Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Unsold
Manuscript, homiletics and novellae on the Torah portions and the haftarot, Pirkei Avot and Tehillim, tales, kabbalistic homiletics and various selections, by R. Yeshua son of Yosef. [Persia, 19th century].
Persian, oriental script. Handwritten by the author, who signed his name in several places: "Yeshua, who awaits salvation [in Hebrew – yeshua], son of Yosef". The year 1878 is mentioned twice, and in another place, it says: "I wrote this… Tevet 5641 [1880], when my teacher R. Yechezkel read from the Torah in memory of Esther daughter of Binyamin".
On p. [48a] the author quotes from the Quran (Arabic transliterated in Hebrew letters): "This, which may also be told in public, is from the Quran of Muhammad…" (in fact, this is a quote from the Shiite Hadith and not from the Quran). On p. [160a] is the text of a ketubah (marriage contract) from Kashan, 1880, and on the last page is the text of a get (divorce contract) from Isfahan, 1862.
The writer, R. Yeshua, was a close disciple of Mullah R. Yitzchak, grandson of the Or Shraga.
[176] leaves (over 250 written pages). Approx. 18 cm. Condition varies; fair-good. Stains, tears and wear. Several detached leaves. Old binding, damaged.
Persian, oriental script. Handwritten by the author, who signed his name in several places: "Yeshua, who awaits salvation [in Hebrew – yeshua], son of Yosef". The year 1878 is mentioned twice, and in another place, it says: "I wrote this… Tevet 5641 [1880], when my teacher R. Yechezkel read from the Torah in memory of Esther daughter of Binyamin".
On p. [48a] the author quotes from the Quran (Arabic transliterated in Hebrew letters): "This, which may also be told in public, is from the Quran of Muhammad…" (in fact, this is a quote from the Shiite Hadith and not from the Quran). On p. [160a] is the text of a ketubah (marriage contract) from Kashan, 1880, and on the last page is the text of a get (divorce contract) from Isfahan, 1862.
The writer, R. Yeshua, was a close disciple of Mullah R. Yitzchak, grandson of the Or Shraga.
[176] leaves (over 250 written pages). Approx. 18 cm. Condition varies; fair-good. Stains, tears and wear. Several detached leaves. Old binding, damaged.
Category
Iraqi, Iranian and Indian Jewry – Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Unsold
Manuscript, various selections, prayers, tales, poems, novellae and homiletics, allusions and numerical values, letters and more. [Persia, ca. early 20th century].
Volume comprised of handwritten leaves and booklets, from several writers, including Persian and Bukharan Torah scholars. Includes novellae on Pirkei Avot, Tehillim and the Passover Haggadah. Several letters are bound amongst the leaves.
The writers presumably include Torah scholars from the family of Chacham (Mullah) Or Shraga. The signature of R. "Moshe son of Chacham Refael Or Shraga" appears on one leaf. Likewise, the book includes several homilies (from 1903 and 1916) "for the yahrzeit of my grandfather, R. Moshe".
The leaves include: "Kavanot for the High Holidays, 1923", "Parashat Vayishlach, 11 months from the passing of my father, Mari", "I heard from our master and teacher… R. Chizkiya Katz, dean of Bukhara…", "I heard from the emissary R. Yitzchak Ezra"; I wrote in Borujerd (Iran), 1901".
One leaf mentions the city of Hamadan. At the top of one of the commentaries (to the Passover Haggadah), it is noted: "Every commentary that I innovated myself, I titled Tz.Y.B.P.– Tza'ir [the young] Yaakov son of R. Paltiel".
[185] leaves (including approx. 15 blank leaves). Approx. 17 cm. Condition varies. Stains (including dark stains, traces of past dampness and mold), tears and wear. Some leaves in poor condition, with open tears and damage, affecting text. Non-original cloth binding, damaged.
Volume comprised of handwritten leaves and booklets, from several writers, including Persian and Bukharan Torah scholars. Includes novellae on Pirkei Avot, Tehillim and the Passover Haggadah. Several letters are bound amongst the leaves.
The writers presumably include Torah scholars from the family of Chacham (Mullah) Or Shraga. The signature of R. "Moshe son of Chacham Refael Or Shraga" appears on one leaf. Likewise, the book includes several homilies (from 1903 and 1916) "for the yahrzeit of my grandfather, R. Moshe".
The leaves include: "Kavanot for the High Holidays, 1923", "Parashat Vayishlach, 11 months from the passing of my father, Mari", "I heard from our master and teacher… R. Chizkiya Katz, dean of Bukhara…", "I heard from the emissary R. Yitzchak Ezra"; I wrote in Borujerd (Iran), 1901".
One leaf mentions the city of Hamadan. At the top of one of the commentaries (to the Passover Haggadah), it is noted: "Every commentary that I innovated myself, I titled Tz.Y.B.P.– Tza'ir [the young] Yaakov son of R. Paltiel".
[185] leaves (including approx. 15 blank leaves). Approx. 17 cm. Condition varies. Stains (including dark stains, traces of past dampness and mold), tears and wear. Some leaves in poor condition, with open tears and damage, affecting text. Non-original cloth binding, damaged.
