Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
- book (108) Apply book filter
- chassid (52) Apply chassid filter
- chassidut (27) Apply chassidut filter
- dedic (26) Apply dedic filter
- import (26) Apply import filter
- signatur (26) Apply signatur filter
- jewish (25) Apply jewish filter
- letter (25) Apply letter filter
- manuscript (24) Apply manuscript filter
- copi (20) Apply copi filter
- art (16) Apply art filter
- copies, (14) Apply copies, filter
- gloss (14) Apply gloss filter
- art, (12) Apply art, filter
- ceremoni (12) Apply ceremoni filter
- ownership (12) Apply ownership filter
- ownership, (12) Apply ownership, filter
- protect (12) Apply protect filter
- segulah (12) Apply segulah filter
- jewri (10) Apply jewri filter
- histori (9) Apply histori filter
- history, (9) Apply history, filter
- palestin (9) Apply palestin filter
- print (9) Apply print filter
- slavita (9) Apply slavita filter
- zhitomir (9) Apply zhitomir filter
- zionism (9) Apply zionism filter
- handwritten (7) Apply handwritten filter
- yemenit (7) Apply yemenit filter
- chabad (6) Apply chabad filter
- document (6) Apply document filter
- erit (6) Apply erit filter
- hapletah (6) Apply hapletah filter
- holocaust (6) Apply holocaust filter
- kabbalah (6) Apply kabbalah filter
- prayer (6) Apply prayer filter
- rabbin (6) Apply rabbin filter
- she (6) Apply she filter
- she'erit (6) Apply she'erit filter
- sheerit (6) Apply sheerit filter
- siddurim (6) Apply siddurim filter
- tzaddikim (6) Apply tzaddikim filter
- discipl (4) Apply discipl filter
- gaon (4) Apply gaon filter
- his (4) Apply his filter
- vilna (4) Apply vilna filter
- antisemit (3) Apply antisemit filter
- british (3) Apply british filter
- certif (3) Apply certif filter
In the introduction, the author writes "I did not write my name for the known reason". This is the first book of the Divrei Chaim to be printed (Responsa Divrei Chaim was published 11 years later, in 1875). In the second edition of the book (Mukachevo, 1892), R. Baruch of Gorlice (son of the Divrei Chaim) reveals his father as the author, and explains that "the manuscript of this composition… was given to me… by my father as a gift… and I printed it in Zhovkva in 1864… I am now emboldened to explicitly state the name… of the author, because in any case the identity of the author has become known, particularly [because] it is clear from the introduction to Divrei Chaim on the Torah that this work was also written by my father. I have therefore written this on the title page… Baruch Halberstam, Rabbi of Gorlice".
A (slightly trimmed) dedication by R. David Weber, a disciple of the Divrei Chaim who received the book as a gift from the author, appears at the top of the title page. He writes: " This book… the holy Rebbe of Sanz, from his holy hand directly into my hand for the speech [---] 12th Cheshvan 1867. David We[ber]". Another inscription, by R. David Weber's son, reads: " And my father gave me this as a Bar Mitzvah gift, his son Lipa Zalman Weber".
R. David Weber of Ada-Jerusalem (ca. 1851-1930) was the son of the Rabbi of Ada, R. Mordechai Eliezer Weber, and the son-in-law of R. Aharon Zelig Lifshitz Head of the Vishnitsa Beit Din (d. 1878, the son of the Rebbe of Vishnitsa, the Aryeh D'Vei Ila'i). In 1875, he immigrated to Jerusalem together with his father and became one of the heads of Kollel Shomrei HaChomot. His father, R. Mordechai Eliezer, was one of the leading disciples of the Divrei Chaim, and he too was a regular visitor to the holy court of Sanz.
His son, R. Yom Tov Lipa Yekutiel Zalman Weber (1876-1944), was a prominent Chassidic Torah scholar in Jerusalem. Son-in-law of R. Yitzchak Ashkenazi of Alesk-Stanislav. During WWI, he traveled abroad and served as Rebbe of Vishnitsa in Frankfurt. He returned to Jerusalem in the early 1930s and served as dean of the Ktav Sofer Yeshiva. When Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar visited Jerusalem in 1932, he paid a visit to his relative R. Lipa Zalman (who was a descendant of the Aryeh D'Vei Ila'i, the illustrious son-in-law of R. Moshe Teitelbaum, the Yismach Moshe). Rebbe Aharon of Belz as well, upon his arrival to Eretz Israel in 1944, greatly desired to visit R. Lipa Zalman; alas, R. Lipa Zalman passed away that same week (see: Alei Zikaron, 26, pp. 69-71).
This copy also bears the stamp of the Rebbe of Vielipoli-Jerusalem-Philadelphia, R. Moshe'li son of R. David Aryeh Lifshitz (1898-1975), "grandson of R. Nottele of Vielipoli – grandson of R. Chaim Uri of Raysha (Rzeszów) – grandson of R. Moshe Teitelbaum of Ujhely", and the stamp of his son R. Chaim Uri Lifshitz (1913-2002); both were descendants of the Rebbe of Vishnitsa, the Aryeh D'Vei Ila'i.
[3], 34, [1], 33-44, 1-27 leaves; [1], 23, [1] leaves. 33.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears and wear. Damage, with loss of text, to last leaf (old paper repairs). New leather binding.
Copy of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska.
