Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
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Displaying 85 - 96 of 124
![Kli Yakar, commentary on Neviim Rishonim, by R. Shmuel Laniado. [Venice: Zuan di Gara, 1603]. Only edition.
The text of the](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale78-public/85_1.jpg "Kli Yakar by Rabbi Shmuel Laniado – Venice, 1603 – Signature and Gloss")
![Kli Yakar, commentary on Neviim Rishonim, by R. Shmuel Laniado. [Venice: Zuan di Gara, 1603]. Only edition.
The text of the](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale78-public/85_2.jpg "Kli Yakar by Rabbi Shmuel Laniado – Venice, 1603 – Signature and Gloss")
![Kli Yakar, commentary on Neviim Rishonim, by R. Shmuel Laniado. [Venice: Zuan di Gara, 1603]. Only edition.
The text of the](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale78-public/85_3.jpg "Kli Yakar by Rabbi Shmuel Laniado – Venice, 1603 – Signature and Gloss")
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Kli Yakar, commentary on Neviim Rishonim, by R. Shmuel Laniado. [Venice: Zuan di Gara, 1603]. Only edition.
The text of the Neviim occupies the center of the page, and the commentary is printed around it.
The author, R. Shmuel Laniado (1530-1605; LiKedoshim Asher BaAretz, 275), a Safed Torah scholar, head of the Aleppo community in Syria, where he was sent to by his teacher R. Yosef Karo author of Shulchan Aruch. Known as Baal HaKelim after his compositions: Kli Chemdah, Kli Paz, Kli Golah and Kli Yakar.
Brief explanations of words were printed in the margins of the Books of Yehoshua, Shoftim and Shmuel. In the first two books, most the explanations are in Hebrew, while in the book of Shmuel, most are in Ladino.
Inscription and calligraphic signature on the leaf following the title page: "That which G-d granted his young servant Avraham Yitzchaki" – signature of the Rishon LeTzion R. Avraham Yitzchaki author of Zera Avraham. The book contains four glosses in his handwriting (on pp. 193a, 210a, 293a), including one with his signature: "Avraham Yitzchaki", one signed "Avraham" and one beginning with the acronym "A.A." [=Amar Avraham, Avraham says].
A lengthy gloss on p. 9a, with a calligraphic signature (slightly faded): "I, Shmuel B.B.M.[?]".
A gloss by a third writer on p. 104b, beginning with the words: "And I say…".
In the book of Yehoshua, dozens of references to midrashim in early Sephardic script. At the end of the book of Yehoshua: "The references for the book of Yehoshua were completed". Additional references on some leaves of the book of Shoftim.
Signature on the title page: "This is my book, Yehuda Abarbanel". Another of his signatures on the leaf following the title page; inscription on verso of the title page: "I acquired it for the service of my Creator… Avraham Danon".
R. Avraham Yitzchaki (1661-1729), Rishon LeTzion and leading Jerusalem Torah scholar in his times, author of Responsa Zera Avraham. His maternal grandfather was R. Avraham Azulai author of Chesed LeAvraham, whom he studied Kabbalah with. He was also a disciple of R. Yaakov Yisrael Hagiz and R. Moshe Galante (the second). One of his fellow students and a leading Torah scholar was R. Chizkiyahu di Silva, author of Pri Chadah. He married the daughter of R. Avraham Yisrael Ze'evi, rabbi of Hebron. The disciples of R. Avraham Yitzchaki in the Beit Yaakov Beit Midrash in Jerusalem included R. Yitzchak HaKohen Rappaport, R. Moshe Hagiz and R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, father of the Chida (the Chida himself relates that he heard a eulogy from him on R. Eliyahu HaKohen, at the age of five: "When I was a youth who had not yet reached the age of Chinuch, I heard from R. A.Y. a eulogy in 1729". See Shem HaGedolim, in his entry, and see: Benayahu, R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai, I, p. 91, note 52; several months later, R. Avraham Yitzchaki passed away). In 1708, R. Yitzchaki left on a ten-year mission on behalf of the Jerusalem community. During his mission, he fought fiercely against the rise of the Sabbatian movement, and especially against the Sabbatian Nechemia Hayyun. R. Yaakov Emden, who met him in Amsterdam, writes about him: "And in my youth, I saw in Amsterdam an emissary from Eretz Israel Chacham Yitzchaki… he was tall and strong, of great stature…" (Mor UKetziah, II, errata and omissions, p. 91b). In 1715, he was appointed rabbi of Jerusalem and Rishon LeTzion.
[1], 3-564 leaves. 29.5 cm. Condition varies. First and final leaves in fair condition. Some leaves in middle of book in good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear and creases. Marginal tears. Large open tears to title page, with significant damage to border and text on both sides, repaired with paper (missing border and text replaced in photocopy). Worming, affecting text. Stamps. New binding.
The text of the Neviim occupies the center of the page, and the commentary is printed around it.
The author, R. Shmuel Laniado (1530-1605; LiKedoshim Asher BaAretz, 275), a Safed Torah scholar, head of the Aleppo community in Syria, where he was sent to by his teacher R. Yosef Karo author of Shulchan Aruch. Known as Baal HaKelim after his compositions: Kli Chemdah, Kli Paz, Kli Golah and Kli Yakar.
Brief explanations of words were printed in the margins of the Books of Yehoshua, Shoftim and Shmuel. In the first two books, most the explanations are in Hebrew, while in the book of Shmuel, most are in Ladino.
Inscription and calligraphic signature on the leaf following the title page: "That which G-d granted his young servant Avraham Yitzchaki" – signature of the Rishon LeTzion R. Avraham Yitzchaki author of Zera Avraham. The book contains four glosses in his handwriting (on pp. 193a, 210a, 293a), including one with his signature: "Avraham Yitzchaki", one signed "Avraham" and one beginning with the acronym "A.A." [=Amar Avraham, Avraham says].
A lengthy gloss on p. 9a, with a calligraphic signature (slightly faded): "I, Shmuel B.B.M.[?]".
A gloss by a third writer on p. 104b, beginning with the words: "And I say…".
In the book of Yehoshua, dozens of references to midrashim in early Sephardic script. At the end of the book of Yehoshua: "The references for the book of Yehoshua were completed". Additional references on some leaves of the book of Shoftim.
Signature on the title page: "This is my book, Yehuda Abarbanel". Another of his signatures on the leaf following the title page; inscription on verso of the title page: "I acquired it for the service of my Creator… Avraham Danon".