Category
Iraqi, Iranian and Indian Jewry – Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $575
Including buyer's premium
Three books printed in Salonika, with signatures and glosses by Torah scholars from the Or Shraga family, Persia:
• Darkei HaYam, homiletics, by R. Refael Yitzchak Mayo. Salonika, [1813]. Signature and stamp of R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak "grandson of the Maor Shraga" (Mullah Aghababa) on the title page. The book contains several lengthy glosses, one bearing his signature. The front endpaper contains many handwritten inscriptions.
• Tolaat Shani, homiletics on the Torah portions, by R. Avraham Pinso. Salonika, [1805]. At the top of the title page – dedication to R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak Or Shraga (Mullah Aghababa): "A gift to my beloved… Chacham Moshe son of Chacham Yitzchak, grandson and great grandson of Chacham Or Shraga… youngest of my town, Moshe Chaim". At the foot of the title page, calligraphic signature and stamp of R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak Or Shraga (Mullah Aghababa). Several other inscriptions on the title page. On the page following the title page, earlier inscription of "The young one sent by the rabbis… Yosef HaKohen", alongside an inscription of Mullah Aghababa: "And I, last remnant…" with his calligraphic signature and stamp. The book contains many glosses, some of them presumably handwritten by Mullah Aghababa.
• Shemo Avraham, Part I, treatises on the qualities of our forefather Avraham, by R. Avraham Palachi. Salonika, [1867]. Stamps of "Refael son of Chacham Moshe, grandson of HaMaor" (Mullah Refael, son of Mullah Aghababa). Several glosses. Signature and stamp of his son, R. Moshe son of R. Refael Shraga.
Several handwritten pieces of paper were found inside the books.
The Or Shraga family of Yazd, descendants of the Kabbalist Mullah Or Shraga, were among the greatest rabbis of Persia. Mullah Or Shraga served as a rabbi for decades and was the force behind the enduring adherence of Yazd Jewry to Torah study and mitzvah observance. He and his descendants led the local community for some two hundred years. Rabbi Or Shraga reputedly came to Yazd from the city of Isfahan, some two hundred and fifty years ago, after the king issued a decree ordering the killing of ten great Torah scholars. He was one of three Torah scholars who managed to escape, the other seven died sanctifying G-d’s Name. In Yazd, he facilitated the flourishing of the city’s Jewish population and transformed the city into a Torah center. Yazd Jews were among the first to emigrate from Persia to Jerusalem, establishing there the famous Yazdim community.
Rabbi Or Shraga and his descendants were revered by the Jews of Persia. Of particular renown is R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak, known as Mullah Aghababa, who served as rabbi of Yazd (see: Yosef Shraga, MiYazd LeEretz HaKodesh, pp. 157-161).
3 books. Size and condition vary.
• Darkei HaYam, homiletics, by R. Refael Yitzchak Mayo. Salonika, [1813]. Signature and stamp of R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak "grandson of the Maor Shraga" (Mullah Aghababa) on the title page. The book contains several lengthy glosses, one bearing his signature. The front endpaper contains many handwritten inscriptions.
• Tolaat Shani, homiletics on the Torah portions, by R. Avraham Pinso. Salonika, [1805]. At the top of the title page – dedication to R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak Or Shraga (Mullah Aghababa): "A gift to my beloved… Chacham Moshe son of Chacham Yitzchak, grandson and great grandson of Chacham Or Shraga… youngest of my town, Moshe Chaim". At the foot of the title page, calligraphic signature and stamp of R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak Or Shraga (Mullah Aghababa). Several other inscriptions on the title page. On the page following the title page, earlier inscription of "The young one sent by the rabbis… Yosef HaKohen", alongside an inscription of Mullah Aghababa: "And I, last remnant…" with his calligraphic signature and stamp. The book contains many glosses, some of them presumably handwritten by Mullah Aghababa.
• Shemo Avraham, Part I, treatises on the qualities of our forefather Avraham, by R. Avraham Palachi. Salonika, [1867]. Stamps of "Refael son of Chacham Moshe, grandson of HaMaor" (Mullah Refael, son of Mullah Aghababa). Several glosses. Signature and stamp of his son, R. Moshe son of R. Refael Shraga.
Several handwritten pieces of paper were found inside the books.
The Or Shraga family of Yazd, descendants of the Kabbalist Mullah Or Shraga, were among the greatest rabbis of Persia. Mullah Or Shraga served as a rabbi for decades and was the force behind the enduring adherence of Yazd Jewry to Torah study and mitzvah observance. He and his descendants led the local community for some two hundred years. Rabbi Or Shraga reputedly came to Yazd from the city of Isfahan, some two hundred and fifty years ago, after the king issued a decree ordering the killing of ten great Torah scholars. He was one of three Torah scholars who managed to escape, the other seven died sanctifying G-d’s Name. In Yazd, he facilitated the flourishing of the city’s Jewish population and transformed the city into a Torah center. Yazd Jews were among the first to emigrate from Persia to Jerusalem, establishing there the famous Yazdim community.
Rabbi Or Shraga and his descendants were revered by the Jews of Persia. Of particular renown is R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak, known as Mullah Aghababa, who served as rabbi of Yazd (see: Yosef Shraga, MiYazd LeEretz HaKodesh, pp. 157-161).
