Auction 96 Early Printed Books, Chassidut and Kabbalah, Books Printed in Jerusalem, Letters and Manuscripts
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Manuscript leaf, halachic responsum regarding grafted etrogim, handwritten by R. Yishmael HaKohen of Modena, author of Zera Emet. [Italy], 1793.
Autograph, with deletions, corrections and additions between lines. The top of the manuscript reads: "Dalla villeggiat.a 2 agosto 5553" ["from vacation, August 2, 1793"]. The first lines are also written in Italian (with an apology for the delayed reply due to his vacation), after which he commences to write in Hebrew. He goes on to mention a lengthy halachic ruling he had written elsewhere [apparently referring to the 1792 responsum printed in Responsa Zera Emet, III, 73], and offers to send a copy upon his return from vacation.
At the end of the letter he discusses another halachic topic, absorption of forbidden foods in vessels, and refers to another yet-unpublished responsum of his (Zera Emet, Yoreh Deah 39).
At the top and bottom of the leaf appears the inscription "copied". To the best of our knowledge, this responsum has never been published.
R. Yishmael HaKohen, Rabbi of Modena (1724-1810), leading Italian rabbi and prominent posek. In 1782, he succeeded his brother R. David HaKohen as Rabbi of Modena, effectively leading all of Italian Jewry.
When the Jewish Sanhedrin was instituted by Napoleon in 1806, he wrote a detailed response to 12 questions asked by Napoleon about the relation between state law and Jewish law, which served as the basis for the rabbis representing Italian regions in the Sanhedrin.
[1] leaf. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Booklet handwritten by R. Mazal Tov Modena, index of responsa and halachic rulings of his teacher, R. Yishmael HaKohen of Modena, author of Zera Emet. [Modena, second half of 18th century or early 19th century].
Contains 87 sections, some including the conclusion of the halachic ruling.
Some of the halachic rulings documented here were printed in the three parts of Responsa Zera Emet, but others were apparently never printed, such as: section 27 (eulogizing a gentile king in the synagogue and using sacred objects), section 33 (that a widower marrying a widow should be particular to marry at the full moon), section 75 (a Torah scroll missing a dot) and sections 86-87 (a communal decision not to allow anyone but the posek to offer halachic rulings, intending to exclude a particular individual).
R. Mazal Tov Modena, disciple of R. Yishmael HaKohen, author of Zera Emet, and his successor as Rabbi of Modena. Leading Italian rabbi ca. 1770s-1830s, invited to Napoleon's Sanhedrin.
[4] leaves (5 written pages), bound in paper wrapper. 18 cm. Good condition. Light wear and creases. Inscriptions and tears to paper wrapper.
Manuscript, Sefirat HaOmer according to Kabbalah, with prayers and Kavanot for additional matters. [Italy, ca. 19th century].
Square Italian script, incorporating several colors – some words written in red, green and gilt ink. On the first page is an illustration of a Lamnatzeach menorah.
Contains a listing of all the days of the counting of the Omer, with the appropriate Kavanot according to Kabbalah.
Afterwards appears a prayer with kabbalistic Kavanot for success in livelihood: "When going to do business one should say…", and additional prayers for various times. Afterwards appears a prayer for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, followed by a kabbalistic confession, integrating kabbalistic Kavanot; followed by various prayers, such as: "this prayer should be recited by one who has an understanding heart (and not the masses)", "one who has a sickness in his family… should pray…", and more.
[14] leaves. 23 cm. Fair condition. Many stains, including dark dampstains. Tears and wear. Worming. Several leaves detached. Elegant velvet binding, heavily damaged.
Manuscript, haftarot for Pesach and Shavuot, with a journal of family inscriptions and miraculous events, made by Shlomo son of Yitzchak Bianchini. Ferrara, first half of the 19th century.
The first part of the manuscript contains the text of the haftarot for Pesach and Shavuot, with the Aramaic Targum (verse by verse) and blessings over the Haftarah. Square and semi-cursive script, mostly vocalized. The Haftarah text includes cantillation. Floral decorations in several places.
In the second part of the manuscript, the scribe and owner, Shlomo Bianchini (Bianchino), documents family events, marriages and births, as well as miracles that occurred to him and members of his family between 1823-1838. Among other events, there is documentation of: his son Moshe's recovery from a fall from the bed in 1827; a collapse of part of the stairs of his house without affecting any family member in 1825; his marriage to Rivkah daughter of Nachum Neppi in 1823; the birth and circumcision of his son Shmuel Aviad Sar Shalom in 1824; the birth and circumcision of his son Moshe in 1825; the birth of his three daughters in 1827-1831 (including a dream seen by his wife); his daughter Stella's recovery from a fall in 1828; the passing of his father Yitzchak Chizkiyah Bianchini in 1833, and the birth of another son named after his father a year later; inscriptions on additional births; and more. The last leaves contain inscriptions in Italian from later years.
