Auction No. 098
Holy books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical & Admors letters, Americana & Judiaca
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Ach Pri Tevuah. Chassidut according to the order of the Torah parshas and holidays by Admor Zvi Hirsh of Liska, two volumes.
Specifications: [4], 116: [1] 88 leaves. 22 cm. First edition. Stefansky, Chassidut 41.
Background: Admor Zvi Hirsch Friedman of Liska [1808-1874] was a leader of the 19th century Hungarian chassidim and founder of the Liska chassidut. He was a dedicated disciple of Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, the "Yismach Moshe" and learned with him for many years. He also visited Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin, Rabbi Meir of Permishlan, Rabbi Shalom of Belz and Rabbi Chaim of Sanz. He was chosen to lead the Liska community, per the recommendation of his rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum. After his rebbe's death, he served as Admor and many people were drawn to him from within Hungary and without. His noted disciples include Rabbi Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir.
Unique features: The book was printed soon after his death, with his will. Both sections feature the approbation of Rabbi Chaim of Sanz, the "Divrei Chaim", who extols the author. The publisher writes that the author wrote in his will that his works could only be printed with the approval of [at least] one righteous person, and that is why an approbation was requested from Rabbi Chaim of Sanz.
Condition: Fine-very fine. Blemish to the last leaf of the second volume. New, simple bindings.
Sermons and elucidations on the weekly Torah readings and Ethics of the Father, by Rabbi Yisrael Hopstein, the Maggid of Kosnitz.
Specifications: [4], 90, 32 leaves. 19 cm. Two title pages. Light-blue paper. First edition. Stefansky, Chassidut #452.
Unique features: Approbation from his grandson, Rabbi Chaim Meir Yechiel of Mogielnica; Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorki; his disciple, the Chiddushei HaRim; Saba Kadisha of Radoshitz; and Rabbi Yeshaya Muskat of Prague. In his preface, the publisher writes that chassidic leaders longed to see this work in print: "I heard from the Admor, my father-in-law...[of Mogielnica] in the name of his rebbe, the rebbe of Mezibuzh...[the Ohev Yisrael of Apta], and from a number of maggidim, that the publication of this work from the great tzaddik is a a great light and salvation..."
Background: The Maggid of Kosnitz was a prominent Polish Admor of his time. He was born in Apta in 1737. He stayed with his father-in-law in Peshischa, where he was became acquainted with chassidut. He travelled to Rebbe Shmelke of Nikolsburg, who sent him to the Maggid of Mezeritsch who accepted him with great enthusiasm. After the death of the Maggid of Mezeritsch, he followed Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, and was considered one of his four most prominent disciples who inherited his spiritual qualities. Rabbi Yisrael is considered to have inherited Rebbe Elimelech's powers of the heart. In 1765, he was acceped as preacher in Kosnitz, and in 1786 he was leader to thousands of chassidim. He and the Chozeh of Lublin were the primary chassidic leaders in Poland. The Maggid was a genius in Torah and proficient in kabbala. His printed works include halachic responsa, novellae on the Talmud and Shulchan Aruch, and comments on the Zohar, Tikunei Zohar, Sefer HaTemunah and Raziel HaMalach. He passed away in Kosnitz in 1815 [Encylclopedia L'Chassidut, section two, p. 542].
Condition: Very fine. New, deluxe leather binding. Professional restoration in the margins of the title page. Aging stains. Light tears in the blank margins of the last leaf.
Novellae and in-depth-studies on fundamental issues of the Talmud and poskim and responsa by Rabbi Baruch Frenkel Teomim, Av Beit Din of Leipnik.
Specifications: [3], 40: 46 leaves. 35 cm. First edition. Stefansky, Chassidut 93.
Unique features: Nice copy. Quality paper and wide margins. The book opens with approbations from the Chatam Sofer and more. Includes a preface by his son, Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Teomim Frenkel and a preface by the editor, who embedded comments and novellae by the author's son-in-law, Rabbi Chaim of Sanz - the "Divrei Chaim". In this first edition, the Divrei Chaim's name is not listed, but, after his identity became publicized, other editions did include his name.
These are the first Torah thoughts of the Divrei Chaim to be printed.
Background: Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel, the son of the Baruch Taam who is mentioned here, was a scholar and philanthropist. He was a dedicated disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and his go-between in his dealings with Rabbi Ezriel Horowitz, the Rabbi of Lublin. He made the shidduch between his sister and Rabbi Chaim of Sanz (Refer to Ohel Baruch).
Condition: Very fine, other than a tear, without loss, to leaf [2].
Chovot HaLevavot with a new elucidation, Toldot Aharon, divided into two sections. Frankfurt on the Oder, [1774]. Only edition, which was never printed in its entirety. Pedigreed copy. Approbations from chassidic leaders, including one of historic importance from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov.
Specifications: 4, 40 leaves. 16x20 cm.
Unique features: The Toldot Aharon commentary was written by two brothers and was divided into the Derech HaKodesh and Pachad Yitzchak sections. Prominent approbations. The book was not printed in its entirety, and only includes the commentary for Shaar HaYichud. It concludes on leaf 40 in middle of a sentence. The introduction on leaf 4 also breaks off in the middle.
