Auction 88 - Part I - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Chevra Machzirei Atarah LeYoshnah, with Kollel HaIvrim, by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger. [Jerusalem: Schmelke Yosef Schmer and brother-in-law Yitzchak Gościnny and R. Yaakov David Slotky, 1873].
The purpose of the work is to encourage Jews to return to Zion. The book contains a proposal to establish a government approved organization for the settlement of Eretz Israel, with a detailed plan for the organized settlement of the land.
40; [4] leaves. Lacking title page with preface on verso. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Marginal tears. Inscriptions. New binding.
The Bibliography of the Hebrew book lists [5] leaves at the end, yet all the copies we saw only comprised [4]; the content also seems to indicate that the book is complete.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
![Five polemic works by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, in three volumes. 1-3. Three works bound together: • Brit Olam [Kama] – Ei](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale88a/230_1.jpg "Collection of Rare Works by Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger – Brit Olam")
![Five polemic works by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, in three volumes. 1-3. Three works bound together: • Brit Olam [Kama] – Ei](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale88a/230_2.jpg "Collection of Rare Works by Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger – Brit Olam")
![Five polemic works by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, in three volumes. 1-3. Three works bound together: • Brit Olam [Kama] – Ei](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale88a/230_3.jpg "Collection of Rare Works by Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger – Brit Olam")
![Five polemic works by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, in three volumes. 1-3. Three works bound together: • Brit Olam [Kama] – Ei](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale88a/230_4.jpg "Collection of Rare Works by Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger – Brit Olam")
Five polemic works by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, in three volumes.
1-3. Three works bound together:
• Brit Olam [Kama] – Ein HaDaat, debate between the philosopher and the Torah scholar on Divine Providence. [Jerusalem, 1891].
• Tzion BeMar Tivkeh – eulogy for his father-in-law R. Hillel Lichtenstein of Kolomyya. [Jerusalem, 1891?].
• Brit Olam HaAcharon – polemic against heretics, and prayers for special occasions. Jerusalem: Schlesinger, [1898].
The first two works were printed without title page.
20; 6 leaves; 16 pages, 82 leaves. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Closed and open tears, repaired in part with paper. Inscriptions and stamps. New binding.
4. Shimru Mishpat, by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger. Jerusalem, [1900]. Yiddish and Hebrew.
Polemic book printed in the wake of the author's dispute with the Yishuv HaYashan in Jerusalem.
2, 48; 28 leaves. Without 4 leaves at end of book (sample of upcoming book). 20 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including ink stains. Tears, repaired in part. Inscriptions and signatures. New binding.
5. Amud HaYirah, polemic monthly, issue 7 – Adar. [Jerusalem], 1879. Isaac Gościnny and partners.
The only issue printed with title page. Presumably the final issue.
8 pages. 17.5 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains. Large open tears, affecting text and title page border, repaired with paper. Inscriptions and deleted stamp. Pages 3-6 detached. New binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Beit Yosef Chadash, Torah novellae on halachah and Aggadah, ethics and public matters, by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, author of Lev HaIvri. Jerusalem, [1875-1881].
The book was printed between 1875 and 1881 in two printing houses. The printing began in the printing house of R. Yoel Moshe Solomon, who refused to continue printing it once he realized the polemic content of the book. The printing was resumed in the HaIvri printing house (owned by R. Yitzchak Gościnny). Parts of the book were distributed before the printing was finished, which resulted in many variations between the few surviving copies of the book.
The present copy comprises two title pages, and a leaf with a letter from the author, which do not appear in all copies. Includes final leaves 119-124, with Bedek HaBayit – omissions and additions printed in 1881. Lacking some index leaves and other leaves. Some leaves with approbations and the Kol BeRama essay were replaced in photocopy.
The author, R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger (1835-1922), author of Lev HaIvri, disciple of leading Hungarian rabbis. He was one of the most prominent zealots who fought the Reform and Haskalah movements, and continued this struggle after immigrating to Jerusalem in 1870. He was active in support of the Jewish settlements throughout Eretz Israel, and came into conflict with leaders of the Old Yishuv over his opposition to the methods of the Chaluka (distribution of funds), and over other affairs. His opposition is voiced in the present book, which aroused a fierce dispute, with polemic booklets being published on both sides.
[3], 2-124 leaves. Lacking leaves [4-18] with approbations, indexes and announcements, which do not appear in all copies. Leaves [4-5, 18] replaced in photocopy. 28 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming. Marginal tears and open tears to title page and other leaves, not affecting text, repaired in part with paper. Inscriptions. New binding.
