Auction No. 15 - 04.09.2017

This unique edition of the “Likutey Torah”, letters and innovative explanations by the order of the weekly Torah portion and the holidays. Rabbi Mordechai (Motale) Twersky, the Maggid of Chernobyl (1770-1837), the son of the “Maor Eynayim” of Chernobyl, and son in law from the first marriage of the Great Rabbi Aharon of Karlin, and in the second marriage - of the Rabbi David Leykes, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. He was one of the greatest Rabbis (Admors) of his generation. All of his sons became Admors in their own right, and produced a few branches of Chassidic world, numbering today thousands of followers, such as Skwire, Chernobyl and Rahmistrivke. (the margins were cut differently in pages 2 and 3. {2}, 63, {1} page. 20 cm. General condition: very good.

This commentary on the Sefer Yetzirah, (the authorship of which is attributed to Avraham Avinu, and in accordance with which, according to the legend, the Maharal of Prague created the famous Golem), is written by Rabbi Eliezer of Germiza (or Wormiza), the author of “Sefer Ha-Rokeach”. This book has been kept among the treasures of the late author of “Bnei Issachar” of Dinov, written in his own hand, and was found among his personal items following his demise, by his son, who published it together with his father’s understandings of it, under the title of “Hagahos Me-Haratza”. Later he published the book as “Derech Edosecho”, also by the author of the “Bnei Yissachar”. Rabbi Eliezer of Germiza (1165-1240, appx.), one of the Baaley Ha-Tosefos, one of the greatest Rabbonim, Mekubbalim and Chassidim in Ashkenaz, the disciple of Rabbi Yehuda Ha-Chossid. He left behind many Kabbalistic writings, most of which remain in his handwriting only. This book has stamps and signatures of the previous owners, artistic repairs, a new cover, which is partially detached. \ {2}, 22, page 31. Overall condition: Good.

“Two letters, which shed light on the qualities of Rabbi Eliezer Lau, whose intention to travel upon the heads of the people in the city of Ungwar” was successful.” Letter 1 by Rabbi Eliezer Lau (1758-1837), a rabbi in Moravia and Bohemia, and in the end of his days - in Hungary. The author of the responsa “Shemen Rokeach”. Letter 2 is by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, (1808-1874), the Rabbi of Rabbi Yeshaya’le of Karstiyer. In it, he writes, inter alia: “and he carries on in his evil ways, from beginning to end, to talk badly of me, with curses and insults, … and horrid accusations, G-d forbid.” The volume has not cut open. There are small tears in the folds. \ 8 pages, 14 cm each. The size of the brochure: 29 by 23 cm. \ Overall condition: good-very good.

The Sefer of “Arbaa Chershim”, explanations in the spirit of the Chassidic tradition on the 4 parshios, the Pesach Hagadah, and others, by the Rabbi Arye Leib Melantzhot, “Maamar Shabasos Hashem” (the second part) by Menahem Azariah da Fano, and the “Tefilas Hashav” by Rabbeinu Yona. Includes “Hangahos Kedoshos” by Rabbi Elimelech of Lizansk, “which are known as the “Tzeitil Katan”. Lvov 1849. This is the first edition of “Tzeitil Katan” by the author of “Noam Elimelech.” At the end, it states: “All this I have found in manuscripts.” This book has been reprinted many times. (Stephanski, Chassidus, number 64.) {4}, 20 pages. 17 cm. A new beautiful leather cover. Stains. Damage restored. Overall condition - good.

Likkutey Moharan. A book that has been studied in Chassidus since the times of Rabbi Nachman mi-Breslov. Ostraha, 1821. This is the third edition of the book, which has been printed in secret in Breslov, by Rabbi Nathan, the great disciple of Rabbi Nachman. It has a long introduction written by him, and contains recommendations by great rabbis. Because of the persecution by the government and the pogroms, the true location of the printing press was concealed. On the opening page of first part the location is named as Ostraha, even though the book was printed in Breslov by Rabbi Nathan. Stephanski Chassidus 287. This is a lacking copy, it is missing the beginning, and begins on page 33. The end of the book is missing the last 3 pages. Does not have a front cover, the spine is damaged and partially lacking, the first pages were restored, but not professionally, which damaged the text slightly. There are damaged caused by moths and stains, the overall condition is mediocre.

