Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
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Title page illustrated in color, featuring in its lower part an illustration of a landscape with a fortified city in the center, with the inscription: "May the All-Merciful One send us Eliyahu HaNavi…". On the verso of the title page, illustration of a circumcision tool, with the inscription: "Baruch HaBa". The pages of the manuscript are decorated with leaves and flowers.
Comprises various songs for a Brit Milah, including several which are not listed in Davidson's Thesaurus of Mediaeval Hebrew Poetry.
Ink on paper. [10] leaves. 13 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains (including dark dampstains). Worming, affecting text. Old card binding, with damage.
Provenance:
1. The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, Ms. 361.
2. Private collection.
Title within ornamental archway decorated with priestly hands, a lion and fish. Particularly fine calligraphic script. Each page is set within a red ruled border.
The manuscript comprises sections of the siddur and piyyutim recited by the congregation and the Kohanim during the cantor's repetition of the Amidah prayers on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For the use of the Kohen just before and after Birkat Kohanim (when he is unable to hold a machzor). The manuscript begins with HaYom Harat Olam (at the end of the blessing of Shofarot), and includes Areshet Sefatenu, VeTe'arev Lefanecha, Modim DeRabbanan, Yehi Ratzon before Birkat Kohanim, the text of Birkat Kohanim, Ribbono Shel Olam, HaYom TeAmetzenu (the prayer "Avinu Malkenu Kaleh Dever VeCherev…" is not included in this manuscript, in accordance with the custom of most Western-Ashkenazi congregations to not recite this passage).
Kiddush Levana was included at the end of the volume, with a separate title page: "Order of Kiddush Levana – on Yom Kippur eve, as one leaves the synagogue, one customarily sanctifies the moon".
Ink on paper. 5; 4 leaves. 17.5 cm. Very good condition. Stains and minor tears. Fine binding, with damage.
The Rothschild Miscellany, commissioned by Moshe ben Yekutiel HaKohen in 1479, is considered the most lavish of all Hebrew manuscripts. The Miscellany comprises more than 37 religious and secular works, including: Psalms, Proverbs, Iyov, a yearly prayer book with the Passover Haggadah, and philosophical, moralistic and scientific treatises. With vignettes illustrating the text, and ornate gold-leaf initial-word panels.
Copy no. 91, of a limited edition of 500 copies (altogether 550 copies were printed, including 50 AP – Ad Personam copies, which are identical to the regular copies).
Elaborate facsimile, with leather binding, with accompanying commentary volume (in English), each slipcased. Facsimile: [473] leaves. Commentary volume: 256 pages. Volumes: 21 cm. Slipcases: 24 cm. Good condition. Minor damage to bindings and cases.
Manuscript of a monumental work authored by R. David Oppenheim, comprising a compilation of midrashim and teachings of the sages arranged according to topics, with the addition of novellae and commentaries. R. David did not succeed in bringing this work to print, and to date, it has not been published (see: Ch. Michel, Or HaChaim, Frankfurt, 1891, p. 315). Various parts of this work can be found in libraries around the world.
The work is named "Ir" (= city) and its entries are called "Batim" (= houses, the work is also called Sefer HaBatim – Book of Houses). A number of manuscripts produced by copyists exist, where the "Batim" are arranged in alphabetical order, and each of the "Batim" is divided into sub-sections named "Chadarim" (= rooms). The present manuscript is from the initial stage of writing, and the entries are not written in any special order. Large sections of this manuscript are handwritten by the author, and some sections were written by a copyist, at times with amendments and additions in the author's handwriting. Above each section, the author wrote the type of "Bayit" to which the section belongs.
In two places, the author refers to his other books. On p. [15a]: "See my book Yad David at length". On p. [33b], he mentions "my book Yalkut David, leaf 79".
Various novellae and short notes appear on the last leaves, later deleted (they were presumably copied elsewhere).
R. David Oppenheim (1664-1736) was a prominent leader in his times. Outstanding Torah scholar, rabbi and yeshiva dean, kabbalist and posek, wealthy and influential in the Emperor's court. He was a disciple of R. Gershon Ashkenazi, author of Avodat HaGershuni; of R. Yaakov Katz, father of the Chacham Zvi; and of R. Binyamin Epstein, author of Nachalat Binyamin. He had a close relationship with R. Yair Chaim Bacharach, author of Chavot Yair, and exchanged halachic correspondence with him. In 1690, while still in his twenties, he was appointed rabbi of Nikolsburg (Mikulov) and Moravia. Twenty years later, he was appointed rabbi of Prague, eventually serving as chief rabbi of Bohemia. He held this position for over 25 years until his death. He authored some twenty halachic and aggadic books, including Responsa Nish'al David. Only a few of his compositions were published. Exceptionally wealthy (he inherited his wealth from his father-in-law and from his uncle, R. Shmuel Oppenheim), he held close ties with the Emperor's court and with all the top governing officials. While his books remained in manuscripts, he was very supportive of Torah scholars and assisted them in printing their books. R. David dearly loved books and privately compiled the most important Jewish library in his times, containing thousands of volumes of rare books and manuscripts spanning many eras. After his death, his library was offered for sale and was purchased by the Oxford University Bodleian Library in England.
