Auction 83 - Part I - Rare and Important Items
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Halachic responsum on the topic of stolen matzah, handwritten by R. Soriano. Concludes with his calligraphic signature: " Refael Yitzchak Soriano". Marginal glosses in two places.
An abridged form of the responsum was published with variations in his book Ta'ir Neri, Orach Chaim, section 1.
R. Nissim Refael Yitzchak Soriano (lived in the first half of the 19th century), a Turkish Torah scholar, rabbi of Aydın (formerly: Güzelhisar), close to Izmir. Author of Responsa Ta'ir Neri (Izmir, 1875) and Roni VeSimchi – homiletics (Izmir, 1874). His date of birth and death are unknown. His book of homilies includes a eulogy he delivered for his father, who passed away in Jerusalem in late 1829. The dated sermons in his book are from the 1830s.
[4] leaf booklet (6 written pages; one blank leaf). 24 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Minor tears. Folding marks. Inscriptions on verso of blank leaf.
Unpublished work by R. Yosef Berdugo Rabbi of Meknes, handwritten by the author, with deletions, emendations and many interlinear and marginal additions.
Title in his handwriting at the top of the first leaf: "Clear and concise commentary to Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat", followed by another inscription: "Also addendum to the Choshen Mishpat part titled Ketonet Passim".
While most of the manuscript was handwritten by R. Yosef Berdugo, there are also passages scribed by other writers, including his son (see below). According to the abovementioned inscription, this work complements the work Ketonet Passim (this possibly refers to R. Yosef Berdugo's published work on Choshen Mishpat, Ketonet Yosef). His disciple R. Shalom Messas relates (in his foreword to Responsa Divrei Yosef) that he personally saw in R. Yosef Berdugo's house an addendum volume to the novellae on Choshen Mishpat, possibly in reference to the present work.
In preparation for recording his commentary, R. Yosef Berdugo wrote throughout the book the numbers of the Shulchan Aruch sections (Sections 1-427 and then again Sections 1-299), leaving blank spaces after each number. He then filled many pages with his novellae and commentary, yet some pages remain blank.
On leaves [194]-[195], a son of R. Yosef wrote a table of contents "to an addendum manuscript by my father". Several other passages in the manuscript were added by a son, including one on the first page: "The rabbi, my late father, wrote at the beginning of his composition to Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat...". Additional passages in different hands, of scribes or disciples of R. Yosef (for another manuscript similarly prepared by R. Yosef for recording novellae and passed down to his son R. Yehuda, see: R. Avraham Hillel, Sekirat Chiburim BeKitvei Yad, Min HaGenazim, XII, Ahavat Shalom, Modiin Illit 2018, pp. 374-376).
Inscription on back endpaper: "Yusuf Berdugo" (presumably not handwritten by the author).
R. Yosef Berdugo (1802-1854), Rabbi of Meknes, from the prominent Berdugo dynasty who fled to Meknes with the Spanish exiles. He studied Torah diligently from a young age, cloistering himself entirely for several years. He first served as dayan in the Beit Din of Meknes, and later as rabbi of the city. R. Yosef was regarded with such reverence by the members of his community, that it was decided that any taxes received from new stores in the mellah (Jewish quarter) would be given to him, so that he wouldn't have to worry about earning a livelihood, and be free to study without disturbance. R. Yosef was renowned as a prominent halachic authority, and halachic questions were addressed to him from far and wide. He was a prolific author, and at the beginning of his book on the Rambam (which remained in manuscript), he lists seventeen works he authored, including a work on Choshen Mishpat titled Ketonet Passim. Only Ketonet Yosef – treatises on topics of Choshen Mishpat in alphabetical order (Part I: Safed 1922, Part II: Casablanca 1935, Part III: Meknes 1943) and Responsa Divrei Yosef (Jerusalem 1968) were published.
Stamp on first leaf: "Rachamim Benamara, rabbi of the Kiryat Menachem and Ir Ganim neighborhoods in Jerusalem". R. Rachamim (1914-2002) served as dayan of Casablanca prior to his immigration to Eretz Israel. His writings were published in Ahavat Rachamim (Jerusalem, ca. 2010). His wife, Rivka, was from the Berdugo family, and thus the manuscript was preserved in the family.
Complete volume. [203] leaves (many leaves remained blank, apart from section numbers). 19 cm. Stains. Tears and wear. Worming. Binding damaged.