Various inscriptions and signatures on title page and endpapers. On top of the title page – signature of " Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Liska". On the back endpaper, signatures of "Mordechai Rabbi of Torchin" and long inscriptions in the handwriting of his son, R. Tzvi, who attests that the book belonged to "… Rebbe Tzvi… Rabbi of Liska".
Other signatures and ownership inscriptions from various times: "Getz Hofbender"; "Belongs to R. Shmuel Fulda"; "This book belongs to R. Chaim Spigel Katz"; "Menachem Mendel" (at the heading of leaf 8). Short handwritten glosses. On the front endpaper, a long note in an early handwriting [18th century] listing errors found in a new Torah scroll.
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Friedman, rabbi of Liska (1798-1874), a leading Hungarian rebbe, from the first generation of the Chassidic movement in Hungary. A disciple of the Yismach Moshe, Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was renowned as a wonder-worker, and people flocked to him from all over the country to receive his blessings. He authored Ach Pri Tevua, HaYashar VehaTov, and other works. His illustrious disciple was the famous tzaddik R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, who used to sign: "Who was the close attendant of the pious rabbi of Liska".
[1], 139 leaves. 32.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Large dampstains. Worming. Tears. New binding.
The copy of Rebbe Yeshaya’le of Kerestir, with an ownership inscription at the top of the title page: " Belongs to R. Yeshaya Steiner Kerestir".
R. Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir (Bodrogkeresztúr; 1852-1922) was a disciple of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska (Olaszliszka), author of Ach Pri Tevua and reverently followed in his footsteps. He was orphaned from his father at the age of three and was raised in the home of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska from the age of twelve. Drawn to Chassidut, he frequented the courts of Rebbe Chaim Halberstam of Sanz and Rebbe Mordechai of Nadvorna. However, his primary rebbe and mentor remained Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, and he eventually became his close attendant (even when R. Yeshaya already served as rebbe, with throngs flocking to his court from all over Hungary, he would still sign with his stamp and on his letters: "…who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska"). Rebbe Yeshaya was revered by the leading rebbes of his day, including Rebbe Chaim of Sanz and Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz (who stated that the "key to sustenance" is in the hands of R. Yeshaya of Kerestir). He performed thousands of charitable deeds, personally engaging in hospitality, and was considered one of the pillars of kindness and prayer in his times. He was renowned as a holy man, and thousands of Jews (as well as non-Jews) from all over Hungary would travel to his court to seek his advice. He was also renowned as a wonder-worker and for providing amulets. Until this day, his portrait is hung in homes as a segulah against mice. The story behind this custom is related in his biography, Mei Be'er Yeshayahu.
Stamps of Rebbe Moshe Frisherman of Tomashov (Tomaszów)-Lublin and several glosses in his handwriting(?). Rebbe Moshe'le Frisherman of Tomashov (ca. 1910-1974, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, III, p. 301; Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, IV, p. 250) was one of the most venerated rebbes in the United States. He was the son-in-law and successor to Rebbe Baruch Rubin of Gherla, as well as a disciple of Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz and Rebbe Aryeh Leibush of Cheshanov (Cieszanów). After losing his wife and children in the Holocaust, he arrived in the United States and served as Tomashover Rebbe in New York.
[2], 75 leaves. 22 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Fair condition. Tears to title page and to other leaves, with almost no damage to text. Various stamps. New leather binding.
Lacking leaves 76-82 containing a list of subscribers, which are not found in all copies (e.g. the copy in Otzar HaChochma does not contain the list of subscribers, while the copy in HebrewBooks.com does).
Copy of the tzaddik of Shtefanesht, Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Friedman. His stamps appear three times on the first title page: two inked – one in orange and the other in purple, and one embossed stamp (without ink).
A name to include in prayer (kvitel) is inscribed on p. 9a: "Zeide Menachem Manis David son of Feige Chana Alter". Apparently, one of the Rebbes Chassidim (perhaps, the one who gave this book to the rebbe) inscribed his name so the rebbe should pray for him.
Ownership inscriptions in Italian script at the top of the first title page: "Yuda son of Eliezer", "Binyamin Pisaro".
The Rebbe of Shtefanesht, Rebbe Avraham Matityahu Friedman (1848-1933, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 131-132), famous tzaddik and wonder-worker. Son of Rebbe Nachum of Shtefanesht – son of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. At the age of 21, he succeeded his father. Under Rebbe Avraham Matityahu's leadership, Shtefanesht grew to be an important Chassidic center. He served as Rebbe for 70 years. His was re-interred in Israel in the Nachalat Yitzchak cemetery which is known until today as a site for deliverance, visited by many who pray at his gravesite.
92; 16 leaves. 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears to leaf 8, affecting text. Several leaves contain censored words or sentences, covered by pasted pieces of paper. Many ink stains and glued pieces of paper to leaves 56-57, affecting text. Color endpapers. Stamps. Inscriptions. Early, elegant leather binding, gilt-tooled. Damage to binding.
Copy of the Tiferet Shlomo of Radomsk and of his sons R. Tzvi Meir and R. Avraham, author of Chesed L'Avraham, and his descendants.
Stamps of R. " Shlomo HaKohen Rabbi of Radomsk – S. Rabinowicz Rabin Mias. Radomsk" (Hebrew and Polish) on the title page and other leaves. The title page bears several other signatures: of his son, R. " Tzvi Meir HaKohen Rabinowitz" (in pencil, slightly faded); of his son, Rebbe "Avraham Yissachar HaKohen"; and of his grandson, R. "Shlomo HaKohen Rabinowitz of Ol[kusz]" (son of R. Avraham Yissachar).
