Auction 38
Lot 276:
Unique, original work, ink on parchment in the image of the holy rabbi Shaya’la of Kerestir, a very precise artistic rendering using the pointillist technique to create his portrait, based on a well-known photograph taken at the end of his life, which has been known for the last hundred years as a segula for preservation and wealth, and has been hung in homes and businesses across the Jewish world. the artwork also includes the image of a copy of the amulet the Rabbi would give to those seeking salvation, and many well-known stories about its unnatural deeds have spread. Stamped by the artist, “Leibish.” 29x39cm including the frame. Overall very good condition.
Analysis of the amulet – three verses for preservation are alluded to: the first line includes a compilation of initial letters from the verses “Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces” (Psalms 122:7); “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent (Psalms 91:10) The second line has the initial letters from the verse: “And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great; so that they wearied themselves to find the door” (Genesis 19:11)
The Admor Rebbi Shaya’la (Steiner) of Kerestir (1852-1925, 5612-5685) was leader of his generation and an important Chassidic Admor of the 19th and 20th centuries. He was the student and successor of Admor Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Liska—student of Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum (the Yismach Moshe). He was known for his merciful heart and his care for the parnasa of the Jewish people, and he would say “while other sages deal with ‘Razin d’Razin’ (Kabbalah and chassidut), I am dealing with ‘sustenance and not emaciation (razon)’.” Rabbi Shaya’la is considered a miracle worker, many deeds are attributed to him. Thousands continue to visit his grave to pray to him for salvation, and many wonderful stories have spread about the power of such prayer.
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