The collection includes:
• Large collection of legal documents (over 25), mostly issued by the Beit Din of Fez, from the 1880s-1910s, with the calligraphic signatures of the local rabbis and Torah scholars, including: R. Vidal HaTzarfati, R. Yehoshua Monsonego, R. Eliyahu Attia, R. Abba Attia, R. Yehuda Binyamin Serero, R. Shaul Serero, R. Matityah Serero, R. Eliyahu HaKohen Skali, R. Maimon Benaim, R. Shlomo Bendanan, R. Chaim David HaKohen Alkhallas, R. Reuven Assouline, R. Eliyahu Elkhrief, R. Mordechai Assayag, R. David Eliyahu Harroush, R. Yehoshua Aharon Afriat, R. David Edery, R. Yaakov Khalfon, R. Refael Maimon, R. Masoud Senior, R. Eliyahu Bitton, R. Shlomo Sasson, R. Yitzchak Benaim, R. Aharon Monsonego, and others.
• Collection of letters and documents from the archive of R. Refael HaTzarfati ("the Angel Refael"), rabbi of Oujda (north-eastern Morocco), including over thirty letters (including lengthy halachic letters) addressed to R. Refael HaTzarfati, from the rabbis: R. Moshe Zrihen – head of the Marrakesh Beit Din, R. Refael Baruch Toledano – head of the Meknes Beit Din, R. Aharon Ben Hassin – head of the Mogador Beit Din (two letters), R. Yehoshua Berdugo – head of the Meknes and Rabat Beit Din and chief rabbi of Morocco, R. David HaKohen Skali – head of the Oran Beit Din, R. Shaul Bendanan – head of the Marrakesh Beit Din, R. Chaim David Bensoussan – head of the Casablanca Beit Din, R. Yehoshua Maman, R. David Sabbah, R. Shlomo HaKohen – a rabbi of Oujda (three letters; including a lengthy, six-page long halachic letter, with a draft of the response by R. Refael HaTzarfati at the end), R. Yehuda Benshimol, R. Masoud HaKohen, and others; some 20 letters and documents handwritten by R. Refael HaTzarfati, most with his signature and stamp – letters to various figures and sermons he delivered on various occasions; and other documents from his archive.
• Eight letters (mostly on halachic matters) from R. Refael Ankaoua (he too was called "the Angel Refael"), addressed to R. Refael HaTzarfati; and a letter sent to R. Refael Ankaoua by R. Shlomo Bendanan.
• Manuscript by R. Refael Chaim Moshe Benaim, emissary of Tiberias and rabbi of Gibraltar (comprising novellae and homilies in his handwriting); and letters to R. Refael Chaim Moshe Benaim from R. Yisrael Zeitoun – head of the Tunis Beit Din, R. Avraham Sabbah – head of the Mogador Beit Din, R. Chaim Yosef Maman – head of the Oran Beit Din.
• Letter from R. Chaim Yosef Maman to R. Shmuel Yisrael of Tétouan; letter from R. Shmuel Yisrael to R. Chaim Yosef Maman; leaf signed by R. Moshe Meir Hai Elyakim head of the Casablanca Beit Din; legal documents from the Rabat Beit Din, signed by the local rabbis; postcards and other paper items.
127 paper items. Size and condition vary (overall good-fair condition).
Lot 33 Leaf Handwritten by Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, Founder of the Musar Movement – Talmudic Novellae
The handwriting in the present manuscript is identical to the known handwriting of R. Yisrael Salanter. These novellae were published in Chut HaMeshulash (Jerusalem 1904, leaf 4 onwards), with a note stating that they were printed based on R. Yisrael Salanter's autograph (the present manuscript).
Chut HaMeshulash was published by R. Chaim Yehoshua Kosovsky based on manuscripts he obtained from the collection of R. Yitzchak Lipkin son of R. Yisrael Salanter. In his foreword, R. Kosovsky writes that he received a number of manuscripts handwritten by R. Yisrael Salanter, by his father R. Ze'ev Wolf author of Hagahot Ben Aryeh, and by his son R. Yitzchak. The writings were not ready for printing, especially the writings of R. Yisrael Salanter, which were written in a very concise form. He therefore decided to publish the novellae in two versions: the original text as recorded by R. Yisrael, under the heading "copying of the original manuscript", alongside an expanded version, with the addition of transition sentences and commentary. The present manuscript was printed in Chut HaMeshulash under the heading "copying of the original manuscript". In a footnote (p. 4a), the publisher states: "By the late rabbi from his autograph".