Many Torah inscriptions, ownership inscriptions and signatures appear on the back flyleaf: "… This book belongs to... R. Avraham Yissachar HaKohen Rabinowitz of Radomsk… Written by Shlomo Zalman… son of the Rabbi of Yanov [Janów]… [1879]"; a Torah thought in the name of R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg, signed: "Eliezer Tzvi of Przedbórz"; signature of "Yechiel son of R. Yaakov Aharon Grossman of Radomsk"; and more.
The first Radomsker Rebbe – R. Shlomo HaKohen Rabinowitz, author of Tiferet Shlomo (1803-1866), was one of the greatest Polish rebbes in his generation and an outstanding and holy Torah scholar. His father was a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and of the Yehudi HaKadosh, and in his childhood, R. Shlomo had the merit of accompanying him on his visits to their courts. Later, R. Shlomo became a close disciple of the disciples of the Chozeh and the Yehudi HaKadosh, R. Meir of Apta author of Or LaShamayim, R. Ber of Radoshitz (Radoszyce) and R. Bunim of Peshischa (Przysucha). In 1834, he was appointed rabbi of Radomsko and hundreds of Chassidim thronged to hear his Torah discourses. At first, he tried to deter them, however, with passing time, he acquiesced to their wishes and led one of the most prominent Chassidic courts in his days. Before R. Moshe of Lelov left for Eretz Israel, he instructed his Chassidim in Poland to follow the Radomsker Rebbe, who emphasized the love of the Jewish People and was known for his wisdom and activities in assisting both the public and individuals. Teacher of the "Chassid of Hamburg", R. Aharon Marcus (author of the book HaChassidut), who emigrated from Germany to Poland to cling to the Radomsker Rebbe and Chassidut (R. Aharon Marcus describes the Rebbe in his book: "People were drawn to this remarkable tzaddik in spite of his outward strict and unwavering character… One can imagine that this must have been the appearance of the Kohen Gadol…"). His son, Rebbe Tzvi Meir HaKohen Rabinowitz (1841-1902), tzaddik, kabbalist and an outstanding Torah scholar, succeeded his father as rabbi of Radomsko.
His youngest son, Rebbe Avraham Yissachar HaKohen Rabinowitz of Radomsk (1843-1892, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 113-114), the second rebbe of the Radomsk dynasty, was known for his piety and Torah eminence. He succeeded his father as rebbe of thousands of Chassidim and led one of the most famous Chassidic courts in Poland. He authored Chesed L'Avraham on the Torah and festivals. His son was R. Shlomo HaKohen Rabinowitz of Olkusz, son-in-law of R. Chaim Meir Epstein of Neustadt.
[1], 54, 53-54, 57-78 leaves. Approx. 37 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains. Heavy wear and a few tears. Damage to margins of title page, affecting border (repaired with paper). New leather binding.
See: Stefansky Classics, p. 37.
![Zohar Chadash, by the Tana R. Shimon bar Yochai. Zhovkva, [1804]. Edition with new glosses "to emend mistakes found in t](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/126_1.jpg "Zohar Chadash – Zhovkva, 1804 – Copy of the Avnei Nezer of Sochatchov,")
![Zohar Chadash, by the Tana R. Shimon bar Yochai. Zhovkva, [1804]. Edition with new glosses "to emend mistakes found in t](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/126_2.jpg "Zohar Chadash – Zhovkva, 1804 – Copy of the Avnei Nezer of Sochatchov,")
![Zohar Chadash, by the Tana R. Shimon bar Yochai. Zhovkva, [1804]. Edition with new glosses "to emend mistakes found in t](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/126_3.jpg "Zohar Chadash – Zhovkva, 1804 – Copy of the Avnei Nezer of Sochatchov,")
Copy owned by the first Sochatchover Rebbe, author of Avnei Nezer, which was bequeathed to his heirs, eventually reaching the hands of his grandson, author of Chasdei David of Sochatchov.
The title page bears a stamp of R. Avraham Borenstein rabbi of Sochatchov (in Hebrew and Polish, slightly blurred). The front flyleaf bears a stamp of his grandson, R. "David son of the rebbe of Sochatchov Borenstein – here Visegrád".
Rabbi Avraham Borenstein (1839-1910), the first Sochatchover Rebbe, was one of the greatest Torah scholars and tzaddikim in his generation. Son-in-law of Rebbe Menachem Mendel "The Seraph" of Kotzk. During his tenure as rebbe leading thousands of Chassidim, he also served as yeshiva dean teaching his special method of Torah study (he writes in the introduction to his book that he received this study method from his father-in-law, Rebbe Mendel of Kotzk). Many Polish Torah scholars were his close disciples (the Chelkat Yo'av; R. Aryeh Zvi Frumer, the Gaon of Koziegłowy; R. Avraham Weinberg, author of Reshit Bikurim, and others). His books Responsa Avnei Nezer and Eglei Tal on the laws of Shabbat are basic texts of Torah study and halacha.
R. David Borenstein was born in Nasielsk in 1876, son of the Shem MiShmuel who was the son of the Avnei Nezer of Sochatchov. At the age of 20, he was appointed rabbi of Visegrád, where he managed a large yeshiva. After WWI, he moved to serve as rabbi of Tomashov and Zgierz. After the passing of his father in 1926, he was appointed rebbe, becoming one of the most prominent rebbes in Poland. He died in the Warsaw ghetto, in Kislev 1942. His children and grandchildren perished in the Holocaust. His many books and most of his writings on halachic and aggadic Talmudic topics (titled Chasdei David) were lost. A few leaves with commentaries on the Passover Haggadah survived and were printed under the title Chasdei David (printed at the end of the Shem MiShmuel Haggadah, Jerusalem 1947, published by his brother Rebbe Chanoch of Sochatchov).
