Auction 98 Early Printed Books, Chassidut and Kabbalah, Books Printed in Jerusalem, Letters and Manuscripts, Jewish Ceremonial Art
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"Mitzvat Nashim Melumadah", Precetti da esser imparati dalle donne Hebree, "Laws of Niddah, Challah, Candle Lighting and Derech Eretz". Venice: Appresso Giacomo Sarzina press, 1616. First edition.
Original, ornate leather binding, decorated with numerous rich gilt ornamentations.
On both sides of the binding appear decorations of a lion holding three sheaves. This illustration is similar to the emblem of the Altaras family, appearing in the book Araldica Ebraica in Italia, which shows a lion holding one sheaf. See: Elvio Giuditta, Araldica Ebraica in Italia, [Torino], [Società Italiana di Studi Araldici], 2007, part I, p.19.
Gilt impresion in the center of the back cover: "G. A".
On the verso of the last page, censor's signature of Renato da Modena, from 1626.
101, [10] pages. Missing [5] first pages. Approx. 19 cm. Fair condition. Many stains, including dampstains and large dark stains. Tears, including small open tears, affecting text in several places. Original decorated leather binding, with worming, wear and defects. Front binding board and spine detached.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat, with the Me'irat Einayim commentary (Sma). Prague: Moshe son of Yosef Betzalel Katz, 1628. Second edition of the Sma.
Numerous glosses in Ashkenazic script in the margins, from close to the time of printing (ca. 17th century). The writer frequently cites "Mahari"s" [= R. Joel Sirkis, author of the Bach], sometimes adding to his words.
In folios 68-69, appear inscriptions in later handwriting (ca. 18th/19th century) beneath three of the glosses: "From the holy Maggid R. David of Stepan", "From the Maggid of Stepan", "From the Maggid of St[epan]". The significance of these inscriptions is unclear. The holy Maggid R. David of Stepan ("Der Stepiner Maggid"; d. 1811) was a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezeritch.
Ownership inscriptions: on leaf 4b: "Yehuda Leib Frenkel"[?], at the top of leaf 194a: "Yehuda Leib son of Yekutiel". On the last page: "So says Avraham son of R. Madil Segal" [possibly R. Avraham son of R. Madil Segal of Oettingen, author of "Ma'arechet Avraham" (Fürth, 1769), see: Assaf, Sources for the History of Jewish Education in Israel, new edition edited by Shmuel Glick, vol. I, Jerusalem and New York, 2001, p. 404).
3-320; 20 leaves. Lacking title page and following leaf. 32 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Tears and open tears to several leaves, affecting text, repaired with paper. Many glosses slightly trimmed. Stamps. New binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Parts of a printed sheet of a pocket edition of a 10-year calendar. Venice: Giovanni Caleoni, 1638.
The item contains four parts of a printer's sheet incorrectly cut in the middle, including the title page and colophon, totaling 24 pages on both sides (the inside pages of the sheet are cut in the middle).
These leaves contain the calendars of 1638-1643. The rest of the calendar is lacking.
Apparently, this calendar was appended to a siddur which was printed at that time in Venice, and this colophon is the end of that siddur, intended to be printed before the calendar leaves (the completion of the printing of the siddur is mentioned in the colophon as well as the name of the publisher and editor).
[4] leaves. 14.5X9.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, some dark. Wear. Marginal tears. Cutting and tears affecting text.
Does not appear in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, nor in the NLI catalogue.
Listed by Benayahu, Asufot, 13, Caleoni Presses, Book 108, p. 210.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Shulchan Tahor, summary of year-round halachot based on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim and Yoreh Deah, by R. David Pardo and his father R. Yosef Pardo. Amsterdam: Uri Levi, 1686. First edition.
Pocket format.
Author's introduction and summary of Hebrew approbations also printed in Portuguese (in Latin characters).
This book was reprinted in many editions.
[10], 96 leaves. 10 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Light wear. Small marginal open tears to title page and other leaves (tears on title page repaired with paper filling). Worming in one place on first leaves. New leather binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Sefat Emet, about the advantages and sanctity of Eretz Israel, by R. Moses Hagiz. Amsterdam: Shlomo Katz Proops, [1707]. First edition.
