Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
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Displaying 97 - 108 of 183
![Knesset HaGedolah, on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat, by R. Chaim Benveniste. Fürth, [1692]. Second edition.
Copy of t](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/97_1.jpg "Knesset HaGedolah – Fürth, 1692 – Copy of the Pnei Yehoshua – With His")
![Knesset HaGedolah, on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat, by R. Chaim Benveniste. Fürth, [1692]. Second edition.
Copy of t](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/97_2.jpg "Knesset HaGedolah – Fürth, 1692 – Copy of the Pnei Yehoshua – With His")
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000
Sold for: $22,500
Including buyer's premium
Knesset HaGedolah, on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat, by R. Chaim Benveniste. Fürth, [1692]. Second edition.
Copy of the Pnei Yehoshua. The back endpaper bears several of his signatures and quill trials: "Yoshua son of R. Tzvi Hirsh"; "Purchased with my wealth in honor of my Creator, Yoshua son R. Tzvi… Hirsh"; ownership inscription: "…R. Yaakov Yoshua".
R. Yaakov Yehoshua Falk, author of Pnei Yehoshua (1680-1756), born in Cracow, served as rabbi of several important cities: Lviv (1718-1720), the Lviv region (1722-1730), Berlin (1730-1733), Metz (1734-1740) and Frankfurt am Main (1740-1750). His yeshiva in Frankfurt was the most prominent of all the Ashkenazi yeshivas in his times and produced great Torah scholars, including the renowned Kabbalist R. Natan Adler. His four-part work Pnei Yehoshua on Talmudic tractates, earned him everlasting renown and became a classic Torah text, regularly studied to this day. The Mareh Yechezkel of Deyzh writes in his Responsa Avnei Tzedek, in the name of his teacher the Chatam Sofer: "I have heard directly from the mouth of my teacher the Chatam Sofer that from the time the Rashba wrote his composition, no composition was written that can compare to the Pnei Yehoshua". The Chida, in his book Shem HaGedolim, writes: "The work Pnei Yehoshua earned him worldwide renown… I merited visiting him for several days, and his appearance is like an angel of G-d, and he gifted me with the book Pnei Yehoshua".
The Pnei Yehoshua was first named Yehoshua (after his grandfather, author of Meginei Shlomo); the name Yaakov was added later in his life (apparently due to illness), as he mentions in the preface to his book. In 1721, he already signed with both names. The signatures in this book are apparently from his youth (before 1721), prior to the addition of the name Yaakov.
He was accustomed to signing "Yoshua" and not "Yehoshua", as can be seen in his signatures in this book (see also a picture of a signature from his later years in the book Pnei Yehoshua published by HaMaor, Vol. I, Jerusalem 2006, p. 14). Likewise, on the title pages of the two parts of his book printed during his lifetime, his name is spelled "Yaakov Yoshua". His grandfather, author of Meginei Shlomo, after whom he was named, also used to sign his name the same way. The reason for this was to refrain from writing most of the letters of the name of G-d.
Ownership inscriptions on the title page, signatures and stamps of Eliezer and Elimelech Shubman of Lublin.
196 leaves. 30 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Stains and traces of past dampness to margins. Worming. Marginal tears to approx. 10 first leaves, repaired with paper, affecting the border of the title page and text (mostly in the first leaves). Small hole damaging a small part of the text in the center of several leaves. Repaired tear to last leaf. Handwritten inscriptions and stamps. New leather binding.
Copy of the Pnei Yehoshua. The back endpaper bears several of his signatures and quill trials: "Yoshua son of R. Tzvi Hirsh"; "Purchased with my wealth in honor of my Creator, Yoshua son R. Tzvi… Hirsh"; ownership inscription: "…R. Yaakov Yoshua".
R. Yaakov Yehoshua Falk, author of Pnei Yehoshua (1680-1756), born in Cracow, served as rabbi of several important cities: Lviv (1718-1720), the Lviv region (1722-1730), Berlin (1730-1733), Metz (1734-1740) and Frankfurt am Main (1740-1750). His yeshiva in Frankfurt was the most prominent of all the Ashkenazi yeshivas in his times and produced great Torah scholars, including the renowned Kabbalist R. Natan Adler. His four-part work Pnei Yehoshua on Talmudic tractates, earned him everlasting renown and became a classic Torah text, regularly studied to this day. The Mareh Yechezkel of Deyzh writes in his Responsa Avnei Tzedek, in the name of his teacher the Chatam Sofer: "I have heard directly from the mouth of my teacher the Chatam Sofer that from the time the Rashba wrote his composition, no composition was written that can compare to the Pnei Yehoshua". The Chida, in his book Shem HaGedolim, writes: "The work Pnei Yehoshua earned him worldwide renown… I merited visiting him for several days, and his appearance is like an angel of G-d, and he gifted me with the book Pnei Yehoshua".
The Pnei Yehoshua was first named Yehoshua (after his grandfather, author of Meginei Shlomo); the name Yaakov was added later in his life (apparently due to illness), as he mentions in the preface to his book. In 1721, he already signed with both names. The signatures in this book are apparently from his youth (before 1721), prior to the addition of the name Yaakov.
He was accustomed to signing "Yoshua" and not "Yehoshua", as can be seen in his signatures in this book (see also a picture of a signature from his later years in the book Pnei Yehoshua published by HaMaor, Vol. I, Jerusalem 2006, p. 14). Likewise, on the title pages of the two parts of his book printed during his lifetime, his name is spelled "Yaakov Yoshua". His grandfather, author of Meginei Shlomo, after whom he was named, also used to sign his name the same way. The reason for this was to refrain from writing most of the letters of the name of G-d.
Ownership inscriptions on the title page, signatures and stamps of Eliezer and Elimelech Shubman of Lublin.
196 leaves. 30 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Stains and traces of past dampness to margins. Worming. Marginal tears to approx. 10 first leaves, repaired with paper, affecting the border of the title page and text (mostly in the first leaves). Small hole damaging a small part of the text in the center of several leaves. Repaired tear to last leaf. Handwritten inscriptions and stamps. New leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
![Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, complete set in four volumes. Amsterdam, [1702-1703]. The most accurate edition of the books of](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/98_1.jpg "Mishneh Torah by the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1702 (Michtav) – Complete Set")
![Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, complete set in four volumes. Amsterdam, [1702-1703]. The most accurate edition of the books of](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/98_2.jpg "Mishneh Torah by the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1702 (Michtav) – Complete Set")
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, complete set in four volumes. Amsterdam, [1702-1703]. The most accurate edition of the books of the Rambam, which served as basis for most subsequent editions. The first volume has an additional, engraved title page. Two volumes contain illustration plates pertaining to the laws of Shabbat, Sukkah, Kiddush HaChodesh and Kilayim. Four volumes.
Signature of R. " Zerach Eidlitz" of Prague on the engraved title page of the first volume, as well as other ownership inscriptions. On the title page of the second volume, ownership inscriptions (slightly trimmed) attesting that the book belongs to R. Zerach Eidlitz: "This book belongs to the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Zerach of Prague, and I hereby affix my signature to this, Yaakov…". Quotation marks were added to the page number of p. 7 (ז) in this volume, presumably by R. Zerach (in allusion to his name, which begins with a "ז", supposedly to prevent theft). This marking is found in all the volumes, and it is therefore assumed that the entire set belonged to him.
A few handwritten glosses from several writers.
R. Zerach Eidlitz (ca. 1725-1780), author of Or LaYesharim. A leading rabbi and Torah disseminator in Prague in the time of the Noda BiYehuda. He served as preacher and dayan. He devoted himself to the education of young boys, and edified thousands of disciples, whom he enthused in Torah study through his unique and profound study method, and many of them grew up to be the Torah leaders of their generation. His epitaph attests that he imparted knowledge to his disciples unceasingly for forty years.
