Fi n e Ju da i C a - Kestenbaum & Company

F i n e Ju d a i c a 

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Pri n t e d Bo o k s , Ma n u s c r i p t s , 

Aut o g r a p h Let t e r s , Gr a p h i c & Ce r e m o n i a l Ar t 

K e s t e n b a u m & Co m p a n y 

T h u r s d a y, Ju n e 26t h, 2008


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Auctioneers of Rare Books, Manuscripts and Fine Art

Lot 284

Catalogue of 

F i n e Ju d a i c a 

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Pr i n t e d Bo o k s , Ma n u s c r i p t s , 

Au t o g r a p h Le t t e r s, Gr a p h i c & Ce r e m o n i a l Ar t 

Featuring: 

A Fine Collection of Americana Emanating from a West Coast Collector 

A Magnificent 18th-Century Illustrated Esther Scroll 

A Liturgical Compendium, Illuminated by Jacob Sopher ben Judah Leib Shamash, 1741. 

Sepher HaShorashim, Naples, 1490 (The Wineman Copy) 

A Spectaculaly Bound 17-volume set of the Estienne Bible. Paris, 1543-46 

Sepher HaZohar: Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Personal Copy 

War-time Hagadah from the French town of Nice, 1941 

An Isidor Kaufmann Painting 

PLEASE NOTE AMENDMENT TO PARAGRAPH SIX OF CONDITIONS OF SALE. 

(Short-Title Index in Hebrew available upon request) 

——— 

To be Offered for Sale by Auction, 

Thursday, 26th June, 2008. at 3:00 pm precisely 

——— 

Viewing Beforehand on: 

Sunday 22nd June - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 

Monday 23rd June- 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 

Tuesday, 24th June - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 

Wednesday, 25th June - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 

Thursday, 26th June - 10:00 am - 2:30 pm 

This Sale may be referred to as: “Briarcliffe” Sale Number Forty 

Illustrated Catalogues: $35 (US) * $42 (Overseas) 

Kestenbaum & Company 

Auctioneers of Rare Books, Manuscripts and Fine Art 

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— P r i n t e d Bo o k s — 

1 AKRA, ABRAHAM. (Editor). Arzei Levanon [kabbalistic treatises]: Midrash Konen. * Moses ben 

Nachman (Nachmanides). Ha-Emunah ve-ha-Bitachon. * Gikatilia, Joseph. Sepher ha-Nikud. 

* Idem. Sod ha-Chashmal. * Pirkei Heichaloth le-Rabbi Ishmael Kohen Gadol. * Anonymous. 

Ma’ayan ha-Chochmah. * Akra, Abraham. Kelalei Midrash Rabbah. All First Editions. Title 

within historiated and garlanded architectural arch depicting Mars and Minerva. On final 

page, censor’s signature: “Visto per me Gio[vanni] Do mi[ni]co Carretto, 1628.” See facsimile in 

Wm. Poppers, The Censorship of Hebrew Books, plate III, no. 7. ff. 50. Lightly browned and dampwrinkled. 

Half-vellum over marbled boards. Sm. 4to. [Vinograd, Venice 920; Habermann, di Gara 204]. 

[see illustration top right] 

Venice, Giovanni di Gara: 1601. $500-700 

2 ALFASI, ISAAC. She’eloth u-Teshuvoth [320 responsa]. FIRST EDITION. Title within typographic 

border. Additional Italian approbation of Parnassim of Livorno. Broad margins. ff. (4), 53. 

Waterstained, marginal worming. Small hole in text of f.2. Contemporary marbled boards. 4to. [Vinograd, 

Leghorn 170]. 

Livorno, Abraham Isaac Castillo and Eliezer Sa’adoun: 1781. $300-500 

The book bears the Approbations of the Beth Din of Livorno (Rabbis David Mal’ach, 

Abraham Isaac Castillo and Jacob Bondi), as well as Rabbi Chaim Joseph David Azulai 

(ChID”A), and the two Rabbis of Modena, David Cohen and Ishmael Cohen. 

In his Haskamah, Azulai, a sojourner in Livorno from Jerusalem, quotes R. Isaac of 

Dampierre to the effect that there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit (ru’ach ha-kodesh) rested 

on R. Isaac Alfasi. In addition, Azulai cites a dream-communication found in the “She’eloth 

u-Teshuvoth min ha-Shamayim” of R. Jacob of Marvege equally laudatory. In his bibliography, 

Shem ha-Gedolim, Azulai mentions the recently published edition of She’eloth u-Teshuvoth 

ha-RI”F, which he had previously seen in manuscript (see Shem ha-Gedolim, I, I-287). 

Lot 1 

3 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Brandon, Benjamin Raphael Dias. Oroth ha-Mitzvoth. [rationales for 

the 613 precepts]. Bound With (As issued): Emek Binyamin [responsa]. FIRST EDITION. Hebrew. 

Three introductory pages in Portuguese. Two titles in typographic borders. ff.19,103, (1); (2), 20, 

25-22 (lacking ff. 21, 23-4). Lightly browned. Modern boards. Sm. 4to. [Vinograd, Amsterdam 1666]. 

Amsterdam, J. Jansson: 1753. $300-500 

The First Rabbinic Text Relating to Jews in The Americas. Includes an inquiry relating to 

Inheritance Law from Aaron Ledesma of the Jewish Community in Surinam, West Indies. 

[see illustration middle right] 

4 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Pinto, Isaac de. Reponse de Mr. J. De Pinto, Aux Observations d’un 

Homme Impartial. pp. 60. Previous owner’s stamp on title page. Unbound. 4to. [Szajkowski 1585]. 

The Hague, Pierre-Frederic Gosee: 1776. $2000-3000 

Isaac de Pinto (1717-87), a native of Bordeaux, resided most of his life in Holland and 

was one of the pioneers in the new field of economic theory. He also engaged in Jewish 

apologetics, famously debating Voltaire on the subject. 

De Pinto expresses here his criticism of the America Revolution. He feared that once 

independent, the American Colonies would take control of other European colonial 

possessions in the Americas and thus dominate the flow of bullion. Most of all, he considered 

the American Revolution a revolt against the basic political order. Pinto’s Jewish convictions 

likely barred him from adopting the traditional argument of his fellow Tories, i.e., that the 

monarchy represented God’s earthly agency. 

De Pinto was “the most important Jewish literary figure who wrote in French before the 

revolution...He left a considerable body of work and, at least as an economist, he was far ahead 

of his time.” See A. Hertzberg, The French Enlightenment and the Jews (1968), pp. 142-3 and 

150-2. See also J. L. Cardoso and A. de Vasconcelos-Nogueira, Isaac de Pinto: An Enlightened 

Economist and Financier. 

[see illustration bottom right] 

Lot 3 

Lot 4 

1

5 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Limud VeSeder HaYeshivah Asher Be’Ir HaKodesh Chevron 

[Prayer on behalf of donors to the Yeshivah Knesseth Yisrael of the Holy City of Hebron]. 

Broadside. Browned, waterstained and folded. 6 x 11 1/2 inches. 

Amsterdam, n.p.: 1770. $3000-5000 

An Eighteenth-Century Document Linking the Holy Land and the Jews of the New 

World. 

Details the schedule and method of study undertaken by the Yeshiva Knesseth Yisrael 

of Hebron. Specifies the regulations to which resident scholars must abide, including 

specific prayers before study. The wording of the broadside is most subtle; by no means 

does it directly plead for monetary funding. Nevertheless a list of Western European 

cities are listed in which the Yeshiva’s emissary was to visit. - Most surprising, is the final 

port of call - “Ha’Amerika.” 

See related article, A. Yaari, Kiryath Sefer (1948), pp.113-25. 

[see illustration top left] 

6 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Breslauer, Aryeh Leib. P’nei Aryeh [responsa]. FIRST EDITION. 

Printer’s device on title. Bears the encomia of Rabbis David de Azevedo, Haham of the 

Sephardic community of Amsterdam, David Tevele of Lissa, Meshulam Zalman Hakohen of 

Fürth and Noah Chaim Tzvi Berlin of Mayence (Mainz). ff. (3), 106. Contemporary calf-backed 

speckled boards. Sm. folio. [Vinograd, Amsterdam 2181]. 

Amsterdam, The Widow & Orphans Proops: 1790. $400-600 

Lot 5 

Includes a Halachic question (f.46) from Haym Salomon of Philadelphia (1740-1785), 

demonstrating the conscientious religious nature of this early American merchant and 

Revolutionary War patriot. “One of the most fascinating figures in American Jewish 

history,” celebrated for his generosity toward the fathers of the Republic, James Madison, 

et al. (See J.R. Marcus, Early American Jewry (1953) Vol. II pp.132-64). 

Aryeh Leib Breslau (or Breslauer) was the Chief Rabbi of Rotterdam. He was 

consulted in a halachic matter by one Gimpel Wolfenbitel of Amsterdam concerning a 

donation made by “R. Haym of Philadelphia” (responsum 41 on f.46r.). It seems Rabbi 

Breslau recommended to Haym Salomon he contribute to the welfare of an indigent 

individual in Amsterdam. Salomon hearkened to Rabbi Breslau’s plea, and sent a sum 

to Herr Wolfenbitel on behalf of the needy man. However, in the interim, the recipients’ 

financial fortunes took a positive turn and Wolfenbitel questioned R. Breslau whether he 

should therefore return the funds to Haym Salomon. - How different from the attitude 

of the U.S. Congress, which consistently repudiated the claims of Salomon’s heirs that 

restitution be made for the enormous sums Haym Salomon advanced the fledgling 

government during the Revolution! See JE, Vol. X, pp. 653-55. 

See also Lot 80. 

[see illustration bottom left] 

7 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Nikelsburger, Jacob. Kol Ya’akov / Koul Jacob, in Defence of the 

Jewish Religion: Containing the Arguments of the Rev. C.F. Frey, One of the Committee of 

the London Society for the Conversion of the Jews, and Answers Thereto. FIRST AMERICAN 

EDITION. English with a smattering of Hebrew. pp. 79. Foxed. Contemporary calf-backed boards, 

boards detached, spine split. Sm 4to. [Rosenbach 183; Singerman 260; Roth, Magna Biblotheca Anglo- 

Judaica, pp. 264-5]. 

New York, John Reid: 1816. $600-900 

Lot 6 

Nikelsburger takes up the cudgels with an apostate Jew, Rev. Frey, so intent on 

converting his former coreligionists to Christianity that he is willing to take liberties 

with Scripture. As the author puts it in his opening letter to Frey: “In your eagerness 

to convert the Jews to your way of thinking, you make no scruples of converting and 

perverting the prophets, by turning their words to a meaning, which you conceive to 

be best adapted to your purpose; and, in doing this, you make them not only flatly 

contradict each other, but themselves also.” 

2

Lot 8 

8 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). (BIBLE, Hebrew). Torah Nevi’im u-Kethuvim / Biblia Hebraica... 

Editio Prima Americana. Two volumes. Without nikud (vowel points). Latin explanatory notes by 

van der Hooght. This copy without the scarce notice transferring Horowitz’s copyright and list of 

subscribers to Dobson. Vol. I: ff. (6), 296. Vol. II: ff. (2), 312. Foxed. Vol. II: Contemporary calf, gilt. Vol. I: 

Modern calf, gilt, duplicating the earlier binding. 4to. [Vinograd, Philadelphia 6; Singerman 236; Rosenbach 

171; Darlow & Moule 5168a; Goldman, Hebrew Printing in America 4]. 

Philadelphia, Thomas Dobson: 1814. $10,000-15,000 

THE FIRST HEBREW BIBLE PRINTED IN AMERICA. 

“In the year 1812, Mr. Horwitz had proposed the publication of an edition of the Hebrew 

Bible, being the first proposal of the kind ever offered in the United States.” 

An important “first” of Americana. 

[see illustration above] 

3

Lot 9 

9 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Noah, Mordecai M. Travels in England, France, Spain, and the Barbary States, in the Years 1813-4 and 1815. 

Frontispiece portrait of the author. Three plates (one folding). PRESENTATION COPY. Inscribed to “Col. Trumbull with respects of the author.” 

pp. vi, [1], 431, xlvii. Some foxing. Contemporary calf, rubbed, upper cover and opening blank detached. Housed in a calf fitted box. 8vo. [Singerman 304; 

Rosenbach 205]. 

New York and London, 1819. $4000-6000 

4 

PRESENTATION COPY SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR. 

Mordecai Manuel Noah (1785-1851) was one of the most important figures of his time. He was a person of many accomplishments: 

lawyer, newspaper editor, playwright, diplomat, politician, judge and major activist for Jewish causes. 

Noah was appointed American consul to Tunis in 1813. He was recalled two years later, in part for mishandling a secret mission entrusted 

to him by the State Department. Upon returning to the United States, Noah was assailed for allegedly failing to execute his duties and he 

spent much time and effort seeking to clear his name and was indeed later vindicated. This was among the motives for publishing his 

Travels: “This work, may, therefore, be considered as a work of explanation and defence, although my official affairs occupy but a small 

portion of it.” 

Noah was particularly distressed that the official dispatch recalling him as consul cited his Jewish faith as the pretext (pp. 376-82, xxivxxvi). 

Even if this were the true motive, he wrote, “no official notice should have been taken of it; I could have been recalled without placing 

on file a letter, thus hostile to the spirit and character of our institutions.” To vindicate the reputation of American Jews, he included letters 

attesting to their virtues received from Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and John Adams. “Still, by focusing on the Jewish aspects of his 

consularship and recall, Noah probably did the Jewish community a favor. The State Department never again openly cited religion as a 

factor in the selection of diplomats”. (Sarna p. 32). 

Noah’s “Travels” was well received by contemporary critics, especially since, according to one reviewer, Noah was the first American 

to take advantage of the unique opportunities afforded a diplomat to compose such a comprehensive work about other lands. The book 

abounds with colorful details concerning the daily life, social customs and political intrigues of both Moslems and Jews. According to 

Sarna, the volume is “still the best primary source on early nineteenth-century Tunisian Jewry.” See Sarna, Jacksonian Jew: The Two Worlds 

of Mordecai Noah, pp.15-32. 

Noah commanded the respect of four Presidents-Adams, Madison, Jefferson and Jackson. It has been said that to the Jews of his day, he 

was the quintessential American, and to the Americans, he was the representative Jew. 

Colonel John Trumbull (1756-1843), the recipient of this copy from the Author, is known as the “painter of the Revolution.” He 

entered the Revolutionary War as an aide-de-camp to George Washington who valued the accuracy of his drawings. “His 250-300 faithful 

representations...of the principal actors and actions of the Revolution make him the most competent visual recorder of that heroic period” 

(Dictionary of American Biography). 

[see illustration above]

10 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Noah, M(ordecai) M(anuel). Discourse on the Restoration of the Jews, 

Delivered at the Tabernacle, Oct. 28 and Dec. 2, 1844. Text in English. With fold-out map of the Holy 

Land by A. K. Johnston bound in at front. pp. 55. Stained in places, marginal repair to map, marginalia. 

Later cloth. 8vo. [Singerman 913; Rosenbach 574]. 

New York, Harper & Brothers: 1845. $2000-3000 

A PIONEERING WORK PROPAGATING THE ZIONIST IDEA FIFTEEN YEARS BEFORE THE BIRTH OF THEODOR HERZL. 

Mordecai Manuel Noah proposes that if the Ottoman Sultan would grant permission for 

Jews to purchase land in Palestine, then “the whole territory surrounding Jerusalem including 

Hebron, Safat, Tyre...Beyroot, Jaffa and other ports of the Mediterranean will be occupied by 

enterprising Jews” (pp. 37-38). He appealed to American Christians: “But, my friends, why not 

ask yourselves the great and cardinal question, whether it is not your duty to aid in restoring the 

Chosen People as Jews to their Promised Land?” (p. 28). “Where, I ask, can we commence this 

great work of regeneration with a better prospect of success than in a free country and a liberal 

government? Where can we plead the cause of independence for the children of Israel with 

greater confidence than in the cradle of American liberty?” (p. 10). 

Mordecai Manuel Noah (1785-1851) was probably the most influential Jew in the United States 

in the early nineteenth century. In this Discourse, he cites letters he received from President John 

Adams and “the illustrious author of the Declaration of Independence,” Thomas Jefferson (see 

preface pp. v-vi.) 

Noah’s involvement in Jewish affairs was inspired by his belief in the idea of Jewish territorial 

restoration. He was active in Jewish affairs on behalf of the congregations of Mikveh Israel in 

Philadelphia and Shearith Israel in New York. See EJ, XII, cols. 1198-9 and L. M. Friedman, 

Pilgrims in a New Land (1948) pp. 240-7. 

Lot 10 


11 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). (Houston, George). Israel Vindicated, Being A Refutation of the 

Calumnies Propagated Respecting the Jewish Nation, in which the Objects and Views of the 

American Society for Ameliorating the Condition of the Jews, are Investigated. By an Israelite. FIRST 

EDITION. pp. 8,110,(1). Browned. Recent calf-backed marbled boards. 8vo. [Singerman 323; Rosenbach 210]. 

New York, Abraham Collins: 1820. $500-700 

In the form of an exchange of letters between one Nathan Joseph of New York, to his friend 

Jacob Isaacs of Philadelphia, a defense of Judaism against the proselytizing activities of the 

American Society for Ameliorating the Condition of the Jews. “In a country, where every man’s 

right to publish his sentiments is held as sacred as his right to think, it cannot be thought 

surprising that a part of the community, who have long been treated as the outcasts of society, 

should feel anxious to vindicate themselves from what they consider misrepresentation.” (Preface). 

12 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Charter and Bye-Laws of Kaal Kadosh Mickve Israel of the City of 

Philadelphia. English interspersed with Hebrew. pp.24. Trace foxed. Contemporary wrappers, starting. 8vo. 

[Rosenbach 262 (illustrated); Singerman 399]. 

Philadelphia, John Bioren: 1824. $1000-1500 

Lot 12 

First Printing of a Charter and Official Incorporation of a Synagogue in America. 


13 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Leeser, Isaac. The Jews and the Mosaic Law. “Part the First: Containing a 

Defence of the Revelation of the Pentateuch, and of the Jews for their Adherence to the Same” and 

“Part the Second: Containing Four Essays on the Relative Importance of Judaism and Christianity”. 

FIRST EDITION. Two parts in one volume. Title English with quotation from Psalms in Hebrew. 2 pp. 

of “Contents” amd “Advertisement” unrecorded in Rosenbach and Singerman. pp. 8, (2), 278. Some 

browning. Original boards with paper spine-label, spine starting, rubbed. Lg. 8vo. [Singerman 578; Rosenbach 375]. 

Philadelphia, A. Waldie: 1833. $1200-1800 

Isaac Leeser’s second published book and his first original work, was an outgrowth of his defense 

of Judaism that appered in American periodicals in 1829. It was because of these arguments 

that Leeser was invited to occupy the pulpit of Philadelphia’s Mikveh Israel - the base from which 

he established himself as leader of traditional Judaism in America. The boldness of Christian 

missionaries in America was of frequent concern to Leeser, duly reflected by his writings. 


Lot 13 

5

15 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Leeser, Isaac (Ed.). Sidur Divrei 

Tzadikim. The Book of Daily Prayers for Every Day in the Year. 

According to the Custom of the German and Polish Jews. FIRST 

EDITION. Inscription on front fly leaf: “Presented by the Rev. S.M. 

Isaacs, to Miss Maria Josephi.” Dated in Hebrew: “Erev Yom Kippur 

[5]617 [i.e. 1856].” Paste-in rear of book announcing in English and 

Hebrew Jahrzeit of Father, July 27th, 1862. 

Contemporary blind-tooled red morocco, gilt extra, spine in 

compartments, in gilt lettering, front center, “Maria Josephi.” 

pp. 8; ff. 243. Some stains. 4to. [Vinograd, Philadelphia 18; Rosenbach 

636; Singerman 1024; Goldman, Hebrew Printing in America 37]. 

Philadelphia, C. Sherman: 1848. $1500-2000 

Lot 15 

14 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Johlson, J[oseph]. Instruction in the 

Mosaic Religion. Translated from German to English by Isaac 

Leeser. FIRST EDITION. English interspersed with Hebrew. pp. 8, 139. 

Stamp on title, stained and foxed, edges uncut. Original boards, broken. 

8vo. [Rosenbach 321; Singerman 489]. 

Philadelphia, Adam Waldie: 1830. $1500-2000 

Leeser’s First Book, The First Religious Manual For The Jews 

of America. 

The translator, Isaac Leeser (1806-1868), pioneer of 

Orthodox Judaism in America, dedicated the book to his 

uncle, Zalman Rehine of Richmond, Virginia, who was Leeser’s 

sponsor and benefactor in America, having brought him over 

from Germany. 

Leeser’s primary concern was improving the educational 

level of American Jewry. This, his first published book was thus 

a translation (with additions) of Joseph Johlson’s Unterricht 

in der Mosaischen Religion (Frankfurt a/Main, 1819). Leeser 

states in the preface: “The design of this work is the instruction 

of the younger part of Israelites, of both sexes...It is universally 

acknowledged, that there is a great scarcity of elementary books 

of this kind amongst us [in America]; and this is, therefore, the 

first of a series, which is attempted, to remedy this defect... if 

the encouragement held out for this will warrant me in the 

undertaking...The assistance, hitherto promised, is far from 

sufficient to pay the expenses of the publication even of this 

alone, and I was obliged to assume the publication myself.” 

The title has Johlson a “teacher of an Israelitish School at 

Frankford on the Maine.” The truth be told, Johlson (1777- 

1851), son of the rabbi of Fulda, was closely associated with the 

emerging Reform movement in Germany. It is somewhat ironic 

that the great champion of Orthodoxy, Isaac Leeser, would 

deem Johlson’s work an appropriate text to educate the young 

Jews of America. 

See L. J. Sussman, Isaac Leeser and the Making of American 

Judaism (1995), pp. 67-70. 

First Aschkenazi Prayer Book Printed in America. Prepared 

by the Champion of American Orthodoxy, Isaac Leeser. 

Leeser writes in his introduction that the Hebrew text is 

“chiefly after Rabbi Wolf Heidenheim’s celebrated Sapha 

Berurah.” The English translation is based upon “our modern 

German translators, generally Arnheim of Glogau, David 

Friedländer, and Mendelssohn, or from my own studies and 

previous version of the Portuguese Tephilla, in which I had 

generally followed David Levi.” 

Samuel Myer Isaacs (1804-1878) was the second rabbi in 

the United States to preach in English (the first being Isaac 

Leeser of Philadelphia). Isaacs arrived in New York from 

London in 1839. Samuel’s father, Myer Isaacs, was a native of 

Leeuwarden, Holland, who after financial losses suffered in 

the Napoleonic Wars, emigrated to London. Of Myer’s five 

sons, four became rabbis, serving in England, Australia and the 

United States. After an initial stint as rabbi of B’nai Jeshurun, 

Samuel M. Isaacs became Rabbi of New York’s Shaaray Tefillah 

congregation. In 1857, Samuel and his son Myer founded 

the Jewish Messenger newspaper. Rev. S.M. Isaacs played a 

prominent role in American Jewish affairs, representing the 

Jewish community at official government functions. See JE, Vol. 

VI, p. 635. 

[see illustration left] 

16 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Henry, H(Enry A.) Imrai Shaipher. A 

Hebrew Vocabulary Containing a Complete List of the Hebrew 

and Chaldee Roots which Occur in the Bible, Together with their 

Significations in English. FIRST EDITION. pp. 8,46,(1). Lightly browned, 

damp-wrinkled. Modern boards. 8vo. [Vinograd, New York 12; Singerman 

649]. 

New York, M. Jackson: 1838. $800-1200 

Rabbi Henry A. Henry was for a time leader of the Henry 

Street Congregation of Lower Manhattan. Of incidental 

interest, the present volume was rebound by The Henry 

Bookbinding Co. at 135 Henry Street. (An uncommon piece 

of ‘Henriaca’...) 

6

Lot 17 

17 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Schwarz, Joseph. A Descriptive Geography and Brief Historical Sketch of Palestine. Translated by Isaac Leeser. 

Illustrated With Maps and Numerous Engravings. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION AND FIRST EDITION IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. English interspersed with 

Hebrew. Frontispiece portrait of author, foldout maps and engravings. 

Despite a trace of foxing, this is an uncommonly clean, bright copy. pp. 22, (2), 17-518, (1). Half-morocco over marbled boards, rubbed. 4to. [Singerman 

1161; Rosenbach 683]. 

Philadelphia, C. Sherman: 1850. $8000-10,000 

The nineteenth century witnessed an unparalleled interest in the Holy Land due to new directions in Bible studies and the increasing 

popularity of visiting the Land itself. This new interest was reflected in a growing body of literature, consisting of geographies and 

travelogues. One such Hebrew work was Joseph Schwarz’s Tevu’oth ha-Aretz. Schwarz visited America as a rabbinical emissary in 1849 

and stayed with his brother Abraham, a resident of New York. While there, he arranged for Isaac Leeser to translate and publish his 

Tevu’oth ha-Aretz, and it appeared the following year as “Descriptive Geography and Brief Historical Sketch of Palestine.” It was the 

first contribution to the subject by American Jews and “probably the most important Jewish work published in America up to that time” 

(JE, XI, 119). Leeser was cognizant of the pioneering status of the work and he proudly stated: “The execution of the whole [book] is 

the work of Jewish writers and artists, the drawings being executed by Mr. S. Shuster, a lithographer belonging to our nation.” The title 

page identifie.”.s the publisher as Abraham Hart, who financed the entire project (p. viii), but Leeser elsewhere stated that Schwarz’s 

brother was the publisher (Occident, vol. VII, p. 379). Leeser published the volume to “extend the knowledge of Palestine...and also to 

enkindle sympathy and kind acts for those of our brothers, who still cling to the soil of our ancestors.” See L. Sussman, Isaac Leeser and 

the Making of American Judaism, p. 176. 

The American edition contains additional material on the Lost Ten Tribes not found in the Hebrew edition. 


7

Lot 18 Lot 19 Lot 21 

18 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Aguilar, Grace. The Vale of Cedars: or, 

The Martyr. FIRST EDITION. pp. 256 + 8 pp. of ads. Trace foxed. Original 

boards, spine gilt, starting, rubbed. 8vo. [Singerman 1109]. 

New York / Philadelphia, D. Appleton / Geo. S. Appleton: 1850. 

$800-1200 

Grace Aguilar (1816-1847) was an English novelist and 

writer on Jewish history and religion. Her ancestors were 

Portuguese Marranos who arrived in England in the 

eighteenth century. See JE, Vol. I, pp. 274-5. 

The Vale of Cedars centers upon the martyrdom of Spanish 

Jews who were willing to sacrifice their lives rather than convert 

to the dominant faith of Christianity. The book is prefaced by 

a moving tribute to the authoress who died prematurely at age 

thirty-one: “Memoir of Grace Aguilar.” 


19 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). (Liturgy). Olath Tamid-Gebetbuch 

für Israelitische Reform-Gemeinden [Prayer book for the Reform 

Communities]. Prepared by David Einhorn. Presentation copy 

from Dr. Einhorn, binding tooled: “Dr. D. Einhorn seinen freund 

Dr, D.M. Friedlein.” pp. viii, 492. Contemporary elegantly tooled brown 

morocco, rubbed, fornt cover starting. 8vo. [Singerman 1534]. 

Baltimore, C.W. Schneidereith: 1858. $1500-2500 

“A radical departure from the traditional prayer book... 

its pagination is from left to right and its changes are both 

substantial and substantive.” A.J. Karp, From the Ends of the 

Earth: Judaic Treasures of the Library of Congress (1991) 

pp.303-304. 

David Einhorn (1809-79) migrated from Germany to 

America in 1855, where he became the acknowledged leader 

of the Reform Movement. In 1858, his revised prayer book 

formed the model for all subsequent revisions. He advocated 

the introduction of prayers in the vernacular, the exclusion of 

nationalistic hopes from the synagogue service and many other 

ritual modifications. 

[see illustration top middle] 

20 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Mayer, Nathan, M.D. The Last of the 

Asmoneans [historical novel]. FIRST EDITION. Printed in double 

columns. pp.113. Browned. Contemporary cloth-backed marbled boards. 

8vo. [Unrecorded by Singerman]. 

Cincinnati, Bloch & Co.: 1859. $600-900 

Author’s Signed Copy of Rare Novel. 

