A letter handwritten and signed by the Tzaddik Rabbi Yisroel Ber Odesser, the well-known ‘Ba’al HaPetek’. The mysterious leader of the well-known colorful branch of Breslov known as ‘Na Nach Nachman MeUman’ (after the ‘Petek’). One of the leading leaders of Breslov in recent generations.
The letter before us was sent to his friend Rabbi Yehuda Leib Rosenfeld (who was the first of Anshei Shlomeinu in Poland who dealt with prinitng Rabbi Nachman’s books).
A letter full of simple faith, without grudge, in the manner of Breslov. And this is what the ‘Sabba’ writes about the trip to Uman: “… and know that I spend no money on expenses, only on a passport”. The ‘Sabba’ is telling his friend that actually, he has no money for the trip (which in the early 20th century cost a fortune, an amount that a poor man like the ‘Sabba’ could never reach); yet the ‘Sabba’ with his simple faith is getting a passport…
The expressions of friendship and brotherhood between the two Hassidim are exceptional, as is the manner of the greatest Breslov Hassidim. The letter is full of rare expressions of love and closeness: “My beloved”, “My dear”, “My soul and heart” and more.
[1] double leaf, 13X14 cm.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Fold marks.
A letter handwritten and signed by the Tzaddik Rabbi Yisroel Ber Odesser the well-known ‘Ba’al HaPetek’. The mysterious leader of the well-known and colorful branch of Breslov known as ‘Na Nach Nachma Nachman MeUman’ (after the ‘Petek’). One of the leading leaders of Breslov in recent generations.
In the letter before us, the year of writing does not apper and it was sent on the eve of Rosh HaShana to his disciples – Breslov Hassidim. The letter indicates that the ‘Sabba’ was suffering from heart problems and was in imminent danger: “I am gravely ill … and spit blood daily … suffering on my deathbed at the hospital”. Yet, the ‘Sabba’ is mostly sorry not about his physical pains but rather about what the persecuted Breslov Hassidim were going through: “You cannot imagine the depth of my sorrow and anguish … due to what we (Breslov Hassidim) are going through”. An additional thing that bothers the ‘Sabba’ is not his being in hospital in grave danger, but his not being able to be with the community on Rosh HaShana: “Now during these holy days very close to Rosh HaShana and after preparing to travel to you … I must be … in the hospital”.
The ‘Sabba’ blesses profusely: “From me your friend who loves you trully with all his heart and soul … and blesses you with Ketivah VeChatimah Tovah and a happy and blessed year salvation and consolation and all the best, Yisroel Ber Breslover”.
[1] leaf, 22 cm.
Fine condition. Aging stains.
The text of the amulet is: “By these Names may there be a recovery for anyone who drinks or rubs the water from these Names, from all disease, paralysis, difficulty breathing, stuttering, and all sickness in the world [… Names …] Amen, may it be His will.
Lengthy amulet (approximately 46 words) on parchment, entirely in the hand of the leading Kabbalist of our generation, Rabbi Yitzchak Kadouri. It is stirring to see how Rabbi Kadouri, as a son ingratiating himself before his father, requests from the Master of the World, in explicit language, his requests for the bearer of the amulet. As has already been stated: “A tzaddik decrees and G-d fulfills.”
The amulet is designated for one-time use, by inserting it into a cup of water and then, after the Names have dissolved, the sanctified water is to be drunk or rubbed.
“Itmachi gavra v’itamchi kamia”: Expert person – in all his amulets forever, as he became expert in three types of amulets. (Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 61b)
Refer to the Hebrew text for a brief biography of the
Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Kadouri .
[1] leaf paper. 6×8 cm, framed. Fine condition.
‘A good, sweet new year, may [you] be inscribed and sealed for life in the book of tzaddikim and may only goodness and lovingkindness, wealth and honor surround [you], and may [you] merit performing acts of charity and lovingkindness in satisfaction and tranquility until the coming of mashiach” (from the blessings of the Yoshlisk Rebbe in the letter before us).
Lengthy and moving letter in the hand and with the signature of the Admo”r Rabbi Ephraim David Halberstam, Av Beit Din of Yoshlisk, son of the Admo”r Rabbi Yechiel Nathan of Bardyev and son-in-law of his uncle, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Pristik.
The moving letter before us is not dated, but was apparently sent from Europe shortly close to the outbreak of the Holocaust. In the letter, the Rebbe relates the attempts he made to escape the valley of tears, like a caged lion. The Rebbe describes his terrible situation “know, my beloved, that I have never tasted anything as bitter as now, absolute hunger and deprivation.” The Rebbe continues with a description of his attempted escapes: “I have already tried escaping from here in several ways … and now I have no way of fleeing from here … I am pacing to and fro … and there is no way out, may G-d have mercy.” The Rebbe continues, pleading: “Please, don’t forget to do everything you can … show them my letter and find a way.” His escape attempts were unsuccessful and Rabbi Ephraim David was tragically killed in the Holocaust along with his wife and their nine children.
The rebbe, in his heartbreak, grants rare blessings: “A good, sweet new year, may [you] be inscribed and sealed for life in the book of tzaddikim and may only good and lovingkindness, wealth and honor surround [you], and may [you] merit performing acts of charity and lovingkindness in satisfaction and tranquility until the coming of the mashiach … I bless [you] that you be inscribed and sealed for the good, for salvation in all matters for the good … the small one, Rabbi Ephraim David Halberstam.”
