Orchot Chaim – chamishah chumshei Torah with Targum and Rash”i’s commentary, and the Ohr HaChaim commentary by Rabbeinu Chaim ben Attar – the author, the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh. Venice, 1741. First edition of the Ohr HaChaim commentary on the Torah. Complete copy.
On the book’s title page: “New commentary on chamishah chumshei Torah … prepared and researched by … the sage in wisdom, reverence and humility, Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar, a resident of the West, who just left to establish a study hall in Jerusalem … new novellae not thought of by Earlier Authorities …” The author opens his commentary: “The heavens opened and I saw Divine visions …”
Both title pages have the book name printed as Orchot Chaim , but in the author’s preface, he writes that the name of the book is Ohr HaChaim and on the tops of the book’s pages, ” Ohr HaChaim ” is printed, as it has been accepted through the generations.
As mentioned in Ginzei Yisrael-Osef Mehlman [no. 624], the first title page is lacking in many copies. Given that the two title pages are similar with the exception of the words “first” and “second, ” there are copies in which the second title page is in place of the first title page, but the words “Part II” were covered with a sticker printed with “Part I.”
Before us are the two original title pages for Part I and the original title page for Part II. The book is entirely complete, with the approbations, the author’s preface, and with the censor’s permit in Italian in both parts.
The author, Rabbi Chaim ben Attar (1696-1743) , the “Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh, ” was among the sages of Salé, Morocco. He ascended to the Land of Israel via Italy, where he remained in Livorno from 1739-1742. He complete the work while he was in Livorno, on 15 Av 1741, and immediately sent it from there to Venice to be printed. This author is one of the few rabbinic leaders of the generations adorned with the name “HaKadosh” all throughout the Diaspora.
The two parts are in one volume. [4], 86; 78; 8: [2], 60, 72; 58; 12 leaves. The leaves of haftarahs were bound at the end of each part. 32 cm.
Fine-very fine condition. The first title page has a professionally photocopied completion in the upper right corner. Very few stains. The last leaf was professionally repaired with damage to only six words.
Pay Attention: VAT should be added to the commission for foreign residents as well.
Peirot Gnoser. The text of the Shulchan Aruch appears at the center of the page, with two ” Peirot” (Gnoser) around it. One is the well-known commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, the ” Pri Chadash” by Rabbeinu Chizkiya da Silva, and the second is ” Pri To’ar” by Rabbi Chaim Ben-Attar, author of Ohr HaChaim .
The edition before us was the first edition of Peirot Gnoser and was printed in the lifetime of Rabbi Chaim Ben-Attar. Given that his composition ” Pri To’ar” contains many critiques on the ” Pri Chadash, ” he printed his work together with the ” Pri Chadash.” One of the Jews of Livorno, his friend Shlomo ben Yitzchak Aluf, dealt with printing this work. Due to the tedious permit process required in Venice, the manuscript was sent to Amsterdam to be printed.
Rabbi Chaim Ben-Attar [1696-1743] was one of the greatest biblical commentators in the period of the Later Authorities, a Kabbalist and a halachic adjudicator. The Ba’al Shem Tov said of him that he hears Torah every night from the mouth of the Holy One, Blessed Be He, and therefore his sefarim are considered in Chassidic circles as first-rate, and are attributed as having holy and pure influence to the soul who studies them. The author of Divrei Chaim of Sanz writes: ” The author of Ohr HaChaim certainly wrote this book with Divine inspiration … and therefore … he who denies his Divine inspiration … is an unbelieving apostate …”
Interesting owner’s signature on leaf 46.
[4], 275 leaves. 32 cm. Fine condition. Aging stains. Minimal worming perforations, primarily in the white margins. Tear in leaf [2], with damage to two words. Professional completion to the white margins of the title page. Original leather-covered wooden binding, slightly worn.