R. Avraham Yitzchaki (1661-1729), Rishon LeTzion and leading Jerusalem Torah scholar in his times, author of Responsa Zera Avraham. His maternal grandfather was R. Avraham Azulai author of Chesed LeAvraham, whom he studied Kabbalah with. He was also a disciple of R. Yaakov Yisrael Hagiz and R. Moshe Galante (the second). One of his fellow students and a leading Torah scholar was R. Chizkiyahu di Silva, author of Pri Chadah. He married the daughter of R. Avraham Yisrael Ze'evi, rabbi of Hebron. The disciples of R. Avraham Yitzchaki in the Beit Yaakov Beit Midrash in Jerusalem included R. Yitzchak HaKohen Rappaport, R. Moshe Hagiz and R. Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, father of the Chida (the Chida himself relates that he heard a eulogy from him on R. Eliyahu HaKohen, at the age of five: "When I was a youth who had not yet reached the age of Chinuch, I heard from R. A.Y. a eulogy in 1729". See Shem HaGedolim, in his entry, and see: Benayahu, R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai, I, p. 91, note 52; several months later, R. Avraham Yitzchaki passed away). In 1708, R. Yitzchaki left on a ten-year mission on behalf of the Jerusalem community. During his mission, he fought fiercely against the rise of the Sabbatian movement, and especially against the Sabbatian Nechemia Hayyun. R. Yaakov Emden, who met him in Amsterdam, writes about him: "And in my youth, I saw in Amsterdam an emissary from Eretz Israel Chacham Yitzchaki… he was tall and strong, of great stature…" (Mor UKetziah, II, errata and omissions, p. 91b). In 1715, he was appointed rabbi of Jerusalem and Rishon LeTzion.
[1], 3-564 leaves. 29.5 cm. Condition varies. First and final leaves in fair condition. Some leaves in middle of book in good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear and creases. Marginal tears. Large open tears to title page, with significant damage to border and text on both sides, repaired with paper (missing border and text replaced in photocopy). Worming, affecting text. Stamps. New binding.
Category
Oriental Torah Scholars
Catalogue
![Ein Yaakov, by Rabbenu Yaakov ibn Habib, two parts. [Salonika: Judah Gedaliah, ca. 1516-1522]. Both parts of the first editio](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale78-public/86.jpg "Ein Yaakov – First Edition, Both Parts – Salonika, 1516-1522 – Hundred")
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $15,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $30,000
Including buyer's premium
Ein Yaakov, by Rabbenu Yaakov ibn Habib, two parts. [Salonika: Judah Gedaliah, ca. 1516-1522]. Both parts of the first edition, in two volumes. The first volume was published by the author and the second volume by the author's son, R. Levi ibn Habib.
First volume lacking several leaves. Second volume complete.
In the first volume, several glosses by various writers (mostly in Italian script). On f. 36, signature of R. Ezra Attiya (Syrian Torah scholar, dean of the Porat Yosef yeshiva).
The second volume contains many hundreds of particularly lengthy glosses, in Sephardic script [ca. 18th century]. These amount to an extensive composition on Aggadah by an author we were unable to identify. Some of the glosses are of kabbalistic nature.
In one of the glosses, the author mentions the Arizal as deceased (gloss on p. 389). In several places, the author refers to his novellae in other places.
Ein Yaakov is a compilation of the Aggadot in the Babylonian Talmud (and a few from the Jerusalem Talmud), with selections of commentaries by the Rishonim, authored by R. Yaakov ibn Habib, a Spanish Torah scholar in the time of the expulsion. R. Yaakov left Spain together with the exiles and settled in Salonika, where he disseminated Torah. He managed to print the first part of his composition, yet passed away before completing it. The second part was completed and printed by his son – R. Levi ibn Habib. Ein Yaakov was widely distributed, and became a classic work printed in hundreds of editions. Throughout the generations, special groups were formed for the study of this work (often dubbed "Chevrat Ein Yaakov"), and many compositions were written on it.
Both parts were printed without a title page. In his preface to Part I, the author describes the composition as "a book compiling all the beliefs, Aggadot and Midrashim… and it was given a new title determined by G-d – Ein Yaakov…". At the beginning of Part II, foreword by R. Levi ibn Habib, son of the author, lamenting the passing of his father. This foreword begins with the words "Beit Yaakov, please hearken…", and based on these opening words, Part II was titled Beit Yaakov (this became the title beginning from the subsequent edition, Venice 1547, and in following editions).
Two volumes. First volume lacking several leaves; partially damaged. Second volume complete. 28.5-31 cm. Vol. I: 7, 9-57, [2], 58-138, 140-144, 146-198 leaves; 394-405, [10] pages. Lacking 7 leaves (leaf 8 of first sequence and pages 392-394, 385-390, 401-403 originally bound after leaf 198). Last [4] leaves of this volume, indexes, were bound in Vol. II. Leaf 152 was bound out of sequence, after leaf 154. First 36 leaves supplied from a different copy (narrower margins). These leaves are in fair-poor condition, with large open tears affecting text (the first leaf is lacking half), repaired with paper and photocopy replacements. Rest of leaves in good-fair condition. Stains. Tears, some repaired with paper. Strips of paper for reinforcement to margins of several leaves. Vol. II (leaves bound out of sequence). [1], 3-40, 45-46, 41-44, 47-208, 211-212, 209-210, 213-228, 231-236, 229-230, 237-292, 295-296, 293-294, 297-421, [7] pages (final page blank); [4] leaves; [16] leaves. Following pages bound out of sequence: 45-46, 211-212, 229-230, 295-296. [4] leaves of indexes belonging to Vol. I were bound before [16] leaves of indexes of this volume. Fair condition. Stains, including large dampstains. Wear. Many tears and worming. Open tears to some leaves, and worming affecting printed text and handwritten glosses (with many paper repairs, primarily to first leaves). First and final leaves mounted on paper for reinforcement. Handwritten inscriptions. New, matching leather bindings.
Rare book.
First volume lacking several leaves. Second volume complete.
In the first volume, several glosses by various writers (mostly in Italian script). On f. 36, signature of R. Ezra Attiya (Syrian Torah scholar, dean of the Porat Yosef yeshiva).
The second volume contains many hundreds of particularly lengthy glosses, in Sephardic script [ca. 18th century]. These amount to an extensive composition on Aggadah by an author we were unable to identify. Some of the glosses are of kabbalistic nature.
In one of the glosses, the author mentions the Arizal as deceased (gloss on p. 389). In several places, the author refers to his novellae in other places.
Ein Yaakov is a compilation of the Aggadot in the Babylonian Talmud (and a few from the Jerusalem Talmud), with selections of commentaries by the Rishonim, authored by R. Yaakov ibn Habib, a Spanish Torah scholar in the time of the expulsion. R. Yaakov left Spain together with the exiles and settled in Salonika, where he disseminated Torah. He managed to print the first part of his composition, yet passed away before completing it. The second part was completed and printed by his son – R. Levi ibn Habib. Ein Yaakov was widely distributed, and became a classic work printed in hundreds of editions. Throughout the generations, special groups were formed for the study of this work (often dubbed "Chevrat Ein Yaakov"), and many compositions were written on it.
Both parts were printed without a title page. In his preface to Part I, the author describes the composition as "a book compiling all the beliefs, Aggadot and Midrashim… and it was given a new title determined by G-d – Ein Yaakov…". At the beginning of Part II, foreword by R. Levi ibn Habib, son of the author, lamenting the passing of his father. This foreword begins with the words "Beit Yaakov, please hearken…", and based on these opening words, Part II was titled Beit Yaakov (this became the title beginning from the subsequent edition, Venice 1547, and in following editions).
