Auction 82 - Part II - Books and Letters from the Rabbi Yaakov Landau Family Collection
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This certificate of appointment was written immediately upon the passing of the previous rabbi of Kornitz - R. Mordechai Ziskind, father-in-law of R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau.
[2] leaves. 35 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Open tears, affecting text. Repaired with tape in several places. Folding marks. Filing holes.
• Rabbinic ordination for R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau, handwritten and signed by R. Aryeh Leib Zivov Rabbi of Dvinsk (Denenburg). Shevat 1876.
• Letter to R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau, from R. Mordechai Rabinowitz. Dryssa (Vitebsk region), 1901.
• Letter to R. Yaakov Landau, from R. Yochanan Rabbi of Myadel (Myadzyel), regarding the Kornitz rabbinate. Shevat 1914.
• Letter from the Kornitz community, bidding R. Yaakov Landau to return to serve as their rabbi, signed by 13 community leaders. Kornitz, Shevat 1926.
After the passing of R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau (1853? - Elul 1913), Rebbe Rashab instructed that his son, R. Yaakov Landau, be appointed as Rabbi of Kornitz in his place (R. Yaakov served in this position for a short period of time). At that time, a dispute arose surrounding the position of Rabbi of Kornitz - a rabbi named R. Noach wished to take the position, with the support of some of the community members. Not much is known about this dispute, which lasted for over a decade. The letter from R. Yochanan Rabbi of Myadel discloses new information about the affair. Another letter related to the affair is the letter from Kornitz community members asking R. Yaakov to return to serve as rabbi of Kornitz, after R. Noach left the town. R. Yaakov, presumably decided not to return to Kornitz and to continue disseminating Torah in Russia.
R. Aryeh Leib Zivov Rabbi of Dvinsk (1810-1887), prominent Chabad rabbi, close disciple of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Served as rabbi of several cities, including Dvinsk, where he was succeeded by the Rogatchover.
4 letters. Size and condition vary.
The archive includes: familial letters (from R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau Rabbi of Kornitz, his wife Gitta Feiga, their son R. Yaakov Landau and their daughters); halachic responsa; draft letters of Torah thoughts handwritten by R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau (including drafts of halachic letters to "the Gadol of Minsk" R. Yerucham Yehuda Perelman and to R. Chaim Noach Meir Levin posek in Vilna); sale contracts and various other documents in R. Moshe Yehuda Leib's handwriting.
Most of the letters are addressed to R. Yaakov.
33 paper items, including 17 letters and draft letters signed by R. Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau. Size and condition vary.
Three letters handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, R. Yosef Rosen, addressed to Rebbe Shalom Dov Ber Schneersohn - the Rashab of Lubavitch, regarding Jewish societies wishing to revise the traditional study programs of the Jewish schools in Russia. St. Petersburg, 1917.
The letters were written by the Rogatchover while he was staying in St. Petersburg, during WWI.
The background of the letters:
After the February Revolution which overthrew the Tsarist rule (March 1917), a democratic regime run by a Provisional government was established, and it removed any limitation on the rights of the Jews. This period of freedom only lasted seven months, until the second revolution - the October Revolution, after which the Bolsheviks rose to power and established the communist Soviet Union.
During that short period, when religious freedom was granted to Russian Jewry, various Jewish societies arose, including Zionist societies, societies of Russian maskilim and Orthodox societies. Rebbe Rashab stood then at the helm of intensive activity to thwart any attempts to revise and impinge upon Jewish education and religious institutions. Beginning from Nissan 1917, the Rashab corresponded extensively on the matter with the Torah leaders of the generation in Russia, and worked to convene a rabbinical conference to formulate a plan of action. A difference of opinion arose between him and R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, regarding the attitude to Agudath Yisrael. While R. Chaim Ozer wished to establish branches of Agudath Yisrael in every town and then call a meeting of all the representatives, the Rashab opposed the establishment of Agudath Yisrael in Russia, concerned that it would eventually incline to Zionism. After much deliberation, a conference was called for the month of Av in St. Petersburg. The Rashab, who was dissatisfied with the program of the conference, informed that he would not attend. Ultimately, the conference was postponed. In Elul, a conference of a different kind was convened in Moscow, attended by the Rashab and his entourage. The Rogatchover was closely associated with the Rashab (see sidebar), and he wrote the present letters during this period, in order to urge him to act on these issues. The letters discuss plans of action and reflect the Rogatchover's great concern of any breach to Torah observance and from the spiritual disaster which the new societies would cause.