Tashbe”tz is one of the most important halachic works. It is comprised of over 900 halachic responsa by Rabbi Shimon bar Tzemach – one of the great rabbis of Algeria. Four parts in one volume, separate title pages for “Chut HaMeshulash” (for a total of four title pages). First edition. Amsterdam, 1738-1741. Owners’ signatures on the first title page and on leaf 1. Lengthy gloss on leaf 9. Interesting antique script on the flyleaf.
Tradition relates that the cover is made of fish skin (yet there are those who are uncertain). The rare original binding was handmade by a craftsman, and this is the reason that no one binding is like any other. Rabbi Rachamim, son of Rabbi Chaim Palagi, writes in his book
Yefeh Levav : ‘I heard that the great rabbi, the Rashbe”tz, thought that he may have merited that the large book of Shu”t called
Tashbe”tz be so beautifully printed and bound – there is none like it – because he was careful to spread a beautiful and important kerchief on the books open before him for study.’
There are different variants of the book’s title pages. Before us is the different variant, with the first title page from 1741 with pictures that are different from the usual, as detailed in the
Bibliography of the Hebrew Book : “The first title page is from the year זאת התורה א’ש’ר’ שם משה לבני ישראל (chronogram working out to 1741), and instead of the two lions in the usual first title page, there are pictures of Moshe and Aharon, Shlomo and David.” In these copies, there is only the first title page and the three title pages of Part IV. (Refer to: N. Ben-Menachem in ‘Sod Sefarim, ‘
Sinai , Volume 16, 1945, pp 324-326. And see: D. and G. Yardeni, ‘Seder Hadpasato shel HaTasbe”tz, ‘
Alei Sefer , 10, pp. 119-132.)
[11], 91; 69, [1]; 68, [1]; [1], 101, [1] leaf. 31 cm. Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 270; fine condition. Aging stains. Isolated worming perforations. Tear with small lack in the final leaf. Original binding.
Passover haggadah “with new German translation … as printed in Berlin …” [Offenbach, at Tzvi Hirsch Segal Schpitz Press], 1795.
The translation is in Tze’enah U’Re’enah letters, printed at the bottom of the pages. The title page bears the printer’s device (refer to A. Ya’ari,
Diglei HaMadpisim HaIvri’im , Jerusalem, 1944, no. 159). The picture was printed later “in Amsterdam.”
Especially rare haggadah, not listed by Ya’ari; listed in
Otzar HaHaggadot according to a copy in the Florsheim collection. Several similar haggadahs were printed in Offenbach; the one before us is especially rare.
40 leaves, 18 cm.
Otzar HaHaggadot 382.
Fine condition. Typical aging and wine stains. Original red cardboard binding with gilt imprint. Lacking spine.
Kabbalistic prayer book per the Bukharian custom. Brought to print by order of Rabbi Pinchas HaKohen, rabbi of Bukhara. Vilna, 1836. Especially rare siddur; the National Library does not have a complete copy, and it is listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book according to a copy in a private collection.
With the addition of laws, azharot and zechirot, and supplements by the Chid”a called ‘Devarim Achadi”m.’ With a large picture of the psalm LaMenatzeach (psalm 67) covering an entire page. Many Kabbalistic intentions, with sharp censorship. About the siddur and its printing, see
Ohel Rache”l I, pp. 367-369. A copy of the rare title page appears in Giora Pozilov’s book,
MiBukhara LiYerushalayim , p. 49.
The prayer book before us, in the nusach of Bukharian Jewry, was sent to Vilna to be printed. The censor’s permit was given on Dec. 17, 1836, just after the Russian government’s decree to close all the Hebrew presses in Russia. However, in Vilna, the decree was only partial, but printing was severely censored. Indeed, censor Leo Barovsky, who examined the siddur before us, did not allow using the terms ‘goy’ nor עכו”ם [‘aku”m’], just ‘worshipers of stars and constellations’ using the abbreviation עכומ”ז. For example, in the morning blessings (page 15b) it says, “who has not made me worshipers(!) of stars and constellations [שלא עשני עובדי(!) כוכבים ומזלות].
