Yam shel Shlomo – novellae on Tractate Beitzah by Rabbi Shlomo Luria – Maharsha”l. Lublin, 1636. First edition. Signature of the gaon Rabbi Meir Margaliot, author of Meir Netivim , one of the first among the Ba’al Shem Tov’s sanctified group, and of his son, Rabbi Betzalel of Ostroh.
Rare first edition of the book Yam shel Shlomo , and as written on the title page for Masechet Yom Tov – the early nickname for Masechet Beitzah.
Rabbi Meir Margaliot’s signature appears on leaf 41. The beginning of the signature used the printed letters מא as was customary, and he complete the signature by hand, adding the letters י and ר, producing his name מאיר – he apparently signed it in his youth. At a later stage, according to the shade of the ink, after his father’s passing, he wrote, in brief, “ב׳הגאון מ״ו צ״ה זצ״ל.” Rabbi Bezalel Margaliot of of Ostroh’s signature is on the back of the title page, mentioning his father, Rabbi Betzalel and his grandfather, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch, adding “grandson of the gaon Rasha”l, author of this, Yam shel Shlomo .” Rabbi Betzalel followed his father’s footsteps and on leaf 31 [לא], he also used the printed letters to complete his name, בצלאל מרגליות.
Rabbi Meir Margaliot [c. 1707-1790] was born to his father Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch, renowned rabbi of Yudelowitz. Rabbi Meir served as rabbi of Horodenka, Lvov and Ostroh. He was a tremendous gaon on both the hidden and the revealed aspects of Torah, and one of the leading rabbis and sages of his era. Already in his youth he drew close to the Ba’al Shem Tov, even before his name was known, and the Ba’al Shem Tov very much honored him and drew him close. Rabbi Meir was one of the first to disseminate Chassidic doctrine. He mentioned the Besh”t with admiration, and also calls him “my teacher, my friend.” He writes: “From when I joined together adhering with love to my teacher and friend, the rabbi, the Chassid, Yisrael Ba’al Shem Tov … his conduct has been sanctified and pure, with utmost piety, asceticism and his wisdom, a tzaddik lives by his faith …” Whether he was a primary rabbi who followed the Ba’al Shem Tov was a major cause of dispute with the Chassidic movement. The author of Meir Netivim was one of the pillars of Rabbinic instruction on the matter of agunot. In 1768 there were pogroms in and around Uman; thousands of Jews were killed, and he dealt a lot with complex questions for agunot that came up as a result, and many of the questions in his renowned book Shu”t Meir Netivim deal with this matter.
Rabbi Meir authored a number of important works in revealed and hidden aspects of Torah, sermons, aside from the responsa. His books are encompassed under the general title Ohr Olam . His important and renowned responsa Meir Netivim , in two parts (Polona, 1791-1792).
Rabbi Bezalel son of Rabbi Meir Margaliot served as a rabbi in Zhvil, and from 1790, he was selected to succeed his father as rabbi of Ostroh. He also followed Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli, who honored him very much and would visit Ostroh annually and stay in his home.
He occupied himself with editing his father’s books, and with the book Ohr Olam Ner Shlishi , Sod Yachin U’Voaz , adding his own thoughts. In the approbation he wrote to the first edition of the book Shibchei HaBa’al Shem Tov he wrote about the Besh”t ‘Multifaceted person, his fruits are kodesh hilulim , our honorable teacher, G-dly man in breadth and depth, wondrous person.’ He attests about his father that ‘ He was, from childhood … of the Besh”t’s holy group.’
Especially rare book. One of the rare books from Lublin, most of which were lost during the Cossack riots.
[1] 64 [1] leaf, Approximately 19 cm. The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book writes about copies with additional leaves not from the body of the book, but these leaves are not found in most of the copies that survived. Very fine condition. New binding.
Pay Attention: VAT should be added to the commission for foreign residents as well.
Netzach Yisrael – discussion of the exile of the Jewish people and its future redemption, by the Mahara” l of Prague. Warsaw, 1841. Copy that belonged to the first Admo” r of Gur, Rabbi Yizchak Meir Alter, author of Chiddushei HaRi” m .
There are two owner’s signatures at the top of the title page, in the hand of the Chiddushei HaRi” m: ” הק’ יצחק מאיר בהרב מורי ישר’.” Signature and stamps of his grandson, Rabbi Avraham Abba Bohmatz, appear further along.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Yizchak Meir Alter .