This novel is set back in ancient Judea during the reign 

of murderous King Herod, who usurped the Hasmonean 

dynasty. The author’s integration of the sage Baba ben Buta 

in the script (see p.23) shows remarkable familiarity with the 

Talmudic version of this tragic chapter in Jewish history (see 

TB, Bava Bathra 3b-4a). 

Dr. Nathan Mayer of Cincinnati wrote several historical 

novels: The Fatal Secret; or, Plots and Counterplots. A Novel of 

the Sixteenth Century Founded on Facts (Cincinnati, 1858); 

Differences: A Novel (Cincinnati, 1867). These are recorded by 

Singerman (1538 & 2026). However The Last of the Asmoneans 

is unrecorded. 

Singerman also records by the same author: A Poem Read 

by Surgeon Nathan Mayer, October 11, 1894, at the Dedication 

of a Monument by the Sixteenth Connecticut Where They 

Fought at Antietam, September 17, 1862 (Hartford, 1894) 

[Singerman 4727]. 

21 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Tephilath Yisrael [daily, Sabbath and 

Holiday prayers]. With German supplication prayers by Dr. W. 

Schlessinger. German translation. With separate title “Techinoth 

Benoth Yeshurun” of women’s supplications. pp. 240, 224, 32. 

Contemporary elaborately gilt-stamped calf, rubbed, cover loose. 8vo. 

New York, Frank: 1860. $1500-2000 

This edition not in Vinograd nor Singerman who lists only 

the 1856 edition (no. 1432). 

See S.R. Wachs, American Jewish Liturgies, Bibliographica 

Judaica 14, (1997) no. 94 who lists just a single copy of this 1860 

edition, located in the HUCL, Cincinnati. 


8

22 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Form of Service for the Dedication of the 

New Synagogue of the Portuguese Congregation Mikve Israel, in 

Seventh Street above Arch, Consecrated on the 24th of May, 1860. 

English and Hebrew. Additional title in Hebrew. pp. 11, 11. Crisp, 

clean copy. Printed wrappers, top portion of front wrapper torn away. 8vo. 

[Singerman 1682]. 

Philadelphia, Barnard & Jones: 1860. $1000-1500 

On p. 8, Sermon by the Rev. S[abato] Morais, Minister of 

the Congregation with a Hebrew exhortation, followed by “a 

poetical version of the same (in English) by a young lady of 

the Congregation, at the request of the Author.” 

Italian-born Sabato Morais (1823-1897) succeeded Isaac Leeser 

as hazan of Mikve Israel in 1851. He remained in that position 

until his death 47 years later. He was the founder of the Jewish 

Theological Seminary of America. See EJ, Vol. XII, cols. 294-5. 


23 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Wyrick, D. A Representation of the Two 

Stones with the Characters Inscribed Upon Them, That were Found 

by D. Wyrick, during the Summer of 1860. Eight illustrations. pp. 13. 

Lightly browned. Later calf-backed marbled boards. 8vo. 

Near Newark, Ohio, (1861). $400-600 

A peculiar work dealing with ancient stones with 

Hebrew inscriptions, including an abridgment of the Ten 

Commandments, unearthed in a sinkhole in North America 

by the author during a dig in 1860. At a loss to explain his 

find, Wyrick declares; “Would it not require a very profound 

scholar in Hebrew to make such an abridgment of the Hebrew 

Decalogue with foreign characters...?” 

Though shortly after their supposed “discovery” the 

inscriptions were exposed as a hoax, it must be stated for 

the sake of objectivity, in some quarters at least, discussion 

continues to this day whether the inscriptions are authentic 

or fabricated. See J. Huston McCulloch, “An Annotated 

Transcription of the Ohio Decalogue Stone,” Epigraphic 

Society Occasional Papers, Vol. 21 (1992) pp. 56-71. 

24 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Carte-de-visite photograph of of a full 

standing Union infantry officer wearing his regulation uniform. 

Slight tear affects the mount at the top margin. 

1863. $400-600 

The image was taken by the Jewish photographer E. Jacobs 

(93 Camp St., New Orleans) and bears his photographer’s 

imprint on the verso. 

[see illustration bottom middle] 

25 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Holzman, Elijah Moses. Emek Repha’im 

[“Valley of Repha’im”: Indictment of American Reform Judaism]. 

FIRST EDITION. Text in square Hebrew characters, introduction in 

rabbinic font. English page of endorsements from M.J. Raphall, 

and S.M. Isaacs. pp. 28. Waterstained. Later morocco, corners bumped. 

8vo. [Singerman 1894; Goldman, Hebrew Printing in America 1089]. 

New York, Leib Chaim Frank: 1865. $2000-3000 

Following the Avnei Yehoshua, the Second Hebrew Book 

Printed in America, The First on an American Theme. 

According to the title page, “Repha’im” (Biblical giants of 

old) is a pun on “roph’im” (doctors), an allusion to the likes 

of Dr. Isaac Mayer Wise of Cincinnati, who spearheaded 

Reform in America. The book is dedicated to Shachna 

Isaacs of Cincinnati, who openly denounced Wise, publicly 

burning his Reform prayer book (p.4). Punning on Wise’s 

name, the author refers to him as “the white hair” of leprosy 

(see Leviticus 13:3), (in German, “weiss” means white.) For 

the same reason, Wise is referred to as “Doctor Laban” (p. 

13), (“Laban,” besides being the villainous father-in-law 

of Jacob, is the color white.) Also held up to ridicule are 

Rothenheim (“Edom”) of Cincinnati (pp. 10-11) and Dr. 

Max Lilienthal (pp. 17-19). 

See I. H. Sharfman, The First Rabbi - Origins of Conflict 

between Orthodox & Reform: Jewish Polemic Warfare in pre- 

Civil War America (1988) pp. 426-7. 


Lot 22 Lot 24 

Lot 25 

9

Lot 28 

26 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). [Stone, J.L.] Reply to Bishop Colenso’s 

Attack upon the Pentateuch. By the Hebrew Wood Chopper. 

FIRST EDITION. pp. 111. Lightly browned. Contemporary cloth, front board 

detached. 4to. [Singerman 1802; S.G. Cogan, The Jews of San Francisco 

1849-1919: An Annotated Bibliography, 210]. 

San Francisco, Bell and Lampman: 1863. $300-500 

John William Colenso (1814-1883), first Anglican bishop 

of Natal, South Africa, published a series of treatises on 

the Pentateuch and the Book of Joshua, which scandalized 

the English public on account of their audacious Biblical 

criticism. The treatises, entitled Critical Examination of the 

Pentateuch, appeared between the years 1862-1879. 

Our author, Jacob Leon Stone, exposes the shoddy nature of 

Calenso’s scholarship: “careless statements, slip-shod logic, and 

flimsy reasoning” (Preface, p. 5). 

The same year, Stone issued an anti-slavery tract: Slavery and 

the Bible; or slavery as seen in its punishment (San Francisco, 

1863). 

27 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Ettlinger, Jacob. Binyan Zion [responsa]. 

FIRST EDITION. Van Biema label. ff. 80. Occasional light browning. 

Contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, corners bumped and spine split. 

Sm. folio. [Friedberg, B-1224]. 

Altona, Gebrüder Bonn: 1868. $500-700 

Jacob Ettlinger (1798-1871) was one of the leading Halachic 

authorities of his time. This is witnessed by this collected 

responsa, addressed not only to the rabbis of Germany 

and Holland, but to those of Russia and Poland as well. His 

influence upon German Orthodoxy was immense; both 

Rabbis Samson Raphael Hirsch and Azriel Hildesheimer were 

his disciples. 

Of particular interest is Responsum no. 63 (f.28v.) to R. 

Abraham Ash of New York, dated 1858. The American rabbi 

asked whether it would be Halachically acceptable for the Beth 

Medrash of New York to utilize a former church rectory as the 

synagogue’s sanctuary. 

Abraham Ash, founding rabbi of Beth Hamedrash Hagadol 

was born in Siematycze, Congress Poland in 1821, and 

emigrated to New York City in 1851. His congregation is today 

located at 60-64 Norfolk Street. 

See EJ, Vol. VI, cols. 955-6; Vol. VII, cols. 13-138. 

28 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Sneersohn, H[Ayim] Z[Vi]. Palestine 

and Roumania: A Description of the Holy Land, and the Past and 

Present State of Roumania, and the Roumanian Jews. English 

with a smattering of Hebrew. Frontispiece portrait of the Author. 

pp.(2),168. Lightly discolored. Original boards, rebacked, light wear. 8vo. 

[Singerman 2362; Rubens 2277]. 

New York, Hebrew Orphan Asylum Printing Establishment: 1872. 

$3000-5000 

Hayim Zvi Sneersohn of Jerusalem was a fourth-generation 

descendant of R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder 

of Chabad Chassidism (through his son Moshe). After the 

apostasy of R. Shneur Zalman’s son Moshe, his wife and 

children (who remained within the Jewish fold) settled in 

Eretz Israel. Sneersohn undertook far-reaching fund-raising 

missions to both the Near and Far East on behalf of Colel 

Chabad and others. Whilst on these lengthy trips he conceived 

the notion that the Redemption of the Jews would come about, 

not through Messianic forces, but in a natural way, beginning 

with small gestures and eventually resulting in the complete 

Redemption of the Jewish People. 

Sneersohn felt that in order to realize his plan, he must 

obtain the active assistance of the gentile nations of the world, 

to garner not just financial support from Jews but also aid and 

encouragement from Christian political and ecclesiastic leaders. 

After having been successfully feted in Australia, he travelled to 

America, where he was honored with the opportunity to meet 

and later correspond with President Ulysses Grant. Later, he 

was even granted citizenship of the United States. 

The present volume records a selection of letters and articles 

on the Jewish presence in Eretz Israel, “delivered by the Author 

during his sojourn in the United States, before intelligent and 

appreciative audiences in different large cities of this glorious 

Union.” The book also details journeys by Sneersohn to Egypt, 

Persia, India and Australia, as well as an attempted mission to 

China. 

The volume concludes with Sneersohn’s towering efforts to 

focus the attention of America upon the tribulations suffered 

by the Jews of Rumania. “My faith in the liberality of this 

blessed land (i.e. America), and above all in the mercy of the 

Lord my God, was not shaken. I knew that the Government of 

this country would not be deaf to any cry for help in the cause 

of humanity and justice.” Indeed Sneersohn’s efforts resulted 

in President Grant appointing a Jewish consul to Rumania, 

Benjamin P. Peixotto, to effect relief for the suffering Jews. 

Among several approbations at the beginning of the 

volume is a surprising invitation from Brigham Young, 

affording Sneersohn the opportunity to address the Mormon 

Congregation in their Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Upon his return to the Holy Land, Sneersohn discovered his 

activities had aroused the opposition of the communal heads 

in Jerusalem and therefore he felt compelled to move away. 

Choosing to settle in South Africa, he died there in 1882. 

It seems clear that Sneersohn was unaware of the thinking 

and writings of others, such as Alkalai and Kalischer who 

were working in the same proto-Zionist direction. Sneersohn 

apparently seems to be a precusor to the late twentieth-century 

Chabad notion of broadly disseminating a pro-active Jewish 

Messianic message to the world. 

See I. Klausner, Rabbi Chaim Zvi Schneerson (1943); and 

Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Yisrael, pp. 816-19. 


10

29 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Beckett, Sylvester B. Hester, The Bride of the Islands: A Poem. 

FIRST EDITION. pp. 336. Crisp, clean copy. Original cloth. 4to. 

Portland (Maine), Bailey & Noyes: 1860. $300-500 

A work of fiction, among whose chief characters are the Jew and his daughter the 

Jewess. These stereotypes invite comparison to Shakespeares’ play Merchant of Venice 

(peopled by the Jew Shylock and his ravishing daughter Jessica), and to Sir Walter 

Scott’s 1819 novel Ivanhoe (whose heroine is the comely Jewess Rebecca, daughter of 

Isaac of York). In the Notes on pp. 333-4 we have a description of the contemporary 

wealth of Damascene Jewry. 

30 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Friedman, Aaron Tzvi. Tuv Ta’am [the necessity for Jews to 

maintain the laws of ritual slaughter]. Hebrew and some English plus three different 

subtitles. pp. 6, 16, (2), 17-40, (2), 41-75, (2), 77-107, (1), 3. With additional orange wrapper not 

noted by Goldman. Contemporary boards, rubbed. 8vo. [Goldman, Hebrew Printing in America 1092]. 

New York, M. Topolowsky: 1875. $1000-1500 

THE FIRST DEFENSE OF SHECHITA PUBLISHED IN AMERICA. 

Aaron Tzvi Friedman (1822-76), a shochet in New York City responds here to the 

charge by Henry Bergh, President of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 

Animals, that shechitah is inhumane. The book also contains responsa from European 

halachic authorities permitting blood-letting (hakazath dam) prior to slaughter as well 

as related matters. 

“According to a family legend, the English translation of this work convinced President 

Ulysses S. Grant to eat only kosher meat” (Goldman, ibid.). 

Lot 30 


31 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Aaronsohn, Moses. Mata’ei Moshe [sermons, responsa and 

commentary to Song of Songs]. FIRST EDITION. Woodcuts of the Holy Places. Haskamoth of 

the Sephardic Rishon le-Zion, Abraham Ashkenazi, and of the former Rabbi of Brisk, Joshua 

Leib [Diskin]. ff. (4), 54; 52. Some staining, browned, slight worming on final two leaves affecting a 

few words, marginal repair to title. Modern boards. 4to. [Halevy 308]. 

Jerusalem, Joel Moses ben M. Salomon: 1878. $1000-1500 

Born in Salant, Lithuania in 1805, Moses Aaronsohn migrated in 1860 to New York, 

where he served as Rabbi of the Adath Yeshurun synagogue on Allen Street. He died 

in Chicago in 1875. Aaronsohn’s intention of settling in the Land of Israel was fulfilled 

by his widow and sons. It was they who brought the manuscript of Mata’ei Moshe to 

Jerusalem, where it was published. Following a biographical sketch of the Author, the 

work contains several responsa reflective of the turbulence of Jewish life on New York’s 

Lower East Side. 

On ff.53v.-54r. appear responsa from the Chief Aschkenazic Rabbi of Jerusalem, R. 

Samuel Salant and from R. Jacob Tzvi Mecklenburg of Koenigsberg addressed to Rabbi 

Aaronsohn in New York concerning the impermissibility of meat from cattle which have 

been bloodlet (“hakazath dam”) before the actual slaughter. On f.54v. the Author’s son 

attests that similar responsa were received from Rabbis Solomon Kluger, Brody; Isaac Dov 

Bamberger, Wuerzburg; Eliezer Halevi Horowitz, Vienna; and [Samson] Raphael Hirsch, 

Frankfurt - all forbidding the practice. Aaronsohn’s lengthy responsum in the matter, 

“Teshuvath Eglath Beith Aven” appears on ff.9r.-13v. 

Responsum 8 (ff.19v.-21r.) is addressed to the Jewish community of Baltimore 

concerning the fall of a Torah scroll from the Holy Ark. 

On f.25r. the Author mentions the founding of the Allen Street Synagogue. 

Responsa 12-13 (ff.26v.-38r.) represent an exchange with the renowned Polish 

halachist (and Chassidic Rebbe) R. Abraham [Landau] of Tchechanow, as to how to 

draft a bill of divorce (get) in New York. On f.34r. there is discussed the proper Hebrew 

orthography of “New York.” This is without doubt one of the earliest halachic discussions 

of the formula for writing a Get in New York. In addition, it is probably the earliest 

communication from a Chassidic Rebbe to America. 

See I. H. Sharfman, The First Rabbi - Origins of Conflict between Orthodox & 

Reform: Jewish Polemic Warfare in pre-Civil War America (1988), pp. 463 (facs. of title 

page), 596-7. 

[see illustration lower right] 

Lot 31 

11

Lot 34 

32 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Constitution of the Universal Israelitish Alliance / Statuten der 

Alliance Israelite Universelle. English and German. pp. 8. Crisp, clean copy. Original printed 

wrappers, top portion of front wrapper cut away. 8vo. [Singerman 1814]. 

New York, Davis’s Job Printing Office: 1864. $1500-2000 

The Board of Delegates of American Israelites, the first American Jewish defense 

organization, was founded in 1859. Owing to divisions, the new Board was not 

representative of the community at large. Largely unrepresented were the German 

congregations, and conspicuously absent altogether were the Reform congregations. 

Thus, prominent among those who led the struggle against the establishment of the 

board of Delegates were leading Reform American rabbis. 

With the founding of the Paris-based Alliance Israelite Universelle in 1860, opponents 

of the Board used the opportunity to check the American Board’s growth by founding 

Alliance branches on the Board’s own turf. The American Board and the Paris Alliance 

coolly cooperated to combat international threats to Jewish communities, but tensions 

always remained and the relationship between the two was “never too intimate” 

(Szajkowski, 390). The Alliance sought to impose its leadership in the international 

arena, while the Board remained steadfast in its efforts to preserve the operational 

autonomy of American Jewry. See Allan Tarshish, “The Board of Delegates of American 

Israelites,” in: PAJHS 49.1 (Sept. 1959), 19, 22; and Z. Szajkowski, “The Alliance Israelite 

Universelle in the United States, 1860-1949,” in: PAJHS 39.4 (June 1950), 389-443. 

This pamphlet contains the Alliance’s constitution in English and in German, the 

latter language reflecting the fact that the German and Reform congregations in the 

United States led the opposition to the American Board in its early years. 

33 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Wise, Isaac Mayer. The Cosmic God, A Fundamental Philosophy in Popular Lectures. Frontispiece photographic 

portrait of the author. pp. (1),181. Bookplate of previous owner. Original boards, worn, spine starting. [Singerman 2603]. 

Cincinnati, Office American Israelite and Deborah: 1876. $300-500 

Isaac Mayer Wise was born in Steingrub, Bohemia, in 1819 and immigrated to America in 1846. At first, a rabbi in Albany, in 1854 he 

moved to Cincinnati. There he established the institutional structure of American Reform Judaism: The Union of American Hebrew 

Congregations and The Hebrew Union College. 

Wise was an articulate writer and converant with all the contemporary theologians and philosophers. His demolition of Darwinism is 

especially noteworthy (See pp. 47-69). He states that “ from a moral point of view the Darwinian hypothesis on the descent of man is the 

most pernicious that could possibly advanced...it robs man of his dignity...” (p. 50). 

34 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Lévy, Daniel. Les Français en Californie [“The French in California.”]. FIRST EDITION. French text. pp. 9, (1), 373. Crisp, 

clean copy. Marbled endpapers. Contemporary calf-backed marbled borders, spine gilt extra, some wear. 4to. [S.G. Cogan, Pioneer Jews of the California Mother Lode, 

1849-1880: An Annotated Bibliography, 57; S.G. Cogan, The Jews of Los Angeles 1849-1945: An Annotated Bibliography, 368b]. 

San Francisco, Grégoire, Tauzy et C[ompagn]ie: 1885. $400-600 

The numerous references to French Jews makes the case for their significant contribution to Californian civic affairs in the nineteenth 

century. Thus, we read of Rabbi Elkan Cohn who delivered a French eulogy for a former French army veteran who belonged to his San Francisco 

congregation. Other San Francisco residents mentioned are: Lazard Freres, Sylvain and David Cahn, Moise Cerf, and Alex Weill. Los Angelenes 

include: Nathan Cahn, Joseph Coblentz, Eugene Mayer, Ed Cahen, P.N. Roth, Constant Meyer and Leon Loeb. Finally, we have Lazard Lion of 

San Jose. The author Daniel Levy, was Cantor of San Francisco’s Congregation Emanuel in the 1850s-60s. 

See N.B. Stern, California Jewish HIstory (1967), p. 64; S.G. Cogan, The Jews of San Francisco (1973), p. 44, no. 239; I. H. Sharfman, The 

First Rabbi - Origins of Conflict between Orthodox & Reform: Jewish Polemic Warfare in pre-Civil War America (1988), p. 400. 


35 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Benjaminson, Abraham Leib. Milchamah be-Shalom: Viku’ach bein shnei ohavim, yehudi ve-notzri, be-inyenei 

ha-dath [“War in Peace”: A Religious Dispute Between Two Friends, a Jew and a Christian]. FIRST EDITION. pp. (2), 92. Ex-library. Title and final 

page browned. Contemporary marbled boards, rubbed at edges, lacking spine. 4to. [Singerman 5131; Goldman, Hebrew Printing in America 1068]. 

New York, A.H. Rosenberg: 1898. $200-300 

A defense of Judaism by highlighting inherent contradictions found within Christianity. The author takes up the cudgels with 

McCaul’s infamous missionary tract in the Hebrew language, “Nethivoth Olam” (London, 1839). In his introduction, Benjaminson 

acknowledges that he has been preceded in critiquing Nethivoth Olam by Isaac Baer Levinsohn, author Achiyah ha-Shiloni (Leipzig, 

1841). Nonetheless, Benjaminson provides new arguments in his armament (p. V). 

Rabbi Jacob Joseph, Chief Rabbi of America, wrote a hearty endorsement of the book, which he thought would be of especial benefit to 

the youth, by “instilling in their hearts pure faith before they acquire false opinions.” Rabbi Dr. Hillel (Philip) Klein was equally profuse in 

his praise, writing that the book’s objective is to “justify our Oral Law against missionaries who forever heap abuse upon the Sages.” 

12

36 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Elzas, Barnett A. The Old Jewish 

Cemeteries at Charleston, S.C. A Transcript of the Inscriptions on 

Their Tombstones, 1762-1903. FIRST EDITION. One of 250 copies. pp. 

121. Original boards, bumped. 8vo. 

Charleston, Daggett Printing Company: 1903. $100-150 

The Author served as Rabbi of K.K. Beth Elo-him of 

Charleston. He transcribes here the tombstones found in 

the three Jewish cemeteries of Charleston that antedate the 

19th-century: The Coming Street Cemetery, The Da Costa 

Cemetery, and The Hanover Street Cemetery. 

37 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Fried, Joseph Elijah. Ohel Yoseph 

[responsa]. FIRST EDITION. ff.(2), 39. Contemporary boards. Folio. 

[Goldman, Hebrew Printing in America 590]. 

New York, A. Ch. Rosenberg: 1903. $500-700 

The First Work of Responsa Published in America by an 

American Rabbi. 

Before emigrating to the United States in 1891, the Author served 

as Rabbi of Shokian, Lithuania for sixteen years. In New York, he 

assumed the position of Rabbi of Congregation Adath Jeshurun 

at 16-14 Eldridge Street. His work Ohel Yoseph, contains many 

exchanges with R. Yitzchak Elchanan of Kovno (chaps. 13, 23, 24), 

and a query from R. Simcha Zissel Ziv, the “Alter of Kelm” (chap. 2). 

The responsa depict the economic, social and religious 

conditions of the Jews of New York at the beginning of the 

twentieth century. Addresses issues such as whether to allow 

Kohanim who were lax in their religious observance to recite 

the priestly blessings; the status of bread baked on the Sabbath 

in a bakery with Jewish employees; travel by ferry on the 

Sabbath; constructing a Sukkah on a fire escape, etc. 


38 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Eisenstadt, Ben-Zion. Chachmei Yisrael 

Be’Amerika / Israel Scholars in America. FIRST EDITION. 16 pages of 

photographic illustrations. With approbations of Rabbis Jacob David 

Wilowsky (Ridvaz) of Chicago and Hillel Hakohen Klein of New York. 

pp. 112, (16). pp. 33-34, 39-40 torn. Light stains. Contemporary cloth-backed 

marbled boards. Front board detached. 4to. [Goldman, Hebrew Printing in 

America 1125]. 

New York, A.H. Rosenberg: 1903. $150-200 

39 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Schindler, Solomon. Israelites in 

Boston: A Tale Describing the Development of Judaism in Boston. 

Preceded by the Jewish Calendar for the Next Decade. FIRST EDITION. 

Photographic illustrations. ff. (82). Much underlining in pencil. Some 

leaves torn. Original boards, gilt, stained. [Singerman 3855]. 

(Boston), Berwick & Smith: (1889). $300-500 

The book traces the history of Boston Jewry from the first 

recorded settlement in 1842 up to the present. The Author 

begins his Introduction by saying: “It is a queer fact, which I 

do not know how to explain, that Massachusetts, one of the 

oldest States, and Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United 

States, have been chosen as places of residence by Israelites 

much later than much younger States of the Union.” 

The Conclusion reads: “Not fifty years have passed since 

the very first Jewish settlers arrived in Boston and founded a 

congregation, and now behold the development! Although the 

New-England States have never attracted Israelites as did other 

States, and perhaps never will, we find that the population of 

Hebrews has grown to about eight or ten thousand souls.” 

The author, Solomon Schindler, served as Reform Rabbi of 

Temple Adath Israel. The book was published to benefit the 

Home for the Aged and Infirm Hebrews of Boston. 


40 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Bernstein, Judah David. Kuntres Hilchetha 

Rabtha Le’Shabatha [forbidding transporting objects in Manhattan 

on the Sabbath]. FIRST EDITION. ff. 33, (1). Light stains. Printed wrappers, 

chipped. 8vo. [Goldman, Hebrew Printing in America 1145]. 

New York, M. Rotwein: 1910. $500-700 

A refutation of Joshua Siegel’s Eiruv ve-Hotza’ah (New York, 

1907). 

Bernstein’s Halachic opinion prohibits carrying on the 

Sabbath day in Manhattan. Pointed as problematic in this 

regard, Bernstein notes the many bridges and tunnels running 

to the outer boroughs and to New Jersy. He also discusses 

thoroughfares such as Delancey Street which cut across the 

city and Central Park, where tens of thousands of people 

congregate. Of interest, an appendix contains a responsa 

prohibiting the use of electricity on the Festivals. 

Lot 37 

Lot 39 

13

41 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Rosenfeld, Zechariah Joseph. Zichron Zechariah. FIRST EDITION. pp. 23. Later boards. 8vo. [Goldman, Hebrew Printing in 

America 1161]. 

New York, A.H.Rosenberg: 1916. $300-500 

Discusses the question whether a public desecrator of the Sabbath can be appointed as an agent to deliver a “Get” or bill of divorce. 

This was a critical issue at the time, as desecration of the Sabbath was rampant in America. Rosenfeld especially criticizes those Jews who 

deliberately shave on the Sabbath instead of another day of the week. 

The author served as a Rabbi in St. Louis and authored a number of pamphlets on contemporary Jewish law, the most celebrated being 

“Yosef Tikvah” (St. Louis, 1903) which discusses the permissibility of machine matzah for Passover. Rosenfeld also had a bitter feud with R. 

Shalom Elchanan Jaffe concerning the halachic validity of a Mikveh constructed by Jaffe in St. Louis. 

Lot 42 

42 (ANGLO-AMERICAN JUDAICA). (British Parliamentary Act). Anno Tricesimo Nono 

Georgii III Regis. An Act to amend an Act, made in the Twenty-ninth Year of the Reign of 

King George the Second, intituled, An Act to enable His Majesty to grant Commissions to 

a certain Number of Foreign Protestants, who have served Abroad as Officers or Engineers, 

to act and rank as Officers or Engineers in America only, under certain Restrictions and 

Qualifications. pp. (2), (2 integral blanks). Crisp, clean copy. Disbound. Folio. 

London, George Eyre and Andrew Strahan: 1799. $600-900 

Commissions Offered to “Foreign Protestant” Officers. 

Evidently, a shortage of manpower induced Parliament to offer commissions to 

“Foreign Protestants” serving as officers in the British Army in America. Paragraph III 

states in no uncertain terms: “Provided always, and be it further enacted, that no such 

Foreign Officer shall be enabled by this Act to serve as an Officer in any Place except 

America only...” What resulted, was a double standard, whereby one would enjoy the 

status of a commissioned officer in the far-flung colony of America, while stripped 

of this status in the motherland of England. Dubbed by some as “England’s Foreign 

Legion” (a reference to the French Foreign Legion), the plan was to attract foreign 

fighting men to the ranks of the British Army by providing them with officers who 

could command them in their own tongue: “And whereas such Foreigners cannot be 

so well disciplined, without the Assistance of some Officers who are acquainted with 

their Manners and Language.” 


43 (ANGLO-JUDAICA). Alexander, L[evy]. Alexander’s Hebrew Ritual and Doctrinal Explanation of the Whole Ceremonial Law...of the Jewish 

Community. FIRST EDITION. English interspersed with Hebrew. pp. 309. Lightly browned. Later boards. 4to. [Roth, Magna Bibliotheca p. 333, no. 25]. 

14 

London, By Author: 1819. $500-700 

An introduction to Jewish ritual. 

