Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4
Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $250,000
Estimate: $400,000 - $600,000
Unsold
Manuscript, lectures, discourses and stories by R. Nachman of Breslov, handwritten by his illustrious disciple R. Naftali Weinberg of Nemirov. [Breslov, ca. 1810].
27 leaves (54 pages) handwritten by R. Naftali of Nemirov, containing teachings heard directly from R. Nachman of Breslov, most of which were apparently written during R. Nachman's lifetime – as evidenced by the fact his name is mentioned with a blessing for the living, and by the dates written on the present leaves. Several leaves were written within the first year of his passing (see below).
The lectures, discourses and stories were recorded in writing soon after they were delivered by R. Nachman, and they contain precious material, some of which has never before been printed, other parts of which were printed at a later time after undergoing editing or topical rearrangement in books such as Shivchei HaRan, Sichot HaRan and Chayei Moharan. [For example, the famous teaching about the verse "A holy angel descended from heaven" (Daniel 4:10) was divided into two parts – the Torah teaching appears at the beginning of Likutei Moharan, and the anecdote appears in Chayei Moharan 189. Here, however, the two parts appear in an integrated form that has never before been published.] The present manuscript is thus original material that was committed to writing during the lifetime of R. Nachman, in its original wording and context, including never-before-published sections.
The present leaves bear the following titles: "What he recounted at the beginning of summer 1804 in Breslov"; "Our rabbi's holy lecture on Motzaei Shabbat Toldot 1810 in Breslov"; "Wednesday of Terumah 1810, I visited him and he told me this story"; "Our rabbi's holy lecture on the first day of Shavuot, falling on Motzaei Shabbat, 1809, Breslov"; "Summer 1809"; "4th Elul 1809, Breslov"; "The Torah beginning Bereshit LeEinei Kol Yisrael… delivered on Shabbat of Bereshit"; "Monday, 24th Iyar 1810"; "Sunday, 25th Nisan 1810"; "He recounted that he dreamt of something clever, as follows"; "1809, soon after Shavuot, he recounted this"; "Shabbat Nachamu 1809"; "Dream of Kislev 1809".
The last three leaves contain biographical pieces on R. Nachman, written during the course of the year after his passing (some appear in a different recension in Shivchei HaRan). At the beginning of the first page appears the title: "Moharan", followed by: "I saw fit to explain and recount a bit about our holy rabbi Moharan (I am the atonement for his death), what I know of what occurred to him from his birth until his peaceful departure. And although it is not even so much as a droplet from the sea, since I only merited to become close to him in his later years, when he was already thirty years old…" (the formula "I am the atonement for his death" is traditionally restricted to one year after decease).
R. Naftali Hertz Weinberg of Nemirov (1780-1860) was a childhood friend of R. Natan Sternhartz (Moharnat). Together they sought after G-d until they learned of R. Nachman of Breslov and his unique way in service of G-d, at which point they traveled together to absorb his influence. The two became R. Nachman's closest disciples, to whom he revealed his innermost secrets. R. Nachman once attested to this, commenting that "Natan and Naftali know how to know a bit about me". R. Nachman even entrusted them with his secret Megillat Setarim. The secret of the Tikun HaKlali was first commended to R. Naftali and R. Aharon – the Rabbi of Breslov, as R. Natan writes: "Soon afterwards, while I was at my home in Nemirov, he revealed the ten psalms to the local Rabbi of Breslov and my friend R. Naftali of Nemirov, and brought them in private to be witnesses about this…". R. Naftali hardly committed any of R. Nachman's teachings to writing, which was generally the role filled by R. Natan, and so the present leaves are rare in this sense as well.
Enclosed is an expert opinion on the present leaves by Breslov specialist R. Eliezer Chashin. Among other things, he states: "There are no words to describe the precious value of these leaves, which contain sentences and pieces that have never before been printed; they are too great to recount!!!".
27 leaves (54 pages). Approx. 21 cm. Light blue paper. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and ink fading. Tears and wear, including open tears affecting text (mainly to margins). Most leaves are detached from each other. Without binding.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter of leaders of the Chassidic community in Jerusalem, opposing the establishment of modern schools in Hebron, signed by Rebbe David Tzvi Shlomo Biderman of Lelov (along with his stamp), his brother Rebbe Alter Biderman, his brother R. Meir Adler, R. Elazar Natan Shapiro and R. Menachem Mendel Rubin (and their stamps). Jerusalem, 47th day of the Omer [3rd Sivan] 1905.
