Some 280 glass lantern slides with photographs of Palestine and its environs. Various publishers, early 20th century till ca. 1940s.
Large collection of glass slides. Includes photographs of landscapes, inhabitants, and cities, towns, and settlements of the Holy Land. Roughly 110 of the slides were produced by American Colony Photographers, Vester & Co. Five of the slides, by Photo Walter Kristeller, show diagrams and maps illustrating the accomplishments of the Zionist enterprise toward the end of the British Mandate period.
Some of the earlier slides depict sites whose appearance eventually changed beyond recognition, or were entirely destroyed. Among the historical sites appearing on these slides are the old Western Wall plaza, the Allenby Bridge over the Jordan River, the White Mosque of Ramle, Jerusalem's Ottoman-period railway station, Tombs of the Maccabees (prior to the planting of the Ben Shemen Forest), Masada, and more. In addition, there are dozens of slides documenting settlements established by the Zionist enterprise in its early years, including the kibbutzim Degania, Mishmar Ha-Emek, and Kfar Szold; Tower and Stockade settlements; Haifa's Shemen factory; and more. Some of these slides show early Jewish settlers – halutzim and watchmen. A few of the slides present archaeological finds, maps, and plans; several of these are from neighboring lands such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Some one hundred slides are housed in a wooden box. The majority of slides bear labels handwritten in Hebrew and in English.

Approx. 8.5X8.5 cm. Condition varies. Overall good condition.. Several slides in fair condition, with cracks or fractures. Some damage to wooden box.

Der Judenstaat, Versuch einer modernen Lösung der Judenfrage ["The Jewish State: An Attempt at a Modern Solution to the Jewish Question"], by Theodor Herzl. Vienna-Leipzig: M. Breitenstein, 1896. German. First Edition.
Theodor Herzl's historical landmark, the first work to ever articulate Herzl's Zionist vision of a Jewish state.

86 pp., approx. 23.5 cm. Good condition. Uneven edges. Some stains. Minor tears, repaired, to edges of some leaves. Traces of an inked-stamp on a few pages. New binding with leather spine (gilt lettering on spine), slightly worn.

Publication of Herzl's "Der Judenstaat"
The story behind "Der Judenstaat" – commonly translated as "The Jewish State" and widely regarded as the book that served as the founding statement of the Zionist movement – can be said to have begun with the "Speech to the Rothschilds, " composed by Theodor (Binyamin Ze'ev) Herzl in time for his meeting with members of the Rothschild family in 1895. This speech, 22 pages in length, laid out the preliminary outline for what would eventually become Herzl's grand landmark plan. This outline would gradually undergo a number of incarnations and versions before it sufficiently matured into a full-fledged plan, whereupon Herzl decided to turn it into a complete book.
According to Herzl's own account, the book was written all at once, in two months of non-stop writing, "walking, standing, lying down, in the street, at the table, at night when I started up from sleep…" Once completed, the manuscript would, for the first time, present Herzl's grand vision in all its glory – a detailed plan for the establishment of a Jewish state, stage by stage, beginning with the gathering and organizing of the Jews of the world, up until the enactment of a legal constitution and the adoption of a national flag. Regarding his thoughts and feelings at the time of the writing, Herzl said: "I do not recollect ever having written anything in such an elevated frame of mind as that book. [Heinrich] Heine says that he heard the wings of an eagle beating over his head while writing certain verses. I do believe that something also beat its wings above my head while I was writing that book."
Initially, no book publisher was willing to publish the book. Herzl found himself rejected by all his regular publishing companies, such as Duncker & Humblot, as well as the Berlin-based publisher Siegfried Cronbach, who insisted that anti-Semitism was a waning force throughout the world. In the end, Herzl turned to Max Breitenstein, a small bookseller in Vienna who agreed to print the book even though he did not share Herzl's beliefs, nor was he sympathetic to the Zionist cause.
In February 1896, a small edition of "Der Judenstaat" was finally published in German with the subtitle "An Attempt at a Modern Solution to the Jewish Question." In order to ensure the work would be treated with the seriousness he felt it deserved, Herzl added his academic degree – Doctor of Laws – to the authorship of the book.
Immediately upon publication, the book stirred up a maelstrom. A majority of public figures – Jewish and non-Jewish alike – viewed it as nonsensical and absurd; one particular Jewish newspaper editor even offered the use of his personal carriage to transport Herzl to an insane asylum. Among the book's initial opponents were such unlikely personalities as Hayim Nahman Bialik and Nahum Sokolow, the pioneer of Hebrew journalism who would one day become author of the first Hebrew translation of Herzl's "Altneuland." In the words of author Stefan Zweig, "never in Vienna had anyone been subjected to such ridicule as Herzl."
As agreed in advance, Max Breitenstein published three additional editions (distinguished from the original edition only in minute details on the respective covers and title pages) that same year. He published no subsequent editions of "Der Judenstaat."
Notwithstanding the scathing reactions of public figures and noted academics to "Der Judenstaat, " the book succeeded in igniting the imaginations of a great many readers in Europe and around the world, and new editions – in Yiddish, Russian, English, and other languages – appeared not long after the publication of the original German editions. One of the earliest editions to see the light of day was the Hebrew translation by Herzl's personal secretary, Michael Berkowitz. It was published by "Tushiah" in 1896, the same year as the first German edition. In its introduction, Berkowitz brought attention to two "corrections" that Herzl insisted upon in oral communications with him, and wrote the following (in Hebrew): "I hereby testify to two issues that relate in particular to the Hebrew translation… In the chapter [entitled] 'Language of the Land'… after he was made aware that a Hebrew-speaking readership exists for this book… a changed spirit took hold of him, as he was ensured that the Hebrew language could surely be rejuvenated… As to the place of settlement… he [likewise] changed his mind… and addressed his attention exclusively to the Land of our Forefathers."
In subsequent years, with the burgeoning of the Zionist movement and the convening of the early Zionist Congresses, the book came to be translated in yet more languages, and began to appear overseas, particularly in the United States, where Zionism quickly developed into a movement that carried weight and influence. In sum total, during Herzl's brief remaining lifetime, no fewer than 17 editions of "Der Judenstaat" were published – most in small editions numbering only a few thousand copies, and often in the form of thin, nondurable booklets. Dozens more editions were published following Theodor Herzl's passing, including translations into such languages as Ladino, Esperanto, Serbo-Croatian, and many others. It was to become one of the best-known Jewish works of all time.
Reference:
• Rephael Patai (ed.), The Complete Diaries of Theodor Herzl. New York and London: Herzl Press and Thomas Yoseloff, 1960. Vol. I, p. 24.
• Ritchie Robertson (ed.), The German-Jewish Dialogue: An Anthology of Literary Texts, 1749-1993. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999. p. 150.

