Responsa by Rabbi Levi ibn Chaviv. Venice, 1565. First edition of the important book of responsa. Copy with an especially distinguished ownership pedigree, as it belonged to two rabbinic leaders of their generations: First, it was possessed by Mahar”i Katz, av beit din of Krakow (the Ram”a’s brother-in-law), and approximately two hundred years later, it was owned by the Mahara”m A”sh! Over the years, other prominent rabbis owned it and left their marks on this book.
Lengthy signature at the beginning of the book, entirely handwritten by “The elder of the generation and its leader, first and foremost among the sages and geonim of his generation” the renowned gaon Rabbi Yosef Katz of Krakow, author of She’erit Yosef . Signature text: ” LaHashem HaAretz U’Melo’ah , signed Yosef son of Rabbi Morderchai Gershon Katz … of Krakow.”
On the top of the second title page, there is a lengthy dedication to the Mahara”m A”sh: “Gift for [many honorifics] Rabbi Meir A”sh, av beit din of Ungvar (from) the youth Mordechai Zilber of Yarmut.” Under that is an additional owner’s inscription demonstrating the Mahara”m As”h”s ownership: “This book Maharalba”ch belongs to the gaon Rabbi Meir A”sh, may his light shine forever, av beit din of the Ungvar community.” The top of the first title page bears a signature from the Mahara”m A”sh’s grandson (crossed out): “The youth Meir, son of … the gaon Rabbi Menachem A”sh.”
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for brief biographies of Rabbi Levi ibn Chaviv, renowned as Ralba”ch or Maharalba”ch , the gaon Rabbi Yosef Katz and Rabbi Meir Eisenstadt, known as Mahara”m A”sh .
209 [1 leaf is marked 206] 217-328, 29.5 cm. Light, high-quality paper. Additional owners’ signatures: “Yitzchak ben hr”r Menachem …”
Fine condition: Aging stains. Minimal taped reinforcements. This copy is lacking the index and errata leaves. The title page has been completed with beautiful calligraphic script and diagrams. The indices have also been completed with beautiful scribal script. Beautiful and elegant, very old antique leather binding.
Shu”t Chatam Sofer , Choshen Mishpat section, Vienna, 1862. First edition. Rabbi Avraham Sha’ag Zwebner’s signature appears on the book’s title page: “The youth Avraham Sha’ag” – the Chatam Sofer’s beloved disciple.
Two additional comments on the book’s leaves.
Rabbi Avraham Sha’ag Zwebner began studying in the Chatam Sofer’s yeshivah even before he reached the age of bar mitzvah. He was especially beloved by his teacher, who would speak with his disciple on Torah topics in front of visiting rabbinic leaders. It is told that once, his father-in-law Rabbi Akiva Eiger came to visit his son-in-law, the Chatam Sofer, and he discussed Torah with his disciple. Later, Rabbi Akiva Eiger said to his son-in-law “I see that you know in whom to take pride.” The Chatam Sofer said about him “For twenty parsa’ot around Pressburg, the is no Torah scholar as great as he is – and one as pious as he cannot be found in the entire land.” Before R’ Avraham’s marriage, the Chatam Sofer was asked to select the best student in his yeshivah. He indicated Rabbi Avraham, and became his matchmaker. Once, while studying, R’ Avraham drifted off and fell asleep on his gemara. The young man sitting next to R’ Avraham wanted to wake him up, because it is disrespectful to the gemara to sleep on it. His teacher the Chat”m Sofer said to be careful not to wake R’ Avraham, because it is a clear halachah that one Torah scroll may be placed upon another Torah scroll, and “Rabbi Avraham Sha’ag is a living Torah scroll!”
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Avraham Sha’ag-Zwebner .
Two handwritten glosses.
[1], 80, [2] leaves, 36 cm.
Fine-very fine condition. Aging stains. Original binding.
Twelve derashot by Rabbeinu Nissim – the Ra”n. Prague, 1881. Rabbi Meir Eisenstadt’s – the Mahara”m A”sh’s signature appears on the leaf before the title page.
The last leaf bears a notation indicating that the book belonged to the Mahara’m A”sh: “This book belongs to my father and teacher, the gaon Rabbi Meir A”sh.” Many other additional owner’s inscriptions.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Meir Eisenstadt – the Mahara”m A”sh .
Gloss on leaf 54.