Draft of an announcement with additions and erasures [apparently never sent to press]: "Whose eye would not weep, and what man of heart will not be upset when seeing the lowly state of the holy city of Hebron… for the settlement's support has nearly collapsed… And we are frightful lest our mortal enemies surround us… to establish there houses of hell (secular schools)… to pollute the holy air with deathly poison, a city which, thank G-d, remains pure and holy…". The poster continues with a call to support the emissary "R. Sh. L." [apparently R. Shlomo Leib Eliezerov], who went to great lengths to support the Torah school and yeshiva.
The rabbis who signed bless the donors: "And in the merit of (the Torah) the great mitzvah, may you be saved eternally with all your wishes for the good, to be blessed with all blessings said and repeated for the reward of those who settle the Holy Land and work in support of the holy Torah, for the sake of Him Who is good to all, always, and may we all merit to see the cities of Judea and the comforts of Zion and Jerusalem speedily in our days…".
With signatures of the rabbis and rebbes: "David Tzvi Shlomo son of R. Elazar Menachem", "Elazar Natan Kahana Shapiro"; "Menachem Mendel Rubin"; "Meir Adler"; "Alter son of R. E[lazar] M[enachem]".
Rebbe David Tzvi Shlomo Biderman (1844-1918), son of Rebbe Elazar Menachem Mendel of Lelov (1827-1883), leader of the Chassidic communities of Jerusalem. R. David Tzvi was holy and pure from his youth. In 1850, when his grandfather Rebbe Moshele of Lelov travelled to Eretz Israel and took leave of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, the Ruzhiner said that the boy David has "shining, bright eyes". Over the years, he would travel from Jerusalem to Karlin and became one of the leading Chassidim of the Beit Aharon. His father, Rebbe Elazar Mendel, attested that he never ceased to see God as standing before him. The Yismach Yisrael of Aleksander dubbed him a Sefer Torah. R. Chaim Shmuel of Chęciny said that for many years he was the "Tzaddik of the generation". Upon his father’s death in 1883 he was appointed rebbe, and was the primary leader of the Chassidic community of Jerusalem.
R. Elazar Natan Kahana-Shapira (ca. 1820-1917), father of the Kahana-Shapira family in Jerusalem. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in the early 1840s along with his father, R. Yechiel Asher Shmuel Kahana-Shapira Rabbi of Żalin (d. 1852), and was a leader of the Chassidic community in Jerusalem.
R. Menachem Mendel Rubin (ca. 1850-1915), a leader of the Chassidic community in Jerusalem, author of Masa Meron (Jerusalem, 1889). Son of R. Shmuel Aharon Rubin, Rabbi of Korczyna (ca. 1823-1877).
R. Meir Shlomo Yehudah Adler (d. 1922), son-in-law of Rebbe Elazar Menachem Biderman of Lelov. Established the Chayei Olam yeshiva in Jerusalem along with his brother-in-law Rebbe David Tzvi Shlomo of Lelov.
Rebbe Alter Biderman of Lelov-Sosnowitz (1862-1933), son of R. Elazar Menachem Biderman of Lelov and Jerusalem. Although his name was Avraham Betzalel Natan Nata, he was known as Alter (and sometimes would only sign his name Alter). In 1894 he left Eretz Israel for four years. At the beginning of World War I he traveled to Poland and settled in Sosnowitz (Sosnowiec), and soon became known as "the rebbe from Eretz Israel" and earned the reputation of a wonder-worker. His customs and dress followed that of Jerusalem. A year and a half after his passing on 20th Kislev 1935, his body was brought to Eretz Israel for burial on the Mount of Olives, and the Chevra Kadisha attested that his body was complete and free of decay. He was succeeded in Sosnowitz by his nephew R. Mordechai son of his brother R. Yerachmiel Yosef.
