Auction No. 102
Holy books, Chassidut, Manuscripts, Rabbinical & Admors' letters, Eretz Yisrael & Zionism, Americana, Judiaca & Prof. Albert Einstein
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Ma'ayan Tahor. Laws of Niddah and Tevillah and other laws pertaining to women, by Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of Ujhely. [Russia Poland, c. 1841-1851].
Specifications: [16] leaves, 18 cm. Yiddish.
Unique Features: Ma'ayan Tahor was printed many times, both as a stand-alone composition and also within the prayer book Korban Mincha. Before us is a very early edition of the work, which was printed without the year and place of printing. The author died in 1841, and on the title page is mentioned in the blessing for the deceased.
In Stefansky's list no. 357, the first edition is listed as being from 1848, it seems that the edition before us was printed close to that year [and perhaps even before 1848?]. The National Library lists an edition with an identical title page to that in the copy before us (number 001780155) according to a facsimile of an incomplete copy!
Background: Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of Ujhely [1759-1841], the well-known disciple of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, who was also famous for his tremendous genius, was the first Admor to spread chassidic teachings in Hungary. His descendants are the Admors of Sighet and Satmar, he was known by the name of his book, Yismach Moshe.
Condition: Moderate. Stains. Restored tear on the last leaf with damage to text. New binding.
Responsa, novellae on the Talmud and the weekly Torah readings, by Rabbi Meir Margoliot of Lemberg and Ostrog. Polonnoye, [1791-1792]. Two sections. First edition.
Specifications: Section one: Responsa. 1791. 30, 33-97 leaves.
Section two: Novellae on gemara and Tosofot and homilies on the weekly Torah readings. 1792. [1], 3-56 leaves. 33 cm. Stefansky, Chassidut 313.
Unique features: First edition of the book by one of the patriarchs of chassidut. With the approbation of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, who extols the author; approbation from Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli who suggests and requests that anybody with with fear of G-d in his heart should make an effort to purchase the books; approbation from the "Ohev Yisrael of Apt," written during his rabbinate in Kozlov; and an interesting approbation from kabbalist, Rabbi Asher Zvi of Ostrog from the noted kloiz in Ostrog.
Leaf 4 features printed Torah novellae from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, apparently the first time that his Torah novellae were printed. Leaf 82 features a responsa regarding an aguna that was sent to Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonnoye, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef, who was then serving as rabbi of Nemirov. The second section features a compilation from the novellae of author's brother, Rabbi Yitzchak Margoliot, Av Beit Din of Jazłowiec, who was close to the Ba'al Shem Tov before he was revealed. He influenced his brother, Rabbi Meir, to draw close to the Ba'al Shem Tov.
Background: Rabbi Meir Margoliot became close to the Ba'al Shem Tov at a young age. In his works, he refers to the Ba'al Shem Tov with great admiration and terms him "Mori Yedidi" - my teacher, my friend. His title as rabbi was officially confirmed by the king of Poland. He served as rabbi in Horodenka and Jaslo and then moved to Lemberg, where he served as Av Beit Din and then as rabbi of the entire district. In 1777, he was appointed rabbi and Av Beit Din of Ostrog and its environs. The fact that he was a government-appointed rabbi who was close to the Ba'al Shem Tov was a significant element in the debate with the chassidic movement. He passed away in 1790, and this book was printed soon after his passing.
Condition: Fine. Professional repair to the gutters of the title page, not affecting text. Tape reinforcements to the last three leaves. Aging stains. Very minimal marginal worming holes.
Asifat Chachamim which is ... a monthly rabbinic journal containing collections of articles and various comments on the Bible, Mishna, Halacha and Aggadah, and questions relating to practical laws, by the leaders of the Jewish people and from the rabbis the great sages of the generation, edited by Rabbi Chaim Alter Borbarayer from Atonya. Munkacs, 1910-1911.
Specifications: 17 issues from year one and year two. Otzar Kitvei Et Toraniim pages 39-43.
