Kiryat Chanah. Responsa by Rabbi Gershon Kovlentz of Metz. Metz, 1784, first edition. The gaon and chassid Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Teomim Frenkel’s signature appears on the title page, along with an additional inscription, apparently in his hand. Several stamps on the title page and among the leaves of the book. Page 53 contains a handwritten comment. Additional owners’ stamps on the title page.
Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Teomim Frenkel was the son of Rabbi Baruch Frenkel Teomim. He was a prominent disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin, and was both erudite in Torah and affluent. He refused to enter the rabbinate and succeeded in business. In his old age, he agreed to enter the rabbinate so there would not be an interruption in rabbinical dynasty of the Frenkel-Teomim family. He was an advocate for chassidut amongst those who opposed it, and arranged the match between his sister and Rabbi Chaim of Sanz (as noted by the rabbi of Plonsk in his letter featured in Ohel Baruch) . His teacher, the Chozeh of Lublin, greatly admired him and arose before him. He was also honored by Rabbi Shalom of Belz. He passed away in 1843 and his epitaph includes great praises. ( Ohel Baruch, p. 35; Encyclopedia L’Chassidut , volume 2, p. 76-77).
59 [3] leaves, 20 cm. Owner’s inscription on the endpaper: “This book belongs to me, the small one, Eliezer Menachem Mendel.”
Very fine condition. Original binding, worn.