Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
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Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $20,000
Estimate: $25,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $30,000
Including buyer's premium
Three leaves (six written pages, 25-30 lines per page), novellae on Tractate Pesachim, handwritten by R. Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main, author of the Haflaa. [Frankfurt am Main?, ca. late 18th century].
Novellae on Tractate Pesachim. The contents of the present leaves were not published in the Chiddushei Haflaa series on Talmudic tractates, printed in 1900 and 1994, and were presumably not published anywhere else.
Most of the novellae are on the topic of chametz given to a gentile as security on a loan (Pesachim 30b-31b). At the end of one leaf, there is a section on the topic of the showbread table in the Temple being demountable (ibid. 109b). This novellae is mentioned in Chiddushei Haflaa (Jerusalem 1994, II, Pesachim ibid.).
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the Talmudic novellae in the manuscript, stating his intent to publish them as well, yet the Talmudic novellae remain unpublished.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.
[3] leaves (six written pages). 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Dampstains. Ink faded on some leaves. Wear. Marginal tears, not affecting text.
Novellae on Tractate Pesachim. The contents of the present leaves were not published in the Chiddushei Haflaa series on Talmudic tractates, printed in 1900 and 1994, and were presumably not published anywhere else.
Most of the novellae are on the topic of chametz given to a gentile as security on a loan (Pesachim 30b-31b). At the end of one leaf, there is a section on the topic of the showbread table in the Temple being demountable (ibid. 109b). This novellae is mentioned in Chiddushei Haflaa (Jerusalem 1994, II, Pesachim ibid.).
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.
[3] leaves (six written pages). 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Dampstains. Ink faded on some leaves. Wear. Marginal tears, not affecting text.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Leaves from a notebook of homilies and Talmudic novellae handwritten by R. Yoel Tzvi Roth Rabbi of Khust, Author of Beit HaYotzer. [Hungary, 19th century].
Autograph manuscript by R. Yoel Tzvi Roth Rabbi of Khust. Inscriptions on the final page handwritten and signed by the author's grandson, R. Yitzchak Fränkel, who edited and published his grandfather's book: " …these Torah novellae were composed by the great Torah scholar… R. Yoel Tzvi. So says his grandson Yitzchak Frankel son of R. Eliyahu…".
On the first leaf, R. Yoel Tzvi begins with novellae on Aggadah which he said as a young student in the yeshiva of Maharam Ash in Ungvar (printed with slight variations in Petach HaBayit, at the beginning of part II of his book Responsa Beit HaYotzer, Munkacs 1902, Derush L'Semichut HaTorah). The present Talmudic novellae are incomplete. These leaves are presumably remnants of a complete notebook by R. Yoel Tzvi, which was already published in his books.
The final leaf contains instructions for writing an amulet, handwritten by R. Yoel Tzvi. This amulet, against melancholy, grief and insanity, is known in the name of the Chatam Sofer, who received it from his teacher R. Natan Adler (see: Igrot Sofrim, letters of R. Shimon Sofer, section 30).
R. Yoel Tzvi Roth (1820-1891), author of Beit HaYotzer. A leading Chassidic rabbi in Hungary, and yeshiva dean who taught many of Hungary's leading Torah scholars. In his youth, he studied in the yeshiva of his teacher R. Meir Ash Rabbi of Ungvar (d. 1852). He was the son-in-law of R. Yaakov Gottlieb Rabbi of Khust (d. 1860), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He was close to the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and his son the Divrei Yechezkel of Shinova. He also frequented the courts of other rebbes – the Yismach Moshe of Ujhel, R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska and R. Shalom of Belz. He served from 1882 as rabbi of Berettyóújfalu, and in 1884, he returned to Khust to serve as rabbi and dean of the yeshiva, in place of the Maharam Schick and R. Amram Blum (after the passing of Maharam Schick in 1879, R. Amram Blum author of Beit She'arim took his place, until he left the city two years later). After the passing of R. Yoel Tzvi, R. Moshe Grünwald author of Arugat HaBosem was summoned to succeed him, and he served as rabbi of Khust in 1893-1910.
His grandson, R. Yitzchak Fränkel (1863-1931, Otzar HaRabbanim 10943), published his books Responsa Beit HaYotzer (Munkacs, 1896-1902), with the addition of his own novellae, Pri Yitzchak and Imrei Fi. This grandson, whose signature appears on the final page of the present manuscript, was an outstanding and sharp Torah scholar, and one of the Torah leaders of Hungary. In 1900, he immigrated to Jerusalem, where he became known as the Gaon of Khust. He served as dayan on the Beit Din of R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld and R. Yitzchak Yerucham Diskin, and his signature appears alongside theirs on proclamations and bans against schools, football games and R. Kook.
[5] leaves, comprising [8] pages of Talmudic novellae and [2] pages with text of amulet and other inscriptions. Approx. 24 cm. Condition varies. Stains, wear and open tears. Significant damage to text on one leaf. Detached leaves, without binding.
Autograph manuscript by R. Yoel Tzvi Roth Rabbi of Khust. Inscriptions on the final page handwritten and signed by the author's grandson, R. Yitzchak Fränkel, who edited and published his grandfather's book: " …these Torah novellae were composed by the great Torah scholar… R. Yoel Tzvi. So says his grandson Yitzchak Frankel son of R. Eliyahu…".
On the first leaf, R. Yoel Tzvi begins with novellae on Aggadah which he said as a young student in the yeshiva of Maharam Ash in Ungvar (printed with slight variations in Petach HaBayit, at the beginning of part II of his book Responsa Beit HaYotzer, Munkacs 1902, Derush L'Semichut HaTorah). The present Talmudic novellae are incomplete. These leaves are presumably remnants of a complete notebook by R. Yoel Tzvi, which was already published in his books.
The final leaf contains instructions for writing an amulet, handwritten by R. Yoel Tzvi. This amulet, against melancholy, grief and insanity, is known in the name of the Chatam Sofer, who received it from his teacher R. Natan Adler (see: Igrot Sofrim, letters of R. Shimon Sofer, section 30).
R. Yoel Tzvi Roth (1820-1891), author of Beit HaYotzer. A leading Chassidic rabbi in Hungary, and yeshiva dean who taught many of Hungary's leading Torah scholars. In his youth, he studied in the yeshiva of his teacher R. Meir Ash Rabbi of Ungvar (d. 1852). He was the son-in-law of R. Yaakov Gottlieb Rabbi of Khust (d. 1860), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He was close to the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and his son the Divrei Yechezkel of Shinova. He also frequented the courts of other rebbes – the Yismach Moshe of Ujhel, R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska and R. Shalom of Belz. He served from 1882 as rabbi of Berettyóújfalu, and in 1884, he returned to Khust to serve as rabbi and dean of the yeshiva, in place of the Maharam Schick and R. Amram Blum (after the passing of Maharam Schick in 1879, R. Amram Blum author of Beit She'arim took his place, until he left the city two years later). After the passing of R. Yoel Tzvi, R. Moshe Grünwald author of Arugat HaBosem was summoned to succeed him, and he served as rabbi of Khust in 1893-1910.
His grandson, R. Yitzchak Fränkel (1863-1931, Otzar HaRabbanim 10943), published his books Responsa Beit HaYotzer (Munkacs, 1896-1902), with the addition of his own novellae, Pri Yitzchak and Imrei Fi. This grandson, whose signature appears on the final page of the present manuscript, was an outstanding and sharp Torah scholar, and one of the Torah leaders of Hungary. In 1900, he immigrated to Jerusalem, where he became known as the Gaon of Khust. He served as dayan on the Beit Din of R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld and R. Yitzchak Yerucham Diskin, and his signature appears alongside theirs on proclamations and bans against schools, football games and R. Kook.
