Winner's Auctions No. 111
Important Historic Documents, Haskalah, Einstein, Seforim, Manuscripts and Letters from Rabbis and Rebbes
- (-) Remove Manuscripts and Glosses: Oriental and Yemenite filter Manuscripts and Glosses: Oriental and Yemenite
- (-) Remove Manuscripts and Glosses: Oriental and Yemenite filter Manuscripts and Glosses: Oriental and Yemenite
Sefer Psakim Nechmadim. Complete volume of 164 leaves in manuscript which contain responsa of rabbinical leaders of Salonika, Constantinople, Egypt, Jerusalem, Safed and more, from the 17th century. Some are written in the holy hand of the respondent rabbis themselves, or have their signatures. Contains responsa which have never been printed.
There are approximately 40 responsa in the manuscript, some 20 of which are signed. The identity of the writers of the unsigned responsa - including autographs - was not researched nor thoroughly investigated. An in-depth investigation will almost certainly reveal the identities of prominent rabbis. In the last section of the book, there is a lengthy and comprehensive compilation on the laws of engagement gifts by an unidentified sage, clearly an outstanding Torah scholar.
Following is a list of rabbis whose responsa are found among those in the manuscript. Refer to the Hebrew Catalog text for a short biography of each.
Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azoulay
Rabbi Avraham ben Chananiah
Rabbi Simchah HaCohen
Rabbi Yitzchak di Buton
Rabbi Baruch Barzilai
Rabbi Avraham Mutal
Rabbi Mordechai Kal'i
Rabbi Avraham Monson
Rabbi Yosef Gozlan
Rabbi Avraham Amigo
164 leaves. Ink on paper. 21x14 cm. At the beginning of the manuscript, there is a title page which was done at a later time, as well as an index of the responsa in the book. The beginning of the index is on the title page, and the continuation is on leaf 2. Moderate condition. Some of the leaves have worming holes, dampstains and minimal ink smudges. The writing in all of the responsa is legible. Simple binding.
Large volume, approximately 133 handwritten leaves including 30 responsa in the great gaon's handwriting, leader among the sages of Jerusalem in his wise generation, the renowned sage Rabbi Eliezer Nachum, author of Chazon Nachum on mishnah. 17th century.
The first ten leaves contain novellae on tractate mikvaot (leaves 1-3) and on tractate Bava Metzia (leaves 4-10). Chazon Nachum on nezikin is completely unknown. Leaves 191-198 contain a compilation on kiddush being recited where the meal is held - in Tur Orach Chaim siman 273 - apparently a remnant of his composition on the Tur.
The handwriting is identical to his handwriting as known from his works which were preserved in writing; his signature also appears at the end of responsa in six places [on leaves: 62b, 101b, 97b, 111b, 113a and on the last page].
Evidence that Rabbi Eliezer Nachum composed a book of responsa can be found in the approbations of the Jerusalem sages of his generation to Chazon Nachum (Constantinople 1748) as they write "... aside from the book of rulings and writings of responsa to all inquirers with whatever is needed." The Chid"a, in Shem Gedolim, also mentioned a commentary on the Mechilta, Sifri, Rambam, Sefer HaItur, sermons and responsa among his compositions. [Also refer to: Benayahu, in his introduction to the commentary on the Mechilta, page 39.] And now his book of responsa has been discovered.
As mentioned, there are 30 responsa on a range on topics in the manuscript, the vast majority of the responsa are complete, but there are some are unfortunately lacking their conclusions.
The gaon Rabbi Eliezer Nachum was apparently born in Adrianople, Turkey c. 1760, his primary rabbi was kabbalist Rabbi Yaakov Strimmer Ashkenazi, author of Safra D'Tzniyuta D'Yaakov, brother of Rabbi Shabtai Bass, author of Siftei Chachamim. He served as rabbi of Indrini for many years, and lived for a while in Constantinople, where he taught Torah. He moved to Jerusalem at seventy years old. About two years later the Jerusalem sages took him as their rabbi, naming him Rishon LeTziyon, a position he occupied for some ten years until his ascent heavenward in Cheshvan 1745. Rabbi Eliezer Nachum left a huge collection of his compositions, from which Chazon Nachum on Kadshim, Taharot and Zeraim was compiled, as well as his commentary on the Sifri and the Mechilta. His greatest disciples included Rabbi Binyamin Kazis, author of Megillat Sefer, Rabbi Rephael Yaakov Avraham Giron, author of Mikra Sofrim, and Tikkun Sofrim, Rabbi Shlomo Shalem Av Beit Din of Amsterdam, Rabbi Avraham Beche"r Avigdor, author of Zechor L'Avraham, stepson of Rabbi Avraham Karo [see sidebar] and the Chid"a who writes about him in his book, Shem Gedolim 'And in his old age, he immigrated to Jerusalem and became its leader for about ten years and my eyes perceived the extent of the greatness of his Torah and his boundless humility. Until the very end of his life he wrote rulings and studied in-depth in yeshivah, reaching great heights.
