Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 104
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
Taharot HaKodesh, kabbalistic practices and prayers. Parts I and II. Amsterdam, [1733]. First edition.
Ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Yichye Tzalach - the Maharitz, on the title page: "My acquisition, Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", "Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", and other inscriptions, some deleted.
The book contains several lengthy glosses handwritten by the Maharitz. These glosses are hitherto unknown and have never been published, though they parallel the teachings in the Etz Chaim siddur compiled by the Maharitz.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
[5], 2-52; 46 leaves. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Non-original, half-leather binding.
Regarding the authorship of this book and the period in which it was composed, see: Y. Halpern, Taharot HaKodesh - Who Authored It and When, Kiryat Sefer, 34, 1959, pp. 495-498; D. Tamar, When Taharot HaKodesh was Authored, Areshet, III, 1961, pp. 166-172.
Ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Yichye Tzalach - the Maharitz, on the title page: "My acquisition, Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", "Yichye son of Yosef Tzalach", and other inscriptions, some deleted.
The book contains several lengthy glosses handwritten by the Maharitz. These glosses are hitherto unknown and have never been published, though they parallel the teachings in the Etz Chaim siddur compiled by the Maharitz.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
[5], 2-52; 46 leaves. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Non-original, half-leather binding.
Regarding the authorship of this book and the period in which it was composed, see: Y. Halpern, Taharot HaKodesh - Who Authored It and When, Kiryat Sefer, 34, 1959, pp. 495-498; D. Tamar, When Taharot HaKodesh was Authored, Areshet, III, 1961, pp. 166-172.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Monetary contract, signed by dayanim of the Sanaa Beit Din in the 18th century, the head of the Beit Din R. Yichye Tzalach, the Maharitz, and the dayan R. Yichye Mishreqi (son of R. David, author of Shetilei Zeitim). Bir al-Azab (Sanaa, Yemen), Shevat [1795].
Judeo-Arabic monetary contract, of Salam son of Yichye Elgamal (Gamliel) and Salam son of Suleiman Elgamal. With calligraphic signatures of the dayanim at the foot of the contract.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi (1734-1809), founder of the Shami rite together with his father (the Shetilei Zeitim). He was appointed temporary dayan in 1785 and from 1795, served as permanent dayan in the Beit Din of the Maharitz. His novellae and rulings were published together with his father's novellae in Revid HaZahav.
Bir al-Azab is a suburb of Sanaa, built after the Exile of Mawza in 1679, when the Jews were required to live outside of the city's walls (Encyclopedia LiKehillot Teiman, I, p. 35).
[1] leaf. 14 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear to folds and margins, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Judeo-Arabic monetary contract, of Salam son of Yichye Elgamal (Gamliel) and Salam son of Suleiman Elgamal. With calligraphic signatures of the dayanim at the foot of the contract.
R. Yichye son of R. Yosef Tzalach - the Maharitz (1715-1805), foremost Yemenite rabbi in the 18th century, and a leading halachic authority. He was the disciple of his grandfather Mori Tzalach, and of R. Aharon HaKohen Iraki, R. Yichye Iraki and R. David Mishreqi, author of "Shetilei Zeitim". At the age of 43, he was appointed chief rabbi and head of the Beit Din of all Yemenite communities, a position he held for more than 45 years. His authority was unequivocally accepted throughout Yemen, and to this day many Yemenite Jews adhere to his customs and rulings. He compiled the Tiklal siddur with the Etz Chaim commentary, and many halachic works: Zevach Toda and Shaarei Kedusha on the laws of shechita, Shaarei Tahara on the laws of Niddah, Responsa Peulat Tzaddik, and other books of halacha, ethics and kabbalah.
R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi (1734-1809), founder of the Shami rite together with his father (the Shetilei Zeitim). He was appointed temporary dayan in 1785 and from 1795, served as permanent dayan in the Beit Din of the Maharitz. His novellae and rulings were published together with his father's novellae in Revid HaZahav.
Bir al-Azab is a suburb of Sanaa, built after the Exile of Mawza in 1679, when the Jews were required to live outside of the city's walls (Encyclopedia LiKehillot Teiman, I, p. 35).
[1] leaf. 14 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Tears and wear to folds and margins, not affecting text. Folding marks.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $800
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Collection of monetary legal documents, signed by the rabbis and dayanim of the Sanaa Beit Din in the 19th century, 1829-1896.
Remarkable collection comprising dozens of legal documents, with many dozens of signatures of the dayanim and Beit Din heads in Sanaa in the 19th century. The text of the documents is in Judeo-Arabic; the signatures of the dayanim appear at the foot of each document (calligraphic signatures typical of Yemenite rabbis).
