuda Leib, the author's father, who was also a maggid in Ostroh. The last 35 leaves contain the author's novellae on several Talmudic tractates.
Ostroh rabbis write in their approbation: "He who is clever should not heed the high cost and should readily purchase this book at whatever the asking price".
The author, R. Yaakov Yosef of Ostroh (1738-1791), a leader of the Chassidic movement in the third generation. He was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and had close ties with other disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev called him: "A holy G-dly man". This book contains many teachings in the name of the Besht and his disciples.
[3], 2-139; 46 leaves. Lacking last leaf. 31 cm. Fair condition. Several leaves in poor condition. Stains, dampness damage, mold to some leaves. Tears and large defects to title page, affecting text (with loss), partially repaired with paper. Large tears to first five leaves and to two last leaves, affecting text, with loss. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 530.
The title of the book forms the initials of the author's name: R. Yaakov Yosef ben Yehuda.
Leaves 1-12 of the second sequence contain essays by R. Yehuda Leib, the author's father, who was also a maggid in Ostroh. The last 35 leaves contain the author's novellae on several Talmudic tractates.
Ostroh rabbis write in their approbation: "He who is clever should not heed the high cost and should readily purchase this book at whatever the asking price".
The author, R. Yaakov Yosef of Ostroh (1738-1791), a leader of the Chassidic movement in the third generation. He was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and had close ties with other disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev called him: "A holy G-dly man". This book contains many teachings in the name of the Besht and his disciples.
[3], 2-139; 46 leaves. Lacking last leaf. 31 cm. Fair condition. Several leaves in poor condition. Stains, dampness damage, mold to some leaves. Tears and large defects to title page, affecting text (with loss), partially repaired with paper. Large tears to first five leaves and to two last leaves, affecting text, with loss. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 530.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Keter Shem Tov, "All the holy teachings of R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov" - selections of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings, arranged by R. Aharon HaKohen of Żelechów and Apta. Korets [1797]. Second edition.
The author, R. Aharon HaKohen of Żelechów and Apta (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 157), composed several popular Chassidic books, including: Or HaGanuz LaTzadikim, the Tefilla Yeshara - Keter Nehora siddur and other books. He was the disciple of R. Uziel Meisels of Ryczywół. Succeeded R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev as rabbi of Żelechów, and later served as rabbi of Biłgoraj. In 1803, he was appointed
rabbi of Apta, alongside Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel, the Ohev Yisrael.
Oriental signatures on several leaves: "Faraj Chaim Abdal Yusuf Faraj".
[2], 63, [1] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming, repaired with paper, to title page and many other leaves, affecting text (the book was professionally restored). Repaired tears with damage to title page border, replaced with photocopy. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 250.
The author, R. Aharon HaKohen of Żelechów and Apta (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 157), composed several popular Chassidic books, including: Or HaGanuz LaTzadikim, the Tefilla Yeshara - Keter Nehora siddur and other books. He was the disciple of R. Uziel Meisels of Ryczywół. Succeeded R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev as rabbi of Żelechów, and later served as rabbi of Biłgoraj. In 1803, he was appointed
rabbi of Apta, alongside Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel, the Ohev Yisrael.
Oriental signatures on several leaves: "Faraj Chaim Abdal Yusuf Faraj".
[2], 63, [1] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming, repaired with paper, to title page and many other leaves, affecting text (the book was professionally restored). Repaired tears with damage to title page border, replaced with photocopy. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 250.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $12,000
Sold for: $17,500
Including buyer's premium
Meor Einayim, Chassidic essays on the Torah, by Rebbe Menachem Nachum [Twersky] of Chernobyl. Slavita: [R. Moshe Shapira, 1798]. First edition.
With: Yismach Lev (Part II of Meor Einayim), commentary on Aggadot and Midrashim (following the order of the Talmudic tractates), by Rebbe Menachem Nachum [Twersky] of Chernobyl. Slavita: [R. Moshe Shapira, 1798]. First edition, printed in the same year.