[5] leaves, comprising [8] pages of Talmudic novellae and [2] pages with text of amulet and other inscriptions. Approx. 24 cm. Condition varies. Stains, wear and open tears. Significant damage to text on one leaf. Detached leaves, without binding.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $1,200
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $3,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter (9 lines) handwritten and signed by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Paneth. Deyzh (Dej), Thursday night, Parashat Shemot 1877.
Letter regarding donations to the poor people of Safed. The first three pages comprise lists of donors from Deyzh in winter 1877 (written by a scribe). The fourth page contains a letter handwritten by the rebbe, addressed to the rabbis of Safed. Wax seal of the rebbe (damaged): "Menachem son of R. Yechezkel… – Mendel".
R. Menachem Mendel Paneth Rabbi of Deyzh (1818-1885) was the son of Rebbe Yechezkel author of Mareh Yechezkel (disciple of R. Mendel of Rymanów, served as rabbi of Carlsburg and Siebenburgen). In 1837, he studied in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer and was the only young man in the Pressburg yeshiva who donned a Chassidic silk robe on Shabbat. His teacher, the Chatam Sofer, was very fond of him and every Shabbat eve he would stroll and converse with him (he would dub him "the golden one"). While studying in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer, he merited a revelation of Eliyahu HaNavi who greeted him in the Beit Midrash, in the disguise of a poor person. In 1842, he was appointed rabbi of Urişor, and in 1858, of Deyzh. From ca. 1855, he served as chief rabbi of Siebenburgen (Transylvania). He authored Maaglei Tzedek on the Torah and a series of responsa books Avnei Tzedek, Shaarei Tzedek and Mishpat Tzedek.
[1] double leaf (four written pages). 29 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
Letter regarding donations to the poor people of Safed. The first three pages comprise lists of donors from Deyzh in winter 1877 (written by a scribe). The fourth page contains a letter handwritten by the rebbe, addressed to the rabbis of Safed. Wax seal of the rebbe (damaged): "Menachem son of R. Yechezkel… – Mendel".
R. Menachem Mendel Paneth Rabbi of Deyzh (1818-1885) was the son of Rebbe Yechezkel author of Mareh Yechezkel (disciple of R. Mendel of Rymanów, served as rabbi of Carlsburg and Siebenburgen). In 1837, he studied in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer and was the only young man in the Pressburg yeshiva who donned a Chassidic silk robe on Shabbat. His teacher, the Chatam Sofer, was very fond of him and every Shabbat eve he would stroll and converse with him (he would dub him "the golden one"). While studying in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer, he merited a revelation of Eliyahu HaNavi who greeted him in the Beit Midrash, in the disguise of a poor person. In 1842, he was appointed rabbi of Urişor, and in 1858, of Deyzh. From ca. 1855, he served as chief rabbi of Siebenburgen (Transylvania). He authored Maaglei Tzedek on the Torah and a series of responsa books Avnei Tzedek, Shaarei Tzedek and Mishpat Tzedek.
[1] double leaf (four written pages). 29 cm. Good condition. Stains and folding marks.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by leading rabbis and rebbes in Jerusalem – from the Tomchei Achim society, which helped the sick and loaned medical equipment. Jerusalem, ca. 1945.
A thank you letter, with many blessings, to Mrs. Chaya Esther Perlmutter who collected donations for the society.
The letter is typewritten, and bears the handwritten signatures and stamps of the leading rabbis and Torah scholars of Jerusalem in those times (15 signatures and 19 stamps):
R. Mordechai Rokeach of Belz (father of the present Belzer rebbe, known as the "Bilgorayer Rav". He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1944, and passed away in 1949); R. Akiva Sofer Rabbi of Pressburg; R. Shmuel HaLevi Wosner (who served in his early years as posek of the Geulah – Even Yisrael neighborhood); R. Isser Zalman Meltzer, rabbi of Slutsk, dean of the yeshiva and head of the Etz Chaim institutions; Rebbe Yosef Meir Kahana of Spinka; R. Eliyahu Romm, dayan and posek in Jerusalem; R. Yaakov Moshe Charlap; R. Zalman Sorotzkin Rabbi of Lutsk; R. Shmuel Weingart, previously rabbi in Plauen – Germany; R. Baruch Abba Rakovsky, rabbi of the Even Yisrael and Ezrat Torah neighborhoods; R. Yitzchak Yaakov Wachtfogel, rabbi of Me'ah She'arim; R. Yosef Gershon Horowitz "Posek in Jerusalem… Dean of the Me'ah She'arim Yeshiva"; R. Moshe Chaskin, previously rabbi of Krakinova and Priluk; R. Yitzchak Arieli Rabbi of the Knesset Yisrael neighborhood, founder and dean of the Merkaz HaRav yeshiva and author of Einayim LaMishpat; R. Chaim Yehuda Leib Auerbach, dean of the Shaar HaShamayim yeshiva.
Stamps without signatures: R. Shimshon Aharon Polonsky, rabbi and posek in the Beit Yisrael neighborhood; R. Aharon Yaakov Klepfish, previously rabbi in Shniadova, presently in Jerusalem and R. Dov Kohen rabbi of the Shirat Yisrael synagogue. Additional stamp of the Sephardi Beit Din in Jerusalem.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 33 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks. Minor marginal tears, small holes along folds.
A thank you letter, with many blessings, to Mrs. Chaya Esther Perlmutter who collected donations for the society.
The letter is typewritten, and bears the handwritten signatures and stamps of the leading rabbis and Torah scholars of Jerusalem in those times (15 signatures and 19 stamps):
R. Mordechai Rokeach of Belz (father of the present Belzer rebbe, known as the "Bilgorayer Rav". He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1944, and passed away in 1949); R. Akiva Sofer Rabbi of Pressburg; R. Shmuel HaLevi Wosner (who served in his early years as posek of the Geulah – Even Yisrael neighborhood); R. Isser Zalman Meltzer, rabbi of Slutsk, dean of the yeshiva and head of the Etz Chaim institutions; Rebbe Yosef Meir Kahana of Spinka; R. Eliyahu Romm, dayan and posek in Jerusalem; R. Yaakov Moshe Charlap; R. Zalman Sorotzkin Rabbi of Lutsk; R. Shmuel Weingart, previously rabbi in Plauen – Germany; R. Baruch Abba Rakovsky, rabbi of the Even Yisrael and Ezrat Torah neighborhoods; R. Yitzchak Yaakov Wachtfogel, rabbi of Me'ah She'arim; R. Yosef Gershon Horowitz "Posek in Jerusalem… Dean of the Me'ah She'arim Yeshiva"; R. Moshe Chaskin, previously rabbi of Krakinova and Priluk; R. Yitzchak Arieli Rabbi of the Knesset Yisrael neighborhood, founder and dean of the Merkaz HaRav yeshiva and author of Einayim LaMishpat; R. Chaim Yehuda Leib Auerbach, dean of the Shaar HaShamayim yeshiva.
Stamps without signatures: R. Shimshon Aharon Polonsky, rabbi and posek in the Beit Yisrael neighborhood; R. Aharon Yaakov Klepfish, previously rabbi in Shniadova, presently in Jerusalem and R. Dov Kohen rabbi of the Shirat Yisrael synagogue. Additional stamp of the Sephardi Beit Din in Jerusalem.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 33 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks. Minor marginal tears, small holes along folds.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Sefat Emet on the Torah, by Rebbe Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter of Ger; five parts in two volumes. Jerusalem: Published by the grandsons of the Sefat Emet, [20th century].
Dedication for a Bar Mitzvah on the endpaper of the first volume, handwritten and signed by the Gerrer Rebbe: "For the dear Bar Mitzvah boy, Meir, upon his becoming Bar Mitzvah, from Yaakov Aryeh Alter".
