Sidrei Tahara. Chidushei Hilchot Niddah by Rabbi Elchanan Ashkenazi. Lemberg, 1836. Handwritten comments from Rabbi Abba Chiya Hirsch from Sered. 93 leaves, 37.5 cm. On title page signature of Rabbi Abba Chiya Hirsch, and in the book several very long halachic handwritten comments of his not yet published. Please refer to the Hebrew for information about Rabbi Hirsch, including years of birth and death, his teachers, and positions held. On the flyleaf page after the writing there is writing about the death of Rabbi Shraga Feivel [Horvitz] Rabbi of Papa, apparently in the handwriting of his son, Rabbi Shrage Feivel who died in 1870 during a speech he was forced to give in a foreign language. Original binding. Fine condition.
Shloshah Sefarim Niftachim by Rabbi Yechiel Michel Hibner, Rabbi of Niznov. Satmar, 1907. First edition. Many comments in rabbinic handwriting. [2], 42, 45-52; 12; 40 leaves, 32 cm. Includes: Maaseh Yechiel, Meichal Hamayim, and Meichla Dasvasa. Very long glosses in rabbinic handwriting, with the reference ‘as I wrote in my book Agam Mayim on the Torah’. The handwriting contains mention of Chassidic ideas and the names of Chassidic Tzaddikim. Rabbi Yechiel Michel Hibner [1833-1907] was the rabbi of Niznov for more than 50 years; he was close to many Admorim and considered one of the great rabbis who are halachic poskim. See: Wunder, Galicia, 2, 371-379. Old binding. Thin paper. Slight tears. Fine condition.
Moreh Nevuchim by the Rambam, with the commentary Shem Tov, the commentary Apudi, and the commentary by Ibn Crascas. Yasnitz, 1742. Many handwritten glosses and additions. [1], 120, 123-127 leaves, 34 cm. Throughout the book are many handwritten comments written in early handwriting in block letters. In addition, there are pieces of paper with long explanations which were bound into the pages of the book in the correct places. The handwriting was never researched, but seems to belong to an authority. As such he writes a few times ‘it appears to be in my opinion’…and ‘as I wrote.’ Seal of Beit Midrash Eitz Chaim Kehillat Ashkenazim, Amsterdam. Not bound. Minimal aging stains. Tear on the last page without loss. Very fine condition.
*Shnei Luchot HaBris by Rabbi Yeshaya Halevi Horowitz. Amsterdam, ~1698. Leaves 30-258. Long signed comment in ancient handwriting. *Tefillah LeDavid, The Law of One Hundred Blessings One Is Required to Recite Daily, by Rabbi David Amar. Saloniki, 1777. Missing title page and most of the following page. Several long comments written in ancient handwriting. Owner’s ancient signature. Moth holes. Aruch Hashulchan, on Choshen Mishpat Volume 1, by Rabbi Binyamin Teib. Livorno, 1815. Missing at the end. Comments in ancient handwriting. Owner’s signature. Book blemished by moths. The books are in moderate-poor condition.
Shechitot V’Bedikot. Laws of slaughtering and checking, by Rabbi Yakov Weil, with additions. Amsterdam, 1745. Handwritten comments. 28 [1] leaves, 15 cm. Separate title page for Bedikot. Owner’s signature on title page. Throughout the book several halachic comments in old handwriting (some cut by the binder). Old binding. Staining and tearing. Moderate condition.
*Kol Omer Kra. Long comment signed by Rabbi Yisrael Litwin, Rabbi of Filtin [1867-1943]. *Mikraot Gedolot. Throughout the book long kabbalistic comments and additions, handwritten. *Shem Aryeh. Questions and answers from Rabbi Aryeh Leibush Balchober [Bolchover]. Throughout the book are handwritten halachic comments. On the flyleaf, long inscription of Divrei Torah. Apparently the handwriting of the author, because he notes Kuntras Hazama that he wrote. *Sdei Chemed. Stamps of Rabbi Meir Aryeh Yehuda Leib Frei, Rabbi of Shuran. *Zafnat Paneach. Many handwritten comments. Please refer to the Hebrew for more details. The books are in varied conditions, poor-fine.
