The main points of Rabbi Amram Blau’s response and claims to the Rabbis of the Eida Chareidit of Jerusalem, who forbade him from marrying the convert Ruth Ben David, which was published during the period following the Yossele Schuchmacher affair. [Jerusalem, 1965].
Specifications: [8] leaves written in his handwriting, 32 cm.
Background: The engagement of Rabbi Amram Blau, one of the senior members of the Eida Chareidit in Jerusalem and founder and leader of the ‘Neturei Karta’ to the convert Ruth Ben David, was met with tremendous opposition among the Neturei Karta in Jerusalem, led by the members of the Beit Din, his students, and even his children. They considered it dishonorable for him to marry a convert who was originally a Catholic. In addition, he was seventy years old at the time, and she was only 40, and they considered there to be a halachic problem for an old man to marry a young woman. They even excommunicated him, and as a result he was forced to move to Bnei Brak for a period of time.
In these leaves, which Rabbi Blau used as a draft, he dismisses the beit din’s claims one by one, in great detail, and shows that even the prophets married women who had converted. In his opinion, one who does so is fulfilling the commandment ‘And you shall love the convert.’ He also claims that there is no prohibition in our time for a man to marry a woman much younger than him.
There are also several harsh words which he wrote about his opponents o n the last page .
Unique Features: Historic testimony from one of the affairs which agitated Jerusalem over fifty years ago.
Condition: Fine. Slight tears with no lack of text.
A letter from the Admor Rabbi Yisrael Hager of Vizhnitz to Rabbi Moshe Greenwald, rabbi of Chust. Vizhnitz, 1907.
Specifications: [1] squared paper leaf. 14×22 cm. The Admor’s handwritten signature and stamp.
Unique Features: The letter deals with the polemic between Viznhitz and Rabbi Chaim Zvi Teitelbaum of Sighet. In the letter, the Admor calls for the rabbi of Chust to intervene. He writes several details about the affair, and notes that troublemakers have published posters. There is a known ruling on this topic written by Rabbi Moshe Greenwald several months later. Material is enclosed.
Background: The Admor Rabbi Yisrael Hager of Vizhnitz, born in 1840 to his father, the Admor Rabbi Baruch of Vizhnitz, was educated by his grandfather, the Admor Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vizhnitz, author of Tzemach Tzedek , with whom he was extremely close and his main helper. In 1885, when his father was appointed as Admor of Vizhnitz, he was accepted as rabbi of a town in the province of Máramaros. As a result of his success, it was reported to the authorities that he allegedly opposes education and the Hungarian language, and he was forced to flee. In 1893, he was appointed as Admor of Vizhnitz, and despite his young age, the chassidut expanded and developed considerably. During the First World War, he was forced to flee to Grosswardein, where he died in 1934. He was known for his book Ahavat Yisrael . His descendants are the current Admors of Vizhnitz.
Rabbi Moshe Greenwald [1853-1910], scion of an important rabbinic family, was one of the most prominent Hungarian rabbis, known as the ‘Arugat HaBosem’ after the name of his book. In his youth, he learned from the ‘Ktav Sofer.’ He served as rabbi and rosh yeshiva in several places. From 1893, he served as rabbi of Chust, where he established a large and important yeshiva, to which students flocked from all over Hungary, other countries, and even from America. Many of the Hungarian rabbis and great leaders were his disciples. Despite coming from a family who followed the customs of the Chatam Sofer, he followed chassidic customs, and travelled to Admors. His sons and grandsons are the Admors of the Pupa community.
Condition: Fine – very fine. A few aging stains. Slight tear in the white margins at the bottom of the letter.
The response of Rabbi Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz, Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh, regarding Rabbi Steinmann being the leader of the generation, whose opinion is the opinion of the Torah and is the definitive opinion in any dispute between Rabbis. 1996.
Specifications: [1] page, lined paper. 15×19 cm.
Background: In the month of July 1996, due to the deteriorating health of Rabbi Shach, the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Aryeh Leib Steinmann became responsible to lead the ultra-Orthodox community.