R. Yaakov Aryeh Alter of Ger (Góra Kalwaria), was born in Lodz, Poland, in 1939. He was the son of Rebbe Simcha Bunim Alter, the Lev Simcha of Ger. In 1940, in the middle of WWII, one-year-old Yaakov Aryeh moved to Eretz Israel with his father and grandfather (the Imrei Emet). In 1996, after the passing of his uncle the Pnei Menachem, he began his tenure as Rebbe and for the last twenty five years leads the Gerrer Chassidut, the largest Chassidic court in Israel.
Two volumes. 22 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Damage to bindings.
Dedication for a Bar Mitzvah on the endpaper of the first volume, handwritten and signed by the Gerrer Rebbe: "For the dear Bar Mitzvah boy, Meir, upon his becoming Bar Mitzvah, from Yaakov Aryeh Alter".
R. Yaakov Aryeh Alter of Ger (Góra Kalwaria), was born in Lodz, Poland, in 1939. He was the son of Rebbe Simcha Bunim Alter, the Lev Simcha of Ger. In 1940, in the middle of WWII, one-year-old Yaakov Aryeh moved to Eretz Israel with his father and grandfather (the Imrei Emet). In 1996, after the passing of his uncle the Pnei Menachem, he began his tenure as Rebbe and for the last twenty five years leads the Gerrer Chassidut, the largest Chassidic court in Israel.
Two volumes. 22 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear. Damage to bindings.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures
Catalogue
![She'iltot of R. Achai Gaon, on the Five Books of the Torah. [Venice: Daniel Bomberg, 1546].
Copy of R. Moshe Galante – HaRa](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale86a/48_1.jpg "She'iltot – Venice, 1546 – Glosses of the Kabbalist Rabbi Yaakov Tzema")
![She'iltot of R. Achai Gaon, on the Five Books of the Torah. [Venice: Daniel Bomberg, 1546].
Copy of R. Moshe Galante – HaRa](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale86a/48_2.jpg "She'iltot – Venice, 1546 – Glosses of the Kabbalist Rabbi Yaakov Tzema")
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000
Sold for: $12,500
Including buyer's premium
She'iltot of R. Achai Gaon, on the Five Books of the Torah. [Venice: Daniel Bomberg, 1546].
Copy of R. Moshe Galante – HaRav HaMagen (first Rishon LeTzion), with glosses handwritten by the kabbalist R. Yaakov Tzemach.
Signature of R. Moshe son of R. Yehonatan Galante on leaf 2, within the frame surrounding the initial word "Bereshit".
Marginal glosses handwritten by the kabbalist R. Yaakov Tzemach, most of them signed (as he was accustomed to, at the beginning of the gloss): "Tzemach". The present volume contains over fifteen glosses, mostly trimmed; eight of which are signed.
Additional inscriptions on leaf 2: "To the rabbi, son of Asher" (this may be referring to R. Avraham ibn Asher, a Jerusalem Torah scholar, who travelled as emissary together with R. Yitzchak Zerachia Azulai); trimmed inscription in the margin about the birth of a son named Moshe; unidentified calligraphic signatures, partly trimmed ("Moshe ---").
Signatures in the historiated initial words of each book of the Torah: "Sr. Rafael de Picciotto". The de Picciotto family were known as wealthy philanthropists, who held consular positions for European countries in Aleppo and other places (several members of the family were named Rafael). Inscription on leaf 35: "This Imrei Shefer belongs to the Marpeh LaNefesh yeshiva" (yeshiva founded in 1797 by Sr. Rafael Picciotto and his representative R. Yom Tov Algazi; see: Shevet VeAm, VII, p. 168).
HaRav HaMagen – R. Moshe son of R. Yehonatan Galante, author of Zevach Shelamim and Korban Chagigah (1620-1689). Born in Safed, he was named after his grandfather, R. Moshe Galante the first. He studied under the Safed Torah scholars, later relocating to Jerusalem where he established his Beit Midrash. His leading disciples were: his brother-in-law, R. Moshe ibn Habib (who succeeded him as Rishon LeTzion), his son-in-law R. Yisrael Yaakov Hagiz author of Halachot Ketanot and his grandson R. Moshe Hagiz, R. Chizkiyah da Silva author of Pri Chadash, R. Avraham Yitzchaki, and others. Many of his disciples later served as rabbis of Jerusalem. R. Moshe Galante was the leading rabbi of Jerusalem at a time when it was home to eighty-seven outstanding Torah scholars (see Shem HaGedolim by the Chida on R. Moshe Galante). He was the first to carry the title of Rishon LeTzion. Reputedly, all the Torah scholars in the city bowed to his authority and deferred to his Torah knowledge, yet in his great humility he refused to carry the title of Rabbi of Jerusalem, he was therefore only referred to as Rishon LeTzion, and this is the title given since then to the chief rabbi of Jerusalem (Frumkin, Toldot Chachmei Yerushalayim, part II, pp. 57-58).
R. Yaakov Tzemach (1584?-1667), a G-dly kabbalist, leading transmitter of the teachings of the Arizal as explained in the writings of R. Chaim Vital, and foremost compiler and editor of the writings of the Arizal. He was the disciple of R. Shmuel Vital. Born to a family of Marranos in Lisbon, Portugal, he studied medicine there and became an expert physician (as the Chida describes him in his entry in Shem HaGedolim). In Portugal, he lived as a Marrano. At the age of 30, he moved to Salonika, where he started observing Judaism openly and studying Torah. In ca. 1619, he immigrated to Safed, where he began applying himself to Torah study with extraordinary diligence, living a life of deprivation with scant sleep. He spent six years studying the entire Talmud, Rambam, Tur with Beit Yosef, and all the books of the Levush. At the end of this period, he began dedicating his nights and Fridays to the study of Kabbalah. He later devoted all his energy and time to acquiring manuscripts of the writings of the Arizal, editing them, compiling them in various formats and correcting them. He is renowned for his books Kol BeRama – commentary on the Idra, and Nagid UMetzaveh – compilation of the Arizal's practices in Mitzvah observance. He relocated to Damascus in ca. 1625-1630, where he studied Kabbalah under R. Shmuel Vital. Every Shabbat, he would sit in his teacher's home studying the original manuscript of Etz HaChaim, handwritten by R. Chaim Vital. In 1640, he returned to Eretz Israel, and lived in Jerusalem until his passing. While in Jerusalem, he obtained the buried manuscripts of R. Chaim Vital – the Mahadura Batra writings, which even his son R. Shmuel Vital did not have access to (these writings were buried upon the instructions of R. Chaim Vital in the Safed cemetery, and were exhumed decades later by "holy rabbis of the generation, through yichudim… with his consent in a dream question" – Shem HaGedolim by the Chida, Chet, 21). In light of these discoveries, R. Yaakov Tzemach began rearranging all the writings of the Arizal. He composed over twenty works, mostly on kabbalah, but also on revealed parts of the Torah. Approximately half of them have as yet not been published. The most renowned books of the teachings of the Arizal, such as Otzrot Chaim, Kehillat Yaakov, Adam Yashar and others, were published based on the redactions by R. Yaakov Tzemach and his disciple R. Meir Poppers. These works were widely distributed and the leading kabbalists of subsequent generations studied the Arizal's kabbalah through them.
The son of R. Yaakov, R. Avraham Tzemach, was a Torah scholar in Jerusalem who served as dayan in the Beit Din of R. Moshe Galante. This book may have been passed on by him from R. Yaakov Tzemach to R. Moshe Galante. The book later reached the wealthy Rafael Picciotto and the Marpeh LaNefesh yeshiva which he founded in Jerusalem.