52 leaves. 23 cm. Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains. Worming perforations, primarily in the white margins. Signatures and stamps. New semi-leather binding.
Pay Attention: VAT should be added to the commission for foreign residents as well.
Seder HaTena’im V’HaKetubah SheBein Yisrael L’Avihem SheBashmayim by Rabbi Yisrael Najara, New York [c. 1948]. Copy which belonged to the Admo”r Rabbi Yoelish of Satmar. With magnificent binding bearing an imprint of the rebbe’s name.
On the title page: “Whoever accustoms himself to read the HaTena’im V’HaKetubah – this is a segulah for fear of Heaven and success.”
Seder HaTena’im V’HaKetubah by Rabbi Yisrael Najara is an engagement agreement and a marriage contract – like those prepared for a bridegroom and bride – but here the “bridegroom” is the Creator of the world, who commits to giving the “bride” all the good in the world. The copy before us is actually the engagement agreement between – as it were – Hash-m and the ‘beautiful maiden, ‘ the Satmar Rebbe.
This compilation was published by R’ Yossel Ashkenazi [1914-2002], the legendary assistant, right-hand-man and cousin of the Admo”r of Satmar; he gave it as a present to his rabbi. At the top of the title page, R’ Yossel Ashkenazi wrote (in pencil) in his familiar script: ‘Admo”r shlit”a, 1948.’
The Admo”r R’ Yoel Teitelbaum [1887-1979] was the leader of the largest and wealthiest Chassidic court in the world. He was the son of the “Kedushat Yom Tov” and younger brother of the “Atzei Chaim.” He succeeded his father as leader of the Chassidut. He was the first Admo”r of Satmar Chassidism. He was noted for his greatness even before the Holocaust. His father passed away when R’ Yoelish was just seventeen years old, but the Chassidim still desired the latter’s leadership and began to gather around him. From then on, he served as a rabbi of prominent communities for over seventy years. He survived the Holocaust via the Kastner train, and Satmar Chassidim celebrate 21 Kislev as the Admo”r’s ” Yom HaHatzalah.” He ascended to Palestine, and then moved to the United States where he helped reestablish the Chassidic world. He elevated Chassidism, which had lost most of its followers during the war, and cultivated the dormant spirituality of the survivors. He worked tirelessly to found Torah institutions and restore Judaism after the destruction of European Jewry. He was well-known for his zealous opinions and his uncompromising opposition to Zionism; he is considered its primary and most bitter rival. He authored VaYoel Moshe , Imrei Yoel , Divrei Yoel and more.
[5], 3-16, [1] leaf, 15 cm. Fine condition. Aging stains. Elegant binding.
Noam Elimelech , New York, 1956. The most important Chassidic segulah book. Copy that belonged to the Admo”r Rabbi Meshulim Feish Segal of Tosh, from which he would study in public each and every Shabbat!
The book bears several of the Admo”r’s owner’s stamps. Additionally, his disciple, Rabbi Moshe Eliezer Pfeffer, rabbi of the Selish-Chertkov community in Bnei Brak, writes that the copy before us was used by his teacher and rabbi, the Admo”r of Tosh, ztzllh”h, and that he studied from it every Shabbat, at the tisch on Shabbat nights and at the tisch during Shabbat day, over an extended period.
As is known, Chassidic leaders were particular to study from
Noam Elimelech every Shabbat. In Tosh Chassidism, there is even a specific custom to study from
Noam Elimelech . The first Admo”r of Tosh, Rabbi Meshulim Feish Segal (I), traveled towards his later years to the grave site of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk to pray for a male child. When his son was born, he called him “Elimelech, ” and he nicknamed him, “The Rebbe Rabbi Elimelech.”
Refer to the Hebrew text for a brief biography of
Rabbi Meshulim Feish Segal Lowy .
Signed authorization from his disciple Rabbi Moshe Eliezer Pfeffer, rabbi of Selish-Chertkov Bnei Brak, included, confirming that this copy before us was the Admo”r’s personal copy.
[9], 109, [5] leaves. 26 cm; fine condition. Aging stains. Owner’s notations and supplements. Original binding, renewed spine.