At the time, Rabbi Yechiel Michel Lefkowitz received an unusual letter, in which he was asked “It is well known that until now it was known that we have one Daat Torah, and that everything which Rabbi Shach says is the opinion of the Torah and must be carried out completely, and he is the only one with the authority to rule against others. And recently is has been said that now Rabbi Aryeh Leib Steinmann has been appointed as the leader of the generation, and that his opinion is the decisive one, and the verse ‘and you shall do whatever he instructs you’ applies to him. And here the questioner asks, with great embarrassment, who decides this appointment of the leader of the generation and how is the identity of leader of the generation established, while there are other great Rabbis in Jerusalem, etc.
Rabbi Lefkowitz replied with a clear and unambiguous response that the very fact that there are other Rabbis, but that the community as a whole follows him:
” And I say that he is the only one, may he live and be well. And he embodies the saying that one who flees [from honor, honor pursues him], and there is no doubt or question that his sole intention is for the sake of Heaven to fulfill the will of G-d.”
It is interesting to note that in 2012, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky published a letter in support of Rabbi Aryeh Leib Steinmann’s actions, and used almost identical expressions when describing him “The leadership of the generation is currently in the hands of Rabbi Aryeh Leib Steinmann, all of whose actions are for the sake of Heaven.”
Rabbi Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz (1914-2011) was Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh L’Zeirim, a member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah and one of the leaders of the Lithuanian community. Rav Shach brought him into the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah when Degel HaTorah was founded. He had strong opinions regarding education and yeshivot, and fought vigorously against government intervention in the material studied and the recruitment of yeshiva students.
Here Rabbi Lefkowitz publicly expresses his opinion that Rabbi Aryeh Leib Steinmann is the only one fitting to succeed Rabbi Shach as the communal leader, and testifies, as one who had served together with him as Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh for many years, that all of his actions are for the sake of Heaven.
Condition: Folding marks. Very fine condition.
Objection to the mission of Rabbi Yechezkel Eliezer Abulafia of Tiberias.
Background: In 1830, Rabbi Yechezkel Eliezer Abulafia was sent from Tiberias to Italy. He spent a long time on his mission. About his stay in Italy, we found a handwritten testimony, as follows. Later, when he arrived in Livorno, he printed the letter which he had received for his mission, in order to distribute it among the the donors. One copy of it survived and is kept in the National Library. (National Library, Jerusalem, 199/24).
In 1829, Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Abulafia was sent by the Tiberias Kollel. And twenty years later, in 1839, he traveled in France, to the cities of Nice, Marsielle and more. When he stayed in Nice, he was a guest of Moshe Ben Zaqen of Gibraltar and there the philanthropist Yoav Viterbo promised donations for a period of ten years. This commitment was done with the assistance of Rabbi Yechezkel Eliezer, and he signed as witness (Manuscript National Library, Jerusalem, no. 8696).
In 1831, Rabbi Yechezkel Eliezer Abulafia published the book Ben HaMelech VeHaNazir in Livorno. In 1832, he was again sent a letter designating him as emissary, with the destinations being the cities of Italy, in which the great poverty of the town was emphasized. Signed by the leading Sephardic rabbis.
In the certificate that is published here for the first time, we discover that this emissary abused his office and caused the rabbis of Tiberias, Sephardic and Ashkenazic alike, to rage. This certificate, from Cheshvan 1838, reveals that he left Tiberias in 1830; yet from then to early 1838, he did not send anything to the town. Moreover, for two years he had been delaying in Paris, sitting there idly. Furthermore, the community of Tiberias had sent him a fair amount of money to cover his costs of living and he did not even bother to notify them that he had received the money and to thank them. Therefore, after such strange behavior, his mission was cancelled.
The document is signed by all the rabbis of Tiberias: Chaim Nissim Abulafia, Raphael Maman, Machluf Edre’i, Arazi haCohen, Chai Shmuel Vozan, Avraham Elchadif, Shmuel Chaim HaCohen, Yekutiel Zalman Leib, Shimon of Husiatyn, Shaul HaLevi of Russia and David Eliyahu of Russia.
The letter of cancellation was sent to the members of the Clerks and Administrators of Amsterdam, who were responsible for the European fundraising system and they approved the cancellation and sent a copy of it to the rabbis of Italy.
