Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
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Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $5,250
Including buyer's premium
Responsa of Rabbi Eliyahu ibn Chaim (Raanach), Part I. "Constantinople" [Constantinople?: printer not indicated, ca. 1610]. First edition.
Copy with signatures of R. Aryeh Leib, Rabbi of Amsterdam (son-in-law of the Chacham Tzvi), during his first rabbinical position in Rzeszów, and his son R. Tzvi Hirsch Rabbi of Berlin. Possibly, the signature of his son R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam also appears in the book.
In the center of the title page appears an ownership inscription handwritten and signed by R. Aryeh Leib: "G-d also granted me this, Aryeh Leib dwelling here in Rzeszów". At the top of the title page is an inscription by his son: "This belongs to my father, the great Gaon R. A[ryeh] L[eib], Rabbi of Rzeszów".
On leaf 6 (at the end of the index), dedication handwritten and signed by R. Tzvi Hirsh Berlin, who gave the book to his nephew R. Tzvi David HaLevi (Rabbi of Szczebrzeszyn and Cracow; son of R. Yitzchak HaLevi, Rabbi of Cracow): "Given by me as a gift to my dear nephew… R. Tzvi David HaLevi, son of my esteemed brother-in-law… R. Yitzchak HaLevi; Tzvi Hirsh".
On the header of p. 261b appears a signature: "Shaul son of the great, famous, excellent Gaon ---". Another signature on last page: "Shaul son of the great Gaon". [Both signatures may have been handwritten by R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam, during his youth].
On the last page is another signature in Sephardic script: "Yaakov Alnaqua". On p. 157b is a gloss in Oriental script. On title page and endpaper is an inscription from 1887 handwritten and signed by R. Baruch Esman (author of Chad VeChalak, leading rabbi of Kiev who was also a book merchant), on its purchase, binding and price: "Sent to me from Munich in Adar 1887, and its price with the binding is 9 silver rubles… Baruch Esman". Stamps, signatures and various inscriptions.
R. Aryeh Leib, Rabbi of Rzeszów, Lviv and Amsterdam (ca. 1690-1755), a leading rabbi of his generation (contemporary with the Pnei Yehoshua). Son of R. Shaul Rabbi of Cracow and Brisk (son of R. Heshel Rabbi of Cracow and Lublin). After his marriage in 1707 to the daughter of the Chacham Tzvi, he studied Torah under his father-in-law who held him especially dear, as his brother-in-law R. Yaakov Emden relates: "My father the Gaon did not rest until he made him into a great man. This brother-in-law of mine nursed from my father's bounty and attended to him for years, and was also his scribe and copyist for his writings and letters… And he studied very diligently with a ready mind… And all the efforts of my father the Gaon were directed to growing him and making him into a scholar and successful in every way and by every means possible… Because he was their first son-in-law, the husband of their dear daughter, and all his efforts were focused on him" (Megillat Sefer, Bombach edition, pp. 88-89). The Chacham Tzvi displayed his exceptional affection in his approbation to the Responsa of the Rama he published (Amsterdam 1711), praising him as "my son-in-law, the young and wise, chief and lofty Torah scholar, wise beyond his years, son of holy ancestors". From a young age he was world-famous as an exceptional Torah genius, and in 1716 he was appointed Rabbi of Dukla. In 1724 he was appointed Rabbi of Rzeszów, one of the main Polish communities. In 1734 he relocated to serve as Rabbi of Glogów, and shortly thereafter, of Lviv. In 1741 he was summoned to serve as Rabbi of Amsterdam, where he served for 14 years. He produced many disciples over the years he served as Rabbi and yeshiva dean, including R. Moshe Margaliot, author of the Pnei Moshe commentary on the Talmud Yerushalmi.
His eldest son,
R. Shaul Lowenstam Rabbi of Amsterdam (1717-1790), author of Binyan Ariel, a leading rabbi in his times (the generation of the Noda BiYehudah, R. Yitzchak of Hamburg, the Vilna Gaon and the Chida). He served as Rabbi of Rzeszów, and starting in 1746 he began to serve as Rabbi of Dubno, succeeding his father-in-law R. Avraham Kahana (d. ca. 1741) and his brother-in-law R. Yitzchak Moshe Kahana (d. 1746; see: Ir Dubno VaChachameha, pp. 13, 22-23). After the passing of his father R. Aryeh Leib in 1755, he was appointed rabbi of the Ashkenazi community in Amsterdam, where he served for some thirty-five years, which were the golden age of Torah giants in Holland. His home resembled a royal palace, and the Chida, who visited him in Amsterdam, describes the honor and glory the Amsterdam community accorded their illustrious rabbi. In Shem HaGedolim, the Chida seldom refers to the rabbis of his generation and their books, yet R. Shaul is mentioned in awe: "And I, the poor one, merited to greet the divine presence in 1778, whenever I passed by on a mission, and I merited to enjoy his Torah, humility and perfection" (Maarechet Sefarim, Bet, 99, Binyan Ariel). In the Cleves Get controversy which embroiled all European countries, R. Shaul's opinion was conclusive. His Binyan Ariel (Amsterdam, 1778) contains novellae on the Talmud and on the Torah.