The book Beit Aharon, on the five books of the Torah and the festivals, at the beginning of the book is “The daily schedule and holy warnings of the Rebbe”, and at the end are letters. By the Rebbe Rabbi Aharon Perlow of Karlin, known by the name of his book as the Beit Aharon. One of the basic books of Chassidut. | Two title pages, the first abridged. On the rear page of the second title page is the censor’s stamp and on the subsequent leaf: “To make known and reveal that we have approbations from the great and famous righteous men of our generation for the printing of the book…”. There are differences between different copies of the first edition, which were corrected during the printing process. | Rabbi Aharon Perlow of Karlin-Stolin [1802-1872], the fourth Rebbe of the Karlin dynasty. He was considered during his lifetime as one of the greatest Rebbes in the Lithuanian region, and had a far-reaching impact. One of his disciples was Rabbi David Zvi Shlomo Biderman, the Rebbe of Lelov. | Original, high quality leather binding with gold embossing. Binding is detached. Ownership inscriptions and anniversaries of deaths. | [6], 158, [4] leaves, 25 cm. | General Condition: Very Good.

Sefer Mevaser Tzedek. By Rabbi Yissachar Dov Ber of Zlotchov [died in 1795], son of Rabbi Aryeh Yehuda Leibush of ‘Geza Tzvi’ and grandson of Rabbi Naftali of Frankfurt, author of ‘Semichat Chachamim’. A disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and a contemporary of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev. Immigrated to Israel in 1795 and lived there for a short time until his death on 7 Av 1795. Rabbi of Rabbi Chaim of Czernowitz author of ‘Be’er Mayim Chaim’. His books: Mevaser Tzedek on the Torah, in which he mentions many of the great Chassidim, and the book Bat Eini, novaelle on tractates and responsa. | Stefansky Chassidut no. 321. New binding. Water stains. [2] first leaves are different sizes. Professional repairs. | [2], 55 leaves. 22 cm. | General condition: Fair-poor.

The book Mevaser Tzedek, Kabbalistic commentaries on the Five Books of the Torah. By Rabbi Yissachar Dov Ber Migeza Tzvi, Av Beit Din of Zlotchov. Second edition with additions. One of the most important books of Chassidut. | Rabbi Yissachar Ber Av Beit Din of Zlotchov [died in 1785], a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev. Immigrated to Israel at the end of his life and died in Safed. | Leaves of different colors: Blueish, white and greenish. Without a binding. Tear with lack in the left hand white margins of the title page. Detached leaves. Moth holes. Last leaf [53] is missing. | Stefansky Chassidut, no. 322. | [2], 53 leaves, 20 cm. | Overall condition: Fair.

Torat Cohanim – Sifra, with the commentary Asirit HaEifo, by the Rebbe Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac (Yehuda Yechiel) Safrin of Komarno [1806-1874]. The second and primary Rebbe of Komarno. After he was orphaned at the age of 12 he grew up with his uncle – his father’s brother, Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Zidichov – ‘Sar Beit HaZohar’. He studied from Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel of Apta and from his uncle, Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Zidichov. He also travelled frequently to the other righteous men of his times. He was known as a miracle worker and had a large following. | Ownership inscriptions. The first leaves are a different size. New binding. Lack in the white margins of pages [1]-23 with no damage to text. Page 1 is missing. [2], 158 leaves [faulty pagination]. 37 cm. | Overall condition: Fair – Good.

Mishnayot order of Taharot with the commentary Atzei Eden, by Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Yehuda Yechiel Safrin (1806-1874) the Rebbe of Komarno. A bibliographically unknown edition which was printed during the author’s lifetime. In the printing press of Yaakov Meshulam Nik. Stains. Good overall condition.