[1], 2-142, [2] leaves. 23 cm. Soft, worn paper. Good-fair condition. Stains, a few tears and heavy wear. Repaired marginal damage to first two leaves. Library stamps. New leather binding.
This copy bears signatures of Rebbe Yosef Ungar of Dombrova and Rebbe Elimelech Shapira of Grodzisk. Stamps of R. Elimelech Shapira and his sons.
Ownership inscription on the right side of the title page, handwritten and signed by Rebbe Yosef of Dombrova, husband of the granddaughter of the Maggid of Kozhnitz: " Monday of BeHaalotcha, 16th Sivan 1830, I have purchased this book… Yosef son of R. Mordechai David of Dombrova, son-in-law of the M[aggid] of Kozhnitz…".
Two signatures of the Rebbe of Grodzisk on the left side of the title page: " Elimelech, Rabbi of Grodzisk"; " Elimelech Shapira…". Many stamps of the Rebbe inside the book: " Elimelech Shapira Rabbi of Grodzisk". Blurred stamps of his sons, R. Kalonymus Kalman (author of Chovat HaTalmidim) and R. Yeshaya Shapira, on verso of the title page. Early ownership inscription on the leaf preceding the title page: "This book belongs to my master… the great luminary", and inscriptions in Latin characters.
R. Yosef Ungar, rabbi of Kozhnitz and rebbe in Dombrova (1800-1866), prominent G-dly Torah scholar and kabbalist, was the son of Rebbe Mordechai David of Dombrova (1770-1843, leading disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin), and son-in-law of Rebbe Moshe Elyakim Beria of Kozhnitz. In his youth, he was a close disciple of both the Chozeh of Lublin and the Maggid of Kozhnitz; the latter chose him to marry his granddaughter. In 1814, his father-in-law was appointed rebbe in Kozhnitz (succeeding his father, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, who passed away in Tishrei 1814), and R. Yosef was then appointed as rabbi of Kozhnitz, a position he held until 1846. (At that time, in 1815, his father R. Mordechai David was appointed rebbe in Dombrova, after the passing of the Chozeh of Lublin on 9th Av 1815). After his father's passing, he succeeded him as rebbe in Dombrova.
R. Elimelech Shapira of Grodzisk (1824-1892), son of Rebbe Chaim Meir Yechiel – the "Saraf of Mogelnitza", and grandson of the Maggid of Kozhnitz and R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. A prominent rebbe and tzaddik in Poland, he profoundly influenced the entire country. His teacher, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, commanded him to serve as rebbe and receive kvitlach (he later sent a lengthy letter to the Divrei Chaim of Sanz regarding the venerable holiness of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin and his righteous sons). Many Polish rebbes were his disciples, the most renowned of them being R. Yechiel Meir HaLevi, Rebbe of Ostrovtse (Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski). He authored Imrei Elimelech and Divrei Elimelech.
In his senior years, when already a grandfather of many (many of his grandsons served as rebbes, including R. Yisrael of Grodzisk and R. Yisrael Perlow, the "Yenuka" of Karlin), he married his second wife, the daughter of the Rebbe of Khentshin (Chęciny). She bore him two sons – R. Kalonymus Kalman (Rebbe of Piaseczno, author of Chovat HaTalmidim, 1889-1943, perished in the Holocaust) and R. Yeshayahu Shapira (HaAdmor HaChalutz, 1891-1945). After his passing, his wife, Rebbetzin Chana Bracha, served as rebbe, receiving kvitlach and even donning tzitzit (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 627). She lived a long life and died in Cheshvan 1939.
126 leaves. 22.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains, primarily to last leaves. Worming to many leaves (the leaves were professionally restored with paper). Stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 311.
![Midrash Shmuel on Pirkei Avot, by Rabbi Shmuel di Ozida. "As printed in Amsterdam" [Russia-Poland, ca. 1820].
Cop](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/128_1.jpg "Midrash Shmuel – Signature and Stamps of Rebbe Elimelech Shapira of Gr")
![Midrash Shmuel on Pirkei Avot, by Rabbi Shmuel di Ozida. "As printed in Amsterdam" [Russia-Poland, ca. 1820].
Cop](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/128_2.jpg "Midrash Shmuel – Signature and Stamps of Rebbe Elimelech Shapira of Gr")
Copy of Rebbe Elimelech Shapira of Grodzisk, and of his sons Rebbe Kalonymus Shapira of Piaseczno, author of Chovat HaTalmidim, and R. Yeshayahu Shapira, "HaAdmor HaChalutz".
The signature of R. Elimelech appears at the top of the title page: " Elimelech Rabbi of Grodzhisk". The title page and other leaves in the book bear many stamps of R. Elimelech: " Elimelech Shapira Rabbi of Grodzhisk", and of his sons: " Kalonymus Kalman son of R. E. Shapira – Grodzhisk", " Yeshaya son of R. E. Shapira – Grodzhisk".