This book has two prominent chassidic approbations from the beginning of the chassidic movement.
Approbation from Rabbi Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz, Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg. He wrote the approbation in 1772, when he visited Zelechow.
Additional approbation from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, known as Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov, after the final place he served as Rabbi. This approbation was given on 24 Av 1772, in Zelechow.
Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg influenced Rabbi Levi Yitzchak to visit the Maggid of Mezeritch, where he then stayed for a few years and studied chassidut. Approbations from these two chassidic giants are here before us. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's approbation was given in 1772, when he was 32 years old, and was written in Zelechow. This is of historical importance, as there is a lot of uncertainty and difference of opinion regarding Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's term in the Zelechow rabbinate. It is known that he first started in Ryczywół but was forced to leave because of the local mitnagdim. He then served as rabbi of Zelechow and later Pinsk. Finally, in 1885, he became rabbi of Berditchov. However, it is unclear when he left Zelechow. This approbation proves that he was still in Zelechow in 1772 and refutes the opinion that he moved to Pinsk in 1771.
Condition: Fine. No binding, some aging stains and worming holes in 2-3 leaves.
Erchai HaKinuyim. Ideas related to the holy language, in alphabetical order, by Rabbi Yechiel Heilprin. Approbation of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov.
Specifications: 4, 85 leaves. 33 cm.
Background: Rabbi Yechiel Heilprin was the noted author of Sefer HaDorot.
Unique features: Many approbations, including one from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov. Though his name is signed as הק' צבי לוי בר"ש זעליחאבי, ל"ג בעומר תקל"ה, it was undoubtedly written by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak. Refer to Kiryat Sefer, year 23, 2006-2007, p. 192-193]. It is not clear whether the signature was misprinted or purposely printed that way. The date of the approbation is important for the study of the history of chassidut and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov. It indicates the approximate date that he was forced to leave Zelichov because of the mitnagdim. The title page bears rabbinic owner signatures.
Condition: Fine. About half of the book bears professional restoration to the white margins near the binding, with blemish to solitary words on a few last leaves. New binding.
Novellae on tractate Ketubot, with halachic novellae called "Shevet Achim" at the end, by Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowtiz, Av Beit Din of Frankfurt am Main.
Specifications: [1], 6, 90, [should be: 180]:[1], 86, ,[1] leaves, 2 cm. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut 182.
Unique Features: At the end of the book are novellae from the author's son-in-law Rabbi Avraham Chaim of Zlotchov author of Orach L'Chaim. Also added to the back of the book are Torah novellae from Rabbi Zvi Yehoshua Horowitz, son of Rabbi Shmelke and the author's son-in-law.
12 leaves of Torah novellae by Rabbi Meir Yaakov Horowitz, the son-in-law of Rabbi Shaul of Amsterdam, are printed at the end of the book [75-86].
This book is one of the earliest books of the disciples of the 'Maggid of Mezritch'. It is the first of the author's books to be published.
It contains important signatures: At the top of the title page, "The small one Shmuel Horowitz son of the wondrous Rabbi Yitzchak of...". This may be Rabbi Shmuel Horowitz, son of Rabbi Yitzchak, who is mentioned in Otzar HaRabbanim 19118. Brother-in-law of Rabbi Meshulam Igra, who was the son-in-law of his father Rabbi Yitzchak Horowitz, [Otzar HaRabbanim 15,689].
Sefer Hafla'ah on tractate Ketubot is a fundamental and basic book for understanding the tractate. In his introduction to the introduction of Shu"t Noda B'Yehuda, Rabbi Yaakovka Landau writes that his father said "That Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz did wonders (niflah) with the Sefer Hafla'ah".
Background: The booklet "Shevet Achim" on the laws of Ketubot in the Shulchan Aruch, was written together with his brother Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg, therefore Rabbi Pinchas writes at the beginning of the booklet "...I am bound with strong and powerful ties of great love, my soul is bound with the soul of my brother the great Rabbi Shmelke Levi, to discuss halacha together with tremendous love like the love of David and Jonathan, and to learn the Talmud and Poskim, to delve after the roots of the truth of the Torah and its foundations...and I learned with extreme diligence for several years...and then the laws of Ketubot in slight depth, and when we came up with the new approach, I wrote it down in order to remember".
Together with his brother the Rebbe Rabbi Shmelke, he travelled to learn Torah from the great Maggid of Mezeritch - until they became Rabbis of Nikolsburg and Frankfurt respectively, where he headed the yeshiva, the Chatam Sofer was one of his primary students.
Condition: Fine-very fine. Slight tears on the title page without lack. New binding.
Bitter eulogy upon the death of the rabbi of thousands of Yisrael, Yehoshua Av Beit Din of Belz, written by Rabbi Moshe Hauser.
Specifications: [4] leaves, 24 cm. Paper jacket.
Unique features: Especially rare.
The eulogy includes the line.."the power of chassidut and the glory of his deeds and dedication to the laws of Yisrael, it seems as if all people of the world cannot compare to him in his dedication..."