Mispaginated: 17; 16-17, 20-55, 57-71, 68, 73-92, 94-118, 107, 119-144 [1] leaf, 19 cm. Bibliographic material included.
Moderate condition. Owners’ notations. Aging stains. Several detached leaves. Blemish in the margins of the title page without damage to text. Blemishes in the margins of leaves: 77; 92, with damage to text. Bukharian leather binding, embossed.
Magnificent set of ‘Ezrat HaSofer’ chumashim [Bereishit, Shemot, VaYikra, BaMidbar]. Haftarahs per the Ashkenazic and Sephardic community customs at the end of each volume, with separate title pages for the hafatarah sections. Vienna, 1818. Owners’ notations in Oriental script from the period of printing.
Before us is a specially proofread chumash designed to be used as an example for Torah scribes per the custom called “Vavei HaAmudim, ” according to which each column of the Torah scroll begins with the letter ו’. Shirat HaYam is designed according to the “tile on brick” pattern in the Torah scroll, and is therefore printed on large, folded leaves. With the “Ohr Torah” glosses by Rabbi Menachem di-Lonzano. The Meir Netiv compilation is printed at the beginning of Chumash Bereishit regarding the holy Names and the mundane names in the Torah Scroll, by Rabbi Yehudah Pisa.
Especially magnificent original leather binding, gilt on both sides with fine color imprints of floral and pomegranate designs. There is also an artistic imprint of the owner’s name: הצעיר משה חיים מורדוך הי”ו ס”ט.
[19], 18-108; 88; 76 leaves. (Four volumes, Chumash Devarim is lacking.) 16 cm. Fine condition.
Chamishah Chumshei Torah Tikkun Sofrim, Amsterdam, printed by order of philanthropists Shmuel Mendez, Moshe Tzarfati Da Girona and David Gomish da Silva. 1726. Five especially magnificent leather bindings. The title pages were hand-painted just after the printing.
Beautiful print of chamishah chumshei Torah on high-quality paper with wide margins. Each chumash has a magnificent painted title page with three pictures from the Tana”ch hinting at the names of the three printers.
Original especially magnificent leather bindings, gilt on both sides and along the thickness of the bindings, in an especially wide pattern of leaves and pomegranates, with an imprint of the owner’s name, Aharon Amar, S”T.
Does not include the part with the haftarot and the table for the holidays. The first part does not have all the leaves of indices, as they sometimes appear in the haftarah section.
16.5 cm. The books’ leaves are in very fine condition. Minimal aging stains. Gilt page edges. The title page of Vayikra is not painted.
The bindings are in fine condition. Slight blemishes in the corners. Slight blemishes in the spine of part I. The spine of Part III has been professionally restored.
Composition on the Ramba”m’s Mishneh Torah, including references for 338 books, with supplements by the author – Rabbi Shalom Shlomo of Amsterdam. Only edition. Owner’s signature from the time of printing.
Unique book indicating references to 338 books that dealt with the Ramba”m’s works. Within this book there are many supplements by the author, from his teacher, Eliezer Nachum, and from sages of his generation. With a list of all the books at the end of this work.
The author served as rabbi of the Spanish Portuguese community in Amsterdam. Especially beautiful approbation written by the rabbi of the Ashkenazic community in Amsterdam, Rabbi Shaul Lowenstam.
[3] 64 leaves, 30 cm.
Fine-very fine condition. Minimal aging stains. Dismantled binding.
Novellae on the laws of Passover, and elucidation on the Passover haggadah with the haggadah text, and various novellae, by Rabbi Ezra Malki of Safed. One of the earliest Haggadahs printed in the Orient.
Lengthy elucidation on the laws of Passover and the sacrificial service of the Passover sacrifice per the Ramba”m, with the text of the Passover haggadah and a lengthy elucidation. Novellae on the halachahs of Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Chanukah, and various compilations.