Levy Alexander (son of Alexander Alexander, translator of the Hebrew liturgy into English) was embroiled at this time in a personal and 

quite public squabble with Haham Raphael Meldola and his Aschkenazi colleague, Chief Rabbi Solomon Hirschell. 

44 (ANGLO-JUDAICA). Bennett, Solomon, The Temple of Ezekiel...A Description...on Scientific Principles Illustrated by a Ground Plan and 

Bird’s-Eye View. With an Appendix...on the Authenticity of the Book of Daniel. FIRST EDITION. With large foldout engraving by the author of the 

Ground Plan of the Temple of Ezekiel. Lacking frontispiece, engraved self-portrait of the author. pp. vii,157, (2). Some staining, tears on foldout 

repaired. Contemporary gilt-tooled calf, repaired along extremities. Large 4to. [Roth, Magna Bibliotheca, p. 333, no. 28; JE, Vol. III, p. 37]. 

London, A.J. Valfy: 1824. $800-1000 

The author, Solomon (Yom Tov) Bennett (1761-1838) was one of the most vigorous and striking personalities of London Jewry. He was 

a multi-faceted individual with many talents: a professional engraver (with membership in the Royal Academy in Berlin) and an author 

of theological, exegetical and polemical works. He was particularly vociferous in his literary attack against the Chief Rabbi, Solomon 

Hirschell. According to Barnett (p. 98), by the time of the publication of the book (1824), Bennett had apparently made peace with 

Hirschell, as the latter is listed as a patron and subscriber to the work. 

Barnett praises this engraving by stating: “This work...was conceived, designed and executed entirely out of his own interpretation of the 

scriptural record and rabbinic commentaries. It is a masterpiece both of imagination and technique, and it is accompanied by a ground 

plan which implies a sound knowledge of architectural draftmanship” (p. 96). 

Cecil Roth’s copy was apparently incomplete, as he lists the pagination as pp. 113, which covers only the first part up to the appendix. For 

more information concerning the author, see A. Barnett, “Solomon Bennet: Artist, Hebraist and Controversialist,” JHSE Transactions, Vol. 

XVII, pp. 91-111. 

The Book of Ezekiel with its vision of the future Temple of Jerusalem invited enterprising artists and architects to harness their skills as 

draftsmen to the task of sketching the Third Temple. One of Bennet’s purposes in publishing this work was to refute the opinion of many 

Christian missionaries who felt that Ezekiel was prophesizing about the Temple of Christ. Bennet comments: “Shall the school boy instruct his 

preceptor or the apprentice teach his master?”(p. 4). When a Christian sarcastically questioned Bennett about the progress of his work, he replied: 

“When there are so many Christian builders of temples in the air, why may not the Israelite be permitted to dream of a material one?” (p. 6).

45 (ANGLO-JUDAICA). Kol Ya’akov / The Voice of Jacob. A Publication of the Anglo-Jewish 

Periodical Press. 

Vol. I (Sept. 1841-Sept. 1842). * Vol. II (Sept. 1842-Sept. 1843). * Vol. III (Sept. 1843-Sept. 

1844). * Vol. IV (Sept. 1844-Sept. 1845). * Vol. V (Sept. 1845-Sept. 1846). English interspersed 

with Hebrew. Boards. Lg. 4to. [Roth, Bibliotheca Anglo-Judaica 95]. 

London, B. Steil. $1000-1500 

First Organ of the Anglo-Jewry. 

English journalist and philanthropist Jacob Abraham Franklin (1809-1877), launched 

his fortnightly newspaper, “The Voice of Jacob,” as an Orthodox response to the Reform 

movement of 1842. The paper was also designed to protest the persecution of Jews on 

the international scene. The periodical lasted a total of six years before merging with 

The Jewish Chronicle. See JE, Vol. V, pp. 496-7. 


46 (ANGLO-JUDAICA). Adler, N. M. Sermon Delivered at the Great Synagogue on the 

Occasion of his Installation...as Chief Rabbi of Great Britain. In German with English 

translation face à face. Hebrew interspersed. ff. 19. pp.20-22. Original wrappers bound into later 

boards. 8vo. 

London, Longman, Brown, Green, et al: 1845. $1000-1500 

Nathan M. Adler (1803-90), a native of Hanover, Germany, succeeded in 1844 the 

deceased Solomon Hirschell as Chief Rabbi of the British Empire, in which capacity 

he served until his death. Chief Rabbi Adler was a unifying factor in the life of Anglo- 

Jewry. 

The translator of this Sermon, Barnard Van Oven, states that the readers of the 

translation will be able “to appreciate the piety, good sense, logical precision and kindly 

feelings of their Reverend Pastor, but no attempt has been made to compete with the 

style of the original which is at once elegant, powerful and persuasive.” 

Lot 45 


47 (ANGLO-JUDAICA). Ayerst, W[illiam]. The Jews of the Nineteenth Century. A Collection 

of Essays, Reviews, and Historical Notices, Originally Published in the “Jewish Intelligence”. 

Frontispiece portrait of the Late Bishop of Jerusalem. English interspersed with Hebrew. 

Bookplate of Neville J. Laski. Smaller bookplate: “Bound at the Operative Jewish Converts’ 

Institution, Palestine Place, Bethnal Green, London.” Pasted-in, letter providing biographical 

information concerning the author Rev. William Ayerst the Elder, Foreign Secretary of the 

London Society for Promoting Christianity Amongst the Jews, and missionary to the Jews 

in Germany and Poland. pp. (8), 431. Trace foxed. Contemporary cloth, spine almost detached. 4to. 

[Roth, Bibliotheca Anglo-Judaica, p. 12, no. 9]. 

London, Alex. Macintosh: 1848. $300-500 

Neville J. Laski’s copy of curious book by English missionary. 

A survey of contemporary Jewish leaders - all from the perspective of a Christian 

missionary. The book is dedicated to Rev. Alexander McCaul, author “Nethivoth Olam,” 

and contains contributions by the apostate Jew, Stanislaus Hoga (pp. 291-2). 

Lot 46 

48 (ANGLO-JUDAICA). Laws of the Congregation of the Great Synagogue, Duke’s Place. pp. 

xx, 72. Some staining, few pages loose. Original red boards, spine chipped. 8vo. 

London, J. Wertheimer: 1863. $600-900 

With a preface giving an Account of the Congregation and listing the present and 

past Officers and Wardens. 


49 (ANGLO-JUDAICA). Alberstadt, Yaaov Tzvi, Divrei Yaavetz. FIRST EDITION. ff. 8. Original 

wrappers bound into modern boards. 8vo. 

Manchester, 1891. $300-400 

The Author laments his expulsion from a comfortable life in Russia to the distress of 

economic uncertainty in England. 

Lot 48 

15

50 (AMSTERDAM). Leon, David de Ishac. Sermaõ da Boa Fama Moralmente Simbolizada. 

Pregado no K.K. de T.T. em quarta feira, em 27 Sivan Anno 5527. Portuguese and Hebrew text. 

pp. 21, (1). Unbound. 4to. [Kayserling, p.57]. 

(Amsterdam, Jansen: 1767). $1200-1800 

De Leon (1740-1826), a native of Bayonne and the son of Maranno parents, was 

appointed Chief Rabbi of the Portuguese community of The Hague in 1786. He was 

an active member of a Society for the “Lovers and Practioners of the Hebrew and 

Dutch Languages.” De Leon delivered the present sermon in the Talmud Torah of 

Amsterdam in 1767. Appended to the sermon is a Hebrew poem composed by Isaac 

Cohen Belinfante in honor of de Leon. Belinfante (d. 1780), a businessman, cultured 

scholar and biblliophile, was “one of the most active members of that illustrious group” 

of Amsterdam Hebraists. See H.G. Enelow, Isaac Belinfante in: Studies in Jewish 

Bibliography and Related Subjects in Memory of Abraham Solomon Freidus, pp. 6-30 

(the above-mentioned poem is listed as no. 36 in Freidus’s bibliography). See also 

Memorbook, p. 427. 


Lot 50 

Lot 51 

51 (AMSTERDAM). Reglement van orde voor het collegie van parnassim der Nederlandsche 

Portugeesche Israëlitische Gemeente te Amsterdam [Bylaws of the collegium of Parnassim of 

the Netherlands Portuguese Israelite Community of Amsterdam]. pp. (4), 59, (1 blank). Several 

leaves, including title expertly laid to size. Browned. Mabled wrappers. Sm. 4to. 

Amsterdam,, S.L. Salzedo,: 1817. $400-600 

These bylaws of the Portuguese community of Amsterdam address administrative 

affairs, financial and otherwise. The “Parnassim” were the elected officials of the 

congregation. On p. 59 we find a listing of their names: Da Costa, Texeira, Pereira, De 

Leon, De Castro. 

[see illustration middle left] 

52 (ANTISEMITICA). Margaritha, Antonio. Der gantze Jüdische Glaube [“The Complete Jewish 

Belief.”] Engraved frontispiece of Jews in traditional dress (Rubens 233). Title in red and black. 

Headpieces and tailpieces, initials. German interspersed with Hebrew. pp. (32), 360, (24). 

Leipzig: Friedrich Lanckischens Erben, 1705. 

* Bound with: Christiani, Friedrich Albrecht. Der Jüden Glaube und Aberglaube [“Jewish 

Belief and Superstition.”] FIRST EDITION. Engraved allegorical frontispiece and 8 engravings 

depicting Jewish dress and ceremonies (Rubens 496-504). Title in red and black. German 

interspersed with Hebrew. Headpiece. Initial. pp. (4), 88, 186, (10). Leipzig: Fried. Lanckischens 

Erben, 1705. 

* Haveman, Michael. Wegeleuchte wieder die jüdisch Finsternissen aus dem festen 

prophetischen Wort, targumischen thalmudischen und rabbinischen Schriften angezündet 

[“Road-light against the Jewish darkness from the solid prophetic word, targumic, talmudic and 

rabbinic writings illuminated”]. pp.(62), 604, (32). [Freimann, p. 411]. Hamburg / Jena: Johan 

Nauman / Johan Nisiu, 1663). 

* Wasmuth, Matthias. Beste Mittel zu Bekehrung der Juden. Das ist: Ein kurtzer und klarer 

Beweiss, aus der Heil. Göttlichen Schrifft des Alten Testaments...Mit einem Anhange aus des 

seel. Herrn Havemanns so genandten Wege-Leuchte, dass noch eine grosse Bekehrung der 

Juden zur letzten Zeit verheissen sey, und noch geschehen werde vor dem Ende der Welt [“Best 

way to convert the Jews. i.e. a short and clear proof from the Old Testament...With an appendix 

to Herr Havemann’s so-called Road-light.”] German interspersed with Hebrew. Engraved 

frontispiece of Jews visibly converted to Christianity. pp. 144. [Freimann, p. 427]. Frankfurt and 

Leipzig: Hieronymus Friedrich Hoffman, 1694. 

Together, four works bound in one volume. Lightly browned throughout. Contemporary vellum, 

rubbed. 8vo. 

$1000-1500 


53 (ANTISEMITICA). Fuchs, Eduard. Die Juden in der Karikatur. Profusely illustrated in color 

and black-and-white. A Mint Copy. Original cloth with color pictorial label on upper cover. 4to. 

Munich, 1921. $50-70 

Lot 52 

16

54 (ANTISEMITICA). Politischer Bilderbogen. 

Eight issues from a series of German caricaturist 

pamplets. Numbers 2-8 and 25. Each number was 

issued as a booklet that opens to present a tableau 

19 1/2 x 25 inches. The earlier numbers are tinted 

(No. 2 green; No. 3 salmon pink; No. 4 sepia; No. 5 

yellow; No. 6, tan). The later numbers (7, 8, 25) are 

black and white. Original self-wrappers. 

Dresden, Glöss: 1892-93 and 1898. $3000-5000 

Politische Bilderbogen was an anti-Semitic 

caricature series which appeared in Dresden 

between 1892 and 1901 in 33 issues. Jews are 

portrayed in a most pernicious manner as a 

blight overruning German society. Although 

penned anonymously, it is reasonable to 

assume the author was the poet Max Bewer. 

See Eduard Fuchs, Die Juden in der 

Karikatur (1921), pl. 2, 210, 211 and 

discussion on p. 240. 


Lot 54 

55 (ANTISEMITICA). (Ford, Henry, Ed.) Vol. I: The International Jew: The World’s Foremost 

Problem. * Vol. II: Jewish Activities in the United States. * Vol. III: Jewish Influences in 

American Life. * Vol. IV: Aspects of Jewish Power in the United States. Complete in four 

volumes. Original printed wrappers, slight wear at lower edge of spine. 4to. 

Dearborn, Michigan, Dearborn Publishing Co: 1920-22. $400-600 

Selected anti-Jewish articles reprinted from The Dearborn Independent, the weekly 

newspaper owned by automobile magnate, Henry Ford. 

Following the turn toward isolationism in America and the Red Scare of 1919-21, a wave 

of antisemitism bore serious consequences for American Jewry. This nativist nationalism 

had a vigorous proponent in Henry Ford, who launched his own personal antisemitic 

propaganda campaign which was without precedent in corporate America. 

56 (ANTISEMITICA). Die Juden in USA. Edited by Dr. Hans Diebow. More than 100 

photographic illustrations. pp. 64. Lightly browned, stamp on title. Original pictorial wrappers, light 

wear. 8vo. 

Berlin, for the NSDAP: 1941. $300-500 


57 AQUIN, PHILIPPE D’. Lechu Chazu Miph’aloth Hashem / Explications literales, allegoriques 

et morales, du Tabernacle [Literal, allegoric and moral explications of the Tabernacle]. 

Second edition. Three parts. Divisional title for Third Part. Title in French and Hebrew. Text 

in French interspersed with Hebrew. Headpiece, historiated initial. Scattered English and 

French marginalia in light pencil. pp.(16),132; (4), 101, (1). Waterstained. Contemporary vellum, 

buckled. 

Lot 57 

Paris, Jean Laguehay: 1624. $500-700 

Hebraist Philippe d’Aquin (c. 1578-1650) was born a Jew in Carpentras. Upon his 

conversion to Catholicism, he changed his name from Mordechai to Philippe d’Aquin, 

after the place of his conversion, Aquino. D’Aquino produced several French, Italian 

and Latin translations of Hebrew classics and in 1610, KIng Louis XIII appointed him 

Professor of Hebrew. See JE, Vol. II, p. 38. 


58 (ASIA). Mendelssohn, Sidney. The Jews of Asia, Especially in the Sixteenth and Seventeeth 

Centuries. FIRST EDITION. Frontispiece portrait of the author. pp. xiii, 242. Marginal wear and 

slight tears on a few pages. Original boards. 8vo. 

London / New York, n.p.: 1920. $150-200 

Lot 56 

17

59 (AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN EMPIRE). S. von Vereby. Ueber die Juden und ihre Tausendjährigen 

Leiden [“Jews and Their Thousand-Year Suffering]. FIRST EDITION. pp. (8), 4, 51, (1). Boards. 4to. 

[Freimann, p. 191]. 

Vienna, M. Auer: 1859. $300-500 

The author, a native of Pest, Hungary, argues for the Emancipation of the Jews in the 

Austro-Hungarian Empire. 

Despite a modicum of liberalization brought about by the Revolution of 1848, the clergy 

fought to maintain the Roman Catholic character of the nation and in 1851 the Government 

repealed the Constitution. The 1850’s saw the passing of several draconian laws aimed at 

preventing Jews from entering Austrian mainstream society. It was the defeat of Austria in the 

Italian war of 1859 that reversed this trend, promising new liberal legislation concerning Jewish 

affairs. Legislation passed on February 18th, 1860, gave the Jews of most Austrian provinces full 

right to own property. See JE, Vol. II, pp. 333-4. 


Lot 59 

60 (BAGHDAD). Seder Tikun Chatzoth u-Selichoth [post-midnight lament and penitential devotions]. 

Arranged according to the rite of the Ar”i za”l. PRINTED ENTIRELY IN RED. ff. 31. Contemporary boards, 

rubbed. 8vo. [Yaari, Baghdad 198 (noting the Sassoon copy only)]. 

Baghdad, Ezra Dangoor: 1912. $500-700 

Rare. The Sassoon copy listed by Yaari does not mention that the entire book was printed in 

red ink. 


61 BENAMOZEGH, ELIJAH. Ya’aneh Ba’Esh [responsum forbidding cremation of the dead]. Second 

edition. Title in typographic border. Hebrew with smattering of Italian. pp. (2), 27. Browned and brittle. 

Original colored wrappers bound into later boards. 8vo. [Friedberg, Y-817]. 

Livorno, Elijah Benamozegh and Sons: 1906. $120-180 

Elijah Benamozegh (1822-1900), Rabbi of Livorno was an interesting mix of the old and 

the new. In this responsum, besides marshalling the traditional sources such as Talmud 

and Maimonides’s Code, the author has opportunity to discuss the contemporary scientific 

theories concerning matter, planetary satellites and the Ether. See EJ, Vol. IV, cols. 462-3. 

Lot 60 

62 (BIBLE. Hebrew. LATER PROPHETS). With the commentary of David Ben Joseph Kimchi. FIRST 

EDITION with David ben Joseph Kimchi. FIRST SEPARATE EDITION of Latter Prophets. The Zagajski Copy 

with his book-plate on front paste-down. Also Signature Of Moses Gaster On Opening Blank and 

his notes. ff. 190 (of 294), lacking ff.171-5,179,181-2,191-294. Most leaves silked, stained in places, scattered 

marginal worming in places. Recent quarter-morocco over wooden boards, corner bosses, clasps and hinges, one 

lacking. Sm. folio. [Vinograd, Soncino 13; Offenberg 

29; Goff Heb-24; Freimann-Marx, Thesaurus A-39]. 

Soncino, Joshua Solomon Soncino: 1486. 

$5000-7000 

Printed just before the Soncino Family’s 

flight to Casal Maggiore, the present Later 

Prophets with the commentary of David 

Kimchi (RaDa”K), completed the House 

of Soncino’s first Biblical text. Just as the 

printer Joshua Soncino stemmed from 

a distinguished family of printers, so the 

exegete came from a distinguished family of 

Bible commentators. See: M. Waxman, Vol. I, 

pp. 199-200; Amram, pp. 60-61. 

Provenance: Parke-Bernet Galleries, 

Important Hebrew Books, Incunabula & 

Illuminated and Other Manuscripts from the 

Collection of the Late Michael Zagajski, Part 

Two, New York, 12th and 13th May 1970, Lot 3. 


18 

Lot 62

Lot 63 

63 (BIBLE. Hebrew. LATER PROPHETS). With the commentary of David Ben Joseph Kimchi (RaDa”K). Title within distinctive Renaissance 

ornament: four piece white-on-black woodcut border. Letters of initial words within white-on-black decorative vignettes. ff. (242). Several leaves 

laid to size. f.5 repaired with loss of a few words of text. Some small portions censored. Generally, a clean copy with spacious margins. Modern vellum binding. 

Folio. [Vinograd, Pesaro 11; Adams B-1280]. 

Pesaro, Sons of Gershom Soncino: 1515-16. $15,000-20,000 

Complete Copy of Rare Pesaro Imprint of R. David Kimchi’s Commentary. 

No doubt the leading exegete of the prodigious Kimchi Family, David Kimchi wrote on all the Prophetic Books as well as Psalms, 

Chronicles and Genesis. His method follows that of the “peshat” (the simple sense), yet often utilizes “derash” (homiletics), employing 

aggadic interpretations. As an adherent of Maimonides’ philosophical views, David Kimchi occasionally introduces rationalist notions into 

his commentaries. See M. Waxman, A History of Jewish Literature, Vol. I, pp. 199-200. 

According to the renowned bookseller Rabbi David Frankel, most Pesaro Hebrew imprints are even scarcer than incunabula. 


19

Lot 64 

64 (BIBLE. Hebrew). Complete. Bound in seventeen volumes. Printer’s device on all titles, with Nikud (vowelpoints), 

initial words within engraved cartouche. 

Uniform 17th-century gilt-tooled maroon calf. Spine in compartments tooled with gilt lettering. Marbled endpapers. 

Tom I: Genesis; Tom II: Exodus; Tom III: Leviticus; Tom IV: Numbers; Tom V: Deuteronomy; Tom VI: Joshua/Judges; 

Tom VII: Samuel; Tom VIII: Kings; Tom IX: Chronicles; Tom X: Daniel/Ezra/Nehemia; Tom XI: Proverbs/Job; Tom XII: 

Psalms; Tom XIII: Five Megilloth; Tom XIV: Isaiah; Tom XV: Jeremiah; Tom XVI: Ezekiel; Tom XVII: Minor Prophets. 

Books of Psalms and Five Megilloth ruled in red. Last leaf in Psalms, noted in Adams as blank, here contains 

a colophon. Occasional manuscript notes marking chapter and verse numbers in many of the volumes. Latin 

notes to Isaiah, one leaf loose. 16mo. [Darlow & Moule (noted only, not listed) below no. 5089; Adams B-1224; 

Vinograd, Paris 18]. 

Paris, Robert Estienne the Elder: 1543-46. $15,000-20,000 

A splendid, beautifully bound set. 

“A typographical jewel.” F. Schreiber, The Estiennes, An Annotated Catalogue (1982) no.82. 


20

Lot 65 

65 (BIBLE. Hebrew, PENTATEUCH, HAPHTAROTH AND FIVE SCROLLS). Chamishah Chumshei Torah. With Targum Onkeles and 

commentaries by Rashi, Ramba”n and FIRST EDITION of the super-commentary on Ramba”n by Isaac Aboab (with the text). Title within 

woodcut architectural arch. Haphtaroth according to the Sephardic and Aschkenazic rite with Divisional title. Marginal notes in Hebrew and 

Latin. A wide-margined copy. ff. 371( i.e. 382), 26. Variously stained in places, previous owners’ signatures. Modern full calf. Folio. [Vinograd, Venice 336; 

Habermann, Bomberg 211; Darlow & Moule (noted not listed) following no.5093; Adams B-1268]. 

Venice, Daniel Bomberg: 1548. $8000-10,000 

The popularity of Nachmanides’’ commentary is evident from its many publications both separately and as part of the Mikra’oth 

Gedoloth. Already in the 15th-century, scholars saw the need for such a super-commentary, hence R. Isaac Aboab (1433-1493) composed 

one of the most important of these exegetical works. It was first published independently in Constantinople, 1525, yet there seems to 

have been a demand for it to be published together with the text of the Pentateuch and the Ramba”n itself, so that both commentaries 

would be more intelligible and immediately accessible. The present volume constitutes the first publication of the text of both 

commentaries side by side. See A. Marx, Studies in Jewish History and Booklore, pp.88-89, 431-2. 

[see illustration ABOVE] 

21

66 (BIBLE. Hebrew). Complete. Bound in eleven volumes. Printer’s device on all titles, initial words 

within engraved cartouche. Modern calf, non-uniform. 16mo. [Vinograd, Paris 18]. 

Paris, Robert Estienne the Elder: 1543-46. $5000-7000 


67 (BIBLE. Hebrew). Complete. Four parts bound in eight volumes. Divisional title pages at start of 

Pentateuch, Former Prophets, Later Prophets and Writings. Psalms and Proverbs with separate 

divisional title. ff. 411 (i.e. 511), (1); (64), (1); (447); (479) of 480, lacking final blank; (514), 2 blank 

leaves at end of Psalms bound at end of Writings. All complete (collates as the Cambridge copy). Lightly stained 

in places. Modern calf , housed in matching calf box. 16mo. [Vinograd, Antwerp 5; Mehlman 28; not in 

Darlow & Moule; Adams B-1229]. 

Antwerp, Christopher Plantin: 1566. $5000-7000 

Although the Book of Psalms is included in the table of contents listed on the title-page of 

the volume of Kethuvim, in this copy it appears with its own title page and is bound separately. 


Lot 66 

Lot 67 

68 (BIBLE. THE LONDON POLYGLOT). Walton, Brian, Ed. Old and New Testament and Apocrypha. 

Text in nine languages: Hebrew, Samaritan, Aramaic (Targum Onkelos), Greek, Latin, Syriac, 

Ethiopic, Arabic, and Persian (Farsi). Six volumes. Frontispiece engraving of Walton by Pierre 

Lombart. Engraved title, maps and plates by Wenceslaus Hollar. Title within architectural columns, 

between which stand Moses (left) and Aaron (right), while pedestals bear vignettes of Adam and Eve 

in Paradise (left) and Noah’s Ark (right). Engravings include the Temple in Jerusalem (both exterior 

and interior), the sacred vessels, and a relief map of ancient Jerusalem. All Hebrew texts provided with 

nikud (vowel points). Printed in a variety of exotic types. 

Vol. I (Pentateuch): pp. (22), 53, 38, (3), 102 [i.e. 106], (2), 865. 

Vol. II (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther): pp. 889 

(lacking pp.1-4); (1), 29, (1). 

Vol. III (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Twelve 

Minor Prophets): pp. 447, (1), 389, (1), 227, (1), 149, (1). 

Vol. IV: (Apocrypha) pp. 87 (lacking pp.1-4); (5), 128, 23, (1), 20, 159, (1); (Targum Jonathan 

ben Uziel and Targum Yerushalmi, and Persian - to Pentateuch) pp. 390. 

Vol. V (New Testament): pp. 983, (1). 

Vol. VI (Appendix - contains critical essays, tables, variant readings, annotations and indices): pp. 

(2), 72, 56, 98 (i.e. 68), 80, 196, 140, 24, 58, 36, 36, 96 (i.e. 74), (2). 

Ruled in red throughout. Paper repaired in places. Few light stains, occassional worming. Uniform modern 

calf. Lg. folio. [Darlow and Moule 5130 and 1446; Vinograd, London 7; Berkowitz, In Remembrance 

of Creation 182; Laor, Maps of the Holy Land 339]. 

London, Thomas Roycroft: 1655-1657. $5000-7000 

“The fourth and the last of the great Polyglots; known as the London, or Walton’s Polyglot. 

The most accurate and best-equipped of the great Polyglots.” Darlow & Moule 1446. 

The original (“republican”) version was printed with a lengthy preface in Volume I 

discussing Oliver Cromwell’s role in the duty-free importation of paper for this edition. After 

the Restoration, copies not yet sold were given the “loyalist” preface, which omitted mention of 

Cromwell’s help in the production of the book. 

The map of the Land of Israel, entitled “Chorographica Terrae Sanctae Descriptio,” 

occurs in Vol. I after p. 53. The map orients to the East, with Lebanon at the far left, and 

what is presently referred to as the Negev Desert at the far right, while the Mediterranean 

Sea takes the foreground. Size: 8 1/2 x 19 inches. Above the large map are three 

cartouches of Old Syria, the Israelite Encampment in the Desert and the Wanderings of 

the Israelites in the Desert. 


69 (BIBLE. Hebrew, Greek and Latin). Mikra-Biblia Hebraica / Novum Testamentum Graecum. 

Edited by Benedictus Aria Montanus. Two volumes bound in one. Hebrew text of the Old 

Testament and Greek text of the New Testament, each with an interlinear Latin translation 

by Pagnini.Two title pages, each with printer’s device. OT: pp. (26), 2 (blank), 184; 283, 1(blank); 

84; 203, 1 (blank). NT: pp. (8), 271, 1 (blank), (38), 2 (blank), 167, 1(blank). Occasional waterstains. 

Contemporary vellum, starting. Folio. [Darlow & Moule 5117 and 4667]. 

Geneva, Capa Elon (i.e. Pierre de la Rouvière): 1618-19. $400-600 

Lot 68 

22

Lot 70 

70 (BIBLE. POLYGLOT). Biblia Sacra. Genesis-Ruth (All published). Title within woodcut border; vignettes of Biblical scenes including the 

Tree of Knowledge, Noah’s Ark, and the Binding of Isaac. Separate titles for each Book of Bible. Texts arranged in six columns across two 

pages: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin, German, French. Vol. I (Genesis-Leviticus): pp. (16), 287, 239, 409. Vol. II (Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, 

Judges, Ruth): pp. 412-851, 319. Foxed and browned in places, few neat marginal repairs. Modern elegantly tooled calf. Thick folio. [Darlow and Moule 1426; 

David S. Berkowitz, In Remembrance of Creation, pp. 179-80]. 

Nürnberg, for Elias Hutter: 1599. $7000-9000 

HUTTER’S HEXAGLOT OLD TESTAMENT. UNCOMMON TO APPEAR AT AUCTION. 

The Hebrew text employs Hutter’s unique method of combining solid and holow types to help the student identify roots of words. Root 

letters that are not evident (chaserim) are displayed as superscript above the word. 