[80] written leaves (and many more blank leaves). 19 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Minor wear. New leather binding.
Manuscript on parchment. Vocalized, square script. Scribed and decorated in color, with gold ink. Initial words and headings in colored ink.
Includes: Yehi Ratzon prayers recited after the weekday Torah reading; Haftarah blessings (for Shabbat, the Three Festivals, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur); Haftarah for a public fast; Yekum Purkan and Mi Sheberach prayers; prayer for the Royal Family; blessing for the new month; Yizkor and Mi Sheberach prayers in memory of the deceased for festivals and the High Holidays; prayers for the Shofar blower and order of blowing, with kavanot; blessings for the Megillah reading with the Asher Heni and Shoshanat Yaakov piyyutim; order for changing a name.
The word "Yekum" (from Yekum Purkan) on p. 7 is flanked by two lions, set in a frame of leaves and flowers.
Prayer for the Royal Family on p. 9: "G-d who created Heaven and earth… should bless, protect and guard… our very distinguished master, the mighty and pious monarch, the Emperor [blank], and our mistress the queen… the Empress [blank]…". The first words of the prayer are set in a frame and decorated with a large crown, a pair of lions and a human face, rocailles and floral elements.
The present manuscript belonged to the Brill Shull in Pressburg, during the Chatam Sofer's tenure as rabbi of the city. The synagogue was named after its founder, the pious and wealthy R. Azriel Brill [Brilin].
A prayer was added in the margins of p. 13 at a later date (after the passing of R. Azriel and his wife): "May G-d remember the soul of Azriel son of Chana, and the soul of his wife Troyla daughter of Ruchama, for their donation of this synagogue. In that merit…". The present manuscript, with the special prayer in memory of R. Azriel and his wife, is mentioned in the book Avnei Beit HaYotzer about the Pressburg community, by R. Yitzchak Weiss, Pacs 1900, p. 73: "The prominent rabbi… R. Azriel Brilin… built… a magnificent synagogue… which is named after him… and in that merit his soul and the soul of his righteous wife are mentioned… during the Three Festivals and on Yom Kippur, and this is the text of the Yizkor recited for them… and this Yizkor is written in the parchment book of his synagogue…".
R. Azriel Bril (d. 1818), wealthy leader of the Pressburg community. He was one of the signatories on the rabbinic appointment of the Chatam Sofer. He was also a prominent Torah scholar, and in his youth he disseminated Torah and taught disciples. He fasted regularly throughout his life, and was constantly distressed about his exceptional prosperity. The Chatam Sofer eulogized him, saying: "The glory and crown of our community… diligent and sharp in Torah, in his youth he edified disciples… he served as our eyes in all matters… in all kinds of acts of kindness, he supported widows, orphans and the unfortunate… a great man… he never sought honor… neither for his Torah nor for his wealth…" (Drashot Chatam Sofer, II, eulogy from Parashat Chukat 1818).
A piece of parchment was attached to the manuscript (pasted inside the front board) at a later date, stating: "…the yahrzeit of the late R. Azriel Brilin is on 23rd Iyar… he donated and established this synagogue which is named after him… he also donated the Torah scroll and holy utensils for this synagogue, and the yahrzeit of Mrs. Troyla his wife…".
22 pages. 27.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Ink smearing in several places (several words illegible). New leather binding.
Large format. The Pinkas opens with a decorated title page, inscribed: " This Pinkas belongs to the Bikur Cholim holy society… according to the regulation instituted in 1823".
The Pinkas offers much information about the Kraków community from the 1830s up until close to the Holocaust. Hundreds of written pages, containing thousands of names, various facts and hundreds of signatures of the society's gabbaim over the years. It also includes information about R. Shimon Sofer, rabbi of Kraków (son of the Chatam Sofer) and other rabbis (see below).
The Pinkas comprises protocols, records of new members joining the society, records of donations made out to the society, pledges of Torah study in memory of the deceased and more. It also includes regulations and decisions of the society (generally signed by the gabbaim), dated: 1829, 1834, 1838, 1843, 1846, 1848, 1864, 1875; results of elections for various positions in the society and protocols of appointments of gabbaim and other functionaries, 1829-1866; records about the society's property, and more. Additional leaves with inscriptions and signatures were pasted in several places. The society's stamp appears on several leaves.
In several places, the Pinkas offers information about the rabbi of the city – R. Shimon Sofer (son of the Chatam Sofer. Served as rabbi of Mattersdorf, was appointed rabbi of Kraków in 1861. A leader of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia, held a seat in the Austrian parliament. Author of Michtav Sofer).