Letter handwritten and personally signed by Albert Einstein, addressed to the Danish journalist, Karen Stampe-Bendix. Location unspecified. Undated [1930s?]. German.
Personal letter from Albert Einstein to his friend, the Danish journalist, Karen Stampe-Bendix, who had apparently sent local food items to him and his wife. In this letter, Einstein thanks Stampe-Bendix for these items.

[1] f., 21.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Fold lines. Minor tears to edges. Open tears to corners and to lengths of fold lines, with minor damage to text. Letter restored and mounted onto thin paper sheet for reinforcement.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955), among the most influential of physicists of the 20th century and of all time, gave rise to the theory of relativity and helped lay the foundations for the theory of quantum mechanics. Nobel Laureate in Physics. Born to a Jewish family in Ulm in southern Germany, studied in Switzerland, and served as professor at a number of different universities. In addition to his distinguished scientific accomplishments, Einstein was deeply involved for many years in social and political activism. As soon as the Nazis came to power in Germany, he chose to renounce his German citizenship and settle permanently in the United States with his second wife, Elsa Einstein (1876-1936), where he was offered a position at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University in New Jersey. Albert Einstein remained in Princeton until his death on April 18, 1955.
Karen Stampe-Bendix (1881-1963), Danish educator, screenwriter, and author. Daughter of the Danish-Jewish composer Victor Bendix and the Danish baroness, author, and philanthropist Rigmor Stampe-Bendix (goddaughter of Hans Christian Andersen). Stampe-Bendix became friendly with the Einstein couple in the 1930s, and published a lengthy biographical article on Albert Einstein in the Danish daily newspaper "Politiken."

Pair of textile items – large Torah ark curtain depicting the seven species, and matching reader's desk cover – decorated with elaborate embroidery and corresponding, rhyming inscriptions. Italy, [18th century].
Embroidery with silver and gold metallic thread, wrapped metal thread and flattened metal thread on velvet, with cardboard cutouts; metal sequins; brocade ribbons; metallic and cotton fringe; cotton, linen, brocade and silk backing, some colored; brass suspension rings.
1. Large Torah ark curtain for Shavuot.
In the center of the elaborate embroidery is a sheaf comprised of ears of wheat and barley, and one branch of each of the following trees (the seven species), tied together with a ribbon: vine, fig, pomegranate (with embroidery on red velvet mimicking the seeds), olive and date. The sheaf is topped with the inscription "Parochet HaKodesh", and flanked by a rhyming inscription about the seven species, in two stanzas (despite some uncertainty as to how the poem should be read, it appears that the upper six lines form one stanza, while the lower six lines make up the second stanza). Wide, elaborate border, embroidered with foliate and floral designs, within and around dozens of medallions (some oval shaped) and half-medallions. The medallions are decorated with seven different alternate designs. Four large corresponding ornaments in the inner corners of the border.
Considering the widespread custom (still practiced in some Jewish communities today) of adapting the synagogue ceremonial objects to the time of the year, it appears that the present Torah ark curtain was created to glorify the ark during Shavuot (and perhaps until Sukkot?), since the Bikkurim offered on Shavuot in the Temple consisted of the seven species.

