Igeret HaKodesh, Chassidic essays and various selections from Chassidic leaders: R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, R. Avraham of Kalisk, R. Chaim Chaikel of Amdur and R. Elimelech of Lizhensk; with Pirkei Hanhagot HaMitboded by the Rambam and Sefer HaZechirah by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. [Russia-Poland (Lviv or Zhovkva?), ca. 1840].
Copy of Rebbe Shalom Halberstam, first rebbe of Stropkov, son of the Divrei Yechezkel of Shinova. Early stamp (faded) on the title page: "Shalom Halberstam son of the rebbe of Shinova. Here in Kraków".
Rebbe (Avraham) Shalom Halberstam (1856-1940), the Divrei Shalom, cherished son of Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shinova-Sanz, the Divrei Yechezkel (eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz), who would acclaim him for "his very holy and supremely lofty soul". R. Shalom was born from his father's fourth marriage, and the latter would say that he was able to effect salvations, since he was born in holiness, in accordance with the words of the Tana D'Vei Eliyahu (Zuta, chapter III), that one who marries for the sake of Heaven would have sons who would save the Jewish people in times of trouble (Rabbenu HaKadosh MiSanz, II, p. 190). He served as rabbi and rebbe of Stropkov, and was the first rebbe of the Stropkov Chassidic dynasty. His court was always teeming with Chassidim and thousands came to seek his blessings. He was reputed for his wonderworks. Over the years, the rebbe lived in several different places (Stropkov was a small town, remote from the Jewish centers, and the rebbe often spent extended periods of time in larger cities; see: Rabbenu HaKadosh MiSanz, II, p. 191). In the late 1900s, he relocated to Kraków, and the present stamp dates from that period (even while living in Kraków, he still served as rabbi of Stropkov, see his approbation from 1909 to the book Yemei Chayecha HaYamim, Munkacs 1911, where he signs "Shalom Halberstam Rabbi of Stropkov", while he was living in Kraków). In 1919, he moved to Ungvar (Uzhhorod), where he remained for several years, eventually returning to Stropkov. In 1930, the rebbe settled in Kashoi (Košice), despite the entreaties of the members of the Stropkov community (see Rabbenu HaKadosh MiSanz, ibid. p. 193).

[1], 2-19, [1], 21-24 leaves. 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dark marginal stains to title page and other leaves. Minor wear and tears. New leather binding.

Regarding this edition, see: Ch. Lieberman, Sefer Igeret HaKodesh, Kiryat Sefer 36 (1961), pp. 127-128.

Or HaMeir, Chassidic and Kabbalistic homilies and allusions on the Torah portions, Megillot and festivals, by Rebbe Ze'ev Wolf of Zhitomir. Korets: [R. Dov Ber of Slavita, after 1798]. Second edition.
Copy of the second rebbe of Slonim, Rebbe Shmuel Weinberg, author of Divrei Shmuel, with several ownership inscriptions in his handwriting and with his signature on the front and back endpapers.
The present book was inherited by the son of the Divrei Shmuel, Rebbe Yissachar Leib Weinberg, as attested by the stamps on the title page and endpaper: "From the estate of my father Rebbe Sh. of Slonim, Yissachar Leib Weinberg".
Several kvitlach notes given to the rebbe were placed between the pages of the book. One note states: "Avraham Tzvi son of Leah – May we have a good inscription and sealing for this new year, a blessed and successful year; may we shelter in the shadow of Tzadikim with complete faith and deep trust. May G-d bless me with all goodness, amongst the Jewish people".
Previous ownership inscriptions on the endpapers, including: "Shmuel son of R. Yosef", "Menachem Mendel, known as R. Mendel Shmuel Kalmans"; and more.
Rebbe Shmuel Weinberg of Slonim, author of Divrei Shmuel (1850-1916), grandson and close disciple of the Yesod HaAvodah – son of his son R. Yechiel Michel Aharon Weinberg. He began serving as rebbe ca. 1883. He always led his flock in Europe and Tiberias with love and exceptional devotion. For most of his life, he was engaged in raising funds for Kollel Reisin to support Torah scholars from Belarus in Tiberias. He also established the Or Torah yeshiva in Tiberias. Was one of the founders of Agudath Yisrael in 1912. The Divrei Shmuel would often frequent the Tzaddikim and rebbes of his generation, such as the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and R. Mordechai Shraga Feivish of Husiatyn. He often travelled to Rebbe David Moshe of Chortkov, whom he regarded as his prime teacher in all his affairs. The Divrei Chaim of Sanz once praised the Divrei Shmuel and stated that for more than three hundred years, a lofty soul like his had not come down to this world (R. Yitzchak David Lieder, Beit Deli, Jerusalem 2009, pp. 49-50). R. Chaim of Brisk testified that he was well versed in both Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud, Sifra, Sifri and Tosefta (R. Shmuel Aharon Lieder, Nitei Esh, p. 471).
His eldest son, Rebbe Yissachar Leib Weinberg (1833-1928, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, p 466-467), served as rebbe of Slonim after the passing of his father in 1916, alongside his younger brother Rebbe Avraham Weinberg, the Beit Avraham. The brothers shared a close friendship, and sometimes even led the Tish together, side by side. He was known for his wisdom and insight even in worldly matters, and for his tremendous love for his fellow Jew, giving a warm welcome to one and all. Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch stated about the two brothers, whom he knew from a young age, that he did not find such holy and pure brothers in entire Poland. Rebbe Yissachar Leib passed away on 28th Nissan 1928, leaving behind his son Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel (later rebbe of Slonim – Tel Aviv, 1898-1978, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, pp. 95-96).
Or HaMeir is one of the first Chassidic books, and contains teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. The author, R. Ze'ev Wolf of Zhitomir was one of the foremost disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch, and a close disciple of R. Yaakov Yosef of Polonne, R. Nachum of Chernobyl and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev. He was also close to R. Pinchas of Korets, who once said that he saw how R. Ze'ev Wolf was accompanied by Eliyahu the Prophet, who revealed to him holy secrets. R. Leib Sarah's said that he "saw upon his face the image of G-d in its perfection". The title page of this book bears exceptional praises about the author, such as: "He cleaved to his Creator at all times, unseparated while walking or sitting…". This book was dictated to his disciple R. Eliezer of Zhitomir, author of Pirkei HaNe'ezar. Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin remarked that "each Jew is obligated to conduct himself according to all that is written in the book". Of all Chassidic works, this book was particularly cherished by R. Chanoch Henich of Alexander (Tiferet Avot, Vizhnitz, 1993, p. 208).
Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz is reputed as saying that R. Ze'ev Wolf delivered only one eighth of the Torah he received from Heaven, and of what he delivered only one eighth was heard; from that which was heard only one eighth was understood; from that which the author of Pirkei HaNe'ezar comprehended he wrote only one eighth, and from that which was printed only one eighth is understood. R. Ze'ev Wolf passed away in 1798 and this book was printed shortly after his passing.