In his youth, he studied under R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, who raised him as a son after he was orphaned from his father. R. Zerach relates to this fact in his eulogy of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, and recounts that he was particularly cherished by his teacher, "…and of course I loved him very much, more than his other disciples did…". With time, he became a preacher and reprover of the public in the various synagogues in Prague. His sermons created a powerful impact, to the point that the Noda BiYehuda – rabbi of the city, and other Torah scholars would come to hear his passionate discourses, which displayed exceptional brilliance. The Noda BiYehuda wrote in his approbation to Or LaYesharim, R. Zerach Eidlitz's book of homily (Prague, 1785): "…he disseminated Torah with perspicacity and erudition throughout his entire life, he edified many disciples as is well-known, and apart from being very astute and sharp-witted in the study of Halacha… he was also very wise in delivering Aggadah and words of reproach, as he preached frequently in the synagogues of our community, and I heard from him delightful words, which penetrated the hearts of the listeners, impassioning them in fear of G-d". The Noda BiYehuda concludes: "Certainly one who reads these homilies will acquire thereby fear of his Creator, and will fortify himself like a lion to achieve complete repentance".
[9], 327, [6] leaves; [2], 227, [4] leaves; [2], 368, [9] leaves; [1], 309, [13] leaves. 35 cm. [2] Illustrated plates in vol. I (out of the [6] leaves of the last sequence) are bound before leaf 327. Overall good condition. Stains. Dampstains to several leaves. In vol. I, open tears to both title pages. Tears to several leaves, repaired. Paper repairs, primarily to first and final leaves. Tear affecting text to one leaf in vol. IV. New, elegant leather bindings.
See: Stefansky Classics, p. 48.
Signature of R. " Zerach Eidlitz" of Prague on the engraved title page of the first volume, as well as other ownership inscriptions. On the title page of the second volume, ownership inscriptions (slightly trimmed) attesting that the book belongs to R. Zerach Eidlitz: "This book belongs to the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Zerach of Prague, and I hereby affix my signature to this, Yaakov…". Quotation marks were added to the page number of p. 7 (ז) in this volume, presumably by R. Zerach (in allusion to his name, which begins with a "ז", supposedly to prevent theft). This marking is found in all the volumes, and it is therefore assumed that the entire set belonged to him.
A few handwritten glosses from several writers.
R. Zerach Eidlitz (ca. 1725-1780), author of Or LaYesharim. A leading rabbi and Torah disseminator in Prague in the time of the Noda BiYehuda. He served as preacher and dayan. He devoted himself to the education of young boys, and edified thousands of disciples, whom he enthused in Torah study through his unique and profound study method, and many of them grew up to be the Torah leaders of their generation. His epitaph attests that he imparted knowledge to his disciples unceasingly for forty years.
In his youth, he studied under R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, who raised him as a son after he was orphaned from his father. R. Zerach relates to this fact in his eulogy of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, and recounts that he was particularly cherished by his teacher, "…and of course I loved him very much, more than his other disciples did…". With time, he became a preacher and reprover of the public in the various synagogues in Prague. His sermons created a powerful impact, to the point that the Noda BiYehuda – rabbi of the city, and other Torah scholars would come to hear his passionate discourses, which displayed exceptional brilliance. The Noda BiYehuda wrote in his approbation to Or LaYesharim, R. Zerach Eidlitz's book of homily (Prague, 1785): "…he disseminated Torah with perspicacity and erudition throughout his entire life, he edified many disciples as is well-known, and apart from being very astute and sharp-witted in the study of Halacha… he was also very wise in delivering Aggadah and words of reproach, as he preached frequently in the synagogues of our community, and I heard from him delightful words, which penetrated the hearts of the listeners, impassioning them in fear of G-d". The Noda BiYehuda concludes: "Certainly one who reads these homilies will acquire thereby fear of his Creator, and will fortify himself like a lion to achieve complete repentance".
[9], 327, [6] leaves; [2], 227, [4] leaves; [2], 368, [9] leaves; [1], 309, [13] leaves. 35 cm. [2] Illustrated plates in vol. I (out of the [6] leaves of the last sequence) are bound before leaf 327. Overall good condition. Stains. Dampstains to several leaves. In vol. I, open tears to both title pages. Tears to several leaves, repaired. Paper repairs, primarily to first and final leaves. Tear affecting text to one leaf in vol. IV. New, elegant leather bindings.
See: Stefansky Classics, p. 48.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Midrash Shocher Tov, on Tehillim, Mishlei and the book of Shmuel, with glosses and explanations by R. Yitzchak Katz (son-in-law of the Maharal of Prague). Prague, Yaakov son of R. Gershon Bak [1613]. First edition of Hagahot Mahari Katz.
Copy of R. Natan Adler. Ownership inscriptions on front flyleaf, attesting that the book belonged to him: " Belongs to… the famous Rabbi Natan Adler Katz…"; a similar inscription signed "Tevele son of A.M.Tz."; German inscription from Frankfurt, 1776, mentioning "Nathan Simon Adler". Inscription signed by R. "Wolf Heidenheim" who purchased the book from "R. Avraham Stern the bookseller" in the month of Kislev 1800 (after the passing of R. Natan Adler). The original stamp of R. Wolf Heidenheim appears on the title page. Signatures of "Avraham HaKohen of Głogów" in Hebrew and German. Long and brief glosses and short revisions in the handwriting of several writers (some apparently, were written by R. Wolf Heidenheim. Possibly, one correction is in the handwriting of R. Natan Adler).
R. Natan HaKohen Adler (1741-1800) was born in Frankfurt am Main to R. Yaakov Shimon Adler. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and eminent kabbalist. He headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt, and was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer – the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as "my prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles. He suffered much persecution from the residents of his city, who even forbade him from holding prayers services in his Beit Midrash conforming with his singular kabbalistic customs. In 1782, R. Natan Adler left Frankfurt and settled in Boskowitz (Boskovice), Moravia. His disciple R. Moshe Sofer (the Chatam Sofer) remained with him, accompanying him to Boskowitz where he continued studying under him. R. Natan Adler served for only two years in Boskowitz, and this was the only time he held a rabbinic position. In ca. 1785, he returned to his home and Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
R. Ze'ev Wolf Heidenheim (1757-1832), renowned commentator, grammarian and Masorah researcher. In his printing press in Rödelheim (near Frankfurt am Main), he printed his books on Hebrew grammar, his Masorah-accurate chumashim, and his famous machzorim – Sefer Kerovot, which contributed greatly to the research and preservation of the piyyutim of Ashkenazi rites (the Chatam Sofer praised his books and cites the commentaries and corrections of "HaChacham R. Wolf Heidenheim" many times in his sermons and writings).
31, [1], 37-88, 69-86 leaves. 28.5 cm. Darkened paper. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Tears and damage to margins of title page and of several other leaves. Leaves trimmed with minor damage to headings of several leaves. New leather binding.
See: Stefansky Classics, no. 130.
Copy of R. Natan Adler. Ownership inscriptions on front flyleaf, attesting that the book belonged to him: " Belongs to… the famous Rabbi Natan Adler Katz…"; a similar inscription signed "Tevele son of A.M.Tz."; German inscription from Frankfurt, 1776, mentioning "Nathan Simon Adler". Inscription signed by R. "Wolf Heidenheim" who purchased the book from "R. Avraham Stern the bookseller" in the month of Kislev 1800 (after the passing of R. Natan Adler). The original stamp of R. Wolf Heidenheim appears on the title page. Signatures of "Avraham HaKohen of Głogów" in Hebrew and German. Long and brief glosses and short revisions in the handwriting of several writers (some apparently, were written by R. Wolf Heidenheim. Possibly, one correction is in the handwriting of R. Natan Adler).
R. Natan HaKohen Adler (1741-1800) was born in Frankfurt am Main to R. Yaakov Shimon Adler. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and eminent kabbalist. He headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt, and was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer – the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as "my prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles. He suffered much persecution from the residents of his city, who even forbade him from holding prayers services in his Beit Midrash conforming with his singular kabbalistic customs. In 1782, R. Natan Adler left Frankfurt and settled in Boskowitz (Boskovice), Moravia. His disciple R. Moshe Sofer (the Chatam Sofer) remained with him, accompanying him to Boskowitz where he continued studying under him. R. Natan Adler served for only two years in Boskowitz, and this was the only time he held a rabbinic position. In ca. 1785, he returned to his home and Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
R. Ze'ev Wolf Heidenheim (1757-1832), renowned commentator, grammarian and Masorah researcher. In his printing press in Rödelheim (near Frankfurt am Main), he printed his books on Hebrew grammar, his Masorah-accurate chumashim, and his famous machzorim – Sefer Kerovot, which contributed greatly to the research and preservation of the piyyutim of Ashkenazi rites (the Chatam Sofer praised his books and cites the commentaries and corrections of "HaChacham R. Wolf Heidenheim" many times in his sermons and writings).