In the words of David S. Berkowitz, “The parade of linguistic learning is short of stupefying” (Remembrance of Creation, p. 104) 

Hutter produced four issues of his polyglot, with the sixth language differing - (Sloven, Italian, Low German, and French) - depending 

on the intended audience. The present copy is the French version. 


23

71 (BIBLE. Hebrew. PENTATEUCH). Tikun 

Sopherim - Quinque Libri Mosis. Five parts bound in 

one volume. engraved rococo title-page by Bernard 

Picart. Opening title with putti supporting an open 

Torah Scroll and coronet above, with vignettes below 

depicting Biblical episodes from the lives of Samuel, 

Moses and David. Letterpress title in Spanish and 

Hebrew. Without Haphtaroth. 

Attractive contemporary red morocco, gilt extra, 

spine in compartments. ff. (6), 327. 8vo. [Vinograd, 

Amsterdam 1292; Kayserling 80-1; not in Darlow & Moule]. 

Amsterdam, for Samuel Rodrigues Mendes, et al: 1726. 

$1000-1500 


72 (BIBLE. Polyglot. PSALMS). Psalterium 

Harmonicum. Prepared by Elias Hutter. pp. 863. 

Browned in places, light stamp on title. Modern chestnut 

calf with maroon spine label. Thick 8vo. [Darlow & Moule 

1433; Mehlman 1902]. 

Lot 71 

Nürnberg, For Elias Hutter: 1602. $1000-1500 

Text in five columns extending on opposite pages. On the verso pages, centre: 

Hebrew, to its left a transliteration in Latin characters, to its right: the Greek. 

On the recto pages, centre: German, to its left: Latin. A sixth column to its right, 

remained blank. 


73 (BIBLIOGRAPHY). Auction Catalogues: Group of c.75 Judaica and Hebrew Book 

catalogues. Including Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Swann, Bloomsbury Book Auctions, etc. 

Original wrappers. Few duplicates. Many catalogues with prices realized. v.s. 

v.p., 1980’s-2000’s. $500-700 

74 (BIBLIOGRAPHY). Complete run of Judaica Auction-Catalogues issued by 

Kestenbaum & Company. Sale numbers 1 - 40. Together, 40 catalogues. 

New York, 1996-2008. $300-500 

Including the important libraries of The London Beth Din, Jews College, 

Karp, Wineman, Schocken, etc. 

Lot 72 

75 (BIBLIOGRAPHY). Valmadonna Trust. Collection of publications: 

Two Prague Haggadahs. Facsimile of the 1556 Edition and the 1590-1606? Edition. 

One of 500 Numbered Copies. Verona, Stamperia Valdonega, 1978. * Grace After 

Meals. Facsimile of the 1514 Prague Edition. One of 500 Numbered Copies. Verona, 

Stamperia Valdonega, 1984. * The Pesahim Codex. The Facsimile of the ca.1447-1452 

Provence (?) Manuscript. One of 500 Numbered Copies. Verona, Stamperia Valdonega, 

1984. * The Only Dated Medieval Hebrew Manuscript Written in England (1189 CE). 

One of 500 Numbered Copies. Oxford, The University Press, 1985. * Seder Keriat 

Shema al Hamitah. Matteo Zanetti and Comino Presigno. One of 250 Numbered 

Copies. Verona, Stamperia Valdonega, 1986. * Hebraica. Manuscripts and Early Printed 

Books from the Library of the Valmadonna Trust: An Exhibition at the Pierpont Morgan 

Library, New York. One of 500 Numbered Copies. Oxford, The University Press, 1989. * 

The Alphabet of Ben Sira. Facsimile of the 1519 Edition. One of 500 Numbered Copies. 

Verona, Stamperia Valdonega, 1997. * The Hebrew Manuscripts in the Valmadonna 

Trust Library. One of 300 Numbered Copies. Jerusalem, 1998. * Birkat Ha-Mazon 

(Grace After Meals) Northern Italy Ca. 1476. Facsimile of a Hebrew Unicum Preserved 

in the Palatine Library, Parma. Verona, Stamperia Valdonega, 2004. Together nine 

volumes. ALL MINT CONDITION. All bound in original characteristically distinctive grey boards with 

slip-cases (as issued). Sm. Folio and smaller. 

V.p, v.d. $1500-2000 

A complete set of learned texts issued by the distinguished and venerable 

Library of the Valmadonna Trust, London. 

24

Lot 76 

76 (BINDING). Sepher Tehillim [Psalms]. Hebrew with nikud (vowel 

points). Engraved frontispiece of King David with harp. Wide margins. 

Contemporary ornate silver brocade against amarillo background, 

motifs include butterflies and floral patterns, spine similarly brocade. 

Metallic clasps. Gauffered edges. Floral endpapers. ff. (1), 134. Trace 

foxed, ff.1-12 detached. Tall 12mo. [Vinograd, Venice 1895]. 

Venice, Meir da Zara: 1753. $4000-6000 

Exquisitely bound Hebrew Psalter. 

It is exceedingly rare to find an antique Hebrew book upon 

which has been lavished such an ornate binding. 


25

Lot 77 

77 (BINDING). Biblia Hebraica. Prepared by E. van der Hooght. Delightful Fore-edge Painting of a gentle 

pastoral scene, portraying fishing alongside a pond with a windmill in the background. pp.1020. Original 

deep maroon straight-grain morocco, with central silver clasp, a.e.g. With fitted box inlaid with velvet. 4to. [Darlow and 

Moule 5193]. 

Leipzig, Carol Tauchnit: 1838. $8000-10,000 

Hebrew Books with Painted Fore Edges are Exceptionally Uncommon. 

A fore-edge painting is a scene painted on the fore-edge of a book, either with the edge solid so that 

the resultant painting is visible with the book closed, or, in the more accepted use of the term, only 

visible when the edges are fanned out. When accomplished by this method, the edges are also gilded 

or marbled, so that the closed book shows no trace whatsoever of the painting. 

The art of painting landscapes on fore-edges was pioneered by the Englishman, William Edwards 

of Halifax sometime around 1750. Subjects portrayed often included pastoral settings or scenes based 

upon the content of the book decorated. 


26

78 (BINDING). Machzor le-Shalosh Regalim. Sephardic rite. According to the custom of 

Constantinople. PRINTED ON BLUE PAPER. Gilt-tooled calf with morocco inlay, gilt extra. ff. (2), 

224. Rubbed at edges. 8vo. [Vinograd, Venice 2058]. 


Venice, Bragadin: 1792. $1500-2000 

79 BODENSCHATZ, Johann Christoph Georg. Aufrichtig teutsch redender Hebräer, welcher 

gründlich zeiget den Ursprung und die Schicksaale des jüdischen Volcks, wie auch 

deroselben Kirchenweesen, Gottesdienst, Glauben=Articuln [“Faithful rendition of the 

Hebrews, which presents thoroughly the origin and destiny of the Jewish People, also 

worship, articles of faith of same.”] FIRST EDITION. Four parts in one. Title in red and black. 

Elegant engraved frontispiece of Moses and Rabbi in library setting, plus 28 engraved plates 

of contemporary Jewish life-style. Text in German interspersed with Hebrew. Pt. I: pp. (8), 

206, (2). Pt. II: 386 (pp. 7-8 out of sequence; lacking pp. 329-330). Pt. III: pp. 256. Pt. IV: pp. 270, 

(34). Light waterstains, including title. Portions foxed. Calf, bumped. Thick 4to. [Freimann, p. 147; 

Rubens 589-617 (our copy lacks Rubens 606 [“Childbirth”], but has additional plate lacking in Rubens, 

bet. Rubens pls. 614-615: text of “get,” Jewish bill of divorce [Pt. IV, bet. pp. 148-9])]. 

Frankfurt & Leipzig, Martin Göbhardt Buchhändler von Bamberg: 1756. $1500-2000 

In 1756, Bodenschatz reissued his better known Kirchliche Verfassung der heutigen 

Juden (The Religious Condition of Contemporary Jews) (Frankfurt and Leipzig, 

1748-9) as Aufrichtig teutsch redender Hebräer. See E. Carlebach, Divided Souls 

(2001), p. 291. 


Lot 78 

80 (BRESLAU, ARYEH LEIB). Asher Ben Yechiel (RO”Sh). Pi Shnayim [commentary to Seder 

Zeraim]. With additional material by the editor Elisha ben Abraham of Horodna. FIRST 

EDITION. PRESENTATION COPY from R. Aryeh Leib Breslau as a wedding gift to Isaac ben Chaim 

Hakohen of Amsterdam dated 1784. N.H. Van Biema plate. ff. (10), 8, (4), 9-12, 76, 101-108. 

Light bowning. Contemporary half calf, rubbed. 4to. [Vinograd, Altona 21]. 

Altona, A. Katz: 1735. $3000-5000 

R. Aryeh Leib Breslau (1741-1809) served first as Rabbi of Emden, Holland and later 

of Rotterdam (from 1781). See portrait in M.H. Gans, Memorbook (1971), p. 230. 

See also Lot 6. 


81 BUXTORF, JOHANNES. Lexicon Hebraicum et Chaldaicum. Divisional title after p. 870, 

Lexicon Breve Rabbinico-Phillosophicum. pp. 976, ff. 36. Previous owners’ signatures on title, 

front and back flyleaves. Modern boards. 8vo. [Prijs 246]. 

Basle, Ludwig Konigs: 1645. $200-300 

Johannes Buxtorf I (or the Elder) (1564-1629) served as Professor of Hebrew at the 

University of Basle. According to Moritz Kayserling, he was the “principal founder of 

Rabbinical study among Christian scholars” (JE, vol. 3, p. 444). His Lexicon served 

generations of Christian scholars as a guide to their studies in Talmud and Rabbinics. 

Lot 79 

Lot 80 

27

82 CALEPINUS, JACOBI FACCIOLATI. Septem Linguarum, Hoc est 

Lexicon Latinum [Latin Lexicon]. Two volumes. Printed in double 

columns. Headpieces, tailpieces, historiated initials. Vol. I (A-L): pp. 10, 446. 

* Vol. II (M-Z): pp. 458, 22, 80. Wormed. Mottled calf gilt extra, rubbed. Foilo. 

Venice, Johann Gatti: 1778. $300-500 

Each Latin term is translated into Italian, Hebrew, German, 

French, Spanish and Greek. In addition, literary examples are 

provided from the works of classic Latin authors such as Cicero, 

Pliny, et al. 


83 (CEREMONIES). Tyrnau, Isaac. Minhagim. According to Polish, 

Lithuanian, Bohemian, Moravian and German rite. Title within 

architectural arch. ff. (16). Previous owners’ signatures on title and inside front 

cover, including Yaakov Oppenheim of Trier. Some staining, edges of few leaves 

slightly frayed. Contemporary limp boards. 4to. [Vinograd, Amsterdam 856; Fuks, 

Amsterdam 594]. 

Amsterdam, Moses Coitinho: 1708. $800-1000 

A classic work on Aschkenazic customs. The Minhagim are 

mostly based upon the principles established by Abraham Klausner. 

His disciple, Isaac Tyrnau, states his purpose here is to clarify 

misconceptions pertaining to prevailing customs. 


Lot 82 

84 (CHASSIDISM). ISRAEL BEN SHABTHAI OF KOZHNITZ. Or Yisrael 

[expository notes to the mystical “Tikunei ha-Zohar’]. Czernowitz: J. 

Eckhardt, 1862. [Vinograd, Czernowitz 201]. FIRST EDITION. ff. 2, (lacking 

second title page), 57. 

* Bound with: BERDUGO, RAPHAEL. Mei Menuchoth [sermons]. 

Jerusalem: Y. Levy, 1905. Two works bound in one volume. Some staining, title 

and some leaves marginally frayed affecting a few words of text. Later boards. 4to. 

$500-700 

28 

Lot 83 

85 (CHASSIDISM). MALISOV, HILLEL HALEVI, OF PARITCH. Likutei 

Bi’urim. Three writings of R. Dov Baer of Lubavitch (“Mitteler Rebbe”) 

with commentaries by his disciple R. Hillel: 

Kuntress ha-Hithpa’aluth [Tract on Ecstasy]. * Sha’ar ha-Yichud [Gate 

of Unity]. * Introduction to Derech Chaim [Way of Life]. (Warsaw: 

Nathan Schriftgisser, 1868). ff. (1), 67; 52 (lacking ff. 29-32). FIRST EDITION. 

[Friedberg L-568; A.M. Haberman, “Sha’arei Chabad,” Alei Ayin: Salman 

Schocken Jubilee Volume (1952), 91]. 

* Bound with: Epstein, Yitzchak Eizik Halevi, of Homel. Ma’amar 

ha-Shiphluth ve-ha-Simcha [Essay on Lowliness and Happiness] (n.p., 

1866). ff. 45, 42, 88-90. FIRST EDITION. Title within typographic border. 

[Haberman, “Sha’arei Chabad,” 114]. 

* Twersky, Mordechai, of Chernobyl. Likutei Torah. (Tchernowitz, 

1860). FIRST EDITION. ff. (1), 63, (1). Lacking title page. ff.35-36 repeated 

twice. Stamps of former owner, “Shochet u-bodek, David Bachrach.” 

Contemporary cloth, soiled. 4to. 

$600-900 

There is perhaps a certain justice in the work of R. Hillel of 

Paritch (1795-1864) being bound together with that of R. 

Mordechai of Chernobyl. Before he become an adherent of R. Dov 

Baer of Lubavitch, R. Hillel was in fact a follower of R. Mordechai 

of Chernobyl. The journalist Hillel Zeitlin wrote that Ma’amar 

ha-Shiphluth ve-ha-Simcha by R. Eizik of Homel (1770-1857) is one 

of the most profound expositions of all Chabad literature. Apart 

from the Rebbes themselves, the two contemporaries, R. Hillel 

and R. Eizik, are regarded as the most authoritative interpreters of 

Chabad philosophy.

86 (CHASSIDISM). TWERSKY, DAVID OF TALNA. Magen David 

[Chassidic discourses]. FIRST EDITION. Two title pages, one in red. ff. 

120. Slight staining. Modern morocco. 4to. [Vinograd, Zhitomir 102; T. Z. 

Rabinowicz, The Encyclopedia of Hasidism, p. 502-03]. 

Zhitomir, Chanina Lipa and Joshua Heschel Shapira: 1852. 

$1000-1200 

The reknowned Chassidic leader known affectionately as 

R. Dovid’l of Talna was a son of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl. 

Similar to R. Israel of Ruzhin, R. Dovid’l lived in splendor in a 

palatial residence. According to Rabinowicz, “he even owned 

a golden throne, inscribed with the words David Melech 

Yisrael Chai Vekayam.” His great-great grandson, was the late 

Isadore Twersky, Chairman of Judaic Studies at Harvard and 

son-in-law of Rabbi J. B. Soloveitchik of Boston. 


87 (CHASSIDISM). EICHENSTEIN, YEHUDAH TZVI OF ROZDAL. 

Amud ha-Torah [Chassidic discourses]. FIRST EDITION. ff. (1), 93 (i.e. 

91, mispaginated as in all copies). With signatures and stamps of previous 

owner “Meir Meshulam Shapiro of Lantzhut.” Contemporary half-calf, 

rubbed and chipped. 4to. 

Lemberg, M. F. Poremba: 1853. $800-1000 

The Author (1791-1847), was the son of R. Moshe 

Eichenstein of Sambor and son-in-law of R. Tzvi Hirsch 

Eichenstein of Zydachov. He was considered the foremost 

exponent and kabbalistic expositor of the Zydachov dynasty. 

Amud ha-Torah was published posthumously by his wife 

and his son-in-law R. Yecheskel Shraga Halberstam (later 

known as the Shinaver Rav), who inherited his father-in-law’s 

position in Rozdal. Contains an important approbation by R. 

Chaim Halberstam of Sanz extolling its “wondrous kabbalistic 

virtues.” Uncommonly, the final leaf contains an afterword 

signed by the Author’s widow, Sarah. See Z. Rabinowicz, The 

Encyclopedia of Hasidism (1996), pp.107-8. 

Lot 86 

88 (CHASSIDISM). [KEIDANER, YAAKOV]. Matzreph HaAvodah. 

Appended: Letter attributed to Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. 

FIRST EDITION. ff. 38, 2. Some staining and browning. Uncut, title loose, 

unbound. 8vo. [Vinograd, Koenigsberg 180; Ch. Liberman, Ohel Rachel 

III, p. 17; N. Lamm, Torah Lishmah (1972), pp.208-212; Y. Mundshein, 

“The Books Matzref ha-Avodah and Vikucha Rabah,” Alei Sefer, Vol. V. 

pp. 165-75]. 

Koenigsberg, Gruber & Langrean: 1858. $800-1000 

A polemic debate between a Chassid and a Misnaged 

concerning Chassidic ideology. 

This work and the identification of its anonymous 

author has engendered much confusion among scholars 

(Dubnow, Zinberg, Deinard, Friedberg and Norman 

Lamm). It is Mundshein who has correctly identified him 

as Yaakov Keidaner, a Chabad Chassid and author of other 

works, including Sipurim Niphla’im. Although the topics 

of discussion in this debate are certainly relevant to the 

ideological differences between Chassidim and Misnagdim, 

certain historical facts and chronology are unreliable and the 

protagonists are clearly imaginary. 


Lot 88 

29

89 CHEMDATH YAMIM. [Kabbalistic homilies through the year]. Anonymous (Attributed 

to Nathan of Gaza). Four volumes. Titles in red and black within typographic and textual 

borders. Opening blank of Vol. I, signature of former owner Eliyahu bar Abraham Ben 

Amozeg (see below). Bookplate of Sydney Humphries. ff.109; 128,(1); 96 (i.e. 97); 103. 

Ex-library. Wide margins. Waterstained. Marbled endpapers. Contemporary uniform tree calf, gilt, 

corners bumped, rebacked. 4to. [Vinograd, Venice 1963]. 

Venice, n.p.: 1763. $600-900 

R. Elijah Benamozegh Copy. 

Though suspected of Sabbatian leanings, Chemdath HaYamim soon became a favorite 

within the Sephardic literary world and no warnings of R. Jacob Emden could wean 

Sephardic Jewry away from this literary masterpiece. Chemdath Yamim first appeared 

in Izmir in 1732 and then Constantinople in 1735. The present third edition is the most 

sumptuous. See I. Zinberg, A History of Jewish Literature, Vol.V (1974), pp. 151-160. 

R. Elijah Benamozegh (1822-1900), Rabbi of Livorno, achieved in his writings a 

unique synthesis of the old and the new, combining at once the latest findings of modern 

scholarship with a deep devotion to the perennial wisdom of the Kabbalah, however this 

blend put him at loggerheads with his contemporary Samuel David Luzzatto (ShaDa”L), 

whose rationalism impugned the validity of Kabbalah. See EJ, Vol. IV, cols. 462-63. 

Lot 91 

90 (CHILDREN’S LITERATURE). Krepliak, Jacob. Schvartz un Veis [“Black and White”]. 

Yiddish text. Illustrated by Leah Port. pp. 46, (2). Original pictorial boards. Spine slightly chipped 4to. 

New York, Chelsea Printers: 1939. $100-150 

An unusual Yiddish children’s book telling of a sympathetic inter-racial relationship 

between an injured black child and his white friend who wished to provide a blood 

donation. 

91 (CHILDREN’S LITERATURE). Kipling, Rudyard. Das Buch fun Dzhongel [“The Jungle 

Book.”] Translated from into Yiddish by L. Shapiro. FIRST YIDDISH EDITION. Illustrated. pp. 301, 

(3). Original color pictorial boards, rubbed. 4to. 

Vilna, B.A. Klatzkin: circa 1920’s). $300-500 

First Yiddish Edition of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. 


92 (CHINA). Stern, Simon Adler. Jottings of Travel in China and Japan. FIRST EDITION. 

Presentation copy. Inscribed and signed by the author. pp. 185. Original boards. 8vo. 

Philadelphia, Porter and Coates: 1888. $200-300 

Includes a chapter entitled: Foreigners in China - A Jewish Synagogue. 

Lot 93 

93 DEINARD, EPHRAIM. Sepher ha-Ploiderzak, o Me’orath Tziph’onim [“Vipers’ Den”]. 

FIRST EDITION. Six cartoon plates. pp. (4), 100. Some leaves browned and brittle. Original cloth, rear 

broken. 12mo. [Singerman 4060; Israel Davidson, Parody in Jewish Literature (1907), p. 215, no. 51]. 

Baltunowka (i.e. Newark, NJ), n.p.: 1890-92. $600-900 

Long before the Harvard Lampoon, there existed Ephraim Deinard’s Ploiderzak. 

Deinard’s barbs are directed at the literary figures of his day: Eliezer Ben Yehudah 

(p. 37), Abraham Elijah Harkavy (p. 97), Michael Levi Rodkinson, author of Toldoth 

Amudei Chaba”d (pp. 16, 59, 73), et al. As ever, “R. Ephroimele” (as Deinard endearingly 

refers to himself) reserves a full quiver of arrows for the various Chassidic groups 

and their spiritual leaders. (See his impressions of R. Moses of Sevran on pp. 5-6; R. 

Yochanan of Rachmistrivka on p. 10; and R. David of Tolna on p. 73.) But neither are 

leaders of Lithuanian Jewry (or their wives) out of reach of Deinard’s harpoons. Thus, a 

favorite target is the “Brisker Rebbetzin,” wife of R. Joshua Leib Diskin of Jerusalem, who 

was notorious for her unrelenting attacks on free-thinkers (see pp. 59, 73, 90). 

30 

Lot 94 


94 (DENMARK). Psalmer...i Synagogen [select prayers]. Edited and translated into Danish by 

U. U. Wolff. pp. 64, 3. Contemporary gilt-stamped boards depicting Kind David playing a harp, with 

initials HJS, spine rebacked. 8vo. 

Copenhagen, G. Triers: 1862. $800-1000 

[see illustration bottom left]

95 (ENCYCLOPEDIA). Kohut, Adolph. Beruhmte Israelitische Manner und Frauen in der 

Kulturgeschichte der Menschen [“Famous Jewish Men and Women in Cultural History.”]. With 

hundreds of portraits, signatures and facsimiles. Two volumes. Vol. I : pp. ix, 432. * Vol. II: vi, 432. 

Original gilt boards with designs by Max Fleischer, rubbed. 4to. 

Leipzig, A. H. Payne: (ca. 1900). $60-90 

96 EPSTEIN, YECHIEL MICHEL. Kitzur Shnei Luchoth ha-Berith [abbreviation of Shnei 

Luchoth ha-Berith by R. Isaiah Horowitz]. Title within typographic border. ff. (1), 80. Title and 

first leaves crudely tape repaired, browned and wormed. Later cloth. 4to. [Vinograd, Dyhernfurth 258]. 

Dyhernfurth, Yechiel Michel Mai: 1786. $300-400 

R. Jacob Emden suspected the author R. Yechiel Michel Epstein of being a follower of 

the pseudo-messiah Shabbtai Tzvi. An indication of this is found in the final words of the 

Author’s preface of this work, “mashi’ach ha-amiti” (“the true Messiah”), whose numerical 

value of 814 is equal to that of Shabbtai Tzvi. See B. Naor, Post-Sabbatian Sabbatianism 

(1999) pp. 46-48. 

97 ERGAS, JOSEPH. Shomer Emunim [Kabbalah]. With appendix “Mevo Pethachim” [lexicon of 

Lurianic Kabbalistic terms]. FIRST EDITION. Additional engraved title incorporating vignettes of 

Moses with the Tablets and Joseph recounting his dreams to his brothers. Second part with divisional 

title within typographic border. Wide margins. ff. (2), 80 (i.e. 79). Ex-library. Intermittent stains. Blindtooled 

calf, rebacked. 4to. [Vinograd, Amsterdam 1458]. 


Lot 97 

A dialogue between two interlocutors “She’altiel” (literally - “I questioned God”) and 

Yehoyada (literally - “knows God”) concerning the Kabbalistic tradition. Nowadays, 

the book is referred to as “Shomer Emunim ha-Kadmon” (the early Shomer Emunim) 

to differentiate it from the twentieth-century “Shomer Emunim” of R. Arehle Roth of 

Satmar-Jerusalem. 


98 FLECKELES, ELAZAR. Mevaser Tov [“Harbinger of Good Tidings”: two sermons upon the 

victory of Francis I’s Austrian Imperial Army quelling of a rebellion in the Kingdom of the Two 

Sicilies]. Title in German and Hebrew. Text in Hebrew in rabbinic type. pp. 16. Lightly browned. 

Modern wrappers. [Vinograd, Prague 1172]. 

Prague, Schollischen Buchdruckerei: 1821. $300-400 

Two introductions appear in this booklet, one from the publisher Moses ben Harav 

Haga’on Zerach Eidlitz; the other from R. Elazar Fleckeles thanking his “mechutan” 

(relation by marriage) Eidlitz for undertaking the publication. 

R. Elazar Fleckeles (1754-1826) succeeded R. Ezekiel Landau as Chief Rabbi of Prague. 

He is most famous for his responsa “Teshuvah me-Ahavah” (Prague, 1809-1821). See EJ, Vol. 

VI, col. 1340. 


Lot 98 

99 (FRENCH-JUDAICA). Gross, Henri. Gallia Judaica. Dictionnaire Geographique de la France 

d’après les Sources Rabbiniques. Translated from the author’s original manuscript in German by M. 

Bloch. FIRST EDITION. Text in Hebrew and French. pp. x, 766. Signatures of former owners on flyleaf and 

title. Contemporary marbled boards, rubbed. 4to. [Shunami 2252]. 

Paris, Léopold Cerf: 1897. $200-300 

Rabbi and scholar, Henri Gross (1835-1910) received a traditional rabbinic education 

from R. Judah Aszod in Hungary, before moving to Germany to study with Leopold Zunz. 

For a time, he was private tutor in the home of Baron Günzburg in Paris. Gross’s lasting 

contribution to Jewish scholarship is his Gallia Judaica, a geographic dictionary of France 

according to rabbinic sources. 

100 (GENEALOGY). Friezer, Saul David. Megilath Yuchsin. PRINTED ON VELLUM. ff. 4. Lightly 

browned. 4to. 

Lubatchov, Zeida Teomim: 1897. $1500-2000 

Genealogical Study of the Katzenellenbogen, Rappaport and Orenstein Rabbinical 

Families. 

Apparently privately published. Another copy not as yet located. The first Hebrew 

book printed in this Galician hamlet. Rosenfeld in his Gazetteer lists a work published a 

full year later as first. 


Lot 100 

31

101 (GERMANY). Victor von Carben. Hier inne wirt gelesen wie Her Victor von Carben. 

Welicher eyn Rabi der Jude(n) gewest. FIRST EDITION. One full-page woodcut. ff. 102 (of 103), 

without leaf B6 and the final blank. Stained in places, few marginal repairs. Early boards wrapped in 

medieval vellum manuscript leaf. 4to. [VD 16, ZV 15202 (not in Munich and Wolfenbuttel); Panzer, 

Annalen 291,610. Only one copy in America (Cornell Univ. Library (Rare BT1120.K18)]. 

Cologne, Quentell Erben: 1508. $5000-7000 

Lot 101 

The author, Victor von Carben (1422-1515), was a German rabbi who converted 

to Catholicism and became a priest when he was 50 years old. He was involved in the 

Pfefferkorn controversy and was appointed one of the four Imperial Commissioners to 

examine Jewish books for potential blasphemy against the Church. 

The present work, the rare first edition later to be known as “Judenbuchlein,” includes 

one of the earliest descriptions of the conditions and customs of Jews. Additionally, the 

book attempts to point out the errors within the Talmud as well as the reasons why the 

author left the faith of his birth. Although there is much of Jewish ethnographic interest, 

the Author’s purpose in providing this (occasionally disjointed) material, was in order 

to arm his Christian peers with internal information in order to seek to convert Jews to 

Christianity. 

Chapters focus upon life-cycle observances such as dietary laws, Sabbath and Festivals, 

synagogue practices and liturgy, clothing, etc. Of unusual interest is von Carben’s 

particular attention to Jewish women. 

See E. Carlebach, Divided Souls: Converts from Judaism in Germany, 1500-1750 (New 

Haven, 2001). 


102 (GERMANY). Würfel, Andreas. Historische Nachrichten von der Juden=Gemeinde...in der 

Reichstadt Nürnberg. pp. (8), 164. Nürnberg: Georg Peter Monath, 1755. 

* Historische Nachricht von der Judengemeinde in dem Hofmarkt Fürth. pp. (4), 170. 