The letters include:
1. Letter handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, addressed to Rebbe Rashab. Petrograd [St. Petersburg], 23rd Nissan 1917. In this letter the Rogatchover urges the Rashab to act against the societies trying to harm Jewish education.
2. Letter handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, addressed to Rebbe Rashab. Petrograd [St. Petersburg], 24th Iyar 1917. The Rogatchover expresses his pain about the publication of lampoons denying the Oral law.
3. Letter handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, regarding a rabbinical conference. [St. Petersburg], 21st Tammuz 1917. The Rogatchover relates that rabbis asked for his approval for a conference they wished to arrange, but he disagreed with their plan of action.
The letters were first published in the Migdal Oz book by R. Yehoshua Mondschein.
3 letters (on official stationery of the Rogatchover). 26.5 cm. Overall good condition. Folding marks. Tears to folds, repaired with tape.
The Rogatchover - R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, Author of Tzofnat Pane'ach
R. Yosef Rosen (1858-1936) - known as the Rogatchover (after his birth town Rogatchov-Rahachow), was a Chabad-Kopust follower. His father took him as a child to the Tzemach Tzedek, who blessed him with exceptional scholarliness and instructed him to study Tractate Nazir (some say this was the reason the Rogatchover did not cut his hair). In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi, alongside the latter's son R. Chaim of Brisk. From 1889, he served as rabbi of the Chabad Chassidic community in Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Latvia, alongside the Or Same'ach, a position he held for 40 years. A remarkable figure renowned for his tremendous sharpness and genius, he was well-versed in all areas of the Torah, down to its finest details, producing profound definitions, hypotheses and original methods of Torah study. Tales of his genius and indescribable diligence abound. His legendary brilliance was also highly regarded by the secular world in his days and Bialik reputedly said that "two Einsteins could be carved out from the mind of the Rogatchover". The Rogatchover dealt extensively in explaining the teachings of the Rambam and wrote numerous halachic responsa. His responsa and novellae were published in his Tzofnat Pane'ach series. His printed books are a small part of the incessant flow of the inexhaustible fountain of his Torah. Due to the profundity of his teachings and his concise, cryptic style of writing, several projects have risen in recent generations to decipher and explain his teachings, resulting in the publishing of annotated editions of his works.
The Rogatchover and the Rashab
Rebbe Rashab held the Rogatchover in very high esteem. R. Yaakov Landau Rabbi of Bnei Brak related in the name of the Rayatz that on one occasion, when the Rashab received a letter from the Rogatchover, he expressed great joy and exclaimed "the house is filled with light". In a letter to the Rogatchover, the Rashab addresses him as "my exalted and close friend, the great Torah scholar, renowned throughout the world…".
The attendants of the Rashab once saw him unusually happy, and asked him for the reason of his exceptional joy. He replied that he had received a letter from the Rogatchover that day, in which the latter had blessed him through the power of his Torah that he should see success in all his endeavors.
The Rogatchover also maintained close ties with the Rashab's son - Rebbe Rayatz, who referred to the Rogatchover with terms of great reverence, as well as with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, with whom he exchanged extensive Torah correspondence.
Two letters handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk:
1. Letter handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, addressed to the wealthy R. Shmuel Michel Treinin. [St. Petersburg], Tammuz 1917.
2. Letter formulated as a proclamation, handwritten by the Rogatchover. Presumably enclosed with the letter addressed to R. Shmuel Michel Treinin (in which the Rogatchover writes that he is enclosing the text of a particular letter and asks that he review it and edit it as necessary). The letter relates to the freedom of religion granted to Russian Jewry after the February Revolution, and expresses opposition against any Jewish society which may cause the slightest breach in Torah observance - likely referring to Agudath Yisrael, which the Rogatchover vehemently opposed. Presumably, this letter was written for a rabbinical conference and was meant to be signed by the participants. Dated Rosh Chodesh Av 1917. Unsigned.