An inscription regarding the acceptance of R. Shimon Sofer as member of the society is recorded on p. 142b. On p. 186a, there is a record of a donation from R. Shimon Sofer in memory of his daughter Sarah Chaya. An inscription on p. 25b attests that a Torah scroll was lent to R. Shimon Sofer on the 1st day of Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1861 (the year of his appointment as rabbi of the city). A leaf was pasted on p. 239a, containing a contract with the society, signed by R. Tzvi Hirsch Berliner, son of R. Shlomo Hirschell Rabbi of London. At the foot of the leaf, there is an additional inscription, "Copy of a letter given to R. Efraim Berliner of Warsaw" (son of the above-mentioned R. Tzvi), describing "the efforts of R. Shimon Sofer Rabbi of our community…".
On p. 159b, there is an inscription handwritten and signed by R. Yosef Nechemia Kornitzer Rabbi of Kraków (grandson of R. Shimon Sofer), about his joining the society in 1925 (the year he succeeded his father as rabbi of the city).
Later leaves were bound at the beginning of the Pinkas, after the title page and another leaf. These are followed by the original leaves of the Pinkas. Some twenty leaves were removed from the Pinkas when it was rebound in 1862, as stated on the leaf following the title page: "The 21 leaves lacking in this Pinkas which contained the list of the members of the society in Ashuri script, where removed when the Pinkas was rebound in 1862, and the list was rewritten…". The lacking leaves were replaced with later leaves, containing an index of names. The inscriptions in the Pinkas do not always appear in chronological order, and some leaves were presumably bound out of sequence.
[22], 22-252 leaves (hundreds of written pages. Some blank leaves). 37 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Several tears. Tears to some of the later leaves at the beginning of the Pinkas, affecting text, with loss. New leather binding.
1. Manuscript (11 pages), Worte gesprochen am Grabe [words said at the grave], handwritten by Rav Hirsch – eulogy for Baroness Adelheid von Rothschild, wife of Baron Carl Mayer von Rothschild. German, with a few words in Hebrew.
The eulogy was composed and written by R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch (presumably for publishing). Rav Hirsch describes the kindheartedness and generosity of the Baroness, her loyalty to the Jewish people and her being an exemplary wife and mother.
Baroness Adelheid von Rothschild née Herz was born in 1800 and passed away on 11th April 1853. Her husband was Baron Kalman son of Mayer (Carl Mayer) Rothschild, son of Mayer Amschel Rothschild (Meir son of Asher Anshel) Rothschild, founder of the Rothschild dynasty. Carl (Kalman) was sent to Naples, Italy, where he founded the local branch of the Rothschild bank.
Baroness Adelheid's son, Baron Wilhelm Rothschild, was one of the primary supporters of Rav Hirsch's Orthodox community in Frankfurt.
[6] leaves (11 pages handwritten by Rav Hirsch). 22 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Elegant red leather binding. A portrait print of Rav Hirsch is placed in a pocket on the front board.
2. Two leaves (written on one side) handwritten by R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch, epitaph of Anselm (Asher) Alexander Rothschild. [Frankfurt am Main, 1854].
On one leaf, Rav Hirsch wrote the epitaph – a short inscription and a lamentation poem, in Hebrew. The second leaf contains the German translation of the poem, also handwritten by Rav Hirsch. Rav Hirsch presumably composed the entire epitaph (both the inscription and the poem).
Anselm (Asher) Alexander was the youngest son of Baron Carl Mayer von Rothschild of Naples, Italy. He passed away in 1854 at the age of 18, a year after the passing of his mother Adelheid (see above), and was buried in the old cemetery in Frankfurt am Main.
[2] leaves (2 pages handwritten by Rav Hirsch). 33 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks and creases. Small open tears, professionally repaired with paper. Elegant red leather binding.
3. Worte gesprochen am Grabe des verewigten Freiherrn Amschel Mayer von Rothschild [words said at the grave of the late Baron Amschel Mayer von Rothschild], 9. December 1855 – 29th Kislev 5616, by R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch. Frankfurt am Main, [ca. 1855]. Printed booklet. German.
Rare booklet. Unique edition, printed in gold ink on chromo paper. Thin paper guards between leaves.
Baron Amschel Mayer Rothschild was the eldest son of Baron Mayer Amschel (Mayer son of Asher Anshel) Rothschild, and brother of Carl Mayer von Rothschild (mentioned above). In 1810, he was appointed by his father, together with his four brothers, partner and manager of the Rothschild bank. After his father's passing, Amschel Mayer became the head of the family and manager of the main branch of the bank in Frankfurt am Main. He was ennobled in 1817 and became a Baron in 1822. Baron Rothschild was renowned for his charitability and generosity, and campaigned extensively to attain equal rights for German Jewry. He nevertheless remained loyal to Orthodox Judaism and opposed Reform. He passed away on December 6, 1855 and was buried on December 9 in the Jewish cemetery of Frankfurt.