Megaleh Amukot – Kabbalistic work with 252 Kabbalistic elucidations of Moshe Rabbeinu’s prayer, by renowned Kabbalist Rabbi Natan Shapira. Zolkiew, 1800. Copy which belonged to his grandsons, Rabbi Elimelech of Grodznisk and the latter’s son Rabbi Kalonymus Kalmish of Piacenza, author of Chovat HaTalmidim . Two handwritten glosses on pp. 55a and 56b. Two handwritten glosses.
Handwritten signature of the Admo”r Rabbi Elimelech of Grodzhinsk on the title page. The book’s title page and additional leaves bear his stamps (leaf [4], 11, 35, 51, 58, 63). The flyleaf bears stamps of his sons, the Admo”r Rabbi Kalonymus Kalmish of Piacenza, author of
Chovat HaTalmidim ; and the Admo”r R’ Yeshayah.
Rabbi Elimelech of Grodzinsk [1824-1892] was one of the most prominent Admo”rs and tzaddikim of his generation, Admo”r to thousands of Chassidim. He was a son of Rabbi Chaim Meir Yechiel Shapira – “the Saraf of Molagniza, ” grandson of the maggid of Kozhnitz and great-grandson of the Rebbe, R’ Elimelech of Lizhensk. Rabbi Elimelech was the son-in-law of of the “Yehudi HaKadosh” of Peshischa, and disciple of the Saba Kadisha of Radoshitz and of Rabbi Natan David of Shidlovtza. He was also influenced by Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin. He lived in Grodzhinsk starting in 1848 and was one of the rabbinic leaders of his generation. His most renowned disciple was the Rebbe of Ostrovtza. His Torah thoughts were published in
Imrei Elimelech al HaTorah and
Divrei Eliemelech al HaTorah U’Moadim .
Rabbi Kalonymus Kalmish Shapira [1889-1944] was a wondrous gaon in both the hidden and revealed [aspects of Torah], a disseminator of Torah and Chassidut. He established the Da’at Moshe yeshivah in Warsaw in 1923, and served as rosh yeshivah there at the same time as serving as Admo”r of Piacentza. He is known for the guidance books he wrote,
Chovat HaAvreichim ,
Esh Kodesh and additional books. During the Holocaust, even though he was offered escape, he refused. He stayed in the Warsaw ghetto; he conducted tisches and strengthened those around him with the wondrous sermons he delivered. He buried his writings under the ruins of a building in the ghetto, and he left a letter with them that if someone finds them, he should take them to the Land of Israel and publish them.
Rabbi Yeshayah Shapira [1891-1945] was the son of Rabbi Elimelech of Grodzhizk’s old age. He was known for his love of the Land of Israel, and all his life he dealt with love of Tziyon and settling the Land. He was very active in bringing Torah-and-mitzvah-observant pioneers and founding religious settlements in the Land of Israel with a Torah atmosphere.
[4], 73, [7] leaves. 24 cm; fine condition. Aging stains. Professional restoration of the margins of several leaves. Lacking a leaf. Magnificent leather binding.
Ach Pri Tevuah , Chassidut arranged by the weekly Torah portions and festivals, by the Admo”r Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Liska. First edition. Two parts with separate title pages. Munkacs, 1875-1876.
The book was printed just before the rabbi of Liska’s passing, together with his will. There is an approbation from the Admo”r Rabbi Chaim of Sanz, author of
Divrei Chaim , for both parts, in which he praises the author very much. The publisher writes that the author wrote in his will that his work may be printed only with the approbation of [at least] one tzaddik, so the publisher asked for an approbation from the Admo” r of Sanz.
This copy belonged to the Admo”r Rabbi Menachem Mendel Panet of Dej, author of Ma’agalei Tzedek . Inscription on the flyleaf: “Belongs to the Admo”r of Dej.” These renowned tzaddikim were among the leaders of the Chassidic movement in Hungary, and they maintained a warm relationship; their descendants even married each other.
The author Admo”r Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman of Liska [1808-1874] was one of the leaders of the Chassidic movement in Hungary in the 19th century and founder of Liska Chassidut. He was the foremost disciple of Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, author of
Yismach Moshe , and he also traveled to Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rabbi Meir of Premishlan, Rabbi Shalom of Belz and Rabbi Chaim of Sanz. He was known as a worker of salvations and people flocked to him en masse from all over Hungary. The Admo”r’s assistant was Rabbi Yeshayaleh of Kerestir, and after the Admo”r’s passing, Rabbi Yeshayaleh was appointed his primary successor.