3 books. Size and condition vary.
Category
Iraqi, Iranian and Indian Jewry – Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $525
Including buyer's premium
• Sheyarei Knesset HaGedolah, Orach Chaim, by R. Chaim Benveniste. Livorno, 1792.
The title page bears stamps of the rabbinic dynasty, descendants of the Or Shraga: Stamp of "Moshe son of Maor" – son of the Or Shraga, signature and stamp of his son "Yitzchak son of R. Moshe", stamp of his grandson "Moshe son of R. Yitzchak" (Mullah Aghababa), and several other stamps. Several glosses.
• Torah Or, Five Books of the Torah with Targum and commentaries. Livorno, [1863].
On the title page: Stamps of R. Refael son of R. Moshe "grandson of the Maor" (Mullah Refael), and two handwritten inscriptions: One is a lamentation over the passing of R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak ("R. Moshe Shapiro"; Mullah Aghababa) in Shevat 1913, composed by his son (presumably Mullah Refael, whose stamps appear on the title page); the second is a lamentation on the passing of Mullah Refael, in Cheshvan 1942, written by his son R. Moshe. Stamp of R. Moshe (the latter) on the leaf following the title page. Other stamps and signatures. Several glosses.
• Millel LeAvraham, homiletics, by R. Avraham Sithon. Livorno, [1843]. Bound with: Divrei Moshe, by R. Moshe Sithon. Livorno, [1844].
Stamps of R. Refael son of R. Moshe "grandson of the Maor" (Mullah Refael). Inscription on the title page: "I acquired it with my money for the worship of my Creator, Avraham Halawa", and another inscripition: "I sold this book to Menachem Yehuda HaKohen, resident of Tiberias, so says the emissary from Jerusalem, Avraham Halawa" (the father of Mullah Refael, R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak – Mullah Aghababa, granted his approbation to the book of the emissary R. Avraham Halawa – the book Minchat Avraham). Inscriptions and stamps of R. Moshe son of R. Refael Shraga.
• Aderet Eliyahu, homiletics, by R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai. Livorno, [1864]. Signatures and stamps of R. Moshe son of R. Refael Shraga. Another signature: "Yosef son of… Yehuda HaKohen, in Teheran… 1904". Another ownership inscripition. Several glosses.
The Or Shraga family of Yazd, descendants of the Kabbalist Mullah Or Shraga, were among the greatest rabbis of Persia. Mullah Or Shraga served as a rabbi for decades and was the force behind the enduring adherence of Yazd Jewry to Torah study and mitzvah observance. He and his descendants led the local community for some two hundred years. Rabbi Or Shraga reputedly came to Yazd from the city of Isfahan, some two hundred and fifty years ago, after the king issued a decree ordering the killing of ten great Torah scholars. He was one of three Torah scholars who managed to escape, the other seven died sanctifying G-d’s Name. In Yazd, he facilitated the flourishing of the city’s Jewish population and transformed the city into a Torah center. Yazd Jews were among the first to emigrate from Persia to Jerusalem, establishing there the famous Yazdim community.
Rabbi Or Shraga and his descendants were revered by the Jews of Persia. Of particular renown is R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak, known as Mullah Aghababa, who served as rabbi of Yazd (see: Yosef Shraga, MiYazd LeEretz HaKodesh, pp. 157-161).
4 books. Size and condition vary.
The title page bears stamps of the rabbinic dynasty, descendants of the Or Shraga: Stamp of "Moshe son of Maor" – son of the Or Shraga, signature and stamp of his son "Yitzchak son of R. Moshe", stamp of his grandson "Moshe son of R. Yitzchak" (Mullah Aghababa), and several other stamps. Several glosses.
• Torah Or, Five Books of the Torah with Targum and commentaries. Livorno, [1863].
On the title page: Stamps of R. Refael son of R. Moshe "grandson of the Maor" (Mullah Refael), and two handwritten inscriptions: One is a lamentation over the passing of R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak ("R. Moshe Shapiro"; Mullah Aghababa) in Shevat 1913, composed by his son (presumably Mullah Refael, whose stamps appear on the title page); the second is a lamentation on the passing of Mullah Refael, in Cheshvan 1942, written by his son R. Moshe. Stamp of R. Moshe (the latter) on the leaf following the title page. Other stamps and signatures. Several glosses.
• Millel LeAvraham, homiletics, by R. Avraham Sithon. Livorno, [1843]. Bound with: Divrei Moshe, by R. Moshe Sithon. Livorno, [1844].
Stamps of R. Refael son of R. Moshe "grandson of the Maor" (Mullah Refael). Inscription on the title page: "I acquired it with my money for the worship of my Creator, Avraham Halawa", and another inscripition: "I sold this book to Menachem Yehuda HaKohen, resident of Tiberias, so says the emissary from Jerusalem, Avraham Halawa" (the father of Mullah Refael, R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak – Mullah Aghababa, granted his approbation to the book of the emissary R. Avraham Halawa – the book Minchat Avraham). Inscriptions and stamps of R. Moshe son of R. Refael Shraga.