The signatories include: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh, R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli, R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh, R. Yosef son of R. Yichye Iraqi, R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shalom HaKohen, and others.
Includes a collection of documents and certificates in Arabic, from the same source (presumably the Sanaa Beit Din).
R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh (1769-1849), leading Yemenite Torah scholar, close disciple of the Maharitz and his successor. In ca. 1809, he was appointed dayan in the Sanaa Beit Din, and in 1812, he became head of the Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. A leading Torah scholar in his times, exceptionally well versed in the Talmud and halachic literature. He disseminated Torah to the public and edified numerous disciples who later became prominent Yemenite rabbis. He instituted various regulations, and perpetuated the ways of his teacher the Maharitz in his leadership of Yemenite Jewry. His book Zivchei Elohim on the laws of ritual slaughter is well-known; he also recorded responsa and halachic rulings. The following dayanim served under him in the Beit Din, and signed alongside him on these documents: R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach (1769-1839), grandson of the Maharitz; R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh (b. 1766; he disappeared in 1836, some say he left Sanaa due to the famine, and others contend that he never returned from his mission in northern Yemen together with the emissary R. Baruch of Pinsk, in quest of the Ten Lost Tribes). Other signatories: R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli (1804-1899), an elder Sanaa dayan. He served as dayan for over forty years; his signature appears on many rulings. R. Suleiman (Shlomo) Alqareh (1804-1889), son of the head of the Beit Din R. Yosef Alqareh, and his successor as head of Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach (1825 or 1833-1905) - great-grandson of the Maharitz, a preeminent rabbi in his generation, exceptionally pious. He served as dayan for 38 years and instituted various regulations and practices.
27 legal documents in Judeo-Arabic with signatures of dayanim + 25 documents and certificates in Arabic. Size and condition vary, overall good condition.
Remarkable collection comprising dozens of legal documents, with many dozens of signatures of the dayanim and Beit Din heads in Sanaa in the 19th century. The text of the documents is in Judeo-Arabic; the signatures of the dayanim appear at the foot of each document (calligraphic signatures typical of Yemenite rabbis).
The signatories include: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh, R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli, R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh, R. Yosef son of R. Yichye Iraqi, R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach, R. Yichye son of R. Shalom HaKohen, and others.
Includes a collection of documents and certificates in Arabic, from the same source (presumably the Sanaa Beit Din).
R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh (1769-1849), leading Yemenite Torah scholar, close disciple of the Maharitz and his successor. In ca. 1809, he was appointed dayan in the Sanaa Beit Din, and in 1812, he became head of the Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. A leading Torah scholar in his times, exceptionally well versed in the Talmud and halachic literature. He disseminated Torah to the public and edified numerous disciples who later became prominent Yemenite rabbis. He instituted various regulations, and perpetuated the ways of his teacher the Maharitz in his leadership of Yemenite Jewry. His book Zivchei Elohim on the laws of ritual slaughter is well-known; he also recorded responsa and halachic rulings. The following dayanim served under him in the Beit Din, and signed alongside him on these documents: R. David son of R. Avraham Tzalach (1769-1839), grandson of the Maharitz; R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh (b. 1766; he disappeared in 1836, some say he left Sanaa due to the famine, and others contend that he never returned from his mission in northern Yemen together with the emissary R. Baruch of Pinsk, in quest of the Ten Lost Tribes). Other signatories: R. Yosef son of R. David Manzeli (1804-1899), an elder Sanaa dayan. He served as dayan for over forty years; his signature appears on many rulings. R. Suleiman (Shlomo) Alqareh (1804-1889), son of the head of the Beit Din R. Yosef Alqareh, and his successor as head of Beit Din and chief rabbi of Yemen. R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach (1825 or 1833-1905) - great-grandson of the Maharitz, a preeminent rabbi in his generation, exceptionally pious. He served as dayan for 38 years and instituted various regulations and practices.