The Admo”r Rabbi Menachem Mendel Panet of Dej [1818-1885] was a son of Rabbi Yechiel Panet, author of
Mareh Yechezkel . Rabbi Mendel was a close disciple of the Chatam Sofer, who was profuse in his praise, calling him ‘der zeidener bachur.’ He would take walks with him on Friday evenings. He was the only student at the Pressburg yeshivah to wear Chassidic garb. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Panet was present at the Chatam Sofer’s well-known revelation of Eliyahu. Following his marriage, he became close to the “Yismach Moshe.” He later became rabbi of Dej and, beginning in 1858, served as an Admo”r. It is written that many people began praying in nusach Sephard because of him, and that the city of Dej became a Chassidic stronghold. He was the leader of the Ultra-Orthodox Jews of Transylvania for several decades and one of the great Admo” rs of his generation. He authored
Ma’aglei Tzedek ,
Sha’arei Tzedek ,
Mishpat Tzedek and
Avnei Tzedek .
[4], 116; [1], 88 leaves. 23 cm. Stefansky
Chassidut 41; fine condition. Aging stains. Perforation in the flyleaf with slight damage to text. Detached front binding.
Ir Binyamin Sheni – commentary on aggadot from the Jerusalem Talmud, Seder Zeraim and Moed, by Binyamin Ze’ev Wolf. Furth, 1722. First edition. Copy that belonged to two grandsons of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin.
The book had belonged to the Admo”r Rabbi Nachum DovBer of Sadigura, who received it as a present from his cousin, the Admo”r Rabbi Chaim David [Dovid’l] of Brody. The title page bears Rabbi Nachum DovBer Friedman of Sadigura’s stamp and the ‘Minchat Shai’ stamp (see below). The flyleaf bears his signature: “This book belongs to Rabbi Nachum DovBer Friedman.” Red sticker on the back binding with gilt inscription: “Library of Rabbi Nachum Dov Friedman in Sadigura.” Rabbi Chaim David Monzon’s stamp is on the title page.
The Admo”r Rabbi Menachem Nachum Dov of Sadigura – Rabbi Nachum Ber’nyu [1843-1883], son of Rabbi Shalom Yosef, firstborn son of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin. Rabbi Nachum Ber’nyu was orphaned at a young age. His father, Rabbi Shalom Yosef, who was appointed his father Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin’s successor, passed away at a young age, approximately 10 months after his father’s passing. Rabbi Nachum Ber’nyu married the daughter of his uncle, Rabbi Avraham Ya’akov – the Elder Admo”r of Sadigura. The Admo”r Rabbi Nachum Ber’nyu owned an especially large library, and he would stamp the books according to their origin. The book before us is stamped “Minchat Shai, ” meaning that he received the book as a gift.
The Admo”r Rabbi Chaim David Monzohn [1850-1932] was a son of Rabbi Yosef Monzon, who was a son-in-law of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin. Rabbi Chaim David was a son-in-law of Rabbi Ze’ev of Tuzirian. He served as Admo”r in Russia and then he moved to Galicia and lived in several places, until he moved to Brody, by whose name he is known – as the Admo”r Rabbi Dudel of Brody. (Refer to Alfasi, Encyclopedia L’Chassidut I , 776, Chachmei Galicia III, 746-747.)
[12] 60 leaves, approximately 33 cm. The title page bears two handwritten words. Fine condition. Aging stains. Imprinted binding
“From Moshe to Moshe, no one arose like Moshe”
Mishneh Torah L’HaRamba”m , volumes 2 and 3. Yesnitz, [1740-1741]. Many owner’s signatures of prominent disciples of the Chata”m Sofer, together with signed testimony from Rabbi Shlomo Flash, a contemporary of the Chata”m Sofer’s: “I have come to attest about this book, which belongs to the great gaon, Av Beit Din and leader of the Pressburg community.”
Before us are two volumes from Mishneh Torah [the Yad HaChazakah ] L’HaRamba”m , from which the Rabbi of Jewish people, the Chata”m Sofer studied, while sitting in the great yeshivah in Pressburg, from which he prepared his lessons and wrote his numerous novellae. Rare and important item, evoking chills of sanctity. Its possession constitutes inestimable segulah and blessing. As rabbinic leaders of generations have related, Chassidim and Midnagdim alike, all responded after him, “Mekudash, mekudash.”