Unique Features: The first edition has an approbation from the Admor Rabbi Chaim of Otinya, in several editions there are glosses from the pages of his books, such as glosses on the books Be'er Sheva, Minchat Chinuch, Maharit and more.
Issues from the first and second years are before us, (the second issue of the first year is missing), with the leaves of indexes. Several handwritten comments are in the first issues. The first year's issues began to appear in the month of Nissan.
Condition: Moderate-fine. Detached title page of first issue. Minimal tiny tears. Brown paper. General cover for the second year.
Birkat Avraham. Chassidut on the Torah and novellae on the Talmud, by Rabbi Avraham Elchanan Rabbi of Połaniec and disciple of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev. Warsaw, 1870. Only edition.
Specifications: [3] 48 [1]: 38 [3] leaves, 23 cm. Encyclopedia L'Chassidut Sefarim, 66. Stefansky, Chassidut 99.
Background: That the author was a disciple of the G-dly righteous man Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev is printed on the title page. The book was brought to print by his grandson who is named after him. Enthusiastic approbations of the great Chassidic leaders of the time extol the author's righteousness, including the author of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. A letter which the 'Chozeh of Lublin' sent to the author, in which he refers to him as 'Butzina Kadisha' [holy light] is printed in the book. For more information about the author, refer to: Enclyclopedia L'Chassidut 1, columns 55-56.
Condition: Fine-very fine. Not bound.
Responsa by Rabbi Avraham Zvi Hirsch, Rabbi of Pilica and Piotrkow, one of the disciples of the 'Chozeh of Lublin.' Dyhernfurth, 1819.
Specifications: [4], 70; 144, [5] leaves, 36 cm. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut 96.
Background: The book was printed when the author passed away at a young age, as written in the margins of the elegy for him: the author completed all of the work on his book until its completion during his illness, except for the indexes, as he did not manage to do them in time. A piece in the book is written by the author's father, who was still alive, who also writes about his magnificent family.
Rabbi Avraham Zvi Pacanowski, born in 1773, was one of the great rabbis of the generation, who held discussions with Rabbi Akiva Eiger, Rabbi Yaakov of Lisa the 'Chavat Da'at' who even referred to him as the 'Nesher HaGadol.' He became a student of the Chozeh of Lublin. Chassidim relate that this happened because his only daughter married a Torah scholar named Rabbi Moshe Hirsch and they resided in Lublin, where he had discussions with Rabbi Azriel 'Rosh HaBarzel' and met the 'Chozeh' and became his pupil (material about him is enclosed).
Condition: Fine-very fine. The title page is detached. Simple binding.
Mishnat Chachamim. Commentary on the Six Orders of the Mishna, by Rabbi Meshulam Feivush HaLevi Horowitz of Kremenets, father-in-law of Rabbi Avraham 'The Angel.' Ostrog, 1796.
Specifications: [3], 33; [1], 15; [1], 22; [1], 20; [1], 24; [1] 46 leaves, approximately 20 cm. Sketches. Stefansky Chassidut, 369. First edition. Special copy.
Unique Features: Special copy. With six title pages. Contains a general title page, and additional title pages for the orders of: Moed, Nashim, Nezikin, Kodshim and Taharot. In most of the known copies, in addition to the first title page there are additional title pages for the orders of Moed, Nashim and Nezikin. There is a known copy with an additional title page for the order of Kodshim. However, in the copy before us there is an additional title page for the order of Taharot as well. The title page of the order of Nezikin is similar to the first title page. The title pages of the orders of Moed, Nashim, Kodshim and Taharot are similar, and they have a detail calculation different than that of first title page and the title page of the order of Nezikin, despite being printed in the same year.
Background: The author was the in-law of the Maggid of Mezeritch, as the author's daughter was married to Rabbi Avraham 'The Angel.' The relationship between the author and the Maggid of Mezeritch can also be seen from a letter found in the Charson genizah which the Maggid wrote to the author- his in-law, regarding the commentary to the order of Taharot before us. It is well known that there are those who doubt the authenticity of the Charson genizah, but the fact that a letter about the book before us was found there attests to the relationship between them.