Sefer Menorah HaTehora, on the Orach Chaim section of the Shulchan Aruch – laws of Shabbat, by Rabbi Uziel Meisels. With approbations from the great Rebbes and Rabbis (of Sadigora, Chortkov, Rabbi Yaakov David of Amshinov, Radzymin, the author of the ‘Divrei Chaim’, Rabbi Mendel of Kossov, author of the ‘Shoel U’Meishiv’ and others). | Rabbi Uziel Meisels [born in 1744] was one of the important disciples of the Ba’al Shem Tov, and after his death accepted the Maggid of Mezeritch as his Rebbe. He was highly respected among the Maggid’s students, and had a close relationship with Rabbi Chaim Chaikel of Amdor, Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov, the brothers Rabbi Pinchas Horowitz of Frankfurt and Rabbi Shmuel Shmelke of Nickelsburg and the brothers Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli and Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. They referred to him as ‘Servant of God’, the word ‘eved [servant]’ being an acronym of Uziel son of Drezil. | Blue cloth binding. Ownership stamps and inscriptions. Tears without lack. | [2], 163 leaves. 33 cm. | Overall condition: Good-very good.

Sefer Etz Ha’Daat Tov. Novaelle on tractate Shabbat, by Rabbi Uziel son of Zvi Meisels, Lemberg, 1886. First edition with many approbations from the great Chassidic masters. This edition is not found in the National Library. Ownership stamps. [2] 93 leaves. Moth holes and stains, good overall condition.

“Which was written by the holy man of God, descendant of holy people… the Rabbi exalted in lowness and the genuinely humble man Rabbi Shmuel son of Rabbi Shalom grandson of Rabbi Moshe of Ostra’ah”. The only edition in which two of the author’s book were printed together. A special title page for the book Ktav Yosher. | Blueish leaves. Without a binding. Moth signs. 28; 8 leaves. 18 cm. | Overall condition: Good-very good.

Midrash Shmuel is a Midrash Aggadah of thirty two chapters based on the book of Shmuel [twenty four of them based on Shmuel I and eight on Shmuel II]. This Midrash is compiled and based on the Jerusalem Talmud, Pesikta, Tanchuma, Mechilta D’Rabbi Yishmael, Vaykira Rabba, Ruth Rabba, Eicha Rabba, Kohelet Rabba, Esther Rabba and Shir Hashirim Rabba. It has one saying from the Babylonian Talmud from tractate Eiruvin 64. It was originally printed together with the Midrash Shochar Tov on Tehillim, and the name Shochar Tov was accidentally used here. | Midrash Mishlei is a midrash on the book of Mishlei [31 chapters] which is based on the teachings of the Mishnaic sages on various verses in the book of Mishlei, its author even connected between the interpretations of different verses, turning the Midrash into a work of art in its own right. | This edition was printed only three years after the previous edition which was printed in Zolkiew, and received special approval and approbation from the Rebbe Rabbi David Leikes, one of the foremost disciples of the Ba’al Shem Tov. | The size and color of the leaves varies. Incorrect pagination. Undeciphered signature on the last page. New binding. Moth signs. 37; 12, [5] leaves. 19 cm. Overall condition: Good.

Sefer Chedvat Simcha on the book of Bereishit, by Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Pshischa, Warsaw, 1930. First edition. Detached binding, title page is blemished and slightly lacking with no damage to text, moth holes and stains. Good-fair overall condition.

Sefer Tosefot Shabbat with Mahadura Batra, novaelle and commentaries on the laws of Shabbat and Eiruvin, by Rabbi Rafael son of Rabbi Chaim Meisels, Av Beit Din of Harrachov and Poritsk, and at the end Sefer Pela’im, glosses on the four sections of the Shulchan Aruch and its commentaries. Zolkiew, 1806. [1], 123, 8 leaves. 37 cm. Ownership signature, detached binding, worming holes and stains. Good – fair overall condition.

Sefer Kedushat HaLevi on the Torah, homilies in the Chassidic approach by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev. Russia – Poland, 1840. (According to the Vinograd-Rosenfeld CD-ROM, no year and place of printing is written in the book). Ownership inscriptions. [1] 64, 31 leaves. 22 cm. Without a binding, the margins on the title page and the first leaves are damaged and restored, moth holes on the first leaves with slight damage to text, stains. Good-fair overall condition.