This lot includes three certificates:
1. The authentic certificate of cancellation which was meant for the Trieste community, to which the emissary had not yet arrived.
2. A form from the Clerks and Administrators with a copy of the cancellation, approved by them. The form was apparently sent to several communities in Italy, Cheshvan 1839.
3. A long Italian letter by the Clerks and Administrators to the community of Trieste, in which they explain at length the severity of the damage done by this emissary. Cheshvan 1839.
[5] pp. Ink on paper. Sizes vary. Fine condition.
Four works by Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger. Jerusalem, 1795-1891. Uncommon works.
* Brit Olam Kama . To educate Jews a weapon against heretics, words from my heart, Rabbi Akiva Yosef son of R’Yechiel Schlesinger. Jerusalem, Zichron Shlomo Press. 1890. First edition.
Composition in the form of a debate between “the scholar” and “the sage.” With the leaves listing the author’s works. Especially rare composition, listed by Sh. HaLevi according to the family’s copy at Rabbi Hillel Schlesinger’s. The article is known from the second edition of the book Brit Olam Kama which was printed in Jerusalem in 1902, and this is the first edition of the compilation.
8 pages, 8, 13-50 leaves, 21 cm. Sh. HaLevi, Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim 697.
* Amud HaYirah, a voice of Zion was heard by kings assimilated from Zion heard by kings, by Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger. [Jerusalem, Zion Press] 1885.
Unique composition about the standing and roles of the nations of the world. The author’s name is printed in the margins of the last page “Address Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger. Jerusalem.” Printer’s name according to Sh. HaLevi, Sifrei Yerushalayim HaRishonim 521.
* Brit Olam Ein HaDaat [by R’ Akiva Yosef Schlesinger]. [Jerusalem] [1891].
Debate between “scholar” and “sage” about Divine intervention.
20 leaves, 21 cm. Printed without a title page. Sh. HaLevi, HaRishonim 644.
* Tziyon B’Mar Tivkeh . Eulogy on Rabbi Hillel Leichenshteim signed by Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger. Jerusalem 1891.
At the top of the first page: Bitter eulogy. Who here praises …
6 leaves, 21 cm. Printed without a title page.
The works are bound together and are in overall fine condition.
The author Nechemya Chayun was a characteristic Sabbatean, who disseminated the idea, yet concealed this fact. He journeyed to Europe and lived in Prague, where he wrote the book before us. He lived in a small apartment and spent the day at the house of Rabbi David Oppenheim, the city’s rabbi, where he studied Torah. His looks, attire and the story of him allegedly being born in Safed charmed all those who saw him, since a Jew from the East wearing traditional clothes was an unusual sight in Prague. He became known as a holy man and many sought him out for a blessing. He also wrote amulets for a great deal of money. Rabbi David Oppenheim wasn’t at home at that time; however, the family members who were there to serve their guests were charmed by Chayun. Rabbi Yosef Oppenheim, Rabbi David’s son, helped him as much he could and he mentions him favorably in the book before us. Rabbi David Oppenheim even wrote an approbation for the book before us. Chayun moved to Amsterdam in order to disseminate his ideas and distribute his book; however, Rabbi Tzvi Ashkenazi, the ‘Chacham Tzvi,’ Av Beit Din of the Ashkenazic community of Amsterdam, revealed him and excommunicated him. Yet, the Sephardic community of the city supported him and subsequently a bitter dispute erupted during which Rabbi Tzvi’s opponents appealed to civil courts. In order to prevent Chillul Hash-m, the ‘Chacham Tzvi’ decided to abandon the rabbinate of Amsterdam and he left the city on a snowy winter night.
[2], 89 [should be: 87] leaves, 19 cm. Owner’s signature on the title page: Menachem Nachum.
Fine-very fine condition. Aging stains. Professional restoration in the margins of the title page and the first leaf with damage to several words. New binding.
Composition about the order of study, with legal novellae and matters of aggadah, by Rabbi Moshe Yosef HaCohen Shapira of Habren. Prague, 1810. Including sharp words against Chassidim.