2-30, 32-46, 48-62 leaves (originally: 62 leaves). Lacking title page and leaves 31 and 47. 26 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, affecting text. Tears and open tears to first leaf, affecting text, repaired with sellotape. Leaves trimmed close to text in several places. Without binding.
Copy of R. Moshe Galante – HaRav HaMagen (first Rishon LeTzion), with glosses handwritten by the kabbalist R. Yaakov Tzemach.
Signature of R. Moshe son of R. Yehonatan Galante on leaf 2, within the frame surrounding the initial word "Bereshit".
Marginal glosses handwritten by the kabbalist R. Yaakov Tzemach, most of them signed (as he was accustomed to, at the beginning of the gloss): "Tzemach". The present volume contains over fifteen glosses, mostly trimmed; eight of which are signed.
Additional inscriptions on leaf 2: "To the rabbi, son of Asher" (this may be referring to R. Avraham ibn Asher, a Jerusalem Torah scholar, who travelled as emissary together with R. Yitzchak Zerachia Azulai); trimmed inscription in the margin about the birth of a son named Moshe; unidentified calligraphic signatures, partly trimmed ("Moshe ---").
Signatures in the historiated initial words of each book of the Torah: "Sr. Rafael de Picciotto". The de Picciotto family were known as wealthy philanthropists, who held consular positions for European countries in Aleppo and other places (several members of the family were named Rafael). Inscription on leaf 35: "This Imrei Shefer belongs to the Marpeh LaNefesh yeshiva" (yeshiva founded in 1797 by Sr. Rafael Picciotto and his representative R. Yom Tov Algazi; see: Shevet VeAm, VII, p. 168).
HaRav HaMagen – R. Moshe son of R. Yehonatan Galante, author of Zevach Shelamim and Korban Chagigah (1620-1689). Born in Safed, he was named after his grandfather, R. Moshe Galante the first. He studied under the Safed Torah scholars, later relocating to Jerusalem where he established his Beit Midrash. His leading disciples were: his brother-in-law, R. Moshe ibn Habib (who succeeded him as Rishon LeTzion), his son-in-law R. Yisrael Yaakov Hagiz author of Halachot Ketanot and his grandson R. Moshe Hagiz, R. Chizkiyah da Silva author of Pri Chadash, R. Avraham Yitzchaki, and others. Many of his disciples later served as rabbis of Jerusalem. R. Moshe Galante was the leading rabbi of Jerusalem at a time when it was home to eighty-seven outstanding Torah scholars (see Shem HaGedolim by the Chida on R. Moshe Galante). He was the first to carry the title of Rishon LeTzion. Reputedly, all the Torah scholars in the city bowed to his authority and deferred to his Torah knowledge, yet in his great humility he refused to carry the title of Rabbi of Jerusalem, he was therefore only referred to as Rishon LeTzion, and this is the title given since then to the chief rabbi of Jerusalem (Frumkin, Toldot Chachmei Yerushalayim, part II, pp. 57-58).
R. Yaakov Tzemach (1584?-1667), a G-dly kabbalist, leading transmitter of the teachings of the Arizal as explained in the writings of R. Chaim Vital, and foremost compiler and editor of the writings of the Arizal. He was the disciple of R. Shmuel Vital. Born to a family of Marranos in Lisbon, Portugal, he studied medicine there and became an expert physician (as the Chida describes him in his entry in Shem HaGedolim). In Portugal, he lived as a Marrano. At the age of 30, he moved to Salonika, where he started observing Judaism openly and studying Torah. In ca. 1619, he immigrated to Safed, where he began applying himself to Torah study with extraordinary diligence, living a life of deprivation with scant sleep. He spent six years studying the entire Talmud, Rambam, Tur with Beit Yosef, and all the books of the Levush. At the end of this period, he began dedicating his nights and Fridays to the study of Kabbalah. He later devoted all his energy and time to acquiring manuscripts of the writings of the Arizal, editing them, compiling them in various formats and correcting them. He is renowned for his books Kol BeRama – commentary on the Idra, and Nagid UMetzaveh – compilation of the Arizal's practices in Mitzvah observance. He relocated to Damascus in ca. 1625-1630, where he studied Kabbalah under R. Shmuel Vital. Every Shabbat, he would sit in his teacher's home studying the original manuscript of Etz HaChaim, handwritten by R. Chaim Vital. In 1640, he returned to Eretz Israel, and lived in Jerusalem until his passing. While in Jerusalem, he obtained the buried manuscripts of R. Chaim Vital – the Mahadura Batra writings, which even his son R. Shmuel Vital did not have access to (these writings were buried upon the instructions of R. Chaim Vital in the Safed cemetery, and were exhumed decades later by "holy rabbis of the generation, through yichudim… with his consent in a dream question" – Shem HaGedolim by the Chida, Chet, 21). In light of these discoveries, R. Yaakov Tzemach began rearranging all the writings of the Arizal. He composed over twenty works, mostly on kabbalah, but also on revealed parts of the Torah. Approximately half of them have as yet not been published. The most renowned books of the teachings of the Arizal, such as Otzrot Chaim, Kehillat Yaakov, Adam Yashar and others, were published based on the redactions by R. Yaakov Tzemach and his disciple R. Meir Poppers. These works were widely distributed and the leading kabbalists of subsequent generations studied the Arizal's kabbalah through them.
The son of R. Yaakov, R. Avraham Tzemach, was a Torah scholar in Jerusalem who served as dayan in the Beit Din of R. Moshe Galante. This book may have been passed on by him from R. Yaakov Tzemach to R. Moshe Galante. The book later reached the wealthy Rafael Picciotto and the Marpeh LaNefesh yeshiva which he founded in Jerusalem.
2-30, 32-46, 48-62 leaves (originally: 62 leaves). Lacking title page and leaves 31 and 47. 26 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, affecting text. Tears and open tears to first leaf, affecting text, repaired with sellotape. Leaves trimmed close to text in several places. Without binding.
Category
Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures – Italian
and Sephardi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $15,000
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
Sold for: $18,750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, index of sayings and maxims found in the book Ein Yaakov – handwritten by the author R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena. [Venice, ca. early 17th century].
A ninety-leaf manuscript handwritten by R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena – an index he composed of the sayings and maxims in the book Ein Yaakov.
R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena (1571-1648), a prominent Italian Torah scholar in the 16th and 17th centuries, and author of many books in different fields. He served as dayan and preacher, scribe, poet and proofreader, in his native Venice. He was a disciple of R. Shmuel Yehuda Katzenellenbogen and R. Shmuel Archivolti, and teacher of R. Shaul HaLevi Morteira. He is renowned for his piyyut Yom Zeh Yehi Mishkal Kol Chatotai, recited on Yom Kippur Katan.
The present work is an index of the sayings and maxims comprised in the book Ein Yisrael (the second part of which is named Beit Yisrael) – anthology of Aggadot from the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds (compiled by R. Yaakov ibn Habib and his son the Ralbach), better known by its original name – Ein Yaakov. Ein Yaakov was banned by the Italian Inquisition along with the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds, which were publicly burned in the 1550s. A decade later, in 1566, the book was allowed to be reprinted, though with censorship expurgations and under a new title – Ein Yisrael. The book was reprinted in several editions under this title over the following years. The prohibition to own volumes of the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds, coupled with the authorization of the censored Ein Yisrael, caused it to become widely distributed in Italy and studied by a growing number of people, including Torah scholars, serving, along with the books of the Rif, as a replacement for the banned books of the Talmud. The popularity of the book Ein Yisrael in those days gave rise to several index works specific to this book, such as Zichron Torat Moshe by R. Moshe Figo (Constantinople, 1554), Luach Maamarei Ein Yisrael, by R. Eliezer Rieti (Venice, 1612), and Beit Lechem Yehuda by R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena (Venice, 1625).