Rabbi Ephraim David Halberstam [1885-1942] served as rabbi and Admo”r in Yoshlisk and in Mishlenitz. Rabbi Ephraim David was born to his father, Rabbi Yechiel Nathan of Bardyev (son of the Admo”r Rabbi Moshe Halberstam of Bardyev), son of the Admo”r Rabbi Baruch Halberstam of Gorlitz, son of the Admo”r Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz, author of Divrei Chaim ). Rabbi Ephraim David was born in Sanz and appointed as rabbi of Yoshlisk. One of his famous disciples was the Admo”r Rabbi Yanke’leh Lazer of Psevorsk, who studied Yoreh Deah with him and was ordained to the rabbinate by him. From this teacher of his, R’ Yankeleh also learned facts and conduct of the descendants of the various branches of Sanz, and he would always relate them at his tishes.
[1] leaf paper, approximately 28 cm. Ink on official stationery (graph paper), entirely in his hand and with his signature.
Fine condition. Fold marks, tears in the folds and in the margins with slight damage to 3 letters.
Segulah amulet for livelihood, success and protection. Text by the gaon, the author of Yismach Moshe , in the name the light of the world, the Ba’al Shem Tov, ztz”l, blessed in the hands of our pure rabbi, Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar.
Amulet that was published in Brooklyn, NY, by Rabbi Glickman, a scribe who printed the renowned amulet by the author of Yismach Moshe on stiff paper and took the amulets to Rabbeinu Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar, and Rabbeinu Yoel of Satmar blessed all these amulets.
A confirmation is included from R’ Sh. A. Glickman, the scribe Rabbi Ya’akov Yissachar Glickman’s grandson, stating that the amulet was from his grandfather’s estate, and that it was blessed by the Admo”r in 1977, and that his grandfather had sold these amulets about 50 years ago to various Jews.
There is also a copy from the gabbai, R’ Meir Shpitz, who was the son-in-law of the renowned gabbai R’ Yossel Ashkenazi, included, stating that these amulets were blessed by the Admo”r.
10X8 cm. Includes holy Kabbalistic Names and names of Angels.
Very fine condition.
“May you be saved with the salvation of worlds and blessed from the source of blessings … blessings and salvations that will fulfill all [your] requests for the good” (from the Rebbe’s blessing in this letter)
Letter with a desperate cry for help at the brink of the Holocaust, entirely handwritten and signed by the lofty tzaddik, the Admo”r Rabbi Yechizkiah Fisch of Mátészalka. 1939. Letters from the Admo”r are extraordinarily rare.
In this shocking letter, sent to American Jewry from Mátészalka, Hungary, the Rebbe relates the situation of European Jewry. The Rebbe uses hints due to the censor, who, according to the Rebbe, “lost” his previous letter. This letter demonstrates that he, as it were, forgoes his own life, from the perspective of “better the arrow should enter me.” His primary plea is to work on rescuing his two sons.
So writes the Rebbe in his shocking letter: “Honorable sirs! I have never burdened anyone with anything like this, indeed our position is known, that no one exits or enters due to the pursuer … my dear son Rabbi Eliezer shlit”a … and his younger brother, the lofty and accomplished young man … to fulfil through them the commandment of redeeming captives (emphasis in the original) … anyone who saves the life of one Jew it is as if he sustained an entire world … this platform is too short … to describe the oppression … the two are like many but come as one.” His cry did not go unheeded, and his two sons were saved from the inferno. The Rebbe concludes his letter: “May you be saved with the salvation of worlds and blessed from the source of blessings … blessings and salvations that will fulfill all [your] requests for the good.”
The Admo”r Rabbi Yechizkiah Fisch of Mátészalka [1885-1944] was a son of Rabbi Aharon Yeshayahu Fisch of Hodász, author of Perach Mateh Aharon and Kedushat Aharon , one of the grandsons of Rabbi Ya’akov Fisch of Kalov (confidante of the Maharia”a of Kalov), who was blessed by the Besh”t for long life – and he lived 113 years. The Fisch family was among the patriarchs of Chassidism in Hungary through the generations. Rabbi Yechizkiah Fisch was very great in Torah and its revealed and hidden aspects. After his father’s passing in 1928, many Jews flocked to him for counsel and blessings, and his name became world-renowned. He established an important yeshivah in his city, and taught many disciples. He was oppressed with suffering his entire life. In 1944, he was sent with members of his community to Auschwitz. All along the way, he encouraged them to become martyrs with love, and before entering the gas chambers, he recited the vidui confession enthusiastically, may his blood be avenged. ( Encyclopedia L’Chassidut II , p.189, Otzar HaRabbanim 9117). His son, Rabbi Eliezer Fisch, Av Beit Din of Mátészalka, survived the Holocaust and immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, where he became known as the Admo”r of Hodász, author of Noam Siach .
[1] postcard, written on both sides. Approximately 10×15 cm. The postcard bears the Admo”r’s logo; it is stamped and postmarked, and is entirely in the Rebbe’s hand and with his signature.
Fine condition. Fold marks.
Letter full of blessings on official stationery, signed by the Admo”r Rabbi Yechiel Yehoshua Rabinowitz of Biala. The letter deals with the establishment of the renowned convalescent home ‘Em VaYeled.’ Jerusalem, 1965.