R. Yisrael Lipkin of Salant (1810-1883) – founder of the Musar movement, son of R. Ze'ev Wolf Ben Aryeh (Lipkin). A leading Torah scholar of his times and disciple of the disciples of R. Chaim of Volozhin. In his youth, he studied together with his colleague R. Shmuel Salant in the town of Salant, where he drew close to his teacher R. Yosef Zundel of Salant, who instructed him in on the methods of acquiring ethics and fear of G-d. He initially disseminated Torah in Vilna and its yeshivot, and was renowned for his tremendous genius. He later moved to Kovno, where he established a Beit HaMusar, transmitting his teachings and distinctive approach to worship of God to an elite group of disciples. The Musar movement he initiated spread and molded the entire yeshiva world until this day. His prominent disciples include R. Simcha Zissel of Kelm (who established his yeshiva under the guidance of his teacher), R. Yitzchak Blazer and R. Naftali Amsterdam. The Alter of Slabodka and the Alter of Novardok were also his close disciples. R. Yisrael established the Perushim Kollel in Kovno, which was led by his disciples R. Avraham Shenker and R. Tzvi Hirsch Levitan. He stood at the helm of many enterprises for strengthening study of Torah and Musar in various countries. In the 1860s, he decided to concentrate his efforts on countries influenced by Haskalah, to boost Torah observance and study of Torah and Musar. He lived for several years in Königsberg (present day: Kaliningrad) and Memel (present day: Klaipėda), Eastern Prussia, and travelled around delivering lectures in German, drawing people closer to Torah observance. In order to raise the prestige of Torah, he established a forum for publishing Torah novellae and Musar teachings, in form of the Tevunah anthology, published in 1861. R. Yisrael later moved to France and lived in Paris for a few years, maintaining contact with his family members and prominent disciples in Lithuania and Russia through letters (this leaf may have been part of his correspondence with his son R. Yitzchak Lipkin; see publisher's foreword to Chut HaMeshulash). Near the end of his life, he returned to Prussia, and he is buried in Königsberg.
[1] leaf (2 written pages). 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears, slightly affecting text, repaired. Folding marks.
Summary of the opinions of the Rishonim and Acharonim on the topics at the beginning of Bava Batra, based on lectures delivered by R. Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler, recorded and arranged by his disciple R. Solomon David Sassoon.
20 leaves handwritten by R. Solomon David Sassoon (semi-cursive Sephardic script – Rashi script), with corrections and additions handwritten by R. Dessler (in Ashkenazic script). Two additional, smaller leaves enclosed, entirely handwritten by R. Dessler, with additions to the summaries.
Recorded during R. Dessler's stay in England. At the time, R. Dessler served as private teacher of the young Solomon David Sassoon, at the family estate. With R. Dessler's guidance, R. Solomon recorded summaries of the topics studied, arranged in perfect order with titles, sub-titles and sections. He added a table of contents at the beginning of the manuscript. R. Dessler later reviewed his work and added corrections, notes and additions.
R. Solomon David concludes his manuscript (on penultimate leaf): "Completed with the help of G-d on the 25th of Iyar, 40th day of the Omer 1936". Closing poem in rhymes on the final leaf.
Some of R. Dessler's Talmudic novellae were published in 1992 in Chiddushei HaGaon R. E.E. Dessler al HaShas (Ahavat Shalom institute), from the writings of his disciple R. Solomon David Sassoon. In 2005, a second edition of the book was published, with the addition of part II. However, the lectures recorded in the present manuscript were not published there.
R. Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler (1892-1953), a leading author of musar literature in our generation, and a descendant of R. Yisrael of Salant, founder of the musar movement. A product of the Kelm yeshiva, he was the son-in-law of R. Nachum Ze’ev Ziv of Kelm. He arrived in England in 1927 and served as rabbi of Dalston, London, later founding the Gateshead Kollel and other Torah institutes throughout England. In his final years, he served as mashgiach of the Ponevezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak. His profound lectures constructed upon the fundamentals of ethics, Kabbalah and Chassidut were published by his disciples in the book Sichot UMaamarim, in the five volumes of Michtav MeEliyahu and in Sefer HaZikaron Michtav MeEliyahu, which have become the basis for profound study of musar in this generation.
R. Solomon David Sassoon (1915-1985), son of the renowned philanthropist Sir David Solomon Sassoon. From a young age, he excelled in his Torah studies, and his father therefore hired prominent educators for him, including R. Dessler. R. Solomon expended much efforts in his studies, and with his teacher's guidance, he recorded comprehensive summaries of complex Talmudic topics, establishing the various opinions of the Rishonim in a profound, scholarly fashion. He was rabbinically ordained at the age of twenty-one by R. Dessler and other rabbis. On that occasion, he was offered the position of rabbi of the Sephardi community in London, yet he turned it down. He was later even offered the position of chief rabbi of Eretz Israel, after the passing of R. Uziel, yet he rejected this proposition as well. He was one of the leading supporters of Torah institutions, a donor and philanthropist active in many different fields. In 1971, he left England and settled in Jerusalem. He authored Nathan Chochmah LiShlomo (Ahavat Shalom, Jerusalem, 1989). His novellae were also published in Nachalat Avot (Ahavat Shalom, Jerusalem 2007).