Two volumes. First volume lacking several leaves; partially damaged. Second volume complete. 28.5-31 cm. Vol. I: 7, 9-57, [2], 58-138, 140-144, 146-198 leaves; 394-405, [10] pages. Lacking 7 leaves (leaf 8 of first sequence and pages 392-394, 385-390, 401-403 originally bound after leaf 198). Last [4] leaves of this volume, indexes, were bound in Vol. II. Leaf 152 was bound out of sequence, after leaf 154. First 36 leaves supplied from a different copy (narrower margins). These leaves are in fair-poor condition, with large open tears affecting text (the first leaf is lacking half), repaired with paper and photocopy replacements. Rest of leaves in good-fair condition. Stains. Tears, some repaired with paper. Strips of paper for reinforcement to margins of several leaves. Vol. II (leaves bound out of sequence). [1], 3-40, 45-46, 41-44, 47-208, 211-212, 209-210, 213-228, 231-236, 229-230, 237-292, 295-296, 293-294, 297-421, [7] pages (final page blank); [4] leaves; [16] leaves. Following pages bound out of sequence: 45-46, 211-212, 229-230, 295-296. [4] leaves of indexes belonging to Vol. I were bound before [16] leaves of indexes of this volume. Fair condition. Stains, including large dampstains. Wear. Many tears and worming. Open tears to some leaves, and worming affecting printed text and handwritten glosses (with many paper repairs, primarily to first leaves). First and final leaves mounted on paper for reinforcement. Handwritten inscriptions. New, matching leather bindings.
Rare book.
Category
Oriental Torah Scholars
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Abuchatzeira, the Abir Yaakov of Morocco.
11 lines in his handwriting, with his signature (in cursive Western script): "Yaakov". Written in the Moroccan dialect of Judeo-Arabic. The letter begins: "…R. Yaakov son of Avraham, from the undersigned, servant of G-d, who seeks your well-being".
R. Yaakov Abuchatzeira – the Abir Yaakov (1806-1880), renowned from a young age as a brilliant Torah scholar, well versed in revealed parts of the Torah and Halachah, and a holy kabbalist. He served as rabbi of Tafilalt (the main community in the Ziz valley, southern Morocco). Already in his twenties, his authority was accepted by most the rabbis in the region. R. Yaakov is considered one of the leading halachic authorities in his generation, and he exchanged halachic correspondence with prominent rabbis throughout North Africa. A holy, G-dly man accustomed to miracles, many wondrous accounts are told about him, including his meriting the revelation of Eliyahu HaNavi (Malchei Rabbanan, leaf 66 – see also Maaseh Nissim, Jerusalem 1968, written based on accounts heard from the Baba Sali and other rabbis from the Abuchatzeira family). He was also famous amongst the local Muslims who reverently dubbed him al-Hasan al-Kabir [=the great rabbi].
He passed away while traveling to Eretz Israel, and was buried in Damanhur, Egypt. His tombstone is inscribed with profuse tributes that portray the extent to which he was venerated by his generation.
His compositions include: Ginzei HaMelech, Yagel Yaakov, Responsa Yoru Mishpatecha LeYaakov, Pituchei Chotam, Doresh tov, Bigdei HaSerad, Machsof HaLavan, and many other works.
Dozens of piyyutim were composed in his memory and honor, and some of them are recited by Moroccan Jews until this day. The famous picture of him sitting with his legs crossed, with a holy book in his hands, was displayed in many homes in Morocco and around the world.
His sons and grandchildren were renowned for their holiness and Torah knowledge. The most famous are R. Yisrael Abuhatzeira – the Baba Sali and his brother R. Yitzchak – the Baba Chaki, R. Meir Abuhatzeira – the Baba Meir and many other prominent rabbis and wonder-workers.
[1] leaf. 13 cm. Good condition. Stains. Open tears, affecting several words, professionally restored.
Expert report enclosed.
11 lines in his handwriting, with his signature (in cursive Western script): "Yaakov". Written in the Moroccan dialect of Judeo-Arabic. The letter begins: "…R. Yaakov son of Avraham, from the undersigned, servant of G-d, who seeks your well-being".
R. Yaakov Abuchatzeira – the Abir Yaakov (1806-1880), renowned from a young age as a brilliant Torah scholar, well versed in revealed parts of the Torah and Halachah, and a holy kabbalist. He served as rabbi of Tafilalt (the main community in the Ziz valley, southern Morocco). Already in his twenties, his authority was accepted by most the rabbis in the region. R. Yaakov is considered one of the leading halachic authorities in his generation, and he exchanged halachic correspondence with prominent rabbis throughout North Africa. A holy, G-dly man accustomed to miracles, many wondrous accounts are told about him, including his meriting the revelation of Eliyahu HaNavi (Malchei Rabbanan, leaf 66 – see also Maaseh Nissim, Jerusalem 1968, written based on accounts heard from the Baba Sali and other rabbis from the Abuchatzeira family). He was also famous amongst the local Muslims who reverently dubbed him al-Hasan al-Kabir [=the great rabbi].
He passed away while traveling to Eretz Israel, and was buried in Damanhur, Egypt. His tombstone is inscribed with profuse tributes that portray the extent to which he was venerated by his generation.
His compositions include: Ginzei HaMelech, Yagel Yaakov, Responsa Yoru Mishpatecha LeYaakov, Pituchei Chotam, Doresh tov, Bigdei HaSerad, Machsof HaLavan, and many other works.
Dozens of piyyutim were composed in his memory and honor, and some of them are recited by Moroccan Jews until this day. The famous picture of him sitting with his legs crossed, with a holy book in his hands, was displayed in many homes in Morocco and around the world.
His sons and grandchildren were renowned for their holiness and Torah knowledge. The most famous are R. Yisrael Abuhatzeira – the Baba Sali and his brother R. Yitzchak – the Baba Chaki, R. Meir Abuhatzeira – the Baba Meir and many other prominent rabbis and wonder-workers.
[1] leaf. 13 cm. Good condition. Stains. Open tears, affecting several words, professionally restored.
Expert report enclosed.
Category
Oriental Torah Scholars
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Unsold
Printed leaf containing a special prayer "so that he and his family be rescued from danger", with a gloss handwritten by the kabbalist R. Yehuda Fatiyah. Jerusalem: HaOt Press, [WWII].
The leaf contains various verses which one should recite in time of danger. The heading at the top of the leaf mentions the concern of an air raid (Eretz Israel was attacked several times by the air force of fascist Italy): " And if G-d forbid, this should never happen, there is an air raid, one should say this again and again continuously, and no harm will befall them". This leaf was presumably printed and distributed at that time at the initiative of R. Yehuda Fatiyah.
This leaf, which was part of the library of R. Yehuda Fatiyah, bears his handwritten gloss (penciled; at the foot of the leaf). In his gloss, R. Yehuda Fatiyah explains one of the verses printed on this leaf: "But to all the children of Israel, not one dog will whet its tongue against either man or beast…", demonstrating how it contains allusions to the enemies of the Jewish people: Edom (presumably in reference to Rome, Italy, whose planes bombed Eretz Israel) and Yishmael (the Arabs). He states that the numerical value of Kelev (dog) is equal to that of Edom, while the word "LeMeIsh" (against either man) shares the same letters as Yishmael, without the letter Ayin, since "the eyes of the wicked shall fail".