• Aderet Eliyahu, homiletics, by R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai. Livorno, [1864]. Signatures and stamps of R. Moshe son of R. Refael Shraga. Another signature: "Yosef son of… Yehuda HaKohen, in Teheran… 1904". Another ownership inscripition. Several glosses.
The Or Shraga family of Yazd, descendants of the Kabbalist Mullah Or Shraga, were among the greatest rabbis of Persia. Mullah Or Shraga served as a rabbi for decades and was the force behind the enduring adherence of Yazd Jewry to Torah study and mitzvah observance. He and his descendants led the local community for some two hundred years. Rabbi Or Shraga reputedly came to Yazd from the city of Isfahan, some two hundred and fifty years ago, after the king issued a decree ordering the killing of ten great Torah scholars. He was one of three Torah scholars who managed to escape, the other seven died sanctifying G-d’s Name. In Yazd, he facilitated the flourishing of the city’s Jewish population and transformed the city into a Torah center. Yazd Jews were among the first to emigrate from Persia to Jerusalem, establishing there the famous Yazdim community.
Rabbi Or Shraga and his descendants were revered by the Jews of Persia. Of particular renown is R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak, known as Mullah Aghababa, who served as rabbi of Yazd (see: Yosef Shraga, MiYazd LeEretz HaKodesh, pp. 157-161).
4 books. Size and condition vary.
Category
Iraqi, Iranian and Indian Jewry – Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Five books printed in Jerusalem:
1. Shevet Mussar, ethics and homilies related to repentance (fifty-two chapters), Parts I and II, by R. Eliyahu HaKohen of Izmir. Jerusalem: Yechiel Brill, Michel HaKohen and Yoel Moshe Solomon, [1863]. Sh. HaLevi, no. 85.
2. Moadei Hashem UKeriei Moed, Part II, prayers for Sukkot and Hoshana Rabba following the Sephardi rite. Jerusalem: Yisrael son of Avraham [Bak], using the "printing press donated by Moshe and Yehudit [Montefiore]", [1843-1844]. Lacking leaves 58-59 of second sequence. Sh. HaLevi, no. 20.
3. VaYe'esof David, Parts I and II, homilies and novellae on the Torah, by R. David Katzin. Jerusalem, [1899]. Many inscriptions on endpapers. Original leather binding.
4. Yisa Ish, responsa by R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashar (the Yisa Beracha). Jerusalem, [1896].
5. Zichron Moshe, Part I – selections from the Talmud, with commentaries and Midrashim, and Part II – novellae on the weekly Torah portions and on Neviim and Ketuvim, by R. Moshe Mordechai Maman. Jerusalem, [1908]. Lacking last leaf of Part II.
All five books belonged to rabbis of the Or Shraga family of Persia. The books VaYe'esof David and Yisa Ish bear stamps of "Refael son of Chacham Moshe, grandson of the luminary" (Mullah Refael, son of Mullah Aghababa); an ownership inscription in his handwriting appears on the title page of Yisa Ish. All books bear signatures and stamps of R. Moshe son of R. Refael Shraga. Several ownership inscriptions of other members of the family. Several glosses.
Long handwritten passages on the front endpaper of VaYe'esof David, signed by "הצב"י א"ך ור"ק"; the same signature appears on the title page. Inscriptions, signatures and stamps of other owners in the other books.
5 books. Size and condition vary.
1. Shevet Mussar, ethics and homilies related to repentance (fifty-two chapters), Parts I and II, by R. Eliyahu HaKohen of Izmir. Jerusalem: Yechiel Brill, Michel HaKohen and Yoel Moshe Solomon, [1863]. Sh. HaLevi, no. 85.
2. Moadei Hashem UKeriei Moed, Part II, prayers for Sukkot and Hoshana Rabba following the Sephardi rite. Jerusalem: Yisrael son of Avraham [Bak], using the "printing press donated by Moshe and Yehudit [Montefiore]", [1843-1844]. Lacking leaves 58-59 of second sequence. Sh. HaLevi, no. 20.
3. VaYe'esof David, Parts I and II, homilies and novellae on the Torah, by R. David Katzin. Jerusalem, [1899]. Many inscriptions on endpapers. Original leather binding.
4. Yisa Ish, responsa by R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashar (the Yisa Beracha). Jerusalem, [1896].
5. Zichron Moshe, Part I – selections from the Talmud, with commentaries and Midrashim, and Part II – novellae on the weekly Torah portions and on Neviim and Ketuvim, by R. Moshe Mordechai Maman. Jerusalem, [1908]. Lacking last leaf of Part II.
All five books belonged to rabbis of the Or Shraga family of Persia. The books VaYe'esof David and Yisa Ish bear stamps of "Refael son of Chacham Moshe, grandson of the luminary" (Mullah Refael, son of Mullah Aghababa); an ownership inscription in his handwriting appears on the title page of Yisa Ish. All books bear signatures and stamps of R. Moshe son of R. Refael Shraga. Several ownership inscriptions of other members of the family. Several glosses.
Long handwritten passages on the front endpaper of VaYe'esof David, signed by "הצב"י א"ך ור"ק"; the same signature appears on the title page. Inscriptions, signatures and stamps of other owners in the other books.