The work includes three routes/parts. In the first route, “The Straight Route,” the author writes about a study method, and comes out against some scholars of our times … as well as against those who spend their time sharply speaking out [scholarly] divisions. Among his words, the author comes out firmly and at length against the Chassidim: “This sect! They call themselves chassidim and people of action; they make public communities, put someone in charge and proclaim before him ‘Avreich!’ [ויקראו לפניו אברך] … When they arise from their beds in the morning, they eat, drink, and make merry, go here and there until the time for reading the shema and prayer has passed …” He also deals with the recitation of לשם יחוד and what the Noda B’Yehudah has to say on the topic. In the other parts, the author writes legal novellae according to the order of the Torah portions, and matters of aggadah and mussar. With important approbations.
[2], 46, [2] leaves, 30 cm. minimal tears and worming perforations. Aging stains.
Dvar Shmuel . Responsa by Rabbi Shmuel Abuhav. Venice, 1702. Only edition. Handwritten glosses.
The author was one of the leading rabbis of Venice and of Italy, who was also known for his battle against Sabbateanism. On leaves 95-97 there is a report by the rabbis of Venice who interrogated Natan of Gaza in 1668, and a letter of protest against the cancellation of fasts by the Sabbateans. There is also correspondence between the author and Rabbi Yaakov Sasportas of Amsterdam regarding the issue of Shabbetai Tzvi. A long foreword by the author’s son appears at the beginning of the book, with the author’s biography and the process of his wondrous demise.
[6] 104 leaves, 29 cm. Very fine condition except for a light blemish in the margins of the title page. Unbound.
Letters from Rabbi Hillel Lichtenstein of Kolomyya opposing Rabbi Ezriel Hildesheimer’s plan to establish a “Shkales” school in Jerusalem. [Kolomyya, c. 1890?].
Two vehement letters sent to Rabbi Meir Auerbach and the other rabbinical leaders of Jerusalem in 1873. Contains zealous content regarding settling in the Land of Israel, and attacks the schools. In a comment on leaf 10, the author uses sharp derogatory terms alluding to elder rabbis from Pressburg and Warsaw.
The compilation was printed without place and year of print, however the comment on page 9 indicates that it was printed c. 1890, after the passing of the author of Nefesh Chayah but during the lifetime of Rabbi Hillel Lichtenstein.
12 leaves. 19 cm. Fine condition. Aging stains. New binding.
Shu”t Zichron Yosef , responsa and novellae by Rabbi Yosef Steinhardt, Av Beit Din of Furth.
In the introduction, the author writes against the Chassidic sect which had begun to spread in those days. The introduction was written in Nissan 1773, in which he quotes from the book Zamir Aritzim V’Charavot Tzurim which was printed in 1772. He writes that those “who make most of their days festivals, who chirp and make noises during their prayers, emit various strange sounds, and change many customs,” and he also writes about those who came to reside in our land (Germany) by which he means the brothers Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg and Rabbi Pinchas, author of Hafla’ah , zy”a, disciples of the maggid of Mezeritch, who were appointed rabbis in Ashkenaz.
The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book notes that the Chassidim tore the author’s introduction out of most copies.
The author, Rabbi Yosef Steinhardt (1720-1776), was a disciple of the gaon Rabbi Yaakov Katz, author of Shev Yaakov , Av Beit Din of Furth, Germany, considered one of the greatest Torah leaders and adjudicators of his time.
[3], 24, [1], 25-46, 67-119, [2] leaves, approximately 34 cm. Fine condition. Minimal worming perforations and aging stains. Original leather binding, worn.
* Machberet Kiddushin al Tnai, includes our suggestions presented to the rabbis … regarding a rectification for the daughters of Israel to save them from the trap and the chains of the anchor (of a recalcitrant or vanished husband) through making a precondition for the marriage, by the spiritual committee in Constantinople. Constantinople [1924]. Jacket title page. Only edition. Suggestion to invalidate nuptials that do not abide by these criteria, signed by six rabbis.