[22] leaves (including one blank leaf; leaves written on one side only). 25 cm. Thin paper. Stains, creases and wear. First leaf torn and detached. Leaves attached with paper clips (rusty).
Four consecutive leaves. The first leaf (numbered 20) contains novellae on folio 13a; the next three leaves (the first of which is numbered 21) contain a lengthy treatise on the Talmudic topic found in folio 8b.
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.
[4] leaves (approx. six written pages). 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dark dampstains. Some words faded. Wax stains on first leaf, affecting text. Marginal tears.
Handwritten by the author Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh, with emendations and deletions in the body of the text.
Sections of various sermons from 1864-1867, delivered on Hoshana Rabba, Yom Kippur, Shabbat Shuva and various year-round Shabbatot. Some leaves bear headings: "That which I said in 1864 on Hoshana Rabba"; "That which I said on Hoshana Rabba"; "Said on Hoshana Rabba 1867"; "On Hoshana Rabba"; "On Parashat HaChodesh"; "On Parashat Acharei"; "Omitted from the above, what I said at the inauguration of the synagogue"; "What I said on Yom Kippur 1866"; "On Yom Kippur, what I said in 1867"; "On Shabbat Teshuvah, delivered in 1864"; "On Shabbat Teshuvah"; "1867 – On Shabbat Teshuvah"; "On Shabbat Teshuvah and Hoshana Rabba".
Most of these sermons were published after the passing of the author in his books Ach Pri Tevuah, Part I (Munkacs 1875) and HaYashar VehaTov, Part I (Munkacs, 1880), after being edited and occasionally under a different heading (for instance, the sermon for Parashat Acharei in the present manuscript appears in HaYashar VehaTov as a sermon for Yom Kippur). The present manuscript contains the original text as recorded by the author, with textual differences compared to the printed edition (see foreword to Ach Pri Tevuah by the publisher R. Ze'ev Wolf, grandson of the author, who explains how he edited and corrected the original text, with the consent of his grandfather).
Comparison of the present manuscript with the printed books reveals many textual differences and entire, unpublished sections.
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 and HaYashar VehaTov. His illustrious disciple was R. Yeshaya of Kerestir, who used to sign: "Who was the close attendant of the pious rabbi of Liska".
[15] leaves (30 written pages). 25 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Marginal tears (affecting final line of text on some leaves).
Manuscript leaves, four brief compositions on the scrolls of Esther, Kohelet and Ruth, and on the book of Mishlei, by R. Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely), the Yismach Moshe. Written by a scribe, with glosses, transition sentences and many additions, handwritten by his descendants, the Yitav Lev – Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, and Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposch (Târgu Lăpuș).
large-format leaves, written on both sides (two columns per page).
These compositions were edited and prepared for print by Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposch in Sighet 1906, and appear in the book Yismach Moshe on Neviim, Ketuvim and Megillot.
Prior to that, in 1849-1861, the Yitav Lev selected sections from these leaves and incorporated them in the book Yismach Moshe on the Torah portions. In some of the sections in this manuscript, the Yitav Lev added notes and transition sentences in his own handwriting.
The four works are:
• Work on Megillat Esther. 12 leaves (24 written pages).
Published under the title Asis Rimoni. In his foreword, the editor explains that he titled the work Asis Rimoni since this name appears in the manuscript (indeed, in the present manuscript this title appears at the top of leaf 3; however, at the top of leaves 1 and 5 appears a different heading – Asis Rimonim). The editor conjectures that this title was chosen since its numerical value corresponds with that of the author's name – Moshe ben Tzvi.
• Work on Kohelet. 10 leaves (19 written pages).
Published under the title Mor ULevonah (numerical value equal to that of Moshe).
These leaves contain several glosses handwritten by the Yitav Lev, on pages: 5b-6a (three of the glosses extend over both pages; the glosses were published in Yismach Moshe, Parashat Lech Lecha); 8a-b (printed in Yismach Moshe, Parashat Re'eh).
• Work on Ruth. 3 leaves (5 written pages).
Published under the title Kelil Tiferet.
• Two leaves from a work on the book of Mishlei.
The second leaf (both sides) contains several glosses handwritten by the Yitav Lev (most printed in Yismach Moshe, Parashat Acharei, one printed in Yismach Moshe on Neviim and Ketuvim).