5 books. Size and condition vary.
Category
Iraqi, Iranian and Indian Jewry – Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $625
Including buyer's premium
"Ish Yehudi Haya BeShushan" – decorated, handwritten leaf for Purim. [Persian Kurdistan, late 19th century or early 20th century].
Ink and paint on paper.
Outer frame decorated with flowers, leaves and vases. A second frame is composed of the text "Ish Yehudi Haya BeShushan…". The center of the leaf is occupied by the piyyut "Tenu Shira VeZimra – Yedidim Barchu", inscribed in two columns within a decorative frame. The Jews of Kurdistan used to sing this piyyut before reading the Megillah. The Megillah blessings are written at the end of the piyyut.
A similar leaf is described by the researcher and bibliographer Dr. Manfred R. Lehmann in Sinai (Issue 98, 1986, pp. 74-75): "The piyyut Yedidim Barchu… was hitherto unknown. It was written on parchment sheets for Purim and decorated in color with passages from the Megillah. I recently purchased such a sheet from an Arab merchant in the Old City in Jerusalem". The text of the piyyut on this leaf is more accurate than the text published by Lehmann.
[1] leaf. 43 cm. Frame: 46X32 cm. Stains and traces of past dampness, tears and wear. Unexamined out of frame.
See: "Light and Shadows – The Story of Iran and the Jews", exhibition catalog (Beit HaTfutsot, the Museum of the Jewish People, Tel-Aviv, 2010), pp. 48-49.
Ink and paint on paper.
Outer frame decorated with flowers, leaves and vases. A second frame is composed of the text "Ish Yehudi Haya BeShushan…". The center of the leaf is occupied by the piyyut "Tenu Shira VeZimra – Yedidim Barchu", inscribed in two columns within a decorative frame. The Jews of Kurdistan used to sing this piyyut before reading the Megillah. The Megillah blessings are written at the end of the piyyut.
A similar leaf is described by the researcher and bibliographer Dr. Manfred R. Lehmann in Sinai (Issue 98, 1986, pp. 74-75): "The piyyut Yedidim Barchu… was hitherto unknown. It was written on parchment sheets for Purim and decorated in color with passages from the Megillah. I recently purchased such a sheet from an Arab merchant in the Old City in Jerusalem". The text of the piyyut on this leaf is more accurate than the text published by Lehmann.
[1] leaf. 43 cm. Frame: 46X32 cm. Stains and traces of past dampness, tears and wear. Unexamined out of frame.
See: "Light and Shadows – The Story of Iran and the Jews", exhibition catalog (Beit HaTfutsot, the Museum of the Jewish People, Tel-Aviv, 2010), pp. 48-49.
Category
Iraqi, Iranian and Indian Jewry – Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
![Manuscript, Five Books of the Torah with selections of midrashim and commentaries. [Persia, ca. 18th/19th century]. Large, sq](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale74-public/254.jpg "Manuscript, Five Books of the Torah With Commentaries – Persia, 18th/1")
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $700
Unsold
Manuscript, Five Books of the Torah with selections of midrashim and commentaries. [Persia, ca. 18th/19th century].
Large, square script (similar to Stam script), presumably by two scribes. Commentaries and selections of midrashim, in different handwriting, were added in the wide margins of the manuscript.
[210] leaves. Lacking at the beginning of Bereshit and at the end of Devarim. 29 cm. Fair condition. Stains, wear and open tears, affecting text on some leaves. Non-original binding, damaged.
Provenance:
1. Collection of Dr. Israel Mehlman, Ms. 59.
2. Collection of Dr. Michael Krupp, Ms. 3185.
Large, square script (similar to Stam script), presumably by two scribes. Commentaries and selections of midrashim, in different handwriting, were added in the wide margins of the manuscript.
[210] leaves. Lacking at the beginning of Bereshit and at the end of Devarim. 29 cm. Fair condition. Stains, wear and open tears, affecting text on some leaves. Non-original binding, damaged.
Provenance:
1. Collection of Dr. Israel Mehlman, Ms. 59.
2. Collection of Dr. Michael Krupp, Ms. 3185.
Category
Iraqi, Iranian and Indian Jewry – Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
Relazione curiosissima, ed insieme verissima del strano successo del preteso Messia degli Ebrei, il quale cagiono tanta commozione in quella Nazione, e termino poi farsi turco [A curious and at the same time true report of the surprising rise of the false messiah of the Jews…], by "Padre Beccaranda". Venice and Parma: Gozzi, [presumably, 1741 or 1742]. Italian.
A four-page booklet featuring a letter sent from Constantinople to Rome in order to announce Sabbatai Zevi's conversion to Islam.
This letter, which is considered one of the most important and earliest testimonies about Sabbatai Zevi's conversion, was presumably written as early as 1666 – several weeks after Sabbatai Zevi was imprisoned by the Ottoman authorities and converted to Islam. The letter, presumably distributed among the Jewish communities in an attempt to eradicate Sabbateanism, was printed in multiple editions throughout the 17th and 18th centuries (at least five editions were printed by 1667).