The book is the first edition of the commentary written by Rabbi Meshulam Feivish HaLevi Horowitz of Kremenets, the in-law of the Maggid of Mezeritch. The book was printed a few years after the author's passing, by the author's son with an introduction by him. With enthusiastic approbation from the great rabbis of all sectors: Rabbi Yechezkel Landau the 'Noda B'Yehuda,' Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz the 'Ba'al HaHafla'ah.' Rabbi Shaul of Amsterdam, Rabbi Rafael HaCohen of Altona - Altona-Hamburg-Wandsbek, Rabbi Yosef Steinhart of Furth, and many more.
Condition: Compromised. Tears with damage to text on a number of leaves. Aging stains. Minimal worming holes. New leather binding.
Bsamim Rosh. Eight sermons on halacha and aggadda by Rabbi Yitzchak Av Beit Din Stanisle. [Frankfurt am Main 1915].
Specifications: [1], 16 leaves. 33 cm. Rare booklet.
Background: The sermons were first printed in Shemen Rosh Munkacz 1903, by his father Rabbi Asher Anshel Ashkenazi. The author's son, who fled to Frankfurt at the beginning of the First World War, saved only the sermon pages of Bsamim Rosh and he bound them in a new book cover, where he wrote, "This is the booklet which was saved from the sword's blade which was turning in our city and the part which was printed testifies regarding all that was conceived!" Apparently, only the title page was printed in Frankfurt, with the name of the author, Rabbi Yitzchak Ashkenazi, the son of the author who printed the booklet. As such his address is written, "presently at a time of emergency and destruction."
The will of the author's grandfather, Rabbi Moshe David Ashkenazi of Tolcsva - Safed is on the last page.
Condition: Moderate-fine. Light tears in the corners without damage to text. Brittle paper. Inside a cardboard binding.
* Orach L'Chaim, by Rabbi Avraham Chaim of Zlotchov. [Lemberg, 1838]. On the title page: As printed in Vilna. Second edition. Stefansky Chassidut 35.
* Baruch Ta'am, by Rabbi Baruch Teomim, with additions by Rabbi Chaim of Sanz. Lemberg 1841. Stefansky Chassdut 93.
* Zikaron Zvi Menachem, by Rabbi Zvi Menachem Meisels, with novellae from his uncle Rabbi Uziel Meisels. Przemysl, 1873. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut 206.
* Shut Neot Desha, by Rabbi David Shlomo Eibeschutz [author of Levushei Serad]. Lemberg 1861. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut 370.
* Yishrash Yaakov on tractate Yevamot, by Rabbi Shlomo Drimmer of Skala. Lemberg, 1863. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut 241.
Condition: Various conditions. Moderate overall condition.
Summaries of teachings of the Admors of the Ruzhin dynasty and a letter [7].
* Article by the Admor Rabbi Yisrael of Chortkov for Shabbat Chanuka 1902. A similar article was printed in 1901 in his writings, but this article for 1902 was not printed.
* Article for the portion of Nitzavim Veyelech, 1904. Published with different wording in Ginzei Yisrael of Rabbi Yisrael of Chortkov.
* Leaf with sayings which appear partially and in different wording in Ginzei Yisrael of Rabbi Yisrael of Chortkov, Vayigash, 1919. Followed by a letter to Rabbi Yisrael Rappaport to which payment was enclosed "Three rubles from the Admor in exchange for the holy book which is worth more than gold."
* Teaching for the portion of Vayigash, from the manuscript by Rabbi Yisrael Rappaport who edited the teachings of Rabbi Yisrael of Chortkov. Found partially and in different wording in Ginzei Yisrael, Vayigash 1898.
* Torah said by the Admor when he came from Kiev. Printed with different wording in the book Irin Kaddishin page 18 by Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin and his son Rabbi Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura.