The Biala Rebbe, who was especially famous for the power of his blessings in that nothing he said went unfulfilled, blesses here in an exceptionally expansive manner: “May it be blessed with the blessing as stated in the Torah “I shall remove disease from your midst” and may the words of our Sages be fulfilled in it … may Hash-m protect you – from the yetzer hara, and revive you – from suffering, and joy in the Land … because redemption is juxtaposed with recovery … the small one, Yechiel Yehoshua son of the Admo”r ztz”l of Biala.”
Refer to the Hebrew text for a brief biography of the Admo”r Rabbi Yechiel Yehoshua Rabinowitz .
[1] leaf paper. 18×22 cm. Lengthy letter on official stationery. 17 lines in the Admo”r’s scribal script and with his signature.
Very fine condition.
Lengthy letter (over 100 words) on official stationery, entirely handwritten and signed by the Admo”r Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel of Kopyczynitz, to his relative, the Admo”r Rabbi Ya’akov Friedman of Husiatyn. The whole letter is filled with blessings for a good year.
There is no year nor month on this letter indicating when it was written, but it was written just before Rosh HaShanah, as: “Wednesday of the week of the ‘Choose life’ Torah portion” (in the portion ‘Netzavim’) is written at the top of the letter, and this is always right before Rosh HaShanah. This can also be demonstrated from the character of the blessings, as they are primarily wishes for the new year.
So writes the Rebbe, inter alia, “By the light of the king’s countenance [פני מלך] may there be life and abundance, an abundance of sanctity.” The Kopyczynitzer Rebbe refers to his cousin, the Husiatyner Rebbe, using the moniker “Pnei Melech, ” which is associated with the royal etiquette of the Chassidic court of Ruzhin (yet Rebbe Ya’akov himself, in contrast to the Admo”rs of Ruzhin, conducted himself with extreme simplicity). We note that the Rebbe writes, in rare fashion, the word “abundance” twice! (This has special significance among Chassidim). The Rebbe continues, blessing in his letter in an exceptional manner: “from the depths of my heart and soul, my blessing to [you] shlit”a and [your whole family] … for a good, sweet year, to be inscribed and sealed for life in the book of complete tzaddikim, for a good life of peace.”
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for brief biographies of the Admo”r Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel and the Admo”r Rabbi Ya’akov Friedman .
[1] leaf paper, 21 cm. Official stationery leaf entirely handwritten and signed by the Admo”r of Kopyczynitz.
Fine-very fine condition. Filing perforations. Fold marks.
Lengthy letter from Rabbi Menachem Mendel Panet, Admo”r of Dej, author of Ma’aglei Tzedek . 1870. The letter opens with the words, “I left blessed and I will return blessed.” It was sent to his nephew Rabbi Asher Shmuel Panet with a comprehensive, lengthy halachic responsum regarding the laws of yayin nesech. The Admo”r mentions his father’s book Mareh Yechezkelֲ in the letter. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Panet [1818-1885] was a son of Rabbi Yechezkel Panet, author of Mareh Yechezkel . Rabbi Mendel was among the close disciples of the Chata”m Sofer, who was exuberant in his praise, calling him “der zeidener bachur, ” and even going for walks with him on Shabbat evenings. He was the only one in the Pressburg yeshivah who wore Chassidic garb. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Panet was there at the well-known revelation of Eliyahu in the Chata”m Sofer’s presence. Following his marriage, he drew close to the “Yismach Moshe.” He was later the rabbi of Dej, and from 1858 served as an Admo”r. Many people in Hungary began praying in nussach Sephard because of him, and the city of Dej became a Chassidic stronghold. He was the leader of the Chareidi Jews of Transylvania for decades, and one of the greatest Admo”rs of his generation. He authored the books Ma’aglei Tzedek , Sha’arei Tzedek , Mishpat Tzedek and Avnei Tzedek . Rabbi Asher Shmuel Panet was a son of Rabbi Moshe Bezalel Panet; rabbi of Hidalmás and Toshnad. He was a grandson of the “Mareh Yechezkel.” (Regarding Rabbi Asher Shmuel, refer to R’ Tzvi Hirsch Schwartz’s “Menachem Meishiv Nafesh” in Heichal HaBesh”t , Ma’asaf L’Mishnat HeChassidut Toldotehah V’Ginzehah , year II issue 4 (8) 2005, page 109). [2] pages, 20×20 cm. The letter is entirely written and signed by him. Fine condition. Fold marks. Tiny tears in the margins without damage. Aging stains.
Letter of blessings entirely handwritten and signed by the Admo”r Rabbi Ya’akov Friedman of Husiatyn, to his great Chassid, the famous dayan and member of the Beit Din HaGadol, Rabbi Eliezer Yehudah Waldenberg. Tel Aviv, 1955.
The Rebbe blesses in his letter “May Hashem’s pleasantness be upon [you] and may [you] merit to keep watch on the doors of the holy Torah in serenity and never leave this ‘praiseworthy fruit’ [פרי הלולים]” This blessing was clearly completely fulfilled, as the ‘Tzitz Eliezer’ became one of the most prominent dayanim in the Land of Israel and in the whole world, and his “praiseworthy fruit” is the book series of responsa, Tzitz Eliezer , which comprises a vital series in halachic adjudication. (Another “praiseworthy fruit” was obviously his son, Rabbi Simchah Bunim Waldenberg, who, in contrast to his father who supported Zionism, became one of the zealots and rabbis of Satmar Chassidim in Jerusalem).
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Ya’akov Friedman .
[1] leaf paper, 21 cm. Official stationery, entirely handwritten and signed by the Admo”r of Husiatyn.
Very fine condition. Fold marks.