* Ein Tnai B’Nisuin . Including halachic clarification and letters of protests by the leading elders of the previous generation opposing a movement by French rabbis to make a precondition for marriage, signed by more than four hundred rabbis … from all countries. Prepared by Rabbi Yehudah Lubetsky. Arranged by Aharon Dov Alter Warnovsky. Vilna, [1930]. Added jacket title page. The book opens with a sharp letter from Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky.
* L’She’elat HaAgunah by Rabbi Yehudah Leib son of Rabbi … R’ Ezriel Epstein. Includes a review of the polemic between the Orthodox and Conservative rabbis in America regarding the agunah question. With the Takanot Agunot compilation by Rabbi Ben Tzion Alkalai. New York, [1940].
* Kochah D’Heteirah, question and response regarding kiddushin by … Yehudah Elyakim, known as Dr. Goldberg. New York, [1922]. Goldman 649. Critiques of this work were printed in Koach HaTorah [Tzvi Chemed 1] by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman. New York, 1922.
Condition: Fine-very fine.
* Mikveh Yisrael . Long responsum about the ritual status of the mikvahs in England, by Rabbi Yisrael Chaim Deiches. Leeds, 1912. Only edition.
Specifications: [1], 42, [1] pages. 25 cm. English title page added. Sketches.
Most of the work deals with a halachic question about the ritual status of the mikvahs in England. The author discusses many aspects of the topic at length and declares the mikvahs to be kosher. With sermons and siyums delivered by the author when he served as a rabbi in England. The author Rabbi Yisrael Chaim Deiches [1851-1937] studied in the yeshivas of Kovno and Slabodka, and was rabbi of Kudirkos Naumiestis (Širvintos) in Władysławów. In 1901 he emigrated to England and served as rabbi of Leeds. He edited the English journal Beit Vaad L’Chachamim and wrote the book Drashot Maharich .
* Ein Yisrael Booklet . Supplements to Mikveh Yisrael about the validity of the mikvahs in England, by [Rabbi Yisrael Chaim Deiches]. Leeds, [1912]. Especially rare booklet.
Specifications: 16 pages, printed without a title page, 25 cm. The booklet does not appear in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book and is not found in the National Library.
Condition: Fine. Slight tears without damage to text.
“Protesting baseless libels from a false enemy who set off to battle … by [Rabbi Mordechai Eliezer Weber].” [Jerusalem] [1882]. First edition. Polemic. Pedigreed copy.
Specifications: 27, [1] leaf, 22 cm. Shoshana HaLevi, Sifrei Yerushalayim 403.
Background: Critique of the work Ohalei Shem authored by Rabbi Shlomo Gantzfried in opposition to the words of Rabbi Chaim Halberstam, author of Divrei Chaim , of Sanz. The author defends the Admor of Sanz. He wrote this anonymously, but revealed his authorship in the second edition that was published in Jerusalem, 1885.
Unique Features: Stamps: Rabbi Refael Zilberman, Av Beit Din of Safed; Rabbi Avraham Leib Zilberman, Safed. Signature and stamp of Baruch Reichman of Safed.
Rabbi Refael Zilberman son of Mordechai, known as “Rabbi Refael Dayan” [1839-1917] was born in Uman, Ukraine. He moved to the Land of Israel with his parents in [1850] and studied in the yeshivas in Safed, and with his father who served as rabbi of Safed. In [1860], he was appointed dayan and moreh tzedek in the Ashkenazic community in Safed. After his father’s passing in 1872, he was appointed chief rabbi of the Ashkenazic community of Safed. He was renowned for his wisdom and Torah greatness. His grandson, Rabbi Avraham Leib Zilberman was orphaned as a young child and then raised by his grandfather. In 1909, he was appointed dayan in Safed. After his grandfather’s passing in 1918, he was appointed rabbi of Safed. Rabbi Baruch Reichman , son of Rabbi Moshe Aharon Migeza Tzvi, was a member of the beit din of the Kollel Ashkenazim in Safed and passed away in 1914. Encyclopedia L’Chachmei Galicia, section 4, column 935].
Condition: Fine, slight tears in the margins of three leaves, not affecting text.
The debate in Sighet, Maramures region in Hungary, which split the people in half, including many honorable personages as well as rabbinical leaders. Lemberg, 1877. Only edition.