The author's introduction which appears at the beginning of the book, is also printed in Portuguese.
The composition describes the advantages of Eretz Israel in comparison with other countries and relates to the economic situation of the Jews living in Eretz Israel and in Jerusalem, to the emissaries on behalf of Eretz Israel and to the donations received by Jews living in Eretz Israel.
The description of the dire economic situation in Jerusalem at the time includes the author's severe criticism of the heads of the Livorno and Amsterdam communities, who in his opinion, do not donate enough to the Jews living in Eretz Israel and waste their money on low matters (detailed on leaf 24/b). These words gave leash to outbursts of anger among Amsterdam Jews and their leaders and at their behest, R. Shlomo di Oliveira and R. Solomon Ayllón decided to prohibit the distribution of the book in Amsterdam.
28 leaves. 15.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Creases. Marginal tears, including open tears, not affecting text. Stamps. Old cardboard binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Responsa Tashbetz, three parts, by Rabbi Shimon ben Tzemach Duran. With the Responsa Chut HaMeshulash, by the author's grandchildren. Amsterdam: Naftali Hertz Levi Press, [1738-1739]. First edition. With seven title pages.
It is said about the author, Rabbi Shimon ben Tzemach Duran, that he was fortunate to have his book printed in a beautiful edition and bound in beautiful and ornate bindings – "because he was careful to spread a beautiful, fine, and important cloth over the books that were open before him to study from" (Rabbi Yitzchak Palagi, Yafeh LaLev, III, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 277, Section 3). Other legends relate that he Rashbatz greatly respected his books and cleaned them every day with a silk cloth (see: S.Y. Agnon, Sefer Sofer VeSippur, p. 152, based on the story of R. Eliezerov, in the name of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch; N. Ben Menachem, Gvilei Sefarim, pp. 11-12, based on the story of R. Zevin, in the name of the Rashab).
The present copy is bound in an original and special parchment binding, with artistic gilt embossing of the figure of Moses descending from the mountain with the Tablets of the Covenant in one hand and the staff in his right hand (on the front cover), and the figure of Abraham raising the knife to slaughter his son Isaac and an angel preventing him (on the back cover).
Interestingly, all the copies with the original bindings were made at the time by artistic handwork, with beautiful decorations and embossings, and no two copies are identical. Most of the original bindings were made of fine parchment, or a combination of leather and parchment (which some book collectors named "fish skin" bindings).
Important copy which belonged to several rabbis of Germany in the 18th century. On the front flyleaf are erased ownership inscriptions, including the inscription: "…Naphtali Hirsch… Katznelbogen."
R. Naphtali Hirsch Katznelbogen, Rabbi of the state of Pforzheim and head of the "Kloiz" in Mannheim (d. 1800), one of the greatest of his generation in Ashkenaz. Son of rabbi Moshe Katznelbogen, Rabbi of the state of Schwabach, and son-in-law of R. Yaakov Cohen Poppers, author of the "Shav Yaakov." He served as the rabbi of Mergentheim and in 1763 was appointed as the Rabbi of the state of Palatinate. He was one of the leading rabbis who supported rabbi Israel Lipschitz in the case of the "Get of Cleves". He moved to Mannheim and taught Torah in the Kloiz there for over thirty years, until his death in 1800. His nephew is Rabbi Naphtali Hirsch Katznelbogen, author of "Sha'ar Naphtali".
Ownership inscriptions on the first two title pages of the dayan Rabbi Yaakov Posen from Frankfurt am Main; In the center of the first title page appears another signature, by "Nataniel Bonn[?]."
Rabbi Yaakov Posen (1772-1849), dayan in Frankfurt am Main, who served in the court of the author of the "Haflaah" and his son, the author of "Machane Levi". His father, Rabbi Yekutiel Zalman Posen, was Rabbi of Offenbach, Fulda, and Friedberg (c. 1720-1793; in his youth, he moved from Posen to Germany to study with the "Shav Yaakov" and the "Pnei Yehoshua"). At the funeral of rabbi Yaakov Posen, the community committee of Frankfurt intervened and refused to allow the rabbis who fought against reform to eulogize him in the cemetery. As a result, the independent Orthodox community of rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch was established in the city. His son was Rabbi Eliezer Posen, rabbi of the Kloiz community in Frankfurt am Main (1803-1866), and his grandson was rabbi Gershon Posen, who served as a dayan in Frankfurt for some fifty years.