R. Yehuda Fatiyah (1859-Av 1942), prominent kabbalist and Iraqi Torah scholar, disciple of the Ben Ish Chai in Baghdad. After immigrating to Jerusalem in 1934, he studied in the yeshiva for kabbalists under HaRav HaSadeh, alongside his colleague R. Yaakov Chaim Sofer, author of Kaf HaChaim. A posek and kabbalist, he delt extensively in kabbalistic tikkunim and amulets, and over the years was involved in exorcising dybbukim and evil spirits, as he relates in his book HaRuchot Mesaprot. During WWII, he composed kabbalistic prayers and tikkunim, arranged prayer ceremonies of prominent kabbalists for the rescue of Eretz Israel Jewry from the hands of the Nazis. He authored Beit Lechem Yehuda, Matok LaNefesh and other books. R. Yehuda Fatiyah passed away shortly after the printing of this leaf, during WWII.
[1] leaf. 23 cm. Good condition. Many stains. The leaf was mounted on card and bound in a special binding (with gilt decorations; card partially detached from binding).
Expert report enclosed (pasted inside binding).
The leaf contains various verses which one should recite in time of danger. The heading at the top of the leaf mentions the concern of an air raid (Eretz Israel was attacked several times by the air force of fascist Italy): " And if G-d forbid, this should never happen, there is an air raid, one should say this again and again continuously, and no harm will befall them". This leaf was presumably printed and distributed at that time at the initiative of R. Yehuda Fatiyah.
This leaf, which was part of the library of R. Yehuda Fatiyah, bears his handwritten gloss (penciled; at the foot of the leaf). In his gloss, R. Yehuda Fatiyah explains one of the verses printed on this leaf: "But to all the children of Israel, not one dog will whet its tongue against either man or beast…", demonstrating how it contains allusions to the enemies of the Jewish people: Edom (presumably in reference to Rome, Italy, whose planes bombed Eretz Israel) and Yishmael (the Arabs). He states that the numerical value of Kelev (dog) is equal to that of Edom, while the word "LeMeIsh" (against either man) shares the same letters as Yishmael, without the letter Ayin, since "the eyes of the wicked shall fail".
R. Yehuda Fatiyah (1859-Av 1942), prominent kabbalist and Iraqi Torah scholar, disciple of the Ben Ish Chai in Baghdad. After immigrating to Jerusalem in 1934, he studied in the yeshiva for kabbalists under HaRav HaSadeh, alongside his colleague R. Yaakov Chaim Sofer, author of Kaf HaChaim. A posek and kabbalist, he delt extensively in kabbalistic tikkunim and amulets, and over the years was involved in exorcising dybbukim and evil spirits, as he relates in his book HaRuchot Mesaprot. During WWII, he composed kabbalistic prayers and tikkunim, arranged prayer ceremonies of prominent kabbalists for the rescue of Eretz Israel Jewry from the hands of the Nazis. He authored Beit Lechem Yehuda, Matok LaNefesh and other books. R. Yehuda Fatiyah passed away shortly after the printing of this leaf, during WWII.
[1] leaf. 23 cm. Good condition. Many stains. The leaf was mounted on card and bound in a special binding (with gilt decorations; card partially detached from binding).
Expert report enclosed (pasted inside binding).
Category
Oriental Torah Scholars
Catalogue
![Illustrated Passover Haggadah, with Marathi translation. Bombay (Mumbai, India), [1846]. Lithographed manuscript. Text of Hag](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale78-public/89.jpg "Illustrated Passover Haggadah – Bombay, India, 1846 – First Bene Israe")
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Illustrated Passover Haggadah, with Marathi translation. Bombay (Mumbai, India), [1846]. Lithographed manuscript. Text of Haggadah and translation on facing pages.
Bound with: Jewish calendar in Marathi, compiled by R. David Yehuda Ashkenazi. Bombay, [1854].
Original illustrations. Illustrated title page, depicting Moshe and Aharon (inspired by the title page of the 1712 Amsterdam Haggadah). Illustrations of the Seder steps and Seder plate (inspired by the Livorno Haggadah illustrations).
The first Haggadah printed according to the rite of the Bene Israel community in India. The names of the editors and publishers are printed on the title page: "Haggadah in the Holy Tongue, with Marathi translation… compiled by R. Chaim Yosef Hallegua of Cochin, and… the author of the Marathi translation, R. Chaim Yitzchak Galsurkar… and his partner… R. Yechezkel Yosef Thalkar… first printed by the writer R. Avraham son of Yehuda Jemal…".
[5], 35 [i.e.: 36] leaves; [53] leaves. 22.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Handwritten inscriptions. Minor wear. New, elegant leather binding.
Yaari Haggadot 656; Otzar HaHaggadot 895. Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeArtzot HaMizrach, Bombay, no. 92.
Provenance: Valmadonna Trust Library.
Bound with: Jewish calendar in Marathi, compiled by R. David Yehuda Ashkenazi. Bombay, [1854].
Original illustrations. Illustrated title page, depicting Moshe and Aharon (inspired by the title page of the 1712 Amsterdam Haggadah). Illustrations of the Seder steps and Seder plate (inspired by the Livorno Haggadah illustrations).
The first Haggadah printed according to the rite of the Bene Israel community in India. The names of the editors and publishers are printed on the title page: "Haggadah in the Holy Tongue, with Marathi translation… compiled by R. Chaim Yosef Hallegua of Cochin, and… the author of the Marathi translation, R. Chaim Yitzchak Galsurkar… and his partner… R. Yechezkel Yosef Thalkar… first printed by the writer R. Avraham son of Yehuda Jemal…".
[5], 35 [i.e.: 36] leaves; [53] leaves. 22.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Handwritten inscriptions. Minor wear. New, elegant leather binding.
Yaari Haggadot 656; Otzar HaHaggadot 895. Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeArtzot HaMizrach, Bombay, no. 92.
Provenance: Valmadonna Trust Library.
Category
India and Baghdad
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Illustrated Passover Haggadah, with translation and laws in Marathi, edited by Moshe Yaakov and Aharon Daniel Telker. Poona (Pune, India): Vitthal Sakharam Agnihotri, 1874. Lithograph.
Text of the Haggadah and translation on facing pages, with corresponding pagination. Nine pages of illustrations at the beginning of the Haggadah.
Copy of the researcher and collector David Solomon Sassoon. His signature appears on inside front board: "D. S. Sassoon".
A printed booklet with copies of letters of recommendation for Aharon Daniel Telker, one of the editors of this Haggadah, was bound at the beginning of the Haggadah. A paper folder is bound after it, containing various handwritten and printed documents relating to the editors and the printing process of the Haggadah, including information on the state of Indian Jewry. English.
A piece of paper with the title (in Hebrew and Marathi) and the price of the Haggadah (in Marathi), presumably from the printed wrappers of the Haggadah, was pasted on one of the endpapers.
2, [9] leaves, [1], 5-50, 5-44, 5 pages. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Old half-leather binding. Damage to binding. Placed in a new slipcase.
Yaari 1077; Otzar HaHaggadot 1437.
Provenance:
1. Sassoon Collection.
2. Valmadonna Trust Library.
Text of the Haggadah and translation on facing pages, with corresponding pagination. Nine pages of illustrations at the beginning of the Haggadah.
Copy of the researcher and collector David Solomon Sassoon. His signature appears on inside front board: "D. S. Sassoon".
A printed booklet with copies of letters of recommendation for Aharon Daniel Telker, one of the editors of this Haggadah, was bound at the beginning of the Haggadah. A paper folder is bound after it, containing various handwritten and printed documents relating to the editors and the printing process of the Haggadah, including information on the state of Indian Jewry. English.