The author was a Safed sage. He traveled as an emissary to Turkey, where he printed the book before us. On his way he traveled via Rhodes and the community there appointed him rabbi and Av Beit Din. In the end he elected to remain there, and he led the rabbinate at a high standard. He was a brother-in-law of Rabbi Chizkiyah da Silva, author of Pri Chadash . He also authored Shu”t Ein Mishpat , Einot Mayim and Shemen LaMeor .
[2] 18: 160 leaves, 29.5 cm. Complete. Otzar HaHaggadot 206.
Fine condition, aging stains. Professional restoration and tiny perforation in the white margins of the title page. Detached back binding and several leaves at the end.
She’elot U’Teshuvot by Rabbi David ben Zimra – the Radba”z, teacher of the author of Shita Mekubetzet and of the Ar”i HaKadosh. Livorno-Venice-Furth, 1652-1818.
Before us is a set of Teshuvot HaRadba”z – among the foundational books of responsa. (Aside from the five volumes before us, more responsa were printed later in the book Divrei David-Hon Yosef , and responsa from manuscript have been printed in the recent generation.) Responsa from one of the leading adjudicators who lived at the beginning of the era of the Later Authorities; he responded thousands of questions.
First publication of Teshuvot HaRadba”z . Livorno, 1652. One of the first books printed in Livorno. The book includes some 300 responsa and in the current division, it called the fourth part. [6] 100 leaves, 30 cm.
* Part I and Part II: Venice, 1749. Two parts with two title pages. Part I: [2], 129. Part II: [2], 88 leaves. 30 cm. Owner’s signatures: Yissachar Berush Segal Horowitz, various inscriptions and stamps.
* Part III: Furth, 1781. [1], 58, 41-46, [2] leaves. 34.5 cm.
[* Part IV: See above. Livorno, 1652]
* Part V: Livorno, 1818. [2], 58, 4 leaves. With questions and responsa from Heaven. 30 cm. Owner’s inscriptions.
Refer to the Hebrew text for a brief biography of Rabbi David ben Shlomo ibn Zimra- the Ridba”z .
Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 281. Overall fine condition.
This book was printed at the Bat Sheva family’s renowned press in Salonika in the author’s lifetime with a lengthy preface by him. (He passed away about a year later.) Also includes novellae on the Talmudic chapters “Keitzad HaRegel” and “Kol HaBasar.”
The author wrote about his choice to write novellae on Tractate Kiddushin: Due to its being a tractate that is incredibly deep and precise, it contains fire and brimstone and a fearful spirit in the words of the gemara, Rash”i, and the Tosafot in difficult questions and experiences much more than the other tractates.
Among the foundational works of commentary on Tractate Kiddushin, studied in depth in all yeshivahs and printed in many editions. And as brought in the introduction to the new edition with notes and references: The book Atzmot Yosef has been the foundational book for this tractate throughout the generations, and there is no commentator to Tractate Kiddushin that has not delved into its words and studied them in-depth.
Sought-after book, uncommon. Mehlman, Gnuzot Sefarim p. 86 no, 70.
Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 96.
125 leaves, 26.5 cm.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Leather binding.
Chiddushei Halachot – Maharsh”a, and Chiddushei HaMaharsha”l ( Chochmat Shlomo ). The entire Sha”s in one volume. At the press of the brothers, the sons of Shlomo Proops. For the first time, both commentaries on the same leaf, another step before their integration together inside the Talmudic tractates. Special collector’s copy.
Special volume of the novellae of the Maharsh”a and the Maharsha”l, two of the leading Talmudic commentators. The novellae were printed on the same leaf; on the top part of the leaf are the novellae of the Maharsh”a, and on the bottom part, the Maharsha”l’s novellae. These commentaries are presently printed together on the same leaf as part of the Talmudic tractates at the end of each and every tractate. (Refer to Rabinowitz, in the article on the printing of the Talmud, p. 118 and 119.)