Not listed by the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book and not in the National Library. To the best of our knowledge, this work is not in any large public library in the world. Rabbi Meir Wunder's Chachmei Galicia includes a list of printed eulogies for Admors; however, it does not include this work.
Background: Eulogy for Rabbi Yehoshua of Belz. The eulogy was delivered two days after his death on the 23rd of Shevat and was printed less than a month later. Rabbi Moshe Hauser was a preacher who moved from Galina to Brodye. Refer to: Chachmei Galicia 2, 83; the entry does not mention this eulogy.
Condition: Fine. Small marginal tears. Brittle paper. Aging stains.
Imrei Elimelech. Chassidut on the Torah by Rabbi Elimelech [Shapiro] of Grodzhisk.
Specifications: [4] 340 pages, 27 cm. First edition. Stefansky, Chassidut 54. The Bibliography of the Hebrew Book notes that some copies have another [2] leaves with approbations and a concluding leaf with errata; however, they note "we have not seen these leaves".
Unique features: First edition of a chassidic work printed during the author's lifetime. Impressive copy with nice margins.
Background: Rabbi Elimelech of Grodzhisk [1824-1892] was the great-grandson of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk and the Maggid Yisrael of Kosnitz. He was a prominent Admor of his generation and founder of the Grodzhisk dynasty. His descendants served as Admors of Grodzhisk, Piaseczno and Kosnitz.
Condition: Very fine. Original, simple binding with embossed title.
* Likutim Yekarim. Pleasant sermons compiled and collected from holy books as well a few tales about the holy righteous men, by Aryeh Leib son of Rabbi Yaakov Nissan ritual slaughterer of Radvika, in the Kherson region. [New York], [circa 1924].
Specifications: 222 pages, 20 cm. First edition.
Content: On the title page: 1906, the approbations are from 1923-1924. Fine condition.
Unique Features: The book contains chassidic sayings and tales. With approbations from the American Rebbes: the Rebbe Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel of Monastyrishche, Rebbe Rabbi David Mordechai of Tolna, the Rebbe Rabbi Moshe Zvi of Tolna-Philadelphia, and the Rebbe Rabbi Mordechai of Kamenitz-Koritz.
*Mirkevat HaMishnah, mussar, homiletics and chassidut about the completion of orders of the Mishnah and more, by Rabbi Zussman Abba Lifshitz. St. Louis, 1920.
Specifications: 78 [1] pages, 22 cm. Very fine condition except for reinforced tears on the title page.
Unique Features: Approbations of the Rebbe Rabbi Mordechai Dov Ber Twersky of Hornosteipel.
Both books are among the first books of chassidut printed in America.
The straight path and praiseworthy character traits mentioned by Chazal, for a person to live by, from Rabbi Yehuda Loewe, the Maharal of Prague.
Specifications: [1], 90 leaves. 33 cm. Second edition.
Unique features: The Maggid of Kosnitz greatly admired the works of the Maharal, and even wrote a critique on some of them. It was through his encouragement and with his approbation that his disciple printed a few of the Maharal's works.
Background: The book was printed by a disciple of the Maggid of Kosnitz, Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Muscat (father of Rabbi Yaakov Muskat, Av Beit Din of Prague, author of Roshei Besamim).
Condition: Fine. Light marginal tears in the title page. Aging stains. Blemished spine.
A compilation of saying of the sages from the Talmud and the Midrash on the Mishnayot of the order of Taharot - a quasi Talmud on the order of Taharot, with a long commentary and a short one - quasi Rashi and Tosefot, and Ein Mishpat and Ner Mitzva, in the exact format of the Talmud, by Rabbi Gershon Chanoch Henich of Radzin.
Specification: Two large volumes. 36 cm in new identical bindings.
Unique Features: At the end of part one is a map of the borders of the Land of Israel and the travels of the Jewish people with the author's original stamp - this map is very rare. Many of the generation's great Rabbis expressed their amazement of this original and innovative work of a Talmud on the order of Taharot, but there were great Rabbis, primarily Rabbi Bezalel HaCohen of Vilna, who were not in favor of the idea, mainly out of a fear people would later think that it is part of the Talmud. Due to this, the second part, which was printed thirty years later, has "Compiled from the Tanaic and Amoraic sages" printed in the margins of each leaf.
Content: Part one is on the whole tractate of Keilim. Part two is on tractate Ohalot.
Condition: Part two is in very fine condition. The title page of part one is detached with slight blemishes. Slight tears with no lack in the first leaves. Tears with lack on the map. Part of the title pages are in red ink. Brittle paper.
Valuable elucidation on the holy Zohar, by Admor Gershon Chanoch Henoch of Radzin.
Specifications: [2], 203, [6] pages. First edition.
Background: Son of the Rebbe of Izhbitza, author of Sidrei Teharot and restorer of tichelet in our times. Published by his son, Admor Mordechai Yosef Elazar Leiner of Radzin.
Condition: Fine. Brittle paper. Broken paper in the margins of the first leaves. Binding in disrepair.