Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
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Displaying 289 - 300 of 434
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $400
Including buyer's premium
Seder Beracha Acharonah, lithograph broadside. Published by Avraham Meir son of R. Yaakov Kopil HaCohen Neiman, printed at the N. A. Frankel press ("Типо-лит. Н. А. Френкеля"), Harbin, 1934.
The Al HaMichya blessing with Yiddish instructions. Black and orange border, with medallions containing Stars of David. Surmounted by a pair of lions flanking a large Star of David depicting hands raised for the Priestly Blessing, alluding to the identity of the publisher.
In the early 20th century, Harbin became an administrative center situated on the railway from Russia to China, prompting the immigration of Russian Jews. In 1908, about 8000 Jews were living in the city. The flow of Russian refugees increased After WWI and in the early 1930s, the community peaked at 15,000 Jewish residents, with schools, hospitals, old-age homes, a library, etc., also providing organized assistance to refugees. During these years, dozens of Jewish-owned companies operated in Harbin and the community prospered as a center of Jewish culture. Newspapers were printed, plays were produced and in 1927, the community hosted the first Far-East Zionist convention. At the end of the Russian occupation in 1928, an economic crisis hit the city and the situation of Jews took a turn for the worst. Under the Japanese occupation (1931-1945) the Jewish community was persecuted and its freedom was limited. After WWII, Jews emigrated from the city until organized Jewish life in Harbin came to an end altogether.
Leaf: 25X39 cm. Fair condition. The bottom of the leaf is torn along its entire width and reinforced with adhesive tape. Open and closed tears, some restored with paper strips. Pinholes. Stains. Folding marks.
The leaf is not recorded in the NLI catalog nor in the OCLC.
The Al HaMichya blessing with Yiddish instructions. Black and orange border, with medallions containing Stars of David. Surmounted by a pair of lions flanking a large Star of David depicting hands raised for the Priestly Blessing, alluding to the identity of the publisher.
In the early 20th century, Harbin became an administrative center situated on the railway from Russia to China, prompting the immigration of Russian Jews. In 1908, about 8000 Jews were living in the city. The flow of Russian refugees increased After WWI and in the early 1930s, the community peaked at 15,000 Jewish residents, with schools, hospitals, old-age homes, a library, etc., also providing organized assistance to refugees. During these years, dozens of Jewish-owned companies operated in Harbin and the community prospered as a center of Jewish culture. Newspapers were printed, plays were produced and in 1927, the community hosted the first Far-East Zionist convention. At the end of the Russian occupation in 1928, an economic crisis hit the city and the situation of Jews took a turn for the worst. Under the Japanese occupation (1931-1945) the Jewish community was persecuted and its freedom was limited. After WWII, Jews emigrated from the city until organized Jewish life in Harbin came to an end altogether.
Leaf: 25X39 cm. Fair condition. The bottom of the leaf is torn along its entire width and reinforced with adhesive tape. Open and closed tears, some restored with paper strips. Pinholes. Stains. Folding marks.
The leaf is not recorded in the NLI catalog nor in the OCLC.
Category
Persian, Indian and Far Eastern Jewry - Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $1,200
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Volume of booklets handwritten by R. Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach HaKohen of Modena - sermons he delivered to his community on various occasions. [Italy, Modena? 18th century].
Handwritten by the author, with deletions and many marginal additions. The volume comprises 5 booklets; an additional booklet is enclosed. The booklets are bound with their original paper covers. The details of the sermon with the author’s initials - "Sh.Y.M.K." = Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach Kohen, appear on the covers and first page of each booklet. To the best of our knowledge, these sermons were never published.
The booklets contain the following sermons (in order of binding): "Sermon for Chanukah regarding the virtue of Torah and Torah supporters, in honor of the Talmud Torah society of Busseto, by me, Sh.Y.M.K.", "Sermon for a circumcision on Parashat Tazria, by me, Sh.Y.M.K", "Sermon for Parashat Balak and the 17th of Tammuz, by me, Sh.Y.M.K.", "Sermon for the seventh day of Pesach, by me, Sh.Y.M.K., also appropriate for Parashat Beshalach", "Sermon for a circumcision on Parashat Behar Sinai". Separate booklet: "Sermon for Shabbat Parashat Chukat, by me Sh.Y.M.K".
R. Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach HaKohen, who customarily signed his name with the acronym "Sh.Y.M.K.", was an Italian Torah scholar in the 18th century, rabbi, educator and preacher in Modena and the surroundings. Not much information is known about him, apart from his extant sermons and compositions, which disclose his Torah preeminence and erudition both in revealed and hidden realms of the Torah. He was born ca. 1740. Most of his extant works consist of his sermons. His first sermon known to us, delivered in Brescello, is dated 1769 (see: Mikavtze’el, Chevrat Ahavat Shalom, issue 31, p. 519). There is a manuscript in the Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary (Ms. Kaufmann A 163), which includes novellae sent from a rabbi in "Mantua, 1769" to "Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach HaKohen, teacher in Brescello". In the 1790s, he was active in Modena and delivered sermons there. The last date mentioned in his writings is the year 1795 (see: Mikavtze’el, ibid). He also authored a booklet of prayers and segulot, and this indicates that he engaged in practical kabbalah. One of the amulets is introduced as follows: "Text of a amulet which I, Sh.Y.M.K., instituted and wrote, for a Jew from Colorno who was imprisoned… and praise G-d he derived much benefit from it, as he testified after he was released a year before the designated time" (Mikavtze’el, ibid). The sermons in these booklets are replete with thoughts and commentaries, drawn from the Bible, Midrash and kabbalah. In the sermon for the seventh day of Pesach (p. 86), R. Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach quotes teachings from the kabbalist R. Shimshon Chaim Nachmani of Modena, the Zera Shimshon, with the following introductory words: "From what my master and teacher wrote on this topic, in his delightful book Zera Shimshon…". This discloses that R. Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach was a disciple of the Zera Shimshon.
6 booklets (5 are bound together in a new binding, with their original paper covers). Over one hundred written pages. 13-14 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear.
Handwritten by the author, with deletions and many marginal additions. The volume comprises 5 booklets; an additional booklet is enclosed. The booklets are bound with their original paper covers. The details of the sermon with the author’s initials - "Sh.Y.M.K." = Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach Kohen, appear on the covers and first page of each booklet. To the best of our knowledge, these sermons were never published.
The booklets contain the following sermons (in order of binding): "Sermon for Chanukah regarding the virtue of Torah and Torah supporters, in honor of the Talmud Torah society of Busseto, by me, Sh.Y.M.K.", "Sermon for a circumcision on Parashat Tazria, by me, Sh.Y.M.K", "Sermon for Parashat Balak and the 17th of Tammuz, by me, Sh.Y.M.K.", "Sermon for the seventh day of Pesach, by me, Sh.Y.M.K., also appropriate for Parashat Beshalach", "Sermon for a circumcision on Parashat Behar Sinai". Separate booklet: "Sermon for Shabbat Parashat Chukat, by me Sh.Y.M.K".
R. Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach HaKohen, who customarily signed his name with the acronym "Sh.Y.M.K.", was an Italian Torah scholar in the 18th century, rabbi, educator and preacher in Modena and the surroundings. Not much information is known about him, apart from his extant sermons and compositions, which disclose his Torah preeminence and erudition both in revealed and hidden realms of the Torah. He was born ca. 1740. Most of his extant works consist of his sermons. His first sermon known to us, delivered in Brescello, is dated 1769 (see: Mikavtze’el, Chevrat Ahavat Shalom, issue 31, p. 519). There is a manuscript in the Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary (Ms. Kaufmann A 163), which includes novellae sent from a rabbi in "Mantua, 1769" to "Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach HaKohen, teacher in Brescello". In the 1790s, he was active in Modena and delivered sermons there. The last date mentioned in his writings is the year 1795 (see: Mikavtze’el, ibid). He also authored a booklet of prayers and segulot, and this indicates that he engaged in practical kabbalah. One of the amulets is introduced as follows: "Text of a amulet which I, Sh.Y.M.K., instituted and wrote, for a Jew from Colorno who was imprisoned… and praise G-d he derived much benefit from it, as he testified after he was released a year before the designated time" (Mikavtze’el, ibid). The sermons in these booklets are replete with thoughts and commentaries, drawn from the Bible, Midrash and kabbalah. In the sermon for the seventh day of Pesach (p. 86), R. Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach quotes teachings from the kabbalist R. Shimshon Chaim Nachmani of Modena, the Zera Shimshon, with the following introductory words: "From what my master and teacher wrote on this topic, in his delightful book Zera Shimshon…". This discloses that R. Shmuel Yehuda Matzliach was a disciple of the Zera Shimshon.
6 booklets (5 are bound together in a new binding, with their original paper covers). Over one hundred written pages. 13-14 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and wear.
Category
Italian Jewry - Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $550
Including buyer's premium
Ledger of the Mercy Society - Compagnia della Misericordia Israelitica, in Vercelli, Italy, [1901-1929].