Meor Einayim is a fundamental work of the Chassidic movement, and one of the first Chassidic compositions presenting the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezeritch (Mezhirichi). The author, the maggid R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl (1730-1798, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 168-175), was one of the founders of Chassidism and the progenitor of the Chernobyl dynasty. He studied directly from the Baal Shem Tov and was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. He served as maggid in Norynsk, Pohrebyshche and Chernobyl. He acceded to his disciples' entreaties to print his teachings and delegated the task to his disciple R. Eliyahu son of R. Zev Wolf Katz, instructing him to publish his writings in the "fine and exceptional printing press established in Slavita…" (the printing press of R. Moshe Shapira, then in its early years).
The book was allegedly eighteen times longer, but when arranging it for printing, R. Nachum of Chernobyl commanded his disciples to burn many leaves, leaving only the teachings which were divinely inspired. His writings were divided by his disciples into two parts, one part on the Torah, including selections, published under the title Meor Einayim, and a second part pertaining to Talmudic aggadot, named Yismach Lev. The two parts were printed concurrently in Slavita, the same year. In later editions, the two parts were combined and published together. R. Nachum of Chernobyl passed away during the course of the book's preparation for print.
Chassidic leaders ascribed great importance and holiness to the book, studying it every day and preserving it as a protection. The Chozeh of Lublin and R. Yitzchak of Skver (grandson of the author) reputedly said that the book has the power to light up the person's soul, similarly to the Zohar, and R. Yitzchak Izak of Komarno asserted that Meor Einayim should never depart from before one's eyes, as all the teachings it contains are lofty and holy.
Two books in two volumes. Meor Einayim: [2], 160 leaves. Approx. 20 cm. Printed in part on greenish paper. Condition varies, fair to fair-good. Stains and wear. Dampstains to some leaves. Stamps. Title page and leaf 1 were supplied from other copies and are detached. These two leaves have tears and damage affecting text (repaired with paper). Worming to some leaves. Leaves trimmed, affecting some page headings. An additional photocopied title page bound at the beginning of the book. New binding.
Yismach Lev: [1], 33, [1] leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Printed in part on greenish paper. Good-fair condition. Worming affecting text (professionally restored with paper). New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 308, no. 237; Stefansky Classics, no. 382.
With: Yismach Lev (Part II of Meor Einayim), commentary on Aggadot and Midrashim (following the order of the Talmudic tractates), by Rebbe Menachem Nachum [Twersky] of Chernobyl. Slavita: [R. Moshe Shapira, 1798]. First edition, printed in the same year.
Meor Einayim is a fundamental work of the Chassidic movement, and one of the first Chassidic compositions presenting the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezeritch (Mezhirichi). The author, the maggid R. Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl (1730-1798, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, pp. 168-175), was one of the founders of Chassidism and the progenitor of the Chernobyl dynasty. He studied directly from the Baal Shem Tov and was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. He served as maggid in Norynsk, Pohrebyshche and Chernobyl. He acceded to his disciples' entreaties to print his teachings and delegated the task to his disciple R. Eliyahu son of R. Zev Wolf Katz, instructing him to publish his writings in the "fine and exceptional printing press established in Slavita…" (the printing press of R. Moshe Shapira, then in its early years).
The book was allegedly eighteen times longer, but when arranging it for printing, R. Nachum of Chernobyl commanded his disciples to burn many leaves, leaving only the teachings which were divinely inspired. His writings were divided by his disciples into two parts, one part on the Torah, including selections, published under the title Meor Einayim, and a second part pertaining to Talmudic aggadot, named Yismach Lev. The two parts were printed concurrently in Slavita, the same year. In later editions, the two parts were combined and published together. R. Nachum of Chernobyl passed away during the course of the book's preparation for print.
Chassidic leaders ascribed great importance and holiness to the book, studying it every day and preserving it as a protection. The Chozeh of Lublin and R. Yitzchak of Skver (grandson of the author) reputedly said that the book has the power to light up the person's soul, similarly to the Zohar, and R. Yitzchak Izak of Komarno asserted that Meor Einayim should never depart from before one's eyes, as all the teachings it contains are lofty and holy.