Letter written entirely by hand on official stationery signed by the the Admo”r Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Biderman of Lelov. The Rebbe blesses in his letter: “The merit of this mitzvah with protect all who do it and their deeds, in the material and the spiritual.” Letters from Rabbi Moshe Mordechai of Lelov are rare.
The letter deals with the establishment of the veteran and renowned institution in Bnei Brak, ‘Em VaYeled.’ It is interesting to note that the rabbi preceded ‘the spiritual’ with ‘the material.’ According to Chassidic tradition, one’s fellow’s ‘material needs’ are his own ‘spirituality’ … and Chassidic tradition maintains that in order to grow spiritually, one requires serenity in one’s soul and material comfort.
Refer to the Hebrew text for a brief biography of the Admo”r Rabbi Moshe Mordechai of Lelov .
[1] leaf paper. 16×21 cm. The Admo”r’s official stationery, with the addition of the abbreviation ‘ב”ה’ in his hand, and with his signature.
Very fine condition. Fold marks. Aging stains.
“… and may we all merit the speedy redemption of the Jewish people …” (from the Rebbe’s blessings in the letter before us)
Lengthy letter, entirely handwritten and signed (twice!) by the Admo”r Rabbi Shaul Yedidyah Taub of Modzhitz. Regarding the Admo”r’s rescue from the killing valley in Poland. The letter was sent to Rabbi David Perkowitz of Jerusalem. Otwock, 1940.
The letter before us was written, as stated, in 1940, at the height of the terrible Holocaust. The Rebbe tells of his suffering in his letter, of the wandering and the terrible tortures he and his family are undergoing; that they fled the Germans and were imprisoned by the Russians. He also tells of his two year old son whose fingers became frostbitten. The Rebbe, in his gentleness, hints to Rabbi Perkowitz that money would help him very much to be extracted from the killing valley, and he expresses his great appreciation for the ‘derishah’ (apparently he is referring to the arrangement of a ‘certificate’). At the end of the letter, the Rebbe separately thanks Rabbi Meir Berlin (Bar-Ilan) for his efforts on his behalf, and again signs his name. The Rebbe concludes his letter with blessings.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the Admo”r Rabbi Shaul Yedidyah Elazar Taub .
[1] leaf paper, 28×21 cm. Ink on official stationery, entirely in the Rebbe’s hand and with his signature.
Fine condition. Fold marks, tears in the folds and in the margins without lack to the text.
“… great glory and crown of salvation … may Hashem bless [your] efforts and the work of [your] hands, everywhere [you] turn, may you be satisfied and full of Hashem’s blessings in complete health and long life and may [you] be satisfied and experience salvation …” (from the Rebbe’s blessings in the letter before us)
Letter loaded with wondrous blessings, entirely handwritten and signed by the Admo”r Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam of Bobov, to philanthropist R’ Yisrael Isser Shmwedler.
The Rebbe blesses in his letter all the blessings a person could possibly desire, and even more: Greatness, salvation, blessing, strength, happiness, abundance, health, long life, and more.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam, Admo”r of Bobov .
[1] leaf paper, 26×18 cm. Ink on official high quality stationery, entirely handwritten and signed by the Rebbe.
Very fine condition. Fold marks.
Entirely handwritten letter on official stationery signed by the Admo”r Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel Twerski of Machnovka. Bnei Brak, 1965.
The letter before us is one of the first written by the Admo”r, just a few months after he ascended to the Land of Israel, after sitting in prison in Siberia. It discusses founding the Bikkur Cholim society. The Admo”r blesses with abundance: “Happy is he who opens his hand to influence much abundance. May the Divine Presence rest upon the handiwork of those involved … and those who participate … From he who awaits the redemption, Yehoshua Heschel, son of the famous Rabbi Yosef …”
Refer to the Hebrew text for a brief biography of Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel Twerski of Machnovka .
[1] leafpaper, 14×22 cm. Official stationery, written by his attendant, signed at length [13 words] and stamped by the Admo”r.
Fine condition. Aging stains.
Chochmat Adam – halachah, by the author of Chayyei Adam . The leaf preceding the title page bears a lengthy dedication handwritten by the Admo”r of Vizhnitz, Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua Hager.
The Rebbe writes, inter alia, “May it be fitting from Heaven that [you] serve the Creator in spiritual satisfaction and with breadth of mind and that [you] see faithful, blessed generations and sanctified joy in [your] home all the days of [your] life … the small one, Moshe Yehoshua, son of the tzaddik, shlit”a.
The Admo”r Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua Hager, author of Yeshuot Moshe of Vizhnitz [1916-1912], was president of the Council of Torah Sages, a wondrous gaon in all realms of Torah, revealed and hidden. He had a luminous and glowing countenance; he was a remnant of the previous generation’s Admo”rim. He conducted his presidency at a lofty level for over forty years, from the time he ascended to the position of his father, the Admo”r, the author of Imrei Chaim .
114, 142; 36, 7 leaves. 24 cm.
Fine condition. Partially detached leaves and binding. Lacking spine.
Letter written entirely by hand, signed by approximately twelve of the Admor”im and tzaddikim of the previous generation. Blessing for sustenance and healing.
This letter deals with the establishment of the ‘Bikkur Cholim’ Society and starts with the words: “נשים במה זכיין” “How do women attain merit?” The Admo”rim bless in their letter: “Reward is assured in the mishnah and the beraitah – this is one of the things with which a person earns reward in this world etc. … and Hash-m will remove all disease …”
The signatories on the letter include (in order of appearance):
* “יחיאל יהושע בן אאמו”ר זצללה”ה מביאלא” – Rabbi Yechiel Yehoshua, the Admo”r of Biala, author of Chelkat Yehoshua .