Among Rabbi Nachum Eliezer's responsa, there is a lengthy responsum from the wondrous gaon Rabbi Avraham Karo, possibly in his handwriting and with his signature, regarding a rebellious wife who does not want to accept a get (document of divorce).
Rabbi Avraham, son of Rabbi Rephael Karo who was grandson of Rabbi Shlomo Karo, son of the author of Beit Yosef, was Rabbi Eliezer Nachum's beloved disciple. When Rabbi Eliezer Nachum's wife passed away, he married Rabbi Avraham's mother, so that Rabbi Avraham became his stepson. Rabbi Eliezer related to him as a son and would refer to him with expressions of affection and honor. In Shem Gedolim, the Chid"a writes that he was diligent in Torah (study) and sharp-witted, he passed away short of days and years. A compilation of his Torah was printed in Rabbi Eliezer Nachum's books. This responsum was printed according to a different manuscript in Kovetz Beit Aharon V'Yisrael, collection 46.
Discovery. Approbation of the author of Mishneh LaMelech on the author of Machaneh Ephraim's responsum.
Rabbi Eliezer Nachum copied a responsum by the gaon Rabbi Ephraim Navon, author of Machaneh Ephraim, into his manuscript. Apparently the responsum came into his hand in manuscript while he was in Constantinople (see adjacent biography) before the publication of Machaneh Ephraim (that is, before 1738), and due to its importance, he copied it for himself. This important responsum is on the topic of a husband who was with his wife for ten years and she did not give birth, whether it is permitted for him to marry another despite his swearing to her that he would not marry another, eventually published in Machaneh Ephraim (Hilchot Shevuot, siman 2).
To our surprise, we discovered at the end of the handwritten responsum, that Rabbi Navon stipulates his ruling on the agreement of "... he who sits in judgment, the leader of our generation, crown of our glory ... and according to his word the matter will be established" - words of the author of Machaneh Ephraim referring to the author of Mishneh LeMelech who was the rabbi of Constantinople - the author of Machaneh Ephraim was among the sages of his Beit Din.
And indeed, the author of Mishneh LeMelech concurred with his responsum and wrote "I have seen what was decreed upon her by one, the special one of the people, and who like him instructs, he is to be heeded, Yeudah Rozanes. Later, Rabbi Chaim Algazi also agreed with his responsum (his consent continues for six lines). The approbations of the rabbinic leaders of Constantinople were omitted, as mentioned, from Machaneh Ephraim.
[133] leaves, Ink on paper. Approximately 22x16 cm [the size of the leaves varies, such that some of the manuscript is made up of compilations written at various times].
Moderate condition. Worming holes. Aging stains. On leaf 111b, there is a comment in a different handwriting. Semi-leather binding.
Lengthy sermon in Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad's handwriting, delivered on his father's yahrzeit, the 7th of Elul, 5235 (1875).
[25] leaves. Ink on paper. The writing covers 48 pages. 10x13 cm. Typical Sephardic hand with erasures and corrections. Approx. 18-22 lines per page.
To the best of our knowledge, the sermon was neither printed in the book Shnai Eliyahu, which he printed in his lifetime at the end of Ben Ish Chayil, part one, nor in Shnai Eliyahu, part four at the end of Ben Ish Chayil.
The majority of the sermon speaks of the 310 worlds that exist as reward for the righteous.
Rabbi Eliyahu son of Rabbi Moshe Chaim, father of Rabbi Yosef Chaim, passed away on the 7th of Elul, 1859. He inherited the rabbinate from his father, Rabbi Moshe Chaim. He was deeply pious, and possessed great knowledge of the Torah's hidden and revealed dimensions. He composed magnificent essays, such as Midrash Eliyahu BaTorat HaNistar, among others, which his son mentions in his writings. He was in charge of the charity fund, and during his lifetime was asked for a report, which he declined to give. This caused several people to spread gossip about him. But after his passing, his secret was finally discovered: He had distributed large sums of his money to charity, and did not want it to be public knowledge in his lifetime.
Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad (1833-1909), author of Ben Ish Chai, was the most prominent Oriental sage of his time. Born to Rabbi Eliyahu Chaim son of Rabbi Moshe Chaim, rabbi of Baghdad. He was a disciple of Rabbi Abdullah Somech, and his genius and righteousness were apparent from a young age. He started sermonizing in the great synagogue when he was only 26-years-old. He continued delivering these sermons every Shabbat and holiday for about fifty years! Thousands of people gathered to listen to his eloquent words for four to five hours. He was world-renowned as "once-in-a-generation" in his knowledge of the hidden and revealed Torah and was noted for his great sanctity. In 1879, he traveled to the Land of Israel to prostrate himself at the graves of the righteous, when it was divinely revealed to him that his soul was rooted in that of Benayahu ben Yehoyada. He titled many of his dozens of works according to this name: Ben Ish Chai, Ben Ish Chayil, Ben Yehoyada, Rav Pe'alim, Od Yosef Chai and more.
Very fine condition. Few worming holes and ink smears. Original semi-leather binding?
Question and responsum regarding a disagreement between two communities, written by Rabbi Chaim Moshe Amarillo of Salonica. Signed autograph. 18th century.
Rabbi Chaim Moshe Amarillo was born in Salonica in 1696, son of General Rabbi Shlomo Amarillo, rabbi of Salonica. He studied under his father and under Rabbi Yitzchak David, author of the Shu"t Beit David. At age 18, he started writing his own halachic responsa. In 1741-1744 he served as general rabbi, and was called "HaRav HaMuvhak" by Rabbi Shem Tov Chacham of Sajerevo - grandson of the Chacham Tzvi. He was an ascetic who woke up early every morning to pray at daybreak until the day of his death. He conducted himself according to the Chemdat Yamim, who he mentioned in his responsa, and was very humble. Many questions were sent to him from the Balkans and the Land of Israel. Around 1741, he took over his father's position in Salonica. He passed away in 1748. He authored many works, including the Shu"t Dvar Moshe, Yad Moshe, Halachah L'Moshe.
For more information refer to Otzar HaRabbanim 6491; Arzei HaLevanon p. 687.
22 pages. Ink on paper. 17x22 cm. Crowded, neat Oriental hand. Concludes with the author's signature: איש צעיר משה אמאירלייו.
Fine-very fine condition. Minimal stains and worming marks. New, deluxe leather binding.
Shevet Mussar by Eliyahu son of Avraham Shlomo HaCohen. Apparently a copy of a print. 18th century.
About 400 pages. Ink on paper. 15x20.5 cm. Sephardic script. Slight lack in the middle of chapter 52. The table of contents is written in a different script.
Moderate-fine condition. Worming holes and tears in the four leaves at beginning and end. Aging stains. New binding.
Ledger with handwritten novellae. Oriental hand, 19th century.
Specifications: 160 pages with text. Ink on paper. 16x10 cm. Crowded Oriental hand. Apparently never printed. A few leaves are lacking and torn.
Novellae on the weekly Torah readings, Psalms and, from leaf 46, mishnayot. Leaf 2b: unclear date. Leaf 18a: "Refer to what I wrote in Likutei Tehillim." Leaf 33a mentions "HaRav Chid"a z"l" [d. 1806]. Leaf 57a: "About this rule, I spoke at length in my rules." He refers to Rabbi Reuven David a number of times (57a and many more), perhaps referring to Rabbi Reuven David Navau of Baghdad who passed away in 1821.
Condition: Moderate-fine, aging stains, unbound.
Sefer She'erit Yosef, on leap years, sciences and astronomy. By Yosef son of Shem Tov son of Yeshua Chai. With commentary by Daniel HaCohen. 19th century.
Pages 37-39 contain: "Klallim K'dei Lehotzi Tekufat Rav Ada MiTekufat Shmuel". Colophon (34a), "Belonging to ... Menachem Churi ... written by my sage teacher and rabbi, Rabbi Reuven HaCohen ..." The book's owner was a son of Rabbi Rachamim Churi, who authored a compilation of tractate novellae titled Sha'arei Nichumim, printed at the end of his father's book Kisai Rachamim, in which he mentions his teacher, Reuven HaCohen.
52 pages. Ink on paper. 11x15 cm. Tunisian script. Titles in large letters.