Mentioned in the letter,
R. Shlomo Yehudah Leib Eliezerov (1863-1952), rabbi and leader of the Chabad and Ashkenazi community in Hebron, and emissary to the Jewish community of Bukhara-Samarkand, founder of the Magen Avot and Torat Emet yeshivas in Hebron. His father was R. Eliezer Shimon Kazarnovsky, grandson of Rebbetzin Menuchah Rachel Slonim, daughter of the Mitteler Rebbe. In 1873, at the age of 10, he immigrated with his parents to Eretz Israel and settled in Hebron. He studied Torah under the rabbis of Hebron – R. Shimon Menashe Chaikin and R. Eliyahu Mani. He traveled to Uzbekistan as an emissary for the Sephardic community in Hebron, and in 1897 he was appointed Chief Rabbi of Bukhara-Samarkand, where he changed his surname to Eliezerov (after his father). His halachic responsa are printed in She'elat Shlomo (Jerusalem 2002).
[1] leaf. 23 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and minor tears.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000
Sold for: $21,250
Including buyer's premium
Seven letters on postcards, by Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Weiss, the Chakal Yitzchak of Spinka. Three of them contain words added in handwriting by the Rebbe and his signature, and the other four are handwritten, stamped and signed by his attendant R. Chaim Blech. Selish (Vynohradiv), Elul 1936 to Cheshvan 1938.
The seven letters are written by a scribe (the attendant), on official postcards of the Rebbe. In three of the letters, the Rebbe added approximately a line and a half in his handwriting and with his signature: "Seeking his welfare and hoping for salvation, Yitzchak Eizik". The other four letters are signed by the attendant R. Chaim Blech, with his official stamp in Hebrew and Latin characters: "Chaim Blech, in the holy service – Blech Chaim – Szaploncza".
Addressed to one of the Rebbe's followers, R. "Yitzchak Menachem Mendel son of Rivkah/Brachah Rivkah" [R. Yitzchak Menachem Bloch of Landskrona, Sweden]. The letters contain blessings and advice on various issues.
In the first letter from 1936, the attendant writes in the name of the Rebbe: "Your letter reached the Rebbe… In the merit of observing Shabbat, may G-d help you with bountiful blessing and success", and he goes on to advise him on educating his son to learn Torah: "And regarding your son, make sure to raise him to study Torah only and not to study secular disciplines. If possible, in his home, and if impossible, send him to the Frankfurt yeshiva under the supervision of R. Horowitz, since I heard that there they study Torah and fear of G-d. Signing and stamping in his name, Chaim Blech".
In the second letter from Kislev 1936, the attendant writes in the name of the Rebbe: "Your letter reached the Rebbe, and he is praying for G-d to raise your pride and grant you bountiful blessing and success to be able to make a kosher mikveh and raise your children to study Torah with riches and honor. Signing and stamping in his name, Chaim Blech".
In the third letter from 10th Nisan 1937, he writes: "Your letter reached the Rebbe, and he is praying for G-d to raise your pride and grant you and all your family bountiful blessing and success to be able raise your children according to the ways of Torah and fear of G-d…". He concludes with Pesach blessings: "And may you celebrate the upcoming Festival of Matzot in a joyful and kosher manner… Signing and stamping in his name, Chaim Blech".
In his fourth letter from Cheshvan 1937, he writes: "Your letter reached the Rebbe, and he is praying to G-d for your salvation, and his advice is to stay there and try to make a kosher mikveh, and you can receive money for this great mitzvah from other sources as well, and may G-d bring about your success, and may the evil decree be annulled, and may G-d help all of your family with health and success, and may you raise them all to Torah. Signing and stamping in his name, Chaim Blech".
From the fifth letter onwards the Rebbe began to add his signature at the end of the letters (and the letters are therefore worded in first person). In the letter from Iyar 1938 the Rebbe writes: "Your letter as well as the pidyon reached me, and I am praying for Baruch son of Chanah for G-d to help set you free, but you should accept the yoke of heaven and the Torah". He goes on to write to him regarding his son's Torah education: "And regarding your son Shlomo Shraga, fulfill the words of the Sages at the end of Kiddushin: 'I leave behind every trade and I teach my son only Torah', etc. This is what you should do, teach him Torah yourself or send him to the Nitra or Pressburg yeshiva in our country to be taught Torah, and may G-d help you and bring you success with the rest of our fellow Jews. With blessings and prayers – seeking his welfare, hoping for salvation, Yitzchak Eizik".
In the sixth letter from 28th Sivan 1938, the Rebbe writes: "Your letter reached me, and I agree for you to leave behind the knife and not to be a shochet, and may G-d bring you a kosher livelihood there or elsewhere, because He sustains all and gives bread to all flesh. In accordance with the blessings and prayers of one seeking his welfare, hoping for salvation, Yitzchak Eizik".