His second son,
R. Tzvi Hirsh Levin, Rabbi of Berlin (1721-1800), author of Tzava Rav. A leading Rabbi of his generation, he served as rabbi in Glogów, London, Halberstadt and Mannheim. In 1772 he was appointed Rabbi of the capital city of Berlin, an eminent position he held for 27 years. His biography and selected teachings are printed in Tzava Rav (Piotrków, 1908), and in an expanded edition with many additions printed by Machon Yerushalayim (Jerusalem, 2002).
His grandson, who received the present book from his uncle R. Tzvi Hirsh Rabbi of Berlin, is
R. Tzvi David HaLevi, Rabbi of Szczebrzeszyn and Cracow (d. 1832); son of
R. Yitzchak HaLevi, Rabbi of Cracow.
6, 272 leaves. 29 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains, mainly to first and last leaves. Worming. Marginal tears to several leaves, partially repaired with paper. Early leather and fabric binding, with fabric laces for closing. Wear and damage to binding (open tears to binding).
The location of printing is contested by bibliographers. M. Benayahu adduced proofs that the book was actually printed in Venice, apparently by Zanetti, with a false imprint to cover up the lack of license; this is disputed by Y. Yudlov. As for the year of printing, Sultan Ahmed I mentioned on the title page ruled from 1603-1617; some narrowed the date down even further. See: M. Benayahu, Turkish Presses that Are Really Italian Presses, Sinai, LXXII, 1973, pp. 164-173, 177-180 (Hebrew); Y. Yudlov, On the History of the Hebrew Press in Mantua in the 16th Century, Kiryat Sefer, XLIX, 1974, pp. 640-641 (Hebrew); Y. Hacker, The Emissary of Louis XIV in the Levant, Zion, LII, 1987, p. 32 and notes 30, 33 (Hebrew).
Part II of the responsa of R. Eliyahu ibn Chaim was printed in Mayim Amukim, Venice 1747, along with an anthology of responsa by R. Eliyahu Mizrachi.
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Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $7,500
Including buyer's premium
Ir Miklat, on the count of mitzvot and their rationales, by R. David of Lida, with ethics from the Shlah. Ungvár (Uzhhorod), 1871.
Published by Rebbe Tzvi Hirsch of Liska, who also wrote an introduction to the book with "some supplementary disciplines relevant and necessary for this book", and also included a response to the book sent to him by R. Shlomo Ganzfried, after R. Tzvi Hirsch of Liska had sent him a copy.
Copy of Rebbe Yeshayale of Kerestir, with many ownership inscriptions in Hebrew and Hungarian stating that the book belongs to R. Yeshayah of Kerestir. At top of title page: "This belongs to the Tzaddik… R. Yeshayah". Inside front board and on front endpaper, inscriptions: "This book Arei Miklat belongs to R… Yeshayah Steiner"; "Belongs to R. Yeshayah Steiner", and additional inscriptions on his ownership, as well as inscriptions of other owners.
R. Yeshayah Steiner of Kerestir (1852-1925) was the disciple and successor of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska (Olaszliszka), author of Ach Pri Tevuah. He was orphaned from his father at the age of three and was raised in the home of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska from the age of twelve. He embraced Chassidism, frequenting the courts of Rebbe Chaim Halberstam of Sanz and Rebbe Mordechai of Nadvorna. However, his primary rebbe and mentor remained Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, and he eventually became his close attendant (even when R. Yeshayah later served as rebbe, with throngs flocking to his court from all over Hungary, he would still sign with his stamp and on his letters: "…who attended the Tzaddik of Liska"). After his teacher's death R. Yeshayah settled in Kerestir (Bodrogkeresztúr, Hungary), where he became famed as a wonderworker, with numerous Jews (as well as non-Jews) flocking to his court to seek his counsel. He would also distribute amulets (to this day, his portrait is hung in homes as a segulah against mice; the story behind this custom is related in his biography, Mei Be'er Yeshayahu). Rebbe Yeshayah was revered by the leading rebbes of his day, including Rebbe Chaim of Sanz and Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz (who stated that the "key to sustenance" is in his hands). He performed thousands upon thousands of charitable deeds, personally engaging in hospitality, and was considered one of the pillars of kindness and prayer in his times.