R. Elimelech Shapira of Grodzisk (1824-1892), son of Rebbe Chaim Meir Yechiel – the "Saraf of Mogelnitza", and grandson of the Maggid of Kozhnitz and R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. A prominent rebbe and tzaddik in Poland, he profoundly influenced the entire country. His teacher, R. Yisrael of Ruzhin, commanded him to serve as rebbe and receive kvitlach (he later sent a lengthy letter to the Divrei Chaim of Sanz regarding the venerable holiness of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin and his righteous sons). Many Polish rebbes were his disciples, the most renowned of them being R. Yechiel Meir HaLevi, Rebbe of Ostrovtse (Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski). He authored Imrei Elimelech and Divrei Elimelech.
In his senior years, when already a grandfather of many (many of his grandsons served as rebbes, including R. Yisrael of Grodzisk and R. Yisrael Perlow, the "Yenuka" of Karlin), he married his second wife, the daughter of the Rebbe of Khentshin (Chęciny). She bore him two sons – R. Kalonymus Kalman and R. Yeshayahu (see their biographies below). After his passing, his wife, Rebbetzin Chana Bracha, served as rebbe, receiving kvitlach and even donning tzitzit (Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 627). She lived a long life and died in Cheshvan 1939.
Their son, Rebbe Kalonymus Kalmish Shapira of Piaseczno (1889-1943), was a holy tzaddik as well as a profound and original Torah scholar. Son-in-law of Rebbe Yerachmiel Moshe Hopstein of Kozhnitz. He was a prominent Chassidic thinker during WWII and the preceding era. In 1909, he began serving as rebbe in Piaseczno, a town near Warsaw, and in 1913 he was appointed rabbi of the town. In 1923, he opened his Daat Moshe Yeshiva in Warsaw, personally devoting himself to each and every disciple. An exemplary educator, he gave his soul to teaching his disciples and educating the young generation. His original books earned him worldwide renown: Chovat HaTalmidim for young men (Warsaw 1932, the only book published in his lifetime), Hachsharat HaAvrechim, Mevo She'arim, Derech HaMelech, Bnei Machshava Tova, and his diary Tzav V'Ziruz. His books are a unique blend of Chabad doctrine with Karlin and Kozhnitz thought – original profundity with passionate yearning. His most poignant work is the historical Esh Kodesh, a powerful book compiling the sermons he delivered and wrote during the Holocaust, from 1940 to 1942, while confined in the Warsaw ghetto. This book offers a moving portrayal of the depth of emotional torment experienced by believing Jews such as himself, in times of Divine concealment such as the Holocaust. In 1943, he placed his manuscripts in a milk flask and buried them in the ghetto. They were miraculously found during construction work in the ghetto area several years after the war. Following the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, the Rebbe, together with the remaining Jews, was deported to the Trawniki concentration camp near Lublin, where he was murdered on 5th Cheshvan 1943.
Their youngest son, Rebbe Yeshayahu Shapira (1891-1945), immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1920 and was very active and influential within the Po'el Mizrachi settlement movement. With his warm Chassidic fervor, he encouraged his fellow members to become G-d fearing Jews, and became known as "HaAdmor HaChalutz". In 1943, he realized his lifelong dream – to farm his own plot of land in Kfar Pines. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly afterward at the home of his brother-in-law Rebbe Chanoch Bornstein of Sochatchev upon hearing the terrible tidings from Europe.
[2], 3-84; 36 leaves. 23.5 cm. Soft paper. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Much damage and worming, affecting text (the entire book was professionally restored with paper). Stamps. New leather binding.
Manuscript, Tefillah L'Moshe, commentary on Tehillim by R. Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Újhely, author of Yismach Moshe. Handwritten by a scribe. With about 50 glosses handwritten by his grandson and disciple Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev (one gloss with his signature). [Sighet, before Shevat 1880].
Over 100 large-format leaves, written on both sides (two columns per page). Written by a scribe (possibly the publisher R. Moshe David Teitelbaum), with about 50 glosses by the Yitav Lev, one of which is signed: "So it seems to me Y.Y.T.B." (Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum; p. 45a, Tehillim 4:9).
This is an early copying, written at the time Tefillah L'Moshe was being edited, which the Yitav Lev proofread, corrected and annotated. The commentaries were mostly not copied in the sequence of Tehillim. Some sections are headed with the note "Copied", while many others are headed: "Do not write". Dozens of sections were not printed.
The Yitav Lev inherited all the manuscripts of his grandfather the Yismach Moshe (manuscripts which were by no means prepared for print), and he arranged their copying and editing, adding his own glosses and notes. Between 1849 and 1861, he published the five volumes of Yismach Moshe on the Torah. The Yitav Lev delegated the task of copying the book Tefillah L'Moshe (from all the scattered papers) and editing it, to his young grandson (son of his daughter) R. Moshe David Teitelbaum, later Rabbi of Laposh (Târgu Lăpuş).
The book Tefillah L'Moshe was not written continuously from beginning to end; it was compiled from many pieces of paper on which the author wrote down the ideas and novellea that occurred to him while reciting Tehillim (see the foreword of the publisher R. Moshe David Teitelbaum). Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar (the author's great-great-grandson) related that some of the Yismach Moshe's commentaries to Tehillim were written on the back of Kvitlach that were brought to him (see: R. Yosef Moshe Sofer, HaGaon HaKadosh Baal Yishmach Moshe, Brooklyn 1984, p. 160).
The book was first published in Krakow in 1880, with a foreword and a brief approbation by the Yitav Lev, and a foreword by the publisher, his grandson R. Moshe David Teitelbaum. In their forewords, they both mention that the original writings were written concisely and often required connecting phrases and deciphering of the sources; the Yitav Lev undertook this task. The book was reprinted with additions from the author's manuscript, in Svaliava in 1907, with another foreword by the publisher R. Moshe David. It has since been reprinted a number of times. From examining this manuscript, one can learn of the extent of the Yitav Lev's editing of his grandfather's work.