31, [1], 37-88, 69-86 leaves. 28.5 cm. Darkened paper. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Tears and damage to margins of title page and of several other leaves. Leaves trimmed with minor damage to headings of several leaves. New leather binding.
See: Stefansky Classics, no. 130.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
![Commentary on the Rambam, by R. David Arama. Amsterdam, [1706]. Second edition.
The signature of R. "
Natan Adler&quo](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/100_1.jpg "Commentary of Rabbi David Arama on the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1706 – Sign")
![Commentary on the Rambam, by R. David Arama. Amsterdam, [1706]. Second edition.
The signature of R. "
Natan Adler&quo](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/100_2.jpg "Commentary of Rabbi David Arama on the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1706 – Sign")
![Commentary on the Rambam, by R. David Arama. Amsterdam, [1706]. Second edition.
The signature of R. "
Natan Adler&quo](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/100_3.jpg "Commentary of Rabbi David Arama on the Rambam – Amsterdam, 1706 – Sign")
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Commentary on the Rambam, by R. David Arama. Amsterdam, [1706]. Second edition.
The signature of R. " Natan Adler" appears in the center of the title page. Other signatures and dedications appear in the margins of the title page. Several handwritten scholarly glosses. An inscription attesting to having received the book from R. Natan Adler as a wedding gift appears on the endpaper: " Given to me for a wedding gift by Rabbi Natan Adler of Frankfurt am Main. Moshe Avraham Brandeis Segal".
R. Natan HaKohen Adler (1741-1800) was born in Frankfurt am Main to R. Yaakov Shimon Adler. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and eminent kabbalist. He headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt, and was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer – the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as "my prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles. He suffered much persecution from the residents of his city, who even forbade him from holding prayers services in his Beit Midrash conforming with his singular kabbalistic customs. In 1782, R. Natan Adler left Frankfurt and settled in Boskowitz (Boskovice), Moravia. His disciple R. Moshe Sofer (the Chatam Sofer) remained with him, accompanying him to Boskowitz where he continued studying under him. R. Natan Adler served for only two years in Boskowitz, and this was the only time he held a rabbinic position. In ca. 1785, he returned to his home and Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
The recipient, R. Moshe Avraham Brandeis Segal was apparently a descendant of the well-known Torah scholar R. Moshe Brandeis Segal (1680-1767), Rabbi of Schnaittach, Bumsla and Mainz, known as "Rabbi Moshe Charif".
[3], 2-40, [1], 42-85 leaves. Approx. 20 cm. High-quality paper. Wide margins. Good-fair condition. Dampstains. Wear to margins. Worming, affecting text. Damage and small tears to title page. New leather binding.
The signature of R. " Natan Adler" appears in the center of the title page. Other signatures and dedications appear in the margins of the title page. Several handwritten scholarly glosses. An inscription attesting to having received the book from R. Natan Adler as a wedding gift appears on the endpaper: " Given to me for a wedding gift by Rabbi Natan Adler of Frankfurt am Main. Moshe Avraham Brandeis Segal".
R. Natan HaKohen Adler (1741-1800) was born in Frankfurt am Main to R. Yaakov Shimon Adler. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and eminent kabbalist. He headed the yeshiva he established in his home in Frankfurt, and was the prime teacher of R. Moshe Sofer – the Chatam Sofer, who mentions him extensively in his books in matters of Halacha and Kabbalah, referring to him as "my prime teacher, the renowned and pious Torah scholar, the great eagle" (alluding to the name Adler, German for eagle), and other similar titles. He suffered much persecution from the residents of his city, who even forbade him from holding prayers services in his Beit Midrash conforming with his singular kabbalistic customs. In 1782, R. Natan Adler left Frankfurt and settled in Boskowitz (Boskovice), Moravia. His disciple R. Moshe Sofer (the Chatam Sofer) remained with him, accompanying him to Boskowitz where he continued studying under him. R. Natan Adler served for only two years in Boskowitz, and this was the only time he held a rabbinic position. In ca. 1785, he returned to his home and Beit Midrash in Frankfurt.
The recipient, R. Moshe Avraham Brandeis Segal was apparently a descendant of the well-known Torah scholar R. Moshe Brandeis Segal (1680-1767), Rabbi of Schnaittach, Bumsla and Mainz, known as "Rabbi Moshe Charif".
[3], 2-40, [1], 42-85 leaves. Approx. 20 cm. High-quality paper. Wide margins. Good-fair condition. Dampstains. Wear to margins. Worming, affecting text. Damage and small tears to title page. New leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
![Five books of the Torah, with Rashi commentary, Targum Onkelos and the Five Megillot. Vienna: Anton Schmidt, [1804].
A spec](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/101_1.jpg "Five Books of the Torah – Vienna, 1804 – Copy for Use of Jewish Witnes")
![Five books of the Torah, with Rashi commentary, Targum Onkelos and the Five Megillot. Vienna: Anton Schmidt, [1804].
A spec](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/101_2_.jpg "Five Books of the Torah – Vienna, 1804 – Copy for Use of Jewish Witnes")
![Five books of the Torah, with Rashi commentary, Targum Onkelos and the Five Megillot. Vienna: Anton Schmidt, [1804].
A spec](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/101_3.jpg "Five Books of the Torah – Vienna, 1804 – Copy for Use of Jewish Witnes")
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Five books of the Torah, with Rashi commentary, Targum Onkelos and the Five Megillot. Vienna: Anton Schmidt, [1804].
A special copy used for administering oaths to Jewish witnesses in a Christian court of law. A handwritten document in German is bound before the title page, signed by Carl (Carolus) Fischer, Royal-imperial censor, reviser of Jewish books and Hebrew translator, and by R. Elazar Fleckeles, head of the Prague Beit Din (in German). The document authorizes this book for administering oaths to Jews testifying in court and states the exact place in the book where one must rest one's hand while taking the oath (Vayikra 26:14 onwards – the curses in Parashat Bechukotai). The leaves of the book of Vayikra are numbered by hand. On folio 38, handwritten markings based on this document.
On the preceding leaf, another authorization signed by Carl Fischer.
Enclosed: a printed pamphlet, in German and Czech – official notice issued by Archduke Stephan Franz Victor ("Kundmachung des kaiserl. konigl. hohin. Landes Guberniums"), with regulations related to administering oaths to Jewish witnesses in court; Prague, January 1, 1847 (not in OCLC).
R. Elazar Fleckeles (1754-1826), leading disciple of the Noda BiYehuda and head of the Prague Beit Din. He served as rabbi of Kojetín from 1779, and in 1783 was appointed dayan and head of the Prague Beit Din. A leading Torah scholar of his generation. Author of Responsa Teshuva MeAhava (three parts) and other books.
R. Elazar Fleckeles and Carl Fischer maintained a remarkable friendship and even corresponded in Hebrew. Printed in his book, Teshuva MeAhava (I, 26), is a responsum which R. Elazar Fleckeles wrote to Mr. Fischer on the subject of Jews' oaths to non-Jews. Among other matters, he discusses the significance of a person placing his hand upon a Chumash, tefillin or on the Zohar while taking an oath. See enclosed material.
74; 72; 53; 62; 70 leaves (separate title page for each Chumash) + [2] leaves (at the beginning of the book) + printed pamphlet. 23.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming to several leaves. Original binding, with minor damage.
A special copy used for administering oaths to Jewish witnesses in a Christian court of law. A handwritten document in German is bound before the title page, signed by Carl (Carolus) Fischer, Royal-imperial censor, reviser of Jewish books and Hebrew translator, and by R. Elazar Fleckeles, head of the Prague Beit Din (in German). The document authorizes this book for administering oaths to Jews testifying in court and states the exact place in the book where one must rest one's hand while taking the oath (Vayikra 26:14 onwards – the curses in Parashat Bechukotai). The leaves of the book of Vayikra are numbered by hand. On folio 38, handwritten markings based on this document.