The letters were written during the Rogatchover's stay in St. Petersburg during WWI, on his official stationery (the word "Dvinsk" in the letterhead of the first letter was deleted), and reflect the Rogatchover's activities to safeguard Torah observance upon the fall of the Tsarist regime and the establishment of a democratic government. Together with Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch, the Rogatchover convened a meeting to discuss the challenges of their times (see previous item).
R. Shmuel Michel Treinin, a wealthy Chabad Chassid in St. Petersburg, close associate of Rebbe Rashab. He utilized his widespread connections to help anyone in need, and served as the Rashab's agent in various communal matters. Igrot of the Rashab and the Rayatz include dozens of letters addressed to him. After the revolution, the communists nationalized all his factories and businesses, and he remained penniless.
[2] leaves (official stationery). 13-26 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks. Filing holes. Tape repairs to one letter.
The Rogatchover - R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, Author of Tzofnat Pane'ach
R. Yosef Rosen (1858-1936) - known as the Rogatchover (after his birth town Rogatchov-Rahachow), was a Chabad-Kopust follower. His father took him as a child to the Tzemach Tzedek, who blessed him with exceptional scholarliness and instructed him to study Tractate Nazir (some say this was the reason the Rogatchover did not cut his hair). In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi, alongside the latter's son R. Chaim of Brisk. From 1889, he served as rabbi of the Chabad Chassidic community in Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Latvia, alongside the Or Same'ach, a position he held for 40 years. A remarkable figure renowned for his tremendous sharpness and genius, he was well-versed in all areas of the Torah, down to its finest details, producing profound definitions, hypotheses and original methods of Torah study. Tales of his genius and indescribable diligence abound. His legendary brilliance was also highly regarded by the secular world in his days and Bialik reputedly said that "two Einsteins could be carved out from the mind of the Rogatchover". The Rogatchover dealt extensively in explaining the teachings of the Rambam and wrote numerous halachic responsa. His responsa and novellae were published in his Tzofnat Pane'ach series. His printed books are a small part of the incessant flow of the inexhaustible fountain of his Torah. Due to the profundity of his teachings and his concise, cryptic style of writing, several projects have risen in recent generations to decipher and explain his teachings, resulting in the publishing of annotated editions of his works.
Lengthy and exceptional letter of Torah thoughts, handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk. Dvinsk, 1932.
Remarkable letter, sent to R. Yaakov Landau, with a pilpul on the topic of reciting Tachanun on the days following Shavuot. The way the letter is written expresses more than anything the Rogatchover's boundless wellsprings of Torah and brilliance. He begins the letter with the date - Tuesday 9th Sivan, and before adding the year, 1932, he immediately begins a lengthy (25 line) halachic study of the time of the year - the week following Shavuot, with references spanning the entire literature of Chazal and poskim, concluding with a justification of the Chabad custom of not reciting Tachanun until 12th Sivan included. Here, he adds a remarkable sentence: "almost every ruling of true Gaon of Liadi is correct". Only then does he note the year, and continue with the actual letter.
The Rogatchover's statement about the Baal HaTanya is uncharacteristic and reflects his tremendous esteem for the Baal HaTanya, whom he refers to as a "true Gaon". He is known to have stated that since the conclusion of the Talmud, there were only two who reached the true depth of understanding of the Talmudic sages - the Rambam and the Baal HaTanya.
In the body of the letter, the Rogatchover relates to R. Landau's request, presumably regarding a recommendation for a rabbinical position he was offered. The Rogatchover replies that his practice is not to intercede, but if asked, he will surely recommend him highly (regarding the rabbinical position offered to R. Landau, see item 452).
The letter was published in the Yagdil Torah anthology.
[1] leaf. 27.5 cm. Stains. Minor tears and folding marks.