210X150 cm; 2.5 cm and 4 cm long fringes on lower edge. 8 brass suspension rings (lacking 3 rings). Overall good condition. Some blemishes, tears and old repairs. Wear and unraveling to embroidery, fringes and cloth backing.

2. Reader's desk cover.
Rectangular cover. The center of the cover is occupied by a wide pillar-like decoration (possibly alluding to the pillar of prayer), flanked by a rhyming inscription in two stanzas. The style of embroidery, the poetic text and the border ornaments all resemble those of the curtain. The upper border ornament of the cover is sewn along the top only, and serves as a kind of valance. The four corner ornaments inside the border are partially made from silk brocade ribbons. Sewn to the cover (along the upper edge only) is a large sheet of brocade, presumably intended to cover the back part of the reader's desk, and to secure the embroidered cover on the reader's desk.

123X93 cm + additional sheet of fabric: 175X125 cm. Fringes: 7 cm. Overall good condition. Some blemishes and minor tears. Wear and unraveling to embroidery, fringes and cloth backing.

Unique pair of rare, splendid textile items, with elaborate, high-quality embroidery and unusual artistic motifs. Both textile items, and especially the Torah ark curtain, are notable for the uniqueness of their design, which is almost unparalleled in the world of Judaica.
The style of the Torah ark curtain merges design traditions originating from communities of Spanish Jews in the Ottoman Empire, together with the rich Italian textile and embroidery traditions. Thus, for instance, the four corner ornaments were certainly influenced by Ottoman embroidery, which often uses a pattern made of a central medallion, border, and corner ornaments (influenced by the ornaments on bindings of Turkish books), while the outer border reflects the tradition of Italian ornamentation and embroidery. The sheaf at the center of the Torah ark curtain may have also been influenced by the Turkish-Ottoman Etz Chaim design (Bindalli), originally comprised of a vase or central stem with branches spreading out and filling the whole surface. The present Torah ark curtain – which was certainly used by a synagogue of Spanish natives in Italy – thereby testifies both to the close ties and to the collaboration between Italian Jewry and Turkish Jewry. The central motif of this curtain – a sheaf comprising the seven species, is also unique and unusual; no other Jewish textile item bearing a similar ornament is known to us. It must be noted that this curtain is also unique for its asymmetric composition, which differs significantly from standard Torah ark curtain designs (usually symmetrical, both horizontally and vertically). The free movement of the branches in the sheaf together with the abundance of leaves and fruit create a very live and vivid image, surprising in its vitality. Only one other Torah ark curtain depicting the seven species is known to us, dated 1736 (Museo Ebraico di Roma, Inv. 430), but in that case the fruit are depicted independently, in the outer border, rather than at the center of the curtain.
Literature:
1. Esther Juhasz (ed.), Sephardi Jews in the Ottoman Empire: Aspects of Material Culture (Jerusalem: The Israel Museum, 1990), 65-119.
2. Vivian B. Mann (editor), Gardens and Ghettos, The Art of Jewish Life in Italy. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1989, pp. 44-64.
3. Dora Liscia Bemporad, Olga Melasecchi (editors), Tutti i colori dell'Italia ebraica: tessuti preziosi dal Tempio di Gerusalemme al prêt-à-porter. Firenze: Giunti, Firenze musei, 2019, p. 154.

Amulet case. [Italy, 18th century].
Silver (unmarked); cast, repoussé, punched and engraved.
Amulet case, designed as a square box with a removable base plate. Both sides of the case bear the same design, with a central cartouche surrounded by acanthus leaves and topped with a large crown. The Holy Name Shin Dalet Yud is inscribed in the middle of one cartouche. The case is flanked on both sides with tall branches of stylized leaves and flowers; this is reminiscent of the architectural style of Italian amulets from the 17th and 18th centuries (and even earlier), incorporating pillars on each side of the case. A symmetric foliate ornament tops the case, with a sea-horse or another mythological creature at the center (regarding the use of mythological creatures in Italian Judaica, influenced by medieval art, see: Stieglitz collection, item 120). Suspension ring.
Since amulet cases often had Holy Names or kabbalistic letter combinations engraved or soldered on the front or on both sides, over the years they began serving as amulets on their own, even when not containing a parchment manuscript.
A high-quality, unusual type of an Italian amulet case.
For more information, see: Arte nella tradizione ebraica (Milano, 1963); Heinrich Frauberger, Uber alte Kultusgegenstände in Synagogue und Haus (1903), p. 88, fig. 118; Stieglitz collection, item 120.

Height: 7.8 cm, width: 7.8 cm, depth: 2 cm. Good condition. Small holes to bottom of case and to removable plate.