On the preceding leaf, another authorization signed by Carl Fischer.
Enclosed: a printed pamphlet, in German and Czech – official notice issued by Archduke Stephan Franz Victor ("Kundmachung des kaiserl. konigl. hohin. Landes Guberniums"), with regulations related to administering oaths to Jewish witnesses in court; Prague, January 1, 1847 (not in OCLC).
R. Elazar Fleckeles (1754-1826), leading disciple of the Noda BiYehuda and head of the Prague Beit Din. He served as rabbi of Kojetín from 1779, and in 1783 was appointed dayan and head of the Prague Beit Din. A leading Torah scholar of his generation. Author of Responsa Teshuva MeAhava (three parts) and other books.
R. Elazar Fleckeles and Carl Fischer maintained a remarkable friendship and even corresponded in Hebrew. Printed in his book, Teshuva MeAhava (I, 26), is a responsum which R. Elazar Fleckeles wrote to Mr. Fischer on the subject of Jews' oaths to non-Jews. Among other matters, he discusses the significance of a person placing his hand upon a Chumash, tefillin or on the Zohar while taking an oath. See enclosed material.
74; 72; 53; 62; 70 leaves (separate title page for each Chumash) + [2] leaves (at the beginning of the book) + printed pamphlet. 23.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming to several leaves. Original binding, with minor damage.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Nekudot HaKesef, on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah, by R. Shabtai Cohen, author of the Shach. Objections to the words of the Taz. Prague, [1777].
Copy of R. Mordechai Banet, Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Moravia. Ownership inscriptions on front flyleaf: " Gift of G-d to his servant Mordechai Banet of Nikolsburg"; " This book Nekudot HaKesef was granted by G-d [---] Aberel Banet of Nikolsburg" (possibly the signature of his eldest son, R. Yaakov Aberel Banet, 1779-1865).
On p. 23a, two long scholarly glosses (approx. 200 words), written in tiny close handwriting (apparently, the handwriting of R. Mordechai Banet).
R. Mordechai (Maharam) Banet (1753-1829), Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Chief Rabbi of Moravia, was a foremost leader of his generation. He was a disciple of the Noda BiYehuda and of R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg (R. Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz Rabbi of Nikolsburg, a Chassidic leader, brother of the Haflaah), who taught him Kabbalah. Reputedly, while staying in his teacher's house, he met R. Elimelech of Lizhensk the Noam Elimelech (some say it was the latter's brother, R. Zusha of Anipoli), who chastised him for his excessive fasting and asceticism, lest he jeopardize his health.
After the passing of R. Gershon Chayes rabbi of Nikolsburg, R. Banet was appointed in his stead rabbi of Nikolsburg and Chief Rabbi of Moravia, a position he held for some 40 years. He also headed the Nikolsburg yeshiva, which at its pinnacle comprised some 400 students. He was one of the prominent figures in the battle against the Reform movement which emerged in those days. He edified many disciples, some of whom became leading rabbis in that generation, including R. Simcha Bunim of Peshischa (Przysucha) – a leading Chassidic figure, R. Yehuda Aszód, R. Yirmiya Loew author of Divrei Yirmiya, and many others. He authored Techelet Mordechai – sermons, Har HaMor (Gedulat Mordechai) – responsa, Parashat Mordechai – responsa, Machashevet Mordechai – on the Torah, Sefer Maharam Banet (Divrei Mordechai) – novellae on Tur and Shulchan Aruch, and other works.
The Chatam Sofer eulogized him as a pious person, leader of the Jewish people and master in all areas of the Torah. In the Chatam Sofer's approbation to his responsa book Har HaMor (Gedulat Mordechai), he writes: "The great Torah scholar… leader of the whole Diaspora Jewry… who lit up the world with his Torah…".
[1], 2-44 leaves. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Stamps. New leather binding.
Copy of R. Mordechai Banet, Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Moravia. Ownership inscriptions on front flyleaf: " Gift of G-d to his servant Mordechai Banet of Nikolsburg"; " This book Nekudot HaKesef was granted by G-d [---] Aberel Banet of Nikolsburg" (possibly the signature of his eldest son, R. Yaakov Aberel Banet, 1779-1865).
On p. 23a, two long scholarly glosses (approx. 200 words), written in tiny close handwriting (apparently, the handwriting of R. Mordechai Banet).
R. Mordechai (Maharam) Banet (1753-1829), Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Chief Rabbi of Moravia, was a foremost leader of his generation. He was a disciple of the Noda BiYehuda and of R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg (R. Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz Rabbi of Nikolsburg, a Chassidic leader, brother of the Haflaah), who taught him Kabbalah. Reputedly, while staying in his teacher's house, he met R. Elimelech of Lizhensk the Noam Elimelech (some say it was the latter's brother, R. Zusha of Anipoli), who chastised him for his excessive fasting and asceticism, lest he jeopardize his health.
After the passing of R. Gershon Chayes rabbi of Nikolsburg, R. Banet was appointed in his stead rabbi of Nikolsburg and Chief Rabbi of Moravia, a position he held for some 40 years. He also headed the Nikolsburg yeshiva, which at its pinnacle comprised some 400 students. He was one of the prominent figures in the battle against the Reform movement which emerged in those days. He edified many disciples, some of whom became leading rabbis in that generation, including R. Simcha Bunim of Peshischa (Przysucha) – a leading Chassidic figure, R. Yehuda Aszód, R. Yirmiya Loew author of Divrei Yirmiya, and many others. He authored Techelet Mordechai – sermons, Har HaMor (Gedulat Mordechai) – responsa, Parashat Mordechai – responsa, Machashevet Mordechai – on the Torah, Sefer Maharam Banet (Divrei Mordechai) – novellae on Tur and Shulchan Aruch, and other works.
The Chatam Sofer eulogized him as a pious person, leader of the Jewish people and master in all areas of the Torah. In the Chatam Sofer's approbation to his responsa book Har HaMor (Gedulat Mordechai), he writes: "The great Torah scholar… leader of the whole Diaspora Jewry… who lit up the world with his Torah…".
[1], 2-44 leaves. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Stamps. New leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $13,750
Including buyer's premium
Sefer HaItur, by R. Yitzchak Abba Mori. Warsaw, 1801.
Copy of R. Yitzchak Lorberbaum of Lissa, with his handwritten ownership inscription and signature, from 1805, at the time he served as rabbi of Kałusz.
The interesting ownership inscription appears on the margin of the title page: " I have purchased… this book HaItur, for 14 Polish gold coins, Yaakov son of R. Y.M. Lorberbaum rabbi of Kałusz. Today 14th Chesvan 1805".
The famed Torah scholar R. Yaakov Lorberbaum Rabbi of Lissa (ca. 1770-1832), was a foremost rabbi and halachic authority in his times, son of R. Yaakov Moshe rabbi of Zborow (d. 24th Shevat 1770, probably, before his son was born). He was a disciple of R. Meshulam Igra of Tysmenytsya and close friend of the Ketzot HaChoshen and R. Akiva Eiger. He first served as rabbi of Monastyryska (Ternopil Oblast), and from 1791 as rabbi of Kałusz (Eastern Galicia). In 1809, he became rabbi of Lissa (Leszno, Western Poland), and thereafter became known as R. Yaakov of Lissa. In 1828, he was appointed rabbi of Stryi (Galicia), a position he held until his passing. Wherever he served as rabbi, he also served as yeshiva dean and many Torah scholars from Galicia, Poland and Prussia were his disciples. A prolific author, his works include: Netivot HaMishpat, Chavot Daat, Beit Yaakov, Torat Gittin, Mekor Chaim, Derech HaChaim and others. His works were accepted as halachically applicable, merited many editions and are studied to this day in all study halls and yeshivas.
[1], 96 leaves. 32 cm. Overall good to good-fair condition. Stains. Wear. Tear to title page (repaired with tape). Worming to top margins of leaves (slightly affecting the text of several leaves). Stamps. New, elegant leather binding.