[4], 5-34, 37-75, [2] leaves. Lacking leaves 35-36. Leaves 33-34 misbound. 21 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Light wear, creases and minor tears to margins of some leaves. Close trimming, affecting text of several leaves. Old binding, worn, partially detached.
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Books of Important Ownership
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Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $2,500
Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Sold for: $4,000
Including buyer's premium
Torat Chaim, responsa on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat and various subjects, by R. Chaim Shabtai (Maharchash). Parts I-III. Thessaloniki: Talmud Torah by Avraham son of David Nachman and Yom Tov son of Moshe Konfilias, [1713-1722]. First edition. Three parts in two volumes.
Distinguished copy – belonging to: R. Tzvi Hirsh Heller (R. Hirsh Charif); R. Yehudah Grünwald, Rabbi of Satmar, author of Zichron Yehudah; and Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Satmar.
On title page of first volume, many ownership inscriptions and stamps. At top of title page, ownership inscription handwritten and signed by R. Tzvi Hirsh Heller: "To the Lord belongs the earth and everything in it, and He granted me this estimable book, 20th Iyar 193[---?], here in Óbuda, Tzvi Hirsh Heller of Zamość". Other ownership inscriptions, including one of R. Yehudah Leib Rockenstein [a leader of the Bonyhád community and a confidant of R. Yitzchak Moshe Perls who served as Rabbi of Bonyhád between 1841-1854].
On the margins of the first volume, stamp of R. Avraham Chanoch Friedman, dayan and posek of Satmar, with an inscription and lengthy dedication handwritten and signed by him: "…From the books estate of… R. Yehudah Grünwald, local Rabbi, author of Shevet MiYehudah, Responsa Zichron Yehudah and other books – mishloach manot to Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum, local Rabbi, from me, esteeming him in accordance with his lofty worth, Avraham Chanoch Friedman".
Both books are bound with the original bindings of the Rebbe's library in the United States (made ca. 1950s), as well as catalogue inscriptions made during the ordering of the library of the Rebbe of Satmar in his house in the United States. Both books also contain the stamps: "Yoel Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Irshava and the region". [We surmise that these stamps were placed on the Satmar Rebbe's books at a date later than his tenure in Irshava, as the dedication of the book as mishloach manot to the Rebbe postdates the beginning of his tenure as Rabbi of Satmar in 1934, long after the end of his service in Irshava which ended in 1926. We also identified slight differences between the stamps in the present books and other stamps of the Rebbe dating to his Irshava period (such variations are also found in books in the following lots)].
R. Tzvi Hirsh Heller (1776-1835; Encyclopedia LeChachmei Galicia, II, pp. 665-671), leading Hungarian rabbi, known as "R. Hirsh Charif" for his brilliance and sharp wit. He served as rabbi of Brigel, Galicia (present-day Brzesko, Poland), and later as prominent yeshiva dean in Brody. He was compelled to flee the city after he was informed on, whereupon he reached Hungary and served as rabbi of Bonyhád, Ungvár (Uzhhorod) and Óbuda. He edified prominent disciples, including Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska and R. Shlomo Ganzfried, author of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. He authored Chidushei Tiv Gittin and other works. His widow married the Chatam Sofer [who apparently brought part of his library with her to her second husband].
R. Yehudah Grünwald (1848-1920), author of Zichron Yehudah, a leading rabbi and yeshiva dean in Hungary. An outstanding Torah scholar, known for his holiness and fear of heaven. A disciple of the Ktav Sofer and son-in-law of his brother R. Yospa Sofer son of the Chatam Sofer (his teacher, the Ktav Sofer, said of him at his wedding that he is "holy of holies"). Served as Rabbi of Sobotište, Bonyhád, and in 1898, of Satmar. In all the places he served as Rabbi he headed a large yeshiva; his yeshiva in Satmar numbered hundreds of students, many of whom later served as rabbis and dayanim in Hungary and Romania. During his tenure as Rabbi of Satmar, the community split between the Neologs, who opened a new synagogue, and the Orthodox, who retained control of the existing community institutions. As a result, Satmar became the stronghold of Orthodoxy in the region, headed by R. Yehudah Grünwald, known from his youth as a staunch defender of faithful Orthodox Judaism. During his tenure as Rabbi of Satmar, he closely embraced the young R. Yoel Teitelbaum who arrived in the city after his marriage, and he supported him financially. Once, after R. Yoel was accused of not being so needy, since he gave charity generously, R. Yehudah replied passionately that in that case he needed even more, and increased his financial support for him. Years later, when R. Yoel served as Rabbi of Satmar, he adjured not to change the halachic shechitah customs in the city, as they are based on the holy rulings of the Zichron Yehudah.