Two books in two volumes. Meor Einayim: [2], 160 leaves. Approx. 20 cm. Printed in part on greenish paper. Condition varies, fair to fair-good. Stains and wear. Dampstains to some leaves. Stamps. Title page and leaf 1 were supplied from other copies and are detached. These two leaves have tears and damage affecting text (repaired with paper). Worming to some leaves. Leaves trimmed, affecting some page headings. An additional photocopied title page bound at the beginning of the book. New binding.
Yismach Lev: [1], 33, [1] leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Printed in part on greenish paper. Good-fair condition. Worming affecting text (professionally restored with paper). New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 308, no. 237; Stefansky Classics, no. 382.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Unsold
Meor Einayim, Chassidic essays on the Torah and the Talmud and selctions, by Rebbe Menachem Nachum [Twersky] of Chernobyl. Polonne [1810]. Second edition of the book Meor Einayim, and third edition of Yismach Lev.
Starting with this edition, the essays on the Talmud, which were formerly printed separately in the book Yismach Lev, were printed together with the book Meor Einayim on the Torah, under the title Meor Einayim (two editions of Yismach Lev were printed before this edition: Slavita, 1798; Zhovkva, 1800).
39, 1, 3-23, [1], 27-34, 39-72, 75-136 leaves. 19 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Dark stains and ink stains to title page and to first leaves. Paper reinforcements to inner margins of title page and several other leaves. Minor worming to title page. Margins trimmed damaging one line of text on verso of title page. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 309.
Starting with this edition, the essays on the Talmud, which were formerly printed separately in the book Yismach Lev, were printed together with the book Meor Einayim on the Torah, under the title Meor Einayim (two editions of Yismach Lev were printed before this edition: Slavita, 1798; Zhovkva, 1800).
39, 1, 3-23, [1], 27-34, 39-72, 75-136 leaves. 19 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Dark stains and ink stains to title page and to first leaves. Paper reinforcements to inner margins of title page and several other leaves. Minor worming to title page. Margins trimmed damaging one line of text on verso of title page. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 309.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Mevaser Tzedek on the Torah, by R. Yissachar Dov Ber MiGeza Tzvi, rabbi of Zlotchov (Zolochiv), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov. Dubno, [1798]. First edition.
The author was a friend and cousin of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Their acquaintance began when they were both residing in Lubartów, when R. Yissachar Ber and R. Levi Yitzchak married cousins from the Peretz family in Lubartów (descendants of Spanish exiles). R. Yissachar Ber married the daughter of R. Tzvi Hirsh Peretz, while R. Levi Yitzchak married the daughter of R. Yisrael Peretz of Lubartów. R. Levi Yitzchak and R. Yissachar Ber were both drawn close to Chassidism together, through their relative R. Aryeh Leibush Peretz (author of Beit Peretz).
R. Yissachar Ber was later appointed rabbi of Zlotchov and established a yeshiva there. He exchanged halachic correspondence with leading Torah scholars of his times. One of his disciples was R. Chaim of Czernowitz, author of Sidduro shel Shabbat, who describes in his book Eretz HaChaim the Divine Inspiration he witnessed in his teacher. R. Yissachar Ber immigrated to Eretz Israel, settling in Tiberias in Hanukkah 1795. He passed away in Av that same year, and was buried in Safed close to the Alshech. His epitaph reads: "Here lies the true Torah scholar, pious and humble". His memory was sanctified amongst Chassidim, and R. Yitzchak Eizik of Komarno testified that he never damaged his G-dly image, not even with the smallest blemish, and he would tell of a miracle that took place during R. Yissachar Ber's journey to Eretz Israel (see: Netiv Mitzvotecha, path I, section 13). His books include Mevaser Tzedek on the Torah (reprinted in over six editions), and Bat Eini – responsa and Talmudic novellae.