Without [1] leaf – approbation of the Maggid of Kozhnitz (dated Cheshvan 1801), which was added to some copies after printing.
Copy of R. Yitzchak Lorberbaum of Lissa, with his handwritten ownership inscription and signature, from 1805, at the time he served as rabbi of Kałusz.
The interesting ownership inscription appears on the margin of the title page: " I have purchased… this book HaItur, for 14 Polish gold coins, Yaakov son of R. Y.M. Lorberbaum rabbi of Kałusz. Today 14th Chesvan 1805".
The famed Torah scholar R. Yaakov Lorberbaum Rabbi of Lissa (ca. 1770-1832), was a foremost rabbi and halachic authority in his times, son of R. Yaakov Moshe rabbi of Zborow (d. 24th Shevat 1770, probably, before his son was born). He was a disciple of R. Meshulam Igra of Tysmenytsya and close friend of the Ketzot HaChoshen and R. Akiva Eiger. He first served as rabbi of Monastyryska (Ternopil Oblast), and from 1791 as rabbi of Kałusz (Eastern Galicia). In 1809, he became rabbi of Lissa (Leszno, Western Poland), and thereafter became known as R. Yaakov of Lissa. In 1828, he was appointed rabbi of Stryi (Galicia), a position he held until his passing. Wherever he served as rabbi, he also served as yeshiva dean and many Torah scholars from Galicia, Poland and Prussia were his disciples. A prolific author, his works include: Netivot HaMishpat, Chavot Daat, Beit Yaakov, Torat Gittin, Mekor Chaim, Derech HaChaim and others. His works were accepted as halachically applicable, merited many editions and are studied to this day in all study halls and yeshivas.
[1], 96 leaves. 32 cm. Overall good to good-fair condition. Stains. Wear. Tear to title page (repaired with tape). Worming to top margins of leaves (slightly affecting the text of several leaves). Stamps. New, elegant leather binding.
Without [1] leaf – approbation of the Maggid of Kozhnitz (dated Cheshvan 1801), which was added to some copies after printing.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Kreiti UPleiti, commentary to Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah, by R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz. Vienna, 1819.
Copy of R. Shmuel Strashun of Vilna, author of Hagahot HaRashash, with his signatures and a gloss in his handwriting.
The signature " Shmuel Strashun" appears at the top of the title page. The endpapers bear ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Shmuel and others, including: "… Shmuel son of R. Yosef Strashun ---"; "Shmuel HaKatan"; "Yosef Strashun"; "Avraham"; "Avraham David", and more. At the top of the flyleaf is a long gloss handwritten by the Rashash, commenting on the words of the Pleiti in Chapter 13 (this gloss was printed in the Zichron Aharon edition of Kreiti UPleiti, Jerusalem, 2006, p. 54, in the name of "the Rashash in his manuscript"). Two scholarly glosses, in a different handwriting, appear on p. 195b.
R. Shmuel Strashun – the Rashash (1793-1872) was a leading Vilna Torah scholar. Disciple of R. Avraham Danzig, author of Chayei Adam. Son of R. Yosef of Zaskevich and son-in-law of the wealthy R. David from the village of Strashun, who moved with his family to Vilna and became one of the leaders of the Vilna community. His glosses on the Talmud were printed in the Vilna editions of the Talmud under the title Hagahot HaRashash, and they cover the entire Talmud (with the exception of only 8 pages – Gedolei HaDorot, II, p. 683). Hagahot HaRashash is a classic work on the Talmud, widely discussed in the books of the Achronim and in discourses of yeshiva deans. His glosses to the Mishnah, Midrash Raba and the Rambam were also printed. His son was the well-known Torah scholar and bibliophile R. Matityahu Strashun of Vilna whose private collection of books and manuscripts formed the basis for the Strashun Library of Vilna (this book bears a stamp of the library).
[2], 200 leaves. 32 cm. Greenish paper. Good condition. Stains and wear. Stamps. New, elegant leather binding.
Copy of R. Shmuel Strashun of Vilna, author of Hagahot HaRashash, with his signatures and a gloss in his handwriting.
The signature " Shmuel Strashun" appears at the top of the title page. The endpapers bear ownership inscriptions and signatures of R. Shmuel and others, including: "… Shmuel son of R. Yosef Strashun ---"; "Shmuel HaKatan"; "Yosef Strashun"; "Avraham"; "Avraham David", and more. At the top of the flyleaf is a long gloss handwritten by the Rashash, commenting on the words of the Pleiti in Chapter 13 (this gloss was printed in the Zichron Aharon edition of Kreiti UPleiti, Jerusalem, 2006, p. 54, in the name of "the Rashash in his manuscript"). Two scholarly glosses, in a different handwriting, appear on p. 195b.
R. Shmuel Strashun – the Rashash (1793-1872) was a leading Vilna Torah scholar. Disciple of R. Avraham Danzig, author of Chayei Adam. Son of R. Yosef of Zaskevich and son-in-law of the wealthy R. David from the village of Strashun, who moved with his family to Vilna and became one of the leaders of the Vilna community. His glosses on the Talmud were printed in the Vilna editions of the Talmud under the title Hagahot HaRashash, and they cover the entire Talmud (with the exception of only 8 pages – Gedolei HaDorot, II, p. 683). Hagahot HaRashash is a classic work on the Talmud, widely discussed in the books of the Achronim and in discourses of yeshiva deans. His glosses to the Mishnah, Midrash Raba and the Rambam were also printed. His son was the well-known Torah scholar and bibliophile R. Matityahu Strashun of Vilna whose private collection of books and manuscripts formed the basis for the Strashun Library of Vilna (this book bears a stamp of the library).
[2], 200 leaves. 32 cm. Greenish paper. Good condition. Stains and wear. Stamps. New, elegant leather binding.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Unsold
Lev Tov, laws, ethics and customs (vowelized Yiddish), by R. Yitzchak son of R. Elyakim of Posen. Vilna, 1864.
Copy of R. Nachum'ke of Horodna (Grodno). His stamp appears on five leaves: " Nachum son of R. Uziel Kaplan of Horodna".
R. Nachum'ke of Horodna – R. Menachem Nachum son of R. Uziel Kaplan (1811-1879) was a renowned tzaddik and charity collector. He was a Torah scholar known for his great diligence and brilliance, yet he never held a rabbinical position. The Chafetz Chaim considered him his prime teacher. At the age of 15, the Chafetz Chaim traveled to Horodna to observe R. Nachum'ke's good deeds, which were performed modestly and covertly. He later related that he managed to see his teacher secretly studying kabbalistic books at night and that he was surrounded by Divine fire (the Maggid R. Shalom Schwadron heard this from R. Leib Grossnass, as heard from R. Shalom of Eišiškės, a disciple of the Chafetz Chaim who heard it directly from his teacher; see: She'al Avicha V'Yagedcha, II, Jerusalem 1997, pp. 278-281).
R. Nachum'ke was famous and venerated throughout Lithuania and Poland. After his passing, most baby boys born in Grodno were named Nachum after him. In many Lithuanian and Polish homes, R. Nachum'ke's portrait was placed alongside the portraits of the Gaon of Vilna and R. Yitzchak Elchanan of Kovno.
R. Nachum'ke was born in the town of Baisogala in Northern-Lithuania (in Zamut – Samogitia) to a poor family of laborers. In his formative years, he had to wander from place to place in hunger. He was even sent to join a wandering children's choir led by a cantor. He later studied for several years in Siauliai, where he acquired vast Torah knowledge. After getting married, he lived in Nesvizh, later travelling to Volozhin to study at the Volozhin Yeshiva, where he was known as "the Matmid of Zamut". From Volozhin he moved to Kovno, where he studied in seclusion for several years. During that period, he used to devote entire weeks to Torah study, studying ceaselessly without speaking whatsoever of mundane matters, with little food or sleep. After such intensive weeks, he used to take care of his personal needs (washing and mending his clothing, corresponding with his family, etc.). Every year, in the month of Elul, he travelled to one of the small villages in his area to study Torah and devote himself to G-d's service in seclusion. He then travelled to Nesvizh to spend the holiday of Sukkot with his family, returning to his routine study schedule in Kovno after Simchat Torah.
