Defense of the Talmud, rebuttal to the libels of the Netivot Olam, by Christian Alexander McCall (London, 1839), by Naftali Hertz Bornstein. Published by S.Y. Abramowitz (Shalom Yaakov Abramowitz = Mendele Mocher Seforim).

Specifications: [7], 59 pages. 20 cm. First edition.

Unique features: Title page in Hebrew and Russian. Preface by Mendele Mocher Seforim with a short review of the books published to refute the Netivot Olam. The book was written by the author, a London resident, soon after the Netivot Olam was published.

Content: Bound with: Sefer HaChozeh by Yaakov Zvi Sobel, Odessa, 1872. Sobel (1831-1913) uses epic poetry to critique the lifestyle of Russian Jewry (refer to Kressel, Lexicon, p. 476).

Condition: Very fine. Simple, blemished binding. 

A polemic against Chassidut and its leaders by Alexander Zederbaum editor of "HaMelitz".

Specifications: 6, 182 pages. 18 cm. Blue binding cover.

Content: The book goes beyond a polemic, and could be described as a document of enmity against the chassidic movement and its leaders. It compares the chassidic movement to Catholic cults and disparages its leaders and founders. However, within this is an interesting overview of the development of Chassidut in all of its different branches, and about the debate with those who oppose chassidut. In the book, he disparages giving a "pidyon" to righteous people (page 77), and chassidic tales (page 87 onward), expresses opposition to Breslov chassidim who prostrate themselves on Rabbi Nachman's grave in Uman (page 109), mentions the importance the Chassidim attribute to the printing press in Salvita "excessive holiness is attributed to every book produced by it" (page 139) and mentions the imprisonment of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin (page 110) and his son Rabbi Avraham Yaakov of Sadigora (page 143).

Condition: Very fine, Aging stains. Simple binding.     

A polemic against Christianity by Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Muhlhausen. Arranged in the order of the portions of the Torah and books of the Bible. With Teshuvot HaRadak L'Notzrim. 

Specifications: 110 leaves, 12 cm. 

Unique Features: A historically important book printed as a response to the Christian attacks in the book Tela Ignea Satanae [The Fiery Darts of Satan]. The first edition of the book printed by Jews, without the sections written by Christians against Judaism. As written on the title page: Reprinted to fulfill the desire of those who want to find words to beat and silence those who speak negatively about G-d and His messiah, in a manner that anyone who reads this book will know what to respond.  

Condition: Fine. Aging stains. Original parchment binding. 

Talmud Yerushalmi Seder Kadshim on Tractates Chulin and Bechorot, with the Cheshek Shlomo commentary by Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda Friedlander.

Specifications: [10] 78: [1] 46 leaves. Section two. 35 cm. Opens with two title pages in red and black, additional title page for Tractate Bechorot.

Background: When the work was first published, it was enthusiastically received in the Jewish world. At first they believed that the Talmud Yerushalmi on this seder had previously been lost, and now they merited to rediscover the wisdom within it. However, they quickly discovered that Friedlander had forged the entire work! The episode stirred a giant polemic and many booklets and placards were printed in favor and opposing the work. With absolute impunity, Friedlander cast his net and caused leading Torah personalities to fall; he succeeded in receiving passionate approbations, printed at the beginning of this work. 
A few proofs regarding the forgery was printed in the "Kedem" journal, which is also presented in this catalogue.

Condition: Very fine. Minimal reinforcements to the first and last leaves.

a. Kadmot Sefer HaZohar. A long article replete with astounding knowledge to prove the origins and true sources of the book of the Zohar by Rabbi David Luria (the Radal) of Byhov.

Specifications: [2], 36; 8 leaves. 20 cm. 

Unique Features: The final booklet, "Kina L'David" -  is a eulogy on the Radal by Rabbi Yechiel Heller, author of Amudei Esh.

Condition: Very fine.

b. Ma'amarim Yekarim V'Dvarim Nechbadim. Introductions to Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer written by Radal as an introduction to his commentary on Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer.

1. Shem Ha'Echad Eliezer - praises of Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus and his character traits based on the Talmudic literature. 

2. Emek Bracha regarding the Talmudic discussion that Rabbi Eliezer is "shamuti".

3. Beit Tzadik - his history and family history.

Specifications: [1], 44 leaves. 16 cm.

Condition: Very fine.