In the present eulogy, Rav Hirsch praises the Baron for his exceptional generosity, his wisdom and perspicacity, and especially for his devotion to authentic Judaism, his diligence in praying in a synagogue and Shabbat observance.
[7] pages. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains. Tear to lower corner of title page, repaired with tape. The booklet was rebound (with the original wrappers) in a new binding.
Addressed to his son R. Tzvi Hirsh Guttmacher Rabbi of Pleschen (Pleszew). The letter, which is dated 3rd Sivan, opens with blessings for the upcoming festival of Shavuot: "May the joy of the festival of Shavuot and much good always reach my son R. Tzvi". The letter concludes with his full signature: "So are the words of your father, Eli. son of R. Sh., Rabbi of Greiditz".
The letter discusses articles published in the HaMaggid newspaper, regarding the Yishuv Eretz Israel society. The final part relates to a matchmaking proposal for the son of R. Refael Gradenwitz (who served as dayan in Ravitch, Posen region). R. Eliyahu writes that the prospective groom learns well and serves as posek and shochet.
R. Eliyahu Guttmacher Rabbi of Greiditz (1796-1875), disciple of R. Akiva Eger, served as rabbi of Pleschen (Pleszew) until ca. 1840. He later went to serve as rabbi of Greiditz. His eldest son, R. Tzvi Hirsh, succeeded him as rabbi of Pleschen. Famed as a holy kabbalist, in his senior years his name spread throughout the Jewish world as a wonder-worker, with amazing stories circulating of the great miracles and salvations attained through the blessings of "der Greiditzer Tzaddik" (the Tzaddik of Greiditz), "from all countries people came to seek his blessings and prayers, each one according to his needs" (Igrot Sofrim, at the foot of letter 29). After his eldest son, R. Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Pleschen, died in his lifetime childless (in 1871), he published his son's works Nachalat Zvi and Ken Meforeshet (Lviv, 1873). In the introduction to Ken Meforeshet, R. Eliyahu promises: "If someone seeks deliverance from G-d… he should study a Mishnah with the Rav (Bartenura), Tosafot Yom Tov and my son's commentary and then stand and pray in any language… detailing his request so he will be answered…".
[1] double leaf (4 written pages). 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
Ten autograph lines, with his signature. On the verso of the leaf, another three short lines with the address in his handwriting. Addressed to his friend "the outstanding rabbi, the wise and perfect R. Yaakov" of Zalozitz (Zaliztsi).
The letter mentions a letter sent from the Apta community "from his brother-in-law, the outstanding rabbi, the leader R. David". R. Moshe Leib then extends his blessings for livelihood and satisfaction from his children: "And due to lack of spare time, I will be brief…, and may G-d grant you an abundance of mercy for easy livelihood and much good, and to experience joy from his outstanding sons and [young?] daughters".
The letter is signed: "So are the words of one who loves him dearly and seeks his wellbeing always, Moshe Yehuda Leib of Brody".
On verso, inscription handwritten by R. Moshe Yehuda Leib: "To the Zalozitz community, to my friend the outstanding rabbi R. Yaakov, from the Sassov community".
R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Erblich of Sassov (1745-1807), a most prominent Chassidic leader and luminary. He was the close disciple of R. Shmelke Horowitz Rabbi of Nikolsburg, and studied in his yeshiva for seven years (some say thirteen years). When he returned to Brody, his teacher attested: "He packed in his case the Talmud and four parts of Shulchan Aruch". Following his teacher's passing in 1778, he began frequenting the court of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. In the late 1770s and early 1780s, he lived in Apta, where he founded a yeshiva and delivered profound, in-depth lectures. In those years, he drew the Yehudi HaKadosh of Peshischa close to Chassidism.
R. Moshe Leib is renowned for the elevated levels he reached in worship of G-d. One can learn of his exceptional modesty and awesome fear of G-d from a famous letter he wrote, in which he attests: "…I have never feared the Master of all masters; and if my only sin is that I recite one hundred blessings a day without fear and awe, thereby angering G-d one hundred times a day…" (Likutei Ramal, Czernowitz 1856, 18a).