The leaves of all works also contain dozens of glosses handwritten by the editor Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposch.
Altogether 27 leaves. 41-42 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear. Marginal tears, affecting text in several places.
Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely; 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 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 Vishnitsa, author of 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" (Tehillah LeMoshe). 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 homiletics – Yismach Moshe on the Torah, Megillot and on Talmudic Aggadot, Tefillah LeMoshe 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 Nisan Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, and son-in-law of R. Moshe David Ashkenazi – rabbi of Tolcsva who 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 (Sighetu Marmației), 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 earnt 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 and through his exceptional wisdom. 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 (Târgu Lăpuş, present day: Romania). In his final years, he settled in the United States, where he served as the Volover Rebbe.
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.
Manuscript leaves, novellae of the Yismach Moshe which were being prepared for print, with the glosses of his descendants the Yitav Lev Rebbe of Sighet and Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposch, with differences compared to the printed version and unpublished sections:
• Two manuscript leaves, aggadic novellae and homiletics on Torah portions, Neviim, Ketuvim and Megillot, by R. Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely) – the Yismach Moshe. Written by a scribe. With two glosses handwritten by Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet – the Yitav Lev, [Gorlitz? 1849-1851]; and with many glosses handwritten by Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposch (Târgu Lăpuș), [Laposch, 1900s].
Two large-format leaves, written on both sides (two columns per page). Copying of the Yismach Moshe's novellae on Aggadah and homilies, in preparation for printing.
A section discussing the topic of Mashiach and the time of its coming is recorded at the end of the first leaf, continuing at the beginning of the second leaf. This section was published in the book Yismach Moshe, Parashat Ki Tissa. In the present manuscript, the Yismach Moshe reckons that the Final Redemption should take place in the 5500s (1740-1840). He explains that the time of the Redemption is alluded to by the letter Vav of G-d's name – the sixth century of the six millennium (i.e. 5500s), and the sixth year of one of the decades of that century (i.e. 5566, 5576, 5586 etc. – 1806, 1816, 1826). However, since this section was eventually printed only in 1851, after the dates indicated by the Yismach Moshe had already elapsed, the Yitav Lev placed it in parentheses to indicate that it should not be printed, and wrote instead: "And the exact time in that millennium is hidden to us". The Yitav Lev also wrote an introductory sentence to this section.
• Six leaves, aggadic novellae and homiletics, including five novellae revealed to the Yismach Moshe in his dreams. In most of them, the Yitav Lev added transition sentences in his handwriting, [Gorlitz? 1849-1851]; with many glosses handwritten by Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposch, [Laposch, 1900s].
Six large-format leaves, written on both sides (two columns per page), copying of the novellae in Aggadah and homily of the Yismach Moshe, in preparation for printing. The leaves contain the following dreams:
1. On Motzaei Shavuot it was revealed to him that the Arizal lived 34 years in order to repair what Bilam damaged in the 34 years of his life. This was published in Yismach Moshe on the Torah, Parashat Balak. The section begins with a gloss handwritten by the Yitav Lev (who added the verse to which the section relates to).
This is one of the renowned dreams of the Yismach Moshe, and it is quoted and explained in many books, which discuss the various questions which arise from this dream. See enclosed material.
2. On the eve of Wednesday Parashat Bo 1794, the Yismach Moshe dreamed an answer to a difficulty raised by Tosafot on the topic of a stolen Lulav. This was published in the book Yismach Moshe on the Torah, Parashat Emor. With several transition sentences handwritten by the Yitav Lev. One of the sentences of the Yitav Lev was deleted and not printed (tears to some glosses, affecting text).
3. The Yismach Moshe was explained in his dream the reason for the saying of the sages, that G-d is more particular about the honor of the Tzaddik than His own honor. This was published after being edited in Yismach Moshe on the Torah, Parashat Behaalotecha. With a gloss handwritten by the Yitav Lev. In addition, at the end of this section there is an instruction for the editor handwritten by the Yitav Lev, as to the location of this section in the book.
4. A dream from Thursday night, Parashat Miketz, 5th night of Chanukah, Erev Rosh Chodesh Tevet 1801 in Shinova. This was published in Yismach Moshe on the Torah, Parashat Beshalach. With glosses handwritten by the Yitav Lev.
Another dream is mentioned further on the same page.
This leaf contains other passages with glosses handwritten by the Yitav Lev. Enclosed is the subsequent leaf (the leaves are numbered 11-12), also with glosses handwritten by the Yitav Lev.
5. It was revealed to the Yismach Moshe in a dream that the one who reads the Torah portion in public must first forgive everyone, so that he bears no grudge on any Jewish person. This was published in Yayin HaRekach by the Yismach Moshe, Orach Chaim section 141.