The Maharsh”a initially wrote his commentary as two separate commentaries: “Chiddushei Halachot” and “Chiddushei Aggadot.” In later editions, the two commentaries were combined. Before us is one of the early editions in which “Chiddushei Halachot” appears as a commentary on its own.
Huge edition. 41.5 cm. The margins are up to 6 cm. Owner’s signature of Rabbi “Moshe Bernstein.”
Fine condition. Aging stains. Minimal worming perforations. Tears in the margins of the title page without damage to text. Magnificent gilt leather binding.
Kabbalistic work including various topics from the Ar”i’s doctrine according to Rabbi Chaim Vital, with early Kabbalistic matters from books by Kabbalists who preceded the Ar”i. Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Fernandez Diaz z”l.
The book includes: Likkutei Sha”s – Kabbalistic elucidations of aggadic articles per the Ariza”l; praises of the Ar”i, Ma’aseh Nora M’R’ Yosef de la Reinah ; Koach Y-k-v-k ; Sefer Otiyot by Rabbienu Sa’adiah Gaon; Orchot Tzaddikim – proper conduct per the Ar”i and his disciple, Rabbi Chaim Vital. All these were authored and anthologized by the pure Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Fernandez Diaz z”l.
A significant part of the book was printed five years previously in Koritz. There were several supplements added here, including Orchot Tzaddikim-Minhagei HeAr”i , in alphabetically arranged topics, for approximately 25 pages, Ma’aseh Nora M’R’ Yosef de la Reinah .
96 leaves, 21 cm. Leaf 93 is bound after leaf 95.
Moderate condition. Aging stains. Worm tunnel. Restored tears in the title page with damage to text in individual words. Restored tears in several other leaves in the book. Simple binding.
Responsa by the gaon Rabbi Nissim zlh”h of Girondi, one of the prominent Early Authorities, accepted among the commentators of the Ri”f and as one of the leading Talmudic commentators.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Nissim son of Rabbi Reuven Girondi, known as the Ra”n .
76 leaves, 18 cm.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Lacking front binding.
Talmud Yerushalmi Seder Nashim, with the ‘Pnei Moshe’ commentary by Rabbi Moshe Margaliot. Fundamental book. Owner’s signature.
First edition of the renowned book on the Yerushalmi: Pnei Moshe – somewhat like Rash”i’s commentary. ‘Mar’eh HaPnim’ – something of a Tosafot. One of the most important and prevalent commentaries on the Yerushalmi.
Owner’s stamp of the youth Hertz b”r Meir Traub, rabbi of Mannheim for 25 years, and one of the great rabbis of Ashkenaz who stood guard over faithful Judaism. In the book Torat HaKana’ut from 1845 against the Reform, a letter from him was printed (letter 4) that he had sent to R’ Tzvi Hirsch Lehrn. Material about him enclosed.
Yevamot: [2], 40 leaves.
Sotah: 27 leaves.
Ketuvot: 39 leaves.
Nedarim: 19 leaves.
Gitten: 29 leaves.
Nazir: 25 leaves.
Kiddushin: 23 leaves.
2 leaves of indices.
Impressive copy. 37.5 cm. Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 116.
Fine condition. Slight wear at the edge of the white margins. Original leather binding, chafed.
Sefer Kritut , Talmudic rules by the Ra”sh of Kinon. Vincento Kunti Press, Crimea, 1557. Second edition with revisions. The printer writes on the title page that the first edition (Constantinople 1516) was faulty and in this edition “we have separated the wheat from the chaff.”
Ancient owner’s signature of the gaon Rabbi Ya’akov Tzvi of Broide and many glosses by him, as well as an owner’s signature of the gaon Rabbi Menachem Mendel Deutch.
Sefer Kritut was accepted among scholars and printed numerous times, becoming a foundation for later rule-books. Its name, Sefer Kritut , an expression used biblically to indicate a get (divorce document), is borrowed here to express making a covenant with the Torah: “See this book; it is entirely precious / A covenant of love with G-d’s religion / Forever sold to your hearts / So it shall be called Sefer Kritut. ”
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Shimshon Ben Yitzchak of Kinon, known as Ra”sh MiKinon .