27 legal documents in Judeo-Arabic with signatures of dayanim + 25 documents and certificates in Arabic. Size and condition vary, overall good condition.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $1,375
Including buyer's premium
Eight handwritten ketubot and a marriage document. With many signatures of Yemenite rabbis. Yemen, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Yichye al-Tzaadi, to the bride Badra daughter of Avraham Elgamal. Sanaa, 1793. Signed by Yemenite rabbis: R. Shlomo son of R. Yeshua and R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi. On the verso, inscription pertaining to the dowry, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah for Suleiman son of Yehuda al-Haraz and his wife Ghazal daughter of Yosef Korach, replacing their original ketubah which was falling apart. Sanaa, 16th Tevet 1822. Signed by the rabbis of Yemen: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. Avraham son of R. Aharon Manzeli and R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Chaim son of Musa son of Yosef al-Ozeri, to the bride Rumia daughter of Salam son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1867. Signed by R. Sa'id son of R. Salam Pinchas and R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh. Inscription regarding dowry with additional signatures on verso of ketubah.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Salam and the bride Lulwa daughter of Salam Karnan. Jewish neighborhood of Yarim, 1869. Signed by R. Chaim son of R. Salam Jamal and R. Avraham son of R. Avraham Maabari.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Salam son of Yichye Habshoush to the bride Lulwa daughter of Chaim son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1876. Signed by R. Sa'id son of Avraham Mishreqi and R. Avraham son of Salam Shemmen. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, with the same signatures.
• Levirate ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Musi son of Yaakov, to Mrs. Sa'ida daughter of Salam Yehuda, wife of the groom's late brother Avraham. Kislev 1889.
• Ketubah related document. [Sanaa], 1905. Signed by the dayanim of Sanaa: R. Aharon HaKohen and R. Yichye Musi Yitzchak.
• Ketubah, torn and lacking (only upper half remains), recording the marriage of the groom Yehuda son of Da'ud son of Yichye son of R. Yosef Pinchas Katz, to the bride Hamama daughter of Chaim son of Harun son of Musa al-Iraqi Katz. 1900. Inscription regarding dowry on verso, signed by R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach and R. Chaim son of R. Yichye HaKohen al-Iraqi.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of Menashe son of David to the bride Ghazal al-Kahlani (tear in ketubah, affecting full name of the bride and her father). 1930.
8 ketubot and one marriage document. Size and condition vary.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Yichye al-Tzaadi, to the bride Badra daughter of Avraham Elgamal. Sanaa, 1793. Signed by Yemenite rabbis: R. Shlomo son of R. Yeshua and R. Yichye son of R. David Mishreqi. On the verso, inscription pertaining to the dowry, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah for Suleiman son of Yehuda al-Haraz and his wife Ghazal daughter of Yosef Korach, replacing their original ketubah which was falling apart. Sanaa, 16th Tevet 1822. Signed by the rabbis of Yemen: R. Yosef son of R. Shalom Alqareh, R. Avraham son of R. Aharon Manzeli and R. Yichye son of R. Shlomo Abyadh. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, signed by the same rabbis.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Chaim son of Musa son of Yosef al-Ozeri, to the bride Rumia daughter of Salam son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1867. Signed by R. Sa'id son of R. Salam Pinchas and R. Suleiman son of R. Yosef Alqareh. Inscription regarding dowry with additional signatures on verso of ketubah.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Yichye son of Salam and the bride Lulwa daughter of Salam Karnan. Jewish neighborhood of Yarim, 1869. Signed by R. Chaim son of R. Salam Jamal and R. Avraham son of R. Avraham Maabari.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Salam son of Yichye Habshoush to the bride Lulwa daughter of Chaim son of Harun al-Iraqi. Sanaa, 1876. Signed by R. Sa'id son of Avraham Mishreqi and R. Avraham son of Salam Shemmen. Inscription regarding dowry on verso of ketubah, with the same signatures.
• Levirate ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Musi son of Yaakov, to Mrs. Sa'ida daughter of Salam Yehuda, wife of the groom's late brother Avraham. Kislev 1889.
• Ketubah related document. [Sanaa], 1905. Signed by the dayanim of Sanaa: R. Aharon HaKohen and R. Yichye Musi Yitzchak.
• Ketubah, torn and lacking (only upper half remains), recording the marriage of the groom Yehuda son of Da'ud son of Yichye son of R. Yosef Pinchas Katz, to the bride Hamama daughter of Chaim son of Harun son of Musa al-Iraqi Katz. 1900. Inscription regarding dowry on verso, signed by R. Avraham son of R. Tzalach and R. Chaim son of R. Yichye HaKohen al-Iraqi.
• Ketubah recording the marriage of Menashe son of David to the bride Ghazal al-Kahlani (tear in ketubah, affecting full name of the bride and her father). 1930.
8 ketubot and one marriage document. Size and condition vary.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $600
Including buyer's premium
Three manuscripts. [Yemen, 19th and 20th centuries].