Ledger, oblong elephant folio (49X58 cm). Printed title page. Original binding. The name of the society is lettered in gilt on the front cover. The ledger is comprised of folded leaves, which open up to nearly double the size. These leaves contain tables with printed headings, in which the details of numerous community members who passed away between 1772-1929 were filled in by hand: their names and fathers’ names, date of death and other details. The ledger is divided into Hebrew months (13 months, including the month of "VeAdar" - Adar II).
The ledger was prepared in 1901, as stated on the title page, and was then filled in with names of community members from 1772 until that time. Additional records were added later, up until 1929.
The Mercy Society served as a burial society, and the ledger records contributions donated in memory of the deceased, as well as various other pledges: lamps in the synagogue, the recital of Psalms and memorial services, synagogue torches, fasts and others.
[14] leaves. Including 13 folded leaves. Heavy stock paper. Height of binding: 49 cm. Width of binding: 58 cm. Size of leaves, unfolded: 56X85 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Damage and tears to binding and endpapers.
Ledger, oblong elephant folio (49X58 cm). Printed title page. Original binding. The name of the society is lettered in gilt on the front cover. The ledger is comprised of folded leaves, which open up to nearly double the size. These leaves contain tables with printed headings, in which the details of numerous community members who passed away between 1772-1929 were filled in by hand: their names and fathers’ names, date of death and other details. The ledger is divided into Hebrew months (13 months, including the month of "VeAdar" - Adar II).
The ledger was prepared in 1901, as stated on the title page, and was then filled in with names of community members from 1772 until that time. Additional records were added later, up until 1929.
The Mercy Society served as a burial society, and the ledger records contributions donated in memory of the deceased, as well as various other pledges: lamps in the synagogue, the recital of Psalms and memorial services, synagogue torches, fasts and others.
[14] leaves. Including 13 folded leaves. Heavy stock paper. Height of binding: 49 cm. Width of binding: 58 cm. Size of leaves, unfolded: 56X85 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Damage and tears to binding and endpapers.
Category
Italian Jewry - Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Unsold
Kehunat Avraham, poetic commentary to the five books of Tehillim, with Eleh Bnei Ketura - The Song of Creation in rhyming verses, six parts, by R. Avraham son of Shabtai HaKohen of Zante (Zakynthos). Venice, [1719]. Seven title pages. Individual title page for each of the six parts.
At the beginning of the book, a general title page for all parts of the book, featuring many illustrations. The title pages of the first five parts are illustrated with trumpet-bearing angels. Title page of Part I: Signature of R. Ben Tzion Ghirondi, and signatures of his son R. Mordechai Shmuel, who signed with his acronym: "HaGeSheM", and with his full signature: "Mordechai Shmuel son of my father, the wise and sage R. Ben Tzion Ghirondi". Another ownership inscription on the front endpaper: "For Avraham as possession, Avraham HaKohen of Głogów, Abraham Cohn - Posen" (author of Be’er Avraham, Poznań 1896). The preceding page contains rhyming verses in Italian script.
R. Mordechai Shmuel Ghirondi (1799-1852), rabbi of Padua, a kabbalist, bibliographer, teacher in the rabbinical seminary of Padua and researcher of the biographies of Italian rabbis. He served as rabbi of Padua since 1831, for 21 years. He composed several books on Halacha and ethics, yet is renowned primarily for his book Toldot Gedolei Yisrael U’Geonei Italia (Trieste, 1853). One of the leading Torah scholars of his generation praised his eminence in Kabbalah: "I have never seen anyone well-versed in Kabbalah like the kabbalist R. Mordechai Shmuel… Ghirondi". His son, R. Efraim Refael Ghirondi, describes his father: "A father to the poor… humble like Hillel, brought back many from sin… very well-versed in responsa and Halacha, rabbis of his time posed halachic questions to him, and his wise responsa to them are recorded in his book of responsa named Kevutzat Kesef which remains in manuscript…".
1, [1] leaves (lacking leaf [2] following title page, with author’s portrait), 2-8; 49; 40; 30 (lacking 4 leaves in Part IV - leaves 9-12, erroneously replaced with leaves 9-12 of Part V); 26; 64 leaves. General title page (of all six parts of the book) bound after title page of Part I. 20 cm. Good condition. Tear to title page of Part I, repaired. General title page mounted on paper for preservation. Inner margins of first three leaves reinforced with paper. Stains. Worming. Parchment binding, with minor damage.
At the beginning of the book, a general title page for all parts of the book, featuring many illustrations. The title pages of the first five parts are illustrated with trumpet-bearing angels. Title page of Part I: Signature of R. Ben Tzion Ghirondi, and signatures of his son R. Mordechai Shmuel, who signed with his acronym: "HaGeSheM", and with his full signature: "Mordechai Shmuel son of my father, the wise and sage R. Ben Tzion Ghirondi". Another ownership inscription on the front endpaper: "For Avraham as possession, Avraham HaKohen of Głogów, Abraham Cohn - Posen" (author of Be’er Avraham, Poznań 1896). The preceding page contains rhyming verses in Italian script.
R. Mordechai Shmuel Ghirondi (1799-1852), rabbi of Padua, a kabbalist, bibliographer, teacher in the rabbinical seminary of Padua and researcher of the biographies of Italian rabbis. He served as rabbi of Padua since 1831, for 21 years. He composed several books on Halacha and ethics, yet is renowned primarily for his book Toldot Gedolei Yisrael U’Geonei Italia (Trieste, 1853). One of the leading Torah scholars of his generation praised his eminence in Kabbalah: "I have never seen anyone well-versed in Kabbalah like the kabbalist R. Mordechai Shmuel… Ghirondi". His son, R. Efraim Refael Ghirondi, describes his father: "A father to the poor… humble like Hillel, brought back many from sin… very well-versed in responsa and Halacha, rabbis of his time posed halachic questions to him, and his wise responsa to them are recorded in his book of responsa named Kevutzat Kesef which remains in manuscript…".
1, [1] leaves (lacking leaf [2] following title page, with author’s portrait), 2-8; 49; 40; 30 (lacking 4 leaves in Part IV - leaves 9-12, erroneously replaced with leaves 9-12 of Part V); 26; 64 leaves. General title page (of all six parts of the book) bound after title page of Part I. 20 cm. Good condition. Tear to title page of Part I, repaired. General title page mounted on paper for preservation. Inner margins of first three leaves reinforced with paper. Stains. Worming. Parchment binding, with minor damage.
Category
Italian Jewry - Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $875
Including buyer's premium
Emet V’Emuna, textbook for youth in Hebrew and Italian, by R. Yitzchak Arobas. Venice, [1672]. Only edition. Hebrew and Italian.
Printed with: Hilchot Yom Tov - laws of festivals, Chol HaMoed and kashrut, compiled from the Shulchan Aruch with minor textual changes. Separate title page.
The beginning of the book Emet V’Emunah is based on Sefer HaMitzvot and on Rambam’s Thirteen Principles of Faith, and the second part is an abridged version of Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim. Hebrew original and Italian translation on separate pages.
Two poems in praise of the book are printed at the beginning of the book, one by R. Yaakov HaLevi and the other by the kabbalist R. Moshe Zacuto (the Remez). Further words of praise, by R. Shlomo Chai Saraval, at the end of Hilchot Yom Tov.
The author, R. Yitzchak Arobas, served as rabbi of Tétouan. He authored other works, including Zivchei Tzedek (Venice 1662) and several books in Spanish.
Two books in one volume. [320] leaves. 36 leaves. 10 cm. Light-colored, high-quality paper. Gilt edges. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Tears and wear to title page. Wormhole to approx. first 12 leaves, slightly affecting text. New binding.
Hilchot Yom Tov is recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book based on a photocopy, with 1670 as estimated year of printing. From this copy, it is apparent that both compositions were printed together in the same printing house.
Printed with: Hilchot Yom Tov - laws of festivals, Chol HaMoed and kashrut, compiled from the Shulchan Aruch with minor textual changes. Separate title page.
The beginning of the book Emet V’Emunah is based on Sefer HaMitzvot and on Rambam’s Thirteen Principles of Faith, and the second part is an abridged version of Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim. Hebrew original and Italian translation on separate pages.
Two poems in praise of the book are printed at the beginning of the book, one by R. Yaakov HaLevi and the other by the kabbalist R. Moshe Zacuto (the Remez). Further words of praise, by R. Shlomo Chai Saraval, at the end of Hilchot Yom Tov.
The author, R. Yitzchak Arobas, served as rabbi of Tétouan. He authored other works, including Zivchei Tzedek (Venice 1662) and several books in Spanish.
Two books in one volume. [320] leaves. 36 leaves. 10 cm. Light-colored, high-quality paper. Gilt edges. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Tears and wear to title page. Wormhole to approx. first 12 leaves, slightly affecting text. New binding.
Hilchot Yom Tov is recorded in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book based on a photocopy, with 1670 as estimated year of printing. From this copy, it is apparent that both compositions were printed together in the same printing house.
Category
Italian Jewry - Manuscripts and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Unsold
Emissary letter for R. Baruch Pinto, leaving on a mission to Sefrou, Morocco, on behalf of the Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists in Jerusalem. Signed by the yeshiva dean - R. Yedidia Refael Abulafia (HaRav HaYareh), and other leading kabbalists of the Beit El yeshiva. Jerusalem, 1865.
Neat script, with the calligraphic signatures of the leading kabbalists of Jerusalem: R. Refael Chai Yedidia Abulafia - dean of the Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists (including his stamp), R. Yosef Vital, R. Rachamim Chaim David Antebi, R. Yitzchak Calamaro, R. Aharon Pereira, and two other signatories.
The Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists, also known as Midrash HaChassidim or Kehal Chassidim, was founded in Jerusalem in 1737 by R. Gedalia Hayun, and was designated as a place for studying Kabbalah. Ever since, the kabbalists of Jerusalem have gathered to study there, directed by foremost kabbalists. Of particular prominence were R. Shalom Sharabi (the Rashash), who headed the yeshiva, and his successor R. Yom Tov Algazi. Reputedly, R. Gershon of Kitov - brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov, also studied there. Following the passing of R. Chaim Avraham Gagin in 1848, R. Yedidia Refael Abulafia (1806-1869), was appointed in his stead, a position he held until his passing. R. Abulafia’s disciples include the sons of Rebbe Moshe of Lelov; the Imrei Binah, rabbi of Jerusalem (who, following R. Abulafia’s advice, instituted the prohibition of playing musical instruments in Jerusalem); R. Shalom Moshe Chai Gagin, who succeeded him as dean of the Beit El yeshiva; and others. The kabbalists who signed this letter were amongst the elite of the yeshiva studying alongside R. Abulafia: R. Yitzchak Calamaro (d. 1884; edited the second edition of Nahar Shalom by the Rashash, as well as other kabbalistic works. The Jerusalem 1866 edition of Etz Chaim includes his notes), R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira (author of Toldot Aharon UMoshe and other books. See item 260), R. Yosef Bechor Vital (published some of R. Chaim Vital’s Shemonah She’arim in 1866, together with his colleague R. Yitzchak Calamaro), R. Rachamim Chaim David Antebi (d. 1874, see: LiKedoshim Asher BaAretz, Jerusalem 2009, section 508, p. 262), and others.
The emissary, R. Baruch Pinto, travelled to the Maghreb several times on behalf of the yeshiva, and was "renowned for his wisdom". He died in 1893 at the young age of fifty-two, and was eulogized by R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashsar (see: Avraham Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 736-737).
[1] leaf. 30 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, folding marks. Minute tears to margins and folding marks (slightly affecting one letter).
Neat script, with the calligraphic signatures of the leading kabbalists of Jerusalem: R. Refael Chai Yedidia Abulafia - dean of the Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists (including his stamp), R. Yosef Vital, R. Rachamim Chaim David Antebi, R. Yitzchak Calamaro, R. Aharon Pereira, and two other signatories.
The Beit El yeshiva of kabbalists, also known as Midrash HaChassidim or Kehal Chassidim, was founded in Jerusalem in 1737 by R. Gedalia Hayun, and was designated as a place for studying Kabbalah. Ever since, the kabbalists of Jerusalem have gathered to study there, directed by foremost kabbalists. Of particular prominence were R. Shalom Sharabi (the Rashash), who headed the yeshiva, and his successor R. Yom Tov Algazi. Reputedly, R. Gershon of Kitov - brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov, also studied there. Following the passing of R. Chaim Avraham Gagin in 1848, R. Yedidia Refael Abulafia (1806-1869), was appointed in his stead, a position he held until his passing. R. Abulafia’s disciples include the sons of Rebbe Moshe of Lelov; the Imrei Binah, rabbi of Jerusalem (who, following R. Abulafia’s advice, instituted the prohibition of playing musical instruments in Jerusalem); R. Shalom Moshe Chai Gagin, who succeeded him as dean of the Beit El yeshiva; and others. The kabbalists who signed this letter were amongst the elite of the yeshiva studying alongside R. Abulafia: R. Yitzchak Calamaro (d. 1884; edited the second edition of Nahar Shalom by the Rashash, as well as other kabbalistic works. The Jerusalem 1866 edition of Etz Chaim includes his notes), R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Pereira (author of Toldot Aharon UMoshe and other books. See item 260), R. Yosef Bechor Vital (published some of R. Chaim Vital’s Shemonah She’arim in 1866, together with his colleague R. Yitzchak Calamaro), R. Rachamim Chaim David Antebi (d. 1874, see: LiKedoshim Asher BaAretz, Jerusalem 2009, section 508, p. 262), and others.
The emissary, R. Baruch Pinto, travelled to the Maghreb several times on behalf of the yeshiva, and was "renowned for his wisdom". He died in 1893 at the young age of fifty-two, and was eulogized by R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashsar (see: Avraham Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 736-737).
[1] leaf. 30 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, folding marks. Minute tears to margins and folding marks (slightly affecting one letter).
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Unsold
Letter, decorated with calligraphic script in color - congratulations from the deans of the Doresh Tzion yeshiva in Jerusalem, on the occasion of the wedding of the daughter of the philanthropist R. Naftali Prague, to the son of R. Gumpel Edinger. Signed by three Jerusalem Torah scholars, disciples of the Chatam Sofer. Jerusalem, Iyar [1874]. Hebrew and Yiddish. Signatures in Hebrew and German.
The letter is signed by: R. "Yitzchak [Oplatka] of Prague - Isak Prager", R. "Yonah Leib Mendlsohn" and R. "Aharon Moshe Baumgarten".
R. Yitzchak Oplatka of Prague (1819-1900, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 240-241), a disciple of the Chatam Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, immigrated in his youth to Jerusalem in 1838 where he married the daughter of R. Baruch Ayash, a Sephardic Torah scholar in the city. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and communal worker. He authored Pri Yitzchak (Jerusalem, 1909). He was a dean of the Doresh Tzion yeshiva, which he founded in 1866 together with his colleagues R. Yonah Leib Mendlsohn-Lebel and R. Moshe Aharon Baumgarten.
R. Yonah Leib Mendlsohn-Lebel (1816-1886, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 191-192), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He immigrated in his youth to Jerusalem in 1836, and was one of the founders of the Hungarian Kollel - Shomrei HaChomot. He travelled abroad several times as emissary of the Kollel.
R. Moshe Aharon Baumgarten (1812-1877, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 55-57), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He studied under R. Mordechai Banet in Nikolsburg and R. Baruch Fränkel in Leipnik. He immigrated in his youth to Safed in 1834, and following the 1837 earthquake, relocated to Jerusalem. He was one of the founders of Hungarian Kollel and of the Chatam Sofer yeshiva, established in the memory of his saintly teacher.
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Thin, bluish paper. Good condition. Minor creases and stains. Wear to lower margin.
The letter is signed by: R. "Yitzchak [Oplatka] of Prague - Isak Prager", R. "Yonah Leib Mendlsohn" and R. "Aharon Moshe Baumgarten".
R. Yitzchak Oplatka of Prague (1819-1900, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 240-241), a disciple of the Chatam Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva, immigrated in his youth to Jerusalem in 1838 where he married the daughter of R. Baruch Ayash, a Sephardic Torah scholar in the city. He was an outstanding Torah scholar and communal worker. He authored Pri Yitzchak (Jerusalem, 1909). He was a dean of the Doresh Tzion yeshiva, which he founded in 1866 together with his colleagues R. Yonah Leib Mendlsohn-Lebel and R. Moshe Aharon Baumgarten.
R. Yonah Leib Mendlsohn-Lebel (1816-1886, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 191-192), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He immigrated in his youth to Jerusalem in 1836, and was one of the founders of the Hungarian Kollel - Shomrei HaChomot. He travelled abroad several times as emissary of the Kollel.
R. Moshe Aharon Baumgarten (1812-1877, HaChatam Sofer VeTalmidav, pp. 55-57), disciple of the Chatam Sofer. He studied under R. Mordechai Banet in Nikolsburg and R. Baruch Fränkel in Leipnik. He immigrated in his youth to Safed in 1834, and following the 1837 earthquake, relocated to Jerusalem. He was one of the founders of Hungarian Kollel and of the Chatam Sofer yeshiva, established in the memory of his saintly teacher.
[1] leaf. 26.5 cm. Thin, bluish paper. Good condition. Minor creases and stains. Wear to lower margin.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Letter from Sir Moses Montefiore, addressed to the rabbis of Jerusalem - the chief rabbi R. Avraham Ashkenazi, R. Meir Auerbach and R. Shmuel Salant. Ramsgate (England), 1878.
Written by a scribe on official stationery. Signed by Montefiore in Hebrew and English
The letter relates to donations for the needy of Eretz Israel, received by Montefiore from charity organizations in the United States.
[1] leaf. 25 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Folding marks.
Written by a scribe on official stationery. Signed by Montefiore in Hebrew and English
The letter relates to donations for the needy of Eretz Israel, received by Montefiore from charity organizations in the United States.
[1] leaf. 25 cm. Good condition. A few stains. Folding marks.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $375
Including buyer's premium
Two letters, with the signatures of dozens of rabbis and members of the Ashkenazi-Chassidic community in Tiberias, 19th century:
• Letter with the signatures of 52 community members in Tiberias. Response to the slander publicized in the press abroad regarding the Linat Tzedek Bikur Cholim society. Tiberias, Tevet 1898. On verso, letter handwritten and signed by the rabbi of the city, R. Yechiel Michel Heilprin (1857-1909. Immigrated to Tiberias in 1880, appointed rabbi of Tiberias in 1896).
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 25.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears and repairs. Stains.
• Letter with the signatures of 4 rabbis, addressed to the Pekidim and Amarkalim in Amsterdam. Request on behalf of the widow and orphans of R. Yeshaya of Dzikov. Tiberias, Cheshvan 1889. Signed by R. Avraham Tzvi HaLevi Rabbi of Tiberias (originally rabbi of Niamtz. Immigrated to Tiberias in 1856. Passed away in Kislev 1894 and was buried in the section of the Baal Shem Tov’s disciples, close to the gravesite of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk). With the signatures of the administrators of the charity funds in the city: R. Yaakov son of R. Yitzchak Eizik (administrator of Kollel Volhyn), R. Yechiel Aharon son of R. Mordechai Avraham (1844-1928, a Karlin Chassid, head of Kollel Volhyn, son of R. Mordechai Avraham of Chmelnik, a disciple of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin) and R. Itamar son of R. Tzvi Ze’ev (R. Itamar of Seret, 1847-1907, administrator of Kollel Austria).
[1] leaf. 26 cm. Good-fair condition. Marginal wear and tears, affecting text.
• Letter with the signatures of 52 community members in Tiberias. Response to the slander publicized in the press abroad regarding the Linat Tzedek Bikur Cholim society. Tiberias, Tevet 1898. On verso, letter handwritten and signed by the rabbi of the city, R. Yechiel Michel Heilprin (1857-1909. Immigrated to Tiberias in 1880, appointed rabbi of Tiberias in 1896).
[1] leaf (written on both sides). 25.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears and repairs. Stains.
• Letter with the signatures of 4 rabbis, addressed to the Pekidim and Amarkalim in Amsterdam. Request on behalf of the widow and orphans of R. Yeshaya of Dzikov. Tiberias, Cheshvan 1889. Signed by R. Avraham Tzvi HaLevi Rabbi of Tiberias (originally rabbi of Niamtz. Immigrated to Tiberias in 1856. Passed away in Kislev 1894 and was buried in the section of the Baal Shem Tov’s disciples, close to the gravesite of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk). With the signatures of the administrators of the charity funds in the city: R. Yaakov son of R. Yitzchak Eizik (administrator of Kollel Volhyn), R. Yechiel Aharon son of R. Mordechai Avraham (1844-1928, a Karlin Chassid, head of Kollel Volhyn, son of R. Mordechai Avraham of Chmelnik, a disciple of R. Yisrael of Ruzhin) and R. Itamar son of R. Tzvi Ze’ev (R. Itamar of Seret, 1847-1907, administrator of Kollel Austria).
[1] leaf. 26 cm. Good-fair condition. Marginal wear and tears, affecting text.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Sold for: $450
Including buyer's premium
Letter signed by rabbis and Torah scholars of Safed, addressed to R. Zadoc Kahn - chief rabbi of Paris and France, requesting he persuade his friend Baron Rothschild to come to their assistance. [Safed, before 1905].
Written by a scribe, with the calligraphic signatures of the Torah scholars of Safed: R. Moshe Maman (1838-1909, rabbi of Safed), R. Eliyahu Rachamim Antebi (1852-1920, preacher, Safed Torah scholar, born in Safed to R. Shabtai who was renowned for his holiness and righteousness, and was dubbed by the people "Mashiach"), R. Aharon Maman, R. Yitzchak HaLevi, R. Chaim Edery, R. Yehuda Ibghi, R. Nachman Abbou, R. Meir Barsheshet (emissary of Safed), R. Eliyahu Abitboul, and another signatory.
In their letter, the Torah scholars of Safed report that during his visit to Safed (in 1887), Baron Rothschild acceded to their request to open a boys’ school, yet the school which was established did not meet their needs - providing the students with a means of supporting themselves: "the students graduate knowing how to write a little Arabic and French, yet our main objective has not been fulfilled, since they have not acquired a profession…". The rabbis ask R. Kahn, as a close friend of Baron Rothschild in Paris, to prevail upon him to specifically found a vocational school.
On verso, a declaration from the Beit Din of Sefardim and Ashkenazim, attesting that they second the request of "the honored rabbis, notables of Safed". This passage is not signed (the letter may have never been sent).
[1] leaf. Approx. 28 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears. Folding marks.
Written by a scribe, with the calligraphic signatures of the Torah scholars of Safed: R. Moshe Maman (1838-1909, rabbi of Safed), R. Eliyahu Rachamim Antebi (1852-1920, preacher, Safed Torah scholar, born in Safed to R. Shabtai who was renowned for his holiness and righteousness, and was dubbed by the people "Mashiach"), R. Aharon Maman, R. Yitzchak HaLevi, R. Chaim Edery, R. Yehuda Ibghi, R. Nachman Abbou, R. Meir Barsheshet (emissary of Safed), R. Eliyahu Abitboul, and another signatory.
In their letter, the Torah scholars of Safed report that during his visit to Safed (in 1887), Baron Rothschild acceded to their request to open a boys’ school, yet the school which was established did not meet their needs - providing the students with a means of supporting themselves: "the students graduate knowing how to write a little Arabic and French, yet our main objective has not been fulfilled, since they have not acquired a profession…". The rabbis ask R. Kahn, as a close friend of Baron Rothschild in Paris, to prevail upon him to specifically found a vocational school.
On verso, a declaration from the Beit Din of Sefardim and Ashkenazim, attesting that they second the request of "the honored rabbis, notables of Safed". This passage is not signed (the letter may have never been sent).
[1] leaf. Approx. 28 cm. Fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Tears. Folding marks.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $300
Unsold
Letter signed and stamped by the rabbis and administrators of the Sephardic community in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Adar II 1913.
Addressed to R. Chaim Moshe Benaim, rabbi of Gibraltar - appeal for his assistance for the Kimcha DePischa campaign on behalf of the poor of Jerusalem - "To distribute matzot to some ten thousand individuals".
The letter is signed by: R. Moshe Franco (chief rabbi), R. Chananya Gabriel, R. Yosef Mordechai HaLevi, the banker Chaim Aharon Valero, R. Yosef HaLevi and R. David Papo.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Good condition. Light stains.
Addressed to R. Chaim Moshe Benaim, rabbi of Gibraltar - appeal for his assistance for the Kimcha DePischa campaign on behalf of the poor of Jerusalem - "To distribute matzot to some ten thousand individuals".
The letter is signed by: R. Moshe Franco (chief rabbi), R. Chananya Gabriel, R. Yosef Mordechai HaLevi, the banker Chaim Aharon Valero, R. Yosef HaLevi and R. David Papo.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 27.5 cm. Good condition. Light stains.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue
Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art
March 31, 2020
Opening: $400
Sold for: $525
Including buyer's premium
Two letters handwritten and signed by R. Shmuel Mohilever Rabbi of Białystok, regarding his various travels for the purpose of communal matters and the settlement of Eretz Israel. 1880s.
• Letter regarding his journey to Paris, addressed to R. Mordechai Altschuler. Frankfurt am Main, Tevet 1886.
• Letter addressed to R. Avraham Grünberg, about his projected visit to Eretz Israel. [Białystok? Kislev 1889]. "…regarding the trip to Eretz Israel, immediately after Pesach. The honored gentlemen who participated in this journey, is their desire strong also today… the benefit which will sprout from this for the residents of the Holy land is inestimable, and especially for the new colonies…".
R. Shmuel Mohilever (1824-1898), a leading rabbi in his times. He was one of the founders of the Chovevei Tzion movement, a patron of the colonies in Eretz Israel and one of the fathers of religious Zionism. In 1890, he travelled from Odessa to Eretz Israel at the head of the Chovevei Tzion delegation, whose objective was to assess the situation of the colonies in Eretz Israel (this is the trip he refers to in the second letter).
2 letters. Size and condition vary. Overall good to good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
• Letter regarding his journey to Paris, addressed to R. Mordechai Altschuler. Frankfurt am Main, Tevet 1886.
• Letter addressed to R. Avraham Grünberg, about his projected visit to Eretz Israel. [Białystok? Kislev 1889]. "…regarding the trip to Eretz Israel, immediately after Pesach. The honored gentlemen who participated in this journey, is their desire strong also today… the benefit which will sprout from this for the residents of the Holy land is inestimable, and especially for the new colonies…".
R. Shmuel Mohilever (1824-1898), a leading rabbi in his times. He was one of the founders of the Chovevei Tzion movement, a patron of the colonies in Eretz Israel and one of the fathers of religious Zionism. In 1890, he travelled from Odessa to Eretz Israel at the head of the Chovevei Tzion delegation, whose objective was to assess the situation of the colonies in Eretz Israel (this is the trip he refers to in the second letter).
2 letters. Size and condition vary. Overall good to good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
Category
Eretz Israel and Jerusalem - Letters, Documents and Books
Catalogue