* “יוסף נפתלי שטרן” – Rabbi Yosef Naftali Stern, rosh yeshivah of Pressburg and member of the Council of Torah Sages.
* “משה שמואל הלוי רוטנבערג” – Rabbi Moshe Shmuel HaLevi Rottenberg, the Admo”r of Kassan.
* “יחזקאל שרגא ליפשיץ הלברשטאם” – the Admo”r of Stropkov.
* “הק’ נחמן כהנא” Rabbi Nachman Kahana of Bnei Brak.
* “אברהם יהושע העשיל בהרב המפורסם מו”ה יוסף מאיר זצוקללה”ה” – Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel, the Admo”r of Machnovka.
* “האדמו”ר מקוידינוב ובוטושנו” – the Admo”r of Koidanov and Botoshno.
* “הק’ יצחק מאיר אייכנשטיין” – Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Eichenstein – the Admo”r of Zhidichov.
* “הק’ יעקב שמריהו דייטש הלוי” – Rabbi Ya’akov Shmaryahu Deitch HaLevi, Av Beit Din of Chug Chatam Sofer.
* Two more signatures, unidentified.
27 cm.
Fine condition. Creases and fold marks. Tiny tears in the folds, without damage or lack.
Group of [23] letters from Admo”rim and rabbis in the Land of Israel. The letters were written to support the chessed institution, Bikkur Cholim, in Bnei Brak, 1965, as well as various documents, mainly associated with the Bikkur Cholim institution.
Names of the Admo”rs:
The Admo”r Rabbi Yitzchak Friedman of Husyatin.
The Admo”r Rabbi Ya’akov Yosef Shlomo Halperin of Vasloi.
The Admo”r Rabbi Yosef Meir of Spinka-Jerusalem.
The Admo”r Rabbi Rabbi Moshe Shmuel Rottenberg of Koson.
The Admo”r Rabbi Nachman Kahane of Spinka.
The Admo”r Rabbi Chanoch Dov Silberfarb of Kvidinov.
The Admo”r Rabbi Tzvi Meir Panet of Dej,
The Admo”r Rabbi Tzvi Aryeh Twerski of Zlotchov-Chortkov.
The Admo”r Rabbi Chaim Ya’akov Safrin of Komarno.
Name of rabbis:
Rabbi Yosef Adler Ga’avad of Torda.
Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin, Av Beit Din of Lutzk.
Rabbi Yehoshua Moshe Ahronson, Petch Tikvah.
Rabbi Ya’akov Landau, rabbi of Bnei Brak (2 letters).
Rabbi Yissachar Dov Goldstein, Chug Chata”m Sofer.
Rabbi Yosef Naftali Stern.
Rabbi Yisrael Aryeh Zalmanovitz, Acre.
Rabbi Mordechai Jaffe Schlesinger.
Rabbi Moshe Blau, Pardes Katz.
Rabbi Nathan Tzvi Friedman, Bnei Brak.
Rabbi Shlomo Unger, Bnei Brak.
Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Weiss, Neve Achiezer.
Rabbi Avraham Nesher Adler.
Various sizes and conditions.
Official marriage certificate signed by the officiating rabbi, the Admo”r Rabbi Yisrael Alter, the author of Beit Yisrael of Gur.
Marriage certificate written on an official document of the Va’ad HaIr L’Kehillot HaAshkenazim – the previous name of the Bada”tz HaEdah HaChareidit. For the marriage of R’ David Aryeh Ferster, founder of the famous chain of hat stores ‘Ferster Hats, ‘ and the bride Devorah, daughter of R’ Chaim Elimelech Dreiman. The wedding took place at the Zion Hotel in Jerusalem on 8 Tevet 1944.
Refer to the Hebrew text for a brief biography of Rabbi Yisrael Alter .
[1] leaf official stationery, 25 cm.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Filing perforations. Fold marks. Tiny tears without damage or lack.
Rare and important missive entirely handwritten by him – most of the known letters by Rabbi Chaim of Sanz were written by members of his household and only signed by him – yet here is a letter entirely written and signed by the author of Divrei Chaim himself.
Letter content: regarding attaining a rabbinical position for his son in Rimanov(?). The
Divrei Chaim requests in the letter: “…Do a mitzvah and lend support to the matter among the city’s leaders and Chassidim, to conclude the matter of the position for my son-in-law, the rabbi. It is befitting to them, for he is G-d-fearing, courageous and understanding, as per the Sages’ requirements for a person to seek the benefit of all others. He is, with Hash-m’s help, congenial and accepted by all, and he will, with Hash-m’s help, lead them with pleasantness and tranquility. If his honor would be so good as to see to this; the rest his honor already knows, so I have kept this brief, please understand …”
The letter was sent to ‘My friend the sharp and expert rabbi, the famous Chassid, Rabbi Binyamin Ze’ev.’ This is none other than the gaon Binyamin Ze’ev Blasenstein, Av Beit Din of Zhmigrod. There are responsa addressed to him in
Shu”t Divrei Chaim Even HaEzer part I siman 34, and Choshen Mishpat part II simanim 3, 16.
He signs off in the margins: ‘My brother-in-law is his son-in-law, the superlative avreich’ – referring to Rabbi Mordechai David Unger, Av Beit Din of Zhmigrod, son-in-law of the above-mentioned Rabbi Binyamin.