Owner’s stamp: Alexander Chaim Schwartz, rabbi of Gurahoncz, Iasi and environs. Rabbi Alexander Chaim Schwartz was born in 1877 and studied in the yeshivah of the gaon Rabbi Amram Blum, author of Beit She’arim and of the gaon, the author of Arugot HaBosem . He served as av beit din of Gurahoncz and environs for decades. He survived the Holocaust, ascended to Jerusalem and passed away in 1963.
72 leaves, 20.5 cm.
Very fine condition. Original cardboard binding, worn.
* Shu”t Haba”ch , by Rabbi Yoel Sirkish av beit din of Krakow author of the Bayit Chadash on Arba’ah Turim. Frankfurt am Main, [1697]. First edition. Fundamental book.
The printer writes about the development of the manuscript. At the end of the book, he also translated Yiddish passages into Hebrew “In honor of the Sephardic sages”. On the title page, a wooden engraving of a decorative border and illustrations of angels.
On the title page, many signatures “The young Avraham Zvi BR”Y Z”L” – “I inherited this book from AAM”V the wondrous rabbinic Avraham Zvi Hirsch Dayan ben Rabbi Yaakov Dayan, the young Shmuel Zanv[i]l of Lisa”.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Avraham Zvi Hirsch Segal .
* S hu”t Bayit Chadash HaChadashot . Koretz, [1785]. First edition.
Additional responsa by the Ba”ch which was not printed in the previous edition with responsa by Rabbi Ephraim Zalman Margaliot and Rabbi Alexnader Sender Margaliot.
With approbations by the Nodah BiYehuda, the rabbis of Ashkenaz and Poland. As in most copies, the book ends with leaf 9 of the second pagination, with the names of the workers of the printing house. Uncommon book.
Notation on the title page: ” Belongs to the Rav the great MAH”G [!] the sharp and knowledgeable … Yaakov the av beit din here in holy Semyatz “. Little is known of him. Rabbi Yaakov ben Rabbi Chaim served as Av Beit Din of Semiatitz, the son of an important family whom many of its sons were rabbis in various cities.
58, 9 leaves, 32 cm. Fine condition. Detached binding and title page.
She’elot U’Teshuvot Toldot Adam by Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet – the Rashb”a. This part is known as Chelek Sheni MiTeshuvot HaRashb”a . Printed in Lvov, in 1811. With an approbation by Rabbi Avraham Chaim, av beit din Zlotchov (added after the printing was completed), Rabbi Ya’akov Orenstein, av beit din of Lvov, and others. Many signatures and stamps, some very prominent, and approximately [82]!! handwritten glosses.
Sacred pedigree copy – the full signature of Rabbi Avraham Borenstein of Sochachov appears on leaf 2 – “A[v]raham b’HaRav … Ze’ev Nachum.” He was one of the leading Chassidic poskim , known by the name of his book, Avnei Nezer. This is the signature he used on several of the halachic responsa printed in his book. As far as we know, in all books signed by the Avnei Nezer put up for auction over the past few years, only his signature “Avraham” appears – and this signature is often blemished. This copy bears his full signature, which is extraordinarily rare. The signature is written next to a letter indicating the page number, as was his way.
His stamp, “Avraham Borenstein, ” appears on the title page in Hebrew and in a foreign language.
Another important signature, on the bottom of the title page, is “R’ Ya’akov David Ra’ava”d of Mezeritch – none other than the mighty gaon Rabbi Ya’akov David Biderman, av beit din of Kozhnitz and Vishogrod, who had previously served in the city of Mezeritch. In his entry in Shem Gedolim HaChadash (10:208), it says “The gaon, the pious rabbi, renowned in our generation, Rabbi Ya’akov David, av beit din of Mezeritch, Kozhnitz, Vishograd.”
Lengthy notation on last leaf: “And my dear friend, the renowned and expert honored rabbi, Rabbi Nachum Yisrael … also in peace … the renowned Chassid … Avraham.” It may be that the Rabbi Nachum Yisrael mentioned here is actually the Admo”r Rabbi Nachum Yisrael Vershbiak of Lipna, primary disciple of the Kotzker Rebbe and the Chiddushei HaRi”m of Gur.
On the back of the last leaf: “This book Toldot Adam belongs [שיי(ף!) [ך]] to the wondrous avreich , the Chassid … Rabbi Shmuel Leib son of the sharp and pious Rabbi Yehonatan Eybeschütz … presently of Zolchov, son-in-law of the famous naggid Avraham Eisenstadt … of Mezeritch” and at the bottom of the leaf “Signed Shmuel Leib Eybeschütz.”
The first protective leaf bears the signature “Baruch Kaminer.” There was a renowned Polish activist by this name, who was a nephew of the Sefat Emet of Gur.