Unlike his book Beit Lechem Yehuda, which is arranged according to topics (following the Zichron Torat Moshe method), the sayings in the present index are arranged in alphabetical order, similar to Luach Maamarei Ein Yisrael by R. Eliezer Rieti. Within each letter of the alphabet, however, the sayings are listed in order of the Talmudic tractates.
In the list of R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena's works in his autobiography Chayei Yehuda, no mention is made of the present work; R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena may have reconsidered his plans to print it after he published his book Beit Lechem Yehuda (Venice, 1625) which is arranged in a different order.
The manuscript was identified as an autograph of R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena through careful comparison with the handwriting in several of his known manuscripts found in various public libraries (including: Kovetz Igrot, British Library – London, Ms. Or. 5396; Kol Sachal VeShaagat Aryeh, Biblioteca Palatina – Parma, Ms. 2238; Ari Nohem, Russian State Library – Moscow, Günzburg Ms. 1681).
On the final page, after the concluding line, R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena added another five sayings from the Talmud, perhaps alluding to a specific matter. These are followed by two sayings from the Zohar.
[90] leaves. 20 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains and damp damage. Extensive worming, affecting text. Tears and open tears, affecting text. Old binding, partially damaged and lacking, with extensive worming.
Written based on the enclosed report of R. Moshe Hillel.
A ninety-leaf manuscript handwritten by R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena – an index he composed of the sayings and maxims in the book Ein Yaakov.
R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena (1571-1648), a prominent Italian Torah scholar in the 16th and 17th centuries, and author of many books in different fields. He served as dayan and preacher, scribe, poet and proofreader, in his native Venice. He was a disciple of R. Shmuel Yehuda Katzenellenbogen and R. Shmuel Archivolti, and teacher of R. Shaul HaLevi Morteira. He is renowned for his piyyut Yom Zeh Yehi Mishkal Kol Chatotai, recited on Yom Kippur Katan.
The present work is an index of the sayings and maxims comprised in the book Ein Yisrael (the second part of which is named Beit Yisrael) – anthology of Aggadot from the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds (compiled by R. Yaakov ibn Habib and his son the Ralbach), better known by its original name – Ein Yaakov. Ein Yaakov was banned by the Italian Inquisition along with the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds, which were publicly burned in the 1550s. A decade later, in 1566, the book was allowed to be reprinted, though with censorship expurgations and under a new title – Ein Yisrael. The book was reprinted in several editions under this title over the following years. The prohibition to own volumes of the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds, coupled with the authorization of the censored Ein Yisrael, caused it to become widely distributed in Italy and studied by a growing number of people, including Torah scholars, serving, along with the books of the Rif, as a replacement for the banned books of the Talmud. The popularity of the book Ein Yisrael in those days gave rise to several index works specific to this book, such as Zichron Torat Moshe by R. Moshe Figo (Constantinople, 1554), Luach Maamarei Ein Yisrael, by R. Eliezer Rieti (Venice, 1612), and Beit Lechem Yehuda by R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena (Venice, 1625).
Unlike his book Beit Lechem Yehuda, which is arranged according to topics (following the Zichron Torat Moshe method), the sayings in the present index are arranged in alphabetical order, similar to Luach Maamarei Ein Yisrael by R. Eliezer Rieti. Within each letter of the alphabet, however, the sayings are listed in order of the Talmudic tractates.
In the list of R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena's works in his autobiography Chayei Yehuda, no mention is made of the present work; R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena may have reconsidered his plans to print it after he published his book Beit Lechem Yehuda (Venice, 1625) which is arranged in a different order.
The manuscript was identified as an autograph of R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena through careful comparison with the handwriting in several of his known manuscripts found in various public libraries (including: Kovetz Igrot, British Library – London, Ms. Or. 5396; Kol Sachal VeShaagat Aryeh, Biblioteca Palatina – Parma, Ms. 2238; Ari Nohem, Russian State Library – Moscow, Günzburg Ms. 1681).
On the final page, after the concluding line, R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena added another five sayings from the Talmud, perhaps alluding to a specific matter. These are followed by two sayings from the Zohar.
[90] leaves. 20 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains and damp damage. Extensive worming, affecting text. Tears and open tears, affecting text. Old binding, partially damaged and lacking, with extensive worming.
Written based on the enclosed report of R. Moshe Hillel.
Category
Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures – Italian
and Sephardi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Manuscript (5 pages), halachic responsum regarding the recital of the piyyut Malachei Rachamim, by R. Shimshon Morpurgo Rabbi of Ancona. [Ancona, 1728].
Neat copying, presumably produced by the author himself, with handwritten emendations and marginal additions. The present responsum is published in his book Shemesh Tzedakah (Orach Chaim, section 23), with textual variations. The additions added here in the margins were incorporated in the printed responsum.
The responsum discusses the Ashkenazic custom of reciting the piyyut Malachei Rachamim, which arouses the halachic question of addressing angels instead of praying directly to G-d. The printed version of the responsum is preceded by a short introduction, stating that it was issued in response to a fierce argument between two leading Torah scholars of Trieste as to whether one is allowed to recite this piyyut. R. Shimshon explains at length why the recital of the piyyut should not be abolished.
R. Shimshon concludes the responsum by stating that it was written in Ancona in 1728. This is followed by his signature. In the printed version of the responsum, the emphasized letters in the chronogram amount to 1722 (presumably a mistake).
R. Shimshon Morpurgo (1681-1740), prominent Italian rabbi, served as rabbi of Ancona for twenty years. He was the disciple of R. Shmuel Aboab, R. Menashe Chefetz and R. Yehuda Briel. In his capacity as rabbi of Ancona, he earned the reputation of one of the leading Italian halachic authorities, responding to halachic queries from all over Italy. He took part in the major polemics, joining R. Moshe Hagiz in the polemic against the Sabbatean Nechemia Hayyun. Some of his responsa were printed in Shemesh Tzedakah, published by his son. The book earned a place of honor in halachic literature.
Inscription on verso, in a different hand: "Ruling of the Shemesh Tzedakah on supplications recited by the Ashkenazim".
Sheet of paper folded into four, approx. five written pages. Approx. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text. Folding marks.
Neat copying, presumably produced by the author himself, with handwritten emendations and marginal additions. The present responsum is published in his book Shemesh Tzedakah (Orach Chaim, section 23), with textual variations. The additions added here in the margins were incorporated in the printed responsum.
The responsum discusses the Ashkenazic custom of reciting the piyyut Malachei Rachamim, which arouses the halachic question of addressing angels instead of praying directly to G-d. The printed version of the responsum is preceded by a short introduction, stating that it was issued in response to a fierce argument between two leading Torah scholars of Trieste as to whether one is allowed to recite this piyyut. R. Shimshon explains at length why the recital of the piyyut should not be abolished.
R. Shimshon concludes the responsum by stating that it was written in Ancona in 1728. This is followed by his signature. In the printed version of the responsum, the emphasized letters in the chronogram amount to 1722 (presumably a mistake).
R. Shimshon Morpurgo (1681-1740), prominent Italian rabbi, served as rabbi of Ancona for twenty years. He was the disciple of R. Shmuel Aboab, R. Menashe Chefetz and R. Yehuda Briel. In his capacity as rabbi of Ancona, he earned the reputation of one of the leading Italian halachic authorities, responding to halachic queries from all over Italy. He took part in the major polemics, joining R. Moshe Hagiz in the polemic against the Sabbatean Nechemia Hayyun. Some of his responsa were printed in Shemesh Tzedakah, published by his son. The book earned a place of honor in halachic literature.