Rabbi Chaim of Sanz, author of Divrei Chaim (1797-1876) perfected the three pillars upon which the world stands: Torah, Divine service, and acts of lovingkindness:
Torah: His diligence in Torah from his youth, despite illness and suffering, was tremendous. He delivered many Torah lectures; his in-depth study throughout the nights would cause him to forget all that was happening around him.
Avodah: It is difficult to properly describe the Sanzer Rebbe’s Divine service in this brief platform – his prayers lasted many long hours, with great enthusiasm and voice. He would raise his voice during certain prayer segments, and the whole congregation would tremble and shudder, and many times, everyone would cry out in spiritual arousal.
Gemillut Chassadim: Rabbi Chaim of Sanz was unique in his generation when it came to charity. His sons wrote in their foreword to
Divrei Chaim al HaTorah that the charity he distributed supported hundreds and thousands of poverty-stricken Jews. Each day, he would distribute enormous amounts to dozens of penitents; half the area’s Jews were respectably supported by him. He became rabbi of Rudnik in 1817, where he clung to Chassidism and became Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz’s foremost disciple. He moved to Sanz in 1830 and became the most prominent Admo”r in Galicia; almost all the rabbis and Admo”rs there accepted his authority and rulings. He had15 children – sons and daughters, and was privileged to see them follow in his ways. At his funeral, close to 100 rabbinic descendants escorted his bier. His descendants are estimated to include many hundreds of rabbis and Admo”rs.
His published writings include:
Shu”t Divrei Chaim ,
Divrei Chaim al Hilchot Gitten U’Mikvaot ,
Divrei Chaim al HaTorah ,
Biurim al Haggadah shel Pesach and compilations with customs, facts and tales, as well as about his conduct.
[1] leaf. Ink on paper. 20×19 cm. 13 lines handwritten by him, with his signature.
Fine condition. Professionally restored tear on the right side with damage to individual words. Aging stains. Magnificent new leather binding.
NB! VAT should be added to the commission on this lot for foreign residents as well as Israelis.
Please note: The letter is sold with the approval of the estate manager, Rabbi Mendel Shapran Shlita, without fear and doubt!
“… and may the merit of our holy ancestors stand by you so that you are blessed that all your heart’s desires be fulfilled for the good …”
Letter of recommendation and blessing entirely [approximately 72 words] in the Admo”r Rabbi Ben Tziyon Halberstam of Bobov’s hand, with his signature and stamp. Bobov, 1910. Letters from the Kedushat Tziyon of Bobov are especially rare.
The letter before us opens with the words, “Peace and blessings to my beloved people.” The Admo”r writes in his letter that he avoids giving recommendations as much as possible (he even uses the word “vow”! with this apparently being the reason for the scarcity of letters from him). However, the case before us, as the Rebbe writes, is an exception in its importance, and, “for such a case I did not make a vow.” The exceptional case to which the Rebbe refers is the mitzvah of redeeming captives “for the avreich, the Chassid, of prestigious lineage, Rabbi Ya’akov Yisrael, ” – this is Rabbi Ya’akov Yisrael Schmerler, a descendant of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk and Rabbi Meir of Premishlan, in whose merit and with whose powers the Rebbe infuses his blessings for all those who assist him. The Rebbe concludes his letter, “May you be blessed that all your desires be fulfilled for the good …” The Admo”r adds his stamp in the margins of the letter as “Av Beit Din of Bobov and environs.”
Rabbi Ben-Tziyon Halberstam [1874-1941] was the author of
Kedushat Tziyon of Bobov. After the passing of his father, Rabbi Shlomo, the first Admo”r of Bobov and grandson of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, the Chassidim appointed Rabbi Ben-Tziyon Admo”r when he was just 31 years old. He established the Etz Chaim D’Bobov yeshivah, with dozens of branches throughout Galicia and Poland, and his impact on the youth was tremendous. In his day, Chassidut Bobov became the largest Chassidut in the area. Rabbi Ben Tziyon composed over 100 melodies. Some of the more famous are: “Yah Ribon, “Mikdash Melech, ” and “Mah Ashiv.” During WWII, Rabbi Ben Tziyon stayed in the home of one of his Chassidim. During the pogrom known as “Petliura Day, ” when the Rebbe was removing his Rabbeinu Tam tefillin, the door suddenly opened and a Ukrainian gentile entered the house. He realized that he was dealing with a respected person, and ordered him to accompany him. An eyewitness related that “he saw from the window how the rabbi, who was dressed in his Shabbat finery, was attacked by soldiers. The cruel Ukrainian soldiers hit him in his head with the butts of their rifles, and his kippah fell to the floor. The rebbe occasionally bent forward to pick it up, and they beat him even more forcefully.” Three days later, on Monday, 4 Av, he was executed in the Yanover forest, on the outskirts of the city. 20,000 Jews were massacred that day, including the Rebbe, his son, and his three sons-in-law. May their blood be avenged.
[1] leaf, 14×22 cm. Entirely in his hand. Fine condition. Aging stains. Fold marks.
Pay Attention: VAT should be added to the commission for foreign residents as well.
“Come, pure ones, and occupy yourselves with Taharot”
Lengthy and rare letter [over 500 words], entirely written and twice signed in the hand of the Admo”r Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar. The letter is addressed to the Admo”r Rabbi Chananya Yom Tov Lipa Deutch – the Helmetzer Rebbe, and deals with mikveh-related issues. Brooklyn, New York, 1952.