[2], 54, [2] leaves. 21 cm. Thick paper. Good condition. Occasional worming (repaired). New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 321.
The author was a friend and cousin of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Their acquaintance began when they were both residing in Lubartów, when R. Yissachar Ber and R. Levi Yitzchak married cousins from the Peretz family in Lubartów (descendants of Spanish exiles). R. Yissachar Ber married the daughter of R. Tzvi Hirsh Peretz, while R. Levi Yitzchak married the daughter of R. Yisrael Peretz of Lubartów. R. Levi Yitzchak and R. Yissachar Ber were both drawn close to Chassidism together, through their relative R. Aryeh Leibush Peretz (author of Beit Peretz).
R. Yissachar Ber was later appointed rabbi of Zlotchov and established a yeshiva there. He exchanged halachic correspondence with leading Torah scholars of his times. One of his disciples was R. Chaim of Czernowitz, author of Sidduro shel Shabbat, who describes in his book Eretz HaChaim the Divine Inspiration he witnessed in his teacher. R. Yissachar Ber immigrated to Eretz Israel, settling in Tiberias in Hanukkah 1795. He passed away in Av that same year, and was buried in Safed close to the Alshech. His epitaph reads: "Here lies the true Torah scholar, pious and humble". His memory was sanctified amongst Chassidim, and R. Yitzchak Eizik of Komarno testified that he never damaged his G-dly image, not even with the smallest blemish, and he would tell of a miracle that took place during R. Yissachar Ber's journey to Eretz Israel (see: Netiv Mitzvotecha, path I, section 13). His books include Mevaser Tzedek on the Torah (reprinted in over six editions), and Bat Eini – responsa and Talmudic novellae.
[2], 54, [2] leaves. 21 cm. Thick paper. Good condition. Occasional worming (repaired). New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 321.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Unsold
Kol Aryeh, pilpul, homily and mussar on the Torah weekly portions, and selections on neviim and ketuvim and on aggadot, by R. Aryeh Leib Gliener - Reprover of Polonne. Korets, [1798]. First edition. Approbation by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
R. Aryeh Leib Gliener - "Reprover of Polonne" (d. 1770, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 325-326), was among the first disciples of the Baal Shem Tov and disseminator of his teachings. A holy wonder-worker. His influence brought the Toldot Yaakov Yosef and the Maggid of Mezeritch close to the Baal Shem Tov and his doctrine. He was renowned in his generation as a reputed orator and maggid "who during his lifetime traveled the world and spread the light of his Torah throughout the entire Jewish Diaspora". The force of his sermons inspired many Jews to repent (from the approbations to this book). His Torah thoughts are quoted extensively by the Toldot Yaakov Yosef.
Signatures on title page: "Aryeh Leib", "Leib Yehuda of Babruysk". Ownership inscription on front flyleaf: "Belongs to the famous rabbi… Yitzchak Eizik Rabbi of Stary Bykhov".
[1], 55 [i.e 65] leaves. 20 cm. Light bluish paper. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Many dark stains to some leaves. Large tears to title page affecting border and text (minor damage to title and significant damage to text on verso), repaired with paper with photocopy replacements. Tears to the four leaves following the title page and to the last leaf, affecting text, with photocopy and handwritten replacements. Stamp on title page. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 518.
R. Aryeh Leib Gliener - "Reprover of Polonne" (d. 1770, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 325-326), was among the first disciples of the Baal Shem Tov and disseminator of his teachings. A holy wonder-worker. His influence brought the Toldot Yaakov Yosef and the Maggid of Mezeritch close to the Baal Shem Tov and his doctrine. He was renowned in his generation as a reputed orator and maggid "who during his lifetime traveled the world and spread the light of his Torah throughout the entire Jewish Diaspora". The force of his sermons inspired many Jews to repent (from the approbations to this book). His Torah thoughts are quoted extensively by the Toldot Yaakov Yosef.
Signatures on title page: "Aryeh Leib", "Leib Yehuda of Babruysk". Ownership inscription on front flyleaf: "Belongs to the famous rabbi… Yitzchak Eizik Rabbi of Stary Bykhov".