The Rogatchover - R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, Author of Tzofnat Pane'ach
R. Yosef Rosen (1858-1936) - known as the Rogatchover (after his birth town Rogatchov-Rahachow), was a Chabad-Kopust follower. His father took him as a child to the Tzemach Tzedek, who blessed him with exceptional scholarliness and instructed him to study Tractate Nazir (some say this was the reason the Rogatchover did not cut his hair). In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi, alongside the latter's son R. Chaim of Brisk. From 1889, he served as rabbi of the Chabad Chassidic community in Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Latvia, alongside the Or Same'ach, a position he held for 40 years. A remarkable figure renowned for his tremendous sharpness and genius, he was well-versed in all areas of the Torah, down to its finest details, producing profound definitions, hypotheses and original methods of Torah study. Tales of his genius and indescribable diligence abound. His legendary brilliance was also highly regarded by the secular world in his days and Bialik reputedly said that "two Einsteins could be carved out from the mind of the Rogatchover". The Rogatchover dealt extensively in explaining the teachings of the Rambam and wrote numerous halachic responsa. His responsa and novellae were published in his Tzofnat Pane'ach series. His printed books are a small part of the incessant flow of the inexhaustible fountain of his Torah. Due to the profundity of his teachings and his concise, cryptic style of writing, several projects have risen in recent generations to decipher and explain his teachings, resulting in the publishing of annotated editions of his works.
14 letters, most particularly lengthy, with halachic responsa and Torah novellae, handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, R. Yosef Rosen of Dvinsk, addressed to R. Yaakov Landau:
1. Responsum regarding a Torah scroll containing an extra letter. Dvinsk (Daugavpils), 18th Sivan 1928. Postcard, written on both sides.
2. Lengthy responsum on the above topic. Dvinsk, 6th Av 1929.
3. Another lengthy responsum on the same topic. Dvinsk, 12th Av 1929.
4. A small leaf on the same topic. Undated and unsigned (may have been enclosed with one of the previous letters).
5. Responsum on the laws of terefot. Dvinsk, 22nd Adar [I] 1929.
6. Responsum on the above topic. Dvinsk, Rosh Chodesh Adar II 1929.
7. Responsum regarding the status of a bride and groom before the Erusin. Dvinsk, 3rd Marcheshvan 1929. With congratulations on the occasion of R. Yaakov Landau's betrothal.
8. Responsum on the above topic. Dvinsk, 19th Marcheshvan 1929.
9. Responsum on the laws of tevilah (ritual immersion). Dvinsk, 6th Shevat 1930.
10. Responsum on the laws of Eruvin. Dvinsk, 1st day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar 1932.
11. Responsum regarding an institution of Rabbenu Gershom. Dvinsk, 6th Tevet 1933.
12. Responsum regarding laws of agents, marriages and more. Dvinsk, 27th Nissan 1934.
13. Responsum on the topic of causation in regard to the private and the public. Dvinsk, 9th Iyar 1934.
14. Responsum on the laws of Erchin. Dvinsk, 26th Av 1934.
At the foot of this letter, the Rogatchover relates to R. Yaakov Landau's request for rabbinical ordination, replying that since he has already been ordained by the rabbi of Riga, his ordination is unnecessary (see next item - another letter relating to R. Landau's ordination).
The present letters were sent to R. Yaakov Landau during his tenure as rabbi of Libau.
Enclosed: 10 envelopes in which the Rogatchover sent these letters.
Most of the letters were published in Yagdil Torah, apart from letters 8 and 14.
14 letters (+ 10 envelopes). Size varies. Overall good-fair condition.
The Rogatchover - R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, Author of Tzofnat Pane'ach
R. Yosef Rosen (1858-1936) - known as the Rogatchover (after his birth town Rogatchov-Rahachow), was a Chabad-Kopust follower. His father took him as a child to the Tzemach Tzedek, who blessed him with exceptional scholarliness and instructed him to study Tractate Nazir (some say this was the reason the Rogatchover did not cut his hair). In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi, alongside the latter's son R. Chaim of Brisk. From 1889, he served as rabbi of the Chabad Chassidic community in Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Latvia, alongside the Or Same'ach, a position he held for 40 years. A remarkable figure renowned for his tremendous sharpness and genius, he was well-versed in all areas of the Torah, down to its finest details, producing profound definitions, hypotheses and original methods of Torah study. Tales of his genius and indescribable diligence abound. His legendary brilliance was also highly regarded by the secular world in his days and Bialik reputedly said that "two Einsteins could be carved out from the mind of the Rogatchover". The Rogatchover dealt extensively in explaining the teachings of the Rambam and wrote numerous halachic responsa. His responsa and novellae were published in his Tzofnat Pane'ach series. His printed books are a small part of the incessant flow of the inexhaustible fountain of his Torah. Due to the profundity of his teachings and his concise, cryptic style of writing, several projects have risen in recent generations to decipher and explain his teachings, resulting in the publishing of annotated editions of his works.
Letter of recommendation handwritten and signed by the Rogatchover, R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, for R. Yaakov Landau. Dvinsk, 13th Sivan 1932.
The Rogatchover writes: "Regarding their query about the rabbi of Libau, R. Y. [R. Yaakov], if he receives ordination and permission from the rabbi of Riga [R. Menachem Mendel Zak], to rule… I also agree that they can accept him as rabbi of their city…" [the letter does not indicate which community wished to appoint R. Yaakov Landau as rabbi. Ultimately, R. Landau remained in Libau until his immigration to Eretz Israel in 1934].
R. Yaakov Landau was an associate of the Rogatchover and corresponded with him (see item 454). The Rogatchover even officiated at R. Landau's wedding in 1930.
Published in the Yagdil Torah anthology.
[1] leaf. 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks.
The Rogatchover - R. Yosef Rosen Rabbi of Dvinsk, Author of Tzofnat Pane'ach
R. Yosef Rosen (1858-1936) - known as the Rogatchover (after his birth town Rogatchov-Rahachow), was a Chabad-Kopust follower. His father took him as a child to the Tzemach Tzedek, who blessed him with exceptional scholarliness and instructed him to study Tractate Nazir (some say this was the reason the Rogatchover did not cut his hair). In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi, alongside the latter's son R. Chaim of Brisk. From 1889, he served as rabbi of the Chabad Chassidic community in Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Latvia, alongside the Or Same'ach, a position he held for 40 years. A remarkable figure renowned for his tremendous sharpness and genius, he was well-versed in all areas of the Torah, down to its finest details, producing profound definitions, hypotheses and original methods of Torah study. Tales of his genius and indescribable diligence abound. His legendary brilliance was also highly regarded by the secular world in his days and Bialik reputedly said that "two Einsteins could be carved out from the mind of the Rogatchover". The Rogatchover dealt extensively in explaining the teachings of the Rambam and wrote numerous halachic responsa. His responsa and novellae were published in his Tzofnat Pane'ach series. His printed books are a small part of the incessant flow of the inexhaustible fountain of his Torah. Due to the profundity of his teachings and his concise, cryptic style of writing, several projects have risen in recent generations to decipher and explain his teachings, resulting in the publishing of annotated editions of his works.
[1] double leaf (2 written pages). 36 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears to margins and folds. Folding marks. Filing holes.
R. Yaakov Landau served as rabbi of the Chassidic community of Libau from 1928 to 1934.
[1] leaf. 24 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Three letters of rabbinic ordination, accorded to R. Yaakov Landau: • Letter of rabbinic ordination from R. Betzalel HaKohen Zaitchik Rabbi of Smilovitz. [Smilovitz, 1913/1914?]. • Letter of rabbinic ordination from R. Chaim Sagalovich, posek in Vilna. [Vilna? 1913/1914?]. • Letter, enthusiastic recommendation and rabbinic ordination from R. Menachem Mendel Zak Rabbi of Riga. [Riga], Adar II 1932. R. Betzalel HaKohen Zaitchik, rabbi of the Chassidic community in Smilovitz (Smilavichy). Outstanding and renowned Torah scholar in his times. R. Chaim Sagalovich (1844-Cheshvan 1922), posek in Vilna. Elder Lithuanian rabbi. Authored Responsa Mekor Chaim. R. Menachem Mendel Zak (1871-1943), prominent Latvian rabbi. He published the writings of the Or Same'ach. 3 letters. Size and condition vary.
Addressed to R. Yaakov Rabinowitz (a respected member of the Telz community, father-in-law of R. Yaakov Landau Rabbi of Bnei Brak).
In his letter, R. Yosef Leib reports to R. Yaakov Rabinowitz about the progress of his son, who was studying in his yeshiva.
R. Yosef Yehuda Leib Bloch (1859-1930), a leader of the mussar movement. Established a yeshiva in Shadova, later succeeding his father-in-law R. Eliezer Gordon as rabbi and dean of Telz. Author of Shiurei Halachah and Shiurei Daat.
Postcard. 14 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Folding marks, creases and wear. Filing holes. Postmarks.