73 leaves. 20 cm. Light, high-quality paper.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Tears in the margins of the title page without lack to text. Reinforcements. Several detached leaves. Not bound.
* Seder Chanukat Beit HaKnesset B’Siena . Livorno, 1786. Rare.
* Seder Zmirot V’Limud – detailed prayer service printed as a book in its own right on the occasion of construction of the synagogue in Siena, Italy. Arranged by the sages, our rabbi and teacher Yedidiah Levi and Rabbi Yitzchak Chaim de Modena.
The book includes: Chapters of Psalms, various verses, a detailed service of the seven hakofot, a prayer that grants salvation to kings and heads of state, and many songs composed by members of the community, with their names noted. There are two introductions by community rabbis at the beginning of the book, which include important historical details about the synagogue construction and those who assisted in its construction.
The inauguration ceremony lasted about five days, from Thursday, the eve of Rosh Chodesh Sivan 1786, though Friday and Shabbat, with the main event on Saturday night, continuing through Tuesday evening. The synagogue stands to this day.
88 pp, 21 cm. Each page is surrounded by a decorative border. Fine condition. Aging stains. Not bound.
* Likut MiShe’elot U’Teshuvot V’Chiddushei Dinim, Chelek Even HaEzer by Rabbi Moshe Chagiz. [Hamburg, 1719]
‘HaKema”ch’ is an abbreviation for “HaKatan Moshe Chagiz.” The author was one of the great Sephardic sages of his generation. He was born in Jerusalem and was an emissary to European countries for many years. He lived in Amsterdam and Hamburg for extended periods and assisted the Chacham Tzvi and his son the Ya”avetz in their battle against remnants of the Sabbateans.
Interesting bibliographic phenomenon: On the book’s title page, the year detail is written, and according to the customary calculation, it works out to 1711. However, there are a number of indications that it was printed slightly later, and many bibliographers were misled by this. The book was actually printed in 1719. When the small letters that are between the large letters are also included in the calculation [and not just the large letters, as is customary], it indeed works out to 1719.
[4], 221, [3] leaves, 15 cm.
Very fine condition except for the slightly detached original binding.
* Mikra Mefaresh , unique book to teach and refine students, constructed in a question-and-answer format in Yiddish by Rabbi Zussmann Roedelsom. The author’s handwritten signature is at the end of the introduction. Only edition. Rare book.
“Torah … in the language of Ashkenaz … to provide answers and the student’s ears are attentive to his rabbi’s questions. Oif teitch … di Torah recht fier stein … gleik ein rabbi der da far hert ein kind … The entire book is in Yiddish, except for one introduction.
The author Rabbi Eliezer Zussmann Roedelsom, also known as Roedelsheim, was one of the sages of Holland. He also authored the grammar book
Maher Yisrael [Amsterdam 1741].
[2], 131 leaves, 23 cm. On the title page: First section. However, no more were printed. Fine condition. Simple binding. Aging stains. Reinforcements in leaf 1 with damage to individual letters. Restoration of the white margins of the last leaf.
Levush HaTechelet [with Levush HaChur ] by Rabbi Mordechai Jaffe, with Elya Zuta by Rabbi Elya of Tiktin, Prague, 1701. Two parts in one volume.
* Levush HaTechelet [from Tur Ohr HaChaim simanim 1-241]. [2], 108 leaves.
* Levush HaChur [from Tur Ohr HaChaim simanim 242-697]. 109-336 leaves. Mispaginated.
Levush HaTechelet is the first Levush of ten Levushim written by the Ba’al Ha Levushim , and Levush HaChur is the second Levush of the ten Levushim . Before us is an early edition of the Levush with the entire Shulchan Aruch Ohr HaChaim, and with Eliyah Zuta. There are individual copies bound as two separate books that contain an additional title page for Levush HaChur .