[2], 260 leaves. 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dark stains. Open tears and worming, with extensive damage to text (many leaves were professionally restored with paper). Various stamps and inscriptions. New binding.

During 1798-1810, this book was printed in several similar editions, including several variants; see: A. Tauber, Bibliographic Studies, pp. 36-39; Y. Yudlov, Ginzei Yisrael, no. 1140. In this copy, the year stated is 1798, just like in the first edition, yet it contains several variations, including the prohibition to reprint the book, which was extended to 20 years.

Otot HaShamamyim – Derishat Ari, on Shulchan Aruch, Part I: Laws of Milah and Tefillin, Shabbat, Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed; Part II: Laws of Niddah, by Rebbe Aryeb Leib HaLevi Rabbi of Strizov (Strzyżów). Zhitomir: printer not indicated, 1805. First edition, with approbations by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz, and Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum (the Yismach Moshe) – the author's disciple.
Copy of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, rabbi of Satmar, Irshava and Karoly. Ownership inscriptions on the front endpaper, attesting that the book belongs to Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, rabbi of Irshava and the regions. Stamps from his tenure as rabbi of Karoly on the endpapers and other leaves. Catalog number of the library of the rebbe of Satmar.
Early ownership inscription on the title page. Signature on the title page (in pencil): "Shmuel".
Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar (1887-1979), a leader of his generation, president of the Edah HaCharedit in Jerusalem and leader of American Orthodox Jewry, one of the founding pillars of Chassidic Jewry after the Holocaust. Born in Sighet, he was the son of Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda, the Yitav Lev, who both served as rabbis of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației) and were leaders of Chassidic Jewry in the Maramureș region. He was renowned from his youth as a leading Torah scholar, for his perspicacity and intellectual capacities, as well as for his holiness and outstanding purity. After his marriage to the daughter of Rebbe Avraham Chaim Horowitz of Polaniec, he settled in Satmar and taught Torah and Chassidut to an elite group of disciples and followers. He served as rabbi of Irshava, Karoly (Carei; from 1925), and Satmar (Satu Mare; from 1934), managing in each of these places a large yeshiva and Chassidic court. He stood at the helm of faithful, uncompromising Orthodox Jewry in the Maramureș region. During the Holocaust, he was rescued through the famous Kastner Train, and after a journey through Bergen-Belsen, Switzerland and Eretz Israel, he reached the United States, where he established the largest Chassidic group in the world.
The author, R. Aryeh Leib HaLevi (1736-1803, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, I, p. 58) was a foremost Chassidic leader, rabbi of Strizov and other communities. He authored Derishat HaAri, Otot HaShamayim and Even Pina on Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer. The Maggid of Kozhnitz writes in his approbation to this book: "…I knew him in the past, when he was in this community, and I perceived that he was an eminent rabbi…". Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, author of Yismach Moshe, cousin and close disciple of the author R. Aryeh Leib, refers to him reverently in his approbation: "The greatest amongst giants… my master and teacher….". R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, in his approbation, extols the author's virtues: "His entire life, he did not depart from the tent of Torah, rendering his nights like days… and he studied Torah for the sake of Heaven, and dove into the mighty waters of the Talmud and halachic literature, in order to derive from them the laws…".
R. Yosef Shaul Nathansohn, author of Shoel UMeshiv, writes in his approbation to Responsa Heshiv Moshe by the Yismach Moshe: "He [=the Yismach Moshe] was a disciple of the great Torah scholar, author of Derishat Ari on Even HaEzer, and it appears that he learnt from him both revealed and hidden parts of the Torah, since the Derishat Ari was well-versed in Torah and Chassidut, no secret was hidden from him, and the Yismach Moshe received both Torah and practical Kabbalah from him".
In their foreword, the sons of the author relate to the unusual name given to the composition – Otot HaShamayim, asserting that although they do not know their father's reason for giving this name to his book, they are certain that he had a precise explanation for it, which he did not disclose. They add that his disciple, the Yismach Moshe, heard directly from the author that his compositions and the names he gave them were all based on Kabbalah.