In 1833, he moved with his family to Grodno, where he taught in the Chevra Shas synagogue and studied Torah alongside the Torah scholars of the city. He chose to devote his life to performing chessed rather than serving in the rabbanut. After several years, he accepted the position of shammash at the Chevra Shas Synagogue, and in addition to managing and cleaning the synagogue, he delivered discourses to laymen and young students. He devotedly collected money for the needy, going from house to house even during storms and blizzards, and secretly distributed the money to impoverished Torah scholars and to the poor population of the city, Jews and non-Jews alike. He was renowned among the non-Jewish population (a story by the Polish writer Eliza Orzeszkowa describes the care he afforded to the son of a poor widow).
Many were saved after giving him their donations to charity and receiving his blessings. When asked if he believes that his blessings are fulfilled, R. Nachum'ke answered that since he never spoke a false word, G-d does not allow his words to be false and fulfills his blessings (Toldot Menachem, p. 93).
His personal life was filled with suffering. He lost 20 children in his lifetime and was left with only one daughter (wife of R. Gavriel Zev Margolies, Rabbi in Grodno and in the United States), and his youngest son, R. Tuvia Kaplan who immigrated to Jerusalem.
Books from R. Nachum'ke's library, which was lost over the years, are very rare (to the best of our knowledge, no book belonging to R. Nachum of Grodno or letter bearing his signature have been offered at an auction). The book Toldot Menachem (Piotrków, 1913, p. 92) recounts R. Nachum'ke's love of books and his joy upon purchasing a book with his limited funds. He used to say: "He who loves money will not be sated with money and he who loves books will not be sated with books". He also used to say (in the name of an early midrash): "A person should always sell his possessions and purchase books".
[1], 2-96 leaves. 21 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear. New binding, with leather spine.
Copy of R. Nachum'ke of Horodna (Grodno). His stamp appears on five leaves: " Nachum son of R. Uziel Kaplan of Horodna".
R. Nachum'ke of Horodna – R. Menachem Nachum son of R. Uziel Kaplan (1811-1879) was a renowned tzaddik and charity collector. He was a Torah scholar known for his great diligence and brilliance, yet he never held a rabbinical position. The Chafetz Chaim considered him his prime teacher. At the age of 15, the Chafetz Chaim traveled to Horodna to observe R. Nachum'ke's good deeds, which were performed modestly and covertly. He later related that he managed to see his teacher secretly studying kabbalistic books at night and that he was surrounded by Divine fire (the Maggid R. Shalom Schwadron heard this from R. Leib Grossnass, as heard from R. Shalom of Eišiškės, a disciple of the Chafetz Chaim who heard it directly from his teacher; see: She'al Avicha V'Yagedcha, II, Jerusalem 1997, pp. 278-281).
R. Nachum'ke was famous and venerated throughout Lithuania and Poland. After his passing, most baby boys born in Grodno were named Nachum after him. In many Lithuanian and Polish homes, R. Nachum'ke's portrait was placed alongside the portraits of the Gaon of Vilna and R. Yitzchak Elchanan of Kovno.
R. Nachum'ke was born in the town of Baisogala in Northern-Lithuania (in Zamut – Samogitia) to a poor family of laborers. In his formative years, he had to wander from place to place in hunger. He was even sent to join a wandering children's choir led by a cantor. He later studied for several years in Siauliai, where he acquired vast Torah knowledge. After getting married, he lived in Nesvizh, later travelling to Volozhin to study at the Volozhin Yeshiva, where he was known as "the Matmid of Zamut". From Volozhin he moved to Kovno, where he studied in seclusion for several years. During that period, he used to devote entire weeks to Torah study, studying ceaselessly without speaking whatsoever of mundane matters, with little food or sleep. After such intensive weeks, he used to take care of his personal needs (washing and mending his clothing, corresponding with his family, etc.). Every year, in the month of Elul, he travelled to one of the small villages in his area to study Torah and devote himself to G-d's service in seclusion. He then travelled to Nesvizh to spend the holiday of Sukkot with his family, returning to his routine study schedule in Kovno after Simchat Torah.
In 1833, he moved with his family to Grodno, where he taught in the Chevra Shas synagogue and studied Torah alongside the Torah scholars of the city. He chose to devote his life to performing chessed rather than serving in the rabbanut. After several years, he accepted the position of shammash at the Chevra Shas Synagogue, and in addition to managing and cleaning the synagogue, he delivered discourses to laymen and young students. He devotedly collected money for the needy, going from house to house even during storms and blizzards, and secretly distributed the money to impoverished Torah scholars and to the poor population of the city, Jews and non-Jews alike. He was renowned among the non-Jewish population (a story by the Polish writer Eliza Orzeszkowa describes the care he afforded to the son of a poor widow).
Many were saved after giving him their donations to charity and receiving his blessings. When asked if he believes that his blessings are fulfilled, R. Nachum'ke answered that since he never spoke a false word, G-d does not allow his words to be false and fulfills his blessings (Toldot Menachem, p. 93).
His personal life was filled with suffering. He lost 20 children in his lifetime and was left with only one daughter (wife of R. Gavriel Zev Margolies, Rabbi in Grodno and in the United States), and his youngest son, R. Tuvia Kaplan who immigrated to Jerusalem.
Books from R. Nachum'ke's library, which was lost over the years, are very rare (to the best of our knowledge, no book belonging to R. Nachum of Grodno or letter bearing his signature have been offered at an auction). The book Toldot Menachem (Piotrków, 1913, p. 92) recounts R. Nachum'ke's love of books and his joy upon purchasing a book with his limited funds. He used to say: "He who loves money will not be sated with money and he who loves books will not be sated with books". He also used to say (in the name of an early midrash): "A person should always sell his possessions and purchase books".
[1], 2-96 leaves. 21 cm. High-quality paper. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear. New binding, with leather spine.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
![Kapei Aharon, Part I, responsa and novellae by R. Aharon Azriel. Jerusalem: R. Yisrael Bak, [1874].
Copy of R. Shimon Sofer](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/106_1.jpg "Kapei Aharon – Jerusalem, 1874 – Copy of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Krak")
![Kapei Aharon, Part I, responsa and novellae by R. Aharon Azriel. Jerusalem: R. Yisrael Bak, [1874].
Copy of R. Shimon Sofer](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale72-public/106_2.jpg "Kapei Aharon – Jerusalem, 1874 – Copy of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Krak")
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Unsold
Kapei Aharon, Part I, responsa and novellae by R. Aharon Azriel. Jerusalem: R. Yisrael Bak, [1874].
Copy of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Krakow, son of the Chatam Sofer.
The title page is inscribed with a dedication handwritten and signed by the author, R. Aharon Azriel (leading Sephardi Torah scholar in Jerusalem), to R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Krakow. Later ownership inscription signed by R. Elazar Moshe HaLevi Ish Horowitz (a Krakow Torah scholar). Dozens of brief and lengthy handwritten glosses appear in the book (apparently, in the handwriting of the aforementioned R. Horowitz).
The kabbalist R. Aharon Azriel (1819-1879), a leading Jerusalemite Torah scholar, head of the beit din, dean of the Shevet Achim Yeshiva established in his home, and one of the deans of the Beit El kabbalist yeshiva. He passed away in Jaffa, and his epitaph reads: "…head of the beit din… similar to an angel of G-d… G-dly kabbalist… R. Aharon Azriel… author of Kapei Aharon".
R. Shimon Sofer of Kraków (1820-1883), son and disciple of the Chatam Sofer and a leader of his generation, was an outstanding Torah scholar, holy and pure from youth. His father regarded his intellect and ideas to be untainted, and would rely on his reasoning from a young age. He also dealt in Kabbalah, following his father's counsel. He served as rabbi of Mattersdorf, and in 1861, was appointed rabbi of Kraków. A leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia, he also served as a member of the Austrian Parliament. Authored Michtav Sofer – responsa, novellae and homilies.