1. Manuscript, commentary to the laws of shechita (ritual slaughter), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen, 1804]. Writer's colophon on the final leaf: "And this book was completed on Monday, 4th Elul 1804… and the writer, most insignificant one… Shlomo son of Shlomo son of Shemarya son of R. Zecharya…". [49] leaves. 20 cm. Poor condition. Stains, significant dampness damage and worming, affecting text. Old leather binding, damaged.
2. Manuscript, laws of shechita and "Taamim" (various selections on the laws of shechita). [Yemen, ca. 19th century]. [102] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains, dark dampstains, worming and wear. Old binding.
3. Manuscript, laws of Shechita. [Yemen, 1940]. Writer's colophon dated 1940 on the final leaf. [60] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Tears to several leaves, affecting text. New binding.
1. Manuscript, commentary to the laws of shechita (ritual slaughter), in Judeo-Arabic. [Yemen, 1804]. Writer's colophon on the final leaf: "And this book was completed on Monday, 4th Elul 1804… and the writer, most insignificant one… Shlomo son of Shlomo son of Shemarya son of R. Zecharya…". [49] leaves. 20 cm. Poor condition. Stains, significant dampness damage and worming, affecting text. Old leather binding, damaged.
2. Manuscript, laws of shechita and "Taamim" (various selections on the laws of shechita). [Yemen, ca. 19th century]. [102] leaves. 16.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains, dark dampstains, worming and wear. Old binding.
3. Manuscript, laws of Shechita. [Yemen, 1940]. Writer's colophon dated 1940 on the final leaf. [60] leaves. 18.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Tears to several leaves, affecting text. New binding.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
Collection of manuscripts (some incomplete), from Yemen:
• Manuscript, three Megillot, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, order for Simchat Torah, and more. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Selichot and supplications. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Tikkun Asara BeTevet. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Azharot for Shavuot. [Yemen, 19th century].
• Manuscript, Maamadot and Bakashot. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Two handwritten leaves, supplication from the Zohar ("Elaka Rabba LeAniya UMiskena…"). [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Hatarat Nedarim, order of Shofar blowing, Tikkun HaGeshem and Tikkun HaTal. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Mekor Chaim on the laws of shechita, by the Maharitz, and Petach HaOhel on the laws of divorce, by R. Yichye Amud. [Yemen, 20th century]. (Copying from the printed edition of both books, Aden 1893-1894).
8 manuscripts, most incomplete and damaged (lacking leaves. Open tears and worming, affecting text). Size and condition vary.
• Manuscript, three Megillot, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, order for Simchat Torah, and more. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Selichot and supplications. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Tikkun Asara BeTevet. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Azharot for Shavuot. [Yemen, 19th century].
• Manuscript, Maamadot and Bakashot. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Two handwritten leaves, supplication from the Zohar ("Elaka Rabba LeAniya UMiskena…"). [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Hatarat Nedarim, order of Shofar blowing, Tikkun HaGeshem and Tikkun HaTal. [Yemen, 19th century?].
• Manuscript, Mekor Chaim on the laws of shechita, by the Maharitz, and Petach HaOhel on the laws of divorce, by R. Yichye Amud. [Yemen, 20th century]. (Copying from the printed edition of both books, Aden 1893-1894).
8 manuscripts, most incomplete and damaged (lacking leaves. Open tears and worming, affecting text). Size and condition vary.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Booklet, Amal URe'ut Ruach VaCharamot UTeshuvatam, polemic regarding the authenticity of the Zohar and Kabbalah, by R. Yichye Kapach (Qafih) of Yemen. [Tel Aviv, 1914?]. First edition.
The booklet contains glosses and additions handwritten by the author. At the end of the booklet, he added: "At the head of noisy streets she calls out etc. but the word of our G-d shall last forever".
In the first part of the booklet, the author printed the excommunications issued by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi rabbis of Jerusalem against the Yemenites who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah. The second part of the booklet contains the detailed response of the author, R. Yichye Kapach, in which he attacks the rabbis of Jerusalem, and argues that the excommunications were incorrectly issued. Further in his response, he excoriates the foundations of Kabbalah and the Zohar, and concludes by excommunicating the rabbis who excommunicated and ostracized him.
Background: A great controversy broke out in Yemen in the early 20th century, between those who believed in the authenticity of the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Ikshim") and a small sect who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Darda'im"), headed by R. Yichye Kapach (1850-1931). R. Kapach and his followers contended that the Oral Law is limited to what was received by the Talmudic sages and the Rambam, whilst anything discovered thereafter does not have any validity. According to them, Kabbalah is foreign in its spirit to Judaism. R. Kapach later substantiated his approach in his books Milchamot Hashem (Jerusalem, 1931) and Daat Elokim (Jerusalem, 1931), printed in his final year. He was excommunicated in Shevat 1914 by the Jerusalem rabbis for these views. This booklet was authored by R. Kapach as a response, and it contains his counterattack on his opponents, including excommunications he issued in return.