R. Avraham Chanoch Friedman, dayan and posek in Satmar (1866-1944; perished in the Holocaust), grandson of the Chatam Sofer and close disciple of R. Yehudah Grünwald, who adopted him as a young boy and married him to his niece. He edited and published the writings of his teacher R. Yehudah Grünwald and his grandfather the Chatam Sofer. He served for decades as dayan and posek in Satmar (starting in 1905), led a large yeshiva there and served as Rabbi of the Machazikei Torah Ashkenazic-rite synagogue in the city. He was a supporter of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum's appointment as Rabbi of Satmar.
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 Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah, 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 for his sharpness 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 (1911-1915, 1922-1926), 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.
Two volumes. Volume I: [5], 148 leaves. Volume II: [4], 128 leaves; [8], 192 leaves. 31 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears and paper repairs to several leaves, including first and second title pages. Stamps. Original bindings from the Rebbe's library.
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Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $2,500
Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $5,250
Including buyer's premium
Three books printed in Thessaloniki, from the library of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar – with catalogue inscriptions made during the arrangement of the Satmar Rebbe's library in his home in the United States, and with the stamps:
"Yoel Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Irshava and the region". [We surmise that these stamps were placed on the Satmar Rebbe's books at a date later than his tenure in Irshava – see previous Lot 185]. One of the books with the original binding of the Rebbe's library [made in the United States ca. 1950s].
• Devar Moshe, responsa by R. Chaim Moshe Amarilio, Part I on Orach Chaim, Even HaEzer and Yoreh Deah. Thessaloniki: Betzalel HaLevi Ashkenazi, [1742]. Lacking last leaf of indexes at beginning of book. Ownership inscription in Sephardic script on title page: "Yitzchak son of R. Daniel Castro". Additional stamps of R. Yitzchak Elbaum, Rabbi of Cieszyn and the region.
• Korban Elitzur, novellae on Tractate Avodah Zarah by R. Mansur Marzuk. Thessaloniki: Yehudah Kalai and Mordechai Nachman, [1777]. Heavy mold stains and large open tears, repaired with tape. Inscription in Sephardic script on title page: "I, Shlomo Yitzchak Shalom purchased it for the Beit Midrash called Sos Asis BaShem", as well as signatures of "Aharon Montilia".
• Pnei Mevin, Part II, novellae on Tractate Sanhedrin chapters 5-7, by R. Yitzchak Navarro, with notes by R. Yaakov Chabif, disciple of the author. Thessaloniki: sons of Betzalel HaLevi [Ashkenazi], [1826]. Ownership inscription in Sephardic script on title page: "Purchased by me, Avraham Shlomo".
3 volumes. Varying size and condition. Stains and dampstains. Wear, tears and open tears. Worming. One of the books in the original binding of the Rebbe's library, and the other two in new leather bindings.
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 Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah, 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 for his sharpness 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 (1911-1915, 1922-1926), 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.
Category
Books of Important Ownership
Catalogue
Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $7,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $9,375
Including buyer's premium
Collection of five books printed at various times from the library of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar, with the original bindings from the Rebbe's library in the United States [made ca. 1950s].
All the books and the bindings also contain catalogue inscriptions made during the arrangement of the Satmar Rebbe's library in his home in the United States. One of the books contains a stamp of the Rebbe from his tenure as Rabbi of Carei, and the other books contain a stamp reading: "Yoel Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Irshava and the region". [We surmise that these stamps were placed on the Satmar Rebbe's books at a date later than his tenure in Irshava – see Lot 185].
• Chen Tov, sermons on the Torah by R. Tuviah HaLevi. [Prague: Avraham of Heide at printing house of Yehudah son of Yaakov Katz Gershuni, 1618-1624]. Lacking title page and fourth leaf containing end of introduction.
• Torat Yekutiel, commentary on Yoreh Deah, sections 1-111, with responsa, by R. Refael Katz [R. Refael HaKohen of Hamburg]. Berlin: printer not indicated, [1772].