[34] leaves. 21.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, wear and tears. Partially detached leaves. Original binding, damaged.
Manuscript, anthology of piyyutim and songs, with songs for a circumcision. [Ancona], 1826.
Illustrated title pages, painted in a style characteristic of Ancona. Square Italian script (with some cursive script).
Ownership inscription on title page at beginning of manuscript and on title page for circumcision songs in middle of manuscript.
First part contains piyyutim and songs for Shabbat, festivals, weddings and various occasions (some piyyutim characteristic of Ancona; includes a Judeo-Italian poem). Second part contains songs for circumcision.
In the middle of the manuscript are bound leaves from a later period with other piyyutim and prayers.
[103] leaves. 14.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dark stains. Worming. Marginal tears, partially repaired with tape. Most leaves detached. Old binding, damaged.
Provenance: Collection of R. Menachem Emanuel Hartom, Ms. 7.
Manuscript, prayers and piyyutim for high holidays and festivals. [Pitigliano, Italy, 1865].
Title page decorated with colorful frame. Square Italian script.
See Hebrew description for contents of manuscript.
[65] leaves. 15 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dark stains (food stains on Rosh Hashanah nighttime meal service). Two detached leaves. Old binding, with light damage.
Provenance: Collection of R. Menachem Emanuel Hartom, Ms. 8.
Yismach Moshe on the Torah – Chassidic and kabbalistic homilies on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely). Parts I-V, on Bereshit, Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim. Lviv: 1848-1861. Set in four volumes. First editions of all parts, with divisional title pages.
The Yismach Moshe book series was edited and prepared for press by the author's grandson, his close disciple Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev, and his glosses and additions are printed in several places.
In the beginning of the Bereshit volume is printed a short introduction by the Yitav Lev. At the beginning of the fourth and fifth part are printed approbations of the Divrei Chaim and the Yitav Lev.
The author, R. Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Ujhel (1759-1841), was the progenitor of the Sighet and Satmar dynasties, as well as other prominent Chassidic dynasties. Renowned already in his youth as an outstanding Torah scholar, he had the merit of studying in the Beit Midrash of the Vilna Gaon and holding Torah discussions with him (see: R. Yosef Moshe Sofer, HaGaon HaKadosh Baal Yismach Moshe, Brooklyn, 1984, pp. 25-26). He served as rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa) and Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely). He embraced Chassidut in his later years and became a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta.
In 1808, he was appointed rabbi of Ujhel and began disseminating Chassidut in Hungary. He was renowned in his times as rebbe and wonderworker and frequently gave out amulets. His books include: Responsa Heshiv Moshe on halachah, Yismach Moshe on the Torah and Tefillah LeMoshe on Tehillim.
Set in four volumes. Bereshit: [1], 117 leaves. Shemot-Vayikra: 90; 42 leaves. Bamidbar: [1], 49 leaves. Devarim: 72, [1] leaves. Approx. 23-24 cm. Varying condition of volumes; first volume in good-fair condition, remaining volumes in fair-good to fair condition. Stains, including large dampstains and dark stains in several places. Traces of past dampness to second volume. Wear to some leaves. Tears and open tears, including tears to title page of volume IV, affecting title frame, and affecting text in several places, repaired with tape. Worming in several places, affecting text. Stamps. New bindings (non-uniform).
Heshiv Moshe, responsa on the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch, by Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely), author of Yismach Moshe. Lviv (Lemberg): U. W. Salat, 1866. First edition.
On the verso of title page, approbations of the Shoel UMeshiv and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, and introduction by the author's grandson, Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev, recounting how the responsa were gathered and prepared for press: "Most of them were dispersed, each in a different place, written on small papers that were found worn and blurred, nearly illegible without much effort. With G-d's mercy, they were gathered one by one, integrated and arranged properly… all copied from his holy handwriting".
On title page, unidentified signature, and stamp of "Bookshop – Meir Yehudah Katina".
[1], 38; 82, [1] leaves. 35 cm. Overall good condition. Stains (many to several leaves). Stamp on title page. Original binding, blemished, with open tear to spine.
Contains [1] leaf at the end with a copy of a responsum of R. Meshulam Igra of Pressburg and an index to Even HaEzer and Choshen Mishpat sections. This leaf is missing in some copies.
Toldot Adam, novellae on Talmudic topics, by R. Moshe David Ashkenazi. Jerusalem: R. Yisrael Bak, [1845].