In the seventh letter from "Monday Vayera" (Cheshvan) 1938, the Rebbe advises him at length on the proper conduct towards a local rabbi. He advises him to sign a document to obey the rabbi, as the document could not bind him to transgress the Torah, only to obey the rabbi insofar as his instructions do not violate the Torah. He adduces a proof from the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite who signed a document to obey Jeroboam without intention to listen to him if he would instruct him to transgress the Torah. The Rebbe concludes: "I am praying for G-d to raise your pride and bring about your sustenance comfortably so you can study Torah in peace and relaxation, in accordance with the blessings and prayers of one seeking his welfare, hoping for salvation, Yitzchak Eizik".
Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Weiss of Spinka (1875-1944), only son of the Imrei Yosef, founder of the Spinka dynasty, and son-in-law of Rebbe Yissachar Berish Eichenstein of Veretzky-Zidichov, author of Malbush LeShabbat VeYom Tov. In World War I he relocated to Munkacs and from there to Selish (Vynohradiv), which thereupon became the center of Spinka Chassidut, numbering thousands of followers in the Carpathian region. He perished in the Holocaust along with most of his family. In his lifetime he printed only his famous introduction to his father's Imrei Yosef and several responsa published at the end of his father's book, entitled Ben Porat Yosef. His other writings survived miraculously and were printed in the United States after the Holocaust in Chakal Yitzchak (on the Torah and responsa).
7 postcards. 14.5-15X10.5-11 cm. Varying condition, good to fair-good. Stains. Folding marks, tears and wear. Tears to folds of six postcards, repaired with old tape, with stains.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue
Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter (approx. 11 lines) handwritten and signed by Rebbe "Shalom Moskowitz of Shotz". London, Isru Chag [the day after Pesach, ca. 1940s-1950s].
Addressed to R. Yechezkel Abramsky, head rabbi of the London Beit Din, "the renowned rabbi with the heart of a lion, R. Yechezkel Abramsky".
The Rebbe writes that he heard that R. Abramsky's wife was suffering from a heart disease, and he empathizes with their pain, giving advice and a diet for a recovery, with many blessings: "Today I heard that your wife, the Rebbetzin, is weak with pain in her heart, and I am very pained. May G-d support her and may she recover soon; 'a valiant woman is the crown of her husband'. And although I have not been asked, I answer by writing her a Segulah, as follows. For a full month she should not drink any beverage with sugar, only with honey; in the second month, with sugar and not with honey; in the third month, only with honey, alternating in this way, since honey is a natural cure to the heart, of course from the good flowers. She should do this alternately for at least thirty years, and afterwards we will, if G-d wishes, speak further, and may she soon recover…".
Rebbe Shalom Moskovitz of Shotz (1877-1958), a descendant of R. Michel of Zlotchov and R. Meir of Premishlan; foremost rebbe in the previous generation. He was proficient in all areas of Torah, and a great posek. In his youth, he was ordained by the Maharsham of Berezhany and even lived in his home for nine months to attend to him. He served G-d devotedly and was a kabbalist, known for working wonders by his awesome prayers, like a son beseeching his father. He was a disciple of the Rebbe of Shinova and the Belz rebbes. He served as Rabbi of Suceava from 1903, and he was the teacher of R. Meir Shapiro of Lublin, the founder of Daf Yomi. From 1927, he served as rebbe in London. He authored many books on the Talmud, Torah, Chassidut and more. He was highly esteemed by the great rebbes of his generation and word of his greatness and holiness spread all over the world. His diligence was rare; he would study Torah for hours and hours, stopping only for meals or mitzvah purposes. At the same time, his London home was wide open and people from all circles came to seek his blessing, ask for guidance and request halachic rulings. In his will, he pledged to arouse Heavenly mercy upon anyone who would visit his gravesite, light two candles in his memory, and undertake to strengthen himself in a mitzvah or in Torah study (at his request, this promise is printed at his gravesite in three languages: Hebrew, Yiddish and English).
The Rebbe of Shotz fought against secularism and Zionism; when the state of Israel was established he published a polemical tract (London, 1950) demanding the leaders of the state allow religious Jews and Torah institutions to preserve their way of life.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Light stains and folding marks.
Category
Chassidut – Manuscripts and Letters
Catalogue