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Mordechai Jaffe .
20 cm. Fine condition. Aging stains. Single leaves are torn from the binding. Tear without lack in the title page and the following leaf. Antique leather binding, blemished and partially lacking.
All 24 books. Chamishah Chumshei Torah with Early and Later Prophets and Writings. It is accepted that this was the edition that Rabbi Aryeh Levin used to conduct the Goral HaGR”A. Amsterdam, 1701.
Two title pages in Hebrew and in Latin. Foreword in Latin and poem in Hebrew: “The Torah of the world has existed / Since before anything was created.” Two columns on each page.
Tradition relates that Gorah HaGR”A could be conducted only with a book that was without Targum or haftarah. Therefore, this edition before us was the one used by the tzaddik Aryeh Levine to conduct the goral HaGR”A. This involves which is opening the Tana”ch according to a specific order to receive answers to hidden mysteries. The goral is carried out according to a tradition that was passed on from Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna (the GR”A). Tzaddikim of recent generations are known to have used this goral to receive answers, such as Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, Rabbi Aharon Kotler and others, but the most famous usage was undoubtedly the goral that was conducted by Rabbi Aryeh Levin in 1950 in order to identify the corpses of 12 of the casualties of the convoy of 35 that were not identified using other signs. This was a great sanctification of Hash-m’s name, as each time, the goral fell on a precise answer that clearly indicated the casualty that was buried in the unmarked grave.
The goral HaGR”A is possibly the only remnant currently used by rabbinic leaders – only when absolutely necessary – to predict the future.
[5], 292 leaves, 293-302, 15 cm. Lacking the illustrated leaf before the title page as well as four grammar pages and an appendix at the end.
Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains. Folds in the corners of the first leaves. Tears in the title page, without lack in the text. Original embossed leather binding. Wear to the front binding.
Avodat HaKodesh by Rabbi Meir ibn Gabbai printed by Rabbi Shmuel Avraham son of Rabbi Moshe Shapira. Copies in the condition of this one before us are rare.
Kabbalistic book printed in sanctity by Rabbi Shmuel Avraham Shapira of Slavuta. With approbations by the geonim: Rabbi Chaim HaKohen Rapoport of Ostroh, Rabbi Avraham Abele, Ra’avad of Vilna and Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Av Beit Din of Neishtat-Sigend. We will point out that the rabbinic leaders of Lithuania praise the Chassidic printers in an uncommon manner: “The famous Chassidic rabbi, son of the holy Rabbi Moshe Shapira Av Beit Din of Slavuta.”
72, 20, leaves. 34 cm. Bluish paper. Glosses. Beautiful copy.
Fine condition. Minimal stains.
Sha’agat Aryeh – responsa and in-depth studies by the gaon Rabbi Aryeh Leib Ginsburg [1695-1785], rabbi of Metz. Printed by the rabbi of Slavuta, Rabbi Shmuel Avraham Shapira. Copy that belonged to the gaon Rabbi Shlomo Heiman, many stamps.
Before us is the famous monumental work by the author; he is known by its name, as “the Sha’agat Aryeh.” With “Hagahot Chadashot” and “Kuntress Acharon” by the proofreader Rabbi Moshe Aryeh Leib of Vilna. Many approbations from leading rabbis of Lithuania, given specifically for this edition and for “Kuntress Acharon.”
The book Sha’agat Aryeh is considered the epitome of genius and logic, and until the previous generation, it had been customary that almost all bar-mitzvah speeches were drawn from the words of the ‘Sha’agat Aryeh.’