[1], 55 [i.e 65] leaves. 20 cm. Light bluish paper. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Many dark stains to some leaves. Large tears to title page affecting border and text (minor damage to title and significant damage to text on verso), repaired with paper with photocopy replacements. Tears to the four leaves following the title page and to the last leaf, affecting text, with photocopy and handwritten replacements. Stamp on title page. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 518.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Yesod Yosef, kabbalistic novellae, by the kabbalist R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rivne [Minkovitz (Myn'kivtsi), 1803]. First edition. With an approbation by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
The kabbalist R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rivne (d. 1800, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 149-150), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and of R. Michel of Zlotchov. R. Yosef was amongst the elite and initial disciples of the Maggid, R. Dov Ber of Mezeritch, while the latter still served as maggid in Rivne. R. Yosef was the one who brought him from Tortchin (Torchyn) to Rivne, appointing him as maggid there, with the assistance of his father-in-law R. Aharon Rabbi of Rivne. He also composed Likutei Yosef on Talmudical tractates (Minkovitz, 1803). He did not leave behind any descendants. In a letter sent by R. Zusha of Anipoli to the Chozeh of Lublin, he praises R. Yosef: "…regarding the renowned tzaddik, who is astute and erudite, the outstanding Torah scholar
R. Yosef… he was already asked to serve as rabbi in several communities, yet he refused… since it would detract from his Torah study and prayers… My brother, the holy R. Elimelech, cherished him greatly, and he also told me… that in the Higher spheres, he saw him clothed in white…". This letter is printed in this book, in the introduction of the publisher, who was the grandson of the author's sister.
Signature on title page: "Yaakov son of Aharon Yehuda", with his stamps (on title page and on p. 45b): "Yaakov son of Aharon Yehuda Botishansky". Another signature on title page: "R. C.K. son of R. Yeshaya".
[4], 91 leaves. 19.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains. Restored tears and damages to title page. Stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 232.
The kabbalist R. Yosef Yoske HaLevi of Rivne (d. 1800, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 149-150), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and of R. Michel of Zlotchov. R. Yosef was amongst the elite and initial disciples of the Maggid, R. Dov Ber of Mezeritch, while the latter still served as maggid in Rivne. R. Yosef was the one who brought him from Tortchin (Torchyn) to Rivne, appointing him as maggid there, with the assistance of his father-in-law R. Aharon Rabbi of Rivne. He also composed Likutei Yosef on Talmudical tractates (Minkovitz, 1803). He did not leave behind any descendants. In a letter sent by R. Zusha of Anipoli to the Chozeh of Lublin, he praises R. Yosef: "…regarding the renowned tzaddik, who is astute and erudite, the outstanding Torah scholar
R. Yosef… he was already asked to serve as rabbi in several communities, yet he refused… since it would detract from his Torah study and prayers… My brother, the holy R. Elimelech, cherished him greatly, and he also told me… that in the Higher spheres, he saw him clothed in white…". This letter is printed in this book, in the introduction of the publisher, who was the grandson of the author's sister.
Signature on title page: "Yaakov son of Aharon Yehuda", with his stamps (on title page and on p. 45b): "Yaakov son of Aharon Yehuda Botishansky". Another signature on title page: "R. C.K. son of R. Yeshaya".
[4], 91 leaves. 19.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dampstains. Restored tears and damages to title page. Stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 232.
Category
Chassidic Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
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Otot HaShamamyim – Derishat Ari, on Shulchan Aruch. Part I: Laws of Mila and Tefillin, Shabbat, Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed. Part II: Laws of Niddah. By Rebbe Aryeb Leib HaLevi Rabbi of Strizov (Strzyżów). Zhitomir, 1805. Name of printer not indicated.
Approbations by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz, and Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum (the Yismach Moshe) – the author's disciple.