[4], 52, 52-56, 59-93 leaves (the foliation is not continuous; total of 105 leaves, 210 written pages). 42 cm. Condition varies, most leaves in good condition. Large tears to 19 leaves, significantly affecting text. Wear, many dampstains.
--------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
R. Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Ujhely (1759-1841), was the progenitor of the Sighet and Satmar dynasties, as well as other prominent Chassidic dynasties. Renowned already in his youth as an outstanding Torah scholar, he merited studying in the beit midrash of the Vilna Gaon. He served as rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa) and Ujhely. He embraced Chassidut is his later years, and became a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. In 1808, he was appointed rabbi of Ujhely and began disseminating Chassidut in Hungary. He was renowned in his times as rebbe and wonder-worker and frequently gave out amulets. His books include: Responsa Heshiv Moshe on Halacha, Yismach Moshe on the Torah and Tefillah L'Moshe on Tehillim.
Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum (1808-1883), son of R. Elazar Nisan Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, and son-in-law of R. Moshe David Ashkenazi – rabbi of Tolcsva who immigrated to Safed. He was a close disciple of his grandfather the Yismach Moshe – Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhely, who drew him especially close and disclosed to him Heavenly revelations which he had perceived with Divine inspiration. He was also a disciple of Rebbe Asher Yeshaya of Ropshitz. In 1833 (at the age of 25), he was appointed rabbi of Stropkov, and after the passing of his illustrious grandfather, he was selected to succeed him as rabbi of Ujhely (Sátoraljaújhely). He was then appointed rabbi of Gorlitz (Gorlice), and later of Drohobych. In 1858, he went to serve as rabbi of Sighet, capital of the Maramureș region, and founded there a large yeshiva, which numbered at its zenith two hundred students. Amongst his renowned disciples from that time was R. Shlomo Leib Tabak author of Erech Shai and head of the Sighet Beit Din. His grandson attested that "he was a merciful father to his disciples, carrying them on his shoulders as a nurse carries a suckling, and overseeing each one individually to ensure they studied Torah in holiness and purity". In Sighet, he earnt worldwide renown, and thousands of Chassidim flocked to seek his counsel and wisdom, blessing and salvation. He was renowned for his exceptional holiness, and his grandson R. Yoel of Satmar attested that his holiness was never tainted. Numerous stories circulated of the wonders he performed, including incredible insights which were revealed to him with Divine Inspiration and through his exceptional wisdom. He was reputed in his generation as one who could read the minds of those standing before him, and amazing stories were told of this ability. His epitaph reads: "The renowned rabbi, he edified upstanding and reputable disciples, left behind valuable compositions". He is renowned for his books: Yitav Lev on the Torah, Yitav Panim on the Festivals, Rav Tuv on the Torah and Responsa Avnei Tzedek.
Handwritten leaf, aggadic novellae, by R. Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Újhely, author of Yismach Moshe. Handwritten by a scribe. With notes handwritten by his grandson and disciple Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev. [The notes were written between 1851 and 1883].
Large-format leaf, written on both sides (two columns per page), copying of aggadic novellae of the Yismach Moshe, in preparation for print, including two novellae revealed to him in a dream and a novella on Tractate Shabbat which was never printed. With two notes by his grandson, the Yitav Lev. The heading on the first page reads: "Selections".
In the left column of the second page: Copying of an account written by the Yismach Moshe, describing a dream in which it was revealed to him that interpreting midrashim which are difficult to comprehend is a great mitzvah. He then expands on the matter. At the end of the page, following this copying, is a note in the handwriting of the Yitav Lev: "So says the editor: I have already copied this in the weekly portion of Mishpatim… however, several words were erroneously omitted during printing, therefore I have decided to copy it here in its entirety…".
The account of the dream was printed in the book Yismach Moshe in the weekly portion of Mishpatim (p. 55b, Lviv 1850 edition), but with several textual variations (as mentioned by his grandson the Yitav Lev). In the printed book, preceding the dream, the Yitav Lev writes: "So says the editor: I have decided to copy here that which I have heard from his holy mouth, and is also found written in a manuscript". The account of the dream and the preceding words of the Yitav Lev were printed in all editions of the book Yismach Moshe, as well as in dozens of books which copied it, using the erroneous text and not the correct version as it appears here. Apparently, the Yitav Lev's aforementioned note was also never printed.
In the right column of the first page: Copying of an account written by the Yismach Moshe, describing another dream, "On Monday Rosh Chodesh Iyar 1796, I fell asleep over a book and it was revealed to me…". This section is headed with the note, apparently also handwritten by the Yitav Lev: "So says the editor, here is the place to copy that which I have found in the holy manuscript of my father the author…".
This account and the preceding words were printed in the book Yismach Moshe in the weekly portion of VaYetze (p. 72a, Lviv 1849 edition), but with textual variations. The printed version is dated "2nd day of Rosh Chodesh Adar", whereas this leaf reads Iyar. In addition, the word "book" (in Hebrew: sefer), in the phrase "I fell asleep over a book", was abbreviated in the printed version, and later erroneously deciphered in some editions as "sofa" (in Hebrew: sapah).
A novella beginning with the words "In Tractate Shabbat" appears in the left column of the first page. It was apparently never printed.