The writings of the Yismach Moshe contain many wondrous novellae revealed to him in dreams. As his great-grandson Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum Rabbi of Laposch writes in his book Tehillah LeMoshe: "His visions and dreams were wondrous, and he stated that his dreams are a form of prophecy, and several times he explained in his dream sharp and witty teachings".
[8] leaves. 41-42 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Tears affecting text.
Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely; 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 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 Vishnitsa, author of 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" (Tehillah LeMoshe). 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 homiletics – Yismach Moshe on the Torah, Megillot and on Talmudic Aggadot, Tefillah LeMoshe 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 Nisan Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, and son-in-law of R. Moshe David Ashkenazi – rabbi of Tolcsva who 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 (Sighetu Marmației), 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 earnt 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 and through his exceptional wisdom. 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 (Târgu Lăpuş, present day: Romania). In his final years, he settled in the United States, where he served as the Volover Rebbe.
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.
Leaf (two pages, approximately 40 lines), handwritten by R. Meir of Premishlan.
The leaf was taken from a binding of a book ("binding genizah"; it is known that R. Meir of Premishlan used to conceal his writings in the bindings of his books). The leaf is written on both sides. The text on one side is almost illegible; the more legible text on the other side is a fragment of a Chassidic commentary on Psalm 20, authored by R. Meir of Premishlan, relating to matters of holiness, repentance, Torah study and worship of G-d.
This passage was never published.
The passage is unique. No other manuscripts by R. Meir of Premishlan on the topic of worship of G-d are known to us. His published manuscripts generally contain blessings, recommendations, exhortations to distance oneself from theft and abide to Beit Din rulings (pictures and transcripts of a large part of the manuscripts were published in the book Aspaklaria HaMe'irah, by R. Mordechai Gerlitz, 2 volumes). His teachings on the topic of worship of G-d, recorded in various books, were transmitted orally and do not originate from his manuscripts.
The Chakal Yitzchak of Spinka wrote that the way R. Meir of Premishlan used to expound upon a verse at his tish would bring down salvations and blessings to the Jewish people (Parashat Yitro, quoting there R. Meir's explanation for this practice).
Prominent Chassidic leaders regarded an autograph of R. Meir of Premishlan as a segulah and a holy amulet. R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska (teacher of R. Yeshaya of Kerestir) possessed a letter handwritten by R. Meir of Premishlan, and he cherished it greatly, guarding it carefully as a holy amulet, and occasionally showing it to his associates (Aspaklaria HaMe'irah, I, p. 253).
Rebbe Meir of Premishlan (1783-1850), a foremost Chassidic luminary. He was the son of R. Aharon Leib of Premishlan and grandson of the great R. Meir of Premishlan (disciple of the Baal Shem Tov). His prime teacher was R. Mordechai of Kremenets (son of R. Michel of Zlotchov), but he also frequented the court of the Chozeh of Lublin. He was particularly celebrated for his righteousness and his farseeing Divine Inspiration. He is credited with hundreds of stories of wonders and salvations. Renowned for his exceptional philanthropy, he would reputedly dispense all his possessions to charity without leaving a penny for himself, and would not go to sleep before having distributed all the charity monies in his possession. He was highly esteemed by one and all, and R. Shlomo Kluger, who was not a Chassid, eulogized him with great reverence, referring to him as "the celebrated, outstandingly righteous man, a G-dly person... and I have merited seeing him twice, it is like being in the Divine presence... He conducted himself with such simplicity and humility, that not all recognized his true stature".
[1] leaf (two written pages). 20 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains and wear. Tears, affecting text. Ink faded. One page mostly legible; ink faded on the other page – most words illegible. Repaired with paper. Placed in elegant, leather folder.
Expert report enclosed, authenticating the handwriting as that of R. Meir of Premishlan.
Segulot of Reciting Psalm 20
A prominent and ancient custom accepted throughout the Jewish world is to recite Psalm 20 at any time of trouble. This segulah, which is already mentioned in Rashi's Sefer HaPardes, is quoted by many Rishonim and kabbalists, and is alluded to in Midrashim.
The segulah is especially known to apply to a woman during pregnancy, and in particular to a woman experiencing difficult labor (then this Psalm should be recited 12 times, and some say 70 times, at her side). This segulah is mentioned in several places in the Zohar, and in one place the Psalm is even referred to as "the song of the pregnant woman". The Zohar as well as many early books explain that the Psalm comprises nine verses, alluding to the nine months of pregnancy, and seventy words corresponding to the seventy contractions and the seventy cries of a woman during labor. The segulah is mentioned in hundreds of books, and particularly in the books of the Chida. The Chida, at the end of his book Sansan LeYa'ir, writes that studying this Psalm is a segulah for recovery.