A piece of paper with the title (in Hebrew and Marathi) and the price of the Haggadah (in Marathi), presumably from the printed wrappers of the Haggadah, was pasted on one of the endpapers.
2, [9] leaves, [1], 5-50, 5-44, 5 pages. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Old half-leather binding. Damage to binding. Placed in a new slipcase.
Yaari 1077; Otzar HaHaggadot 1437.
Provenance:
1. Sassoon Collection.
2. Valmadonna Trust Library.
Category
India and Baghdad
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $106,250
Including buyer's premium
Doresh Tov LeAmo – Jewish newspaper in Judeo-Arabic. Bombay (Mumbai), 1855-1866. Lithographed. Eleven volumes of issues from all the years of the newspaper's publication.
The English subtitle "The Hebrew Gazette" was added with the eleventh issue.
The newspaper serves as a rich and unique source of information on the history of Iraqi Jews who immigrated to India. The first page of the issues features announcements of births, Brit Milah, weddings and deaths in the community. The newspaper offers reports of local communal events, general and commercial news items, with some news items about the Jewish world beyond India, and historical articles. In the first two years of its circulation, the newspaper usually appeared biweekly, yet later, beginning in 1858, it began appearing weekly. Some issues cover the events of the Great Indian Mutiny.
The newspaper was handwritten mostly in Judeo-Arabic, with some Hebrew, in cursive Baghdadi script, and reproduced in lithograph. The first two issues in 1855 were handwritten by Sassoon son of David Sassoon (see below). The rest of the issues were written by David Chaim David (his signature appears at the end of each issue). The issues were generally 4 pages long, but occasionally, 8-page issues were published, and for special occasions a several-page-long supplement was added (the supplement to issue 26 of year 4 featured a long proclamation issued by the rabbis and notables of Baghdad, containing regulations against extravagance, with over 60 clauses, announced in the synagogues in Tevet 1859 – see full translation in: Avraham ben Yaakov, Minhagei Yehudei Bavel BeDorot HaAcharonim, vol. II, Jerusalem 1993, pp. 180-193).
The front pages have a set layout. Details about the weekly portion and haftarah, and readings from Neviim and Ketuvim, appear below the newspaper title. On most front pages, illustrations of ships sailing, with the inscriptions: "London" and "to China", alongside information on ship departures to these places (a few issues note departures to other cities, such as Liverpool, Marseilles, Basra and others). Several issues offer further handwritten details (such as dates, references to Torah portions and Haftarot, and more).
These volumes of issues were in the possession of the wealthy collector David Solomon Sassoon (his bookplates appear in some volumes).
On 4th July 1908, David Solomon Sassoon published an article in The Jewish Chronicle entitled "A Unique Jewish Newspaper", containing a review of Doresh Tov LeAmo. At the time of writing the article, Sassoon only possessed two volumes of the newspaper, and he writes of his efforts to obtain more issues. Sassoon also mentions that the newspaper only had some twenty-five subscribers, who paid a monthly subscription of two rupee, and he quotes a testimony according to which subscribers would generally destroy the last issue as soon as the next appeared "so that they should not become food for insects!" (a newspaper clipping with this article was pasted on the endpaper of volume III; a galley proof of the article is also enclosed).
Eleven volumes:
• Year 1. Bombay, 1855-1856. Issues 1-27.
• Year 2. Bombay, 1856-1857. Issues 4-11, 13-26. Parts of issues 1-3, 12.
• Year 3. Bombay, 1857-1858. Issues 1-50.
• Year 4. Bombay, 1858-1859. Issues 1-51.
• Year 5. Bombay, 1859-1860. Issues 1-48 (issues 5, 11, 15 may be lacking end).
• Year 6. Bombay, 1860-1861. Issues 2-3, 18, 42, 44-48.
• Year 7. Bombay, 1861-1862. Issues 1, 10, 12, 16, 20-24, 30, 34, 36, 44-45, 48.
• Year 8. Bombay, 1862-1863. Issues 2-6, 9-10, 14-21, 23-27, 29, 35, 38-39, 45. Part of issue 46.
• Year 9. Bombay, 1863-1864. Issues 1, 9, 15, 18-21, 24-28, 30-31, 33-35, 37-39, 46-48, 51. Parts of issues 11, 16, 17, 23, 36 (several other unidentified leaves enclosed).
• Year 10. Bombay, 1864-1865. Issues 4-7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22-26, 29-31, 33-36, 38, 42.
• Year 11. Bombay, 1865-1866. Issues 10,12, 15-20.
11 volumes. Approx. 32-34 cm. Some issues printed on blue paper. Condition varies. Most issues in good condition – stains, tears and wear. Several issues in fair condition and several issues in poor condition – open tears and significant worming, with extensive damage to text, repaired in part with paper and tape. Original bindings from the Sassoon collection, vol. I with a fine, gilt decorated leather binding. Bookplates of David Solomon Sassoon in several volumes. Leaves with handwritten notes and newspaper clippings enclosed (some handwritten by David Sassoon).
A particularly rare newspaper (as mentioned, according to Sassoon, it was printed in several dozen copies only). The NLI catalog only records four volumes: 1, 2, 4 and 5. Recorded in Yaari (HaDfus HaIvri BeArtzot HaMizrach, II, Jerusalem 1940, p. 95) based on the present Sassoon copies. The British Library holds vols. 1, 3, 4, 5 and two issues of vol. 11. Apart from these, we know of no other copies.
Provenance:
1. Sassoon Collection.
2. Valmadonna Trust Library.
Hebrew Passages in Doresh Tov LeAmo
Most of the newspaper is in Judeo-Arabic, yet it occasionally contains passages in Hebrew, including some interesting contents not known from any other source.
Some examples include:
Vol. 3, issue 12, contains the text of the dedication inscribed on the cornerstone laid by David Sassoon for the first synagogue of the Baghdadi community in Bombay – built by David Sassoon.
Vol. 4, issue 38, includes a transcript of a halachic ruling regarding funerals in Bombay.
Vol. 4, issue 43, includes a prayer poem in honor of Queen Victoria (an acrostic of her name), on the occasion of the end of the Great Indian Mutiny.
Vol. 10, issue 5, includes a lamentation poem on the passing of David Sassoon – 6th Marcheshvan 1865.
The Beit David Society of the Sassoon Family
Doresh Tov LeAmo was published by the Beit David Society, founded by Iraqi Jews and named after R. David Sassoon. The society was headed by David Sassoon and his sons. The newspaper was one of the society's important undertakings. It was established by Sassoon, the son of David Sassoon, who wrote the first two issues himself (lithographed on blue paper). In the main article of the first issue, Sassoon son of David Sassoon explains that the newspaper was established to serve the small Baghdadi community in Bombay, whose members were not fluent in English, and its objective was to increase knowledge and education amongst the people and to inform of important news.
Two lithographed leaflets (on blue paper) were bound at the end of this vol. I of Doresh Tov LeAmo. The first leaflet, dated 7th Adar 1855, contains the regulations of the Beit David Society – 22 clauses defining the goals of the society: assistance to the needy, to emissaries from Eretz Israel and boys' schools, supervision of religious matters, taking care of any matter relating to the nations of the world which involves Kiddush Hashem. The regulations are signed (in lithograph) by 11 leaders of the society, headed by David Sassoon.