“Shnei HaMeorot which were hidden by Rabbi Shmuel Kaminker, on the Torah and festivals, and with a novaelle on tractate Yevamot. And we named it ‘Or Rishon’ because these writings are very ancient writings, approximately one hundred and fifty years. Which were written by the great and holy Rabbi Zvi Hirsch, and he is the most special of the brothers who were members of the Ba’al Shem Tov’s group of followers. And it is accompanied by ‘Or Sheni’ by his grandson the Rebbe [Rabbi Shmuel Kaminker]. At the end of the book is the first printing of “A new thing which has never previously been published… copied from the manuscript”, the well-known famous prayer for Saturday night “Gott Fun Avraham” by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev. | Two title pages. New binding. Sellotape repair on the title page. Aging stains. | 102, [8] pages. 22 cm. | Overall condition: Good.

Portrait of Rabbi Yeshaya Steiner (1852-1925) from Krestir (Bodrogkeresztur), who was an important Admor and one of the most well-known in Hungary. Under the picture is printed his signature, with an inscription underneath “A pure heart, loved Creation and generous to the poor…” Writing in Hungarian with the name of the tsaddik. This picture is a known segula, to preserve the home against rats and other vermin. 20x29cm in a wooden frame. generally very good condition.

Before us is an amulet given by Rabbi Yeshayale of Krestir for protection and to be hung at the entrance to the home. The writing on the amulet is a Holy Name which appears in the Tikkunei Zohar (Tikkun 70) and in the writings of Rabbi Chaim Vital in various different forms, and there is a debate among Kabbalists how this Name should be written. In the book ‘Toldot Adam’ by Rabbi Eliyahu Ba’al Shem (letter tzadik) is written: “For women giving birth… and at the entrance to the house write this vow on the aforementioned parchment with the awesome and great Name which shakes all the worlds (here the Holy Name written on the parchment appears with a slight change)… I vow that all evil forces and demons will not have permission to come to this entrance…”. The Rebbe of Sadigura, Rabbi Mordechai Shalom Friedman author of “Hachnasat Mordechai” gave such an amulet for protection of the house, and the researcher of Chassidut Avraham Yaakov Zilbershlag wrote as follows: “Rabbi Moshe Spund, one of the most senior members of our group was often called by our Rabbi to write amulets based on Kabbalah. The Rebbe warned him not to reveal the content of the amulets and the manner they were written to anyone. As guided by the Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe would immerse himself in the Mikveh before preparing the amulets, and not utter a single word until they were complete. The amulets were written based on the tradition from the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, which was only passed down verbally. When a case which required it was brought before the Rebbe, he would call the important scribe to write the amulet and instruct him exactly what to write”. This precise wording of an amulet and its photograph appear in the catalog ‘L’Kol HaRuchot V’HaSheidim’ which was published by the Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem 2010 (page 69) where it is stated that the amulets were made ‘By the Rabbi of Ruzhin Chassidut’ and originate in Hungary. We found an example of this amulet in the Gross Family Collection and the two types of amulets together which were traditionally given by Rabbi Yeshayale - the first amulet is the famous amulet with two lines of the Holy Names (which first appeared in our sale no. 12, refer to that catalog for its interpretation) and an additional amulet with the Holy Name before us (a photograph of the two together is enclosed). It seems that they were hung together in the house for protection. It should be noted that most of these amulets were framed in frames with hooks for hanging. Enclosed is a document attesting that the amulet was in the family of the Rabbi of Jerusalem Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, and also noting the amulet’s source: “It is attributed in our family with definite knowledge that it originates with the Rabbi, the miracle worker Rabbi Yeshayale Krestirer which they received from him…”. Rabbi Yeshaya Steiner (1852-1925) of Krestnir (Bodrogkeresztur) was one of the most famous and foremost Rebbes in Hungary. The Rebbe, who was orphaned from his father at the age of three, was sent by his mother the widow at the young age of 12 to Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Lisska, where he stayed until his Rabbi died and later succeeded him, but he always remained humble and did not consider himself to be important. Rabbi Yeshayale was considered to be a miracle worker and there are many stories related about him. To this very day many people travel to his grave to pour out their hearts in prayer and many miraculous stories are told about prayers at his grave. The Tzadik of Krestir was known for his merciful heart and his concern for the livelihood of all Jews. The amulets he gave during his life to those seeking salvation were written on parchment by expert scribes who were his students, and he would hold them and bless them before giving them over. Many stories were passed around about the miracles which occurred to those in possession of the amulets. His picture is known as a segulah for protecting the house from mice, after stories in which his blessing successfully rid people of mice. 8x2.8 cm.