Many ink stamps of R’ Ben Tziyon Turner, a ritual slaughterer in Toronto. Additional signatures and stamps.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for brief biographies of Rabbi Avraham Borenstein and Rabbi David Biderman .
63, 3 leaves. 36 cm.
Very fine condition. Aging stains. Original binding, blemished and somewhat worn. Several faded glosses.
Chiddushei Rabbi Akiva Eiger on several Talmudic tractates. Berlin, 1858. First edition. Copy with an especially distinguished ownership pedigree, passed down from generation to generation between Torah greats, leading rabbinic instructors and Chassidic giants who learned from it in their studies.
It is extremely rare to find a copy with such a distinguished ownership pedigree, one that was used by several of the Jewish people’s most prominent spiritual leaders, who each left their mark on it. Exciting first-rate historic item.
Several signatures appear on the title page and on the protective pages:
* ” The youth Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum” – the great gaon, the author of Yitev Lev of Sighet, grandson of the Yismach Moshe and founder of Sighet Chassidism. Grandfather of the Admo”r R’ Yoelish of Satmar. His sanctity is indescribable.
* ” The youth Avraham Yehuda HaKohen Schwartz, av beit din of the community and environs ” – this is the great gaon, the author of Kol Aryeh of Mád, one of the Chatam Sofer’s disciples. It is told that he studied Kabbalistic books in secret and covertly, together with the sacred Admo”r, the author of Yitev Lev . This very book may serve as a tiny support for this idea.
* ” The youth Ya’akov Ehrenreich ” – son-in-law of the above Rabbi Avraham Yehudah Schwartz. It is known that the author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz was the one who suggested this match[!], from which we can learn of R’ Ya’akov’s great stature.
* ” The youth Shlomo Zalman Ehrenreich ” – the great gaon, the author of Lechem Shlomo , av beit din of Shamloy, son of the above Rabbi Ya’akov. His signature appears more than ten times [!!]. Lengthy gloss by him on page 25b (the second part is erased).
* The youth Chaim Tzvi Ehrenreich ” – this is the mighty gaon, the author of Kav HaChaim , av beit din of Mád, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman’s brother.
* ” Horowitz ” – this is Rabbi Yehudahleh Horowitz of Dzikov’s signature.
And many more signatures, that due to insufficient time have not been examined in-depth, yet undoubtedly include other important signatories: “Yitzchak Isaac Yehuda Yechiel, known as …” “Aharon Teitelbaum, ” “David Yitzchak Teitelbaum, ” “Yitzchak Yehuda Yekutiel Zalman Teitelbaum, ” “Yitzchak Danziger, ” “Ya’akover [!] Gintzler, ” “Dovber Eisenberger, ” “Avraham Yitzchak Kornfeld” and more.
Ink stamps: “The youth Yehoshua Ehrenreich, ” “The youth Chaim Ehrenreich.”
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for brief biographies of the Admo”r Rabbi Yekutiel Yehudah Teitelbaum , the gaon Rabbi Avraham Yehudah HaKohen Schwartz , the gaon Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Ehrenreich , and the Admo”r Rabbi Yehudah Horowitz.
Renowned expert’s authorization affirming the authenticity of the Yitev Lev’s signature, and others.
[2], 28, 15, 26, [1] leaf. 33 cm.
Fine-very fine condition. Aging stains. Ink smudges. Several signatures are erased or blurred. Original cardboard binding with leather spine, slightly worn.
Shu”t Pri Tevuah by Rabbi Yehudah Leib Margaliot, Nowydwor, 1796. First edition.On the title page, second section, yet a first section was not printed.
On leaf 80 (the end of responsum 71) a handwritten halachic gloss, apparently by the author. On the last page, ‘Indices of the book’, handwriting was added about a responsum that was ommitted from the indices.
Refer to Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Yehudah Leib Margaliot.
80 leaves, 31 cm. Fine condition. Aging stains. Simple binding.
Urim V’ Tumim Part II from the famous work by Rabbi Yehonatan Eybeschütz. First edition. Karlsruhe, 1777. Copy previously owned by the renowned Heller family – son of the author of Ketzot , his grandson, in-law and father-in-law all signed it, and there are other signatures as well.
* Signature on the title page: ” L’Hashem HaAretz U’Meloah … the youth, Zanvl … Tzhelin.” – apparently this is the gaon Rabbi Shmuel Zanvil Aryeh Leib Tzehlin, son of the gaon Rabbi Eliyahu Tzhelin and father-in-law of Rabbi Aryeh Leib Heller, author of Ketzot HaChoshen . See below.