Specifications: [3], 16 pages; [24], 25-104 leaves, 22 cm. Two title pages. The first is a half-title.
Background: Regarding a raging controversy in Sighet about the establishment of a new community. The two sides, ‘the Orthodox community’ (Ashkenazim) and ‘the Sefard community’ (those who pray in nusach Sfard) presented the matter to a special Beit Din headed by Rabbi Baruch Halberstam of Rudnik, son of the author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Rabbi Baruch Halberstam found in favor of ‘the Orthodox community,’ and the book before us was published by ‘the Sfard community,’ attacking the decision. Large work including protocols, dozens of interesting letters and documents. ‘An Open Letter with Milchemet Mitzvah ‘ was published against this book. Sighet, 1889.
Condition: Fine. A few worming holes. Simple binding.
Kuntress Tisporet HaZakan , rebuttal to those who posit that it is forbidden to shave one’s beard, even without a razor, by Rabbi Sinai Sapir of Karlsruhe. Munkacs, 1912. Inscribed by the author to Rabbi Yaakov Gordon of England, with glosses by the recipient.
Specifications: [1] 32 pages, pink-colored jacket title page, 27 cm.
Background: This book was written to refute those who prohibited shaving one’s beard altogether, particularly Rabbi Avraham Chaim Danzinger and the author of Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. The author, Rabbi Sinai Sapir [1853-1923], studied under the Ktav Sofer and Rabbi Ezriel Hildesheimer. He was the rabbi of Hanover and then of the Kehilat HaYireim in Karlsruhe. He authored Shu”t Sitri U’Magini .
Unique Features: Inscribed by the author to Rabbi Yaakov Gordon of England, along with glosses by this recipient. Some of his glosses are signed.
Condition: Fine. Acidic paper. Nice, cardboard binding.
Tisporet Luleinit . Regarding shaving on holidays, against those who permit it, by Rabbi Yaakov Yechezkel HaLevi. Berlin, [1839]. Only edition. Polemic.
Specifications: [3] XI, [1], 98, [2], 22 cm.
Regarding the prohibition of shaving on the intermediate days of the festivals (chol hamoed), and criticism of Rabbi Y. Sh. Reggio of Gorizia who permitted shaving in his work, Maamar Hitgalchut which was printed in 1835. On the title page: “First Notebook,” but there were no more printed.
Condition: Fine. Aging stains. Loose binding.
* Cheshek Shlomo commentary on the Talmud Yerushalmi – Yevamot by Shlomo Yehuda Friedlander – forger of the Yerushalmi on Seder Kodshim. Ya’akov Weider Press. Worohal, 1905.
* Bound with: Nachal Eden – elucidations on the Yerushalmi and more by the gaon Rabbi Rephael Gordon (who was one of Friedlander’s prominent supporters in the battle over the veracity of the Yerushalmi on Kodshim). Two author’s owner’s stamps on the title page.
The back flyleaf bears handwritten Torah novellae.
For brief biographies of Shlomo Yehudah Friedlander and Rabbi Rephael Gordon, refer to the Hebrew text.
[5], 195 [2]; 101 leaves. 25 cm.
Fine condition. Crease in the first title page. The leaves of the book itself are in very fine condition. Slightly detached front binding and spine.
Emphatic poster – copy from Machzikei HaDat opposing the appointment of Rabbi Ya’akov Meir as Rishon LeTziyon. After the passing of Rabbi Ya’akov Shaul Elyashir, Rabbi Ya’akov Meir [1856-1939] was appointed to be chief Sephardic rabbi of Jerusalem – the ‘Rishon LeTziyon.’ This appointment aroused opposition from some circles in the city who accused him of a tendency to Zionism. Those opposed sent letters to the Chacham Bashi in Constantinople with the goal of preventing confirmation of his appointment. Rabbi Meir preferred to prevent the dispute and abandoned his candidacy for the position. He left Jerusalem for a while and served as rabbi of Salonika. In 1921, with the founding of the chief rabbinate of the Land of Israel, he was selected to be chief Sephardic rabbi.