The author briefly introduces Sabbatai Zevi's history and then describes at length the events that led to his conversion to Islam. The author states that he was an eye-witness to the events in Constantinople (In the text there are several hints of the author's presence at the events narrated) and that he got his information regarding previous events from reliable people. The opening lines indicate that the letter was written in response to a question by another person, whose name is not mentioned ("I answer the question made to me by Your Lordship about what happened to the Jew, who had posed as the Messiah"). This edition was published without indication of date; presumably, it was published only in 1741 – approximately 75 years [!] after Sabbatai Zevi's convertion to Islam (possibly indicating that the struggle against the Sabbateans continued even in such a late period).
Although the author's full name is not indicated in any of the editions, this edition and some others mention the name "Padre Beccaranda", presumably referring to the Jesuit Jacques Becherand who lived in Constantinople between 1660 and 1667.
[1] leaf, folded in half (four printed pages), approx. 24.5 cm. (margins of varying width). Stains, fold lines and small tears. Open tears along edges and fold lines (small, slightly affecting text). Abrasions, slightly affecting text. Handwritten notation on top of the title page.
For additional information about this letter and its various editions, see: Between Information and Proselytism: Seventeenth-century Italian Texts on Sabbatai Zevi, by Stefano Villani (in Daat: A Journal of Jewish Philosophy & Kabbalah, issue 82, Ramat-Gan: Bar Ilan University, 2016).
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
A four-page booklet featuring a letter sent from Constantinople to Rome in order to announce Sabbatai Zevi's conversion to Islam.
This letter, which is considered one of the most important and earliest testimonies about Sabbatai Zevi's conversion, was presumably written as early as 1666 – several weeks after Sabbatai Zevi was imprisoned by the Ottoman authorities and converted to Islam. The letter, presumably distributed among the Jewish communities in an attempt to eradicate Sabbateanism, was printed in multiple editions throughout the 17th and 18th centuries (at least five editions were printed by 1667).
The author briefly introduces Sabbatai Zevi's history and then describes at length the events that led to his conversion to Islam. The author states that he was an eye-witness to the events in Constantinople (In the text there are several hints of the author's presence at the events narrated) and that he got his information regarding previous events from reliable people. The opening lines indicate that the letter was written in response to a question by another person, whose name is not mentioned ("I answer the question made to me by Your Lordship about what happened to the Jew, who had posed as the Messiah"). This edition was published without indication of date; presumably, it was published only in 1741 – approximately 75 years [!] after Sabbatai Zevi's convertion to Islam (possibly indicating that the struggle against the Sabbateans continued even in such a late period).
Although the author's full name is not indicated in any of the editions, this edition and some others mention the name "Padre Beccaranda", presumably referring to the Jesuit Jacques Becherand who lived in Constantinople between 1660 and 1667.
[1] leaf, folded in half (four printed pages), approx. 24.5 cm. (margins of varying width). Stains, fold lines and small tears. Open tears along edges and fold lines (small, slightly affecting text). Abrasions, slightly affecting text. Handwritten notation on top of the title page.
For additional information about this letter and its various editions, see: Between Information and Proselytism: Seventeenth-century Italian Texts on Sabbatai Zevi, by Stefano Villani (in Daat: A Journal of Jewish Philosophy & Kabbalah, issue 82, Ramat-Gan: Bar Ilan University, 2016).
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue
![Manuscript, handwritten leaves and printed newspaper, documenting the Mantua wedding disaster in 1776. [Mantua, 1776]. Italia](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale74-public/259_1.jpg "The Mantua Wedding Disaster – Manuscript and Documents / Local Newspap")
![Manuscript, handwritten leaves and printed newspaper, documenting the Mantua wedding disaster in 1776. [Mantua, 1776]. Italia](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale74-public/259_2.jpg "The Mantua Wedding Disaster – Manuscript and Documents / Local Newspap")
![Manuscript, handwritten leaves and printed newspaper, documenting the Mantua wedding disaster in 1776. [Mantua, 1776]. Italia](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale74-public/259_3.jpg "The Mantua Wedding Disaster – Manuscript and Documents / Local Newspap")
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, handwritten leaves and printed newspaper, documenting the Mantua wedding disaster in 1776. [Mantua, 1776]. Italian interspersed with Hebrew.
In 1776, a terrible disaster occurred in the Mantuan community. On 31st May, three weddings took place in the ghetto. Two of the brides were not local, but rather from Sabbioneta and Ferrara. Their families came to Mantua in honor of the wedding, resulting in an uncommonly large gathering. The guests crowded into the home of Chananel Yosef Finzi, on the third floor of one of the ghetto buildings. The floor collapsed, bringing the lower two stories down with it. 65 of the participants were killed in this tragedy – 37 men and 28 women. 37 others were seriously injured. One of the brides was amongst the fatalities, and thus the great rejoicing turned into mourning. The Chida, who was on a mission in Italy at the time, in nearby Ferrara, documented the event in his diary Maagal Tov. One of the rabbis of Mantua, R. Yaakov Refael Saraval, whose daughter was killed in the disaster, commemorated the tragedy by composing the Kinat Sofdim lamentation (printed that year in Mantua). The date of the tragedy was ordained in the Mantua community for posterity as a day of prayer, fasting and recital of Selichot (see: Simonsohn, Toldot HaYehudim BeDukasut Mantova, I, Jerusalem 1963, p. 58; Yael Levin, MiMantova Ve'ad Versailles: Wedding Disasters in the Month of Sivan, Mekor Rishon, Shabbat, 17th June 2011, pp. 12-13).