Important ownership: copy belonging to prominent Hungarian rabbis, with signatures and ownership inscriptions (on title page and other leaves), detailing transfers of ownership: It first belonged to R. Elazar Fürst, Rabbi of Gyöngyös; then to R. Avraham Ashi Hirschler of Pressburg; then to R. Avraham Chiya Hirsch, head of the Sereď Beit Din (disciple of the Chatam Sofer); then to R. Akiva Fischer, Rabbi of Tét (disciple of the Chatam Sofer), next his son R. Tzvi Hirsch Fischer, Rabbi of Dévaványa, son-in-law of his uncle R. Avraham Chiya; and finally his brother R. Amram Fischer, Rabbi of Gyönk (son-in-law of R. Eliezer Süssman Sofer).
On the leaves of the book, glosses in two hands.
The author, R. Moshe David Ashkenazi – rabbi of Tolcsva-Safed (1774-1856), father-in-law of the Yitav Lev of Sighet. Progenitor of the rebbes of Satmar and Klausenburg. Rabbi of Tolcsva for forty years, and later one of the founders of the Chassidic settlement in post-earthquake Safed.
[2], 142 leaves. 30 cm. Fair condition. Many stains, including large dampstains to some leaves. Much wear and creases. Marginal tears to several leaves. Light worming, slightly affecting text. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. New leather binding.
Sh. Halevy, no. 33.
Yitav Lev, Chassidic, homiletical and ethical discourses on the Five Books of the Torah [by Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Sighet]. Sighet (Sighetu Marmației): Maramaroscher Actien-Buchdruckerei, 1875. First edition.
All five parts in two volumes. Main title page at the beginning of the first volume, and five abbreviated divisional title pages for each book of the Torah.
The book was printed anonymously in the author's lifetime. The book title is an acronym alluding to the name of the author – Yitav stands for Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum. In his introduction, the author explains why he published his work anonymously. He cites the introduction of the Panim Meirot, who was in doubt "whether it's good for a person not to reveal who the author is, or whether there is an obligation to mention the author…". Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah humbly offers a resolution: "Regarding halachot that pertain to law, it is important to know who the author is and whether he can be relied upon… but regarding aggadah and ethics, what do we need to know the author's name for? The words are proven if they penetrate their listeners' hearts… So I decided it was better to conceal it, since I am ashamed to stand among the ranks of Torah scholars, since my soul knows my little worth…"
Five parts in two volumes. Volume I (Parts I-II): [3], 141, [2]; 91, [1] leaves. Volume II (Parts III-V): [3], 55, [1]; [3], 55, [1]; [1], 80, [1]; [1], 52, 55-70, [1] leaves. 23.5-24.5 cm. First volume in overall good condition, second volume in fair-good condition. Stains, including many marginal dampstains in second volume. Wear and creases to second volume. Tears to second volume, including small open tear to title page. The last leaf of the first volume is detached, with marginal tears (the size of the leaf is different; it was supplied from another copy). New leather bindings (uniform).
Collection of Books of the Yitav Lev:
• Yitav Panim, Chassidic homilies and discourses on the festivals, by Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev. Part I – Lemberg (Lviv), Yaakov Meshulam Nik and U. W. Salat, 1881; Part II – Munkacs: Pinchas Blayer, 1883. First edition. Two parts in two volumes. Part II bound before Part I. Missing leaf 157 of Part II.
First edition printed in the lifetime of the author, Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev. Part II of the book was published days before he passed away, in Elul 1883. When the new book was brought to his sickbed, he kissed it all around and "shed tears of happiness that he merited to see it" – see below.
This book was edited and published by his daughter's son, Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Magyarlápos, who recounts in the introduction to Responsa Avnei Tzedek (Lemberg, 1885): "And fortunate am I that he appointed me over his household and lovingly revealed to me his treasury, and entrusted me with his book Yitav Panim to edit and print, the second part of which was published in full while he was still alive, a few days before his passing; and when I brought it to his bed, he rejoiced, kissed it on every side, and shed tears of happiness that he merited to see it. Afterwards he called me near to his perfect bed, and his face shone like the sun, and he said to me: My dear son, I give you my blessing and great thanks for having fulfilled my long-held desire. May G-d repay your labor and may your wages be full…" (see also Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum’s introduction to Yismach Moshe, Sighet 1898 edition).
The author's name is not mentioned on the title page (as with his previous book, Yitav Lev), but is alluded to in the initials of the book’s name: Yitav stands for Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum [he used to sign his name with these initials].
Chassidic discourses and homilies for the festivals: Part I – for Rosh Hashanah, Shabbat Teshuvah, 13 attributes and Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Chanukkah; Part II – Shovavim, Four Parashiyot, Purim, Shabbat HaGadol, Pesach, Shavuot, Bein HaMetzarim, 15th of Av and the month of Elul.