* Signature on the second protective leaf ” L’Hashem HaAretz U’Meloah , the youth Yosef Dov Berish HaKohen” – this is the second son of Rabbeinu Aryeh Leib Heller, , author of the Ketzot ., and son-in-law of Rabbi Shmuel Zanvil Tzehlin.
* Many owners’ signatures: ” L’Hashem HaAretz U’Meloah , the youth Mordechai, son of Rabbi Yosef Dov Berish HaKohen … – grandson of the Ketzot. This signature appears in various forms.
* Additional signatures:
* Notation on the second protective leaf: “Belongs to the [many honorifics] Rabbi Ya’akov Ginzburg” – there are several scholars known to have shared this name. This may be the gaon Rabbi Ya’akov Ginzburg of Prague, author of Zera Ya’akov .
* Signature: ” Tzvi Hirsh Horowitz”
And other unidentified signatures.
On page 224b, there is an antique handwritten comment, possibly written by Rabbi Yosef Dov. Additional gloss on page 346a.
Rabbi Shmuel Zanvil Aryeh Lein Tzehlin of Pintsburg was a gaon and a mussar personality. He was the father-in-law and close associate of Rabbi Aryeh Leib Heller, author of the Ketzot . He wrote a beautiful lyrical poem printed at the end of Ketzot HaChoshen . He authored a book entitled Shlomo Mul Eder which was printed anonymously in Warsaw in 1814. Four years later, it was reprinted in Prague with the addition of important approbations, and the author’s name was added, too. In this book, he includes quotes in the name of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, Rabbi Avraham Chaim av beit din of Zlotchov and others.
Rabbi Yosef Dov Berish HaKohen – second son of Rabbeinu Aryeh Leib Heller. He served in the Kashnozh rabbinate and then in Vodzislav.
[1], 205-381, [5] leaves. 36 cm.
Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains. Light worming perforations on several leaves. Margins of the last leaves are worn. Blemished front binding. Lacking back binding. Ink smudges.
Sermons on the Torah and on Nevi’im and Ketuvim and Midrashim by Rabbi Eliyahu ibn Chaim – the Rana”ch. Frankfurt am Main, [1713].
Handwritten dedication by Rabbi Asher Wallerstein the son of the Author of the She’agat Aryeh and one of the leading rabbis of his generation.
With an approbation by Rabbi Shmuel Shatin Katz – the Maharshasha”ch.
Appearing on the title page of the book is a lengthy dedication handwritten by Rabbi Ashel Lev Wallerstein, the rabbi of Wallerstein and later the Chief Rabbi of Baden, Germany. He gave the book as a gift to his disciple Rabbi Yehudah ben Ephraim Wilsteter. Several cropped letters.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Asher Lev Wallerstein.
An expert certificate for identifying the manuscript is attached.
[1], 103, [2] leaves, 32 cm. Very fine condition. Worn binding.
Simchat HaRegel – Part II, commentary on Megillat Ruth by the Chid”a – Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azoulay. Livorno, 1782. Pedigree copy received directly from the author. Given to the gaon Rabbi Ya’akov Nunes-Vais, rabbi of Livorno. Includes a proofing leaf from the book, with handwritten glosses – by the author?
Handwritten inscription in the title page (slightly cropped at the margins) ‘Gifted to me by the rabbi, Chid”a, may Hashem grant him length of days … Ya’akov Nunes-Vais, S”T’
Leaf bound at the end of the book – page 43b, with handwritten corrections of several printing errors, characteristic of authors. These glosses may have been handwritten by the author of the book – the Chid”a himself!
This is an exciting book, held in the very hands of the light of the world, Rabbeinu Chaim Yosef David Azoulay – the Chid”a, given as a gift to the rabbi of the city where he was staying during one of his historic journeys.
64 leaves. Bound at the end of the book are two additional leaves: The aforementioned proofing leaf, as well as leaf 102 from Part I (not included).
Fine-very fine condition. The inscription on the title page is cropped and several letters are damaged. Aging stains. The proofing leaf is in moderate-fine condition, with later additions (the additions are made of pasted-on scraps of printed leaves!). Beautiful binding.
Drishat Ari – Even Pinah – commentary on Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer, with the text. Lemberg, 1804. R’ Shlomo [Yarish] Rapoport Press. Approbation from the defender of the Jewish people, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, approbation and poem (!!) by Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of Ujhely, author of Yismach Moshe .