Copy of Dr. Israel Mehlman. On endpaper preceding title page, comments handwritten by Mehlman, including: "Rare – the book was banned and many copies were burned…".
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Printed leaf, appeal for support for the Torah MiTzion anthology. Jerusalem, 1888.
Torah MiTzion was published in Jerusalem in 1887-1902 by the publisher and printer R. Shmuel Zuckermann, and edited by R. Yaakov Orenstein. It served as a prominent forum for the Torah thoughts and halachic novellae of many of the leading Torah scholars of the time, such as the Maharil Diskin, R. Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor, the Netziv of Volozhin, R. Shmuel Salant, R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, and others.
After the publication of the fourth volume, the publisher issued the present appeal, calling for assistance with the publication expenses. He describes the widespread distribution of the anthology, and the many praises it garnered. He concludes with a long list of rabbis who urge to support the anthology.
[1] leaf (2 pages). 36.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears. Folding marks.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Volume of issues of HaTzvi – periodical edited by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, years 3-5. Jerusalem, 1886-1889.
HaTzvi was a Hebrew periodical published in Ottoman Jerusalem in 1884-1915, in various formats and under various names (at one point the name was changed to HaOr, due to censorship restrictions). Defined in the sub-headline as a bi-weekly on Jewish affairs in the Land of Israel, for the revival of the language, for literature and for international news. HaTzvi is renowned for its battle against the Old Yishuv and its values, and served Ben-Yehuda as a forum for disseminating the values of Zionism and the revival of the Hebrew language. Many of the periodical's contributors were maskilim of the New Yishuv.
The present volume comprises most of the issues of the 3rd, 4th and 5th years: 3rd year – issues 6-26 (without first 5 issues); 4th year – issues 1-30, 32 (without issue 31); 5th year – issues 2-24, 26-29 (without issues 1, 25). Enclosed with most issues are supplement leaves usually published with the issues (a detailed list will be sent upon request).
21-102; 120, 125-128; 5-94, 99-114 pages (additional [1] page; [46] pages; [48] pages interspersed). Altogether [407] pages. 36.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Folding marks, tears and open tears, affecting text in several places, repaired in part with tape. Leaves trimmed close to text in many places, sometimes with loss of several lines. New binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Two letters addressed to R. Avraham, rabbi of Tshechnov (Ciechanów), from his sons:
• Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf. Strikov (Stryków), 21st Adar 1860.
In this letter, R. Ze'ev Wolf informs his father of his projected journey to his son's wedding, via Tshechnov. He relates that his wife will not travel with them due to her poor health.
• Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Dov Berish. Biala (Biała Podlaska), Tishrei 1865.
In this letter, R. Dov Berish informs his father of the purchase of a house in Biala, and of the match arranged for his son R. Aharon Tzvi.
Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf Landau of Strikov (1807-1891), close disciple of Rebbe Mendele of Kotsk and the Chiddushei HaRim. In 1866, following the passing of the Chiddushei HaRim, most of the Chassidim recognized Rebbe Chanoch Heinich of Alexander as their rebbe, but a small part began frequenting the court of R. Ze'ev Wolf's father, the rabbi of Tshechnov. In 1878, following his father's passing, R. Ze'ev Wolf was appointed rebbe, with thousands of Chassidim accepting his authority and leadership, which followed the Kotsk style.
Rebbe Dov Berish Landau of Biala (1820-1876), a disciple of his illustrious father, and a Chassid who cleaved to Rebbe Yitzchak of Warka and his son Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Warka. The latter would speak sparingly, and it was his leading disciple, R. Dov Berish, who would explain the depth of his teacher's intent in his concise words. In 1868, the rebbe of Warka passed away, and most of his Chassidim went over to follow R. Dov Berish, appointing him as their rebbe.
2 letters (each on a folded leaf). Approx. 21 cm. With address inscribed on back leaf of each letter. Folding marks.
Provenance: Prominent private collection, New York. Acquired at Kedem, auction 48, item 48.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Letter signed by Rebbe "Yitzchak Yaakov son of R. Natan David". Biala (Biała Podlaska, Poland), 1886.
Letter of good year wishes, with blessings for "children, life and sustenance, perfect health… a good and sweet year, a life of satisfaction, joyous heart, and peace of mind for Torah study and worship of G-d…".