The present item includes:
• An 18-leaf manuscript, containing a description of the disaster, written shortly thereafter by an anonymous author. A list of the victims with their names and ages is recorded at the end of the manuscript. Italian interspersed with Hebrew.
• A double handwritten leaf (3 pages), with a list of the names of the victims. The names of the 37 men killed in the disaster are listed first, followed by the names of the 28 women. Italian.
• A double handwritten leaf (2 pages), containing the list of those injured in the disaster. Italian.
• A copy of the Mantuan newspaper, issue 23, dated 7th June 1776 (several days later), reporting the tragedy.
Manuscript: [18] leaves. Original, printed cardboard binding. + [2] double leaves + issue of printed newspaper: [4] pages. Size varies, overall good condition. Stains and wear.
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
In 1776, a terrible disaster occurred in the Mantuan community. On 31st May, three weddings took place in the ghetto. Two of the brides were not local, but rather from Sabbioneta and Ferrara. Their families came to Mantua in honor of the wedding, resulting in an uncommonly large gathering. The guests crowded into the home of Chananel Yosef Finzi, on the third floor of one of the ghetto buildings. The floor collapsed, bringing the lower two stories down with it. 65 of the participants were killed in this tragedy – 37 men and 28 women. 37 others were seriously injured. One of the brides was amongst the fatalities, and thus the great rejoicing turned into mourning. The Chida, who was on a mission in Italy at the time, in nearby Ferrara, documented the event in his diary Maagal Tov. One of the rabbis of Mantua, R. Yaakov Refael Saraval, whose daughter was killed in the disaster, commemorated the tragedy by composing the Kinat Sofdim lamentation (printed that year in Mantua). The date of the tragedy was ordained in the Mantua community for posterity as a day of prayer, fasting and recital of Selichot (see: Simonsohn, Toldot HaYehudim BeDukasut Mantova, I, Jerusalem 1963, p. 58; Yael Levin, MiMantova Ve'ad Versailles: Wedding Disasters in the Month of Sivan, Mekor Rishon, Shabbat, 17th June 2011, pp. 12-13).
The present item includes:
• An 18-leaf manuscript, containing a description of the disaster, written shortly thereafter by an anonymous author. A list of the victims with their names and ages is recorded at the end of the manuscript. Italian interspersed with Hebrew.
• A double handwritten leaf (3 pages), with a list of the names of the victims. The names of the 37 men killed in the disaster are listed first, followed by the names of the 28 women. Italian.
• A double handwritten leaf (2 pages), containing the list of those injured in the disaster. Italian.
• A copy of the Mantuan newspaper, issue 23, dated 7th June 1776 (several days later), reporting the tragedy.
Manuscript: [18] leaves. Original, printed cardboard binding. + [2] double leaves + issue of printed newspaper: [4] pages. Size varies, overall good condition. Stains and wear.
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $5,750
Including buyer's premium
A volume comprising manuscripts and printed works related to segulot and folk remedies:
1. Sod Yesharim, "One hundred segulot… remedies and marvels" and "fifty riddles", by R. Yehuda Aryeh Leon of Modena. Venice: Zuan di Gara, [1595].
The first part of the book includes advice, segulot and remedies, and even some magical formulas (e.g. "To draw a raven on paper and it will call", "To make an egg fly", and more). The second part of the book includes fifty riddles with answers. Sod Yesharim was published anonymously; Modena's name is alluded to in an acrostic on the title page (as he revealed in his autobiography Chayei Yehuda).
Bound with two short printed works in Italian, also related to segulot and remedies:
2. Giardino di Virtu [Garden of Virtue]. Turin, 1584. Italian.
3. Compendio di Secreti nobilissimi [Compendium of Noble Secrets]. Novara, 1605.
Bound with:
4. Three manuscript leaves in Italian cursive script. Various segulot and remedies (including: "for toothache", "to reveal the gender of an unborn baby", "recipe for an ointment to cure fever", "to stop a nosebleed", and more).
5. Two manuscript leaves in Italian cursive script. Remedies (the title on the first page reads "Sefer Refuot" – Book of Remedies, followed by: "Given to me by my mother-in-law in Turin…").
14, [1] leaves; [4] leaves; [3] leaves; [4] leaves; [2] leaves (and several blank leaves). Approx. 14 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears and wear. Open marginal tears to second manuscript, affecting text. Old heavy paper cover, damaged.
Both Italian works are not recorded in OCLC.
1. Sod Yesharim, "One hundred segulot… remedies and marvels" and "fifty riddles", by R. Yehuda Aryeh Leon of Modena. Venice: Zuan di Gara, [1595].
The first part of the book includes advice, segulot and remedies, and even some magical formulas (e.g. "To draw a raven on paper and it will call", "To make an egg fly", and more). The second part of the book includes fifty riddles with answers. Sod Yesharim was published anonymously; Modena's name is alluded to in an acrostic on the title page (as he revealed in his autobiography Chayei Yehuda).