R. Elazar Moshe HaLevi Horowitz of Krakow (1868-1943 – perished in the Holocaust, Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, II, pp. 172-173), an outstanding Torah scholars in Krakow. Author of Tuv Ayin on Tractate Yevamot of the Talmud Yerushalmi (Krakow, 1935). Eldest son of R. Chaim Aryeh Leib Horowitz Rabbi of Krakow, author of Chayei Aryeh, and husband of the granddaughter of the head of the Krakow Beit Din, R. Avraham Naftali Hertz Yenner.
R. Aharon Azriel's dedication is signed "… from N.A.H. the author". The responsa in the book are signed with a different pseudonym: "A.A.N.H.". Interestingly, in the second preface to this book, the author R. Aharon Azriel recounts a severe illness he contracted at the time the book was being printed, and of his amazing recovery after the holy Rashash appeared to him in a dream on the night of the latter's yartzeit, 10th Shevat 1874, wherein R. Aharon told the Rashash about the printing of his book Kapei Aharon: "…In the middle of the night, a man with the appearance of an angel of G-d appeared to me… I said to him, who are you, my master? He replied, I am Shalom Mizrachi… With a joyful countenance, he asked me, I have heard that you are printing a book. I responded, yes, my master… I am now in the midst of printing a small booklet which I have called Kapei Aharon… He said to me: Tell me the reason you sign A.A.N.H. I replied, because this name alludes to my name, my family name and the name of my father… With a joyful countenance, he said to me, there is another reason for this signature, [for it spells out] Aharon Azriel Nisei Hashem [G-d's miracles], and he immediately disappeared. I awoke from my slumber… then I said, certainly this is a day of good tidings… and thank G-d so it came to be, because little by little I became stronger and by now I have completely recovered" (perhaps his signature here, "N.A.H.", also alludes to those words: Aharon Nisei Hashem).
[4], 178 leaves. 28 cm. Most of the book is printed on high-quality paper. Good condition. Stains and wear. A few tears, not affecting text. Worming. Old (non-original) binding.
S. HaLevi, no. 211.
In the "printer's apologia", R. Yisrael Bak (disciple of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv and of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin) writes a few inspiring kabbalistic thoughts and concludes with recounting the holiness of the books printed in his printing press: "… My printing press is holy because I myself have produced all the lettering and all the necessary tools. In my entire printing press, not even one letter was made by another person, and certainly not by a non-Jew, because the letters are holy and one must have in mind while making them that these letters were used to create the world…".
Copy of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Krakow, son of the Chatam Sofer.
The title page is inscribed with a dedication handwritten and signed by the author, R. Aharon Azriel (leading Sephardi Torah scholar in Jerusalem), to R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of Krakow. Later ownership inscription signed by R. Elazar Moshe HaLevi Ish Horowitz (a Krakow Torah scholar). Dozens of brief and lengthy handwritten glosses appear in the book (apparently, in the handwriting of the aforementioned R. Horowitz).
The kabbalist R. Aharon Azriel (1819-1879), a leading Jerusalemite Torah scholar, head of the beit din, dean of the Shevet Achim Yeshiva established in his home, and one of the deans of the Beit El kabbalist yeshiva. He passed away in Jaffa, and his epitaph reads: "…head of the beit din… similar to an angel of G-d… G-dly kabbalist… R. Aharon Azriel… author of Kapei Aharon".
R. Shimon Sofer of Kraków (1820-1883), son and disciple of the Chatam Sofer and a leader of his generation, was an outstanding Torah scholar, holy and pure from youth. His father regarded his intellect and ideas to be untainted, and would rely on his reasoning from a young age. He also dealt in Kabbalah, following his father's counsel. He served as rabbi of Mattersdorf, and in 1861, was appointed rabbi of Kraków. A leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia, he also served as a member of the Austrian Parliament. Authored Michtav Sofer – responsa, novellae and homilies.
R. Elazar Moshe HaLevi Horowitz of Krakow (1868-1943 – perished in the Holocaust, Encyclopedia L'Chachmei Galicia, II, pp. 172-173), an outstanding Torah scholars in Krakow. Author of Tuv Ayin on Tractate Yevamot of the Talmud Yerushalmi (Krakow, 1935). Eldest son of R. Chaim Aryeh Leib Horowitz Rabbi of Krakow, author of Chayei Aryeh, and husband of the granddaughter of the head of the Krakow Beit Din, R. Avraham Naftali Hertz Yenner.
R. Aharon Azriel's dedication is signed "… from N.A.H. the author". The responsa in the book are signed with a different pseudonym: "A.A.N.H.". Interestingly, in the second preface to this book, the author R. Aharon Azriel recounts a severe illness he contracted at the time the book was being printed, and of his amazing recovery after the holy Rashash appeared to him in a dream on the night of the latter's yartzeit, 10th Shevat 1874, wherein R. Aharon told the Rashash about the printing of his book Kapei Aharon: "…In the middle of the night, a man with the appearance of an angel of G-d appeared to me… I said to him, who are you, my master? He replied, I am Shalom Mizrachi… With a joyful countenance, he asked me, I have heard that you are printing a book. I responded, yes, my master… I am now in the midst of printing a small booklet which I have called Kapei Aharon… He said to me: Tell me the reason you sign A.A.N.H. I replied, because this name alludes to my name, my family name and the name of my father… With a joyful countenance, he said to me, there is another reason for this signature, [for it spells out] Aharon Azriel Nisei Hashem [G-d's miracles], and he immediately disappeared. I awoke from my slumber… then I said, certainly this is a day of good tidings… and thank G-d so it came to be, because little by little I became stronger and by now I have completely recovered" (perhaps his signature here, "N.A.H.", also alludes to those words: Aharon Nisei Hashem).
[4], 178 leaves. 28 cm. Most of the book is printed on high-quality paper. Good condition. Stains and wear. A few tears, not affecting text. Worming. Old (non-original) binding.
S. HaLevi, no. 211.
In the "printer's apologia", R. Yisrael Bak (disciple of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv and of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin) writes a few inspiring kabbalistic thoughts and concludes with recounting the holiness of the books printed in his printing press: "… My printing press is holy because I myself have produced all the lettering and all the necessary tools. In my entire printing press, not even one letter was made by another person, and certainly not by a non-Jew, because the letters are holy and one must have in mind while making them that these letters were used to create the world…".
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Three books of Rishonim on the Talmud, bound together: Chamisha Shitot – novellae of the Ramban, the Ran and the Ritva on several tractates (Sanhedrin, Makot, Gittin, Chulin and Niddah). Lviv (Lemberg), 1832. Bound with novellae of the Ran on Tractate Gittin [lacking title page – Sudylkiv? 1837?], and part of the book Shalosh Shitot VeLikutim – novellae of the Ramban on several tractates (Makot and Shevuot, without Avodah Zara) and selections by the Ramban on other tractates (Berachot, Eruvin, Rosh Hashanah and Megillah) – Zhovkva, 1828.
This is the copy of R. Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rabbi of Brisk, author of Beit HaLevi. Several pages of the book bear his stamp: " Yosef Dovber HaLevi Soloveitchik – Brisk, Lithuania". This stamp also appears (blurred) on the book’s first title page, together with another stamp of the Beit HaLevi in Russian, and a stamp of his son R. Simcha Soloveitchik (slightly blurred), also in Russian, from the time he served as rabbi of Mogilev (Mohilev).
The title page of Shalosh Shitot bears an earlier ownership inscription: "Aharon son of R. Meir"; p. 1a of Shalosh Shitot bears a handwritten scholarly gloss (of the aforementioned R. Aharon son of R. Meir?). A trimmed signature of the same R. Aharon appears at the beginning of the novellae of the Ran on Tractate Gittin.
R. Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik, the Beit HaLevi (1820-1894), was one of the greatest Torah scholars of his generation. He was the great-grandson of R. Chaim of Volozhin, and served for several years as dean of the Volozhin Yeshiva together with his relative the Netziv of Volozhin. Later, he served as rabbi in Slutsk and Brisk. He was renowned for his incredible astuteness and wisdom, in Torah scholarship, in homiletics and in community leadership. His Torah insights were known for their profundity, clarity, and originality, always capturing the essence of the topic at hand. His son, R. Chaim of Brisk, followed in his footsteps and is considered the forerunner of the analytical study method of the Lithuanian yeshivas. His books Beit HaLevi, of responsa and on the Torah, remain classics to this day.