The author left several writings behind, and chose their titles according to Kabbalah, as attested by his disciple, the author of Yismach Moshe . The overall title is Drishat Ari , and each part has its own title. This part is called Even Pinah . Another part is called Otot HaShamayim (Zhitomir, 1805), and another is called Chok U’Mishpat, which has never been printed.
Signature on the title page: “The youth, Wolf, Chobe”k Na”sh” This is the expert gaon Rabbi Binyamin Wolf Lowy, av beit din of Verbau, author of the renowned work Sha’arei Torah . Another signature, cropped: “The youth Yir…” This may be the signature of his son, Rabbi Yirmiyahu Lowy, who succeeded him in the Varbau rabbinate, as well as in Ujhely.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for brief biographies of the author and of Rabbi Binyamin Wolf Lowy .
[2] 115, [3] leaves. Approximately 33.5 cm. Fine condition. Aging stains. Slight creases in the title page. Slight lacks in the corners of the first leaves, with damage to several letters. Simple new binding.
Yeriot Shlomo – halachic novellae for the first part of Yoreh Deah, and Kuntress Beit Yad on Yoreh Deah. Bound together with separate title pages. Authored by the famous gaon Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Ullmann, av beit din of Makov, one of the rabbinic leaders of his generation, known as the Ba’al Yeriot Shlomo after the name of this book. First edition. Vienna, 1854.
Handwritten author’s dedication at the top of the title page to the gaon Rabbi Moshe Pollack, av beit din of Bonyhád and author of VaYedaber Moshe . The back flyleaf bears a lengthy owner’s notation handwritten by his nephew, Rabbi Yehudah Pollack.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the author, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Ullmann .
120 leaves. Lacking leaf 2.
Fine condition: Aging stains. Original binding.
She’elot U’Teshuvat Teshurat Shai by Rabbi Shlomo Yehudah Tabak, rabbi of Sighet. Two parts. Máramarossziget, 1905-1910. First edition.
Owners’ signatures and foreign-language and Hebrew inscriptions, alternately, on the flyleaves, handwritten by Rabbi Yehudahleh of Dzikov. It’s known that the tzaddik Rabbi Yehudahleh of Dzikov, in his intense devotion and concentration, would be stricken with intense headaches, and to relieve them, he would write and scribble names many times over.
In addition, among the book’s leaves, in seven places, we have found glosses in his script. It is also known that the tzaddik Rabbi Yehudahleh of Dzikov would write glosses in the sheets of the books he was studying, and these provided the source material for Gilyonei Mahar”i .
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for brief biographies of the author, Rabbi Shlomo Yehudah Leib Tabak and of the Admo”r Rabbi Yehudah Horowitz .
Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains and reinforcements. Fragile paper. Original binding.
HaMashbir or HeAruch HeChadash – large work about the elucidation of words in the Talmud and Midrash, like Sefer HeAruch , also with an elucidation in German by Rabbi Yosef Sheinhach. Warsaw, 1858. Two parts. With Sefer HaMiluim or HaMashbir HeChadash – additions and supplements to Sefer HaMashbir by the author. Warsaw, 1869.
The main title page bears the stamp of the Admo”r Rabbi Gershon Chanoch Henich Leiner of Radzyn.
Interesting composition that earned important approbations.
As is known, in his efforts to discover and identify the techelet fish, the Admo”r was in touch with various scientists, and perhaps for this purpose he used this book, especially the second part, with various terms in several languages.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the Admo”r Rabbi Gershon Chanoch Henich Leiner .
Owner’s signatures on the title pages.
Handwritten glosses on leaf 61 (of the second pagination).
HaMashbir : [10], 114: [2], 3-116 leaves. HaMiluim : [10], 78 leaves. 18 cm.
Fine condition. Aging stains.
Likkutei Amarim Tanya by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Vilna, the Widow and Brothers Romm Press. 1878. The tzaddik Rabbi Eliyahu Katz Dushnitzer’s signature appears on the title page and on the back flyleaf . Handwritten comment on leaf 13.
Unique copy – foundational Chaba”d-Chassidic text full of deep Chassidic concepts, which belonged to the “Litvishe” gaon of mussar , Rabbi Eliyahu Dushnitzer, who the Chazon Ish said was among the 36 hidden tzaddikim of the generation!!
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the gaon and tzaddik Rabbi Eliyahu Dushnitzer .
130 pp. Approximately 20 cm. Aging stains. Fine conditions.