15, [1] pages. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains, tears and wear.
The booklet contains glosses and additions handwritten by the author. At the end of the booklet, he added: "At the head of noisy streets she calls out etc. but the word of our G-d shall last forever".
In the first part of the booklet, the author printed the excommunications issued by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi rabbis of Jerusalem against the Yemenites who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah. The second part of the booklet contains the detailed response of the author, R. Yichye Kapach, in which he attacks the rabbis of Jerusalem, and argues that the excommunications were incorrectly issued. Further in his response, he excoriates the foundations of Kabbalah and the Zohar, and concludes by excommunicating the rabbis who excommunicated and ostracized him.
Background: A great controversy broke out in Yemen in the early 20th century, between those who believed in the authenticity of the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Ikshim") and a small sect who rejected the Zohar and Kabbalah (the "Darda'im"), headed by R. Yichye Kapach (1850-1931). R. Kapach and his followers contended that the Oral Law is limited to what was received by the Talmudic sages and the Rambam, whilst anything discovered thereafter does not have any validity. According to them, Kabbalah is foreign in its spirit to Judaism. R. Kapach later substantiated his approach in his books Milchamot Hashem (Jerusalem, 1931) and Daat Elokim (Jerusalem, 1931), printed in his final year. He was excommunicated in Shevat 1914 by the Jerusalem rabbis for these views. This booklet was authored by R. Kapach as a response, and it contains his counterattack on his opponents, including excommunications he issued in return.
15, [1] pages. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains, tears and wear.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript (8 written pages), essay arranged for publishing, authored by one of the rabbis of the Yemenite community. [Jerusalem, ca. 1926].
"I thought to add my touch, to compose a foreword for the book Yesod HaEmuna VeYesod HaAvoda authored by… R. Yaakov Shlomo Kassin…". Yesod HaEmuna was composed by R. Kassin in 1926, and it forms a complete composition responding to the polemic booklets which the Darda'im of Yemen wrote to undermine the authenticity of the Zohar and its authorship by R. Shimon bar Yochai (Yesod HaEmuna was ultimately only published in 1981, and again in 2011. This foreword was apparently not included).
In this manuscript, composed by a Yemenite Torah scholar (whom we were not able to identify), the author writes: "Since I saw an outrageous occurrence, of a scholar from a city in Yemen named Sanaa, who degrades the holy Zohar, stating that it is not a holy book neither was it written by R. Shimon bar Yochai… rather by a philosopher… and he wrote some booklets, matters of foolishness and emptiness, that even a young child would laugh at, unconceivable nonsense… When these booklets arrived and were viewed by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities, as well as communities dwelling in Egypt and Jerusalem, they decried him as one who denies our holy Torah, and we, Yemenites living in Egypt and Jerusalem were greatly disgraced thereby, since they accuse us of denying Kabbalah which was received from Moshe at Mt. Sinai, and they blaspheme us. All the more since they heard that in Sanaa there is a controversy and there are already two factions, one named Ikshim and the other Darda'im… and they have become divided into different groups…". The author then refutes the claims raised by the Darda'i scholar from Sanaa in his booklet, disproving them through logic and reason, and bringing proofs to bolster faith in the Zohar and Kabbalah.
[5] leaves (8 written pages). 21 cm. Good condition. Placed in old sealed plastic sleeves.
Enclosed: Emunat Hashem (Jerusalem, 1937). This book was printed in the context of the same polemic, and it contains the arguments raised by the Darda'im in their booklets, together with refutations of their claims. Fair condition. Extensive worming. Original cloth binding.
"I thought to add my touch, to compose a foreword for the book Yesod HaEmuna VeYesod HaAvoda authored by… R. Yaakov Shlomo Kassin…". Yesod HaEmuna was composed by R. Kassin in 1926, and it forms a complete composition responding to the polemic booklets which the Darda'im of Yemen wrote to undermine the authenticity of the Zohar and its authorship by R. Shimon bar Yochai (Yesod HaEmuna was ultimately only published in 1981, and again in 2011. This foreword was apparently not included).