The gaon Rabbi Shlomo Heiman [1892-1945] was one of the leading rashei yeshivah in Lithuania and then in the United States. He was the rosh yeshivah of Ohel Torah in Baranovich and at Yeshivat Ramailes in Vilna. He then moved to the United States where he served as rosh yeshivah of Torah Vodaath in New York, and as a member of the Council of Torah Sages. His novellae were printed by Rabbi Michel Yehudah Lefkowitz, rosh yeshivah of Ponovezh, who was his disciple at the Ramailes yeshivah, in two volumes entitled Chiddushei Rebbi Shlomo , as well as in Shiurei Rebbe Shlomo , which was printed in Lakewood.
2, 90 leaves. 33 cm. Some of the text in the title page is in red ink.
Fine condition. Tear in the margins of the title page with slight damage to text in the Cyrillic letters. Tears in the margins of the first two leaves without damage to text. Slight tear in the last leaf. Simple binding.
Machzor for Rosh HaShanah, and Machzor for the three pilgrimage festivals, at the press of the rabbi of Slavuta’s grandsons, Rabbi Chanina Lipa and Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Shapira. Zhitomir, 1865. Two parts.
“With Hebrew commentary and German commentary transcribed into the spoken language.” With Zodiac illustrations in the prayers for rain and for dew. Beautiful set of machzors printed in sanctity by the rabbis of the Shapira family in Slavuta. Admo”rs and early Chassidim would be particular to recite high holiday prayers from machzorim that were printed at the Slavuta and Zhitomir presses as a segulah that their prayers be willingly accepted.
Part I: 508 pp, 28 cm. Part II: 275 pp, 28 cm.
The two parts are bound together in the original leather binding, with imprint. Owner’s signature.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Perforation on the first title page without damage to text.
Ma’amar Shivrei Luchot – the tenth essay of ten essays, and the legal ruling Yemin H’ Romemah by Rabbi Menachem Azariah of Fano, with a foreword by Rabbi Shmuel Heller, and a sermon by Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz. First edition.
Ma’amar Shivrei Luchot is the tenth essay of ten essays in Asarah Ma’amarot , authored by the Ram”a of Fano, first published in 1597 in Venice comprised of only three essays. The rest of the essays were printed separately at various times, and before us is the first time this specific essay was printed. The legal ruling Yemin H’ Romemah deals with the question as to which side the lulav should be waved.
Rabbi Menachem Azariah of Fano [1548-1620] was the leading Kabbalist in Italy. He was a disciple of Rabbi Ezra of Fano of Mantua (as he notes in the preface to his work Pelach HaRimon: “The merit of my teacher Rabbi Ezra Neru of Mantua and his righteousness will be eternal in that he brought me from my youth to the garden of this beloved wisdom”), as well as the disciple of Rabbi Moshe Cordovero and Rabbi Yisrael Sruk of Safed.
Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz [c. 1505-1588] was one of the first Kabbalists in Safed, and one of the greatest. He actually became most renowned for a hymn he composed – “Lech Dodi Likrat Kallah Pnei Shabbat Nekabelah, ” which is sung in all Jewish communities across the world. His disciples included Rabbi Moshe Cordovero and Rabbi Yosef Karo.
[1] 21 leaves. 19 cm. Complete. A leaf including leaf 4 and another leaf was added in an incorrect place, apparently printed there in error. Ya’ari, HaDefus HaIvri BeSafed 17. Fine condition, Aging stains. Tears in the final leaf with a slight blemish. Not bound.
Machzor for the three pilgrimage festivals, at the press of the partners, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavuta, Rabbis Chanina Lipa and Yehoshua Heschel Shapira. Ashkenaz text. Zhitomir, 1860.
“With pleasant … commentaries … Mateh Levi … Beit Levi … Ma’aseh Arag, and all will be called together “Korban Aharon.” With illustrations of the Zodiac on the prayers for rain and dew. Some of the title page is in red ink. Beautiful machzor printed in sanctity by the rabbis of the Shapira family of Slavuta.
330 pp, 27 cm. Mispaginated. Rabbinic owners’ signatures among the leaves of the machzor.
Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains. Worming perforations. The binding and some of the leaves are detached and reinforced with tape. Restored title page.