Sha’arei Chaba”d 72, Sefer HaTanya , Bibliographiah , p. 106, 27
Sefer Zerah Kodesh by the holy Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz, a fundamental Hasidic book. Pshemishel, 1904. Second and very rare edition . Not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book . This edition was proofread by Rabbi Avraham Arim for more than three years! Printed in this edition is the novealle on the part of Bereshit only.
Pedigreed copy – appearing several times on the title page and on some of the leaves of the book are the stamps of the A dmo”r Rabbi Bezalel Yair Danziger of Alexander.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Bezalel yair Danziger of Alexander.
[1], 46 leaves. 22 cm. Some of the stamps are faded.
Moderate condition. Tears with lack to the title page. Many aging stains. Folded corners to many leaves. Not bound.
Kiryat Chanah. Responsa by Rabbi Gershon Kovlentz of Metz. Metz, 1784, first edition. The gaon and chassid Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Teomim Frenkel’s signature appears on the title page, along with an additional inscription, apparently in his hand. Several stamps on the title page and among the leaves of the book. Page 53 contains a handwritten comment. Additional owners’ stamps on the title page.
Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Teomim Frenkel was the son of Rabbi Baruch Frenkel Teomim. He was a prominent disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, and was both erudite in Torah and affluent. He refused to enter the rabbinate and succeeded in business. In his old age, he agreed to enter the rabbinate so there would not be an interruption in rabbinical dynasty of the Frenkel-Teomim family. He was an advocate for chassidut amongst those who opposed it, and arranged the match between his sister and Rabbi Chaim of Sanz (as noted by the rabbi of Plonsk in his letter featured in Ohel Baruch) . His teacher, the Chozeh of Lublin, greatly admired him and arose before him. He was also honored by Rabbi Shalom of Belz. He passed away in 1843 and his epitaph includes great praises. ( Ohel Baruch, p. 35; Encyclopedia L’Chassidut , volume 2, p. 76-77).
59 [3] leaves, 20 cm. Owner’s inscription on the endpaper: “This book belongs to me, the small one, Eliezer Menachem Mendel.”
Very fine condition. Original binding, worn.
Tractate Niddah and mishnayot Taharot. Frankfurt am Main, 1720. Copy belonging to the author of Shev Yaakov , Av Beit Din of Frankfurt. With his son, Rabbi Zeev Wolf’s, and grandson’s, Rabbi Shmuel’s signatures. Handwritten glosses.
The top of the title page bears the handwritten inscription: ‘Belonging to the great and wonderful gaon, Rabbi Yaakov Katz, Av Beit Din and lecturer in Frankfurt …” Additional inscriptions on the title page refer to his son’s possession: “Belonging to … the wondrous Torah scholar … Rabbi Zeev Wolf Katz,” as well as his grandson’s: “Belonging to … Rabbi Shmuel Cohen son of Rabbi Ze’ev Wolf Katz.” Handwritten glosses on leaves 5, 7, perhaps in the Shev Yaakov’s handwriting?
Rabbi Yaakov HaCohen Paprush was born in Prague in 1670. From a young age he was known as an expert adjudicator, and was appointed rabbi of Koblenz. In 1718 he arrived to Frankfurt, and was appointed by the Maharshashach to head the senior yeshivah in the city, and to serve as Av Beit Din in place of Rabbi Avraham Brody. The yeshivah was one of the most important in the period and was attended by approximately 400 students, many of whom later served as rabbis and adjudicators. He passed away in 1742, and his successor was the author of Pnei Yehoshua . He was famous for his book, Shu”t Shev Yaakov , which was cited by many of the Later Authorities. His son Rabbi Zeev Wolf Paprush was an adjudicator in Frankfurt, then rabbi of Friedberg, and passed away in 1758. Rabbi Zeev Wolf’s son, Rabbi Shmuel, was a adjudicator in Posen and Av Beit Din of Friedberg.
88, 178 leaves. 32 cm. Moderate condition. Damage to first leaves. Dismantled old leather binding.
Responsa “and some topics and discussions and the language of the Ba’al HaTurim,” by Rabbi Shabbtai Yonah. First edition.
The title page bears owners’ signatures:
* Rabbi Yechezkel Katzenelbogen, author of Knesset Yechezkel. Rabbi Yechezkel Katzenelbogen was born in Brisk in 1668. He was the rabbi of several important communities, and subsequently served as the rabbi of the Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbeck communities for 30 years, and became known by their names. He was one of the most prominent rabbis of his generation, and great rabbis from various countries approached him with halachic questions. He was one of the leaders of the fight against Sabbatai Tzvi’s cult. Passed away in 1749, and was known by the name of his book, Shu”t Knesset Yechezkel.