The first Rebbe of Biala – R. Yitzchak Yaakov Rabinowitz (1847–1905), a leading Polish rebbe. He was the son of Rebbe Natan David of Shidlovtsa, who was the grandson of the Yid HaKadosh, R. Yitzchak Yaakov of Peshischa. Already as a young child, he stood out for his exceptional intellectual capacities and his exalted soul. In 1873, he succeeded his father-in-law Rebbe Yehoshua of Ostrova-Lentsha as rebbe, with a following of thousands of Chassidim. Many flocked to his court, which later relocated to Biala.
He was accepted and revered by all the great Chassidic leaders of Poland. His teachings were published in the Divrei Binah and Yishrei Lev series.
[1] leaf. Written by a scribe, with the rebbe's signature. 20 cm. Good condition. Dry paper. Filing holes and minor wear to folds.
Provenance: Prominent private collection, New York. Acquired at Kedem, auction 48, item 49.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Lengthy letter (3 large pages) handwritten by the first rebbe of Slonim, R. Avraham Weinberg author of Yesod HaAvodah. [Slonim], Thursday Taanit Esther [after 1875].
Letter to Slonim Chassidim who immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Tiberias. Most of the letter comprises a profound, in-depth Chassidic kabbalistic essay, regarding Purim and the obliteration of Amalek. With blessings at the beginning and end of the letter. The Chassidic essay was published (with minor variations) in his book Yesod HaAvodah, without the letter opening and parts of the conclusion (which are presumably unpublished).
[1] double leaf (3 written pages). Approx. 32 cm. Fair condition. Large open tears, affecting text and signature, repaired with paper.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Lot 237 Letter Signed by Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky of Hornostaipil, Son-in-Law of the Divrei Chaim
![Letter signed by Rebbe "Mordechai Dov son of R. M.Z." [Hornostaipil, ca. 1890s]. Request to interrupt the sale proc](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale88a/237.jpg "Letter Signed by Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky of Hornostaipil, Son-in-L")
Letter signed by Rebbe "Mordechai Dov son of R. M.Z." [Hornostaipil, ca. 1890s].
Request to interrupt the sale process of a house.
Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky (Chanukah 1839–Elul 1903), son of R. Meshulam Zusha of Tlumach and son-in-law of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. In 1863, he was appointed rebbe and rabbi of Hornostaipil, and many Chassidim began flocking to his court. He later became one of the most prominent rebbes in Russia. He was also renowned as a foremost halachic authority of his times, and exchanged halachic correspondence with leading rabbis in his country and beyond.
[1] leaf. Written by a scribe, with the rebbe's signature. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Minor creases.
Provenance: Prominent private collection, New York. Acquired at Kedem, auction 48, item 50.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
![Postcard with letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Chaim Elazar Shapira, the Minchat Elazar. Munkacs, [1932]. Addressed to](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale88a/238.jpg "Letter from the Minchat Elazar – Munkacs, 1932 – Blessings for an Easy")
Postcard with letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Chaim Elazar Shapira, the Minchat Elazar. Munkacs, [1932].
Addressed to his relative R. David Perkowitz in Jerusalem. The letter is very concise, written with many acronyms, and signed by the rebbe.
On the verso of the postcard, there is a long letter from the rebbe's attendant, R. Chaim Dov Gross, writing on behalf of the rebbe. He confirms the receipt of the kvittel and tzitzit from Eretz Israel, and relays the rebbe's blessings for an easy pregnancy and birth.
Rebbe Chaim Elazar Shapira Rabbi of Munkacs (1872-1937) was a leading Torah scholar, halachic authority, rebbe and kabbalist in his generation. Author of Minchat Elazar and many other Torah works.
Postcard. 15X10.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, creases and wear.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Eliezer Hager of Vizhnitz. Tel Aviv, Shevat 1946.
Letter of recommendation, in which the rebbe asks in the name of his brother-in-law the Kopycznitzer Rebbe to employ the bearer of this letter in one of his factories, preferably in Jerusalem, since he is an expert in that field.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 9 autograph lines. Approx. 17 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
![Lengthy letter (2 pages, unsigned), handwritten by Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, rabbi of Satmar. [Satmar, ca. 1930s]. Presumably ad](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale88a/240.jpg "Letter from Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar – Ca. 1930s")
Lengthy letter (2 pages, unsigned), handwritten by Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, rabbi of Satmar. [Satmar, ca. 1930s].
Presumably addressed to a contemporary rebbe, whom we were not able to identify. R. Yoel describes the plight of a Torah scholar from Satmar imprisoned in Kraków, stressing the importance of providing support for his unfortunate family both for living expenses and to secure his release. R. Yoel also asks the recipient to pray for this Torah scholar, and involve others who can provide assistance.
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 23.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Dampstains and creases.
PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.