In this manuscript, composed by a Yemenite Torah scholar (whom we were not able to identify), the author writes: "Since I saw an outrageous occurrence, of a scholar from a city in Yemen named Sanaa, who degrades the holy Zohar, stating that it is not a holy book neither was it written by R. Shimon bar Yochai… rather by a philosopher… and he wrote some booklets, matters of foolishness and emptiness, that even a young child would laugh at, unconceivable nonsense… When these booklets arrived and were viewed by the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities, as well as communities dwelling in Egypt and Jerusalem, they decried him as one who denies our holy Torah, and we, Yemenites living in Egypt and Jerusalem were greatly disgraced thereby, since they accuse us of denying Kabbalah which was received from Moshe at Mt. Sinai, and they blaspheme us. All the more since they heard that in Sanaa there is a controversy and there are already two factions, one named Ikshim and the other Darda'im… and they have become divided into different groups…". The author then refutes the claims raised by the Darda'i scholar from Sanaa in his booklet, disproving them through logic and reason, and bringing proofs to bolster faith in the Zohar and Kabbalah.
[5] leaves (8 written pages). 21 cm. Good condition. Placed in old sealed plastic sleeves.
Enclosed: Emunat Hashem (Jerusalem, 1937). This book was printed in the context of the same polemic, and it contains the arguments raised by the Darda'im in their booklets, together with refutations of their claims. Fair condition. Extensive worming. Original cloth binding.
Category
Yemenite Jewry - Manuscripts, Letters and Glosses
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
Emissary letter for R. Baruch Pinto, leaving on a mission to Sefrou, Morocco, on behalf of the Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists in Jerusalem. Signed by the yeshiva dean - R. Yedidia Refael Abulafia (HaRav HaYareh), and other leading kabbalists of the Beit El yeshiva. Jerusalem, 1865.
Neat script, with the calligraphic signatures of the leading kabbalists of Jerusalem: R. Refael Chai Yedidia Abulafia - dean of the Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists (including his stamp), R. Yosef Vital, R. Rachamim Chaim David Antebi, R. Yitzchak Calamaro, R. Aharon Pereira, and two other signatories.
The Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists, also known as Midrash HaChassidim or Kehal Chassidim, was founded in Jerusalem in 1737 by R. Gedalia Hayun, and was designated as a place for studying Kabbalah. Ever since, the kabbalists of Jerusalem have gathered to study there, directed by foremost kabbalists. Of particular prominence were R. Shalom Sharabi (the Rashash), who headed the yeshiva, and his successor R. Yom Tov Algazi. Reputedly, R. Gershon of Kitov - brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov, also studied there. Following the passing of R. Chaim Avraham Gagin in 1848, R. Yedidia Refael Abulafia (1806-1869), was appointed in his stead, a position he held until his passing. R. Abulafia’s disciples include the sons of Rebbe Moshe of Lelov; the Imrei Binah, rabbi of Jerusalem (who, following R. Abulafia’s advice, instituted the prohibition of playing musical instruments in Jerusalem); R. Shalom Moshe Chai Gagin, who succeeded him as dean of the Beit El yeshiva; and others. The kabbalists who signed this letter were amongst the elite of the yeshiva studying alongside R. Abulafia: R. Yitzchak Calamaro (d. 1884; edited the second edition of Nahar Shalom by the Rashash, as well as other kabbalistic works. The Jerusalem 1866 edition of Etz Chaim includes his notes), R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira (author of Toldot Aharon UMoshe and other books. See item 260), R. Yosef Bechor Vital (published some of R. Chaim Vital’s Shemonah She’arim in 1866, together with his colleague R. Yitzchak Calamaro), R. Rachamim Chaim David Antebi (d. 1874, see: LiKedoshim Asher BaAretz, Jerusalem 2009, section 508, p. 262), and others.
The emissary, R. Baruch Pinto, travelled to the Maghreb several times on behalf of the yeshiva, and was "renowned for his wisdom". He died in 1893 at the young age of fifty-two, and was eulogized by R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashsar (see: Avraham Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 736-737).
[1] leaf. 30 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, folding marks. Minute tears to margins and folding marks (slightly affecting one letter).
Neat script, with the calligraphic signatures of the leading kabbalists of Jerusalem: R. Refael Chai Yedidia Abulafia - dean of the Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists (including his stamp), R. Yosef Vital, R. Rachamim Chaim David Antebi, R. Yitzchak Calamaro, R. Aharon Pereira, and two other signatories.
The Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists, also known as Midrash HaChassidim or Kehal Chassidim, was founded in Jerusalem in 1737 by R. Gedalia Hayun, and was designated as a place for studying Kabbalah. Ever since, the kabbalists of Jerusalem have gathered to study there, directed by foremost kabbalists. Of particular prominence were R. Shalom Sharabi (the Rashash), who headed the yeshiva, and his successor R. Yom Tov Algazi. Reputedly, R. Gershon of Kitov - brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov, also studied there. Following the passing of R. Chaim Avraham Gagin in 1848, R. Yedidia Refael Abulafia (1806-1869), was appointed in his stead, a position he held until his passing. R. Abulafia’s disciples include the sons of Rebbe Moshe of Lelov; the Imrei Binah, rabbi of Jerusalem (who, following R. Abulafia’s advice, instituted the prohibition of playing musical instruments in Jerusalem); R. Shalom Moshe Chai Gagin, who succeeded him as dean of the Beit El yeshiva; and others. The kabbalists who signed this letter were amongst the elite of the yeshiva studying alongside R. Abulafia: R. Yitzchak Calamaro (d. 1884; edited the second edition of Nahar Shalom by the Rashash, as well as other kabbalistic works. The Jerusalem 1866 edition of Etz Chaim includes his notes), R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira (author of Toldot Aharon UMoshe and other books. See item 260), R. Yosef Bechor Vital (published some of R. Chaim Vital’s Shemonah She’arim in 1866, together with his colleague R. Yitzchak Calamaro), R. Rachamim Chaim David Antebi (d. 1874, see: LiKedoshim Asher BaAretz, Jerusalem 2009, section 508, p. 262), and others.
The emissary, R. Baruch Pinto, travelled to the Maghreb several times on behalf of the yeshiva, and was "renowned for his wisdom". He died in 1893 at the young age of fifty-two, and was eulogized by R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashsar (see: Avraham Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 736-737).
[1] leaf. 30 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, folding marks. Minute tears to margins and folding marks (slightly affecting one letter).
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Unsold
Letter, decorated with calligraphic script in color - congratulations from the deans of the Doresh Tzion yeshiva in Jerusalem, on the occasion of the wedding of the daughter of the philanthropist R. Naftali Prague, to the son of R. Gumpel Edinger. Signed by three Jerusalem Torah scholars, disciples of the Chatam Sofer. Jerusalem, Iyar [1874]. Hebrew and Yiddish. Signatures in Hebrew and German.
The letter is signed by: R. "Yitzchak [Oplatka] of Prague - Isak Prager", R. "Yonah Leib Mendlsohn" and R. "Aharon Moshe Baumgarten".
R. Yitzchak Oplatka of Prague (1819-1900, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 240-241), a disciple of the Chatam Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, immigrated in his youth to Jerusalem in 1838 where he married the daughter of R. Baruch Ayash, a Sephardic Torah scholar in the city. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and communal worker. He authored Pri Yitzchak (Jerusalem, 1909). He was a dean of the Doresh Tzion yeshiva, which he founded in 1866 together with his colleagues R. Yonah Leib Mendlsohn-Lebel and R. Moshe Aharon Baumgarten.
R. Yonah Leib Mendlsohn-Lebel (1816-1886, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 191-192), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He immigrated in his youth to Jerusalem in 1836, and was one of the founders of the Hungarian Kollel - Shomrei HaChomot. He travelled abroad several times as emissary of the Kollel.
R. Moshe Aharon Baumgarten (1812-1877, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 55-57), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He studied under R. Mordechai Banet in Nikolsburg and R. Baruch Fränkel in Leipnik. He immigrated in his youth to Safed in 1834, and following the 1837 earthquake, relocated to Jerusalem. He was one of the founders of Hungarian Kollel and of the Chatam Sofer yeshiva, established in the memory of his saintly teacher.
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Thin, bluish paper. Good condition. Minor creases and stains. Wear to lower margin.
The letter is signed by: R. "Yitzchak [Oplatka] of Prague - Isak Prager", R. "Yonah Leib Mendlsohn" and R. "Aharon Moshe Baumgarten".
R. Yitzchak Oplatka of Prague (1819-1900, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 240-241), a disciple of the Chatam Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, immigrated in his youth to Jerusalem in 1838 where he married the daughter of R. Baruch Ayash, a Sephardic Torah scholar in the city. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and communal worker. He authored Pri Yitzchak (Jerusalem, 1909). He was a dean of the Doresh Tzion yeshiva, which he founded in 1866 together with his colleagues R. Yonah Leib Mendlsohn-Lebel and R. Moshe Aharon Baumgarten.