Inscription on verso, in a different hand: "Ruling of the Shemesh Tzedakah on supplications recited by the Ashkenazim".
Sheet of paper folded into four, approx. five written pages. Approx. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text. Folding marks.
Category
Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures – Italian
and Sephardi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
Unsold
Letter handwritten and signed by R. Shabtai Ventura Rabbi of Spalatro, author of Nahar Shalom, to R. Mordechai Refael Shimshon Tzemach Viterbo of Ancona. Spalatro (present day: Split, Croatia), Tishrei 1759.
The recipient of this letter, R. Mordechai Refael Shimshon Tzemach Viterbo, who served as rabbi of Ancona, is mentioned several times in R. Shabtai's book Nahar Shalom, with terms of affection and reverence. In the present letter, he refers to him as "my close friend who sits in the chambers of my heart…" and praises him effusively. R. Shabtai asks him to review the halachic booklet enclosed with the letter (not present), regarding a Torah scroll which was discovered to be invalid on Shabbat. He concludes with regards for R. Y. Consolo and R. Yehuda Ascoli.
Signed by R. Shabtai, with his calligraphic signature: "Here, Spalatro, end of Tishrei 1759 – Shabtai son of R. Avraham Ventura".
R. Shabtai Ventura (1732-1799) a renowned rabbi and posek in his generation, was the rabbi of Spalatro, reputed for his halachic composition Nahar Shalom on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim. He was a close disciple of R. David Pardo, who served before him as rabbi of Spalatro. His book Nahar Shalom is quoted extensively in halachic works of recent generations, including in the Mishna Berura. Apart from his prominence in Halachah and in revealed realms of the Torah, he also engaged in the study of Kabbalah, and particularly in the copying of kabbalistic manuscripts (see: R. Moshe Hillel, The Identity of the Copyist of the Etz Chaim Book with the Colophon from 1579, in Chitzei Giborim, 10, Nisan 2017, pp. 857-911).
With recipient's address.
[1] double leaf. Approx. 29 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Folding marks. Tears to folds, affecting text.
The recipient of this letter, R. Mordechai Refael Shimshon Tzemach Viterbo, who served as rabbi of Ancona, is mentioned several times in R. Shabtai's book Nahar Shalom, with terms of affection and reverence. In the present letter, he refers to him as "my close friend who sits in the chambers of my heart…" and praises him effusively. R. Shabtai asks him to review the halachic booklet enclosed with the letter (not present), regarding a Torah scroll which was discovered to be invalid on Shabbat. He concludes with regards for R. Y. Consolo and R. Yehuda Ascoli.
Signed by R. Shabtai, with his calligraphic signature: "Here, Spalatro, end of Tishrei 1759 – Shabtai son of R. Avraham Ventura".
R. Shabtai Ventura (1732-1799) a renowned rabbi and posek in his generation, was the rabbi of Spalatro, reputed for his halachic composition Nahar Shalom on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim. He was a close disciple of R. David Pardo, who served before him as rabbi of Spalatro. His book Nahar Shalom is quoted extensively in halachic works of recent generations, including in the Mishna Berura. Apart from his prominence in Halachah and in revealed realms of the Torah, he also engaged in the study of Kabbalah, and particularly in the copying of kabbalistic manuscripts (see: R. Moshe Hillel, The Identity of the Copyist of the Etz Chaim Book with the Colophon from 1579, in Chitzei Giborim, 10, Nisan 2017, pp. 857-911).
With recipient's address.
[1] double leaf. Approx. 29 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Folding marks. Tears to folds, affecting text.
Category
Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures – Italian
and Sephardi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Leaf (two pages) handwritten by R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida – comments on the words of the poskim and the commentators.
The novellae found in the present leaf are similar in style to those appearing in the Chida's work Ha'lem Davar, yet they do not appear there. The sections on the first page are numbered 228-237, while the sections on the second page are not numbered.
According to the enclosed expert opinion (by R. Shimon Schwartz), the present leaf is from a different edition of Ha'lem Davar.
Ha'lem Davar was authored by the Chida in his youth, as he mentions in Responsa Yosef Ometz (section 105): "In my youth I produced… an essay which I titled Ha'lem Davar – several oversights of leading Torah scholars". Up until now, only a manuscript of He'elem Davar comprising 149 sections was known of (JTS manuscript, no. 5391), first published in 1958 by Meir Benayahu (in Sinai, 43; and later in other books in several editions), yet it is known that the Chida would rewrite his works in various editions with additions.
The contents of the present leaf were not found in the printed work, and are to the best of our knowledge hitherto unpublished.
The Chida – R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806) was a leading halachic authority, Kabbalist, outstanding Torah scholar, prolific author and famous emissary. Born in Jerusalem to R. Refael Yitzchak Zerachia Azulai, a Jerusalem scholar and great-grandson of the kabbalist R. Avraham Azulai author of Chesed LeAvraham. From his early years, he was a disciple of leading Jerusalemite Torah scholars and kabbalists, including R. Chaim ben Attar, the Or HaChaim. He began studying kabbalah at the Beit El Yeshiva for kabbalists headed by R. Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi – the Rashash, alongside with his colleague R. Yom Tov Algazi.
In 1753, he embarked on his first mission as emissary on behalf of the Hebron community. During the course of his five years of travel, he passed through Italy, Germany, Holland, England and France. During this mission, his name began to spread. Wherever he traversed, he attracted a great deal of attention and many acknowledged his greatness. In 1773, the Chida embarked on an additional mission on behalf of the Hebron community, leaving a profound imprint on all the places he visited. At the end of this journey, he settled in Livorno, Italy, serving there as rabbi. In Livorno he published most of his books.
The Chida was among the greatest authors of all times and composed more than 80 works in all facets of Torah, including his composition Birkei Yosef, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch which greatly impacted the field of halachic rulings. His books were accepted throughout the Diaspora, and were regarded with great esteem. The majority of his works were written while he was preoccupied with his travels or other matters, and with access to very few books, and this attests to his tremendous erudition and phenomenal memory. In each city the Chida visited, he would visit the local libraries and search for unknown manuscripts and compositions written by prominent Torah scholars. Due to the great respect and admiration he evoked, he was granted authorization to enter large libraries and museums, such as the National Library of France, where he spent many hours copying important manuscripts. The vast knowledge he gleaned during these opportunities pervade all his books, particularly his bibliographic masterpiece Shem HaGedolim.
[1] leaf. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming (slightly affecting several characters of text). Elegant leather binding.
Enclosed is the expert's opinion, authenticating the manuscript as handwritten by the Chida, and confirming that the teachings are unpublished.
The novellae found in the present leaf are similar in style to those appearing in the Chida's work Ha'lem Davar, yet they do not appear there. The sections on the first page are numbered 228-237, while the sections on the second page are not numbered.
According to the enclosed expert opinion (by R. Shimon Schwartz), the present leaf is from a different edition of Ha'lem Davar.
Ha'lem Davar was authored by the Chida in his youth, as he mentions in Responsa Yosef Ometz (section 105): "In my youth I produced… an essay which I titled Ha'lem Davar – several oversights of leading Torah scholars". Up until now, only a manuscript of He'elem Davar comprising 149 sections was known of (JTS manuscript, no. 5391), first published in 1958 by Meir Benayahu (in Sinai, 43; and later in other books in several editions), yet it is known that the Chida would rewrite his works in various editions with additions.
The contents of the present leaf were not found in the printed work, and are to the best of our knowledge hitherto unpublished.