* Article for the portion of Yitro "From his holiness the Admor." Not printed, but parallel ideas can be found in the works of the Admor of Ruzhin.
* Letter of blessing from the Admor to Rabbi Sandor for the success of his son Avraham Yaakov, the ritual slaughterer with tremendous fear of Heaven. 1926. "The Admor blesses him ... and success in the work of ritual slaughter, examination and nikur chelevim, and that he should not stumble and to be saved from any stumbling block in matters of ritual slaughter and that no one will be able to harm him G-d forbid. May G-d grant him success so that he has abundant sustenance without any persecution or delay. And may he relate in holiness only glad tidings, salvation and success."
Condition: Aging stains, folding marks, varying conditions, moderate-fine.
Kedushat Aharon. Chassidic teachings on the festivals, by the Admor Rabbi Aharon Yeshaya Fisch of Hadas. First edition.
Specifications: Part one - Debrecen, 1938. [10], 135 pages.
Part two - Mátészalka, 1940. [2], 157, [11] pages.
Unique Features: Approbations from Admors and letters from his rabbi the Admor of Komarno. Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Fisch of Hadas was born in 1859. He was the grandson of Rabbi Yaakov Fisch of Kaliv, who received a blessing for longevity from the Ba'al Shem Tov, and indeed lived to be over 100. The primary disciple of the Admor Rabbi Eliezer Zvi of Komarno. Rabbi and Admor of Hadas. For more information about him: Alfasi, Chassidut 1, 191-192.
Condition: Part one is in very fine condition. The binding of part two is detached.
Two works by Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, Av Beit Din of Frankfurt am Main, author of Sefer Hafla'ah and Panim Yafot.
1. Netivot L'Shabbat. Novellae on the Even HaEzer section of the Shulchan Aruch, simanim 1-24, the first section of the book Shevet Achim which Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi wrote together with his brother Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg, which was appended to Sefer Hafala'ah.
Specifications: [3], 48 leaves, 32 cm. First edition. Stefansky Chassidut, 398.
Unique Features: With approbations from his great disciple the Chatam Sofer and an approbation from the author of Yeshuot Yaakov.
Stamp of Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman HaCohen, Av Beit Din of Mir, one of the great sages of Lithuania, author of Malbushei Yom Tov, on the title page.
Printed and bound with:
2] Shu"t Givat Pinchas. Halachic responsa by Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz. Lemberg, 1834.
Specifications: [1], 47 leaves. 32 cm. First edition. Stefansky 109.
Content: The words of author's grandson who brought the book to print, Rabbi Yitzchak HaLevi Ish Horowitz Brody are on the last leaf.
Condition: Both books are in very fine condition. Pleasant semi-leather binding.
Or HaMeir. Chassidut in the order of the weekly Torah portions and the festivals, by Rabbi Zev Wolf of Zhitomir. Poritsk, 1815.
Specifications: [1], 1-147, 1-48. 22 cm. Stefansky Chassidut 27.
Background: The important chassidic book written by Rabbi Zev Wolf of Zhitomir, a disciple of the maggid of Mezeritch. With approbations of Rabbi Mordechai son of Rabbi Pinchas of Koritz and Rabbi Yisrael Dov of Stepin, which were given for this edition in 1815. There are known to be several 'forged' editions of the book, and before us is the edition which was actually printed in Poritsk in 1815, and not a copy of it.
Unique Features: Ownership stamp on the title page, Rafael Zilberman, Ashkenazic rabbi of the city of Safed. Rabbi Rafael Zilberman [1839-1919] was the chief rabbi of the Ashkenazic congregation of Safed. In addition to his greatness in Torah, he was known for his sanctity and wisdom. Also contains the stamp of his grandson and successor, Rabbi Avraham Leib Zilberman.
Condition: Moderate. Worming holes, aging stains. Slight blemishes on a number of leaves with damage to text, restored by professional photocopy. New leather binding.