Bound with two short printed works in Italian, also related to segulot and remedies:
2. Giardino di Virtu [Garden of Virtue]. Turin, 1584. Italian.
3. Compendio di Secreti nobilissimi [Compendium of Noble Secrets]. Novara, 1605.
Bound with:
4. Three manuscript leaves in Italian cursive script. Various segulot and remedies (including: "for toothache", "to reveal the gender of an unborn baby", "recipe for an ointment to cure fever", "to stop a nosebleed", and more).
5. Two manuscript leaves in Italian cursive script. Remedies (the title on the first page reads "Sefer Refuot" – Book of Remedies, followed by: "Given to me by my mother-in-law in Turin…").
14, [1] leaves; [4] leaves; [3] leaves; [4] leaves; [2] leaves (and several blank leaves). Approx. 14 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears and wear. Open marginal tears to second manuscript, affecting text. Old heavy paper cover, damaged.
Both Italian works are not recorded in OCLC.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue
![Tzemach Tzaddik, wisdom and ethics, by R. Yehuda Aryeh (Leon) de Modena. [Venice: Daniel Zanetti, 1600]. First edition. The](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale74-public/261_1.jpg "Tzemach Tzaddik – Venice, 1600 – First Edition – Many Illustrations –")
![Tzemach Tzaddik, wisdom and ethics, by R. Yehuda Aryeh (Leon) de Modena. [Venice: Daniel Zanetti, 1600]. First edition. The](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale74-public/261_2.jpg "Tzemach Tzaddik – Venice, 1600 – First Edition – Many Illustrations –")
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $500
Sold for: $688
Including buyer's premium
Tzemach Tzaddik, wisdom and ethics, by R. Yehuda Aryeh (Leon) de Modena. [Venice: Daniel Zanetti, 1600]. First edition.
The composition deals with the refinement of character traits (based on teachings of Jewish and gentile sages), with a chapter dedicated to each trait. Each chapter begins with a woodcut illustration, related to the chapter's topic. This book is one of the few early Hebrew books printed with illustrations. The book was printed anonymously, though the name of the author is alluded to at the beginning of the preface: "Renowned in Yehuda… the lion (Aryeh) roared", and with an acronym in the colophon at the end of the book. These are two incomplete copies of two variants of the same edition, with differences in the illustrations: on p. 13b, each copy features a different illustration. On p. 15b, the illustration was printed upside-down in one copy.
Copy 1: 2-11, 13-40 leaves (originally 40 leaves. Lacking title page and leaf 12. Leaf 2 was bound back-to-front). 13.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Paper repairs to several leaves. New binding. Copy 2: 2-7, 9-32, 34-40 leaves (originally 40 leaves. Lacking title page, leaves 8 and 33. Leaf 40 is torn and half-missing, repaired with paper; with handwritten replacement of missing text. Title page and most of the missing pages were replaced with photocopies). 14 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Dampstains. Worming. New binding.
The composition deals with the refinement of character traits (based on teachings of Jewish and gentile sages), with a chapter dedicated to each trait. Each chapter begins with a woodcut illustration, related to the chapter's topic. This book is one of the few early Hebrew books printed with illustrations. The book was printed anonymously, though the name of the author is alluded to at the beginning of the preface: "Renowned in Yehuda… the lion (Aryeh) roared", and with an acronym in the colophon at the end of the book. These are two incomplete copies of two variants of the same edition, with differences in the illustrations: on p. 13b, each copy features a different illustration. On p. 15b, the illustration was printed upside-down in one copy.
Copy 1: 2-11, 13-40 leaves (originally 40 leaves. Lacking title page and leaf 12. Leaf 2 was bound back-to-front). 13.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Paper repairs to several leaves. New binding. Copy 2: 2-7, 9-32, 34-40 leaves (originally 40 leaves. Lacking title page, leaves 8 and 33. Leaf 40 is torn and half-missing, repaired with paper; with handwritten replacement of missing text. Title page and most of the missing pages were replaced with photocopies). 14 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear, affecting text in several places. Dampstains. Worming. New binding.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue
Auction 74 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
September 15, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Keter Malchut de R. Selomoh Hijo de Gabirol – Spanish translation of R. Shlomo Ibn Gabirol's work Keter Malchut. Livorno: "el Maskil Isahe de Moseh de Paz" (Yeshaya son of Moshe de Paz), 1769.
Translation by R. Yitzchak (Isaac) son of David Nieto (1702-1774), Rabbi of the Sephardi community in London, who translated the Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur into Spanish (Orden de las Oraciones de Ros Ashanah y Kipur, London, 1740).
45 pages. 14.5 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Minor wear and creases to margins. Original heavy paper cover, with damage.
Translation by R. Yitzchak (Isaac) son of David Nieto (1702-1774), Rabbi of the Sephardi community in London, who translated the Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur into Spanish (Orden de las Oraciones de Ros Ashanah y Kipur, London, 1740).
45 pages. 14.5 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Minor wear and creases to margins. Original heavy paper cover, with damage.
Category
Italian Jewry – Manuscripts, Letters, Books and Booklets
Catalogue