The books before us were brought to the Pressburg yeshivah (according to the theory of manuscript expert Rabbi Yitzchak Yeshayah Weiss, attached) by the Chata”m Sofer’s disciple, Rabbi Yosef Flash (later Av Beit Din of Veszprém) and during the same period, these books were in the Chata”m Sofer’s possession and use. The flyleaf bears a notation (twice) from the period, “I have come to attest about this book, which belongs to the great gaon, Av Beit Din and leader of the Pressburg community.” Under this notation, in a different hand, there is a signature by the gaon Rabbi Shlomo Flash, Av Beit Din of Nitra. Rabbi Shlomo was a contemporary of the Chata”m Sofer’s, even his senior by some years. Although he did not study at the Chata”m Sofer’s yeshivah, he did correspond with him in halachah (responsa to him appear in Shu”t Chata”m Sofer , Even HaEzer, 1:32), and his son Yosef Yozpa studied at the Chata”m Sofer’s yeshivah, so it is possible that the notation is his, and that only the signature is his father’s.
The books then changed ownership among the students of different cohorts at the Chata”m Sofer’s yeshivah, and each one signed it, and occasionally also his own Torah novellae. The signatures on the title pages and the bodies of the books include “David Pikik of of Breslau; Yoel son of R”M of Nitra; Asherephaeliyahu [=Asher Rephael Eliyahu] son of R”M z”l; Gavriel HaLevi Dessauer (many signatures); Yisrael Isser Tauber. There are many glosses and comments among the leaves of the books, some lengthy, written by several writers. Their content has not been examined, but it is reasonable to assume they are by disciples of the Chata”m Sofer.
Rabbi Moshe Sofer- the Chata”m Sofer [1763-1840] was the leader of Orthodox Chareidi Judaism of Germany and Central Europe. He was one of the greatest rabbis and adjudicators ever to have arisen among the Jewish people. Mahara”m Schick attested about him, “His Divine Inspiration was clearly evident.” The author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz wrote about him: ( Shu”t Divrei Chaim Part II, Ohr HaChaim, siman 8) “The leader of the entire Diaspora, the Chata”m Sofer … I am not adept at [even] his mundane discussions.”
The gaon Rabbi Shlomo Flash [1750-1832] was a disciple of Rabbi Gershon Chayut, Av Beit Din of Nikolsberg, who ordained him to the rabbinate. He also served in his Beit Din. He served as rabbi of Nitra beginning in 1800.
His son, Rabbi Yosef Yospa Flash [1788-1855], the Av Beit Din of Veszprém, was a disciple of the Chata”m Sofer. Rabbi Gavriel Dessauer writes of him “All wisdom filled him … the great cedar” (See also: Ishim B’Teshuvot Chata”m Sofer page 372).
Rabbi Yisrael Isser Tauber [1823-1904] disciple of the Chata”m Sofer (he entered the yeshivah at 13 years old, corresponding to the number in the introduction to his book, Ezrach Ra’anan ). He was a dayan in Novo Mesto from 1851 until his passing. His printed works include: Ezrach Ra’anan and Mekor Yisrael . His emotional eulogy for his rabbi, the Chata”m Sofer, was printed in Kovetz Ma’ayan HaTorah Year II issue 8-9. (Refer to Shem HaGedolim M’Eretz Hager 1:136).
The gaon Rabbi Gavriel HaLevi Dessauer [1805-1878] was a disciple of the Chata”m Sofer’s at his yeshivah in Pressburg, he was an Av Beit Din in Balaton Kémer in Hungary, and then Av Beit Din in Kaiarening for close to 40 years. He authored the books: Yad Gavriel , which received an approbation from the Chata”m Sofer; Kesset Gavriel ; Milchemet Mitzvah ; Shirei Zimrah , and HaAriel . The Chata”m Sofer wrote about him: “And [Gavriel] rose beyond his peers with greater vigor and greater might … the words of his palate are sweet and he is their delight … sweeter than honey.”
Expert’s confirmation of the signatures included.
Part II: Nashim and Kedushah; Part III: Hafla’ah, Zera’im, Avodah, Korbanot and Taharah. 36 cm.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Tiny tears in the title pages and the margins of the first leaves, without significant damage. Original leather-covered wood binding, slightly worn.