The author, R. Aryeh Leib HaLevi (1736-1803, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 58) was a foremost Chassidic leader, rabbi of Strizov and other communities. He authored Derishat HaAri, Otot HaShamayim and Even Pina on Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer. The Maggid of Kozhnitz writes in his approbation to this book: "…I knew him in the past, when he was in this community, and I perceived that he was an eminent rabbi…". Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, author of Yismach Moshe, cousin and close disciple of the author R. Aryeh Leib, refers to him reverently in his approbation: "The greatest amongst giants… my master and teacher….". R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, in his approbation, extols the author's virtues: "His entire life, he did not depart from the tent of Torah, rendering his nights like days… and he studied Torah for the sake of Heaven, and dove into the mighty waters of the Talmud and halachic literature, in order to derive from them the laws…".
R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn, author of Shoel UMeshiv, writes in his approbation to Responsa Heshiv Moshe by the Yismach Moshe: "He [=the Yismach Moshe] was a disciple of the great Torah scholar, author of Derishat Ari on Even HaEzer, and it appears that he learnt from him both revealed and hidden parts of the Torah, since the Derishat Ari was well-versed in Torah and Chassidism, no secret was hidden from him, and the Yismach Moshe received both Torah and practical Kabbalah from him".
In their foreword, the sons of the author relate to the unusual name given to the composition – Otot HaShamayim, asserting that although they do not know their father's reason for giving this name to his book, they are certain that he had a precise explanation for it, which he did not disclose. They add that his disciple, the Yismach Moshe, heard directly from the author that his compositions and the names he gave them were all based on Kabbalah.
93, 18 leaves. 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Dark stains (ink stains from printing) to a few leaves. Extensive worming to all leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper (book professionally restored). Stamps. New binding.
Only very few Hebrew books, including several Chassidic books, were printed in Zhitomir in the early 19th century (1804-1805), prior to the relocation of the Shapira printing press from Slavita to Zhitomir in 1847. This is one of the first books printed in Zhitomir.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 36.
Approbations by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz, and Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum (the Yismach Moshe) – the author's disciple.
The author, R. Aryeh Leib HaLevi (1736-1803, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 58) was a foremost Chassidic leader, rabbi of Strizov and other communities. He authored Derishat HaAri, Otot HaShamayim and Even Pina on Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer. The Maggid of Kozhnitz writes in his approbation to this book: "…I knew him in the past, when he was in this community, and I perceived that he was an eminent rabbi…". Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, author of Yismach Moshe, cousin and close disciple of the author R. Aryeh Leib, refers to him reverently in his approbation: "The greatest amongst giants… my master and teacher….". R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, in his approbation, extols the author's virtues: "His entire life, he did not depart from the tent of Torah, rendering his nights like days… and he studied Torah for the sake of Heaven, and dove into the mighty waters of the Talmud and halachic literature, in order to derive from them the laws…".
R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn, author of Shoel UMeshiv, writes in his approbation to Responsa Heshiv Moshe by the Yismach Moshe: "He [=the Yismach Moshe] was a disciple of the great Torah scholar, author of Derishat Ari on Even HaEzer, and it appears that he learnt from him both revealed and hidden parts of the Torah, since the Derishat Ari was well-versed in Torah and Chassidism, no secret was hidden from him, and the Yismach Moshe received both Torah and practical Kabbalah from him".
In their foreword, the sons of the author relate to the unusual name given to the composition – Otot HaShamayim, asserting that although they do not know their father's reason for giving this name to his book, they are certain that he had a precise explanation for it, which he did not disclose. They add that his disciple, the Yismach Moshe, heard directly from the author that his compositions and the names he gave them were all based on Kabbalah.
93, 18 leaves. 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Dark stains (ink stains from printing) to a few leaves. Extensive worming to all leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper (book professionally restored). Stamps. New binding.
Only very few Hebrew books, including several Chassidic books, were printed in Zhitomir in the early 19th century (1804-1805), prior to the relocation of the Shapira printing press from Slavita to Zhitomir in 1847. This is one of the first books printed in Zhitomir.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 36.
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Chassidic Books
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