93 leaves; 18 leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and wax stains. Wear and several tears. A few leaves trimmed with damage to text. Worming to several leaves, slightly affecting text. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New leather binding.

In the early 19th century, prior to the relocation of the Shapira printing press from Slavita to Zhitomir in 1847, only very few Hebrew books, including several Chassidic books, were printed in Zhitomir (printed in 1804-1805). This is one of the first books printed in Zhitomir.

Machzor HaShalem, set of five machzorim, for the High Holidays and the Three Festivals, with commentaries, Yiddish commentary and supplications. Brooklyn NY: Published by the Meorer Yeshenim society, printed by Edison Lithographing and Printing Corp., 1965.
Set of machzorim of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar. The present copies were custom-made for the rebbe by the publishers. His name "Yoel Teitelbaum" is lettered on the bindings, and printed strips of paper were pasted at the end of most Amidah prayers, with the verse associated with the rebbe's name "Yoel" (in accordance with the known segulah of reciting at the end of the Amidah a verse beginning and ending with the same letters as the person's name). These strips of paper were printed and pasted in the present machzorim especially for the rebbe.
Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar (1887-1979), a leader of his generation, president of the Edah HaCharedit in Jerusalem and leader of American Orthodox Jewry, one of the founding pillars of Chassidic Jewry after the Holocaust. Born in Sighet, he was the son of Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehuda, the Yitav Lev, who both served as rabbis of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației) and were leaders of Chassidic Jewry in the Maramureș region. He was renowned from his youth as a leading Torah scholar, for his perspicacity and intellectual capacities, as well as for his holiness and outstanding purity. After his marriage to the daughter of Rebbe Avraham Chaim Horowitz of Polaniec, he settled in Satmar and taught Torah and Chassidut to an elite group of disciples and followers. He served as rabbi of Irshava, Karoly (Carei; from 1925), and Satmar (Satu Mare; from 1934), managing in each of these places a large yeshiva and Chassidic court. He stood at the helm of faithful, uncompromising Orthodox Jewry in the Maramureș region. During the Holocaust, he was rescued through the famous Kastner Train, and after a journey through Bergen-Belsen, Switzerland and Eretz Israel, he reached the United States, where he established the largest Chassidic group in the world.

5 volumes: Rosh HaShanah: [5], 2-39, [1] pages; 184 leaves; 12 leaves. Yom Kippur: [6], 9-252 leaves; 6 leaves. Sukkot: [2], 164 leaves; [12] leaves. Passover and Haggadah: [2], 21; 220 leaves; [10] leaves. Shavuot: [2], 128 leaves; [7] leaves. Approx. 23 cm. Very good condition. Some stains and wear. Stamps. Original, elegant bindings, somewhat rubbed.

Early amulet for protection of the home, customarily given by R. Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir, the Yismach Moshe, and other rebbes. [Europe, ca. late 19th century].
Stam script on parchment.
The book Mofet HaDor about R. Yeshaya of Kerestir notes that most the amulets he would give contained the present text. It is told there of a Jewish store which was miraculously saved from being set on fire by a non-Jewish competitor, through such an amulet received from R. Yeshaya of Kerestir. See there two pictures of such amulets.
The book Elef Ketav (by R. Yitzchak Weiss of Vrbové, section 515) interprets this amulet: the first line contains the initials of two verses of protections from Tehillim (122:7 and 91;10), alternating; the second verse contains the initials of a verse of protection from Bereshit (19;1).
Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, the Yismach Moshe, would give amulets containing this text for protection of the home from thieves and destructive forces. A picture of a similar amulet written by the Yismach Moshe and given by his grandson the Yitav Lev to his attendant R. Meir Schwartz appears in Nachalat Tzvi (XVI, pp. 126-127). It is related there that when the Divrei Yoel of Satmar came to Eretz Israel, he went specially to view the amulet and took pleasure in it. Similar amulets were later given by the rebbes of Sanz, Belz, Ruzhin, Sighet and Liska. Likewise, R. Hillel of Kolomyia, in his book Teshuvot Beit Hillel HaChadash (section 32) recommends to place this amulet at every entrance of a new house for a period of time, to protect the household members from harm.

63X23 mm. Mounted on card, 95X40 mm. Good condition. Ink slightly faded and cracked from age.