Moderate-fine condition. Few moth holes. Aging stains. New binding.
Compilation of sermons and novellae on the Torah. Also including hymns. Mizrachi, 18th-19th century.
Owners' signatures "משה קוראל", "יעקב קוראל" on leaf 13b and on the inner lining and more. Inscription by Moshe Korel on leaf 48b with "I came to the Egyptian city [Cairo] ... from the holy city, Jerusalem, the youth, servant of Hash-m, Moshe Korel." Yaakov Korel [Moshe's father?] may possibly be Rabbi Yaakov Korel, the Rishon LeTziyon at the beginning of the 19th century. Notations of people's names are on leaf 26a and additional places.
Specifications: Approximately 100 written pages. Ink on paper. 14x10 cm. Oriental script. [2] leaves with lack and [2] torn and partially lacking.
Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains, old leather binding.
Collection of various works. Decorated at the head of the title page "ברכת" - indicating 1862. The writer's name has been crossed out and replaced by the name of the person who wrote most of the ledger "Yitzchak Rachamim Alshich."
About 100 pages, paper. 14x19 cm. Maghrebi script, various hands.
This booklet of Rabbi Yitzchak Rachamim Alshich's is very important. Includes 127 short songs (leaf 1a-11b);"Copy of the Talmud Lashon Ivri when I was in Xante in the month of compassion in 1873" (12a); sayings from the Talmud in alphabetical order through letter 11 (18a-19a); various flowery phrases and more (19-25); sermons, including one for Sukkot 1908 delivered in Marseilles (25b-29b). Leaves 31a-42a: "Kol Rachim" by Rabbi Chaim Yosef Mamman regarding "the cylindrical millstones that we customarily used for a few years to grind the wheat for Passover," which features the responsa of the Algerian rabbis, apparently a copy of the lithograph of the work published in Algeria in 1912; poems celebrating the Balfour Declaration in 1919 (43a-44a). Leaves 44b-53a and 60b-70a are blank. Leaves 53b-60a, in a different hand: piyutim for the shofar blowing. Leaves 70b-71b: "Note on the tombstones" written by Yitzchak Rachamim Alshich. Leaf 75b: expense accounting from the above.
Moderate-fine condition, blemished back binding , partially detached spine, stains.
The decorated title page features the text from the Salonica edition of 1741: "The book Zoveach Todah, by the complete sage Yosef son of our teacher Avraham Molcho z"l, regarding inspecting the lungs, per the customs of the Salonica community. In 1741 ..." [Mordechai Abuhav?], 19th century.
31 leaves, paper. 18x11.5 cm. Oriental hand. Delicate, colored-ink adornments on the title page and leaves 2b and 31a. Leaves 11-16 are blemished due to the acidity of the ink. New leather binding.
Moderate-fine Condition:Stains, a number of leaves are smudged or blemished by the ink. New, deluxe leather binding.
Ramban's commentary on Exodus. 14th century.
The work before us is comprised of excerpts from the Ramban's commentary on the Torah, Exodus chapters 24-25.
[2] leaves. Ink on paper. Approximately 20x26 cm. Sephardic hand on both sides of the leaf.
Poor condition. Tears, stains and lacks.
Halachic decisions from Issur V'Heter by Rabbeinu Shmuel. Manuscript, Meshita Proventzyonaly. [Egypt, 15th century.]
The manuscript contains short adjudications in the laws of Yoreh Deah. The adjudications are remnants of an early, unknown work; in the manner of adjudicative works, there are no sources and no names of previous sages.
In Rabbi Aharon HaCohen of Lonil's Orchot Chaim, which was composed c. 1295 [siman 45], it is written, 'and Rabbi Shmuel ztz"l wrote, and it is the custom of the early pious ones, to permit a vegetable dish ...' and here, this entire halachah appears in the pages before us, with exactly the same wording. Ben Yaakov's Otzar HaSefarim mentions the book Issur V'Heter L'Rabbeinu Shmuel B'Chamishim She'arim, however this work is unknown today [material on the topic is included with this lot].
This manuscript was found in a volume of manuscript dealing with financial law, written in Egypt in 1451. These three leaves were caught in the volume, but they are totally unrelated to it. However, the handwriting is precisely identical to that before us, apparently the copyist was dealing with writing both compositions at the same time, and when he delivered them for binding, these leaves were inserted in the wrong place, into this book.
3 leaves written on both sides of the leaf. 16x20.5 cm. 24 lines per page.
Fine condition. Minimal aging stains.