Frankfurt & Prague: n.p., 1754. 

Together two works in one volume, both FIRST EDITION. German interspersed with Hebrew. 

First work with engraved frontispiece depicting the local Synagogue as well as six figures, 

each in distinct Jewish costume. Lightly browned. Contemporary boards. 4to. [Freimann pp. 270, 

277; Rubens 1457 (and see supplement)]. 

$1000-1500 

Lot 102 

Invaluable histories of Jewish communities of Nürnberg and Fürth. 

For English translation of “Dress Regulations” imposed by the Elders of the 

Community in Fürth (as recorded by Würfel), see A. Rubens, History of Jewish Costume 

(1973), pp.194-199. 


103 (GERMANY). Shimon Ben Jacob Abraham Of Copenhagen. Sippur Bechi Naharoth. 

FIRST EDITION. Printer’s device of priestly hands on title, f.6r. and f.21r. ff. 22. With signature on 

the title: Meir Hackenbruck of Deitz near Cologne and five manuscript pages written in Judeo-German 

in the same Aschkenazic hand on blanks (see below). Slight staining. Morocco-backed boards. 12mo. 

[Vinograd, Amsterdam 2136; Roest, Yodea Sepher 281]. 

Amsterdam, Widow and Orphans Proops: 1784. $1000-1500 

The author, R. (Aaron) Shimon of Copenhagen, was the son-in-law of R. Yehudah 

Miller of Bonn and a significant protagonist during the Cleves Get controversy. Here 

he provides a detailed narrative of the severe ice-storms that occurred in the area of 

Westphalia. When the snows melted in the early Spring, the River Rhine broke its 

banks and residents of surrounding communities fled to higher ground. R. Aaron 

records the special prayers for salvation, as composed by the rabbis in Bonn and 

Cologne and the mass feelings of spiritual succor as a result. 

The manuscript leaves contain further historical details about the 1784 flood, 

especially in the town of Deitz, and similar occurrences in later years. 


Lot 103 

32

104 (GERMANY). Anonymous. Curieuser Nachrichten aus dem Reich 

der Beschnittenen...Unterredung zwischen Sabathai Sevi...und... 

Jud Joseph Süss Oppenheimer [“Curious News from the Kingdom 

of the Circumcised”...Conversation between Sabathai Sevi...and Jus 

Süss, i.e. Joseph Oppenheimer]. FIRST EDITION. Four parts bound in 

one volume. Frontispiece depicting double-page woodcut of gallows 

with “Jud Süss” suspended in “birdcage,” one of many contemporary 

satires of Jud Süss (see Rubens 1945-59). I: pp. 71, (1 blank). II: pp. 

80. III: pp. 48. IV: pp.21, 26-76. Lower portion of final leaf torn away. 

Contemporary boards, rebacked. 4to. [Freimann, p. 283]. 

Cana in Galilee (i.e. Frankfurt a/Main), 1737-8. $3000-5000 

Anti-Semitic work focusing upon the downfall of “Jud 

Süss,” Joseph Oppenheimer, notorious Court Jew. Of course, 

historically it would have been impossible for the pseudomessiah 

of Izmir (1620-1676) and Joseph Oppenheimer 

(1699-1738) to have held a conversation, this is one of the 

fanciful liberties taken by the anonymous satirist. 

Joseph Oppenheimer was the sole financial advisor to the 

Duke of Württemberg. Oppenheimer sought to enrich the 

State Treasury and concentrate governmental power in the 

hands of the Duke. Oppenheimer’s efforts to establish an 

absolute rule based on a system of mercantile economy aroused 

the fierce opposition of conservative elements in the country. 

Upon the death of the Duke, his Protector, Oppenheimer was 

arrested and condemned to death. He was publicly hanged and 

his remains left exhibited in an iron cage. Jud Suess’ undoing 

was cause for merriment in anti-Semitic circles remaining a 

subject of ridicule in Germany for centuries to come. (See EJ 

XII, cols. 1428-30). 


Lot 104 Lot 106 

105 (GERMANY). Kalender vom 12. September 1836, bis den 29. 

September 1837 / Lu’ach mi-shenath 5597 [Calendar for Hebrew 

year 5597]. Text in Hebrew and Judeo-German (in Wayber-taytsch 

letters). ff. (25). Browned. 12mo. [Not in Vinograd; not in JNUL 

(Vinograd records calendars for 5596 and 5598 - Breslau 210, 231 - but 

not for 5597]. 

Breslau, Hirsch Sulzbach: 1836. $300-500 

This curious calendar, besides providing valuable halachic 

information, is chock full of worldly information, such as: 

the birthdays of the ruling European monarchs; the dates 

of all the major commercial fairs in Bohemia and Poland; 

and postal rates to various destinations. On the final page, 

there is an advertisement in German and Hebrew for the new 

German and Hebrew press of Hirsch Sulzbach at Carls-Strasse 

No. 30 “at the golden deer” (zum goldnen Hirschel). 

106 (GERMANY). Zum ChanukkaFest 1915 ein Gruss an die Judischen 

Soldaten im Deutsche Heere von Verband der Deutschen Juden. 

pp. 16. Unbound. 

Berlin, (1915). $500-700 

“A Chanukah greeting for the Jewish Soldiers in the 

German Army from the Association of German Jews.” 


107 (GRAMMAR). Kimchi, Moses. Mahalach Shevilei ha-Da’ath. Title 

within typographical border. ff. (4), 50, (6). (The title and first three 

leaves are repeated at the end of the book). Browned. Modern boards. 12mo. 

[Vinograd, Hamburg 102]. 

Hamburg, Lazer Sopher and Nathan Mai: 1785. $100-150 

The book bears the Haskamah (approbation) of the Chief 

Rabbi of the tripartite community of Altona-Hamburg- 

Wandsbeck, Raphael Katz (known today as R. Raphael 

Hamburger). 

33

Lot 108 

108 (GRAMMAR / BIBLE). Several early sixteenth-century works of Grammar and Biblical 

exegesis bound in single volume: 

Aurogallus (Goldhahn), Mattheus. Compendium Hebreae Grammatices (Wittemberg, n.d.). 

Latin interspersed with vocalized Hebrew. ff. (32). Title within richly historiated surround. On 

final page exotic woodcut of mermaid. [Not in Adams; EJ, Vol. VIII, col. 22]. 

* Munster, Sebastian. Epitome Hebraicae Grammaticae (Basle: Johann Froben, 1520). Latin 

interspersed with vocalized Hebrew. On title, printer’s mark of Froben: two serpents coiled around a rod 

with a bird perched on top (see Yaari, Hebrew Printer’s Marks 12). ff.(32). [Prijs 11b; not in Adams]. 

* Sebastianus, Augustus Nouzanus (Nuzenus). De Literarum, Vocum, et Accentuum 

Haebraicorum (Marburg: Franciscus Rhodus, 1532). Latin interspersed with Hebrew. Includes 

2pp. musical notation of “trop” (Hebrew cantillation marks). (Cf. Prijs, pp. 28-29.) ff. (96). 

[Adams, S-828; St. 7159]. 

* Kimchi, Moses. Sepher Dikduk. With commentary of Elia Levita and Latin translation by 

Sebastian Munster. (Basle: Andrea Cratander 1531). Hebrew text following Hebrew title, reads 

right to left; Latin translation following Latin title, reads left to right. ff. (8); pp. 51, (1), ff.(46). 

Worming in text. [Vinograd, Basle 36; Prijs 33; Adams 58]. 

* Books of Joel and Malachi with commentary of R. David Kimchi. Appended: Teruphath 

ha-Choli Ruchani(th) [“The Cure for Spiritual Illness”] by Judah Alcharizi. Edited by Sebastian 

Munster. (Basle: Henricus Petri, 1530). FIRST EDITION Teruphath ha-Choli Ruchani(th). Biblical 

texts in Hebrew with nikud (vowel points) followed by unvocalized commentary. On final page, 

printer’s mark of Petri: a hammer striking a rock (see Yaari, Hebrew Printers’ Marks 11). ff.(60). 

[Vinograd, Basle 35; Prijs 31; not in Adams]. 

* Commentary of R. David Kimchi to Book of Amos. Prefaced by letter of Elia Levita 

concerning the Masorah and script. Latin introduction by Editor Sebastian Munster. (Basle: 

Henricus Petri, 1531). Letter of Levita and Commentary in unvocalized Hebrew. On final page, 

printer’s mark of Petri. ff.(72). [Vinograd, Basle 38; Prijs 34; Adams 43] Vinograd erroneously 

gives foliation as ff.(36). 

* Kinoth (ha-)Yirmiyah / Lamentations. Appended: From Ninth Chapter of Daniel (Daniel 

IX, 4-19). Edited by Philippus Melanchton. (n.p., n.d). Hebrew with nikud (vowel points). 

ff.(15). [Not found in bibliographic works consulted] 

Numerous Latin marginalia. Blind-tooled vellum with metallic hinges, spine in compartments, rubbed. 8vo. 


$3000-5000 

109 (HAGADAH). Hagadah Shel Pesach. With commentary by Isaac Abrabanel and a digest of 

the commentaries “Ma’aseh Hashem,” “Mateh Aharon,” and “Chevel B’nei Yehudah”. Second 

Amsterdam edition. Instructions in both Judeo-Español and Judeo-German. Additional 

engraved title depicting Moses and Aaron; and at top, Moses and the Burning Bush. Numerous 

copper-plate engravings throughout the text. With folding map of the Land of Israel. ff. (1), 31, 

(1). Variously stained, worn in places with some tears. Map repaired. Modern boards. Folio. [Yudlov 120; 

Yaari 73; Yerushalmi, plates 66-69. See C. Roth, “Printed Illuminated Haggadoth” in: Aresheth, Vol. III, 

pp. 22-24]. 

Amsterdam, Solomon Proops: 1712. $4000-6000 

The Second Illustrated Amsterdam Haggadah. 


Lot 109 

110 (HAGADAH). The Hagadah Shel Pesach Containing the Ceremonies and Thanksgiving, Which 

are Used and Read by All Families in Every House of the Israelites on the Two First Nights of 

Passover. Translated by A. Alexander. Second Edition. Engraved frontispiece depicting the toil at 

Pithom and Ramses. The Aby Moritz Warburg - Rosenthal of Oxford copy. pp. (1), 8, ff. 9-31, (4). 

Trimmed, stained in places. 19th-century calf-backed marbled boards, lightly rubbed. 8vo. [Yudlov 326; Yaari 

216; Lehman, Anglo-Jewish Hagadot (in Cecil Roth Festchriften), no.2a; cf. Yerushalmi 74]. 

34 

Lot 110 

London, L. Alexander: 1787. $4000-6000 

Rare. Yaari located just one copy of this Hagadah - the present copy. Purchased from A. 

Rosenthal Ltd. Oxford. Catalogue XI (1948), no. 341. 

Aby Moritz Warburg (1866-1929), member of the German Banking Family, was an art 

historian and founded the Warburg Institute of London. 

This is the second edition of the Alexander Hagadah. The earlier editon of 1770 was the 

first Hagadah to be printed in English. See Kestenbaum & Company, Fine Judaica, 3rd June 

1997, lot 261. 


111 (HAGADAH). Hagadah shel Pesach. Service for the Two First Nights of Passover. Prepared 

and translated by A. Alexander. Hebrew and English on facing pages. Adir Hu, Echad Mi 

Yode’a and Chad Gadya translated into Yiddish (wayber-taytsch letters). 15 fine engraved 

copper-plate and steel illustrations. The Sagman Copy, with book-plate. pp. 7, (1); ff. 38, (4). 

Heavily stained in usual places, one leaf slightly repaired affecting some words. Contemporary boards. 4to. 

[Yudlov 515; Yaari 361]. 

London, L. Alexander: 1808. $6000-7000 

A UNIQUE COPY, COMPLETE WITH ALL PLATES. 

Yudlov locates only one copy of this Hagadah complete with all 15 plates - the present 

copy, formerly in the Segman Collection. 


112 (HAGADAH). Seder Hagadah shel Pesach. With translation and commentary into Judeo- 

German. With eight colored lithographed illustrations. ff.28. Opening leaf laid down, few paper 

repairs, stained. Modern boards. 8vo. [Yudlov 724; Yaari 523 (unseen, based upon a reference in Weiner); 

Vinograd, Breslau 192]. 

Breslau, Leib Sulzbach & Sons: 1833. $2000-3000 

Apparently the First Hebrew Printed Book Issued With Colored Illustrations. No copy 

in The National Library, Jerusalem. 

The illustrations have been culled from genre illustrations of the day, whose themes 

coincidentally and sometimes amusingly relate to the Hagadah text. 

See Zohar Shavit and H. Ewers (eds.), Deutsch-juedische Kinder- und Jugendliteratur von 

der Haskalah bis 1945 ... Ein bibliographisches Handbuch (Stuttgart and Weimar, 1996) 

With thanks to Dr. Brad Sabin Hill, Christchurch, Oxford, for his comments and 

pointing out the reference above. 


Lot 111 

113 (HAGADAH). Hagadah shel Pesach- L’Haggadà Illustrata. Finely illustrated by C. 

Kirchmayr with 58 copper-plates. Edited by Abraham Vita Morpurgo. Hebrew text with 

Italian translation. Musical arrangements on final leaf. pp. (4), 64, (2). Stained, final leaf 

repaired, edges of few leaves frayed, signature of former owner on front flyleaf. Contemporary boards, 

loose, spine repaired, some wear. Sm. folio. [Yudlov 1217; Yaari 899]. 

Trieste, Colombo Coen (Jonah Cohen): 1864. $800-1200 

“The Trieste Hagadah is undoubtedly the most distinguished illustrated edition 

produced in Europe during the nineteenth century.” (Yerushalmi 102-105). 


114 (HAGADAH). The Haggadah According to the rite of Yemen...With the Arabic Hebrew 

Commentary. Published for the First Time from Mss. of Yemen. With an Introduction, 

Translation and Critical and Philological Notes. Text in Hebrew and English. Prepared by 

William H. Greenburg. pp. xxvi, 55, 79, (1). Modern morocco-backed marbled boards with original 

wrappers bound in. 8vo. [Yudlov 2002; not inYaari]. 

London, David Nutt: 1896. $150-200 

Lot 112 

Although the title page states this was published in London, the actual printing 

was done in Leipzig by W. Drugulin. Yudlov notes a variant edition published the 

same year with the word Leipzig on the title. 

115 (HAGADAH). Hagadah with Russian translation. ff. (1), 43. Browned. Contemporary marbled 

boards, rubbed. 12mo. [Yudlov 2266]. 

Jerusalem, J. B. Frumkin: 1903. $200-300 

Bizarrely, the binder provided here the wrong title page to this Russian language 

edition, using that of the Hagadah with English translation, printed by J.B. Frumkin in 

the identical year of 1903 (see Yudlov 2263). 

Lot 113 

35

Lot 116 

116 (HAGADAH). Hagadah shel Pesach. With English translation, 

plus a Yiddish and English parody of the Hagadah on facing pages 

pertaining to the virtues and needs of Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin, 

New York. Also includes a history of the Yeshiva. Photographic 

illustrations of Yeshiva students and building construction. pp. 6, 

40, 5. Contemporary boards. Large 4to. [Yudlov 3190; Yaari 2130]. 

New York, 1929. $400-600 

An unusual parody utilized to raise funds for the Chaim 

Berlin Yeshiva. Each part of the Hagadah is explained referring 

to the plight of the Yeshiva. For example: Bitter Herbs - “It is 

bitter and hard to to keep up the existence of the Yeshiva... 

The “simanim” (initials) for the Yeshiva in Yiddish are YRC”B 

DH”G,” which stands for, “Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin Darf 

Hoben Gelt” (Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin Needs Money!) 

According to Yaari, an article appeared in the newspaper Der 

Tag opposing the liberties taken by this Hagadah. 


Lot 117 Lot 118 

117 (HAGADAH). Hagadah shel Pesach. Home Service for the First 

Evening of Passover. The West London Synagogue. “A Copy Hastily 

Prepared for Temporary Use.” 

Mimeographed English translation. Hebrew text pasted on 

verso of leaves removed from an older Hagadah. ff. 20. Some 

staining. Original wrappers. 4to. [Unknown to Yudlov and Yaari]. 

London, 1932. $500-700 

Unrecorded. An unusual Hagadah “hastily prepared”. 


118 (HAGADAH). Hagadah Shel Pesach... Misir Hatirasi ... Agada 

Sel Pesah. Title in Hebrew, Turkish and Ladino. Hebrew text 

transliterated into Latin letters with Ladino translation. Cover in 

red with elongated initals MD (David Mechoulam) and illustration 

of splitting of the Red Sea. Two other illustrations within text. pp. 

32. Some staining. Modern boards with original wrappers bound in. 8vo. 

[Yudlov 3433; Yaari 2165]. 

Istanbul, Sebat Matbaasi: (1932?). $300-500 


119 (HAGADAH). Hagadah shel Pesach. Plugah Eretz-Yisraelit 

LeHovalah Kelalith. Lettering of title embellished with 

kaleidoscopic imagery containing emblems of Zionist ideology, 

sickle and hammer, and guns and bayonets. Replete with most 

creative artwork and calligraphy. pp. 31, (1). Crisp, clean copy. 

Original pictorial wrappers, staples corroded. 8vo (landscape). [Unlisted in 

all relevant bibliographies]. 

Capua, Italy, 1946. $2000-2500 

Rare post-War Hagadah. Issued for the Palestinian 

Transport Corps, i.e. Jewish servicemen in the British army, 

stationed in Italy. 

The traditional text of this Hagadah notes with due solemnity 

the dimensions of the tragedy of Jewish suffering recently 

revealed in Bergen-Belsen, Dachau and Majdanek and expresses 

the fervent hope to return to the homeland - Eretz Israel. 

36 

Lot 119 


Lot 120 

120 (HAGADAH). Hagadah shel Pesach al pi Nusach HaRambam. * Appended leaf: “Hachlatath Vaad Agudath HaRabbanim D’Paris Bnogea 

LePesach ... BeTzarfath” [“Decisions of the Comittee of the Rabbinic Association Concerning the Passover Festival in 1941 in France.”]. 

Mimeographed Hebrew text. With stamp “Agudath HaRabanim B’Paris.” pp. 6, 1. Brittle, marginal loss. Each leaf seperated. Folio. [Yudlov 383; 

Yaari 2289; Yerushalmi pl. 160-161]. 

Nice, (1941). $5000-7000 

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE HAGADAH, TOGETHER WITH THE DRASTIC PASSOVER REGULATIONS issued BY THE RABBINIC ASSOCIATION OF PARIS IN 1941. 

In 1941, the town of Nice in Southern Vichy France was part of a “free zone” and not under direct German administration. Thousands 

of Jewish refugees fled there from Paris and other northern cities in France. As the Passover Festival neared, the Agudath HaRabanim 

(Rabbinic Association) of Paris based in the Hotel Roosevelt sought to provide Jews with Passover Hagadahs. Apparently none were 

available and so the French Rabbis issued a Hagadah derived from the medieval writings of Maimonides and copied from an available 

Mishneh Torah. The Hagadah was written in the neat hand of Cantor Cohen of the Nice synagogue and subsequently mimeographed for 

distribution to the refugees. 

The Rabbis (M. Shochetman, A. Hofstein and S. Rubinstein) also appended a sheet of emergency instructions for the coming Passover. 

The Rabbis state that the drastic circumstances of war have led them to alleviate dietary stringencies associated with the festival. Among 

their decisions, they permit the consumption of legumes and other foodstuffs normally forbidden. Even the use of tea may be ritually 

substituted for the Four Cups for those unable to procure wine due to wars’ strained circumstances. 

A VIVID GLIMPSE INTO THE extraordinary RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF FRENCH JEWRY DURING WORLD WAR II. 


37

38 

Lot 121 

Lot 125 

Lot 126 

121 (HAGADAH). Haggadah Paasfeesverhaal 

Eerste Afrikaanse Vertaling (met Opmerkings). 

With a foreword by Professor Rabbi Israel 

Abrahams and introduction by Dr. H. Abt. FIRST 

EDITION. Three illustrations. Text in Afrikaans. 

pp. (4), 52. Slight marginal staining. Original 

wrappers. 4to. [Yaari 2307; not in Yudlov]. 

Paarl (South Africa), Paarise Drukpers: 1943. 

$1200-1800 

FIRST TRANSLATION OF HAGADAH INTO 

AFRIKAANS. 

The place of publication, Paarl, 

(meaning “Pearl” in Dutch), is the third 

oldest European settlement in the Republic 

of South Africa (after Cape Town and 

Stellenbosch). It is situated about 40 miles 

northeast of Cape Town and forms part of 

the Western Cape Province. See Charles 

Press, The Light of Israel: The Story of the 

Paarl Jewish Community (1993). 


122 (HAGADAH). Hagadah shel Pesach. Hebrew 

with Yiddish translation and commentaries. 

pp. 34, (2). Browned throughout. Original 

pictorial wrappers, staples removed. 4to. [Yudlov 

4018; Yaari 2636]. 

Fernwald (Germany): (1946). $300-500 

Produced in the Fernwald Displaced 

Persons Camp for the benefit of the She’erith 

HaPleitah, the survivors of the Holocaust. 

123 (HAGADAH). Hagadah shel Pesach - A 

Passover Haggadah. Compiled and edited by 

the Office of the District Chaplain Fourteenth 

Naval District. Hebrew and English texts, 

numerous illustrations and musical notation. 

pp. (2), 40, (2). Original pictorial wrappers, 

staples corroded. Lg. 4to. 

United States Forces, Hawaii, (1964). $100-150 

124 (HAGADAH). Hagadah with Georgian 

translation by Rabbi Isaac Moshia. Hebrew in 

square characters with vowel points, and Georgian 

(Mkhedruli alphabet) face à face. Numerous 

illustrations. ff. (24). Stained. Pictorial wrappers. 4to. 

(Israel), circa, 1970. $100-150 

125 (HOLOCAUST). Israelietische Almanak voor 

het jaar 1943 ... Portug. Israel Gemeente te 

Amsterdam. Mimeographed edition. Calendar 

containing times of prayer and weekly onset of 

the Sabbath. ff. 8. Unbound. 12mo. 

Amsterdam, (1942). $700-900 

One of the very last Dutch-Jewish 

communal publications prior to 

the decimation of the Jews of the 

Netherlands. 


126 (HOLOCAUST). Masecheth Chulin 

[Talmudic Tractate]. With approbation of 

Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum of Satmar. ff. 142, 

3-24, 27, (1). Browned, some marginal worming. 

Contemporary boards. Folio. [Unlisted by J. 

Landau, Othoth me-Ophel: Bibliography of Jewish 

Religious Books Published in Europe, 1933-1945]. 

Miskolc (Hungary), Simon Eherenreich: 1941. 

$300-500 

“Due to our sins, in the present Wars, 

millions of holy books and Shas’n have 

been destroyed and the printing presses 

of Poland have ceased to function. Now 

my son has arisen to disseminate in 

Israel the necessary books.” (From the 

approbation of the publisher’s father, R. 

Shlomo Zalman Ehrenreich of Samlau). 


127 (HOLOCAUST). La Tefila du Soldat. Livre 

de prières a l’usage des militaires israélites 

en campagne [“Book of Prayers for Jewish 

Soldiers along the Front]. French and Hebrew 

texts. Contains Jewish Calendar for 1940, and 

both Aschkenazic and Sephardic versions of 

the Kaddish. pp. (6), 46, (4), 64. Contemporary 

amarillo cloth. 12mo. 

Paris, n.p.: 1939. $300-500 

The preface directed to the French- 

Jewish soldier, composed by Isaiah 

Schwartz, Grand Rabbi of France notes: 

“This Tefila is the reproduction of that 

which aided your elders to pray in the 

last War. You are called some twenty 

years later to defend our land against 

the same enemy.” 

On September 1st, 1939, Germany invaded 

Poland. The French response was a general 

mobilization against possible attack. The 

seemingly quiet Western Front came to be 

known as the “Phony War.” Many in France 

and Great Britain were lulled into a false 

sense of security over the following several 

months. However on May 9th, 1940, Germany 

unleashed its offensive against Belgium and 

the Netherlands, and on June 14th, 1940, the 

Nazis entered Paris unopposed. 

128 (HOLOCAUST). Halberstam, Jacob. 

“Tfiloh”: Special Prayers to be Recited in 

the Present War -Time for Victory. Text 

in Hebrew, Yiddish and English. With 

illustrations. pp. 10, (2). With bookplate. Modern 

boards with original wrappers bound in. 8vo. 

New York, 1943. $300-500 

Issued by Rabbi Jacob Halberstam, the 

Szczakowa Rebbe of New York’s Lower 

East Side. This prayer was to be said by the 

fighting American-Jewish soldier or his 

relatives. Included is also a prayer for the 

welfare of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

129 (HOLOCAUST). Megilath Hitler [“Scroll of Hitler.”]. Scroll on 4 

sheets, 6 inches wide, 16 columns. Browned. 

Casablanca, P. Hassine: (1943). $1000-1500 

Remarkable composition written in the style of the Biblical 

Esther story, recounting the tyranny of Nazism and its defeat. 

Concludes in traditional style, cursing the wicked (Hitler, 

Mussolini, Tojo) and blessing the righteous (Roosevelt, 

Churchill, Stalin). To be read on the second day of Kislev, 

Casablanca’s special “Purim” celebrating liberation by the 

American forces, November 11th, 1942. 

The date of publication may be surmised from the last 

events described in the Megilah: the defeat of the Axis forces 

in Tunisia (Iyar / May, 1943) and the Allied invasion of Sicily 

(July, 1943). 

The author was a Hebrew teacher in Casablanca. He 

apologizes for failing to provide vowel points within the text, 

saying that none were available to him in Morocco. 

130 (HOLOCAUST). Man, Mendel. Di Shtilkeit Mont [“The Silence 

Demands”: Poetry]. Yiddish text. pp. 36, (2). Browned. Original soft 

printed wrappers. 4to. 

Lodz, Borochov Farlag: 1945. $300-500 

This collection of Yiddish poetry is among the very first 

Jewish books printed in Poland in the aftermath of the 

Holocaust, which dispatched the country’s three million Jews 

to their death. The title of the volume is evocative of the poet’s 

mood, one of utter consternation, having returned home to a 

scene once teeming with Jewish life, now dominated by an 

eery silence. “Arum un arum a beis-olom, a shtilkeit noch a 

shturm, ober di shtilkeit lozt nisht ruhen, zie mont, zie shreit, 

zie ruft tzu nekomo!” [“All around a cemetery, a silence after 

the storm, but the silence does not allow rest, it demands, 

it shrieks, it calls for revenge!”] (From the Foreword by N. 

Blumental). 

[see illustration right] 

131 (HOLOCAUST). Sidur Kol Bo [Daily Prayer Book Issued to 

Commemorate the Martyrs of the Holocaust 1939-1945]. 

According to Nusach Sfard. Haskamah of the Chief Rabbi of 

Munich Baruch Leizerowski (originally from Lodz, later, Av Beith 

Din of Philadelphia). Additional title page with facsimile of Sidur 

Kol Bo, Venice 1567. pp. (4), 15, (1), 767, (11). Final leaf slightly torn, 

browned, institutional stamps. Original boards, title gold stamped. 12mo. 

Münich, 1946. $150-250 

Colophon reads: “Published with approval of UNRRA 

Headquarters, Ulm (Danube) on the 27. xi. 1946.” 

With memorial prayer (E-l Maleh Rachamim) for “the 

martyrs of our people who were slaughtered, burnt, drowned 

and asphyxiated by the accursed Nazis during the years 1939- 

1945 in the ghettos and extermination camps” (p.251). 

132 (HOLOCAUST). Pictorial Review, Vaad Hatzala Germany. 

Illustrated throughout. Original color pictorial cloth-backed boards, 

lightly worn, upper cover very slightly warped. Lg. 4to. 

Germany, 1948. $300-500 

Hundreds of photographic illustrations depicting the 

efforts of the Vaad Hatzala, together with the assistance of the 

U.S. Army, to restore Jewish religious life to the survivors of 

the Holocaust in Germany. 

Lot 130 

133 HIRSCHENSOHN, CHAIM. Yamim mi-Kedem [Biblical 

chronology]. On title, stamp of former owner, Rabbi B. Boruchoff, 

Malden, Mass. pp. (2), 8, 246, 37, (3). Title page starting, few leaves 

browned. Contemporary boards. 8vo. [Friedberg, Y-713]. 