* Rabbi Aryeh Leib HaCohen, son of Rabbi Ephraim HaCohen, author of Sha’ar Ephraim . Rabbi Aryeh Leib was born in 1658. He immigrated to Jerusalem, where he worked on the arrangement of his father’s compositions. In the approbations to the book Sha’ar Ephraim, the sages of Jerusalem and Safed wrote exalted titles about Rabbi Aryeh Leib, “The complete sage, knowledgeable across the breadth and depth of Torah,” “holy and G-dly man,” and more. In 1687, he returned to Europe and printed the book, adding many of his own writings, including a final compilation by him. He was engaged in responsa with the greatest of his contemporaries, and passed away c. 1725.
[2], 140 leaf. Missing 2 leaves from the index, 27.5 cm. Luxurious new leather binding.
Shu”t Devar Shmuel by Rabbi Shmuel Abuhav, with the signature of Rabbi Yaakov Poppers, Av Beit Din of Frankfurt and author of Shev Yaakov.
Rabbi Yaakov Poppers Katz was born in Prague. At a very young age he was appointed an individual adjudicator for arbitration in Prague. At 27 years old, he was appointed Av Beit Din in Koblenz. In [1718], he was appointed Rabbi of Frankfurt as well as head of the yeshivah. This yeshivah was famed for the great scholars who learned there, including Rabbi Yosef Steinhart, Rabbi David Tevele, Rabbi Elchanan Ashkenazi (author of the Sidrei Taharah commentary on Shulchan Aruch, hilchot niddah) and many other Torah leaders. As the Ramcha”l wrote in his letter: “It is a yeshivah of 300 great Torah scholars, with generous hearts that can understand and learn.” He passed away in [1742].
[6] 104 leaves, 30 cm. The signature of the Shev Yaakov is slightly covered by Rabbi Chaim Heller’s stamp.
Condition: Moderate. Stains, wear and tear. Minimal worming holes. Old cardboard binding.
Turei Even on tractates Rosh HaShanah, Chagigah and Megillah, by Rabbi Aryeh Leib of Metz, author of the Sha’agat Aryeh . Vilna, 1835. Scholarly glosses by Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Rokeach of Pinsk.
Throughout the pages of the book there are about 15 especially lengthy scholarly glosses. Some are signed, יהושע העשיל, יהושע העשיל רוקח (Yehoshua Heschel, Yehoshua Heschel Rokeach).
Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Rokeach of Pinsk was the son of the son of Rabbi Shalom Rokeach of Tiktin and grandson of Rabbi Elazar Rokeach of Brody-Amsterdam. He was the son-in-law of Rabbi Shlomo Eiger, son of Rabbi Akiva Eiger. Teshuvot Rabbi Akiva Eiger includes a responsum written “to the son-in-law of my son, Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Rokeach.” Rabbi Shlomo Eiger quotes him and writes “my sharp son-in-law, Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel resolved for me …” [documentary material included with this lot]. Rabbi Shlomo was Av Beit Din in Pinsk and a noted philanthropist. He merited great wealth and Torah knowledge, some of his progeny were noted philanthropists.
[1], 114, 12 leaves, about 35 cm. With the final compilation from the publisher.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Worming holes in the spine and some on the binding. Worn binding.
Sefer Hamakneh (the second part of Sefer Hafla’ah ). Novellae on Tractate and Hilchot Kiddushin, by Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, rabbi of Frankfurt. Offenbach, 1801. First edition. The flyleaf bears the signature of Rabbi Yonah Tzvi Bernfeld, rabbi of Debrecen. [5], 256 leaves. 30 cm.
Printed and bound with: Machaneh Levi. Novellae on the Talmud by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Horowitz [son of the author of Sefer Hamakneh and Sefer Hafla’ah ]. Offenbach, 1801. First Edition. The author was rabbi of Frankfurt am Main following his father’s passing. [1] 98 [1]. 30 cm.
Rabbi Yonah Tzvi Bernfeld [1834-1891] was a foremost disciple of the Ktav Sofer. He was engaged to Esther, the Chatam Sofer’s orphaned daughter, but she passed away before their wedding. He was rabbi of Albertirsa beginning in 1854, and rabbi of Debrecen beginning in 1874. He authored Drashot Rabbi Yonah Tzvi , Chiddushei Rabbi Yonah Tzvi and more.