R. Moshe Leib was primarily reputed as the pillar of lovingkindness in his generation, and for the ardent love of his fellow Jew which burnt within him. He was the father of orphans, judge of widows and savior of agunot. He engaged in acts of charity and kindness throughout the day with joy, dedication, devotion and enthusiasm, covering great distances to raise money to release prisoners, assist the needy with their wedding expenses, to bring peace between man and his fellow and husband and wife. Most of the stories circulating about him surround these topics. Famous among his sayings: "If you are not a faithful lover of your fellow Jew, you have not yet tasted true fear of G-d"; "He who cannot suck the matter from the boils of Jewish children has not yet attained half the required level of love for his fellow Jew". Reputedly, "he would always participate in a person's sorrow as if he himself was suffering from that difficulty, he would make efforts to provide for orphans, with his holy hands he would protect them, and heal them when they were struck with boils… and he would make them bandages" (Zechut Yisrael, Eser Tzachtzachot, Jerusalem 2001, pp. 69-70). Many of his acts of kindnesses were performed secretly and discreetly. Occasionally, he would dress up as a non-Jew in the middle of the night, and bring firewood to destitute women who had just given birth, reciting Tikkun Chatzot as he walked. His disciple the Ateret Tzvi of Ziditchov who secretly followed and observed him, applied to him the verse "Your path is in mighty waters, and your steps are not known" (ibid).
Remnants of his novellae to Talmudic tractates (mostly on Tractate Ketubot), as well as his thoughts on worship of G-d and on the Torah, were published in various anthologies, and were arranged in their entirety by his grandson R. Nechamia Shapiro Rabbi of Sassov in his book Chiddushei HaRamal, 3 parts (Vienna 1921). In his writings, he quotes repeatedly the novellae of his teacher R. Shmelke of Nikolsburg. An indication of his involvement in helping agunot appears in Responsa Neta Shaashu'im (Zhovkva 1829) by R. Tzvi Hirsh Kara, Even Ezer section 79: "And I was asked… led by G-d's friend and my friend, the renowned R. Moshe Yehuda Leib of Sassov, who wrote to me to ask me to study her case". See also Yeshuot Yaakov, Even HaEzer, section 17, in Perush HaKatzar, 30: "See Perush HaAroch, in the responsum which I wrote on this topic to R. Moshe Leib of Sassov".
His disciples were renowned Chassidic leaders: the Ateret Tzvi of Ziditchov, R. Avraham David Wahrmann Rabbi of Buchach – author of Daat Kedoshim and Eshel Avraham, Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Kosov – author of Ahavat Shalom, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan and R. Yisrael of Berditchev Rabbi of Pikov and Berditchev (son of the Kedushat Levi).
A story told about his disciple, R. Avraham David of Buchach, reveals the holiness of R. Moshe Leib's manuscripts: "Once, a large fire broke out in Buchach on Shabbat. R. Avraham David at first bemoaned the loss of his writings, yet when he was informed that the box containing his writings was standing in the street, his countenance changed and he exclaimed: I do not feel that the merit is mine, only because a holy letter from my teacher R. Moshe Leib of Sassov was there" (Zechut Yisrael, Eser Tzachtzachot, ibid, pp. 68-69).
Autographs of R. Moshe Leib are extremely rare.Only a few are extant. Here is a complete letter, entirely handwritten by R. Moshe Leib, with his full signature. His typical signature reads: "Moshe Yehuda Leib of Brody", though he occasionally signed: "of Sassov". R. Moshe Leib spent most of his life in his hometown, Brody, and only from the mid-1790s did he live in Sassov. Even in the years he resided in Sassov, he sometimes signed "of Brody", as in this letter (for another example, see: Chiddushei HaRamal, New York 1990, p. 285).
To the best of our knowledge, this letter has never been published.
R. Nechemia Shapiro explains the scarcity of his grandfather's manuscripts, in his foreword to Chiddushei Ramal (Vienna 1920): "…the paper my grandfather wrote on and the ink he used, were not good at all, and his handwriting was beautiful and fine, and after being handled by many, who did not know how to treat this treasure with the respect due to it, and weren't cautious not to touch it with their hands, and especially with unclean hands, the manuscript got very faded and torn, and over the time it became so damaged that there was not even one complete, undamaged statement left on it". Further in the foreword, he relates that once, when the manuscripts were by R. Yekutiel Shmelke – son of R. Moshe Leib, "…a lit candle fell on the manuscript… and several complete leaves of it were destroyed…".
[1] leaf. Approx. 23 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Tear to center of leaf, slightly affecting text, repaired on verso with transparent adhesive tape. Ink stain, covering one word (in the line before the signature). Inscription on verso faded. Folding marks.
This rare letter was part of the collection of R. Shimon Shmelke Erblich of Antwerp, who is a direct seventh-generation patrilineal descendant of R. Moshe Yehuda Leib of Sassov. R. Shimon's father was R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Erblich, son of R. Yaakov Tzvi Erblich, son of R. Yekutiel Shmelke Erblich, son of R. Alter Aryeh Mordechai Erblich, son of R. Yekutiel Shmelke Erblich Rabbi of Sassov (1800-1862), son of R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Erblich of Sassov.
The present lot is comprised of five (consecutive) leaves handwritten by the Haflaa. The leaves mostly contain novellae on Tractate Pesachim – folios 44b (pp. 9a-12a); 22a (pp. 12b-13a); and 5b (p. 13a). The final page contains novellae on Tractate Rosh Hashana – folios 13a; 23a.
The contents of these leaves were not published in Chiddushei Haflaa on Talmudic tractate, printed in 1900 and 1994, and were presumably not published anywhere else.
These leaves were presumably part of a manuscript which was in the possession of R. Efraim Zalman Horowitz of Komarno, great-grandson of the Haflaa, sections of which were published in Chiddushei Haflaa (Munkacs 1895). The publisher, R. Sender Chaim of Kozova, relates in his foreword that R. Efraim Zalman gave him the manuscript to transcribe for publication, however he eventually transcribed and published only parts of it – mostly those pertaining to Orach Chaim and Yoreh De'ah. He also mentions the Talmudic novellae in the manuscript, stating his intent to publish them as well, yet the Talmudic novellae remain unpublished.
R. Pinchas HaLevi Ish Horowitz (1731-1805), rabbi of Frankfurt am Main, author of the Haflaa, served in his early years as rabbi of Witkowo and Lachovice. On 26th Tevet 1772, he was appointed rabbi and dean of Frankfurt am Main, which at that time was the largest Torah center in Germany. He held this position for over thirty-three years, until his passing. He edified many disciples in his yeshiva, the most prominent of them being his close disciple the Chatam Sofer. He led the battles against Haskalah and the Reform movement. R. Pinchas and his Torah novellae were held in high regard by all the leaders of his generation, whether Chassidic or opponents of Chassidut.
At the end of 1771, shortly before he arrived in Frankfurt, R. Pinchas spent several weeks together with his brother R. Shmelke Rabbi of Nikolsburg, by the Maggid of Mezeritch, where they absorbed the secrets of Torah and worship of G-d from the Maggid and his leading disciples (the Mitteler Rebbe of Lubavitch relates to this in his famous foreword to Shulchan Aruch HaRav, first printed in 1814). The Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch defines R. Pinchas as a disciple of the Maggid (Likutei Torah, Bamidbar, Zhitomir 1848, p. 29b, in a gloss on the words of his grandfather the Baal HaTanya). In his book Panim Yafot, the Haflaa brings several principles from the teachings of the Maggid of Mezeritch (see: Erchei HaHaflaa, Jerusalem 2006, I, pp. 40-41), although he only mentions him explicitly in one place, in Parashat Beshalach (p. 57b), in the commentary to "Vayavo'u Marata" (some claim that the omission of the name of the Maggid from the book Panim Yafot is the fault of the copyists of the manuscript. In his foreword, the publisher R. Efraim Zalman Margolies states that Panim Yafot was not printed based on the author's own manuscript, but from a transcript produced by one of the grandsons of the author, "based on a transcript of the book produced by various scribes", meaning that the book was printed based on a third hand copy. This claim still does not explain the fact that the name of the Maggid of Mezeritch is not mentioned in any of the books published by the Haflaa in his lifetime, even in places where the ideas quoted were derived from the teachings of the Maggid). During his short stay by the Maggid, the Haflaa drew close to several disciples of the Maggid, including the Baal HaTanya, R. Zusha of Anipoli and R. Avraham of Kalisk (whom the Haflaa referred to, in 1792, with great reverence: "my beloved friend, the great luminary, R. Avraham HaKohen of Tiberias"). In a letter he wrote in 1792, he expresses his esteem for the Chassidim of Tiberias who devote themselves to the worship of G-d in the Holy Land (Yeshurun, XXI, p. 855). The Haflaa was a prolific author, and he recorded many novellae on all parts of the Torah and on most Talmudic tractates. He gave the general title of "Haflaa" to all his books. The first book of this series, on Tractate Ketubot, was named Ketubah (Offenbach 1787), and the second, on Tractate Kiddushin, was named HaMikneh (Offenbach 1801). Both were published in his lifetime, while the third part in this series, Panim Yafot on the Torah in five volumes (Ostroh 1825-1826), was only published after his passing. His halachic responsa were published in Responsa Givat Pinchas.
[5] leaves (ten written pages). 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Dampstains. Ink fading on some leaves. Wear. Marginal tears, not affecting text. Marginal worming, affecting text.
Forty-four leaves from the composition HaYashar VehaTov – some seventy-eight pages handwritten by the author, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Friedman Rabbi of Liska, with emendations and deletions in the body of the text.
A few pages (approx. seven) were written by a scribe or copyist. One page (p. 70a) was presumably written by one of the author's sons-in-law.
The contents of these leaves were printed in the book HaYashar VehaTov, Part I (Munkacs 1880; second half of the book), apart from the passage copied by the author's son-in-law.