Signatures on title pages: "Yisrael Rosenfeld".
• Yitav Panim, Chassidic homilies and discourses on the festivals, by Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Sighet, author of Yitav Lev. Khust: Meir Yehudah Ketina, 1912. Second edition. Two parts in two volumes. Does not contain last leaf of second volume with errata.
Second edition, with approbation of author’s grandson, Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Magyarlápos (Târgu Lăpuș), editor of the first edition printed in the author's lifetime, in which he writes that he decided to identify the author, although his name was not given in the first edition.
• Rav Tuv LeBeit Yisrael, commentaries on the Torah by Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, the Yitav Lev, Rabbi of Sighet. Lviv (Lemberg): Yaakov Meshulam Ehrenpreis, 1889. First edition.
This book was edited and published by the author’s grandson and close disciple, Rebbe Moshe David Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Magyarlápos, who recounts in the introduction to Responsa Avnei Tzedek (Lviv, 1885) that his grandfather entrusted him with all his manuscripts to have them printed (see above).
On the last leaf are printed two letters from the author: "Regarding the problem that has arisen in winemaking… so as not to transgress the prohibition of Chametz on Pesach and Yein Nesech".
• Responsa Avnei Tzedek, Part I, on Orach Chaim and Yoreh Deah, by Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Sighet (author of Yitav Lev). Lviv: Uri Ze'ev Wolf Salat, 1885. First edition. Does not contain two leaves of indexes, after the title page.
Stamps: "Shmuel Baruch Guttmann, shochet and prayer leader of Grosswardein (Oradea) and Maggid of the lecture society".
Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum (1808-1883), Rabbi of Sighet, son of R. Elazar Nisan Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, and son-in-law of R. Moshe David Ashkenazi, the Tolcsva Rabbi who later moved to Safed. His primary teacher was his paternal grandfather, Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Ujhel, author of Yismach Moshe, who greatly cherished his grandson and divulged his heavenly revelations to him. He was also a disciple of R. Asher Yeshayah of Ropshitz.
In 1833 (at the age of 25), R. Yekutiel Yehudah was appointed Rabbi of Stropkov, and later succeeded his grandfather as Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely). He later served as Rabbi of Gorlice and Drohobych.
In 1858 he relocated to serve as Rabbi of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației), capital of the Maramureș region, and established a large yeshiva where about two hundred students studied at its prime. His students there included R. Shlomo Leib Tabak, author of Erech Shai and head of the Sighet Beit Din. His grandson attests that "he was a merciful father to them and he bore them on his shoulders as a nurse bears an infant, and he personally attended to their studying Torah in holiness and purity". In Sighet he achieved worldwide acclaim, and thousands of Chassidim flocked to the city for his sage advice, blessings and salvation. He was known for his great holiness, which his grandson Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar attests that he never debased. Many miraculous stories are told of him, including wonders revealed to him by divine inspiration. He was known in his generation for reading the minds of those standing before him, and wondrous tales are told about it. He is known for his books Yitav Lev on the Torah, Yitav Panim on the festivals, Rav Tuv on the Torah and Responsa Avnei Tzedek.
5 volumes. Varying size and condition. Mostly new bindings.
Endpaper of a book, with signatures of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum of Sighet, the Yitav Lev.
The leaf contains many inscriptions and scribbles, including several signatures of Rebbe "Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum", as well as his initials: "Yitav" and inscriptions in Latin characters (of the surname "Teitallbaum" and more), as well as an ownership inscription: "This book Atzei Levonah belongs to… R. Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Sighet and the region… his servant who prostrates himself at the dust of his feet".
There likewise appears a kvitel inscription and other inscriptions.
Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum (1808-1883), the Yitav Lev, son of R. Elazar Nisan Teitelbaum Rabbi of Sighet, and son-in-law of R. Moshe David Ashkenazi – rabbi of Tolcsva who immigrated to Safed. He was a close disciple of his grandfather the Yismach Moshe – Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi of Ujhel, and a disciple of Rebbe Asher Yeshayah of Ropshitz. In 1833 (around the age of 25), he was appointed rabbi of Stropkov, and after the passing of his illustrious grandfather, he was selected to succeed him as Rabbi of Ujhel (Sátoraljaújhely). He was then appointed Rabbi of Gorlice, and later of Drohobych. In 1858, he went on to serve as Rabbi of Sighet (Sighetu Marmației), capital of the Maramureș region, and founded a large yeshiva there, which numbered at its zenith two hundred students. In Sighet, he earned worldwide renown, and thousands of Chassidim flocked to seek his counsel and wisdom and his blessings for salvation.
[1] leaf. Approx. 25 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear.