Ben HaMelech VehaNazir, parables and ethics in literary form, by R. Avraham HaLevi ibn Chasdai. Constantinople: [brothers David and Shmuel ibn Nachmias], 1518. First edition.

Decorated woodcut title frame. At beginning of book, introduction by R. Avraham HaLevi ibn Chasdai.

The main part of the book, which is composed of thirty-five chapters, is a dialogue between the prince of India and a hermit who teaches him important life lessons and advice for proper conduct in various situations, with the help of parables, aphorisms, stories and poems.

This work originates in an ancient Indian legend, which spread to various cultures and was also adapted into a Christian version. The Christian version of the work in Greek was translated to other languages, including Arabic (the book is known variously as Barlaam and Josaphat, or Kitab Ibn al-Malik wal-Nasik). Ibn Chasdai translated the Arabic version into Hebrew, while making many substantial changes to the book's form, wording and style, and naturally also to the content and message.

Colophon on last leaf: "The work was completed… 2nd Nisan, [1518], Constantinople…".

[56] leaves. 18.5 cm. Varying condition of leaves, fair to fair-good. Many stains, including dark stains and wax stains to several leaves. Tears, including open tears affecting text, partially repaired with paper. Handwritten inscriptions on title page. Early leather binding, decorated, worn and damaged (repaired spine).

Provenance: Sotheby's, Delmonico Collection, New York, December 2008, Lot 82.

Shaarei Teshuvah, by Rabbeinu Yonah Gerondi, "the pious". Cracow: Yitzchak son of Aharon of Prostitz, 1581.

Fine copy.

Shaarei Teshuvah deals with the fundamental issues of repentance and atonement for sins, and it is one of the classic books on the precept of repentance. The book contains four sections. The first section delineates the actions required of the sinner who wishes to repent. The second section deals with various factors that bring a person to repent. The third section is comprised of a detailed description of dozens of commandments and sins, ordered by severity. The fourth and final section mentions different types of atonement for various sins. Shaarei Teshuvah, in its familiar form, was originally one part of a larger and more comprehensive work that included other sections (which in Hebrew are referred to as "gates", and are mentioned occasionally in the book), but these "gates" have not come down to us.

The author, Rabbeinu Yonah Gerondi (of Gerona; ca. 1210-1263), one of the great medieval Torah authorities, was a rabbi in Catalonia and a central and influential figure in Spanish Jewish life in the 13th century. He was known in his lifetime as a great preacher and one of the important Talmudic commentators (the novellae he wrote on several tractates have been mostly lost). His fame for the ages derives mainly from the ethical books he authored, including Iggeret HaTeshuvah, Sefer HaYirah and first and foremost Shaarei Teshuvah. Shaarei Teshuvah was highly influential even in the author's own time, and in subsequent generations it was a recognized influence on a diverse range of authors.

See further on Rabbeinu Yonah and his writings: Y.M. Ta-Shma, Ashkenazic Pietism in Spain: Rabbeinu Yonah Gerondi – the Man and His Work, Studies in Medieval Rabbinic Literature, Volume 2: Spain, Bialik Institute, Jerusalem, 2004, pp. 109-148 (Hebrew).

At the end of the book (pp. 38b-44) is printed Sefer HaYirah by Rabbeinu Yonah Gerondi (first printed in Halichot Olam, Leiria, ca. 1495).

Interesting colophon on last leaf: "Blessed is the Lord, the G-d of Israel Who helped me up to this point, to complete the holy work authored by… Rabbeinu Yonah Gerondi, Shaarei Teshuvah with Sefer HaYirah… And I bow down and prostrate myself that my dreams were for good and blessing, as I dreamed on Rosh Hashanah to bring this book to press… So may G-d save me and all of Israel from bad dreams and evil decrees… Such is the prayer of Yitzchak son of R. Aharon Prostitz the typesetter; completed on the 5th of [Elul 1581]".

On title page, signatures and ownership inscriptions of "The bridegroom R. Natan Meisling of Copenhagen".

Handwritten correction of printing error on p. 29a.

44 leaves. Misfoliation. Approx. 19 cm. Good condition. Stains. Damage to margins of last leaf, bordering text, repaired with paper filling. Stamp on title page. New leather binding.

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.

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.