R. Yonah Leib Mendlsohn-Lebel (1816-1886, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 191-192), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He immigrated in his youth to Jerusalem in 1836, and was one of the founders of the Hungarian Kollel - Shomrei HaChomot. He travelled abroad several times as emissary of the Kollel.
R. Moshe Aharon Baumgarten (1812-1877, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 55-57), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He studied under R. Mordechai Banet in Nikolsburg and R. Baruch Fränkel in Leipnik. He immigrated in his youth to Safed in 1834, and following the 1837 earthquake, relocated to Jerusalem. He was one of the founders of Hungarian Kollel and of the Chatam Sofer yeshiva, established in the memory of his saintly teacher.
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Thin, bluish paper. Good condition. Minor creases and stains. Wear to lower margin.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Letter from Sir Moses Montefiore, addressed to the rabbis of Jerusalem - the chief rabbi R. Avraham Ashkenazi, R. Meir Auerbach and R. Shmuel Salant. Ramsgate (England), 1878.
Written by a scribe on official stationery. Signed by Montefiore in Hebrew and English
The letter relates to donations for the needy of Eretz Israel, received by Montefiore from charity organizations in the United States.
[1] leaf. 25 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Folding marks.
Written by a scribe on official stationery. Signed by Montefiore in Hebrew and English
The letter relates to donations for the needy of Eretz Israel, received by Montefiore from charity organizations in the United States.
[1] leaf. 25 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Folding marks.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Two letters, with the signatures of dozens of rabbis and members of the Ashkenazi-Chassidic community in Tiberias, 19th century:
• Letter with the signatures of 52 community members in Tiberias. Response to the slander publicized in the press abroad regarding the Linat Tzedek Bikur Cholim society. Tiberias, Tevet 1898. On verso, letter handwritten and signed by the rabbi of the city, R. Yechiel Michel Heilprin (1857-1909. Immigrated to Tiberias in 1880, appointed rabbi of Tiberias in 1896).
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 25.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears and repairs. Stains.
• Letter with the signatures of 4 rabbis, addressed to the Pekidim and Amarkalim in Amsterdam. Request on behalf of the widow and orphans of R. Yeshaya of Dzikov. Tiberias, Cheshvan 1889. Signed by R. Avraham Tzvi HaLevi Rabbi of Tiberias (originally rabbi of Niamtz. Immigrated to Tiberias in 1856. Passed away in Kislev 1894 and was buried in the section of the Baal Shem Tov’s disciples, close to the gravesite of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk). With the signatures of the administrators of the charity funds in the city: R. Yaakov son of R. Yitzchak Eizik (administrator of Kollel Volhyn), R. Yechiel Aharon son of R. Mordechai Avraham (1844-1928, a Karlin Chassid, head of Kollel Volhyn, son of R. Mordechai Avraham of Chmelnik, a disciple of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin) and R. Itamar son of R. Tzvi Ze’ev (R. Itamar of Seret, 1847-1907, administrator of Kollel Austria).
[1] leaf. 26 cm. Good-fair condition. Marginal wear and tears, affecting text.
• Letter with the signatures of 52 community members in Tiberias. Response to the slander publicized in the press abroad regarding the Linat Tzedek Bikur Cholim society. Tiberias, Tevet 1898. On verso, letter handwritten and signed by the rabbi of the city, R. Yechiel Michel Heilprin (1857-1909. Immigrated to Tiberias in 1880, appointed rabbi of Tiberias in 1896).
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 25.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears and repairs. Stains.
• Letter with the signatures of 4 rabbis, addressed to the Pekidim and Amarkalim in Amsterdam. Request on behalf of the widow and orphans of R. Yeshaya of Dzikov. Tiberias, Cheshvan 1889. Signed by R. Avraham Tzvi HaLevi Rabbi of Tiberias (originally rabbi of Niamtz. Immigrated to Tiberias in 1856. Passed away in Kislev 1894 and was buried in the section of the Baal Shem Tov’s disciples, close to the gravesite of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk). With the signatures of the administrators of the charity funds in the city: R. Yaakov son of R. Yitzchak Eizik (administrator of Kollel Volhyn), R. Yechiel Aharon son of R. Mordechai Avraham (1844-1928, a Karlin Chassid, head of Kollel Volhyn, son of R. Mordechai Avraham of Chmelnik, a disciple of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin) and R. Itamar son of R. Tzvi Ze’ev (R. Itamar of Seret, 1847-1907, administrator of Kollel Austria).
[1] leaf. 26 cm. Good-fair condition. Marginal wear and tears, affecting text.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue