Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
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Displaying 121 - 132 of 143
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $800
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $1,188
Including buyer's premium
Draft of a lengthy letter (two pages), by Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn – Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch. [Brooklyn NY], Erev Sukkot 1941.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Rebbe Rayatz, with several lines and emendations handwritten by the Rebbe.
The letter was written following an appeal by the Jewish Education Committee to Jewish parents in New York to enroll their children in Jewish religious schools. In his letter, addressed to Supreme Justice Rosenman, who served as president of the Committee, the Rebbe expresses his concerns about the educational institutes whose curricula do not conform with the traditional Jewish education and whose staff do not believe in G-d and the Torah: "As their teachers… are often nothing other than plain heretics who have no faith in G-d and do not observe His precepts and even mock the Jewish traditional customs". Further in the letter, the Rebbe describes the tremendous influence of an educator on his students, and calls the attention of the Jewish Education Committee to the two following objectives: "a) To improve the curricula… so that the Jewish boys and girls obtain a thorough knowledge of the true Jewish way of life, of our precepts and laws; and b) To maintain control of the teaching staffs with a view to ensuring that the teachers are observant Jews and Jewesses, and are approved as such".
The rebbe concludes the letter with blessings for Justice Rosenman: "The Almighty will surely reward you and bless you generously in material and spiritual matters".
At the foot of the first leaf, the rebbe crossed out several lines, and reformulated them in his handwriting: " Any teacher and educator – both men and women – in whose hands Jewish children were entrusted, to teach religion, ethics and Jewish way of life, their general attitude towards the observance of the practical precepts affects the lives of the students, since their influence leaves it's mark on the entire future of the student" (the emphasized words were added in his handwriting).
The English translation of this letter was printed in Igrot Kodesh of Rebbe Rayatz (Vol. VI, 1942, letter 1556), with the following footnote: "Copied from the secretary's copy, which is marked at the top 'translation', meaning the Hebrew original (which is not in our possession) was sent to him together with the English translation". This is therefore the draft of the original Hebrew letter, before it was translated to English, and it was not available to the compilers of Igrot Kodesh.
Samuel Irving Rosenman (1896-1973), lawyer and judge. Democratic Party activist and senior advisor of Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. First White House Counsel in 1943-1946.
[2] leaves, official stationery. Leaf 1: 28 cm; leaf 2: 18 cm (lacking bottom part). Good condition. Creases and foxing (paperclip marks). Pinholes.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Rebbe Rayatz, with several lines and emendations handwritten by the Rebbe.
The letter was written following an appeal by the Jewish Education Committee to Jewish parents in New York to enroll their children in Jewish religious schools. In his letter, addressed to Supreme Justice Rosenman, who served as president of the Committee, the Rebbe expresses his concerns about the educational institutes whose curricula do not conform with the traditional Jewish education and whose staff do not believe in G-d and the Torah: "As their teachers… are often nothing other than plain heretics who have no faith in G-d and do not observe His precepts and even mock the Jewish traditional customs". Further in the letter, the Rebbe describes the tremendous influence of an educator on his students, and calls the attention of the Jewish Education Committee to the two following objectives: "a) To improve the curricula… so that the Jewish boys and girls obtain a thorough knowledge of the true Jewish way of life, of our precepts and laws; and b) To maintain control of the teaching staffs with a view to ensuring that the teachers are observant Jews and Jewesses, and are approved as such".
The rebbe concludes the letter with blessings for Justice Rosenman: "The Almighty will surely reward you and bless you generously in material and spiritual matters".
At the foot of the first leaf, the rebbe crossed out several lines, and reformulated them in his handwriting: " Any teacher and educator – both men and women – in whose hands Jewish children were entrusted, to teach religion, ethics and Jewish way of life, their general attitude towards the observance of the practical precepts affects the lives of the students, since their influence leaves it's mark on the entire future of the student" (the emphasized words were added in his handwriting).
The English translation of this letter was printed in Igrot Kodesh of Rebbe Rayatz (Vol. VI, 1942, letter 1556), with the following footnote: "Copied from the secretary's copy, which is marked at the top 'translation', meaning the Hebrew original (which is not in our possession) was sent to him together with the English translation". This is therefore the draft of the original Hebrew letter, before it was translated to English, and it was not available to the compilers of Igrot Kodesh.
Samuel Irving Rosenman (1896-1973), lawyer and judge. Democratic Party activist and senior advisor of Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. First White House Counsel in 1943-1946.
[2] leaves, official stationery. Leaf 1: 28 cm; leaf 2: 18 cm (lacking bottom part). Good condition. Creases and foxing (paperclip marks). Pinholes.
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $13,750
Including buyer's premium
Collection of letters, including some polemic and particularly lengthy ones, by Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch. Addressed to R. Aryeh Leib Gellman, president of the World Mizrachi Organization. Brooklyn NY, 1942-1949.
9 letters from Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, typewritten on the rebbe's official stationery, with his handwritten signature. Two letters include emendations and several words handwritten by the rebbe.
Two letters call to act firmly against the Jewish Agency, who was sending Orthodox Jewish orphans to irreligious kibbutzim. In his letter from 25th Av 1943 (erroneously dated 1941), the Rayatz addresses the leaders of the Mizrachi movement in the United States and asks them to join a general meeting, which would be attended by the rabbis and leaders of all Orthodox factions in the United States, to confer on a plan of action against the Jewish Agency, regarding the Teheran Children affair (the leaders of the Mizrachi movement decided not to attend the meeting, and did not even respond to the letter of the Rayatz. At the foot of the letter, the recipient, R. Aryeh Leib Gellman, noted: "The narrow committee – R. Berlin, R. Gold, Gedaliah Bublick, Hollander, Nadler – decided not to participate and not to respond"). Enclosed with this letter is a note from the secretary R. Chaim Lieberman, informing them on behalf of the Rayatz that the meeting was postponed by one day.
The letters dated 2nd Adar and 6th Nissan 1942 are polemic, sharp and several pages long, and contain severe censure of the activities of the Mizrachi movement during the Holocaust. The letter from 23rd Iyar 1942, which is particularly long, comprises 7 pages. It begins and ends with a polemic regarding the Mizrachi movement, yet most of it is an easy to understand explanation of the Chabad approach to the tenets of Judaism, accompanied with stories. Four of the letters consist of requests from the heads of Mizrachi to apply to the leaders of the Joint for significant funding to benefit Russian Jewry and war survivors. The letter from Tammuz 1949 bears the famous signature of the Rayatz in the final year of his life, with the letter Yud in Ashuri script, with the addition of several words in his handwriting: "All goodness in material and spiritual matters".
Enclosed with some letters are copies of the recipient's question or response to the letters of the Rayatz.
All the letters were published in the Igrot Kodesh of Rebbe Rayatz series, most with the omission of the name of the recipient.
24 paper items (letters from Rebbe Rayatz: 18 leaves). 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
9 letters from Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch, typewritten on the rebbe's official stationery, with his handwritten signature. Two letters include emendations and several words handwritten by the rebbe.
Two letters call to act firmly against the Jewish Agency, who was sending Orthodox Jewish orphans to irreligious kibbutzim. In his letter from 25th Av 1943 (erroneously dated 1941), the Rayatz addresses the leaders of the Mizrachi movement in the United States and asks them to join a general meeting, which would be attended by the rabbis and leaders of all Orthodox factions in the United States, to confer on a plan of action against the Jewish Agency, regarding the Teheran Children affair (the leaders of the Mizrachi movement decided not to attend the meeting, and did not even respond to the letter of the Rayatz. At the foot of the letter, the recipient, R. Aryeh Leib Gellman, noted: "The narrow committee – R. Berlin, R. Gold, Gedaliah Bublick, Hollander, Nadler – decided not to participate and not to respond"). Enclosed with this letter is a note from the secretary R. Chaim Lieberman, informing them on behalf of the Rayatz that the meeting was postponed by one day.
The letters dated 2nd Adar and 6th Nissan 1942 are polemic, sharp and several pages long, and contain severe censure of the activities of the Mizrachi movement during the Holocaust. The letter from 23rd Iyar 1942, which is particularly long, comprises 7 pages. It begins and ends with a polemic regarding the Mizrachi movement, yet most of it is an easy to understand explanation of the Chabad approach to the tenets of Judaism, accompanied with stories. Four of the letters consist of requests from the heads of Mizrachi to apply to the leaders of the Joint for significant funding to benefit Russian Jewry and war survivors. The letter from Tammuz 1949 bears the famous signature of the Rayatz in the final year of his life, with the letter Yud in Ashuri script, with the addition of several words in his handwriting: "All goodness in material and spiritual matters".
Enclosed with some letters are copies of the recipient's question or response to the letters of the Rayatz.
All the letters were published in the Igrot Kodesh of Rebbe Rayatz series, most with the omission of the name of the recipient.
24 paper items (letters from Rebbe Rayatz: 18 leaves). 28 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Collection of letters from the archive of R. Aryeh Leib Gellman, president of the World Mizrachi Organization: letters on various topics from Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch; letter of condolences from the latter's son-in-law, the Lubavitcher Rebbe; extensive correspondence with R. Shemaryahu Gurary regarding Chabad institutions; letters from rabbis and public figures. Latvia, United States, Eretz Israel, 1933-1964.
The collection includes:
• 5 letters from Rebbe Rayatz, typewritten on the official stationery of the rebbe, with his handwritten signature.
Contents of these letters: a request from R. Aryeh Leib Gellman to raise donations amounting to 500 dollars in his town of St. Louis, for the various branches of the Tomchei Temimim yeshivot in Poland, Lithuania and Latvia (presumably never printed); an invitation to the wedding of the rebbe's youngest daughter Shaina Horenstein; wedding congratulations; telegram with good year wishes for Rosh Hashanah 1942; letter from 1943 requesting that the Mizrachi send representatives to recite Psalms at King David's tomb (presumably never printed. Enclosed with the letter is a copy of a general letter on the matter).
• Letter of condolences from the Lubavitcher Rebbe upon the passing of R. Gellman's wife, written on Erev Sukkot 1964, with the addition of 9 words handwritten by the rebbe. The rebbe writes: "Following the first letter from this day" (the rebbe is referring to another letter he wrote to him on the same day, which is not present in this collection, in which he thanks him for his condolences upon the passing of his mother Rebbetzin Chana on 6th Tishrei 1964).
The collection also includes:
13 interesting letters from R. Shemaryahu Gurary, addressed to R. Aryeh Leib Gellman, from 1942-1948, disclosing the friction between Chabad and the Mizrachi movement in the United States, and on the other hand the covert ties between them (despite their different worldviews); 9 copies of letters sent by R. Aryeh Leib Gellman to R. Shemaryahu Gurary, from 1944-1947 (one letter is in two copies); 3 letters of congratulations, dated Elul 1951, on the occasion of the wedding of R. Gellman's son, from: R. Tzvi Yehuda HaKohen Kook, the Rishon LeTzion R. Ben Tzion Meir Chai Uziel and the chief rabbi R. Isser Yehuda Unterman; letter of congratulations on the occasion of the birth of a granddaughter, from R. Isser Yehuda Unterman; letter of condolences from R. Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik of Boston (aerogram); 3 letters from the minister Chaim-Moshe Shapira; brief letter on a visiting card, from the minister Bechor-Shalom Sheetrit; letter of condolences from Zalman Shazar, third president of Israel, and more.
46 paper items (including 5 letters signed by Rebbe Rayatz and one letter signed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe). Size varies. Overall good condition.
The collection includes:
• 5 letters from Rebbe Rayatz, typewritten on the official stationery of the rebbe, with his handwritten signature.
Contents of these letters: a request from R. Aryeh Leib Gellman to raise donations amounting to 500 dollars in his town of St. Louis, for the various branches of the Tomchei Temimim yeshivot in Poland, Lithuania and Latvia (presumably never printed); an invitation to the wedding of the rebbe's youngest daughter Shaina Horenstein; wedding congratulations; telegram with good year wishes for Rosh Hashanah 1942; letter from 1943 requesting that the Mizrachi send representatives to recite Psalms at King David's tomb (presumably never printed. Enclosed with the letter is a copy of a general letter on the matter).
• Letter of condolences from the Lubavitcher Rebbe upon the passing of R. Gellman's wife, written on Erev Sukkot 1964, with the addition of 9 words handwritten by the rebbe. The rebbe writes: "Following the first letter from this day" (the rebbe is referring to another letter he wrote to him on the same day, which is not present in this collection, in which he thanks him for his condolences upon the passing of his mother Rebbetzin Chana on 6th Tishrei 1964).
The collection also includes:
13 interesting letters from R. Shemaryahu Gurary, addressed to R. Aryeh Leib Gellman, from 1942-1948, disclosing the friction between Chabad and the Mizrachi movement in the United States, and on the other hand the covert ties between them (despite their different worldviews); 9 copies of letters sent by R. Aryeh Leib Gellman to R. Shemaryahu Gurary, from 1944-1947 (one letter is in two copies); 3 letters of congratulations, dated Elul 1951, on the occasion of the wedding of R. Gellman's son, from: R. Tzvi Yehuda HaKohen Kook, the Rishon LeTzion R. Ben Tzion Meir Chai Uziel and the chief rabbi R. Isser Yehuda Unterman; letter of congratulations on the occasion of the birth of a granddaughter, from R. Isser Yehuda Unterman; letter of condolences from R. Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik of Boston (aerogram); 3 letters from the minister Chaim-Moshe Shapira; brief letter on a visiting card, from the minister Bechor-Shalom Sheetrit; letter of condolences from Zalman Shazar, third president of Israel, and more.
46 paper items (including 5 letters signed by Rebbe Rayatz and one letter signed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe). Size varies. Overall good condition.
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $4,000
Including buyer's premium
Letter of good year wishes, signed by Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneersohn, with the signatures of her two sons-in-law – Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Lubavitch and R. Shemaryahu Gurary: "With the approach of the new year… we hereby bless him and his family with a good inscription and sealing for a good and sweet year, both in material and spiritual matters". Brooklyn NY, Elul 1950.
Typewritten on the Rebbetzin's official stationery; hand signed by the Rebbetzin and her two sons-in-law. The letter was written in Elul 1950, within the year of mourning of her husband, Rebbe Rayatz, who passed away on 10th Shevat 1950. Over the course of that year, the Rebbetzin wrote several letters to Chabad Chassidim, which she signed together with her two sons-in-law – the signature of her eldest son-in-law R. Shemarya Gurary appearing on the right, and the signature of her younger son-in-law R. Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, future Lubavitcher Rebbe, on the left (he was only officially appointed rebbe at the end of the year of mourning, on 10th Shevat 1951).
Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneersohn (1881-1971), wife of Rebbe Rayatz. She was the daughter of R. Avraham Schneersohn of Kishinev, son of Rebbe Yisrael Noach of Niezhin, son of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Their wedding took place in Elul 1897. She was devotedly involved in her husband's monumental work. When her husband was arrested by the communists in 1927, she deftly and courageously orchestrated his release, at peril of her life.
Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Lubavitch – the Lubavitcher Rebbe (1902-1994), seventh rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty. He was the son of R. Levi Yitzchak Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav, sixth generation patrilineal descendant of the Tzemach Tzedek.
R. Shemaryahu Gurary (1898-1989), a close disciple of Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch, who chose him as husband for his granddaughter Chana, daughter of Rebbe Rayatz. He later served as the latter's close assistant.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Filing holes. Browning to part of leaf. Marginal open tear (not affecting text).
Typewritten on the Rebbetzin's official stationery; hand signed by the Rebbetzin and her two sons-in-law. The letter was written in Elul 1950, within the year of mourning of her husband, Rebbe Rayatz, who passed away on 10th Shevat 1950. Over the course of that year, the Rebbetzin wrote several letters to Chabad Chassidim, which she signed together with her two sons-in-law – the signature of her eldest son-in-law R. Shemarya Gurary appearing on the right, and the signature of her younger son-in-law R. Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, future Lubavitcher Rebbe, on the left (he was only officially appointed rebbe at the end of the year of mourning, on 10th Shevat 1951).
Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneersohn (1881-1971), wife of Rebbe Rayatz. She was the daughter of R. Avraham Schneersohn of Kishinev, son of Rebbe Yisrael Noach of Niezhin, son of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Their wedding took place in Elul 1897. She was devotedly involved in her husband's monumental work. When her husband was arrested by the communists in 1927, she deftly and courageously orchestrated his release, at peril of her life.
Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Lubavitch – the Lubavitcher Rebbe (1902-1994), seventh rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty. He was the son of R. Levi Yitzchak Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav, sixth generation patrilineal descendant of the Tzemach Tzedek.
R. Shemaryahu Gurary (1898-1989), a close disciple of Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch, who chose him as husband for his granddaughter Chana, daughter of Rebbe Rayatz. He later served as the latter's close assistant.
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Filing holes. Browning to part of leaf. Marginal open tear (not affecting text).
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $800
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter from Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with his signature. Brooklyn NY, 25th Tevet 1951. Written two weeks before his appointment as rebbe on 10th Shevat 1951.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Merkos L'Inyanei Chinuch (which the rebbe headed since its founding in 1941, upon his immigration to the United States), with the signature of the rebbe and several lines in his handwriting.
The rebbe writes in the letter that he will read the kvittel by the gravesite of his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz, and blesses: " The tzaddik who has departed, who is to be found in this world more than during his lifetime, will certainly give his blessing, and G-d will fulfill his blessings in material and spiritual matters". Near his signature and after the word "Bivracha" [=with blessing], the rebbe added the following in his handwriting: " for success in his work and all good in material and spiritual matters".
The date (25th Shevat 1951) and name of recipient ("R… Yitzchak HaLevy") at the top of the letter were both handwritten by the rebbe.
At the foot of the letter, the rebbe added in his handwriting: "I am interested to know what resulted from his negotiations with his community".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding mark. Filing holes.
Typewritten on the official stationery of Merkos L'Inyanei Chinuch (which the rebbe headed since its founding in 1941, upon his immigration to the United States), with the signature of the rebbe and several lines in his handwriting.
The rebbe writes in the letter that he will read the kvittel by the gravesite of his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz, and blesses: " The tzaddik who has departed, who is to be found in this world more than during his lifetime, will certainly give his blessing, and G-d will fulfill his blessings in material and spiritual matters". Near his signature and after the word "Bivracha" [=with blessing], the rebbe added the following in his handwriting: " for success in his work and all good in material and spiritual matters".
The date (25th Shevat 1951) and name of recipient ("R… Yitzchak HaLevy") at the top of the letter were both handwritten by the rebbe.
At the foot of the letter, the rebbe added in his handwriting: "I am interested to know what resulted from his negotiations with his community".
[1] leaf, official stationery. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Folding mark. Filing holes.
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $4,250
Including buyer's premium
Draft letter by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with many additions and emendations in his handwriting. [Brooklyn NY, 1950].
Lengthy letter (three pages), typewritten in English, with dozens of additions, corrections and emendations handwritten by the rebbe in Hebrew and English.
The draft was written three months after the passing of his father-in-law Rebbe Rayatz on 10th Shevat 1950, before he was appointed as rebbe. The name of the letter's recipient is not indicated, yet from the contents of the letter, it appears that he was an American rabbi connected to Chabad, who even had the merit of holding several private audiences with Rebbe Rayatz.
A letter of guidance and encouragement on matters of worship of G-d, with an interesting reference to the private audience which Rebbe Rayatz held with the recipient of this letter, in the presence of the rebbe: "[…] Your last interview with him, and I also merited to be present then, moreover, so close to his ascent to supernal worlds, though his influence endures in this world, should be considered in the nature of a last will and testament to you and me, as a guiding light to illuminate your path, the path we are both treading together, in life and direct your principal endeavors, into the right channel" (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe, mostly in Hebrew; the words "to his departure from this world" were crossed out by the rebbe, and he wrote above them the words " his ascent to supernal worlds, though his influence endures in this world").
Further in the letter, the rebbe stresses that a person must balance his intellectual and emotional faculties, in order to reach the truth: "Our Torah teaches us that intellect is not the main medium to reach the truth, but that man's whole being, in thought, speech and action, must be properly attuned through the practice of the Mitzvoth which apply to thought, speech and action respectively" (the emphasized words were added in Hebrew by the rebbe. Several words were deleted or underlined by the rebbe).
The rebbe concludes his letter: "I conclude with the hope that your desire to find an early opportunity to do some of the things which we both want to see accomplished would soon materialize, with G-d's help. With all good wishes to you and your family…".
This draft letter was written by R. Nissan Mindel (1912-1999), who served as private secretary of Rebbe Rayatz from 1938, and from 1950, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, for over forty years. Due to his comprehensive knowledge in Torah and Chassidut, his clear and flowing style and his excellent mastery of Hebrew, Yiddish, English and Russian, the rebbe chose him to formulate his letters in English. The letters were published in The Letter and the Spirit series, and translated to Hebrew under the title Moreh LeDor Navoch.
This draft shows how much the rebbe was involved in the formulation of these letters and the many corrections, comments, emphases and emendations that the rebbe added before the letters were signed and sent to the recipients.
This letter was presumably never published.
[2] leaves (three typewritten pages). Approx. 28 cm. Good condition. Filing holes. Folding marks. Open tears to upper margins (not affecting text). Creases and minor marginal damage.
Lengthy letter (three pages), typewritten in English, with dozens of additions, corrections and emendations handwritten by the rebbe in Hebrew and English.
The draft was written three months after the passing of his father-in-law Rebbe Rayatz on 10th Shevat 1950, before he was appointed as rebbe. The name of the letter's recipient is not indicated, yet from the contents of the letter, it appears that he was an American rabbi connected to Chabad, who even had the merit of holding several private audiences with Rebbe Rayatz.
A letter of guidance and encouragement on matters of worship of G-d, with an interesting reference to the private audience which Rebbe Rayatz held with the recipient of this letter, in the presence of the rebbe: "[…] Your last interview with him, and I also merited to be present then, moreover, so close to his ascent to supernal worlds, though his influence endures in this world, should be considered in the nature of a last will and testament to you and me, as a guiding light to illuminate your path, the path we are both treading together, in life and direct your principal endeavors, into the right channel" (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe, mostly in Hebrew; the words "to his departure from this world" were crossed out by the rebbe, and he wrote above them the words " his ascent to supernal worlds, though his influence endures in this world").
Further in the letter, the rebbe stresses that a person must balance his intellectual and emotional faculties, in order to reach the truth: "Our Torah teaches us that intellect is not the main medium to reach the truth, but that man's whole being, in thought, speech and action, must be properly attuned through the practice of the Mitzvoth which apply to thought, speech and action respectively" (the emphasized words were added in Hebrew by the rebbe. Several words were deleted or underlined by the rebbe).
The rebbe concludes his letter: "I conclude with the hope that your desire to find an early opportunity to do some of the things which we both want to see accomplished would soon materialize, with G-d's help. With all good wishes to you and your family…".
This draft letter was written by R. Nissan Mindel (1912-1999), who served as private secretary of Rebbe Rayatz from 1938, and from 1950, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, for over forty years. Due to his comprehensive knowledge in Torah and Chassidut, his clear and flowing style and his excellent mastery of Hebrew, Yiddish, English and Russian, the rebbe chose him to formulate his letters in English. The letters were published in The Letter and the Spirit series, and translated to Hebrew under the title Moreh LeDor Navoch.
This draft shows how much the rebbe was involved in the formulation of these letters and the many corrections, comments, emphases and emendations that the rebbe added before the letters were signed and sent to the recipients.
This letter was presumably never published.
[2] leaves (three typewritten pages). Approx. 28 cm. Good condition. Filing holes. Folding marks. Open tears to upper margins (not affecting text). Creases and minor marginal damage.
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $500
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Draft telegram from Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with his handwritten additions. [Brooklyn NY, 1951]. Romanized Hebrew.
Typewritten on a Western Union telegram form, with several words and emendations in his handwriting (Romanized Hebrew).
The telegram was sent to R. Chaim Eliezer Karasik, rabbi of the Chabad community in Tel Aviv and chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad in Eretz Israel: "If they see fit, it would be worthwhile that some people from Agudas Chabad together with R. Shemtov visit Rabbis Herzog, Levin, Moshe Shapiro and the like"; the emphasized words in the telegram were reformulated by the rebbe (circled at the foot of the telegram). Near his signature, "Menachem Schneersohn", the rebbe added in his handwriting: "Bibrocho" (with blessings).
[1] leaf. Approx. 21X15.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Brittle paper. Folding mark. Marginal closed and open tears. Stains.
Typewritten on a Western Union telegram form, with several words and emendations in his handwriting (Romanized Hebrew).
The telegram was sent to R. Chaim Eliezer Karasik, rabbi of the Chabad community in Tel Aviv and chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad in Eretz Israel: "If they see fit, it would be worthwhile that some people from Agudas Chabad together with R. Shemtov visit Rabbis Herzog, Levin, Moshe Shapiro and the like"; the emphasized words in the telegram were reformulated by the rebbe (circled at the foot of the telegram). Near his signature, "Menachem Schneersohn", the rebbe added in his handwriting: "Bibrocho" (with blessings).
[1] leaf. Approx. 21X15.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Brittle paper. Folding mark. Marginal closed and open tears. Stains.
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $500
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Draft telegram from Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with additions and emendations in his handwriting. [Brooklyn NY, 1951].
Typewritten on a Western Union telegram form, with the addition of words and emendations handwritten by the rebbe.
Draft of a telegram sent by the rebbe to his Chassidim throughout the world in honor of the first yahrzeit of his father-in-law, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn – Rebbe Rayatz, Yud (10th) Shevat 1951: " The merit of the Baal HaHilula is great, and on the day of the yahrzeit 10th Shevat to bring down salvations, blessings and success to you, and to all those who devote themselves to the Oholei Yosef Yitzchak institutions which are named after him. And certainly, through this opportune day he will continue… to attach himself to the tree of life and be blessed with all he requires in material and spiritual matters" (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe).
The final version of the telegram was published in Igrot Kodesh of the rebbe (Vol. 21, letter 7871), with minor textual variations in comparison to this draft. Before the second yahrzeit of his father-in-law the Rayatz, on Yud Shevat 1952, the rebbe sent this telegram again, with textual variations compared to printed letter 7871 and to the present draft (see next item).
[1] leaf. Approx. 21X14.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Brittle paper. Margins trimmed (not affecting text). Marginal creases, closed and open tears. Pen inscription (faded).
Typewritten on a Western Union telegram form, with the addition of words and emendations handwritten by the rebbe.
Draft of a telegram sent by the rebbe to his Chassidim throughout the world in honor of the first yahrzeit of his father-in-law, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn – Rebbe Rayatz, Yud (10th) Shevat 1951: " The merit of the Baal HaHilula is great, and on the day of the yahrzeit 10th Shevat to bring down salvations, blessings and success to you, and to all those who devote themselves to the Oholei Yosef Yitzchak institutions which are named after him. And certainly, through this opportune day he will continue… to attach himself to the tree of life and be blessed with all he requires in material and spiritual matters" (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe).
The final version of the telegram was published in Igrot Kodesh of the rebbe (Vol. 21, letter 7871), with minor textual variations in comparison to this draft. Before the second yahrzeit of his father-in-law the Rayatz, on Yud Shevat 1952, the rebbe sent this telegram again, with textual variations compared to printed letter 7871 and to the present draft (see next item).
[1] leaf. Approx. 21X14.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Brittle paper. Margins trimmed (not affecting text). Marginal creases, closed and open tears. Pen inscription (faded).
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
Draft letter (approx. 12 lines) handwritten by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with his signature. [Brooklyn NY, 1952].
Draft (handwritten by the rebbe in pencil) of a letter sent by the rebbe to his Chassidim worldwide, in honor of the second yahrzeit of his father-in-law, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Rayatz, on Yud (10th) Shevat 1952.
At the top of the letter, the rebbe wrote: " לאנ"ש" (to our Chassidim). The body of the letter: "On the day of the yahrzeit (which has just passed) tenth of Shevat, exceptionally particularly great is the merit of the Baal HaHilula, the exalted Tzaddik… to bring down salvations, blessings and success to you and to all those who are involved in the Ohalei Yosef Yitzchak institutions which are named after him. And certainly, from this special day onwards, they will make every effort with extra devotion to their holy work in these endeavors to attach themselves to the tree of life, and to be blessed with their families with all their material and spiritual requirements. Awaiting good tidings" (the words marked in red were deleted by the rebbe). The letter is signed by the rebbe with his initials: "M.Sh." (a rare phenomenon).
The letter was printed with several textual variations, omissions and additions in Igrot Kodesh of the rebbe (Vol. V, letter 1412). A different version of this letter was first printed in honor of the first yahrzeit of his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz, on Yud Shevat 1951 (see previous item).
[1] leaf. Approx. 16X14 cm. Thin paper. Good condition. Small tear at center (with minute damage to text). Creases and minor damage.
Draft (handwritten by the rebbe in pencil) of a letter sent by the rebbe to his Chassidim worldwide, in honor of the second yahrzeit of his father-in-law, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Rayatz, on Yud (10th) Shevat 1952.
At the top of the letter, the rebbe wrote: " לאנ"ש" (to our Chassidim). The body of the letter: "On the day of the yahrzeit (which has just passed) tenth of Shevat, exceptionally particularly great is the merit of the Baal HaHilula, the exalted Tzaddik… to bring down salvations, blessings and success to you and to all those who are involved in the Ohalei Yosef Yitzchak institutions which are named after him. And certainly, from this special day onwards, they will make every effort with extra devotion to their holy work in these endeavors to attach themselves to the tree of life, and to be blessed with their families with all their material and spiritual requirements. Awaiting good tidings" (the words marked in red were deleted by the rebbe). The letter is signed by the rebbe with his initials: "M.Sh." (a rare phenomenon).
The letter was printed with several textual variations, omissions and additions in Igrot Kodesh of the rebbe (Vol. V, letter 1412). A different version of this letter was first printed in honor of the first yahrzeit of his father-in-law, Rebbe Rayatz, on Yud Shevat 1951 (see previous item).
[1] leaf. Approx. 16X14 cm. Thin paper. Good condition. Small tear at center (with minute damage to text). Creases and minor damage.
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $4,500
Including buyer's premium
Draft of a general letter from Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – the Lubavitcher Rebbe. [Brooklyn NY, 28th Tammuz 1952].
Typewritten, with many in-text and marginal additions and emendations handwritten by the rebbe.
Irgun N'shei uBnos Chabad (Lubavitch Women's Organization) in Eretz Israel was founded by the rebbe in 1952, as an independent division within Agudas Chassidei Chabad. The idea of founding the organization was already mentioned in several earlier letters of the rebbe to Agudas Chassidei Chabad and to R. Zusha Vilimovsky ("the Partisan"), however, this is a draft of the first letter sent to Irgun N'shei uBnos Chabad in Eretz Israel, in which the rebbe describes for the first time the objectives and goals of the organization and the great importance of its founding.
In his letter, the rebbe describes the "great role of Jewish women in general and Chabad women in particular in these times", and outlines the objectives of Irgun N'shei uBnos Chabad in two clauses. The first clause refers to the duties of Chabad women vis-à-vis themselves, and the second clause to their duty to reach out and disseminate Torah and Chassidut amongst Jewish woman. The rebbe concludes the letter with blessings: "And may the pleasantness of G-d be upon them and upon the work of their hands, to bear fruit which will be a source of pride to the Jewish people and to Chabad. May each and every one, and their family members, be blessed with all they require in material and spiritual matters (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe).
On verso, a handwritten transcript (presumably by the secretary R. Nissan Mindel) of another letter sent by the rebbe on the same day, 28th Tammuz 1952, to Irgun N'shei uBnos Chabad in Eretz Israel, containing two additional clauses to the present draft letter, clarifying the work arrangement of the organization within the framework of Agudas Chassidei Chabad (the final versions of this draft letter and of the letter transcribed on verso were printed in Igrot Kodesh of the rebbe, Vol. VI, letter 1740-1741).
[1] leaf. Approx. 28 cm. Good condition. Creases and folding marks. Tears to margins and folds.
Typewritten, with many in-text and marginal additions and emendations handwritten by the rebbe.
Irgun N'shei uBnos Chabad (Lubavitch Women's Organization) in Eretz Israel was founded by the rebbe in 1952, as an independent division within Agudas Chassidei Chabad. The idea of founding the organization was already mentioned in several earlier letters of the rebbe to Agudas Chassidei Chabad and to R. Zusha Vilimovsky ("the Partisan"), however, this is a draft of the first letter sent to Irgun N'shei uBnos Chabad in Eretz Israel, in which the rebbe describes for the first time the objectives and goals of the organization and the great importance of its founding.
In his letter, the rebbe describes the "great role of Jewish women in general and Chabad women in particular in these times", and outlines the objectives of Irgun N'shei uBnos Chabad in two clauses. The first clause refers to the duties of Chabad women vis-à-vis themselves, and the second clause to their duty to reach out and disseminate Torah and Chassidut amongst Jewish woman. The rebbe concludes the letter with blessings: "And may the pleasantness of G-d be upon them and upon the work of their hands, to bear fruit which will be a source of pride to the Jewish people and to Chabad. May each and every one, and their family members, be blessed with all they require in material and spiritual matters (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe).
On verso, a handwritten transcript (presumably by the secretary R. Nissan Mindel) of another letter sent by the rebbe on the same day, 28th Tammuz 1952, to Irgun N'shei uBnos Chabad in Eretz Israel, containing two additional clauses to the present draft letter, clarifying the work arrangement of the organization within the framework of Agudas Chassidei Chabad (the final versions of this draft letter and of the letter transcribed on verso were printed in Igrot Kodesh of the rebbe, Vol. VI, letter 1740-1741).
[1] leaf. Approx. 28 cm. Good condition. Creases and folding marks. Tears to margins and folds.
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for: $5,250
Including buyer's premium
Draft of a general letter by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with his handwritten signature. Brooklyn NY, 18th Elul 1952 (Erev Rosh Hashanah, Hakhel Year 5713). Yiddish.
Typewritten on thin paper, and signed with the rebbe's full signature " Menachem Mendel son of Chana Schneersohn", with many additions and emendations. The rebbe crossed out the printed date, "First day of Selichot", and corrected the date in his handwriting to "Chai [18th] Elul".
The rebbe begins the general letter, addressed to " Our brothers and sisters, Jewish sons and daughters" with blessings for a good year: "As we stand on the threshold of a new year, 5713… I send my blessing for a good and sweet year, to all our brothers and sisters, Jewish sons and daughters wherever they are", and he arouses them with the approach of upcoming Hakhel year: "In these days, at the close of the past year and at the threshold of the coming year, let every Jewish father and mother, every rabbi and leader, every communal worker and person of influence, heed the call of the Mitzvah of Hakhel… to gather the masses of Jewish children and bring them to the Yeshivot, Talmud Torahs and Torah-true educational institutions; and by means of generous charity, to support of true Torah institutions and ensure their existence and growth, in order that all Jewish children boys and girl be brought up in the spirit of fear of G-d and love for G-d, love for the Torah and Mitzvoth" (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe).
At the end of the letter, before his blessing "with a good inscription and sealing for a good and sweet year in material and spiritual matters", the rebbe added in his handwriting " He who blesses and receives blessings".
[1] leaf. Approx. 17 cm. Thin paper. Poor condition. Large closed and open tears, with damage and loss to text. Large dark stains. Tape repair on verso.
Typewritten on thin paper, and signed with the rebbe's full signature " Menachem Mendel son of Chana Schneersohn", with many additions and emendations. The rebbe crossed out the printed date, "First day of Selichot", and corrected the date in his handwriting to "Chai [18th] Elul".
The rebbe begins the general letter, addressed to " Our brothers and sisters, Jewish sons and daughters" with blessings for a good year: "As we stand on the threshold of a new year, 5713… I send my blessing for a good and sweet year, to all our brothers and sisters, Jewish sons and daughters wherever they are", and he arouses them with the approach of upcoming Hakhel year: "In these days, at the close of the past year and at the threshold of the coming year, let every Jewish father and mother, every rabbi and leader, every communal worker and person of influence, heed the call of the Mitzvah of Hakhel… to gather the masses of Jewish children and bring them to the Yeshivot, Talmud Torahs and Torah-true educational institutions; and by means of generous charity, to support of true Torah institutions and ensure their existence and growth, in order that all Jewish children boys and girl be brought up in the spirit of fear of G-d and love for G-d, love for the Torah and Mitzvoth" (the emphasized words were handwritten by the rebbe).
At the end of the letter, before his blessing "with a good inscription and sealing for a good and sweet year in material and spiritual matters", the rebbe added in his handwriting " He who blesses and receives blessings".
[1] leaf. Approx. 17 cm. Thin paper. Poor condition. Large closed and open tears, with damage and loss to text. Large dark stains. Tape repair on verso.
Category
Chabad – Letters and Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Miniature Torah scroll. [Poland, first half of the 19th century]. Placed in a gilt-embroidered velvet mantle. [Europe, ca. early 20th century].
Torah scroll, written in miniscule script, in the "Vavei HaAmudim" format, based on the contemporary Tikkun Soferim. Wound on rollers.
The scroll is cloaked in a green velvet mantle, bearing the gilt-embroidered letters Vav and Yud, a Star of David and foliate designs, as well as rhinestones. The mantle is edged with metallic bobbin lace. Openings for the rollers were cut into the top of the mantle, unskillfully edged and causing damage to lace. Drawstring at the bottom of the mantle; the mantle appears to have been made as a tefillin pouch, which was later converted to serve as Torah mantle.
Height of parchment: 13 cm. Height of rollers: approx. 30 cm. Mantle: 19X15.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Unskilled hand stitches and late machine stitches to velvet mantle. Threadbare areas. Damage and some loss to embroidery. Fracture (repaired with glue) at base of one roller.
Torah scroll, written in miniscule script, in the "Vavei HaAmudim" format, based on the contemporary Tikkun Soferim. Wound on rollers.
The scroll is cloaked in a green velvet mantle, bearing the gilt-embroidered letters Vav and Yud, a Star of David and foliate designs, as well as rhinestones. The mantle is edged with metallic bobbin lace. Openings for the rollers were cut into the top of the mantle, unskillfully edged and causing damage to lace. Drawstring at the bottom of the mantle; the mantle appears to have been made as a tefillin pouch, which was later converted to serve as Torah mantle.
Height of parchment: 13 cm. Height of rollers: approx. 30 cm. Mantle: 19X15.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Unskilled hand stitches and late machine stitches to velvet mantle. Threadbare areas. Damage and some loss to embroidery. Fracture (repaired with glue) at base of one roller.
Category
Ceremonial Objects and Art
Catalogue