In his foreword to the author's first book, Ach Pri Tevuah, the publisher mentions the writings the author left behind: "All were innovated in his old age, since the Torah novellae which he composed in his youth, were unfortunately all consumed by a fire in Poland".
Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh Friedman, rabbi of Liska (1798-1874), a leading Hungarian rebbe, from the first generation of the Chassidic movement in Hungary. A disciple of the Yismach Moshe, Rebbe Shalom of Belz, Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rebbe Meir of Premishlan and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was renowned as a wonder-worker, and people flocked to him from all over the country to receive his blessings. He authored Ach Pri Tevua, HaYashar VehaTov, and other works. His illustrious disciple was R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, who used to sign: "Who was the close attendant of the pious rabbi of Liska".
[44] leaves (85 written pages, including approx. 78 handwritten by the author) 25 cm. Overall good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming. Tears and wear. Three leaves in fair condition, with large tears affecting text, partially repaired with paper.
Manuscript, homilies for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, by R. Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely) – author of Yismach Moshe. Written by scribes, with some ten glosses and transition sentences handwritten by his grandson and disciple Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației) – the Yitav Lev [Gorlitz/Sighet, ca. 1848-1861]. With dozens of glosses by the grandson and disciple of the Yitav Lev, Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposch [Tîrgu Lăpuş, 1900s].
The contents of this manuscript were published in several parts of the Yismach Moshe series. The leaves of this manuscript were in the possession of the Yitav Lev and his grandson and disciple Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum (see below). Both of them edited sections of this manuscript and printed them in the Yismach Moshe books which they published. These leaves therefore contain their handwritten glosses and notes, occasionally on the same page, side by side.
When the Yitav Lev prepared his grandfather's series of books on the Torah for print, he selected several sections from the present manuscript and published them in the Yismach Moshe books (Lviv, 1849-1861). Rebbe Moshe David later selected sections from these leaves relating to the Book of Tehillim, and published them in the Tefillah LeMoshe commentary on Tehillim by the Yismach Moshe (Krakow, 1880). One of the present leaves contains "Hanhagot Tovot" (good practices) by the Yismach Moshe, which were printed in the commentary on Tehillim.
Rebbe Moshe David later edited and published all the other sections (most of the present manuscript) in a composition titled Tochachat Chaim Amirah Ne'imah, printed in Yismach Moshe (on Neviim, Ketuvim, Megillot and various topics; Sighet 1908). One section was printed in the Yayin HaRekach composition in the abovementioned book.
While preparing the book for print, the Yitav Lev added in the manuscript several glosses as well as introductory and transition sentences in his handwriting (most of which appear in the printed version). R. Moshe David subsequently also added his own glosses, additions, introductory and transition sentences, in the sections which he edited.
One of the present leaves contains a gloss handwritten by the Yitav Lev, which was omitted in print. Several leaves contain sentences which he placed in parentheses or deleted, indicating that they should not be printed, presumably due to censorship constraints. One of the censored sections states: "I delivered this sermon on Rosh Hashanah 1788, when decrees were frequent and troubles befell us constantly, especially the taking of the Jews as soldiers [in reference to forced conscription of Jews to the army, under the rule of Emperor Joseph II], where their beards were razed and their clothing exchanged for soldiers' uniforms. May G-d take pity on his people".
Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Ujhel (1759-1841), was an illustrious Chassidic leader in Hungary and Galicia. An outstanding Torah scholar and G-dly Kabbalist, sharp and well versed in all facets of Torah, revealed as well as hidden. During his lifetime he was renowned as a holy G-dly man and a wonder-worker benefiting from Divine Inspiration. He first served as rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa) from 1785-1808, and in 1808, was appointed rabbi of Ujhel (Satoraljaujhely) and its region. At first, R. Moshe was an opponent of Chassidut, and in his youth, he travelled to Vilna to study Torah from the Gaon of Vilna (R. B. Landau, HaGaon HeChassid MiVilna, p. 291, in the name of R. Zalman Weber. The Klausenburg Rebbe cites an interesting testimony from that visit, which his great-grandfather the Yismach Moshe related about the conduct of the Gaon of Vilna with his disciples – Responsa Divrei Yatziv, Part IV, Yoreh De'ah, section 131). Over the years, R. Moshe gravitated towards Chassidut, influenced by his son-in-law R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz of Vishnitsaý, author of the Responsa Aryeh D'Vei Ila'i, who convinced him to travel to the Chozeh of Lublin. There, R. Moshe saw revelations of Divine Inspiration, and became the Chozeh's close disciple, adhering to Chassidut and disseminating its doctrines. This transformation took place while he was still serving as rabbi of Shinova. He also travelled to the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. From 1815, R. Moshe began distributing amulets to those requiring salvation and "the pen cannot properly describe the wonders performed by those amulets". Reputedly, he deliberated whether to continue writing amulets until he heard a pronouncement from Heaven: "Do not fear for I am with you" (Tehilla L'Moshe). Until this day, most of the texts of amulets and "protections" in Ashkenazi countries are attributed to the Yismach Moshe, including the printed text of the "Protection for the infant and the mother" and "Protection from epidemic". The text of the renowned Kerestir amulets, inscribed by Chassidic rebbes for safeguarding home and property, also originates from him.