The letter before us comprises a comprehensive and fundamental halachic responsum on issues in the spiritual purity of mikvehs. The Chassidic Admo”rs are generally known for their sanctity and prayers. The responsum before us reveals another aspect of the Satmar Rebbe – his tremendous genius and his mastery of all facets of Torah. The Rebbe covers all the serious halachahs of mikvehs in his responsum, in combination with practical issues related to the laws of mikvehs: the properties of solid and cast substances, the law of connected vessels, and the like.
The segulah for fertility is well-known – to study the laws of ‘family purity.’ All the more so, the merit of studying these laws from the manuscript of one of the leaders and tzaddikim of recent generations.
The Admo”r Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar [1887-1979] leader of the largest Chassidic court in the world, was a son of the Kedushat Yom Tov of Sighet, and younger brother of the “Atzei Chaim, ” successor to his father in Chassidic leadership. He was the first Admo”r of Satmar Chassidism. His greatness was known even before the Holocaust, and at seventeen years old, when his father passed away, the Chassidim were drawn to him and they gathered around him from then on. He was a congregational leader and served as a rabbi of prominent communities for over 70 years. He was miraculously saved from the Holocaust via the Kastner train, and Satmar Chassidim celebrate 21 Kislev as the Admo”r’s “Yom HaHatzalah.” He ascended to the Land of Israel and then immigrated to the United States, where he was one of those who established the Chassidic world there. He raised the crown of Chassidism, which had lost most of its children in the Holocaust, and inspired the spiritual desolation among the survivors to blossom. He worked tirelessly to found institutions of Torah study, of prayer, and for the restoration of Judaism after the European destruction. He is known for his zealous and uncompromising stance against Zionism and is considered its primary and most bitter rival. He authored:
VaYoel Moshe ,
Imrei Yoel ,
Divrei Yoel , and more.
Rabbi Chanaya Yom Tov Lipa Deutch [1905-1991] was the Av Beit Din of Helmetz and the region – the “Helmetzer Rebbe, ” disciple of the rabbinic leaders of Hungary. From his youth he dealt with repairing mikvehs and was very active in raising the banner of sanctity and purity. He published
Taharat Yisrael al Masechet Mikva’ot in twenty volumes and
Yesod Yosef Taharat Yom Tov al Shulchan Aruch in twenty volumes.
[2] pp. official stationery. 28×21 cm. Fine condition. Aging stains. Fold marks. Tiny tears in the margins and in the folds without lack or damage.
Pay Attention: VAT should be added to the commission for foreign residents as well.
“… and a main principle for us from our holy ancestors and rabbis, may their merit stand by us and the entire Jewish people, is to not say that reality, Heaven forbid, contradicts the adjudicators.”
Lengthy halachic responsum, important and fundamental, from the Admo”r Rabbi Yekutiel Yehudah Halberstam of Sanz, author of
Divrei Yatziv . Kiryat Sanz, Netanya, 1969.
The responsum before us delves into the depths of the issues which have always divided the Chassidim and their opponents (המתנגדים), such as Ezra’s immersion, the time for recital of Kriyat Shema, sunset according to the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam, prayers in nusach Sephard, and others.
The letter is typewritten and, in his hand, the Admo”r corrects and adds comments between the lines and at the end of the letter [approximately 70 words]. At the end of the responsum, the Admo”r adds: “… the way of our ancestors, to whom the Torah was given, orally transmitted by one person to the next all the way from Moshe Rabbeinu, of blessed memory …” as well as words of blessing and his signature.
Rabbi Yekutiel Yehudah Halberstam [1905-1994] was the Admo”r of Sanz-Klausenberg. He was born in Rudnik, Galicia. His father, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch, who was the city’s rabbi, was a son of Rabbi Baruch, the Admo”r of Gorlice, son of the founder of the Sanz Chassidic dynasty, Rabbi Chaim Halberstam, author of
Divrei Chaim . As a youth, he studied under “the Dukler Rebbe” and later on under Rabbi Meir Yechiel of Ostrovtza. He was rabbinically ordained by Rabbi Meir Arik. He lost his wife and their 11 children in the Holocaust, and afterwards established a new family and revived the Chassidut in the United States and in Israel, which became one of the largest and most influential Chassidic courts. The Rebbe, with his almost supernatural powers, founded many enterprises and projects, including those not specifically connected to the Chareidi community, and which never occupied Chassidic Admo”rim, such as: the Kiryat Sanz neighborhoods in Netanya and in Jerusalem; Laniado hospital; the Union City neighborhood in New York, and other centers around the world; Mif’al HaShas, and others. The Sanzer Rebbe was known for his tremendous genius, his sanctity, his awesome majestic prayers, and his wonders. His Torah thoughts are printed in the book series
Shu”t Divrei Yaztiv and
Shefa Chaim .
The responsum before us was printed in
Shu”t Divrei Yaztiv , Part I, Orach Chaim, siman 57.
[6] typewritten leaves, with the addition of [approximately 70 words] in his hand and with his signature, 21×26 cm. Very fine condition.
Lengthy and interesting letter from the Admo”r Rabbi Shaul Yedidyah Taub of Modzhitz to Rabbi David Perkowitz of Jerusalem. Otvosk, 1936.