The second leaflet, dated 21st Adar 1855, contains the society's decision regarding the porging of meat in Bombay. This leaflet is also signed by the 11 leaders of the society (some signatures lithographed and some handwritten).
For more information regarding the Beit David society and the contents of these leaflets, see: Avraham ben David, Yehudei Bavel BaTefutzot, Jerusalem 1985, pp. 60-63.
Category
India and Baghdad
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $2,500
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $11,875
Including buyer's premium
Volume of issues of the HaDover newspaper (Dover Meisharim), edited and published by Baruch son of Moshe Mizrachi. Baghdad, 1867 and 1870. Lithographed. First newspaper in Iraq and only Hebrew newspaper printed in Baghdad.
Volume containing five issues which were part of the Sassoon collection, based on which Yaari recorded the newspaper in his book HaDfus HaIvri BeArtzot HaMizrach: Year 5, Issue 17 (15th Kislev 1867); Year 1 of HaDover BiReshut, Issue 2 (26th Nissan 1870), Issue 8 (21st Tammuz 1870), Issue 9 (4th Av 1870), Issue 16 (Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev 1870).
Issues of this newspaper are very rare. The present volume is the largest and most complete collection of issues known to us.
The HaDover, or Dover Meisharim, newspaper was published in Baghdad by the editor Baruch son of Moshe Mizrachi, and it serves as an important historical source on Iraqi Jewry. The newspaper was entirely handwritten, in Hebrew, in semi-cursive Baghdadi script (Rashi script), and reproduced in lithograph. It began appearing in 1863, at first without government license – which caused suspensions of its publication several times. In 1870 it resumed, this time with the license of the ruler of Baghdad and with the added phrase HaDover BiReshut, in a new series (starting anew the count of the years of publication). The newspaper's publication ceased in September 1871.
Baghdadi Jews enjoyed several newspapers in Judeo-Arabic printed in India, in Bombay and Calcutta, by Iraqi Jews who had immigrated to India. HaDover was their only newspaper printed in Baghdad itself, and the only one written entirely in Hebrew. HaDover was actually the very first newspaper to appear in Iraq.
HaDover includes news and information from the Baghdadi community, various world news items, opinion pieces and Torah thoughts, and more. Some examples of the contents of the issues comprising this volume:
The Kislev 1867 issue includes an article describing the magnificent synagogue built by the Sassoon family in Bombay; news item concerning "the British Army gathering to fight with the king of Kush", and other news from Baghdad; Torah novellae; various commercial indexes (food, clothing, currency, commodities, rental); announcements of the Baghdad Beit Din; description of the arrival of a Pasha from Constantinople in Baghdad; special prayer in honor of Moses Montefiore by R. Shlomo Bechor Chutzin, and more.
The Nissan 1870 issue describes, among other things, the sermon of the Ben Ish Chai for Shabbat HaGadol: " On Shabbat HaGadol… the entire community gathered in the Great Synagogue, and there the famous preacher, R. Yosef Chaim son of R. Eliyahu son of R. Moshe Chaim stood and delivered his sermon, using parables throughout…, as well as laws of koshering utensils and destroying Chametz…".
The issue from Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev 1870 describes the visit of the King of Persia to Baghdad, and the honor accorded to him by the Jewish community: "…even the Torah scrolls were taken out in his honor… the school children also stood in procession, and everyone crowded together in Turkish attire especially prepared for the occasion…".
Other issues contain various announcements about the deaths of public figures, information about the state of the Tigris and Euphrates, news of visits to Baghdad by high-ranking personalities, theft and robberies, wars between different countries, and more.
The newspaper was distributed outside Baghdad as well. It was sold in India and Persia, and even reached other places.
5 issues (2 leaves per issue). Size varies, 1867 issue: 26 cm; other issues: approx. 30 cm. Condition varies, fair-good. Stains, including dampstains and ink stains. Tears, including open tears, affecting text in several places. Some tears repaired with tape. Inscriptions in one issue. Old binding.
Very rare.
Provenance:
1. Sassoon Collection (Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeArtzot HaMizrach, list of books printed in Baghdad, no. 1. Yaari recorded the newspaper based on the present issues from the Sassoon collection).
2. Valmadonna Trust Library.
Volume containing five issues which were part of the Sassoon collection, based on which Yaari recorded the newspaper in his book HaDfus HaIvri BeArtzot HaMizrach: Year 5, Issue 17 (15th Kislev 1867); Year 1 of HaDover BiReshut, Issue 2 (26th Nissan 1870), Issue 8 (21st Tammuz 1870), Issue 9 (4th Av 1870), Issue 16 (Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev 1870).
Issues of this newspaper are very rare. The present volume is the largest and most complete collection of issues known to us.
The HaDover, or Dover Meisharim, newspaper was published in Baghdad by the editor Baruch son of Moshe Mizrachi, and it serves as an important historical source on Iraqi Jewry. The newspaper was entirely handwritten, in Hebrew, in semi-cursive Baghdadi script (Rashi script), and reproduced in lithograph. It began appearing in 1863, at first without government license – which caused suspensions of its publication several times. In 1870 it resumed, this time with the license of the ruler of Baghdad and with the added phrase HaDover BiReshut, in a new series (starting anew the count of the years of publication). The newspaper's publication ceased in September 1871.
Baghdadi Jews enjoyed several newspapers in Judeo-Arabic printed in India, in Bombay and Calcutta, by Iraqi Jews who had immigrated to India. HaDover was their only newspaper printed in Baghdad itself, and the only one written entirely in Hebrew. HaDover was actually the very first newspaper to appear in Iraq.
HaDover includes news and information from the Baghdadi community, various world news items, opinion pieces and Torah thoughts, and more. Some examples of the contents of the issues comprising this volume:
The Kislev 1867 issue includes an article describing the magnificent synagogue built by the Sassoon family in Bombay; news item concerning "the British Army gathering to fight with the king of Kush", and other news from Baghdad; Torah novellae; various commercial indexes (food, clothing, currency, commodities, rental); announcements of the Baghdad Beit Din; description of the arrival of a Pasha from Constantinople in Baghdad; special prayer in honor of Moses Montefiore by R. Shlomo Bechor Chutzin, and more.
The Nissan 1870 issue describes, among other things, the sermon of the Ben Ish Chai for Shabbat HaGadol: " On Shabbat HaGadol… the entire community gathered in the Great Synagogue, and there the famous preacher, R. Yosef Chaim son of R. Eliyahu son of R. Moshe Chaim stood and delivered his sermon, using parables throughout…, as well as laws of koshering utensils and destroying Chametz…".
The issue from Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev 1870 describes the visit of the King of Persia to Baghdad, and the honor accorded to him by the Jewish community: "…even the Torah scrolls were taken out in his honor… the school children also stood in procession, and everyone crowded together in Turkish attire especially prepared for the occasion…".
Other issues contain various announcements about the deaths of public figures, information about the state of the Tigris and Euphrates, news of visits to Baghdad by high-ranking personalities, theft and robberies, wars between different countries, and more.
The newspaper was distributed outside Baghdad as well. It was sold in India and Persia, and even reached other places.