Ashlei Ravravei, Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah volume 2, with Taz, Schach and other commentaries [Zolkow, 1824]. Handwritten comments. Numerous comments in old block handwriting. The notes were not checked, but no doubt that the author was an outstanding Torah Scholar, who apparently served also as a rabbi. He wrote comments on all the halachot in the book, including the laws connected to the Land of Israel together with the laws of niddah, milah and more. He wrote: “the words of the author are hard to understand…” On the flyleaf stamps: Chuna Isser Friedman, Safed. Disintegrated binding. Moderate condition.
Many comments in the handwriting of the Gaon Rabbi Shaul Katzenelboygen, author of Magen Shaul to the book Yoreh Deah, [1880].] More than sixty comments in his holy handwriting, various important changes, long comments on the Shulchan Aruch and its commentaries and on new thoughts and additions which were annexed to this edition such as Hagahot Imrei Baruch, Hagahot HaGri”b and Sefer Ikarei HaDat. There are additional thoughts in an identified handwriting. For more information relating to HaGaon Rabbi Shaul Katzenelboygen please refer to the Hebrew text. Dismantled leather binding without a spine. Light tears without damage to the text. Brittle paper. In good condition.
Chemdat Yamim. Section four, for the month of Elul and the high holy days. Venice, [1763]. Dozens of handwritten kabbalistic glosses from the 18th century. 103 leaves, 26 cm. Title page missing. All through the book are dozens of kabbalistic glosses in Middle East writing style. Some of the glosses are long and in some of them kabbalistic names have been written. In one place it’s written: And the custom of the Rav. Some of the glosses were written as a type of title on the side. The identity of the writer has not been established. Old binding. Age stains. Good condition.
Talmud Yerushalmi with the commentary Korban HaEidah and Tosafot Shir Korban, by Rabbi David [Frankel] from Dessau. Dessau, [1743]. First edition. Long handwritten comments. First edition of the well-known commentary to the Talmud Yerushalmi. General title page, and ten additional title pages for each tractate [the title page for Tractate Beitzah is missing]. Throughout the pages of the book were written numerous long scholarly glosses, from the period the book was printed. The glosses were not researched, but there is no doubt that the author was a venerable scholar. Old broken binding. Some of the comments were cut by the binder. Pages in fine condition.
Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim with the commentary Be’er Heitiv by Rabbi Yehudah Tiktin. Amsterdam, Props Press [1753]. [5] 320 leaves, 17.5 cm. Long handwritten halachic comments written on the bottom of the first nine pages, and also on some other pages later on. From the content of the comments and the writing style it appears that the scholar lived in the 18th century in Germany. The author notes sources from the Zohar, early and later halachic decisors. The identity of the author is not known. His signature on the title page was cut by the binder as were some of the comments he wrote. Simple binding. Minimal aging stains. Fine-very fine condition.
Yavin Shmuah – Halichot Olam (Ways of the World). Rules of the Talmud by Rabbi Yosef Karo, and Halichot Olam of Rabbi Yeshua HaLevi, with explanation by Rabbi Shlomo Algazi. Livorno. 5552 [1792]. 144 leaves, 28.5 cm. In the title page is the signature of the owner in ancient Spanish. Throughout the leaves of the book there are extensive ideas and lengthy comments in hand written Spanish. Old binding. A few moth holes. In good condition.
Questions and Answers Chaim Shaal by Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai [Chida]. Lemberg, [1886]. Two Parts. Signatures of Rabbis and hand written comments. [1]. 40, 45: [2] 48 leaves, 31 cm. Second edition. Seals and signatures of owners: The holy one, Yaacov Bla”a HaRosh [Elimelech Shimshon] z”l (of blessed memory), Tessler, Nuremberg, and also Shimon Menachem Mendel Wadnick Bmahri”tz of Kotna. On leaf 9, on both sides are the hand written comments and signature of Rabbi Shimon Menachem Mendel Wadnick who is mentioned as one of the authors of the book Rishpei Eish Hashalem (Complete Sparks of Fire), Pietrakov, [1907]. Rabbi Yaacov Tessler from Nuremberg and Liadz compiled the book B’Achrit HaYamim (Iin the End of Days) on matters of redemption, which was printed in England in the year [1942]. Old binding. Old paper. In good- very good condition
Minchat Chinuch. Expansive explanation on the Sefer HaHinuch with extensive, deep study and great familiarity with the extensive text. In three parts. Lemberg 5629 [1869]. First edition. Extensive comments in the handwriting of Rabbi Yerucham Fischel Perla. Three parts: [2]. 115 leaves; [1], 148 leaves; [2], 105, 4, [3], leaf, 36.5 cm. Each section has a special title page. The book was published anonymously, and it is written on the title page: “One of the great geniuses of our time, the holy and pure one compiled a book, and out of his great modesty concealed his name, may G-d protect him.” Only in the second edition which was printed in Lemberg in 5649, about 15 years after the death of the author, was the name of the author written. This first edition is extremely rare. The author, Rabbi Yosef Baba”d was the Rabbi of Tarnipol. His book Minchat Chinuch, is one of the fundamental books of the world of learning and deep study, in all the Diaspora of Israel until today. Many different editions, with many commentaries written within were printed for years. The seals of the owner Rabbi Yerucham Fischel Perla, and his extensive comments, in his handwriting are found throughout the manuscript. Please refer to the Hebrew description in the catalogue to see the biography of HaGaon Rabbi Yerucham Fischel Perla. Worn leather binding. Blemishes on first title page. Minor damage to leaves. Brittle paper. In good condition.