His published writings include the well-known books of homilies – Yismach Moshe on the Torah, Megillot and on Talmudic Aggadot, Tefilla L'Moshe on Tehillim, Responsa Heshiv Moshe and other books. His book Maayan Tahor, with the laws of Niddah in Yiddish for Jewish women, was appended to many siddurim.
Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum – the Yitav Lev (1808-1883), son of R. Elazar Nissan Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, and son-in-law of R. Moshe David Ashkenazi – rabbi of Tolcsva who later immigrated to Safed. He was a close disciple of his grandfather the Yismach Moshe – Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel, who drew him especially close and disclosed to him Heavenly revelations which he had perceived with Divine inspiration. He was also a disciple of Rebbe Asher Yeshaya of Ropshitz. In 1833 (at the age of 25), he was appointed rabbi of Stropkov, and after the passing of his illustrious grandfather, he was selected to succeed him as rabbi of Ujhel. He was then appointed rabbi of Gorlitz (Gorlice), and later of Drohobych. In 1858, he went to serve as rabbi of Sighet, capital of the Maramureș region, and founded there a large yeshiva, which numbered at its zenith two hundred students. Amongst his renowned disciples from that time was R. Shlomo Leib Tabak author of Erech Shai and head of the Sighet Beit Din. His grandson attested that "he was a merciful father to his disciples, carrying them on his shoulders as a nurse carries a suckling, and overseeing each one individually to ensure they studied Torah in holiness and purity". In Sighet, he gained worldwide renown, and thousands of Chassidim flocked to seek his counsel and wisdom, blessing and salvation. He was renowned for his exceptional holiness, and his grandson R. Yoel of Satmar attested that his holiness was never tainted. Numerous stories circulated of the wonders he performed, including incredible insights which were revealed to him with Divine Inspiration. He was reputed in his generation as one who could read the minds of those standing before him, and amazing stories were told of this ability. His epitaph reads: "The renowned rabbi, he edified upstanding and reputable disciples, left behind valuable compositions". He is renowned for his books: Yitav Lev on the Torah, Yitav Panim on the Festivals, Rav Tuv on the Torah and Responsa Avnei Tzedek.
Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum (1855-1935), grandson and close disciple of the Yitav Lev of Sighet. Together with his grandfather, he published Tefillah LeMoshe on Tehillim by their ancestor the Yismach Moshe. In 1906-1908, he published two volumes of Yismach Moshe on Neviim, Ketuvim and other topics. Likewise, he edited and published some of the works of his grandfather the Yitav Lev. In 1882, he was appointed rabbi of Laposch (Tîrgu Lăpuş, present day: Romania). In his final years, he settled in the United States, where he served as rebbe of Volova.
[23] leaves (46 written pages), including some consecutive leaves (paginated: 15-16; 23-36. Several unpaginated leaves). 42 cm. Condition varies – most leaves in good condition and several leaves in fair-poor condition. Large open tears to approx. 9 leaves, with significant damage to text. Stains (including dampstains) and wear.
Throughout his life, the Yismach Moshe composed novellae on all parts of the Torah – Halachah, Aggadah, Derush and Chassidut. He wrote these novellae sporadically, on pieces of paper, rather than in an organized fashion. After his passing, his writings were given to the Yitav Lev, his grandson and disciple, who gave them to a scribe to be copied methodically. After the writings were copied, the Yitav Lev began editing and arranging the novellae according to topics. While he was editing them, he added glosses, introductory and transition sentences, and many sources. From these writings, the Yitav Lev printed the Yismach Moshe series on the Torah portions, between 1849-1861. In time, when the Yitav Lev became busy with his rabbinical position, his yeshiva and disseminating Torah to his many disciples, he handed over the rest of the writings to his son-in-law, R. Yisrael Yaakov Yukel Teitelbaum Rabbi of Gorlitz and to his grandson R. Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposch, for them to edit and arrange other works of the Yismach Moshe for print. R. Yisrael Yaakov Yukel Teitelbaum of Gorlitz edited Responsa Heshiv Moshe (Lviv, 1866). R. Moshe David Teitelbaum of Laposch edited Tefillah LeMoshe on Tehillim (Krakow, 1880), and in 1906 and 1908, he compiled and published two new volumes of Yismach Moshe, comprising a compilation of ten small works on Neviim, Ketuvim, Megillot, Aggadot and more.
These leaves were used in the preparation of several books of the Yismach Moshe, and show the initial stages of editing – prior to the rearrangement according to subjects – bearing the handwritten editing notes of his holy descendants.