The writings of the Yismach Moshe include many wondrous novellae revealed to him in dreams. His great-great-grandson, R. Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposh (Târgu Lăpuş), writes in his book Tehillah L'Moshe: "His visions and dreams were wondrous, and he said that his dreams are similar to prophecy; several times he lectured in his dream astute teachings".
Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam Rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa) heard an interesting testimony from the Yismach Moshe regarding the interpretation of difficult midrashim. The Yismach Moshe was often troubled by the fact that his astute explanations of difficult midrashim may not be "true Torah", not being the correct interpretation of the midrash. He then "received in his dream a Divine revelation, that if one explains rationally… even if the explanation deviates from the truth… as originally intended, now in Heaven it is deemed as truth". This testimony is brought by the Munkatcher Rebbe, author of Minchat Elazar, in his book Divrei Torah (Mahadura Shetitaa, section 36). The Minchat Elazar adds there that many believed this dream to be the same dream described in the present manuscript (on the second page).
The Yitav Lev inherited all the manuscripts of his grandfather the Yismach Moshe (manuscripts which were by no means prepared for print), and he arranged their copying and editing, adding his own glosses and notes. Between 1849 and 1861, he published the five volumes of Yismach Moshe on the Torah. The Yitav Lev delegated the task of copying and publishing the rest of his grandfather's manuscripts, to his son-in-law R. Yisrael Yaakov Yukel Teitelbaum Rabbi of Gorlitz and to his grandson R. Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposh (Tîrgu Lăpuş).
[1] leaf. Approx. 42 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming to top of leaf, affecting text.
--------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
R. Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Ujhely (1759-1841), was the progenitor of the Sighet and Satmar dynasties, as well as other prominent Chassidic dynasties. Renowned already in his youth as an outstanding Torah scholar, he merited studying in the beit midrash of the Vilna Gaon. He served as rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa) and Ujhely. He embraced Chassidut is his later years, and became a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. In 1808, he was appointed rabbi of Ujhely and began disseminating Chassidut in Hungary. He was renowned in his times as rebbe and wonder-worker and frequently gave out amulets. His books include: Responsa Heshiv Moshe on Halacha, Yismach Moshe on the Torah and Tefillah L'Moshe on Tehillim.
Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum (1808-1883), son of R. Elazar Nisan Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, and son-in-law of R. Moshe David Ashkenazi – rabbi of Tolcsva who immigrated to Safed. He was a close disciple of his grandfather the Yismach Moshe – Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhely, who drew him especially close and disclosed to him Heavenly revelations which he had perceived with Divine inspiration. He was also a disciple of Rebbe Asher Yeshaya of Ropshitz. In 1833 (at the age of 25), he was appointed rabbi of Stropkov, and after the passing of his illustrious grandfather, he was selected to succeed him as rabbi of Ujhely (Sátoraljaújhely). He was then appointed rabbi of Gorlitz (Gorlice), and later of Drohobych. In 1858, he went to serve as rabbi of Sighet, capital of the Maramureș region, and founded there a large yeshiva, which numbered at its zenith two hundred students. Amongst his renowned disciples from that time was R. Shlomo Leib Tabak author of Erech Shai and head of the Sighet Beit Din. His grandson attested that "he was a merciful father to his disciples, carrying them on his shoulders as a nurse carries a suckling, and overseeing each one individually to ensure they studied Torah in holiness and purity". In Sighet, he earnt worldwide renown, and thousands of Chassidim flocked to seek his counsel and wisdom, blessing and salvation. He was renowned for his exceptional holiness, and his grandson R. Yoel of Satmar attested that his holiness was never tainted. Numerous stories circulated of the wonders he performed, including incredible insights which were revealed to him with Divine Inspiration and through his exceptional wisdom. He was reputed in his generation as one who could read the minds of those standing before him, and amazing stories were told of this ability. His epitaph reads: "The renowned rabbi, he edified upstanding and reputable disciples, left behind valuable compositions". He is renowned for his books: Yitav Lev on the Torah, Yitav Panim on the Festivals, Rav Tuv on the Torah and Responsa Avnei Tzedek.
![Tur Choshen Mishpat, with the commentaries Bayit Chadash and Drisha UPrisha. Two parts. Frankfurt am Main, [1716].
Two part](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/131_1.jpg "Tur Choshen Mishpat, Two Parts – Frankfurt am Main, 1716 – Copy of the")
![Tur Choshen Mishpat, with the commentaries Bayit Chadash and Drisha UPrisha. Two parts. Frankfurt am Main, [1716].
Two part](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/131_2.jpg "Tur Choshen Mishpat, Two Parts – Frankfurt am Main, 1716 – Copy of the")
![Tur Choshen Mishpat, with the commentaries Bayit Chadash and Drisha UPrisha. Two parts. Frankfurt am Main, [1716].
Two part](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/131_3.jpg "Tur Choshen Mishpat, Two Parts – Frankfurt am Main, 1716 – Copy of the")
Two parts in two volumes. First edition of Drisha UPrisha on Choshen Mishpat.
Copy of R. Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhely, author of Yismach Moshe, with glosses handwritten by him.
An inscription on the front flyleaf of Vol. I attests that the book was owned by the Yismach Moshe: "This book which previously belonged to… R. Moshe Teitelbaum, now belongs to… R. Moshe in Bottyán [Boťany]" (the signature of "Moshe son of R. Sh. of Bottyán" appears on the title page of this volume).