Chassidic tradition relates that the author, Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz , together with his brother Rabbi Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz, were among the greatest disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch. And indeed, many of the Maggid’s miraculous stories demonstrate the connection between them, and also their connection to the Maggid who disseminated the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings. Further reference can be found in Rabbi Pinchas’ introduction to his book, Sefer HaHafla’ah , where he tells of his deep ties to his eldest brother, Rabbi Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz of Nikolsberg. This was during the Vilna Gaon’s lifetime, when the “ban” against chassidism was in effect. Nevertheless, the author wrote in exalted terms about his brother for passing down the Maggid of Mezritch’s chassidism to future generations. All of this provides a basis on which chassidic tradition can rely – about the author of Sefer HaHafla’ah and the author of Sefer Hamakneh and on his deep ties with the Maggid of Mezeritch and the chassidic world.
The end of Sefer Hafla’ah contains Torah novellae by the following: 1) Rabbi Avraham Chaim son of Gedaliah of Zlatshov, the author’s son-in-law, one of the greatest disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch, and author of the famous chassidic work Orach L’Chaim – Berdichov, 1817. 2) Rabbi Tzvi Yehoshua Horowitz, son of the Rebbe R’ Shmelke, and the author’s son-in-law. And 3) the author’s son, Rabbi Meir Yaakov HaLevi Horowitz, son-in-law of Rabbi Shaul Amsterdam, the esteemed rabbi of Amsterdam. He passed away in his youth, during his father and father-in-law’s lifetime.
In effect, Sefer Hafla’ah was one of the earliest books in which the Maggid of Mezritch’s disciples’ teachings were printed.
Moderate-fine condition. Detached title page. Several reinforcements on the titles. Worn and detached cover. The book is split.
Responsa by Rabbi Chaim HaCohen Rapaport. Lemberg, 1861. First edition. The title page and several leaves bear the signatures of Rabbi Shmuel Heller and Rabbi Chaim Sithon.
Rabbi Shmuel Heller [1803-1884] as a youth met the Chozeh of Lublin and received Torah from him. Subsequently he served as rabbi of Safed’s Ashkenazi community [beginning in 1841], and was one of the great chassidic leaders in the Land of Israel. Authored the books Taharat HaKodesh , Divrei Mishpat , Shivrei Luchot , and more.
Rabbi Chaim son of Rabbi Menashe Sithon, [1870-1916] was born in Safed. He was known for his tremendous breadth of knowledge. He authored the book Eretz Chaim about customs and regulations in the Land of Israel, and the great sages of the Land of Israel heaped praises on him. He was appointed rabbi of Safed in 1902, but chose not to take the position.
First edition of the responsa of Rabbi Chaim HaCohen Rapaport [1699-1771], rabbi of Lvov, one of the greatest rabbis of his generation, and friend of the Baal Shem Tov. He was a leading rabbi in Poland, and one of the three rabbis chosen to argue with the Frankists in 1759. A close associate of the Baal Shem Tov, who met several times and sent emissaries between them.
[2] 112 leaves. 36 cm. Fine condition. The flyleaf contains a handwritten table of contents. Old, worn binding.
Tzemach Tzedek responsa by Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Nikolsburg. Sudyklow, 1834. Stamp of Rabbi Meir Leibush – the Malbim. Stamp of Rabbi Yakir Lipshitz and signature of Reb Feivel Opochynski.
The title page bears the official stamp of the Malbim as Av Beit Din of Bucharest and the state. With additional stamp of Rabbi Yakir Lipshitz, son of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Lipshitz, Av Beit Din of Warsaw and author of Chemdat Shlomo . He was the son-in-law of Reb Feivel Opochynski of Lentschütz (Łęczyca). It is related that the son of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Lipshitz was taken to the Russian army and philanthropist Reb Feivel saved him, which brought about the marriage. Rabbi Yakir passed away in his youth, and the Malbim married his widow, which is how the book reached his hands. We’ve included fascinating material regarding the shidduch and the sudden passing of Rabbi Yakir.
The title page bears the signature of Rabbi Feivel Opochynski stating that the book belonged to him, and then passed along to his son-in-law Rabbi Yakir and then to the Malbim.
Rabbi Meir Leibush son of Yechiel Michel (Weiser) – the Malbim (1809-1879) was a renowned genius. He authored his Artzot HaChaim on the Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim at a very young age and received approbations from leading Torah scholars. Though he was an outstanding genius in all realms of Torah, he is primarily known for his classic commentary HaTorah V’HaMitzvah on the Torah and the Prophets and Writings. His deep commentary is also based on study of language and grammar.
[1], 21, 21-28, 25-68 leaves, about 37 cm. Fine-very fine condition. Aging stains.