[12], 91; [1], 69; [1], 68; [1], 36; [2], 39-83; [1], 85-101, [1] leaves. Missing [1] final leaf from the second part, without the list of books by the author of the Tashbetz. 31.5 cm. Overall condition good. Stains. Worming in several places. Original, luxurious parchment binding, decorated with beautiful, colorful, gilt decorations, in artisanal work. Worming and defects to binding.
Several variants of this edition are known, differing in the number of title pages. Copies are known with only four title pages, or with seven and even eight title pages (see: Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, and see: Dan and Gita Yardeni, The "Tashbez" by R. Shimon b. Zemah Duran; Amsterdam, 1739-1742 (Hebrew), Alei Sefer, X, 1982, pp. 119-132).
The present copy includes seven title pages, two title pages for the first part (both dated 1738), one title page for the second part, one title page for the third part, and three title pages for the three "Turim" of the fourth part.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Broadside from the Proops brothers, the printers of Amsterdam, announcing the resolution of the dispute with R. Zalman, the printer of Sulzbach. Amsterdam, Tamuz 1765.
Leaf printed on one side. On the top of the leaf is a letter from the Amsterdam printers with a handwritten signature (apparently of one of the brothers, who also signed for his brother): "Yosef Yaakov and Avraham sons of the late R. Shlomo Proops Katz". Following the brothers' letter is printed a confirmation by the Amsterdam community trustees (in Rashi script), followed by the confirmation by the Amsterdam Beit Din.
The broadside announces that following a compromise and the decision of R. Lipman, son of R. Zalman of Sulzbach, to remunerate the Proops bothers, the printer of Sulzbach has been granted permission to complete his edition of the Talmud, without affecting the brothres' right to print their edition.
The Sulzbach edition of the Talmud (1755-1763) was the focus of a dispute between printers which engendered a controversy between rabbis. Shortly after the beginning of printing, the Proops brothers of Amsterdam appealed to the rabbis of Vaad Arba Aratzot with the contention that the printing of the Sulzbach edition infringed their printing rights. The printers in Amsterdam were at the time publishing their own Talmud edition, and had received rabbinic approbations granting them exclusive rights to print the Talmud for a period of twenty-five years. The Vaad Arba Aratzot and other rabbis hastened to ban the Sulzbach Talmud, prohibiting studying from that edition of the Talmud and ruling that the volumes should be burnt (!) or at least buried. The dispute persisted, however, as the rabbis of Fürth, led by R. David Strauss, backed R. Zalman, the printer from Sulzbach. In 1764 R. Zalman announced a reprint of his edition, leading the dispute to erupt once again. The dispute continued for a long while and eventually drew the attention of leading rabbis of that time, such as the Noda BiYehudah who intervened to mediate between the printers.
[1] leaf. 36.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folds and creases. Ink corrosion, resulting in minor tears.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Yaarot Devash, Parts I-II, homilies by R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz. Karlesruhe: printer not indicated, [1779-1782]. First edition. Two volumes.
Two parts in two volumes, with divisional title pages.
On title pages of both books, ownership inscriptions and signatures of "Yonah of the Bondi family", with another handwritten inscription by him of a Biblical verse. Another signature on title page of second volume: "Meir[?]… son of R. Avraham Lefchowitz".
The former signature is apparently that of R. Moshe Yonah Bondi of Prague (1768-1806), disciple of the Noda BiYehudah, son-in-law of R. Hertz Avraham Naftali Scheuer, Rabbi of Mainz. His son R. Shmuel Bondi was a leading rabbi in Prague (his piyyutim were printed in the Rödelheim siddur).
Several glosses in his handwriting on front endpaper, on topics in the book.
Two volumes. Part I: [4], 116 leaves. Part II: [4], 116 leaves. 21.5-22 cm. Partly slightly dark paper. Overall good-fair condition. Stains. Light wear. Some leaves in first volume partly detached. Tears, including open tear to last leaf of second volume, affecting text, repaired with tape. New leather bindings (uniform).