The book Shem Tov Katan states that it is "a wonderful segulah for any person who is in trouble, whether an individual or a community, as well as for a woman experiencing a difficult labor, to recited the Psalm Yaanecha Hashem... 12 times". In Yalkut Me'am Loez, after explaining at length the segulah of this Psalm for a laboring mother, it is written: "therefore we recite this Psalm after the Amidah prayer so that G-d should have mercy on us and answer us in our time of trouble, just as He answers the laboring mother..." (Parashat Devarim, p. 540).
Because of the many segulot for salvation this Psalm contains, it has become accepted throughout the Jewish world since the times of the Rishonim to recite this Psalm after the morning prayers, between Ashrei and Uva LeTzion, as the Tur states at the end of section 131 (see also Abudraham who explains this idea at length).
Manuscript leaf (two pages), "Derush LeMatan Torah" – homily for Shavuot, handwritten by Rebbe Shlomo HaKohen Rabinowitz Rabbi of Radomsk (Radomsko), author of Tiferet Shlomo. [Radomsk? 1830s?].
The present leaf contains the beginning of a homily for Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), handwritten by the author. This homily was published in his book Tiferet Shlomo (Warsaw 1869), in vol. II on the Torah portions (in the selections, leaf 162). The sons of the rebbe write (in the foreword in vol. I) that parts of the work were written by the author himself, and parts by his disciple. They note that any section handwritten by the author is introduced with the comment "from his own manuscript" (see below). The present section is introduced in the printed book by the note "from an old manuscript of the author" (meaning from his youth).
Sections of the homily found in this manuscript are quoted and explained in dozens of books.
Rebbe Shlomo HaKohen Rabinowitz Rabbi of Radomsk, author of Tiferet Shlomo (1800/1803-1866) was a prominent Chassidic leader in Poland. From his youth, he frequented the courts of leading Polish rebbes such as R. Fishel of Strikov, R. Meir of Apta, R. Yeshaya of Przedbórz and R. Yissachar Ber of Radoshitz. In Adar 1834, he was appointed rabbi of Radomsk, Poland, a position he held for thirty-two years until his passing. In the mid-19th century, after several leading Polish rebbes passed away, thousands of Chassidim began frequenting his court and accepting his authority. His leadership was both firm and exalted. He was renowned for his elevated level of holiness and asceticism, and often spoke about matters of sanctity and purity. He was also famous for his originality, exceptional wisdom, sharpness and wit. His astute sayings were widespread amongst Polish Chassidim. Prominent Polish rabbis studied under him. Among his students were the German scholar and author, R. Aharon Marcus, author of HaChassidut, who studied under the Tiferet Shlomo during the latter's final four years, and the physician and rebbe R. Chaim David Bernhard. R. Aharon Marcus dedicated an entire chapter in his book (published in 1901 in German) to describing his close teacher the Tiferet Shlomo; there he wrote: "The tremendous impact the rebbe had on me is impossible to commit to writing… any inkling of his holy figure and glowing countenance… his attraction was very great… when the rebbe would gaze at a person, even if he didn't speak to him at all, he would know the essence of the person, his way of life and actions, as if looking into a clear glass cup… he was completely dissociated from materialism, and only occupied in spiritual matters… he was one of the last wonder-workers in his region about whom wondrous, unfathomable stories were reported". He passed away suddenly on Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1866, with his head bent over the Zohar which he was studying. Reports of the many wonders he performed, as well as memoirs from his disciples, were recorded in Ohel Shlomo, two parts, Ateret Shlomo, and Niflaot HaTiferet Shlomo.
[1] leaf (two autograph pages). 21 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Marginal tears.
The Holy Book Tiferet Shlomo
Tiferet Shlomo is a most prominent and basic Chassidic book, accepted and venerated by all Chassidic courts. The book outlines all the lofty expectations that the Chassidic approach exacts of a Jew in his worship of G-d in clear, concise and unequivocal terms. The book makes many significant demands in matters of self-sacrifice and holiness. The author elaborates sorrowfully on the Divine Exile, and on elevating sparks of holiness. The book also contains exceptional, original novellae on kabbalah and the teachings of the Arizal, particularly on the topic of the lofty yichudim between G-d and the Jewish people, where the author discloses wondrous teachings. Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Warka remarked that the book taught him three new principles, which we would not have known until the coming of Mashiach, if not for the author revealing them to us. The Divrei Chaim of Sanz writes in his approbation to the volume on festivals that the book "will be of great benefit to the world, in particular to Chassidim, since his teachings are pleasant".
Tiferet Shlomo was published in two volumes after the author's passing. The first volume, on festivals, was published in 1867, while the second volume, on the Torah portions, was published in 1869. Parts of the book were recorded directly by the author, as in the case of the present leaf, while other parts are teachings of the Tiferet Shlomo recorded by the disciple who compiled the book, R. Shmuel Zanvil Tzvi of Pławno. Each passage copied from the author's own manuscript is marked (at the beginning or end): "from his own manuscript", to differentiate between what was originally written by the author and what was recorded by his disciple.
In their foreword to the volume on festivals, the sons of the author write about the manuscripts used to compile this work: "These manuscripts were written upon his instructions for several years before his passing… and several writings which were actually written by him, are marked in the printed book as copied 'from his own manuscript'… in the final year before his passing, he commanded to take all the booklets… and divide them into two parts. One part on the festivals as well as Chanukah and Purim, and a second part on the Torah portions. We saw how very precious the writings were to him, as they did not leave his possession, he guarded them like the pupil of his eye".
In their foreword to the second volume, the sons of the author add: "And these manuscripts… we heard from him that his wish is to disseminate them amongst the Jewish people… and we noted at the end 'from his own manuscript' so that the reader realizes that it is the author's own writings". At the beginning of the second volume, the following introduction is printed from the author's manuscript: "…I hereby begin writing for myself words of fear of G-d and ethical reproach following the order of the Torah portions".
Attached to the front endpaper is a letter from Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam to R. Naftali HaKohen Schwartz Rabbi of Mád, author of Beit Naftali, filled with blessings on the occasion of the marriage of his son, R. Yosef HaKohen Schwartz author of VaYelaket Yosef. The letter, dated 1st day of Rosh Chodesh Adar 1896, was written on the rebbe's official stationery. Mostly written by a scribe, with the final two lines and signature handwritten by the rebbe.
The rebbe extends his blessings and wishes to the young couple "...may the match be successful and the happiness complete, may he merit to see from them sons and grandsons delving in Torah and mitzvot, and reap satisfaction and pleasure from his descendants".
The rebbe then adds in his own handwriting an apology for having the letter written by a scribe, concluding with additional congratulations and his signature.
The letter states that the book Ayalah Sheluchah will be sent as a wedding gift (the letter was later attached to the front endpaper of the book).
The first Shinover Rebbe, R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam (1815-1898), rabbi of Shinova and author of Divrei Yechezkel, eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and son-in-law of R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz of Vishnitsa, author of Aryeh D'Vei Ilai (son-in-law of R. Moshe Teitelbaum, author of Yismach Moshe). An outstanding Torah scholar, he was well versed in all realms of Torah, Kabbalah, Halachah and Chassidut. His father, the Divrei Chaim, held him in high regard and respected him exceedingly, and mentions his son's exceptional truthfulness in several of his responsa: "My eldest son, rabbi of Shinova, was by me recently, and he related to me... and I consider his testimony to be very reliable, since I know he would not be deceitful for anything in the world" (Responsa Divrei Chaim, II, Orach Chaim, section 2). He was venerated in his role as rabbi and rebbe already during his father's lifetime. Progenitor of important Chassidic dynasties, with many of his sons and grandsons serving as rabbis and rebbes in various cities already in his lifetime. Holy and pure from his youth, he was a close disciple of leading rebbes of his times. He was famed for the miracles he performed and for his Divine Inspiration. Wondrous stories are related about the salvations and miracles he effected. He would cure sick people with his hands. Reputedly, lepers who were affected from head to toe would come to him, and leave his house perfectly healthy after he passed his hand over them. He would give out his objects as a segulah for protection and salvation. In the present book, the rebbe of Shinova published the Torah novellae of his son R. Naftali Halberstam, who passed away at a young age, alongside the novellae of his father-in-law the Aryeh D'Vei Ilai, R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz.
Stamps on the endpapers of R. Yosef HaKohen Schwartz, rabbi of Machzikei Torah in Grosswardein and author of VaYelaket Yosef, recipient of the present book and son of the recipient of the letter – R. Naftali HaKohen Rabbi of Mád.
Brief handwritten gloss on p. 20b of first sequence.
Letter: [1] leaf. 23 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Marginal tears. Folding marks. Filing holes. Ayalah Sheluchah: [2], 48; 30 leaves. 25 cm. Dry, brittle paper. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Minor marginal open tears to title page, not affecting border. Minor worming (primarily to endpapers). Handwritten inscriptions. Binding damaged and partially detached.