Four short glosses, to the Bach and the Drisha in Chapter I, handwritten by the Yismach Moshe.
Ownership inscriptions from 1744 appear on the title pages of both volumes: "…Yisrael son of R. Koppel Gerber of Manheim" (it can be concluded from the fact that both volumes were originally owned by the same person, that the second volume too belonged to the Yismach Moshe). Additional ownership inscriptions in both volumes.
The Yismach Moshe was accustomed to writing glosses in his many books (see: R. Yosef Moshe Sofer, HaGaon HaKadosh Baal Yismach Moshe, Brooklyn 1984, pp. 177-178). His grandson Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum copied in his book Yitav Panim (Lemberg 1883 edition, p. 154b, 4) a gloss written by the Yismach Moshe on the margin of his Tur, and his manuscript composition on Choshen Mishpat is mentioned in his book Yishmach Moshe: "It is explained in my composition on Choshen Mishpat Chapter 291…" (Parashat Noach, Lemberg 1849 edition, p. 25a).
Vol. I: [2], 52, 242, 244-267 leaves. Lacking leaf 243. Vol. II: [1], 120, 187 leaves. 31.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears to title pages, slightly affecting the borders, repaired with paper. Tears to a few leaves, some affecting text, repaired with paper. Open tears to endpapers, some repaired with tape. The gloss on leaf 4b is trimmed. Stamps. New leather bindings.
Fine, wide-margined copy, with handwritten glosses. The handwriting was identified as that of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, author of Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch.
These glosses, on the laws of theft and robbery (sections 4, 15, pp. 156a, 157b), are replacements of entire sections omitted by the censor.
The first three editions of Shulchan Aruch HaRav were not censored; however, starting with the fourth edition (Warsaw 1838), the censors started removing passages and sometimes even entire sections of the Shulchan Aruch. The censorship was especially strict in regards to halachic works related to Choshen Mishpat (see: R. Yehoshua Mondshine, Sifrei Halacha shel Admor HaZaken – Bibliography, p. 36 onwards).
In this copy, the Tzemach Tzedek added, in his own handwriting, the omitted sections dealing with taxes, robbery and a gentile's mistake, in their entirety, as they were printed in the first edition of Shulchan Aruch HaRav. The Tzemach Tzedek also added parenthesis in several places, around words which were added by the censors.
R. Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch (1789-1866) – third rebbe in the Chabad Chassidic dynasty. Grandson and close disciple of Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya, and son-in-law of his uncle, the Mitteler Rebbe, R. Dov Ber Shneuri. He was orphaned of his mother at the age of three, and was raised as a cherished son in the home of his grandfather the Baal HaTanya, remaining faithfully at his side for many years. After the passing of his father-in-law the Mitteler Rebbe in 1827, he began leading the Chabad Chassidut, a position he held for over 36 years.
During the Tzemach Tzedek's leadership, the Chabad Chassidic court expanded greatly, until it became the largest faction of Russian Jewry. Hundreds of thousands of Jews from throughout Belarus, Lithuania and Ukraine followed the Tzemach Tzedek, cleaving to him with absolute devotion. Apart from serving as rebbe and guide for his Chassidim, the Tzemach Tzedek was a leading halachic authority of his generation. He issued thousands of responsa (in response to queries he received from rabbis and dayanim throughout Eastern-European countries). The Tzemach Tzedek also disseminated the teachings of his grandfather the Baal HaTanya, whether via his thousands of oral discourses, or through his prolific writing – in Halacha, Chassidut and Kabbalah. The books that theTzemach Tzedek edited and published – Torah Or and Likutei Torah were heavily censored by the Russian authorities; dozens of sections of the original text were omitted and censored. These sections were copied by his disciples and some were later printed as supplements to new editions of Torah Or and Likutei Torah. R. Eliyahu Yosef Rivlin, author of Ohalei Yosef, a foremost disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek, was in the possession of a copy of Likutei Torah, the volumes of which were filled with marginalia – copyings from the manuscript of his teacher Tzemach Tzedek, including sectioned omitted by the cencorship and not yet printed (see: R. Yehoshua Mondshine, HaMasa HaAcharon, pp. 140-143, and in the notes).
The Tzemach Tzedek was the authoritative figure in all personal and communal matters of Belarus Jewry – "Every marital match, divorce and business deal, was only concluded with his blessing. Every dispute was brought to be judged before him. Without his approbation, no community appointed a rabbi nor Shochet… all the needs of the Jewish people were beknown to him, their business dealings, familial and communal lives" (Alexander Ziskind Rabinowitz – Azar, History of the Schneersohn Family, HaAsif, 1889, p. 166). In 1843, he spent a half a year in St. Petersburg together with R. Yitzchak of Volozhin, participating in various conferences convened by the Tsarist government, to determine many crucial communal matters relating to Russian Jewry. During these conferences, he fiercely opposed the maskilim who wished to revise the Jewish education system.
The Tzemach Tzedek earnt the reputation of a holy, G-dly man, benefitting from Divine Inspiration and effecting salvations, whose prayers and blessings did not go unanswered. Wondrous stories surrounding him abound, regarding the Divine inspiration with which he was able to guide agunot to find their husbands, living or dead, allowing them to remarry. Several of these stories were written soon after his passing by his disciple R. Yaakov Kadanir at the end of his book Sipurim Nora'im (Lviv, 1875).
[1], 133-167 leaves. 22.5 cm. Wide margins. Good condition. The glosses are slightly trimmed, with damage to a few words. Stains. Stamp. New binding.