5 issues (2 leaves per issue). Size varies, 1867 issue: 26 cm; other issues: approx. 30 cm. Condition varies, fair-good. Stains, including dampstains and ink stains. Tears, including open tears, affecting text in several places. Some tears repaired with tape. Inscriptions in one issue. Old binding.
Very rare.
Provenance:
1. Sassoon Collection (Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeArtzot HaMizrach, list of books printed in Baghdad, no. 1. Yaari recorded the newspaper based on the present issues from the Sassoon collection).
2. Valmadonna Trust Library.
Category
India and Baghdad
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Lengthy handwritten letter, from a passenger on the USS Delaware (Lewis Woofley?). Sent from the port of Mahon (Menorca), to Ohio, United States. October 1834. English.
An interesting letter describing a journey to Palestine via Italy, including a report of a visit to Egypt, meeting Pasha Muhammad Ali, approaching Palestine and meeting the first American consular agent in Palestine, David Darmon.
This letter was written by a passenger on one of the first American ships to reach the shores of Palestine – USS Delaware. The journey took place in 1834, only four years after the United States and the Ottoman Empire signed a treaty establishing sailing and commerce relations between the two countries, and the letter constitutes an important documentation of the Middle East at this historic time.
The letter includes an interesting description of Pasha Muhammad Ali (1769-1849), founder of modern Egypt, who hosted some of the passengers in his palace: "He did not rise to meet us but kept his crossed legged position reclining his head and motioning us to be seated… Coffee was… handed us in fine China goblets, resting on golden stands. The Pacha is one of the most interesting men, in many respects, of the age. The changes that he has introduced among his subjects, the improvements that he has made and is still carrying on in Egypt are immense. He cut one canal 40 miles in length… by which water is brought from the Nile to the city... It only took a few weeks to complete it, as 120,000 hands were employed in its construction… 30,000 are said to have perished while at work on this canal!".
The letter further describes reaching the shores of Palestine and meeting the first American consular agent in Palestine, David Darmon: "On the morning of the 12th [of August], we came in sight of land – the 'Holy Land!' Palestine!... We stood off and on from Jaffa during the day, and sent in to inquire for information respecting the health and the state of the roads between this place and Jerusalem. The Consul came on board and from the account he gave us of the unsettled state of the country, the bad roads… the danger of bandits or robbers by the way, as well as the existence of plagues and fever in Jerusalem itself seems to preclude the possibility of making a pilgrimage to the 'Holy City' – what a pity! After having come so far and being so near to it – Like Moses, we are only to be permitted to see the 'promised land', but not to enter it" (on 15th August, some of the passengers on this ship, presumably including the writer of this letter, reached Jerusalem. In a postscript on the first page, dated October, the writer notes that he was unable to describe the rest of the journey due to the cholera epidemic).
David Darmon was the first diplomatic representative of the United States in Palestine (his official title was consular agent, since he was appointed before the American consulate was established in Jerusalem, and was subordinate to the consulate in Constantinople). Darmon, a French Jew and an unknown figure in the United States, was appointed in 1832 upon the recommendation of the Jewish American traveler, Colonel Mendes Cohen (Cohen fought in the War of 1812, and spent many years in the Middle East). He was removed from his position in 1835, only three years after his appointment, partly due to his poor performance in accommodating American travelers.
Due in part to his short tenure, it is rare to find documentation of Darmon's activity in Palestine.
[1] leaf, folded in two (four written pages). 25 cm. Good-fair condition. Folding marks and stains. Tears (including open tears) to margins and folds, slightly affecting text. On final page, near address, postmark from New York ("New York / Ship / Jan 20").
An interesting letter describing a journey to Palestine via Italy, including a report of a visit to Egypt, meeting Pasha Muhammad Ali, approaching Palestine and meeting the first American consular agent in Palestine, David Darmon.
This letter was written by a passenger on one of the first American ships to reach the shores of Palestine – USS Delaware. The journey took place in 1834, only four years after the United States and the Ottoman Empire signed a treaty establishing sailing and commerce relations between the two countries, and the letter constitutes an important documentation of the Middle East at this historic time.
The letter includes an interesting description of Pasha Muhammad Ali (1769-1849), founder of modern Egypt, who hosted some of the passengers in his palace: "He did not rise to meet us but kept his crossed legged position reclining his head and motioning us to be seated… Coffee was… handed us in fine China goblets, resting on golden stands. The Pacha is one of the most interesting men, in many respects, of the age. The changes that he has introduced among his subjects, the improvements that he has made and is still carrying on in Egypt are immense. He cut one canal 40 miles in length… by which water is brought from the Nile to the city... It only took a few weeks to complete it, as 120,000 hands were employed in its construction… 30,000 are said to have perished while at work on this canal!".
The letter further describes reaching the shores of Palestine and meeting the first American consular agent in Palestine, David Darmon: "On the morning of the 12th [of August], we came in sight of land – the 'Holy Land!' Palestine!... We stood off and on from Jaffa during the day, and sent in to inquire for information respecting the health and the state of the roads between this place and Jerusalem. The Consul came on board and from the account he gave us of the unsettled state of the country, the bad roads… the danger of bandits or robbers by the way, as well as the existence of plagues and fever in Jerusalem itself seems to preclude the possibility of making a pilgrimage to the 'Holy City' – what a pity! After having come so far and being so near to it – Like Moses, we are only to be permitted to see the 'promised land', but not to enter it" (on 15th August, some of the passengers on this ship, presumably including the writer of this letter, reached Jerusalem. In a postscript on the first page, dated October, the writer notes that he was unable to describe the rest of the journey due to the cholera epidemic).
David Darmon was the first diplomatic representative of the United States in Palestine (his official title was consular agent, since he was appointed before the American consulate was established in Jerusalem, and was subordinate to the consulate in Constantinople). Darmon, a French Jew and an unknown figure in the United States, was appointed in 1832 upon the recommendation of the Jewish American traveler, Colonel Mendes Cohen (Cohen fought in the War of 1812, and spent many years in the Middle East). He was removed from his position in 1835, only three years after his appointment, partly due to his poor performance in accommodating American travelers.
Due in part to his short tenure, it is rare to find documentation of Darmon's activity in Palestine.
[1] leaf, folded in two (four written pages). 25 cm. Good-fair condition. Folding marks and stains. Tears (including open tears) to margins and folds, slightly affecting text. On final page, near address, postmark from New York ("New York / Ship / Jan 20").
Category
Americana
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Unsold
Book of Tehillim, Liber Psalmorum Hebraice cum notis selectis ex editione Francisci Hare; et cum selecta lectionum varietate ex ed. Vet. Test. Heb. Benj. Kennicott. [Published by the Harvard University]. Cambridge: Hilliard et Metcalf, 1809. Hebrew and Latin.
Book of Tehillim in Hebrew, with translation and notes in Latin – first book of the Bible printed in Hebrew in America (and in fact the first Hebrew Book of Tehillim printed in America).
The first books of the Bible to be published in America were printed in English, to meet the needs of the Christian Puritan community. In the early 19th century, the need arose for a Hebrew Bible. The printing of this Book of Tehillim was the first time any part of the Bible was printed in Hebrew in America. Shortly after its publication, plans to print the entire Bible in Hebrew were proposed, and in 1814, the first Hebrew Bible in America was published (see next item).