Jerusalem, S. Zuckerman: 1908. $100-150 

Attempts to reconcile traditional rabbinic sources, such as 

Seder Olam, Tosephta, and Talmud with the latest findings of 

Egyptology. The Author, Chaim Hirschensohn (1857-1935), a 

native of Jerusalem and a man of iconoclastic opinions, served 

as Rabbi of Hoboken, New Jersey. See EJ, Vol. VIII, cols. 521-22. 

134 HOROWITZ, PINCHAS. (“The Ba’al Haphla’ah.”) Peirush 

ha-RITV”A ve-Tosphoth RI”D al Masecheth Kidushin. THE R. 

PINCHAS HOROWITZ OF FRANKFURT COPY. With signature on the titlepage 

of his son (Meir) Ya’akov ben ha-Gaon ... Pinchas HaLevi ... 

Horowitz. Also with inscription on f. 76a, “Ha-Ritva shayach le-ha- 

Gaon ha-Gadol, Mofeth ha-Dor, K[evod] ha-Rav R. Pinchas Segal”. 

ff. 110. Stamp of previous owner, edges frayed with some repair. Modern 

calf. 4to. [Vinograd, Berlin 77]. 

Berlin, Baruch Buchbinder: 1715. $3000-4000 

The highly respected scholar, Chassidic master and revered 

sage, Rabbi Pinchas Horowitz (1730-1805), known as the Ba’al 

Haphla’ah, was Rabbi of the Polish communities of Witkow 

and Lechwitz before accepting the call to serve as Rabbi 

of Frankfurt from 1771-1805. A disciple of the Maggid of 

Mezritch, a contemporary of R. Nathan Adler and teacher of 

the Chatham Sopher, Horowitz was one of the great scholars 

of his generation. 

39

40 

Lot 135

135 (HIRSCH, SAMSON RAPHAEL). Sepher HaZohar [“The Book of Splendor” - Kabbalah]. (Attributed to: 

Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai). Four parts in three volumes. Title surrounded by Biblical verses. Broad margins. 

Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Personal Copy. 

On title page of all three volumes appears the signature: Mendel F[rank]f[urter], Tamuz, 5552 [1792]. 

On front fly-leaf of Vols. II and III, appears the dedication: Le-doron derasha li-beni Harav Mhor”r 

Shamshon n[atrei] R[achmana] u[pharkei], Tamuz, 5591, Raphael F[rank]f[urter] [“An engagement gift to 

my son, Rabbi Samson, Tamuz, 1831; Raphael Frankfurter”]. 

On all three title-pages are stamped initials: S.R.H. 

Also appears, German stamps of: Justizrath Dr. N. Hirsch, Rechtsanwalt, Frankfurt a/M. * And: Simon 

Sänger, Fürth i. Bayern. * And: Hebrew stamps of Rav Joseph Breuer. Vol. I: ff. (7), 251, 11. * Vol. II: (1), 

2-269, (1), 1. * Vol. III: ff. (2), 2-115; (1), 117-299, (1), 2-10. (Our collation differs from that of Vinograd, Amsterdam 

1043). Foxed in places otherwise a clean copy. Contemporary black morocco, rebacked, new endpapers. 4to. 

Amsterdam, Solomon Proops: 1715. $15,000-20,000 

The Zohar: Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Personal Copy. 

Provenance: 

1. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Frankfurter, Hamburg (1742-1823) - to 

2. His son, Raphael Frankfurter (1777-1857) - to 

3. His son, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808-1888) - to 

4. His son, lawyer Naphtali Hirsch, Frankfurt a/Main (1844-1903) - to 

5. His son-in-law, Simon Sänger, Fürth - to 

6. His first cousin, Rabbi Dr. Joseph Breuer (1882-1980), Rabbi of Kehal Adath Jeschurun, Frankfurt a/ 

Main and Washington Heights, New York - to 

7. His great-grandson (whose maternal grand-mother was Rav Breuer’s eldest daughter). 

8. The Consignor 

Rabbi Dr. Joseph Breuer was a grandson of Samson Raphael Hirsch, son of Hirsch’s daughter Sophie 

and son-in-law Rabbi Salomon Breuer. (Sänger’s wife and Joseph Breuer were first cousins.) 

See E.M. Klugman, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1996), pp. 349-354. 

There exists some confusion concerning the surnames of the family. According to Klugman, the original 

family name was “Spiro.” In 1680, Menachem Mendel Spiro moved from Frankfurt to Hamburg, adopting 

“Frankfurter” as his surname after his place of origin. This name then persisted in the family until Raphael 

Frankfurter changed his name to Raphael Hirsch after his grandfather R. Tzvi Hirsch Frankfurter. Thus, 

it came about that Raphael’s son Samson Raphael bore the surname “Hirsch.” Klugman, pp. 2-4. 

On October 5, 1831, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch wed Hannah Jüdel. (Klugman, p.52). Evidently, 

their formal engagement took place some months earlier in the Summer (Tamuz) of 1831. This set of the 

Zohar Marked the occasion. 

At first, one might be surprised that in the German Hirsch Family - not known for its kabbalistic 

propensities - the Book of the Zohar would have been considered a treasured heirloom clearly handed 

down from father to son for a number of generations. However recently, there has commenced a fresh 

re-appraisal of Rabbiner Hirsch’s system of thought: Viz. Hirsch’s biographer’s tentative findings: 

“Although Kabbalah is never specifically referred to in Hirsch’s Commentary, a number of scholars of that 

branch of wisdom have voiced the opinion that Rabbi Hirsch’s Torah Commentary was indeed deeply 

influenced by the Zohar.” (Klugman, pp. 332-33). 

[see illustration facing page] 

41

136 (HISTORY). Verga, Solomon, ibn. Shevet Yehudah. Meir Wiener, ed. Appended: Supplication 

by Joseph b. Solomon ibn Verga (from the first edition). * Letter of Chasdai Crescas to the 

community of Avignon (concerning the Spanish massacres of 1391). * Letter of Samuel Zarza 

found in Mekor Chaim ms. * Elegy on the Spanish Decree of 1391. * Shabthai Cohen. Megilath 

Eiphah (regarding the Chmielnicki massacres of 1648-9 in Poland). * Indices. pp. (10), 146. 

Browned and stained. Contemporary boards. 8vo. [Vinograd, Lyck 2]. 

(Lyck), (1857). $120-180 

Lot 137 

137 HUTNER, ISAAC. Torath ha-Nazir [novellae on Maimonides’ Hilchoth Neziruth]. 

FIRST EDITION. pp.127,1. Brittle, stained. Original wrappers, loose. Folio. 

Kovna, S. Joselevitz: 1932. $400-600 

Yitzchok Hutner (1906-1980), Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin, studied 

in his youth at the Slabodka Yeshiva in Lithuania, headed by Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel, 

where he was known as the “Warsaw Illui.” He was sent to join an extension of the 

Slabodka yeshiva in Chevron and during the course of his stay in Eretz Israel became 

closely associated with R. Abraham Isaac Kook, the first chief rabbi of Palestine. 

In later years, when R. Kook’s name became associated with the Mizrachi movement, 

R. Hutner, a member of the non-Zionist Agudath Israel of America’s Mo’etzes Gedolei 

ha-Torah, sought to revise his former association with R. Kook. The present work, Torath 

ha-Nazir is an example of this. When R. Hutner first published it in Kovna, he included 

approbations from both R. Chaim Ozer Grodzenski and R. Kook. However when it was 

republished in the early 1970s, no approbation from R. Kook was included. Allegedly, 

a key financial backer of Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin sought to obtain any copy of 

the present first edition containing R. Kook’s approbation, in order to supress public 

awareness of Rabbi Hutner’s former ties to Rabbi Kook. 

42 


138 HYSSOPAEUS, JOSEPH. (i.e. Ezobi, Joseph). (Lanx Argentea / Ke’arath Keseph). Translated 

into Latin by Johannes Reuchlin. Printer’s device on final leaf. ff. (8). First and last leaf with small 

marginal paper repairs, censor’s remark on final leaf. 19th-century morocco-backed marbled boards. Sm. 

4to. [Adams 1183]. 

Tübingen, Thome Anshelm: 1512. $5000-7000 

The Author, Joseph Ezobi, a thirteenth-century Jewish poet, lived in Perpignan, Aragon 

(today France). He most likely stemmed from Orange in Provence - Ezobi is the name for 

Orange in medieval Hebrew. 

Lot 138 

Ke’arath Keseph, is an ethical exhortation, in 130 verses, written to Ebozi’s son on his wedding 

day. “Ezobi appeals to his son to follow the ways of the Torah. He warns him not to be misled by Greek philosophy, and encourages him to learn 

grammar, to study the Talmud and its commentators, such as Alfasi and Maimonides, and to follow his own example and become a liturgist. He also 

enjoins his son not to favor the wealthy over the poor. In an appended note, he requests his son to read this poem every week” (EJ, Vol. VI, col. 1104). 

“He who desires to understand the culture and world view of an enlightened Jew of the thirteenth century stands to gain much by reading 

Ke’arat Kesef.” (See Hayyim Schirmann, Hebrew Poetry in Spain and Provence, Book II, Vol. I, p. 343). “How close the flavor of Christian 

poets in the sixteenth century is to the flavor of the Jews, may be seen from the two Latin translations of Ke’arat Kesef made by two humanists 

famous in the generation: the German Johann Reuchlin, who referred to Ezobi as ‘the best of the Jewish poets,’ and John Mercier” (ibid.) The 

introduction to Reuchlin’s translation contains a sentence from Avoth in Hebrew type. See Alexander Marx, “Hebrew Type in Non-Hebrew 

Books,” Studies in Jewish History and Booklore, p.325, no. 68 (no copy in JTSA). 


139 IBN CHAIM, AARON. Lev Aharon [commentary to the Books of Joshua and Judges]. FIRST EDITION. Title within ornate architectural arch. 

Opening word within ornamental border. Printers mark on f. 2v. (Yaari, Hebrew Printers’ Marks, 19). 

THE RABBI NACHUM DOV-BER FRIEDMAN OF SADIGURA COPY with his alternating stamp on title, signature on front-free endpaper and book-label on 

front pastedown. ff. 122, (2),129, (3). Later red boards (a trademark of the Rebbe of Sadigura), red ink marks on title with stamps, portion of spine repaired. 

Folio. [Vinograd, Venice 1052; Habermann, di Gara 266]. 

Venice, Giovani di Gara: 1609. $500-700 

Rabbi Nachum Dov Ber Friedman was one of the great bibliophiles amongst Chassidic Rabbis. His library was formed from three sources, 

books inherited from his forbears, books purchased from his own funds, and books given to him as a gift. He utilized different stamps indicating 

the source, e.g. Kinyan Kaspi (purchased from my own funds) as in this copy, Yerushath Avothai (inherited), and Minchath Shai (a gift). 

The author, R. Aaron ibn Chaim (1545-1632) served as a dayan or justice in the court of Vidal ha-Tzarfati in Fez, Morocco. He is most 

famous for his commentary on the Siphra or Torath Kohanim, “Korban Aharon.” It is possible that in composing a commentary to the 

Siphra, ibn Chaim was following in the footsteps of his mentor Vidal ha-Tzarfati, who earlier composed such a commentary. The present 

commentary to Joshua and Judges excels in its command of Midrashic and Talmudic literature. See Ch.J.D. Azulai, Shem ha-Gedolim I, 

V-6; EJ, Vol. VIII, cols. 1179-1180 (incl. facs.).

Lot 140 

140 IBN EZRA, ABRAHAM. De Navitatibus. Henricus Bate: Magistralis compositio astrolabii. 

FIRST EDITION. Woodcut initials and 16 diagrams. Gothic letter. ff. 30. Trace stained, upper corner of f. 29 

neatly repaired, outer third of final text page laid down. Magnificent modern gilt morocco, housed in matching fitted 

case. 4to. [Goff A-7; BMC V, 291; H. Friedenwald, Jewish Luminaries in Medical History-Catalogue (1946) p.85]. 

Venice, Erhard Ratdolt: 1485. $12,000-18,000 

As a Biblical exegete, ibn Ezra’s commentaries contributed to the celebrated Golden Age of 

Spanish Judaism. As a Neoplatonic philosopher and astronomer he was one of the leaders of 

the movement which caused the Jews of Provence, Spain and Italy to become the transmitters of 

Moslem Science to the Christian West. 

This important work of astronomy is known to have been consulted by Christopher Colombus. 

See R. Levi, Johns Hopkins Studies in Romance Literature and Languages, vol. VIII: The 

Astrological Works of Abraham ibn Ezra (1927); A. Freimann, Incunables about Jews and Judaism 

in: Essays Presented to J.A. Hertz (c.1940) p.162. And see also A. Marx, The Scientific Work of Some 

Outstanding Mediaeval Jewish Scholars, in: Essays and Studies in Memory of L.R. Miller (1938) 

p.140 

“The versatility of ibn Ezra ... in all branches of mathematics is astonishing.”. 


43

141 (ISRAEL, LAND OF). Simonis, Johann. Onomasticum Veteris Testamenti sive Tractatus Philologicus [Lexicon of the Old Testament with 

Philological Treatise]. Title in red and black. Latin interspersed with Hebrew, Arabic, Ethiopic and Greek. 

Engraved frontispiece map of the Land of Israel with place-names and divisions by tribe in Hebrew, covered by a grape vine, all within ornate 

frame. pp. (16), 644, (118). Lightly browned. Later half-vellum. 4to. [Laor 730; E. and G. Wajntraub, Hebrew Maps of the Holy Land (1992), p. 67]. 

44 

Lot 141 

Halle, Impensis Orphanotrophei: 1741. $5000-7000 

THE CELEBRATED “GRAPE VINE MAP” OF THE HOLY LAND. 

This is one of just a very few pre-19th century Holy Land maps captioned in Hebrew. Its epithet derives from the fact that the Land is 

covered by a grape-vine in depiction of Psalms 80:9-12, “Thou didst pluck up a vine out of Egypt; Thou didst drive out the nations, and didst 

plant it. Thou didst clear a place before it, and it took deep root, and filled the land. The mountains were covered with the shadow of it, and 

the mighty cedars with the boughs thereof. She sent out her branches unto the sea, and her shoots unto the River.” The grape-vine is thus 

an allusion to the People of Israel, their exodus from Egypt, and their conquest of the Land. 

E. and G. Wajntraub note that “the vine is a symbol of fertility according to the Prophet Jeremiah 31:5...Although it is comparatively small in size 

and compact in execution, much effort was made by its unknown engraver to include all the important places mentioned in the Old Testament.” 


142 (ISRAEL, LAND OF). Paliastri, Judah. Zichron Yerushalayim [illustrated guide to the tombs 

of Sages and the Holy Places]. Edited by Jacob Babani and David Meldola. Second edition. 

Title within typographical border. Woodcut illustrations of the Temple, the Western Wall 

and other notable locations in the Land of Israel. ff. 16. Browned. Title and final leaf laid to size. 

Modern boards. Sm. 8vo. [Vinograd, Amsterdam 1771; Mehlman 537]. 


According to the title, this edition has several additions not contained in the first 

edition of Igereth Mesapereth/Yichusta DeTzadikaya (Constantinople, 1743). 

The Editor, R. David Meldola authored a collection of responsa Divrei David (Amsterdam, 

1753) and a commentary to Pentateuch, Darchei David (Amsterdam and Hamburg, 1793- 

95). David’s father, Raphael, had been Chief Rabbi of Bayonne, France (author of responsa 

Mayim Rabim). See JE, Vol. VIII, pp. 452-53. 


143 (ISRAEL, LAND OF). Israel ben Samuel of Shklov. Rov Shalom u-Berachoth me-Zion 

[concerning the earthquake suffered in Safed]. FIRST EDITION. pp. 4. Modern morocco. [Unknown 

to Vinograd]. 

Amsterdam, 1837. $2000-2500 

On January 1st, 1837 (24th Teveth), an earthquake all but destroyed the Jewish 

community of Safed, killing more than 4,000 inhabitants of the Holy City. R. Israel of 

Shklov, leader of the Kollel Perushim (the followers of the Vilna Gaon in Eretz Israel), 

organized prodigious relief efforts for the survivors of the catastrophe. 

Here he writes to the Lehren Brothers of Amsterdam, the Administrators of the funds 

for the support of the Yishuv and Kollelim in Eretz Israel, apprising them of the situation. 

The Treasurers’ committee, consisting of Tzvi Hirsch and Yaakov Meir Lehren, Abraham 

Prins and Zalman Rubens, published these letters with an additional appeal of their own, 

urging donors to double their pledges to aid the victims of the earthquake. Also includes an 

interim report concerning monies collected in Gibraltar in this regard. 

See Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel (Jerusalem, 1977), p. 7; S. Levi, Rabbi Israel of Shklov, in: 

Sinai III (1939) pp. 30-37; L. Jung ed., Men of the Spirit (1964), pp. 63-81; JE, Vol VI, p. 669. 

Lot 142 


144 (ISRAEL, LAND OF). Epitre à nos Coreligionaires [“Epistle to our Co-Religionists.”]. French 

interspersed with Hebrew. pp. (2), 13, (1 blank). Very light stains. Contemporary wrappers. 12mo. 

(Amsterdam, 1837). $1500-2000 

French translations of three Hebrew letters received from Jerusalem, Safed and Beirut, 

written in the aftermath of the earthquake that destroyed Safed on the 24th of Teveth 

1837. Contains a list of the Sephardic rabbis who perished in Safed (p. 10). The pamphlet, 

an urgent appeal for funds for the Jews of the Holy Land, is datelined “Amsterdam, 11th 

Nissan 5597,” and signed by the “Pekidim and Amarkalim”: H. Lehren, A.A. Prins, S.B. 

Rubens, and M. Lehren. 

Lot 143 


145(ISRAEL, LAND OF). Patterson, J.H. With the Judaeans in the Palestine Campaign. 

FIRST EDITION. Signed by the Author on front flyleaf (browned). Frontispiece portrait of author. 

With map and 22 illustrations. pp. xi, 279. Original boards, extremities scuffed. 8vo. 

London, Hutchinson & Co.: 1922. $100-150 

Colonel John Henry Patterson (1867-1947), was an Anglo-Irish soldier, hunter, author 

and Zionist. Born in Forgney, Ireland, he joined the British Army at age seventeen, rose 

quickly through the ranks and attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Essex 

Yeomanry. In 1898, he was commissioned by the British East Africa Company to oversee 

the construction of a railway bridge over the Tsavo river in present-day Kenya. He became 

an important figure in early Zionism as the commander in World War I of both the Zion 

Mule Corps and the 38th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers (aka The Jewish Legion), which 

would serve as the foundation of the Israeli Defence Forces decades later. Following his 

military career, Patterson continued his support of Zionism as a strong advocate toward 

the establishment of an independent Jewish State in the Middle East. See P. Streeter, Mad 

for Zion: A Biography of Colonel J.H. Patterson (2004). 

Lot 144 

45

Lot 148 

Lot 149 

146 (ISRAEL, LAND OF). Tobler, Titus. 

Bibliographia Geographica Palaestine. 

FIRST EDITION. pp. 5, 265. Bookplates of 

previous owners. Half morocco over marbled 

boards, gilt extra, rubbed. 8vo. 

Leipzig, S. Hirzel: 1867. $100-150 

“Bibliography of All Published and 

Unpublished Travels to the Holy Land.”. 

147 (ISRAEL, LAND OF). Palästina Album / 

Eretz Israel Album. Yiddish. Photographic 

illustrations of scenes in Holy Land, 

together with contemporary rabbinic 

leaders and statesmen. ff. 96. Original 

boards. 4 x 5 1/2 inches (landscape). 

New York, Hebrew Publishing Company, 

circa: 1900. $300-500 

148 (ISRAEL, LAND OF). Jenkins, John S. 

Voyage of the U.S. Exploring Squadron... 

and an Account of the Expedition to 

the Dead Sea, under Lieutenant Lynch. 

FIRST EDITION. Numerous illustrations. pp. 

517. Original boards, gilt extra. 4to. 

New Orleans, Burnett & Bostwick: 1854. 

$600-900 

In 1847, Lieutenant Lynch 

was dispatched by the Secretary 

of the Navy to the Holy Land “to 

circumnavigate the Lake Asphaltites, 

or Dead Sea, and explore the 

River Jordan” (p. 464). Lynch’s 

account contains much fascinating 

information concerning the Land 

and its inhabitants. (The first 

portion of the book treats of Pacific 

expeditions). 


149 (ITALY). Shalom, Abraham, of Padua. 

Ya’ar Av Shalom. FIRST EDITION. A FINE 

WIDE-MARGINED COPY. ff. 28. Previous owner’s 

bookplate. Contemporary marbled limp boards, 

rubbed. Small folio. [Vinograd, Padua 49]. 

Padua, Antonio Bianci: 1855. $500-700 

Poetical compositions for weddings 

and funerals, orations in honor of 

prominent communal leaders, etc. 

[see illustration lower left] 

Lot 147 

150 (ITALY). Rieger, Paul & Vogelstein, 

Hermann. Geschichte der Juden in Rom. 

Two volumes. Ex-library. Contemporary 

boards. 4to. 

Berlin, 1895-96. $80-120 

151 JUDAH THE CHASSID. Sepher 

ha-Chassidim [pietism]. Second edition. 

Title within typographical border, title 

word within decorative woodcut frame. ff. 

(4), 116. Tear on left edge of title, edges frayed 

and cropped affecting some text, worming, final 

leaf laid down. Old sheep, worn and rubbed. 

4to. [Vinograd, Basle 168; Prijs, Basle 132; St. 

5701, 2 (“Ed. quoque non frequens”)]. 

Basle, Ambrose Froben: 1580. $300-400 

Many of the passages in Sepher 

ha-Chassidim are homiletic 

and exegetic, explaining the 

philosophical or mystical meanings 

of Biblical verses and Talmudic 

sayings. For an extensive treatment of 

Aschkenazic Pietism, see I. Marcus, 

Piety and Society: The Jewish Pietists 

of Medieval Germany (1981). See 

also Ch. Soloveitchik, “Three Themes 

in the Sefer Hasidim,” AJS Review, I 

(1976), pp. 311-57. 


46

Lot 152 

152 KIMCHI, DAVID. (RaDa”K). Sepher HaShorashim [“Book of Roots”: Biblical Lexicon]. Second Edition. Text in square Hebrew typeface, 

Biblical references in sidebars in Rashi script. 

The Elkan Nathan Adler-Wineman Family copy (see Kestenbaum & Company, Sale XXVI, Lot 39). ff. (143). Opening and closing leaves laid to 

size, few light stains, neat marginal repairs. Recently rebound in magnificent modern blind-tooled cream morocco by Asprey, London, with clasps and hinges and 

housed in matching folding-case. Folio. [Vinograd, Naples 12; Goff 39; Goldstein 72; Offenberg 105; Steinschneider, p. 873, no. 4821, 43; Thes. A66; Wineman 

Cat. 39]. 

Naples, Azriel ben Joseph Aschkenazi Gunzenhauser: 1490. $40,000-50,000 

COMPLETE COPY OF THE Sepher haShorashim. 

David Kimchi built on the lexicographical work of his predecessor R. Jonah ibn Janach, et al, producing by far, the most popular work 

of this genre. A fundamental work, it was an essential part of any scholar’s library in the 15th-16th centuries - indeed no other Hebrew 

lexicographical study influenced Christian Hebraists in their examination of the sacred tongue as did Kimchi’s Sepher HaShorashim. 


47

153 KIMCHI, DAVID. (RaDa”K). Sepher Michlol [grammar]. Third edition (the first two editions entirely unknown to Steinschneider). Title 

within attractive four-part ornamental border. Printed in double columns. On title, inscription of former owner: “London Apr. 28, Year 1762 

by Mardochai Odeiro.” ff. (64). Waterstained. Contemporary vellum. Folio. [Vinograd, Const. 149; Yaari, Const. 118; Mehlman 1252; Adams K-48]. 

48 

Lot 153 

Constantinople, Gershom Soncino: 1534. $6000-9000 

According to the title-page, the printing was begun by Gershom Soncino, an expatriate from Italy to Turkey “in the twelfth year of 

H.M. Sultan Suleiman.” Unfortunately, the elder Soncino did not live to see the entire book in print. In the colophon, we are told that 

the work was completed by Gershom’s son Eliezer. 

The title is the source of invaluable genealogical information concerning the Soncino family (originally from Fürth, Germany). Gershom 

Soncino tells of the lengths he went in order to obtain the Tocques recension of the Tosaphoth for his edition of the Talmud - traveling as far as 

France, Cambri [Cambridge?] and Geneva - only to have his edition duplicated by the Venetian printers (i.e. Daniel Bomberg). Concluding on 

a touching note, Gershom asks that God provide him succor in old age in the merit of his relief work on behalf of those Jews driven from Spain 

and Portugal. See A.M. Haberman, Perakim be-Toldoth ha-Madpissim ha-Ivrim (1978), pp. 15-20; EJ, Vol. XV, cols. 140-42. 


Lot 156 Lot 157 Lot 158 

154 KIMCHI, DAVID. (RaDa”K). Sepher Michlol [grammar]. Edited 

by Elijah Levita. Title within architectural arch. Printed in double 

columns. ff. 69. Waterstained, marginal worming repaired in places. 

Modern calf-backed marbled boards. Folio. [Vinograd, Venice 245; 

Habermann, Bomberg 174; not in Adams]. 

Venice, Cornelio Adelkind for Daniel Bomberg: 1545. $700-900 

The Michlol was David Kimchi’s chief grammatical work. 

It treats verbs comprehensively, covering the rules governing 

conjugation, changes of pronunciation and accents. It is 

distinguished by the clarity of its style and its conciseness. See 

M. Waxman, Vol. I, p. 179. 

155 KIMCHI, DAVID. (RaDa”K). Sepher HaShorashim [“Book of 

Roots”: Biblical Lexicon]. Printed in two columns. Title within 

woodcut architectural arch. ff. 143,(1). Few stains. Contemporary limp 

vellum incorporating medieval manuscript Piyut (see Davidson, Vol. I p.74 

no. 1597-98) as well as an early printed text in Latin. Folio. [Vinograd, 

Venice 298; Habermann, Bomberg 298; Adams K-45]. 

Venice, Daniel Bomberg: 1546. $500-700 

156 KOPPELMAN, JACOB. Omek Halacha [elucidations on 

the laws pertaining to Kilayim, Eruvin, along with Talmudic 

references to mathematics, botany, engineering etc.]. Second 

edition. Numerous woodcut illustrations and mathematical 

and astronomical charts, diagrams and symbols. Including 

woodcut illustration of the Temple Candelabra on f.32v. and of 

the High Priest’s vestments on verso of final unnumbered leaf. 

Printers device on title. Signatures, stamps and inscriptions 

of former owners on title and front flyleaf, including R. Israel 

Rappoport of Tarna and the bibliographer R. Joseph Levenstein 

of Serotzk. ff. (2),36, (lacking final leaf of corrections). Few light 

stains. Contemporary half-calf, spine and corners rubbed. Sm. 4to. 

[Vinograd, Amsterdam 920]. 

Amsterdam, Jacob Aleris Soto: 1710. $200-300 


157 LEVI BEN GERSHOM (Gersonides). Peirush RaLBa”G al Iyov / 

Commentarius R. Levi Filii Gersonis in Librum Iobi [commentary 

to the Book of Job]. With Latin translation by Ludovicus Henricus 

Aquinas. Hebrew and Latin translation face à face. Headpieces, 

floriated initials. Broad margins. pp. (6), 56. Browned. Disbound. 4to. 

[Vinograd, Paris 69 (not in JNUL); Ben Yaakov P-154; Fürst I, p. 83]. 

Paris, Thomas Blaise: 1623. $1200-1800 

Rare Paris Imprint of Gersonides’ Commentary. This 

bilingual edition encompasses the first five chapters of the 

Book of Job (as issued). 

Levi ben Gershom (Gersonides) (1288-1344) wore many 

hats: mathematician, astronomer, philosopher and Biblical 

commentator. An extremely rationalistic mindset pervades 

all his writings. Unfortunately, virtually nothing is known of 

his biography other than the fact that he lived in the South of 

France, Bagnols-sur-Céze (Languedoc) and Avignon. 


158 (LITURGY). Meah Berachoth [collected prayers and instructions 

issued for Marrano refugees]. Text in Hebrew only. Engraved 

frontispiece by the Jewish artist Benjamin Godiness depicting Man’s 

Five Senses by way of the performance of five ceremonial acts. pp. 