• Eliyah Rabba, Talmudic novellae by R. Eliyahu Shapiro. [Fürth: Itzek son of Leib Buchbinder, 1768]. Lacking title page and leaves 9-10, 21-22, 41-42, 45-46, 53-54, 81-82, 89-90, 95-98, 101-103 (total of 22 leaves). On first leaf, early signature: "Alexander Ziskind son of R. Y. L. --- of Sanz[?]".
• Pardes David, novellae on the Torah by R. David Dishbek. Sulzbach: Aharon [Frankl] and his son Zekl [Orenstein], [1786]. Trimmed signature on title page.
• Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim with Kaf HaChaim, by R. Yaakov Chaim Sofer of Baghdad, Part V. Jerusalem: Y. A. Weiss, 1924. First edition. With stamp of the Rebbe from his tenure as Rabbi of Carei (1926-1934): "Yoel Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Carei and the region".
5 books. Varying size and condition. Stains. Wear. Tears and open tears affecting text, to some books. Leaves missing from some books (detailed above). Stamps. Original bindings from the Rebbe's library.
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 Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah, 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 for his sharpness 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 (1911-1915, 1922-1926), 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.
Category
Books of Important Ownership
Catalogue
Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Three books from the library of Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar, two of which are bound in the original bindings from the Rebbe's library in the United States [made ca. 1950s].
All the books also contain catalogue inscriptions made during the arrangement of the Satmar Rebbe's library in his home in the United States. All the books contain a stamp reading: "Yoel Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Irshava and the region". [We surmise that these stamps were placed on the Satmar Rebbe's books at a date later than his tenure in Irshava – see Lot 185]. One of the books contains the stamp of his son-in-law, Rebbe Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa Mayer-Teitelbaum of Sassov.
• Maavar Yabok, practices for the day of death, confessions and prayers, ethics and kabbalah, by R. Aharon Berechiah of Modena. Vilna: widow and brothers Romm, 1911.
• Chibat Yerushalayim, geography and history of the cities of the Holy Land, holy sites and gravesites of Tzaddikim, by R. Chaim HaLevi Horowitz. [Königsberg (Kaliningrad): printer not indicated, 1858]. Imitation of first edition. Details on title page identical to edition of Jerusalem, 1844. With approbations from 1844 edition.
- Bound with leaves 35-40 of Einot Mayim by R. Menachem Mendel Bodek. [Lviv: David Hirsh Schrenzel, 1856].
• Kaftor VaFerach, Part II, by R. Eshtori HaParchi. Jerusalem: Avraham Moshe Lunz, 1899. Several leaves appear twice. Stamps of R. "Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa Mayer, Rabbi of Bűdszentmihály" (son-in-law of the Rebbe of Satmar), and signatures of R. "Moshe Aryeh Stern".
3 volumes. Varying size and condition. Overall good to fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Tears and open tears, affecting text. Worming. Two books with old bindings (of the Rebbe's library) and one with a new leather binding.
Maavar Yabok: Large open tear to title page and leaf 5, and lacking leaves 2-4 and leaf 8 of first sequence. Chibat Yerushalayim: Damage and wear, with many open tears, repaired with tape.
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 Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa, the Kedushat Yom Tov, and grandson of Rebbe Yekutiel Yehudah, 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 for his sharpness 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 (1911-1915, 1922-1926), 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 Rebbe's only daughter to survive the Holocaust,
Rebbetzin Chayah Roiza Teitelbaum-Mayer, wife of Rebbe Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa of Sassov, escaped the Holocaust with her husband, reaching Eretz Israel through Romania. Her husband established the Yitav Lev yeshiva in Jerusalem and served as rabbi of the Ohel Rachel Satmar Beit Midrash in Jerusalem. In 1948 they immigrated to the United States to live with their father Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar (who had reached the United States about a year and a half earlier), until her death, with no surviving children, on 14th Cheshvan 1953.
Her husband,
Rebbe Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa Mayer-Teitelbaum (1906-1966; son of Rebbe Chanoch Henich Mayer of Sassov-Keretsky and Rebbetzin Esther daughter of the Kedushat Yom Tov of Sighet). Rebbe Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa married in Irshava in 1924, after which time he lived near his father-in-law and uncle and was his close assistant in directing the yeshivas in Irshava, Carei and Satmar. He served simultaneously as Rabbi of Szemihaly (Bűdszentmihály) and head of the Satmar Beit Din.