A wonderful Segulah from the holy and pure one Rabbi… Shimshon…Ostropoli…during a time of illness and epidemic” with a commentary from “The Rabbi the Kabbalist Rabbi Yoel Ashkenazi – [the Ba’al Shem of Zamosc]”. With a 42-letter name and connected with 42 journeys. Printed by Rabbi Zelig Leib, in the Schlossberg printing press in Vienna. 40x50 cm. Filing holes. Aging stains. Tiny tears on the folds. Professionally restored with minimal damage to several words. Overall condition: Fair-Good.

Print on paper. Within a border illustrated with verses and demon oaths and their names, to prevent them from harming the mother and child. With explanations in Yiddish – German. Stains and tears. 22x19 cm. Overall condition: Good.

Print on paper. Within a geometric border illustrated with verses and demon oaths and their names, to prevent them from harming the mother and child. With explanations in Yiddish – German. These amulets were typical of the period, due to the many cases of infant fatality. Stains and tears. 20x12 cm. Overall condition: Good.

Handwriting on paper. Four attached pieces of cardboard. Especially pleasant and neat handwriting in block letters and Rashi script. Part of the scroll is written on the other side. Divided into three main parts, which are - The foundations of the wisdom of Kabbalah, Kabbalistic illustrations and diagrams and the ‘Ilan HaKadosh’- the order of the development of the worlds by Rabbi Meir Poppers from “Gurei HaAri”. Some of the content of this scroll do not appear in regular ‘Ilanot’ such as the circles in the center of the megillah which describe the tzimztum and the kav. An extensive part of the Megillah provides an explanation about the foundations of the Kabbalah in a visual fashion, and is intended for students of Kabbalah, and as the Rebbe Rabbi Yeshayah Muskat of Prague [the son-in-law of Rabbi Yitzchak of Radvil and primary disciple of the Maggid of Koznitz and friend of the author of the ‘Chiddushei HaRim’] in his approbation to the printing of the ‘Ilan HaKadosh’: “His precious words are more precious than gold and pearls and include all of the words of the Ari… and one who is fluent in his holy words can easily study Kabbalah”. The amulet of the Ilan HaKadosh provides “protection from all damage – and is a segulah for bringing up children”. The megillah is in a matching case made of metal. | Moth holes. Tears and damage. Lack in the margins of the megillah. Length of the megillah: Approximately 1.8 meters, width: Approximately 24 cm. Height of the case including the lid: 30 cm. Overall condition: Fair-good.

An amulet for protection of the birthing mother and the baby, paper cutting, 20th century. This amulet belongs to a group of amulets known as “Shir HaMaalot’l”, and in Yiddish “Kimpetervittel” which means a note for the bed of a woman giving birth. The amulets are called this as in the center is chapter 121 of the book of Tehillim which begins with the words “Shir LaMa’alot”. The amulets would be hung on the wall above the mother or baby’s bed. In the background of the paper cutting are lions, birds and more, and in the center is the chapter “Shir LaMa’alot” with the names of the defensive angels and the verse “I longed for Your salvation O’God”, under which are names of Adam and Eve and the names of the patriarchs and the matriarchs, as well as various combinations of the verse “umachshefa lo techayun”. Size: 30x22 cm. In a slightly damaged wooden frame. Very good overall condition.