Responsa Oneg Yom Tov. Rabbi Raphael Yom Tov Lipman Heilperin. Vilna, 5640, [1880]. First edition. Long comment in the handwriting of Rabbi Yeruham Fischel Perla, seal of the Admor of Shperov. XX, 560 pages, 34 cm. Two title pages. On leaf 230 is the seal of the owner, the Admor Rabbi Yehezkel Yehiel Waldfreid – the Admor of Shperov, the son of the Admor Rabi Immanuel of Pshdvorez, died in the year 5679. To see more about him: Encyclopedia of Hassidut Part B, Column 180. Contains his signature and the seals of the owner Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kasher. Lev Shomea. Rules of Halacha according to alphabetical order (alef-bet), by Rabbi Haim HaKohen. Livorno, 5645 [1885]. First edition. Long comment in the handwriting of Rabbi Yerucham Fischel Perla. 5, 64, 5 leaves, 30 cm. Seals of the owner, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kasher. See further about Rabbi Yerucham Fischel Perla, regarding the previous item.
Machzor for Yom Kippur with Lashon Ashkenaz and Hadrat Kodesh, and with Kavanat HaPaytan. Offenbach, Printing Press of Zvi Hirsch and his son Avraham Segel Shpitz. 5562-5563 [1802-1803]. Tens of comments related to customs. [2] , 60: 284 leaves, 19 cm. Title page for Maariv (Evening Service) of Yom Kippur and additional title page for the Yom Kippur prayers. Throughout the length of the leaves of the machzor are hand written comments from the time of the printing of the book. The comments point out different customs, including customs about piyutim, what one says and what one does not say, what the Chazan says and what the congregation says, and several differences of text. Simple binding. Time related stains. Moth holes in the margins. In good condition.
Zivchey Shelamim. Laws of Shechitah and Bedikah, by Rabbi Yaacov [Yaaco Bek]. Brin, 5555 [1795]. [4], 2-5, [2], 2-28 [should be 39, [4]. 17 cm. Interesting composition for memorizing hilchot shechitah and bedikah, which was written in the form of questions and answers between Rabbi and student. The author, Rav Yaacov Bek, was the Rabbi of Leipnik, and the book was printed shortly after his death, with the approbation of Rabbi Mordechai Benet. Tens of lengthy hand written halachic and learned comments appear in most of the leaves of the book. On leaf gimmel (3): printing error, some student made a mistake…. Owner stamps of Rabbi Shimon son of Rabbi Akiva Yosef Shlezinger, known as the Lev HaIvri, and the writing and signature of the owner, Elchanan Rackendorf Shochet U’Bodek. First edition and rare book that was subsequently printed many times. The copy in the National Library, which is from the Mehlman Collection, is incomplete. Card binding is damaged. Time related stains. Minor damage to the white margins of several leaves but with no damage to the text. In good condition. In Ginzei Yisrael 809, a missing copy. Rare.
Questions and Responsas from Rabbi David V’Avi Zimra (HaRadbaz]. Levorno, 5412 [1652]. First edition. Hand written comments and additions. [6] 100 leaves, 28 cm. First edition of the responsa of the Radbaz [240-333, 1480-1572], one of the greats of the generations, who lived and was active in the period between the Rishonim and Achronim. The Radbaz exiled from Spain, reached Safed and then went to Jerusalem. He traveled to Fez and Cairo, and then returned to Jerusalem and Safed. He wrote thousands of response. This edition is the first of his responsa that was printed, and is considered Part 4 of the Responsa. Amongst the leaves of the book are many long comments in ancient Italian writing. Simple binding. Fortified title page. Two holes in the last page. A few moth holes and time related stains. In good – very good condition.