Category
Books of Important Ownership
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Auction 99 Part 2 Rare and Important Items
Nov 5, 2024
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Or LaYesharim, Sephardic-rite siddur, with Keter Nehora, laws, customs and kabbalistic and Chassidic commentaries. Part I. [Zhitomir, 1867/1869?].
Partial copy of the siddur, containing morning prayers and most of the many additions printed as prefaces to the siddur. The present siddur was printed in Zhitomir, but we were unable to determine exactly which edition. The present item may be either the 1867 edition printed by the Shapiro brothers, or the 1869 edition printed by Avraham Shalom Shadov (both editions are very similar). The present volume begins in the middle of "Shaar HaTeshuvah – duties of the heart from Tzedah LaDerech", followed by Netiv Mitzvotecha, Seder HaYom (by R. Shalom Shachna of Pohrebyshche) and Tikun Chatzot, Beit Tefillah and Derech HaChaim, and the order of morning prayer up to the positive interpretation of a dream.
This copy was purchased by its owners from the famous Chassidic mashpia R. Moshe Wolfson, whose signature appears on the second endpaper: "Moshe Wolfson". He also wrote his name and address ("113 Clymer St Brooklyn NY") inside the boards (the name was later erased with ink, apparently when the siddur was exchanged with the purchaser – according to the owner's family, their father traded another siddur to R. Moshe Wolfson for this one).
The leaves of the book contain short notes handwritten in ink in square script, with various kabbalistic kavanot. A leaf in R. Moshe Wolfson's handwriting is mounted at the end of the volume – with a personal prayer, beginning: "Master of the world, grant us the merit that our children and sons-in-law be Torah luminaries, and that my offspring be healthy in body and intellect, possess good character traits, study Torah for its own sake, and grant them good and lengthy lives…".
The famous Chassidic mashpia R. Moshe Wolfson (1925-2024), rabbi and rebbe of the Emunat Yisrael communities, served as lecturer and mashgiach in the Torah Vodaath yeshiva in the United States, and embraced Chassidism under the influence of his teacher R. Gedalia Schorr, author of Or Gedalyahu. He was a follower of the Imrei Shaul of Modzhitz. He was heavily influenced by the Karlin Chassidic approach to enthusiastic and resounding prayer, and also followed the Lubavitcher Rebbe and rebbes of the Karlin, Skver and Toldot Aharon dynasties. His teachings were based on various branches of the Baal Shem Tov's disciples and kabbalah, including: Chernobyl and Apta, Chabad, R. Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin and the Sefat Emet. Although he did not don a shtreimel, he played the part of a Chassidic rebbe in full. His circle of students established minyanim and communities called Emunat Yisrael throughout the United States and Eretz Israel (in Boro Park, Monsey, Lakewood, Jerusalem and Beitar), where the prayer service is held in a deliberate, enthusiastic and lively manner. These communities are also known for their high measure of reverence for the synagogue and refrain from idle speech during the prayer service.
His approach focused on praying with enthusiasm and concentration. In his addresses he would highlight the importance of feeling liveliness in service of G-d. He delivered lectures on the Tanya, stressing that studying the Tanya is meant to arouse these feelings, not to be a mere intellectual exercise. In one of his letters printed at the end of his Likutei Orot – Beurim BeSefer HaTanya (New York, 2009), he writes to one of his disciples: "In response to your question what Chassidut is – I don't know. If you ask me what life is, I will also answer that I don't know. However, I feel life. The only difference between being alive and dead is that one who is alive has a living spirit. The Baal Shem Tov brought the liveliness of feeling the divinity in the world, and his disciples received that point in their respective capacities… When you were born, you received from your father and mother 248 limbs and 365 sinews – and also life. The nature of each limb can be explained, but not the nature of life… Stay close to true Tzaddikim and faithful friends, and you too will receive that point, transmitted from generation to generation, the point of the Baal Shem Tov…". Several books were published based on his lectures, including: Emunat Itecha, VaAni Tefillah, Likutei Orot and more.
One of his spiritual successors is his son-in-law, Rebbe Mordechai Menashe Zilber of Stitshin, the famous Chassidic mashpia in the United States and Eretz Israel, who also established Stitshin communities in the United States and Eretz Israel named Toldot Yehudah.
Partial copy. 15-100 leaves. 20 cm. Varying condition, fair to fair-poor. Stains. Dampstains. Heavy wear and signs of heavy use. Many tears, including open tears, affecting text, partially repaired with tape. Last leaf detached. Old binding, worn, with spine repaired with glue.
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