The letter was written, as mentioned, in 1936, while black clouds were darkening the skies of Europe, and the land shook under the feet of the Jews. The rebbe mentions the distress and persecutions in his letter, and attributes them to the approaching redemption, citing proof for this from the
Zohar . The letter also mentions the Admo”r’s planned trip to the Land of Israel and news of two of his sons: the Admo”r Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, author of
Imrei E”Sh , referred to using the initials Sh. E., and his son Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak, referred to using the name Yitzchak only. The rebbe concludes his letter with blessings.
It is fitting here to relate the story of the famous Modzhitzer melody “Ani Ma’amin” attributed – mistakenly – to the Admo”r Rabbi Shaul Yedidyah Elazar of Modzhitz. The melody was composed by a cantor named Fastag, a Chassid of Modzhitz, who was murdered in the Holocaust. When he was deported together with his family to the Treblinka extermination camp, crammed into freight cars without air or water, he began to sing “Ani Ma’amin” to the sounds of the train’s movements on the tracks and the engine’s whistles. Fastag requested that if someone survives, to please bring this song to his rebbe who is residing in America. One of the Jews who succeeded in escaping wrote the melody’s notes and its story, and sent them to the Modzhitzer Rebbe in New York, without noting the cantor’s name. The rebbe, with his musical talent, and his familiarity with Cantor Fastag, knew to attribute the song to its composer. The words of the song are: אֲנִי מַאֲמִין בֶּאֱמוּנָה שְׁלֵמָה בְּבִיאַת הַמָּשִׁיחַ, וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁיִּתְמַהְמֵהַּ עִם כָּל זֶה אֲחַכֶּה לּוֹ בְּכָל יוֹם שֶׁיָּבוֹא. [I believe with complete faith in the coming of mashiach, and though he tarries, despite this, I will await his arrival every day.]
The Admo”r Rabbi Shaul Yedidyah Elazar Taub [1887-1947] was the second Admo”r of Modzhitz. He moved to Otvosk, next to Warsaw, in 1929, where the letter before us was written, and he established a yeshivah named Tiferet Yisrael there. Many Chassidim and admirers flocked to his court from all over Poland. At the outbreak of WWII, he managed to flee to the United States. During his flight, he composed melodies that reflected the terrible tragedy of the Jewish people during the war. It is estimated that he composed 1500-2000 melodies over his lifetime, some simple and some complicated and complex. The Rebbe composed five melodies so complicated that they were related to as to operas. The fourth “opera” was composed while he sailed to the United States, and as such it is called “The Ocean Opera.” His Torah thoughts are collected in
Imrei Shaul and in
Yisa Berachah . His son Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Taub was appointed his successor – the ‘Imrei E”Sh, ‘ who is also mentioned in this letter.
[1] leaf official stationery, 21×28 cm. Transcription of the letter included. Fine condition. Professional restoration in the folds.
Invitation from the Admo”r Rabbi Chaim Hager of Otynia (son of the ‘Imrei Baruch’ and brother of the ‘Ahavat Yisrael’ of Vizhnitz), to the wedding of his granddaughter to the bridegroom Elazar ben Rabbi Shalom, son of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Shtroznitz. Handwritten addition in the invitation’s margins (from the gabbai). Stanislav [1927].
Before us is a printed invitation to the Admo”r’s granddaughter’s wedding from the Admo”r himself. There is a handwritten addition from the gabbai indicating where to send the wedding gift. There is also a handwritten correction in the body of the invitation. The invitation is apparently to the wedding of the daughter of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hager, the Admo”r’s son who predeceased him, hence his not being mentioned in the invitation. The bridegroom, Rabbi Elazar, was a son of Rabbi Shalom Hager of Shtroznitz, son of the Admo”r Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Shtroznitz, who apparently served as rabbi of the ‘Beit Shalom’ synagogue in London after the Holocaust.
The Admo”r Rabbi Chaim Hager of Otynia [1862-1932], son of Rabbi Baruch Hager – the second Admo”r of Vizhnitz, author of Imrei Baruch . Rabbi Chaim was raised by his great grandfather, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hager, author of Tzemach Tzedek of Vizhnitz. He was rabbinically ordained at the age of 13 by the leading rabbis of Galicia [including Rabbi Shlomo Drimmer, author of Bayit L’Shlomo ]. After his father’s passing in 1893, he established his court in Otynia, Eastern Galicia, and thousands of Chassidim were soon drawn to him. Rabbi Chaim suffered much, undergoing dozens of operations due to his physical weakness. It is told that when he underwent a lengthy and complex operation, the doctors wanted to anesthetize him. Rabbi Chaim refused and requested that the Zohar be brought to him, as well as a cigarette, and that candles be lit above him. After a half an hour of study, they could begin to operate. Indeed, he didn’t stir for the entire procedure. This astonished the doctors and the matter was soon published in the local press. Aside from his Torah prowess, he was also a master of prayer and a musician. He added melodies and emphases to the prayer style of Vizhnitz Chassidut. He also composed melodies, such as the second part of Vizhnitz Chassidut’s “Odeh LaKel.” He passed away while he was lighting candles, just after concluding the shehecheyanu blessing for lighting the first Chanukah candle. Most of his Torah thoughts were lost during the war. After his passing, his Chassidim printed Tal Chaim on Torah and Nimukei Chaim on Talmud.
[2] pages, paper. 18 cm. Left leaf: The invitation, in Hebrew. The right side is entirely in a foreign language: The Admo”r’s printed name and address; the sender’s and addressee’s addresses; postage stamps and postmarks. Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains. Fold marks, tears in the folds without damage or lack.