The Chida – R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806) was a leading halachic authority, Kabbalist, outstanding Torah scholar, prolific author and famous emissary. Born in Jerusalem to R. Refael Yitzchak Zerachia Azulai, a Jerusalem scholar and great-grandson of the kabbalist R. Avraham Azulai author of Chesed LeAvraham. From his early years, he was a disciple of leading Jerusalemite Torah scholars and kabbalists, including R. Chaim ben Attar, the Or HaChaim. He began studying kabbalah at the Beit El Yeshiva for kabbalists headed by R. Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi – the Rashash, alongside with his colleague R. Yom Tov Algazi.
In 1753, he embarked on his first mission as emissary on behalf of the Hebron community. During the course of his five years of travel, he passed through Italy, Germany, Holland, England and France. During this mission, his name began to spread. Wherever he traversed, he attracted a great deal of attention and many acknowledged his greatness. In 1773, the Chida embarked on an additional mission on behalf of the Hebron community, leaving a profound imprint on all the places he visited. At the end of this journey, he settled in Livorno, Italy, serving there as rabbi. In Livorno he published most of his books.
The Chida was among the greatest authors of all times and composed more than 80 works in all facets of Torah, including his composition Birkei Yosef, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch which greatly impacted the field of halachic rulings. His books were accepted throughout the Diaspora, and were regarded with great esteem. The majority of his works were written while he was preoccupied with his travels or other matters, and with access to very few books, and this attests to his tremendous erudition and phenomenal memory. In each city the Chida visited, he would visit the local libraries and search for unknown manuscripts and compositions written by prominent Torah scholars. Due to the great respect and admiration he evoked, he was granted authorization to enter large libraries and museums, such as the National Library of France, where he spent many hours copying important manuscripts. The vast knowledge he gleaned during these opportunities pervade all his books, particularly his bibliographic masterpiece Shem HaGedolim.
[1] leaf. 18 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming (slightly affecting several characters of text). Elegant leather binding.
Enclosed is the expert's opinion, authenticating the manuscript as handwritten by the Chida, and confirming that the teachings are unpublished.
Category
Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures – Italian
and Sephardi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $6,000
Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $16,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript – segulot, hashbaot, incantations, amulets, lots and interpretation of dreams – practical kabbalah notebook of R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, son of the Chida and rabbi of Ancona. Written in part by a scribe and in part by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai. [Ancona, ca. 1818-1819].
The manuscript was written alternately by a scribe (neat Italian script) and by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (Sephardic script), who added many segulot and hashbaot. The manuscript also contains his personal notes, with records of income and expenditures and names of Jews from Ancona, from the years 1818-1819.
Three leaves in neat Sephardic script (from an unknown writer), featuring tables, kabbalistic diagrams, and Angelic script.
Contents:
Leaves [1-3] – Segulot, hashbaot and incantations, for various occasions: "For blessing the home", "To restore a person's mind", "To find favor in the eyes of all people even a king and ruler", "For love", "To imprison a person", "To change the mind of a dayan or ruler", "To overcome adversaries", and more; the manner of "arranging amulets", with prayers to "sanctify the amulet".
Leaves [4-7] – Segulot and incantations handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai: "For a women who despises her husband", "she'elat chalom [dream question]", "To bring menstruation", "To end menstruation", etc.
Leaf [8] – Many segulot for "love", including a "wonderful" segulah for love called "Hashbaah of the Valerian".
Leaves [10-11] – many segulot for love; "Segulot of 7 dishes which are helpful for all maladies", hashbaot for writing on dishes to cure various maladies: "For aching hands and feet", "For heart conditions", "For headaches and for all illnesses", "For obsessions and boredom", "For mutism or crooked hands, feet or mouth", "For vesicles", "For a person who arises at night with fears and trembling and imagines things or for anxiety"; G-d's Name which "is forbidden to utter, only to focus on in thought", for times of trouble: "When the world is in great trouble due to dread or war or pestilence or an epidemic or hunger…". The long Name is followed by the "Seal of the aforementioned Name" – chart of the combination of letters of the Name.
Leaf [12] – "Segulah and secret for treating fear".
Leaves [13-14] – Various instructions for casting lots (titled Goral Baduk), for a dream question. Leaf [13b] contains the text of an amulet handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai. Inscription handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai on leaf [14b]: "Here is a wondrous matter and great secret for confusion of the mind and insanity and depression…".
Leaf [15] – Segulot handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai: "Marvelous matter if other cures and segulot do not help…".
Leaf [16b] – Handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai: "Dream question – write on the leaf of an etrog and place under your head…".
Leaves [17-21] – Sefer Pitron Chalomot.
Leaf [24b] – Text of an amulet "For a person who wants to change and is under a spell…" handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, and more.
Leaves [25-27] – "Verified hashbaah of a ring to cast a lot" – in neat Oriental script by an unknown writer.
Leaf [27b] – "Incantation for a very painful headache", handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaf [28] – "Incantation for a person who is coerced by devils", incantation in Italian (in vocalized Hebrew letters), with the addition of two lines handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaf [29] – "To destroy an enemy, know the secret of this Name…", handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaves [29b-31a] – Amulets and segulot "To separate the love between two people who love one another", "For the hate of an enemy", "For pain of the eyes", "For an eye malady", "To enlighten dark eyes", "For a deathly illness", "To overcome your adversary", "To cause a person to die", and more.
Leaf [31b] – Various segulot handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai: "For hate", "A verified way to overcome an adversary in judgement", "For a woman whose children do not survive", etc.
Personal notes handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai:
Leaf [16a] – "Account of the Safed emissary R. Mordechai Asseo, I have taken from the treasurer S. Yitzchak Levi for his expenses…" (R. Mordechai Asseo, a Salonikan Torah scholar, author of Higid Mordechai, immigrated to Jerusalem and travelled to Italy as an emissary).
Leaf [22] – "Calculation of the wine which I take from David Hasson Adar 1819… until Rosh Chodesh Adar… Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan… Passover… Erev Shavuot… Sivan… Tammuz"; Today, Thursday…, I have made a calculation with Shimshon Sereni[?]…".
Leaf [23] – "Calculation with the abovementioned…", "I owe Shimshon…".
Leaf [32] – "Nissan 1818: That which I need to take into my account from the community… What I received from David Hasson… Sr. Moshe Chaim Morpurgo [rabbi in Ancona]… Sr. Yehuda Avraham Morpurgo … Sr. Shabtai Chaim Sepilli… Sr. Azaryah Kohen…".
R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (1743-1826), eldest son of the illustrious R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida and a great Torah scholar in his own right. Born in Jerusalem, he served a rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him with epithets of love ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great chacham", "the light of my eyes", "friend of my soul", etc.). After the death of R. Avraham Yisrael Rabbi of Ancona in 1785, the community leaders turned to the Chida who hinted that his son R. Refael Yeshaya was suitable for this position. He indeed served as rabbi of Ancona until his passing on 9th Shevat 1826 (he lived 83 years, like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his congregation for a long time (for further information see M. Benayahu's book on the Chida, pp. 476-487].
[32] leaves. 19 cm. Good condition. Stains, minor wear to margins. Worming, slightly affecting text in several places. Several detached leaves. Partially detached gatherings. Without binding.
The manuscript was written alternately by a scribe (neat Italian script) and by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (Sephardic script), who added many segulot and hashbaot. The manuscript also contains his personal notes, with records of income and expenditures and names of Jews from Ancona, from the years 1818-1819.
Three leaves in neat Sephardic script (from an unknown writer), featuring tables, kabbalistic diagrams, and Angelic script.
Contents:
Leaves [1-3] – Segulot, hashbaot and incantations, for various occasions: "For blessing the home", "To restore a person's mind", "To find favor in the eyes of all people even a king and ruler", "For love", "To imprison a person", "To change the mind of a dayan or ruler", "To overcome adversaries", and more; the manner of "arranging amulets", with prayers to "sanctify the amulet".