Emet V’Shalom – Nahar Shalom – Rechovot HaNahar, Kabbalistic compositions by Rabbi Shalom Sharabi [HaRashash]. Shauloniki, 5566 [1806]. Hand written comments. [1] 124 [should be 125] leaves, 18.5 cm. The main kabbalistic composition of HaRashash. Almost all of the book was printed here for the first time. Including kabbalistic questions which HaRashash was asked. On the title page are the ancient seals of owners, and throughout the leaves of the book are very long kabbalistic comments, in old style handwriting. Not bound. Damage to title page. Paper glue for strengthening title page and a few other pages. In good condition.
*Compilation of halachot on Masechet Zevachim by Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaCohen [the Chofetz Chaim], Warsaw, 1899. First edition. *Compilation of halachot on Masechet Menachot by Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaCohen [the Chofetz Chaim], Warsaw, 1903. First edition. “מוגה” written in author’s handwriting. First edition of this well-known work by the Chofetz Chaim with an approbation by Rabbi Shalom Mordechai Schwadron [Maharsham], Rabbi Chaim of Brisk and others. On end sheet the word “מוגה” is written twice by the author. Both books bound together in original half-leather. Minor aging stains. Very fine condition.
Galia Masechet. Responsa and Sermons by Rabbi David Manovhardok. Vilna. 5605 [1844]. Two sections, first edition, signature of Rabbi Benjamin Rivlin, hand written comments. [6] 185 [1]: [2} 92, 26 pages, 38.5 cm. Leaves 61-62 in the first section are missing [completed with photocopies] with two title pages, and with the subscribers leaf. In the title page of the first section is the signature of Rabbi Benjamin Rivlin. Hand written learned comments. In the leaf before the title page is a long hand written comment, relating to the words of the Gera’a. New binding. Moth holes in the first pages. In good-very good condition.
Sefer HaChinuch. Venice, 1600. Handwritten glosses from a number of Sephardic sages. Second edition of the Sefer HaChinuch. Missing 8 leaves at the beginning and the last leaf. Marginal glosses in various Sephardic hands. Most by one writer, but with some later comments on these glosses. In one place, the writer critiques the words of the Chinuch, and the later writer notes ‘…and I found in an old book’ (31,b and 36b). Includes references to the text of the Sefer HaChinuch, corrections, questions, answers and novellae whose style indicates that they were written by a Torah luminary. Old binding with many worming holes. Moderate condition.
The book Derech Ha’emunah, copy of the author HaRav Chaim Kanievsky with his hand written comments and amendments, Bnei Brak, 5754. Sefer Derech Emunah Part Two. Comprehensive explanation on the laws of Terumah of the Rambam, arranged and ordered according to the order of the book Mishnah Berurah by HaGaon Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita. This copy was the personal copy of Rabbi Kanievsky – who signed his name in the leaf prior to the title page: “From the Library of Chaim Kanievsy” and on it he wrote the amendments and the comments to the third edition. On the inner side of the binding the Gaon arranged a (partial) list of the pages where there are amendments. In the sheets of the book there are also many amendments, completions, deletions, additions and repetitions, all in his own handwriting. In one place (page 22) he wrote about a practical halachah regarding the interruption by metal in a plant pot with holes on top of pegs and then added in his handwriting: “but I heard that the opinion of HaGaon Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv,Shlita, is that metal interrupts and I rescinded my view.”
Tur Orach Chaim with the Bayit Chadash [ב”ח] by Rabbeinu Yoel Sirkis, Av Beit Din of Cracow. Frankfurt am Main, [1714]. [1] 296 leaves. 32.5 cm. On the title page of the sefer are the signatures of Rabbi Akiva Bressler, Av Beit Din Altona, and in the body of the sefer glosses and some corrections in his handwriting. With the signature of the censor Getzel Itzkovitch, with his markers and notes. The Gaon Rabbi Akiva Wartheimer Bressler, Raavad Altona and regions, was born in Breslau and his name is derived from there. He emigrated with all his family to Altona and from the year 1815 served as the dayan and from the year 1823 as the Rabbi of Altona and regions until his death in the year 1829. New binding. A leaf may be missing after the title page. Slight damage on a few leaves. Good condition.