His youngest son, R. Simcha HaLevi Soloveitchik (1879-1941), was one of the leading rabbis of Russia and the United States. From his youth, he was renowned for his remarkable genius. Orphaned at a young age from his father the Beit HaLevi, he resumed his Torah studies with his elder brother R. Chaim HaLevi, who succeeded his father as Rabbi of Brisk. In 1911, he was appointed Rabbi of Mogilev. In 1923, after WWI, he arrived in the US and served as Rabbi of the Tiferet Yisrael-Anshei Brisk community in Brooklyn.
[1], 100 leaves; 20 pp, 11-15, [1] leaves; [2], 20; 6; 2-19; [1] leaves. 36 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear to margins of the first title page and to the corners of the first leaves, affecting text (repaired with paper). Stamps. New binding.
This volume is composed of various books of novellae of the Rishonim on the Talmud. The first book, Chamisha Shitot, is complete, while the others are incomplete and arranged somewhat differently than in bibliographic records (see enclosed material). This was a common phenomenon at that time, to print in one book several compositions of the Rishonim on various tractates (printed in places such as Prague, Ofen, Lviv, Zhovkva, Sudylkov), and these books were also sold by section or combined and bound together with another book (on the same tractate) for the convenience of the learners (similar to the Kovetz Mefarshim books commonly used today).
This is the copy of R. Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rabbi of Brisk, author of Beit HaLevi. Several pages of the book bear his stamp: " Yosef Dovber HaLevi Soloveitchik – Brisk, Lithuania". This stamp also appears (blurred) on the book’s first title page, together with another stamp of the Beit HaLevi in Russian, and a stamp of his son R. Simcha Soloveitchik (slightly blurred), also in Russian, from the time he served as rabbi of Mogilev (Mohilev).
The title page of Shalosh Shitot bears an earlier ownership inscription: "Aharon son of R. Meir"; p. 1a of Shalosh Shitot bears a handwritten scholarly gloss (of the aforementioned R. Aharon son of R. Meir?). A trimmed signature of the same R. Aharon appears at the beginning of the novellae of the Ran on Tractate Gittin.
R. Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik, the Beit HaLevi (1820-1894), was one of the greatest Torah scholars of his generation. He was the great-grandson of R. Chaim of Volozhin, and served for several years as dean of the Volozhin Yeshiva together with his relative the Netziv of Volozhin. Later, he served as rabbi in Slutsk and Brisk. He was renowned for his incredible astuteness and wisdom, in Torah scholarship, in homiletics and in community leadership. His Torah insights were known for their profundity, clarity, and originality, always capturing the essence of the topic at hand. His son, R. Chaim of Brisk, followed in his footsteps and is considered the forerunner of the analytical study method of the Lithuanian yeshivas. His books Beit HaLevi, of responsa and on the Torah, remain classics to this day.
His youngest son, R. Simcha HaLevi Soloveitchik (1879-1941), was one of the leading rabbis of Russia and the United States. From his youth, he was renowned for his remarkable genius. Orphaned at a young age from his father the Beit HaLevi, he resumed his Torah studies with his elder brother R. Chaim HaLevi, who succeeded his father as Rabbi of Brisk. In 1911, he was appointed Rabbi of Mogilev. In 1923, after WWI, he arrived in the US and served as Rabbi of the Tiferet Yisrael-Anshei Brisk community in Brooklyn.
[1], 100 leaves; 20 pp, 11-15, [1] leaves; [2], 20; 6; 2-19; [1] leaves. 36 cm. Good-fair condition. Wear to margins of the first title page and to the corners of the first leaves, affecting text (repaired with paper). Stamps. New binding.
This volume is composed of various books of novellae of the Rishonim on the Talmud. The first book, Chamisha Shitot, is complete, while the others are incomplete and arranged somewhat differently than in bibliographic records (see enclosed material). This was a common phenomenon at that time, to print in one book several compositions of the Rishonim on various tractates (printed in places such as Prague, Ofen, Lviv, Zhovkva, Sudylkov), and these books were also sold by section or combined and bound together with another book (on the same tractate) for the convenience of the learners (similar to the Kovetz Mefarshim books commonly used today).
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue
Auction 72 - Rare and Important Items
July 7, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Two volumes of the Babylonian Talmud with commentaries and the Rif. Lemberg (Lviv), 1860-1865.
These two volumes belonged to the R. Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the Baba Sali, and were passed on to his
faithful assistant R. Eliyahu Alfasi. In an enclosed letter, R. Alfasi's wife attests that once, at the time the Baba
Sali lived in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem, one R. Teller visited him and saw that he was studying from
small volumes of the Talmud. He offered to take the Baba Sali's small edition and replace it with a Talmud in larger print. Two volumes of this small edition were passed on to R. Alfasi (the rest are now in the possession of the Baba Sali's family).
This lot is composed of two volumes: one with Tractates Taanit, Moed Katan and Shekalim, with commentaries, novellae of the Maharsha and more; also including the Rif on these tractates. The second volume contains the Rif and commentaries on Tractate Yevamot and the novellae of the Maharsha and other commentaries on Yevamot.
R. Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the Baba Sali (1889-1984) was the son of R. Mas'ud – rabbi of Tafilalt (Morocco), son of R. Yaakov Abuchatzeira. An outstanding Torah scholar, well-versed in revealed and hidden realms of the Torah, holy and pure from his youth. He published the writings of his grandfather, R. Yaakov. He served as chief rabbi of Erfoud and the vicinity. In 1950, he immigrated to Jerusalem, returning to Morocco in 1957. In 1964, he came back to Eretz Israel and settled in Netivot. His counsel and blessings were sought by multitudes, including prominent leaders and Torah scholars, and he was famed as a wonder-worker. His sons and grandsons are the famous rabbis of the Abuchatzeira dynasty.
Two volumes. Approx. 21 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Wear and tears to several leaves. Original bindings, worn and damaged.
Enclosed is a letter of authorization by Ms. Sima, wife of R. Eliyahu Alfasi, validating the aforementioned information. R. Eliyahu Alfasi was the faithful devoted assistant of the Baba Sali for many years, as described in the letter.
These two volumes belonged to the R. Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the Baba Sali, and were passed on to his
faithful assistant R. Eliyahu Alfasi. In an enclosed letter, R. Alfasi's wife attests that once, at the time the Baba
Sali lived in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem, one R. Teller visited him and saw that he was studying from
small volumes of the Talmud. He offered to take the Baba Sali's small edition and replace it with a Talmud in larger print. Two volumes of this small edition were passed on to R. Alfasi (the rest are now in the possession of the Baba Sali's family).
This lot is composed of two volumes: one with Tractates Taanit, Moed Katan and Shekalim, with commentaries, novellae of the Maharsha and more; also including the Rif on these tractates. The second volume contains the Rif and commentaries on Tractate Yevamot and the novellae of the Maharsha and other commentaries on Yevamot.
R. Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the Baba Sali (1889-1984) was the son of R. Mas'ud – rabbi of Tafilalt (Morocco), son of R. Yaakov Abuchatzeira. An outstanding Torah scholar, well-versed in revealed and hidden realms of the Torah, holy and pure from his youth. He published the writings of his grandfather, R. Yaakov. He served as chief rabbi of Erfoud and the vicinity. In 1950, he immigrated to Jerusalem, returning to Morocco in 1957. In 1964, he came back to Eretz Israel and settled in Netivot. His counsel and blessings were sought by multitudes, including prominent leaders and Torah scholars, and he was famed as a wonder-worker. His sons and grandsons are the famous rabbis of the Abuchatzeira dynasty.
Two volumes. Approx. 21 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Wear and tears to several leaves. Original bindings, worn and damaged.
Enclosed is a letter of authorization by Ms. Sima, wife of R. Eliyahu Alfasi, validating the aforementioned information. R. Eliyahu Alfasi was the faithful devoted assistant of the Baba Sali for many years, as described in the letter.
Category
Books of Important Ownership, Signatures and Dedications
Catalogue