Leaves [4-7] – Segulot and incantations handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai: "For a women who despises her husband", "she'elat chalom [dream question]", "To bring menstruation", "To end menstruation", etc.
Leaf [8] – Many segulot for "love", including a "wonderful" segulah for love called "Hashbaah of the Valerian".
Leaves [10-11] – many segulot for love; "Segulot of 7 dishes which are helpful for all maladies", hashbaot for writing on dishes to cure various maladies: "For aching hands and feet", "For heart conditions", "For headaches and for all illnesses", "For obsessions and boredom", "For mutism or crooked hands, feet or mouth", "For vesicles", "For a person who arises at night with fears and trembling and imagines things or for anxiety"; G-d's Name which "is forbidden to utter, only to focus on in thought", for times of trouble: "When the world is in great trouble due to dread or war or pestilence or an epidemic or hunger…". The long Name is followed by the "Seal of the aforementioned Name" – chart of the combination of letters of the Name.
Leaf [12] – "Segulah and secret for treating fear".
Leaves [13-14] – Various instructions for casting lots (titled Goral Baduk), for a dream question. Leaf [13b] contains the text of an amulet handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai. Inscription handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai on leaf [14b]: "Here is a wondrous matter and great secret for confusion of the mind and insanity and depression…".
Leaf [15] – Segulot handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai: "Marvelous matter if other cures and segulot do not help…".
Leaf [16b] – Handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai: "Dream question – write on the leaf of an etrog and place under your head…".
Leaves [17-21] – Sefer Pitron Chalomot.
Leaf [24b] – Text of an amulet "For a person who wants to change and is under a spell…" handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, and more.
Leaves [25-27] – "Verified hashbaah of a ring to cast a lot" – in neat Oriental script by an unknown writer.
Leaf [27b] – "Incantation for a very painful headache", handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaf [28] – "Incantation for a person who is coerced by devils", incantation in Italian (in vocalized Hebrew letters), with the addition of two lines handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaf [29] – "To destroy an enemy, know the secret of this Name…", handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai.
Leaves [29b-31a] – Amulets and segulot "To separate the love between two people who love one another", "For the hate of an enemy", "For pain of the eyes", "For an eye malady", "To enlighten dark eyes", "For a deathly illness", "To overcome your adversary", "To cause a person to die", and more.
Leaf [31b] – Various segulot handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai: "For hate", "A verified way to overcome an adversary in judgement", "For a woman whose children do not survive", etc.
Personal notes handwritten by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai:
Leaf [16a] – "Account of the Safed emissary R. Mordechai Asseo, I have taken from the treasurer S. Yitzchak Levi for his expenses…" (R. Mordechai Asseo, a Salonikan Torah scholar, author of Higid Mordechai, immigrated to Jerusalem and travelled to Italy as an emissary).
Leaf [22] – "Calculation of the wine which I take from David Hasson Adar 1819… until Rosh Chodesh Adar… Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan… Passover… Erev Shavuot… Sivan… Tammuz"; Today, Thursday…, I have made a calculation with Shimshon Sereni[?]…".
Leaf [23] – "Calculation with the abovementioned…", "I owe Shimshon…".
Leaf [32] – "Nissan 1818: That which I need to take into my account from the community… What I received from David Hasson… Sr. Moshe Chaim Morpurgo [rabbi in Ancona]… Sr. Yehuda Avraham Morpurgo … Sr. Shabtai Chaim Sepilli… Sr. Azaryah Kohen…".
R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (1743-1826), eldest son of the illustrious R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida and a great Torah scholar in his own right. Born in Jerusalem, he served a rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him with epithets of love ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great chacham", "the light of my eyes", "friend of my soul", etc.). After the death of R. Avraham Yisrael Rabbi of Ancona in 1785, the community leaders turned to the Chida who hinted that his son R. Refael Yeshaya was suitable for this position. He indeed served as rabbi of Ancona until his passing on 9th Shevat 1826 (he lived 83 years, like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his congregation for a long time (for further information see M. Benayahu's book on the Chida, pp. 476-487].
[32] leaves. 19 cm. Good condition. Stains, minor wear to margins. Worming, slightly affecting text in several places. Several detached leaves. Partially detached gatherings. Without binding.
Category
Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures – Italian
and Sephardi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 86 - Part I - Rare & Important Items
May 24, 2022
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $21,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Ayin Roah, handwritten by the author R. Yaakov Shimshon Shabtai Sinigaglia, author of Shabbat shel Mi. [Italy, 19th century].
Unpublished composition, one of the author's many works. It comprises selected comments and novellae on various topics, bibliographic data, summaries of topics from various books, and more.
The front endpaper states: "Kuntress Ayin Roah, named Leshon Limudim in my book Abir Yaakov leaf 96…". Indeed, the author mentions his work Leshon Limudim there in Abir Yaakov. The author presumably later changed the name of this work from Leshon Limudim to Ayin Roah.
In several places in the manuscript, the author mentions his other works, noting that certain passages were copied to them (most of these passages are crossed out) – Leket Shichchah on Berachot, Midbar Tzin, Leket Shichchah on Kiddushin, Leket Shichchah on Pesachim, Matat Elohim, Meged Shamayim, and more.
R. Yaakov Shimshon Shabtai Sinigaglia (1740s – ca. 1840), leading Italian Torah scholar and particularly prolific author. He authored many compositions, some of which are to date unpublished. He is renowned for his work Shabbat shel Mi on Tractate Shabbat, which was published in several editions and is considered a classic book for the study of this tractate. He was held in high regard by the rabbis of his generation. The Chida, who entertained close ties with him, attested in a letter to him that he would bless him every day (Igrot Chida, Rosenberg edition, section 7). Likewise, he maintained ties and exchanged correspondence with R. David Sinzheim, who praises him profusely in his approbations to his books Matat Elohim and Nezir Shimshon.
R. Yaakov Shimshon Shabtai refused to undertake a rabbinic position, and applied himself exclusively to Torah study and the writing of his works. He was a particularly prolific author, and composed many works. Over ten of his works were published, including Shabbat she Mi on Tractate Shabbat; Abir Yaakov – on Tractate Keritot, Nezir Shimshon – on Mishnayot, Matat Elohim (with Leket Shichchah) – on Talmudic tractates, and more. Several of his compositions remain unpublished, including the present work (one of his works was recently published by Machon Yerushalayim: Mateh Oz on Tractates Arachinand Zevachim. His work Pisat Bar on Tractates Menachot and Bechorot is soon to be published – see below).
[2], 95 leaves. Approx. 25-27 cm. Tall, narrow format. Fair-good condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text on some leaves. Marginal tears. Several detached leaves. Inscriptions. Original card binding, with strings for tying; damage and worming to binding.
Author's Blessing for Whoever Publishes His Book
In the manuscript of his work Mateh Oz (recently published by Machon Yerushalayim), R. Yaakov Shimshon Shabtai Sinigaglia blesses whoever volunteers to print the book: "…the kind person who undertakes to publish my work, will be blessed by G-d… he will have an arm with might, years of life will be added to him, and evergrowing goodness, he will merit to see the consolation with the coming of Mashiach…".
This work, Ayin Roah, was described by R. Chaim Rosenberg Rabbi of Ancona, in a list of R. Yaakov Shimshon Shabtai Sinigaglia's manuscript works (Igrot DeRav Chaim Yosef David Azulai, Vác 1927, pp. 11-12, note 3), where he writes: "Ayin Roah is the same as Leshon Limudim… it comprises important points, especially regarding bibliography, biography and Talmud methodology, and it is a great mitzvah to publish it".
Category
Manuscripts, Letters and Signatures – Italian
and Sephardi Rabbis
Catalogue