The present copy was owned by the Osgood family for several generations. It originally belonged to Hannah P. Osgood, and was handed over to Jacob Osgood upon her passing. Handwritten ownership inscription (in English) on the front endpapers, with the signature of Peter Osgood.
[1], 495 pages. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains, including some ink stains. Minor creases and several tears. Fine original leather binding (with book title gilt-lettered on spine). Damage and repairs to binding. Placed in a fine (new) slipcase.
Goldman 1. Not recorded by Singerman; does not appear in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book nor in the NLI catalog.
Book of Tehillim in Hebrew, with translation and notes in Latin – first book of the Bible printed in Hebrew in America (and in fact the first Hebrew Book of Tehillim printed in America).
The first books of the Bible to be published in America were printed in English, to meet the needs of the Christian Puritan community. In the early 19th century, the need arose for a Hebrew Bible. The printing of this Book of Tehillim was the first time any part of the Bible was printed in Hebrew in America. Shortly after its publication, plans to print the entire Bible in Hebrew were proposed, and in 1814, the first Hebrew Bible in America was published (see next item).
The present copy was owned by the Osgood family for several generations. It originally belonged to Hannah P. Osgood, and was handed over to Jacob Osgood upon her passing. Handwritten ownership inscription (in English) on the front endpapers, with the signature of Peter Osgood.
[1], 495 pages. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains, including some ink stains. Minor creases and several tears. Fine original leather binding (with book title gilt-lettered on spine). Damage and repairs to binding. Placed in a fine (new) slipcase.
Goldman 1. Not recorded by Singerman; does not appear in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book nor in the NLI catalog.
Category
Americana
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $6,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $12,000
Unsold
Torah, Neviim and Ketuvim, Biblia Hebraica, Secundum Ultimam Editionem Jos. Athiae, a Johanne Leusden Denuo Recognitam, Recensita Variisque Notis Latinis Illustrata Ab Everardo Van der Hooght. Philadelphia: Gulielmi Fry for Thomae Dobson, 1814. Hebrew, some Latin. Two volumes.
First complete Bible printed in Hebrew in America.
Bible in two volumes, non-vocalized. With Latin foreword by Everardo Van Der Hooght and Latin notes in the margins. The text is based on the Everardo Van Der Hooght edition printed in Amsterdam (the title pages of Neviim Rishonim and Acharonim state: "produced with intensive study in Amsterdam"; Goldman notes that in some copies, this statement was omitted).
In 1812, Jonathan Horwitz proposed the publication of a Hebrew Bible using the Hebrew type which he brought with him from Amsterdam to America, but he soon discovered that he was not alone in his desire to produce such a Bible. In early 1813, in the face of stiff competition, Horwitz sold the Hebrew type, his publication rights and list of subscribers to Thomas Dobson and William Fry who issued the present edition.
Vol. I: [6], 296 leaves. Vol. II: [4], 3-312 leaves (leaves 145-148 are bound between leaves 140-141. Leaves 305-308 bound upside down). 21.5 cm. Overall good condition. Marginal tears and minor damage to some leaves, professionally restored. Long tears and one open tear, slightly affecting text on leaves 32-33 of vol. II, professionally restored. Fine, new leather bindings. Placed in a new slipcase.
Singerman 236, Goldman 4.
First complete Bible printed in Hebrew in America.
Bible in two volumes, non-vocalized. With Latin foreword by Everardo Van Der Hooght and Latin notes in the margins. The text is based on the Everardo Van Der Hooght edition printed in Amsterdam (the title pages of Neviim Rishonim and Acharonim state: "produced with intensive study in Amsterdam"; Goldman notes that in some copies, this statement was omitted).
In 1812, Jonathan Horwitz proposed the publication of a Hebrew Bible using the Hebrew type which he brought with him from Amsterdam to America, but he soon discovered that he was not alone in his desire to produce such a Bible. In early 1813, in the face of stiff competition, Horwitz sold the Hebrew type, his publication rights and list of subscribers to Thomas Dobson and William Fry who issued the present edition.
Vol. I: [6], 296 leaves. Vol. II: [4], 3-312 leaves (leaves 145-148 are bound between leaves 140-141. Leaves 305-308 bound upside down). 21.5 cm. Overall good condition. Marginal tears and minor damage to some leaves, professionally restored. Long tears and one open tear, slightly affecting text on leaves 32-33 of vol. II, professionally restored. Fine, new leather bindings. Placed in a new slipcase.
Singerman 236, Goldman 4.
Category
Americana
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
The Books of Ruth and Esther in one volume. Philadelphia: The Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, 1838. English.
The Books of Esther and Ruth in English. The book was printed in raised type for use by the blind. This printing system, known as the Boston Line Type, was commonly used before the Braille system, invented in France, was adopted in the United States.
The book was published by Julius Reinhold Friedlander (1803-1838), founder and director of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, which he established in 1832.
Dedication on first leaf printed in raised type (English): "Presented to Thomas S. Kirkbride, M. D. by the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind... Phild'a, May, 1838". Thomas Story Kirkbride (1809-1883), physician and psychiatrist, native of Pennsylvania; a pioneer in the field of mental health.
Friedlander, a German educator of Jewish origin, native of Prussia, acquired an education in the field of instruction of the blind in Europe, and upon immigrating to Philadelphia, introduced innovative teaching methods. During his tenure as director of the Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, he succeeded in increasing the student body, and published the first book in raised type in America (the Gospel of Mark), and the first magazine for the blind in North America, Lux ex Tenebris (Light from the Darkness).
Friedlander died shortly after this book was published, at the young age of 35, after serving as director of the institution for six years. The institution he founded exists until this day under the name Overbrook School for the Blind.
[4], 3-14, 32 pages. 30 cm. Landscape format. Good condition. Minor stains. Minor marginal creases and tears. Binding slightly worn, with minor tears. Open tear to spine.
Rare. Only one copy recorded in OCLC.
The Books of Esther and Ruth in English. The book was printed in raised type for use by the blind. This printing system, known as the Boston Line Type, was commonly used before the Braille system, invented in France, was adopted in the United States.
The book was published by Julius Reinhold Friedlander (1803-1838), founder and director of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, which he established in 1832.
Dedication on first leaf printed in raised type (English): "Presented to Thomas S. Kirkbride, M. D. by the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind... Phild'a, May, 1838". Thomas Story Kirkbride (1809-1883), physician and psychiatrist, native of Pennsylvania; a pioneer in the field of mental health.
Friedlander, a German educator of Jewish origin, native of Prussia, acquired an education in the field of instruction of the blind in Europe, and upon immigrating to Philadelphia, introduced innovative teaching methods. During his tenure as director of the Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, he succeeded in increasing the student body, and published the first book in raised type in America (the Gospel of Mark), and the first magazine for the blind in North America, Lux ex Tenebris (Light from the Darkness).
Friedlander died shortly after this book was published, at the young age of 35, after serving as director of the institution for six years. The institution he founded exists until this day under the name Overbrook School for the Blind.
[4], 3-14, 32 pages. 30 cm. Landscape format. Good condition. Minor stains. Minor marginal creases and tears. Binding slightly worn, with minor tears. Open tear to spine.
Rare. Only one copy recorded in OCLC.
Category
Americana
Catalogue