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Chupat Chatanim, laws and instructions for a bridegroom regarding engagement, marriage, prayers and more by R. Refael Meldola. Livorno: R. Yaakov Nunez-Vaez and R. Refael Meldola (the author), [1797]. First edition of this book, which was reprinted in many editions. This edition was published extravagantly, each page decorated with a frame.
Fine copy, printed on bluish paper and bound in original elaborate leather binding, with gilt decorations.
On endpaper, self-dedication (in Ashkenazic cursive script) attesting to having received the book from the author, while he was in England: "This fine book was gifted to me by the author… R. Refael Meldola, Rabbi of the Sephardic Shaar HaShamayim community…".
The author, R. Refael Meldola (1754-1828), dayan in Livorno, where he was ordained by his teacher the Chida, and later Rabbi of London and leader of the British Sephardic-Portuguese community. His gravesite in London is frequented to this day in order to recite his prayer for an appropriate marriage, which appears at the end of the introduction of the present book.
[19], 88, 88-111 leaves. One of the leaves of the introduction (followed by a blank leaf) is mistakenly bound in the middle of the prayer for an appropriate marriage. 14 cm. Bluish paper. Gilt edges. Good condition. Stains. Original leather binding. Wear and damage to binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Chok LeYisrael – 613 commandments by the Rambam, with glosses by the Ramban, and a Yiddish translation by R. Yisrael HaLevi Landau of Prague, son of the Noda BiYehudah. Prague: Eisenwanger, [1798]. Hebrew and Yiddish.
Two title pages. First title page illustrated with fine engraving, with figures of David and Solomon and Temple vessels.
The author, R. Yisrael HaLevi Landau, son of the Noda BiYehudah, alludes to his name on the title page with the initial and final letters of his name, but does not give his full name.
Includes poem by R. Shlomo ibn Gabirol at end of both parts, and the correspondence between R. Chasdai ibn Shaprut and the Khazar king as an appendix to the mitzvah of appointing a king, along with a short introduction by the author naming Jews in official positions in his time.
The author, R. Yisrael HaLevi Landau (1758-1830) was the youngest son of R. Yechezkel Landau, the Noda BiYehudah, and father of R. Eliezer Landau of Brody (author of Yad HaMelech on Rambam). He was his father's close attendant. He published several of his father's works both before and after his passing. His father quotes his Torah ideas several times in his books.
[6], 48; 72 leaves. 23 cm. Most leaves in good-fair condition. Illustrated title page in fair condition. Stains. Worming and open tears, affecting text and illustration on first title page (the leaf is mounted on paper for reinforcement). Small tear, slightly affecting text of one leaf. Library stamps. Old binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Pirkei Avot, The Sentences and Proverbs of the Ancient Fathers, with English translation and commentary. London: printer not indicated, 1772.
Printed from left to right.
At beginning of book, lengthy introduction by translator, Abraham Tang. His signature (in English) appears on the title page (evidently to attest the copies were not stolen).
Contains comments by the Rambam as well as the translator's own notes.
73-108, 48, [2], XLII pages. Pages XXV-XXXVI appear twice (6 double leaves, from the introduction). 16.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Tears, including open tears to title page, affecting text, and a marginal open tear to last leaf, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper filling. Worming, affecting text, partially repaired with paper. New leather binding, partially detached.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Zivchei Cohen, summary of the laws of shechita, inspection of the lungs and nikur, by R. Yitzchak Cohen (shochet in Livorno). Livorno: Eliezer Menachem Ottolingi, [1832]. Only edition. Hebrew and Italian.
Contains seven folded plates with illustrations of the anatomy of animals' organs, kosher signs of fowl, etc.
Dedication on the front binding (on a strip of paper pasted to the binding, adorned with a fine illustration of angels) to R. Nachman Suskino.
64 pages, [7] folded plates (illustrations). Most of one illustration is torn and missing, enclosed is a detached, complete (folded) copy of that same illustration. 20.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including colored ink stains in several places. Wear. Tears and open tears, also to the folded leaves, affecting the illustrations. Stamps. Early half-parchment binding. Binding damaged.
Listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book are copies of this work containing [8] illustrated plates.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.