(10), 303, 20, (10). Lightly browned and trace foxed. Contemporary halfcalf 

over marbled boards, rubbed. 12mo. [Vinograd, Amsterdam 550; Fuks, 

Amsterdam 606; Gans, Memorbook p. 138; Roth, Jewish Art, col. 474]. 

Amsterdam, Albertus Magnus: 1687 (i.e. 1688?). $1500-2500 

Two issues were published of this compendium of prayers: 

With, and without Spanish translation. This Hebrew only 

issue is far less common. 

This copy appears to be an unrecorded variant. The 

collation generally follows the Bodleian and British Library 

copies (cf. Fuks, Amsterdam 606), however the present copy 

includes a half-title and the engraved frontispiece by Godiness. 

Additionally, in this copy the colophon is found on p. 20 before 

the final index (not on p. 303 as in Fuks), and p.304 is a blank. 


49

50 

Lot 161 

Lot 163 

Lot 165 

159 LEVITA, ELIJAH. Sepher HaBachur 

[grammar]. With approbation by Ezekiel 

Landau, Chief Rabbi of Prague. ff. (5), 90. 

Lightly browned and stained. Modern boards. 

12mo. [Vinograd, Prague 978]. 

Prague, 1789. $120-180 

160 (LITURGY). Or Kadmon [“Primordial Light” 

- supplications by David ibn Zimra, et al]. 

Edited by Moses Chagiz. FIRST EDITION. ff. (2), 

30. Some words on verso of final leaf rubbed. Later 

calf-backed boards. 12mo. [Vinograd, Venice 1539; 

E. Carlebach, The Pursuit of Heresy,1990, pp. 54, 

346]. 

Venice, Vendramin: 1703. $500-700 

Chagiz was renowned for his 

campaign opposing Jewish heresy, 

rooting out secret adherents of 

Shabbthai Tzvi. Bringing David ibn 

Zimra’s Or Kadmon to press was Moses 

Chagiz’s first publishing venture. Chagiz 

took advantage of the opportunity to 

append a short treatise of his own on 

Repentance. 

161 (LITURGY). Machzor [Festival prayers] 

According to the rite of the Jews of Rome. 

Two volumes bound in one. Titles within 

architectural arch. ff. (2), 117, 93. Dampstained 

in places. Modern half-morocco. Folio. [Vinograd, 

Mantua 300]. 

Mantua, Isaac Yareh - Jacob Haver Tov: 1712-19. 

$1000-1500 

Bound into rear of volume two 

broadsides: Seder Pesukim ... Ne’ilath 

Yom Kippur. (Mantua 1782) [Vinograd, 

Mantua 528]. * And: Tephilah le-Toke’a 

[prayers for Shofar blowing]. (Mantua 

n.d.). 


162 (LITURGY). Machzor shel Kol ha-Shanah 

[prayers for the entire year]. According to 

the custom of Italy. Two volumes. Vol. I: ff. 

224 (i.e. 283). Vol. II: ff. 322. Lightly browned 

with scattered stains, upper corner of title of vol. II 

repaired, affecting some words. Modern morocco. 

8vo. [Vinograd, Venice 1988]. 

Venice, Bragadin: 1772. $300-400 

The Italian prayer rite is among the 

few that retained significant vestiges of 

the pre-Crusader Palestinian rite. It is 

also characterised by a deep interest 

in liturgical poetry and midrashic 

compilations in common with the 

Roman prayer rite. In this rite, “the 

exegetical and liturgical interests of 

the two major centers are seen to come 

together nicely.” S.C. Reif, Judaism and 

Hebrew Prayer (1993), pp. 164-5. 

163 (LITURGY). Machzor [prayers throughout 

the year]. According to the rite of Bohemia, 

Poland, Moravia, Russia and Lithuania. With 

laws and commentary to the Piyutim. Two 

parts bound in one volume. Titles within 

architectural arch featuring Moses and 

Aaron. Many large historiated initial letters 

throughout. Part I: ff. 17, (2), 19-144. Part II: 

ff. 110. Some staining, first three and final leaves 

repaired. Contemporary calf-covered wooden boards 

with clasps and hinges. Folio. [Vinograd, Turka 1; 

Ginzei Yisrael 330; A. Oppenheimer, The Hebrew 

Press in Turka, Alei Sefer, No. 8 (1980) pp. 95-110]. 

Turka (Turce), n.p.: 1757. $5000-6000 

THE FIRST BOOK PUBLISHED IN TURKA. 

According to Vinograd, the JNUL 

copy is incomplete. As stated in the 

colophon, the format and commentaries 

in this Machzor are patterned after the 

Dyhernfurth 1712-13 edition with “many 

new improvements from old books in our 

possession.” Although no Jewish printer 

or publisher is mentioned on the titles or 

colophons,Vinograd lists the printer as 

Joshua Heschel ben Tzvi Hirsch whose 

name appears six years later on Turka 

imprints from 1763. 


164 (LITURGY). Seder Kinoth. With Judeo- 

German translation by R. Leib Sofer of 

Posen. ff. 64. Some staining, marginal repair to 

title. Modern morocco-backed marbled boards. 4to. 

[Vinograd Brünn 14]. 

Brünn, Franz Josef Neuman: 1760. $150-200 

165 (LITURGY). Seder ha-Tephiloth mi-Kol 

ha-Shanah [prayers through the year]. 

According to the custom of Germany and 

Poland. With Psalms and Techinoth with 

translation into Yiddish. Illustration of 

cherub on f. 193. Separate title for Psalms. ff. 

348, 130, 20. Stained. Recent boards fitted with 

older silver clasps and medallions with initials 

“ZW”. Thick 8vo. [Vinograd, Karlsruhe 32 (JNUL 

copy incomplete)]. 

Karlsruhe, Epstein - Vermays: 1794. $1500-2000 

Contains a naive, but most original 

illustration of marriage-celebrants 

in contemporary costume beneath a 

Chuppah (final section, f. 20). Not seen 

reproduced elsewhere. 


Lot 167 

166 (LITURGY). Beith Tephilah [Week-day and Sabbath prayers]. According to Sephardic rite. 

Printed in red and black throughout. ff. (2), (193). Lightly browned in places, some pages loose. 

Contemporary boards, front cover detached, lacking spine. 16mo. [Unknown to Vinograd and all other 

bibliographers]. 

Vienna, di la Torre: 1857. $1000-1500 

Lot 166 

AN UNRECORDED AND HIGHLY UNUSUAL PRAYER BOOK. 

Primarily printed in black with continuous flourishes in red - extending from two words 

(f.171r) to three entire pages - and yet excluding a two-word head-note! (ff.81r - 82r). The 

appearance here of typeface in red is often used to highlight a particularly poignant or 

solemn passage of the prayers and yet at times the reason for its appearance here seems to be 

no more than bibliophilic fancy! 


167 (LITURGY). Selichoth mi-Kol ha-Shanah [penitential prayers for the whole year]. Edited 

with historical, bibliographical introduction by Gabriel Falk. Divided into eighteen individual 

pamphlets for eighteen differing Selichoth services. pp. 22, 22, 24, 22, 24, 24, 22, 39,13, 15, 

13, 52, 30, 30, 30, 32, 36, 48. Lightly browned, some pages brittle. Original blue printed wrappers. 8vo. 

[Vinograd, Amsterdam 2795]. 

Amsterdam, Israel Levison, David Proops: 1860. $1000-1200 


168 (LITURGY). Machzor [prayers for the New Year, Day of Atonement and Three Festivals]. 

Minhag Sephard (Poland, Bohemia, Moravia, etc.). pp. 358 (lacking one leaf at end of Ne’ilah), 352. 

Some staining, slight worming on a few leaves repaired. Morocco-backed boards. 8vo. 

Lot 168 

Zhitomir, Chananiah Lipa & Joshua Heschel Shapira: 1865. $2000-2500 


169 (MEDICINE). Amatus Lusitanus (pseudonym of João Rodrigues). Curationum Medicinalium 

Centuriae duae (collection of medical case histories). FIRST EDITION. Headpieces. Floriated 

initials. Marginalia in Latin and French. ff.(16), 230, (2 blanks), (15), (1 blank), 150, (1). Light 

stains, marginal worming, some underlining in ink. Tree calf, gilt extra, lacking top and bottom portions of 

spine. 12mo. [Not in Adams; Friedenwald (1946), p. 36]. 

Paris, Sebastian Niuelli: 1554. $1500-2500 

Amatus Lusitanus (1511-1568?), arguably the most distinguished physician of his age, was 

a Marrano, born in Castello Branco, Portugal, who openly returned to Judaism in Ancona, 

Italy. Always one step ahead of the Inquisition, Amatus finally fled to the friendlier clime 

of Ottoman Salonica, where it is believed, he succumbed to plague in 1568. See Harry 

Friedenwald, The Jews and Medicine I (1967), pp. 332-380; Natalia Berger (ed.) Jews and 

Medicine (Philadelphia, 1995), pp. 89-97. 


Lot 169 

51

170 (MEDICINE). Luzzatto, Aaron. Sama de-Chayei [“Spice of Life”: Anti-medical invective]. 

Hebrew interspersed with Italian. Printer’s device on verso of wrapper. pp. 17, (1). Margins 

waterstained. Original printed wrappers. 8vo. [Vinograd, Trieste 37]. 

Trieste, Colombo Coen: 1860. $200-250 

The Author adjures his son to avoid medical doctors, buttressing his argument with 

quotations from throughout rabbinic literature. He tells of having met an elderly man 

whose father had only just passed away. The old man related that his father lived to be 

well over one hundred years old as he had the good fortune no doctor was accesible in 

his locale. He advises his son to follow the path outlined by Maimonides - eat well, sleep 

well and not overindulge. 

Lot 171 

171 MEELFUHRER, RUDOLPH MARTIN. Vikuach be-Inyan Birchath Kohanim [concerning 

the Priestly Blessings]. FIRST EDITION. In Hebrew with Latin introduction and notes. pp. (2), 24. 

Lightly browned, stamp of former owner on title. Later boards, rubbed. 4to. [Vinograd, Giessen 2]. 

Giessen, H. Miler: 1697. $600-900 

Rare. One of only five books with Hebrew type printed in this town in the German 

province of Hesse. 


172 MENDELSSOHN, MOSES. HaNephesh [philosophical work]. FIRST EDITION. Presentation 

copy, with handwritten inscription from the publisher, David Friedländer, to “My master 

and friend, the distinguished physician and scholar Mordechai Halevi.” Previous owner’s 

stamp “Dr. Rippne, Glogau.” ff. 5, 15. Slightly browned. Contemporary wrappers. 8vo. [Vinograd, 

Berlin 352]. 

Berlin, Chevrath Chinuch Ne’arim: 1787. $1000-1500 

Following the death of Moses Mendelssohn in 1796, David Friedländer became his 

intellectual successor and pioneer of the ideology of Haskalah, occupying a prominent 

position in both Jewish and non-Jewish circles in Berlin. 

“Among Mendelssohn’s many admirers none was so deeply and unreservedly attached to 

him as David Friedländer, and Mendelssohn responded with equal warmth...Friedländer’s 

memory was a store-house of anecdotes from Mendelssohn’s life, and his point in telling 

them was to show the wisdom and nobility of the man.” A. Altmann, Moses Mendelssohn: 

A Biography (1973), pp. 350-51. 


Lot 172 

173 (MISHNAH). Seder Toharoth [Order of Purity]. With commentary of R. Obadiah 

of Bertinoro. FIRST EDITION. On title, printer’s mark of Carlo Querini (Yaari, Hebrew 

Printer’s Marks 15). On verso of title, notice of ownership in Judeo-Arabic written in 

Yemenite script. Scattered marginalia in old Sephardi hand. ff. 126. Waterstained, minute 

holes in title, several leaves laid to size. Modern vellum-backed boards. 8vo. [Vinograd, Venice 

355; Mehlman 104]. 

Venice, Meir Parenzo-Carlo Querini: 1549. $500-700 

52 

Lot 174 

174 (MUSIC). Lipschitz, Solomon. Te’udath Shlomo [instructions for the Synagogue Cantor]. 

FIRST EDITION. ff. (6), 46. Later calf. Sm. 8vo. [Vinograd, Offenbach 33]. 

Offenbach, Seligman Reiz: 1718. $800-1200 

Cantor Solomon Lipschitz practiced his profession in several cities, including 

Prague, Frankfurt, and later Metz. In Te’udath Shlomo he combines instructions 

and moral precepts for Chazanim, with his own personal reminiscences. (Of especial 

interest is a most bloody altercation that took place in the synagogue of Metz on 

the second day of the festival of Shavu’oth, 1715; see f.14v.) The book bears the 

endorsements of R. Jacob Reisher of Metz (author responsa “Shevuth Ya’akov”); R. 

Aaron Worms of Metz; and R. Benjamin Wolf of Metz (author “Ir Benyamin”). The 

author was a student of R. Aaron Worms of Metz (cited on f.41r.). On f.45, there is a 

dedication to the author’s wife, Machla daughter of R. Samuel Feivis Kahana, author 

“Leket Shmuel,” grandson of the author of Sepher Me’irath Einayim (SM”A), a 

premier commentary to Choshen Mishpat. 


Lot 175 

175 MOSES BEN NACHMAN (NACHMANIDES. / RaMBa”N). Dina de-Garmei. FIRST EDITION. Printed without a title page. ff. (10). Marbled 

endpapers. Vellum with leather ties. 4to. [Vinograd, Const. 49; Yaari, Const. 69; St. Cat. Bodl. no. 6532-17]. 

(Constantinople), 1515-20. $12,000-16,000 

Rare Early Constantinople Imprint. A crisp, clean copy. 

Nachmanides was one of the foremost Talmudic scholars of the Middle Ages. His influential works on Halacha, Bible and a myriad 

of other subjects have been assiduously studied for centuries. In addition to his Halachic novellae on Talmudic tractates, he composed 

Halachic monographs considered masterpieces of Rabbinic literature. The present work, Dina de-Garmei, is an exposition of laws 

pertaining to personal injuries and property damage. This compact yet excellent study has been highly praised and generated a great many 

super-commentaries. See Y.S. Steiner, Shoshanath Ya’akov (Przemysl, 1882). 


53

176 (MINIATURE BOOK). Seder Tephiloth mikol Ha’shanah [daily 

prayers for the entire year]. According to Aschkenazic and Polish 

rite. pp. 239 (of 240, lacking p. 232). Stained, some leaves cropped 

and worn, tear on p. 231 affecting a few words. Contemporary calf, gilt. 

Rubbed. 32mo. [Unknown to Vinograd]. 

54 

Amsterdam, Jochanan Levi Ropé and son Benjamin (Emden): 1815. 

$300-500 

Not in JNUL. Vinograd notes a similar edition published in 

1813 (JNUL copy incomplete). 

177 (MINIATURE BOOK). Hebrew Prayers. Original printed wrappers. 

Housed in later silver case with hinged lid and hasp closure. Front bears 

embossed oval depiction of Western Wall, back engraved with Hebrew 

inscription. 

Chicago, Gernat’s, circa: 1920’s. $700-900 


178 (MINIATURE BOOK). (Bible, Hebrew). Sepher Torah Nevi’im 

Ukethuvim. Prepared by Menachem M. Scholtz. Original pictorial 

printed cloth. Housed within original hinged metal case set with magnifying 

glass. 2.1x3 cm. 

Warsaw, c.1880. $1000-1500 

Purportedly, The Smallest Hebrew Book Printed. 


179 (MINIATURE BOOKS). Large collection of c.170 Miniature Books. 

Including: Sepher Parshiyoth...she-Korin be-Shabbath le-Minchah 

(Venice: Bragadin,1737) [Vinograd, Venice 1746]. * Meldola, David, 

Mo’ed David (Amsterdam: Abraham Attias, 1740) [Vinograd, 

Amsterdam 1516]. * Da Fano, Menachem Azariah, Seder Avodah Raba 

ve-Zuta (Venice: Bragadin, 1742) [Vinograd, Venice 1819]. * Hanover, 

Nathan Nata, Sha’arei Zion (Venice:Bragadin, 1751) [Vinograd, Venice 

1877]. * Tephilath Yesharim (Venice: Bragadin, 1793) [Vinograd, 

Venice 2070]. * Tehilim. Hebrew and Dutch (London: A. Macintosh, 

1840). * Sepher Tikunei Zohar with Commentary of Rabbi Isaac Luria 

(Jozefow, 1870) [Friedberg T-1869]. * Siddur Tephilath Yesharim 

ke-Minhag Sephard (Szatmar: Meir Leib Hirsch, 1942). * Tehilim 

(Fernwald D.P. Camp, n.d.). Variously worn, variously bound. Sold not 

subject to return. 

18th century-20th century. $5000-7000 

Many Psalters and liturgical works. Multiple copies of some 

titles. Imprints include: Amsterdam, Berlin, Djerba, Frankfurt 

a/Main, Jerusalem, Livorno, London, Mantua, Piotrkow, 

Prague, Roedelheim, Strasbourg, Szatmar, Venice, Vienna. 

Lot 177 Lot 178 

180 PAGNINUS, SANTES. Otzar Lashon Hakodesh-Thesaurus Linguae 

Sanctae sive Lexicon Hebraicum. Printer’s device. Trace wormed, few 

stains. Contemporary limp vellum, worn, small portion of upper cover with loss. 

Thick folio. [Adams P-41]. 

Lyons, Antonio Gryphius: 1577. $500-700 

Complete in 3188 columns, a massive reworking of David 

Kimchi’s Michlol and Shoroshim. The Author Santes Pagnini (or 

Xanthus Pagninus) (1470-1536), an Italian Dominican friar, was 

considered one of the greatest Christian Hebraists of the age. See C. 

Roth, Jews in the Renaissance (1959) 146f.; EJ, Vol. XIII, cols. 13-14. 

181 (PARODY). (Kalonymus Ben Kalonymus). Masecheth Purim [ribald 

laws and popular humor]. * With: (Sommerhauzen, Tzvi Hirsch). 

Hagadah le-Leil Shikurim [“Hagadah of the Night of Drunkards”]. * 

And (J. L. Ben-Zev). Selichoth le-Purim. ff. 26. Slight staining, previous 

owner’s stamp. Later calf. 8vo. [Vinograd, Lemberg 791]. 

Lemberg, Joseph Schnander: 1847. $600-900 

“One of the cleverest liturgical imitations known in Hebrew 

literature. The diction and style of the liturgy are reproduced with 

consummate skill, but instead of devotional spirit, it is permeated with 

humor and fun” (I. Davidson, Parody in Jewish Literature, pp.110-111). 

182 (PARODY). Sachs, Senior (Ed.). Kanphei Yonah. Supplement to 

HaYonah [periodical]. FIRST EDITION. Hebrew with few introductory 

lines in German from poem by Heine. pp. 48. Browned andd stained. 

Contemporary boards. 8vo. [Vinograd, Berlin 663; Davidson, Parody in 

Jewish Literature, Nos. 53 & 194]. 

Berlin, 1848. $500-700 

This curious collection contains: Isaac Meir Dick, “Masecheth 

Aniyuth” (“Tractate Poverty”: parodical tractate of Talmud), 

satirizing the Russian Jews, especially usurers, shadchanim 

(matchmakers), chazanim (cantors) and melamdim (teachers) 

(pp. 8-20), with introduction by S. Sachs (pp. 3-7); Judah Leib 

Nathan, “Zohar Chadash” (parody on Zohar), decrying the 

innovations of Reform Judaism: the intermingling of the sexes 

during worship and the change of the Sabbath day from Saturday 

to Sunday (pp. 21-25); a poem by Shalom Hakohen attacking the 

Hamburg Temple (pp. 25-26); a farewell poem to Sachs from his 

townsman and relation by marriage, Chaim Zak (pp. 26-28); a 

tribute to Sach’s mentor, Isaac Erter of Brody (pp. 33-36); et cetera. 

Senior (or Shneor) Sachs (1816-1892), a native of Zhager 

Chadash (New Zhager), was a Lithuanian scholar who 

sojourned in Berlin and lastly in Paris, where he was employed 

as private librarian of Baron Joseph Günzburg and tutor to his 

children. See JE, Vol. X, pp. 613-614; EJ, Vol.XVI, cols. 916-917.

183 (PARODY). Sommerhausen, Tzvi Hirsch. Hagadah le-Leil Shikurim [“Hagadah for the 

Night of Drunkards” - i.e. Purim]. Third (enlarged) edition. pp.(4), 32. Contemporary boards, 

loose. Sm. 8vo. [Vinograd, Amsterdam 2705; Davidson, Parody no. 307a]. 

Amsterdam, van Embden & Socium: 1849. $400-600 

This edition contains new parodies such as Ma’aravoth (pp. 1-3), Zemiroth (pp. 

31-32) and an introduction not found in other editions. 

184 (PERIODICAL). Jewish Telegraphic Agency - Daily News Bulletin. Several thousand 

issues housed in seven boxes: August, 1935 - November, 1989. Each issue approx. 4-7 

pages. Sold not subject to return. 

New York $300-500 

185 (PERIODICAL). Jewish Daily Bulletin: “Jewish News from All Parts of the World Within 

24 Hours. The Only Daily Review of Jewish Events Printed in English.” Number 1, October 

15th, 1924 - Number 802, June 30th, 1927. * And: Number 1256, January 2nd, 1929 - 

Number 1553, December 31st, 1929. Bound in 6 volumes. * Together with Index Volume for 1926. 

Ex-library. Boards. 4to. 

(New York), Published by Jacob Landau: . $300-500 

As the Index Volume notes: “A Key to Contemporary Jewish History.” 

186 (PERIODICAL). Ost und West. Illustrierte Monatsschrift fuer Modernes Judentum. Edited 

by Davis Trietsch & Leo Winz. Volumes I - X. All volumes profusely illustrated. Ex-library. 

Contemporary boards. Sm.folio. 

Berlin, 1901-22. $800-1200 

Celebrated periodical which, among a great many features, includes numerous 

articles relating to Jewish applied and fine arts. 

Lot 189 

187 (PERIODICAL). The Menorah Journal. 96 Issues. 1927 - 1962 (non-sequential), including Index Volume. Illustrated. Original wrappers. Sm. folio. 

A well regarded literary journal containing a wide variety of papers devoted to Jewish history, culture and the arts. 

New York $300-500 

188 (POLEMICS). Rosty, Nicolaus. Ritus ac mores hebraeorum italico idiomate refutati a Doctore Paulo Medici [“Jewish Rites and Mores in the 

Italian language: Refutation of Doctor Paulo Medici.”] Latin with smattering of Hebrew. pp.(56), 276, (4). Slightly foxed and stained. On p. 107, 

marginalia in pencil. Later marbled boards. Sm. 4to. 

Tyrnau, 1758. $300-500 

Paolo Medici had published a work in Italian, Riti e costumi degli Ebrei [Rites and costumes of the Jews]. Here, Hungarian Jesuit 

Nicolaus Rosty refutes Medici’s work point by point, arguing the Church’s position and holding Rabbinic tradition up to ridicule. 

189 (POLEMICS). Chazan, Israel Moses. Kuntres Kedushath Yom Tov [polemic against those seeking to abolish the Second Day of the Festival in the 

Diaspora]. FIRST EDITION. pp. (2), 16, ff. 35. Some foxing. Wrappers, front cover lacking. 12mo. [Vinograd, Vienna 1022]. 

Vienna, della Torre: 1855. $400-600 

A Modernist’s Defense of Tradition. 

R. Israel Moses Chazan (1808-62), rabbi of Rome, and later Corfu and Alexandria, was the grandson of the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of 

Jerusalem, R. Joseph ben Chaim Chazan (1741-1819). Though a defender of the faith and a battler against Reform, R. Israel Moses was of a 

decidedly modernist bent, as reflected in various responsa in his collection Kerach shel Romi (Livorno, 1876). 

The present polemical tract was written at the behest of the Rabbi of Mantua, R. Mordechai Halevi Morteira. A group of 

Mantuan merchants sought to open their stores on the second day of the Festival, which in the Land of Israel is considered 

a weekday. The institution of “yom tov sheni shel galuyoth” (the second festive day of the Diaspora) originated in ancient 

times when the calendar was based on the actual sighting of the new moon by witnesses who would testify before members 

of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Communications being what they were, it would take time for the Babylonian Diaspora 

communities to be updated, thus was instituted a second Festival day. The reformers argued that the observance nowadays 

is anachronistic. Rabbi Chazan demonstrates that halachically we do not have the liberty to abolish such enactments of the 

Sages. Our author adjures the Mantuan rabbi to follow in the footsteps of his distinguished ancestor, R. Saul Halevi Morteira 

of Amsterdam, author Giv’ath Shaul (f.33v.) (Chazan may be alluding to the fact that R. Saul Morteira played a part in the 

excommunication of his erstwhile pupil, the heretical philosopher Benedict de Spinoza.) 

The booklet is prefaced by similar responsa by the Aschkenazic and Sephardic rabbis of Vienna, Elazar Halevi Hurwitz and Reuben 

Baruch. 

See J. Faur, Rabbi Yisrael Moshe Hazzan: the Man and His Works (1978) [Hebrew], p. 31, no. 4; p. 67-72; A. Ya’ari, Shluchei Eretz Israel, 

pp. 729-732, 876; JE, Vol. VI, p. 288. 


55

190 (POLEMICS). Rosenberg, Abraham. Aneh Kesil [“Answer a Fool”: An open rejoinder to Dr. Ritter regarding his criticism of the Yerushalmi 

Seder Kodashim in the periodical “Israelit”]. FIRST EDITION. ff. (16). Browned throughout. Recent marbled boards. 8vo. [Friedberg, Ayin-949; See YU 

Museum Catalogue, Printing the Talmud pp. 288-9, no. 59 (incl. facs.)]. A detailed survey concerning this work accompanies the Lot. 

S. Warahl (Szatmar), Jacob Wieder: 1908. $500-700 

In Defense of the Forged Jerusalem Talmud. 

One of the most colorful characters in the rogue’s gallery of Rabbinic literature is undoubtedly the man who called himself “Solomon 

Judah Algazi Friedlander.” A century later, researchers are still trying to piece together the true identity of this enigmatic figure. Arriving 

in Hungary at the turn of the 20th-century, the man presented himself as a Sephardic Jew from the Orient, who made a startling discovery: 

a manuscript containing the long-lost Jerusalem Talmud on the Order of Kodashim. In 1907 Friedlander published the Yerushalmi on 

Tractates Chulin and Bechoroth. (Later, in 1909, these would be followed by Tractates Zevachim, Menachoth and Eirichin.) Although 

initially greeted with great enthusiasm, soon enough, doubts began to arise as to the authenticity of the work, and aspersions were cast on 

the moral character of the publisher, Solomon Judah Friedlander. 

Our pamphlet, Aneh Kesil, purports to be the work of one “Abraham Rosenberg,” a disciple of Friedlander, who takes umbrage at the 

negative pronouncements of several experts concerning the “Yerushalmi.” 

Of especial interest is a [supposed] letter from R. Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk to Friedlander, in which he offers the services of a relative, 

R. Chaim Hakohen Shapiro of the District of Mohilev, as a distributor of the book, while diplomatically avoiding comment on the work 

itself (AK, f.5v.) Friedlander writes that he corresponded with the Dayan of Brisk, Avraham Yitzchak Halevi [Bleiweiss]. See Jekuthiel Judah 

Greenwald, “Ha-Yerushalmi al Kodashim,” Sepher ha-Yovel shel ha-Pardess (1951), pp. 345-9. 

191 (POLEMICS). Thursz, Dov Berish. Has Kategor [“Silence the Accuser”: defense of the Talmud against the false accusations of the Polish 

anti-Semite Andrzej Nemoyevski]. FIRST EDITION. Title within modernist typographical border. Marginalia in Hebrew and Polish. pp. (1), 3, (1), 

152 (out of 154). Browned throughout. Contemporary marbled boards, wear. 4to. [Friedberg, H-846]. 

Warsaw, J. Wagmeister: 1924. $400-600 

This rare volume bears the encomia of three important leaders from three divergent traditions: The great Rabbi Tzvi Ezekiel Michaelzohn 

of Warsaw; The great Chassidic Rebbe Mordechai Joseph Elazar Leiner of Radzyn; and The great Maskil Prof. Dr. Meir Balaban. 

On pp. 148-152 we find a blistering attack on the journalist Hillel Zeitlin, whose lukewarm pre-release review of the book appeared in 

the Yiddish newspaper Moment. While praising the author’s familiarity with the entire rabbinic literature, Zeitlin pointed out that the book 

“lacks scholarly material, systematic presentation, modern style and idiom, and historic perspective.” Returning the favor, Thursz subjects 

Zeitlin to a venomous ad hominem attack: “He [Zeitlin] immerses himself, publicly purifying himself in the sea of Chabad Chassiduth, 

while holding in his hand modern disbelief” (p. 148). 

[see illustration below] 

192 (REFORM JUDAISM). Lieberman, Eliezer (Editor). Nogah ha-Tzedek - Or Nogah. FIRST EDITION. Two volumes bound in one; second work in 

three parts. pp. 28; (16), 24, 52. Slight browning. Contemporary half-calf, rubbed. 4to. [Vinograd, Dessau 75 and 71 (mispaginated)]. Accompanied By: 

Another copy. 

Dessau, C. Schlieder: 1818. $400-600 

The first Reform responsa. 

A defense of Reform synagogue practice, including liberal positions on organ accompaniment and prayer in the vernacular. 

Publication follows outrage among Orthodox Jewry upon the opening of Israel Jacobsohn’s Hamburg Temple in 1818, the first 

established Reform synagogue. Among the contributors to this volume are Aaron Chorin of Arad, Hungary - erstwhile student of R. 

Ezekiel Landau (“Noda bi-Yehudah”); and Moses Kunitz of Ofen, author of a scholarly work in defense of the authenticity of the Zohar, 

“Ben Yochai” (1815), and Dayan in Budapest. See JE, Vol. VII, p. 583. 

193 (REFORM JUDAISM). (Hamburg Rabbinate). Eileh Divrei ha-Berith [collected letters 

denouncing Reform synagogue practices]. FIRST EDITION. pp. xvi, 132. Later boards. 4to. [Vinograd, 

Altona 213]. Accompanied by: Another copy. 

Altona, The Brothers Bonn: 1819. $400-600 

These collected letters express the outrage of Orthodox Jewry upon the opening of 

Israel Jacobsohn’s Hamburg Temple in 1818 - the first established Reform synagogue. 

Includes letter from the Chatham Sofer and other prominent traditional rabbis. 

194 (REFORM JUDAISM). Deutsch, David. Die Orgel in der Synagoge. FIRST EDITION. pp. 83. Slight 

stains. Unbound. 8vo. 

Breslau, Sulzbach’s Buchdruckerei: 1863. $200-300 

The author (1810-73), a champion of Orthodoxy and disciple of both R. Mordechai 

Banet and the Chatham Sofer, led the anti-Reform protest against the appointment 

of Abraham Geiger as Rabbi in Breslau. This work is a scholarly refutation against the 

arguments of S. Low and others, who favored the use of the organ in the synagogue. In 

addition to an historical overview of the halachic ramifications of this issue, he surmises 

that “the organ is an instrument exclusive to the Christian Church” (p. 36). 

56 

Lot 191

195 (REFORM JUDAISM). Lowenstamm, Abraham ben Aryeh Loeb. Tzeror HaChaim [“The Bond of 

Life”: Nine responses to the innovations of the Reform Movement]. Second edition. ff. (5), 71. Browned, 

portions brittle. Marbled boards. Sm. 4to. [Friedberg, TZ-416]. 

Ujhely, Moritz Weisz: 1868. $300-500 

The author instructs the prohibition of praying in a synagogue where there is an organ; 

castigates against the practices of abolishing the silent recitation of the Amidah, changing 

the formula of the prayer-book, altering from Aschkenazic custom to Sephardic custom, 

praying in the vernacular, praying bareheaded or in mixed company and emphasizes the 

firm obligation of continued belief in the Messiah (in contradistinction to the Reform 

omission of references to the Messiah in the prayers). 

First printed in Amsterdam in 1820, the fact that the book was reissued in Hungary in 

1868 is not without historic significance. The battle between the Orthodox and Neolog 

(Reform) elements within Hungarian Jewry had reached a climax at that time. In that year, 

the government convened the General Jewish Congress and the polemics between the 

Orthodox and the Reform became the central issue of the Congress. The final outcome of the 

Conference was the formal division of Hungarian Jewry into three factions: Orthodox, Neolog 

and Status Quo Ante (i.e. those communities - such as Miskolc, in particular - which did not 

join either side but rather retained their pre-Congress status). See EJ, Vol. VIII, col. 1092. 

196 REUCHLIN, JOHANNES. De Rudimentis Hebraicis [Grammar]. FIRST EDITION. Three parts in one. 

Latin interspersed with Hebrew. Printed from right to left, without signatures. Large woodcut arms on 

verso of final leaf, white-on-black device on recto. Additional half-leaf between pp. 588-9, blank between 

pp.450-1 cut away (as usual). A wide-margined copy, extensive Latin marginalia. pp.(1), 620, (5). Lacking 

pp. 542-43. Title has “Principrium Libri” [First Book] only (see Adams). Few small worm-holes. Later boards, spine 

starting. Sm.folio. [Benzing, 90; Adams R-383]. 

Pforzheim, Thomas Anshelm: 1506. $5000-7000 

Johannes Reuchlin (1455-1522), one of the pre-eminent Christian Hebraists of the 

fifteenth-sixteenth centuries, mastered Hebrew grammar and was a founder of the 

Renaissance Christian movement that sought to study Kabbalah. Reuchlin defended the 

Talmud and Jewish literature against the attacks of Johannes Pfefferkorn, an apostate Jew. 

De Rudimentis Hebraicis, a Hebrew grammar and Lexicon, was Reuchlin’s first published 

book. Although it appeared two years after Pellican’s Hebrew grammar, Reuchlin’s work 

“is much superior and therefore considered the first important Christian work on Hebrew 

philology. It was influential in promoting the study of Hebrew and, as a result, study of the 

Hebrew Bible in the original” (Heller, The Sixteenth Century Hebrew Book, p. 17). While 

Reuchlin wrote De Rudimentis Hebraicis in Latin, he organized it as a Hebrew book and thus it 

is paginated from right to left. Those who were new to Hebrew studies and instinctively opened 

De Rudimentis Hebraicis from the left were greeted by a Latin poem instructing them to begin 

from the other side. See Marx, Jewish History and Booklore, p. 324. 


197 RICHETTI, YOSEPH SHALIT. Chochmath ha-Mishkan [description of the Tabarnacle 

and its furnishings]. FIRST EDITION. ff.12 (final leaves mispaginated as in all copies). Lower margin of 

title and first leaf repaired, affecting some text, previous owner’s bookplate. Modern marbled boards. 8vo. 

[Vinograd, Mantua 260]. 

Mantua, n.p.: 1676. $600-900 

In the same year, Richetti also published Igereth Mesapereth Yechasutha de-Tzadikei 

de-Ar’a de-Yisrael, a guide to the tombs of Sages and the Holy Places in the Land of Israel 

(re-issued for private distribution, 2007). The author served as an emissary from Safed to 

Italy during the years 1674-1676. See Yaari, Sheluchei Eretz Yisrael, pp. 84, 414. 

Lot 196 

Lot 197 


198 (RUSSIA). Pirogoff, N. Talmud Torah be-Odessa. FIRST EDITION. Translated into Hebrew with an 

introduction by Alexander Zederbaum. Lithographed. pp. 25. Slight marginal repair to title. Modern 

boards. 8vo. [Vinograd, Odessa 5 (apparently unseen, incorrectly describes as consisting of just two pages)]. 

Odessa, 1858. $500-700 

A report praising the curriculum and educational methods conducted by the staff of 

the Talmud Torah of Odessa. Pirogoff was the Director of the Educational Sytem of Russia. 


Lot 198 

57

199 (RUSSIA). Dainow, Tzvi Hirsch (Maggid of Slutzk). Kevod Melech [sermon extolling 

the virtues of, along with the obligation to honor, “our compassionate King, Czar 

Alexander II”]. With addendum entitled Oz vi-Yeshuath Melech, an oration delivered 

on April 4th 1866, the day the Czar survived an assasination attempt. FIRST EDITION. pp. 

47. Ex library. Wth stamp of former owner Israel Matz. Later boards. 8vo. 

Odessa, M.A. Belinson: 1869. $500-700 

Dainow (1832-1877) was a great orator who stressed the need for Russification and 

reform in Jewish education, proposing the combination of traditional Torah thought 

alongside enlightened Haskalah. 


Lot 199 

200 (RUSSIA). Litvak, A. and Y.B. Salutzky. Dos Revoluzionere Rusland [Revolutionary Russia]. 

Yiddish. Numerous photographic illustrations. pp. 127, (1). Original red and white pictorial 

boards, starting. Oblong 4to. 

New York, Pinski-Massel for Jewish Socialist Federation of America: 1917. $200-300 

Collection of articles tracing the history of the Russian Revolution from 1825 up to 

the most recent events. At the time of publication, the Bolsheviks under Lenin had 

not yet assumed power and the Provisional Government was headed by Alexander 

Kerensky. 

201 (RUSSIA). Evreiskie Pogromy [“Jewish Massacre.”]. Numerous photographic illustrations. 

Russian text. pp. 136. Original pictorial boards. Folio. 

Moscow, 1926. $1000-1500 

A rare volume. 

A detailed album highlighting the horrific results of a wave of ferocious pogroms 

afflicted upon Jewish communities in the Ukraine including Skvira (Skver), Poltava, 

Uman, Kiev and Yelizavetgrad during the Civil War years 1918-21. The publication 

was issued by Z.S. Ostrovsky on behalf of the Jewish Committee for Aid to Victims of 

Pogrom. The text has a distinctly Nationalist element, portraying Jews saved by the Red 

Army from the attacking native population. 

See Z. Gitelman, A Century of Ambivalence: The Jews of Russia and the Soviet Union 

1881 to the Present (1988) pp. 97-108. 


Lot 201 

202 (SEPHARDICA). Real Cedula de S.M. y Señores del Consejo, por la qual se manda, que 

á los Individuos del Barrio, llamado de la Calle de la Ciudad de Palma, en el Reyno de 

Mallorca, no solo no se les impida habitar en qualquiera otro sitio de la Ciudad, o Isla, sino 

que se les favorezca y conceda toda proteccion, y que no se les insulte ni maltrate, baxo las 

penas que se expresan. Royal seal on title. Historiated initial. On penultimate blank, in 

sepia ink, affirmation by public official “Joaquin de Echauxi.” pp. 14, (2 blanks). Trace foxed, 

pleated. Sm. folio. 

Pamplona, Josef Miguel de Ezquerro: 1782. $1200-1800 

The first royal decree to alleviate the conditions of the Marranos of the isle of 

Majorca. They were now permitted to reside in any location in the capital of Palma, 

or the Isle. Additionally, penalties were imposed on those who would refer to them as 

“Chuetas,” a derisory term. “Chueta” would be the analogue to “Marrano,” both having 

the meaning of pig, the first in Catalan (from “xua”), the second in Castilian. 

His Majesty King Don Carlos records that he was visited in 1773 by a deputation of 

Hebrew origin from the city of Palma, bemoaning their exclusion from all employment 

- at the same time, they listed their many contributions to society. Despite the fact that 

their ancestors accepted the Catholic faith in the year 1435, they were yet subjected to the 

derogatory term “Chueta,” an allusion to their origins. The members of the deputation 

are identified as: Juan Bonin, Tomas Aguiló, Tomas Cortes, Francisco Forteza, Bernardo 

Aguiló, and Domingo Cortes (pp. 4-5). 

See B. Braunstein, The Chuetas of Majorca (1936), pp.125-26. 


58 

Lot 202

Lot 205 Lot 206 Lot 207 

203 (SEPHARDICA). Galante, Abraham. 

Hommes et Choses Juifs Portugais en 

Orient. French interspersed with Hebrew. 

Inscribed and signed by the Author on 

title-page. pp. 38. Title-page trace foxed. 

Original stiff printed wrappers. 4to. 

Constantinople, Société Anonyme de 

Papeterie et d’Imprimerie (Fr. Haïm): 1927. 

$300-500 

Contains brief biographies of 

Ottoman Jewish leaders, both 

rabbinic and lay; also, a brief study of 

Judeo-Español expressions and their 

proper pronunciation. 

204 SPEKTOR, ISAAC ELCHANAN. 

Tzava’ath. R. Yitzchak Elchanan [Ethical 

Will of R. Isaac Elchanan / Appeal for 

funds for Kovno Kollel]. Hebrew and 

Yiddish. Broadside. Folio. 

Keidan (Lithuania), 1930’s. $400-600 

Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Spektor 

of Kovno (1817-96) was the highly 

respected spiritual leader of Russian 

Jewry for decades. In this, his final 

testament, he implores his followers to 

continue to support the Yeshiva of Kovno 

under the direction of his successor, his 

son, R. Tzvi Hirsch Rabinowitz. See EJ, 

Vol. XV, cols. 259-261. 


205 (SWEDEN). Kongl. Maj:ts...Vörordning. 

On title, royal seal of Frederick, King of 

Sweden. pp. 8. Browned. Disbound. 8vo. 

Stockholm, Kongl. Tryckeriet [Royal Printing- 

House]: 1748. $1200-1800 

Royal Edict prohibits the admission 

of Jews and gypsies (Zigueners) into 

the Kingdom of Sweden. 

206 (SWEDEN). Kongl. Maj:ts...Kungörelse. 

pp. (4). Browned. Disbound. 8vo. 

Stockholm, Kongl. Tryckeriet: 1815. 

$1000-1500 

Edict of King Carl XIII of Sweden 

(1748-1818) requiring Jews to obtain 

permits to reside in Sweden. 


207 (SWEDEN). Kongl. Maj:ts...Kungörelse. 

pp. 4. Crisp, clean copy. Disbound. 8vo. 

Stockholm, Kongl. Tryckeriet: 1828. 

$800-1200 

Royal Edict forbidding Jews to own 

real estate. 


208 (SILVER, ELIEZER). Kagan, Israel Meir 

(Chofetz Chaim). Mishnah Berurah, 

Hilchoth Shabbath. FIRST EDITION. With 

stamps of Rabbi Eliezer Silver in Hebrew 

and English on flyleaves and verso of title, 

plus embossed seal on f. 91. Contains 

twenty-seven short marginal notes by 

Rabbi Eliezer Silver, most containing 

references to Talmud Yerushalmi and its 

commentaries. pp. 390. Boards. 4to. 

Warsaw, 1891. $300-400 

THE RABBI ELIEZER SILVER COPY WITH 

HIS MARGINAL NOTES. 

Rabbi Eliezer Silver (1882-1968), 

author of Anfei Erez, served as rabbi 

in Harrisburg, Penn., Springfield, 

Mass., and Cincinnati, as well as 

President of the Agudath Harabanim 

of the USA and Canada. These notes 

were apparently written during his 

rabbinate in Harrisburg. 

Lot 204 


Lot 209 

59

209 (SWEDEN). (Seligmann, Josef). Aron Isak ett hundraarsminne [Aron Isak: A Centenary]. 

Limited edition of 150 copies. Swedish text. Issued by Stockholm’s Mosaic Congregation and 

Burial Society. pp. 44, (4). Browned. Printed wrappers. 8vo. [Freimann, p. 310]. 

Stockholm, Isaac Marcus: 1888. $700-900 

Aron Isaac was the first Jew permitted to permanently settle in Sweden. Until then, Jewish 

financiers were allowed to sojourn in Sweden temporarily to a maximum of ten years. 

In 1774, during the reign of the tolerant King Gustave III, Isaac, a seal engraver from 

Mecklenburg, arrived with a retinue consisting of his brother, their partners, and families. In 

1776 a Jewish cemetery was consecrated, subsequently to be named Aronsberg (in honor of 

Aron Isaac). See EJ, Vol. XV, col. 545. 

[see illustration bottom right previous page] 

210 (TALMUD). Gerson, Christian. Chelec Oder Thalmudischer Judenschatz / ist ein Capittel des 

Judischen Thalmuds [German translation of final chapter of Talmudic tractate Sanhedrin]. 

FIRST EDITION. Title within allegorical border. Musical notation in Forward. Historiated initials, 

tailpieces. pp. (32), 340, (44). Helmstadt: Melchior Behms, 1610. 

* Bound with: (--) Der Juden Thalmud [“The Jewish Talmud: Primary Contents.”]. pp. (16), 457, 

(9). Titles in red and black. Browned. [Freimann, p.123; Carlebach, Divided Souls, p. 295]. Erfurt: 

Paul Michael, 1659. Two works bound in one volume. Contemporary vellum. 8vo. 

$1200-1800 

Lot 210 

Perhaps the Earliest German Translation of Chapter of Talmud. See E. Bischoff, Kritische 

Geschichte Der Thalmud-Ubersetzungen (Frankfurt A/Main, 1899). 

On the titles of both works, the author describes himself as a “born again Christian” 

(von Rechlichhausen / gebornen Jüden/ und getaufften wiedergebornen Christen). When 

Christian Gerson converted to Christianity, he was unable to persuade his wife to follow his 

lead. Surprisingly, German officialdom, both church and state, refused to coerce his spouse 

to convert, accepting the right of the wife to remain Jewish. Subsequently, custody of their 

child became a cause-celebre. Assisted by the Jewish community of Windecken, Gerson’s wife 

was able to hide their son for five years, at the end of which time, Gerson’s Christian allies 

discovered the child’s whereabouts and had him forcibly baptized. See E. Carlebach, Divided 

Souls: Converts from Judaism in Germany 1500-1750 (2001), pp. 138, 149. 


211 (TALMUD, JERUSALEM). Tractate Shekalim. With glosses of the Vilna Gaon and commentary 

“Taklin Chadetin” by R. Israel of Shklov. FIRST EDITION. Title in red and black. Partially printed 

on blue paper. ff. (5), 33, 1. Title and first leaf waterstained. Modern boards. Folio. [Vinograd, Minsk 9; 

Vinograd, Vilna Gaon 411]. 

Minsk, Simcha Zimel ben Ezekiel of Horadna: 1812. $1000-1500 

Lot 211 

With haskamoth of R. Chaim of Volozhin, R. Menachem Mendel of Shklov and R. Aaron 

Segal of Shklov, as well as lengthy introductions by R. Chaim of Volozhin and R. Israel of 

Shklov. The title records that publication was made possible through the munificence of 

Bluma of Minsk. This patroness of Jewish learning had a Beth Hamedrash named after her 

in her hometown of Minsk, the famed “Blumke’s Kloiz.” 


212 TE’OMIM, AARON. Bigdei Aharon [sermons]. FIRST EDITION. Fine Large Paper Copy. Title within 

highly wrought historiated border containing figures of Greek godesses. ff.(2), 40, 21, 20,15,18. 

Signature on title inked out. Contemporary limp patterned boards incorporating printers galleys, rubbed and 

chipped. Lg. folio. [Vinograd, Frankfurt a/Main 263]. 

Frankfurt a/Main, Johannes Kölner: 1711. $800-1000 

A Fine Wide-Margined Copy. The author was a highly regarded preacher, thus the 

epithet “Darshan” was added to his name. His commentary Mateh Aharon to the Passover 

Haggadah is particularly esteemed. In 1670, he succeded R. Shimshon Bachrach as Rabbi of 

Worms, where he served for seventeen years, following which, he accepted a call to the pulpit 

in Cracow. In 1690, R. Aaron Te’omim was murdered, hence the acrostic HY”D (Hashem 

Yinkom Damo) on the title. 


Lot 212 

60

Lot 213 

213 (TRAVEL). Shaw, Thomas. Travels, or Observations Relating to Several Parts of Barbary and the Levant. FIRST EDITION. Title printed in red and 

black with large engraved vignette, engraved head- and tail-pieces and initials. Occasional use of Hebrew. Half- and divisional-titles. pp. (4), xv, 

442, (1), 60, (8). Half title and title are reversed. Seven fold-out maps and 22 plates. Bound in handsome green morocco, gilt. Folio. [Blackmer 1533; Lowndes II , 

2372; Röhricht 1352; Tobler p. 123; Laor, 725-6]. 

Oxford, Printed at the Theatre: 1738. $3000-5000 

Shaw travelled to Egypt, Palestine, Cyprus and around North Africa. The present work of his is most valuable for its accurate 

descriptions of antiquties, geography and natural history specimens observed. As Lowndes notes, “These travels have been universally 

esteemed, not only for their accuracy and fidelity, but on account of the illustrations they contain of natural history, of the classic 

authors, and especially of the Scriptures.” 

“A noble example of typography” (DNB). 


61

Lot 214 

214 (TRAVEL). Pococke, Richard. A Description of the East and Some Other Countries. FIRST EDITION. Two volumes. Engraved title-vignettes. 

Vol. I: Observations on Egypt. pp. vi, (8), 310. Five fold-out maps/plans and 69 plates. 

Vol. II, Part I: Observations on Palestine or the Holy Land, Syria, Mesopotamia, Cyprus, and Candia. pp. xi, (1), 268. Six fold-out maps/plans 

and approx. 99 plates. 

Vol. II, Part II: Observations on the Islands of the Archipelago, Asia Minor, Thrace, Greece, and some other Parts of Europe. pp. vii, (1), 308. 

Few light stains, some offsetting from plates. Uniform modern morocco-backed boards. Folio. [Blackmer, 1323; Tobler pp. 127-28; Röhricht 1396]. 

London, W. Bowyer: 1743-45. $6000-9000 

This detailed description of Pococke’s travels includes numerous engraved plates, based on observations over the course of his travels. 

Pococke combined determined scholarly curiosity with artistic ability of a high order, as the present work so ably demonstrates. He 

provides descriptions of all aspects - history and culture as well as plates of costumes, plants and views as well as detailed plans. He also 

criticizes the Travels written by Thomas Shaw in 1738 (see previous Lot). 

In Vol. II, the map of Jerusalem was one of the first scientific maps of the city oriented from a vertical perspective. 

62 


Lot 215 

215 (TRAVEL). Benjamin Of Tudela. Voyages...en Europe, en Asie & en Afrique, depuis l’Espagne jusqu’à la Chine...traduits de l’Hébreu & 

enrichis de Notes & de Dissertations Historiques & Critiques [“Voyages...in Europe, Asia and Africa, from Spain to China...translated from 

the Hebrew and enriched by notes, historical dissertations and cfritiques.”]. FIRST EDITION of French translation by J.P. Baratier. Engraved 

frontispiece portrait of the translator. Uncut copy, in a fine contemporary tortoise-shell binding. pp. [56], 247, [9]; [2], 377, [1] pages. 

Frontispiece with repaired vertical clean tear. Contemporary tortoise-shell binding with silver cornerpieces, hinges, catches, and clasps, brown velvet doublures 

and end-leaves. 8vo. 

Amsterdam, Dépens de la Compagnie: 1734. $5000-7000 

Excellent Copy in a Fine Contemporary Tortoise-Shell Binding. 

Benjamin of Tudela, one of the very earliest medieval travelers, set forth in 1159 from Tudela in Spain to traverse across Europe, Asia 

Minor, Upper Egypt and other African Lands. He presents here, observations of the manners and commerce of the various nations he 

came into contact with, and reports on the political situation of his fellow-Jews. He names the principal Jews resident in each city visited, 

and provides additional reports concerning commerce and trade. “There is no general account of the Mediterranean world or of the 

Middle East in this period which approaches that of Benjamin of Tudela in importance, whether for Jewish or for general history” (EJ). The 

original Hebrew text was first printed in Constantinople in 1543. This French version was the work of Jean-Phillipe Baratier of Schwaback 

(1721-40), a learned prodigy who published it at the age of just 13 years. See JE, Vol. II, p. 523; EJ, Vol. IV, cols. 535-38; Potthast, p. 145; 

Sarton II, 414; Tobler, p. 17; Weber II, 72. 


216 (TRAVEL). Benjamin Of Tudela. Travels of Rabbi Benjamin...through Europe, Asia and Africa, from the Ancient Kingdom of Navarre to the 

Frontiers of China. First English Edition. Translated with notes by B. Gerrans. The Alfred Rubens Copy with his bookplate. pp.xiii,171. Slight 

staining, marbled end-papers. Contemporary gilt-tooled calf, lightly rubbed at corners. 8vo. [Cox I, p.80]. 

London, for the Translator: 1783. $800-1000 

[see illustration next page top left] 

217 (TRAVEL). Benjamin, Israel Joseph. Masa’ei Yisrael. First Hebrew Edition. With Large Folding Map. Translated from the German by David 

Gordon (Editor of HaMagid). pp. (18), 134, (2). Some staining, previous owner’s signature, map slightly worn. Modern boards. 8vo. [Vinograd, Lyck 8 

(without noting the map); Friedberg M-2621 (records the map)]. 

Lyck, Tzvi Hirsch Petsall: 1859. $500-700 

Contains a wealth of information concerning Jewish settlement world-wide. 

In search of the Lost Ten Tribes, this indefatigable traveler (who styled himself Benjamin of Tudela II in emulation of the medieval 

Spanish traveler Benjamin of Tudela), set out for Egypt, visited the Holy Land, and then journeyed on to Syria, Kurdistan, Persia, India and 

China. Returning to Europe by way of Afghanistan, he also traveled to Algeria, Morocco and Ethiopia. 

63

218 (TRAVEL). Lynch, W.F. Narrative of the United States’ Expedition to the River Jordan and the 

Dead Sea. Revised Edition. Fold-out maps and plates. pp. 20, 13-509. Foxed and waterstained. Original 

gilt-stamped boards, worn. 4to. [Rosenbach 653; Blackmer 1043; Tobler p.176]. 

Philadelphia, Lea and Blanchard: 1849. $600-900 

Entertaining travelogue of the Holy Land, with a stop along the way in Smyrna. The writer 

describes the dress and demeanor of the various inhabitants: Christians, Jews and Muslims. 

Detailed maps of the topography with a focus on the Dead Sea region. The scientific survey 

was undertaken at the behest of the United States Navy. 

219 UDALL (Uvedale), JOHN. Maphte’ach Leshon ha-Kodesh - That is the Key of the Holy Tongue. FIRST 

EDITION. English interspersed with vocalized Hebrew. Three parts in one (including a short dictionary). 

Printer’s device on title. On blank before Pt. III, inscription of former owner: “William Oatis April 

26th 1791. Pembrokeshire, South Wales.” Scattered marginalia. pp. 204, (2), 174, (2), 98 (pp. 97-98 bound 

out of sequence), (4). Ex-library. Old tape repair of title. Browned. Contemporary calf, scuffed, rebacked. Sm. 8vo. 

[Vinograd, Leiden 14; Fuks, Leiden 10]. 

Leiden, Franciscus Raphelengius: 1593. $1200-1800 

Lot 216 

First Hebrew Grammar Printed in the English Language. 

Based on the Latin grammar prepared by Petrus Martinius, Udall’s valuable work was 

posthumously published by Raphelengius, son-in-law of the great Antwerp printer, Christopher 

Plantin. “Far into the eighteenth century the language in which...Hebrew manuals were 

produced was Latin. [Udall’s work is the] only extant example of a Hebrew grammar written 

in English from the whole of the Tudor period.” G. Lloyd Jones, The Discovery of Hebrew in 

Tudor England (1983), p. 257. 


220 URBINO, SOLOMON BEN ABRAHAM D’. Ohel Moed [lexicon of synonyms]. FIRST EDITION. 

Previous owners’ signatures on title in Italian hands: Ben Zion Treves and Chananiah Cohen, 

marginal notes, censor’s signature on final leaf by Antonio Fran[cesco] Enriques, dated 1688 (see 

Wm. Popper, The Censorship of Hebrew Books, pl. IV, no. 3.). ff. 118. Some staining. Modern boards. 

4to. [Vinograd, Venice 332; Habermann, Adelkind 52; St. 6980]. 

Venice, Cornelio Adelkind for Marco Antonio Giustiniani: 1548. $300-500 

221 WALTON, BRIAN. Biblicus Apparatus, Chronologico-Topographico-Philologicus. pp. (4) 570, (6). 

Title trace discolored. Contemporary half-vellum over patterned boards. Folio. 

Zurich, Bodmeriano: 1673. $300-500 

Lot 219 

222 WEIL, JACOB. Shechitoth U’Bedikoth [laws of ritual slaughter and examination]. Hebrew and 

Judeo-German in wayber-taytsch letters. Title within typographical border. ff.16. Browned, corners 

neatly repaired. Modern blind-tooled morocco, with matching slip-case. 4to. [Vinograd, Frankfurt a/Main 109]. 

Frankfurt a/Main, Zalman Optrode-Moses Gamburg: 1693. $300-400 

Intended primarily as a practical guide for ritual slaughterers and thus does without any 

Halachic novellae or sources. The Author simply provides final rulings in the briefest terms, 

as well as local custom where fitting. See EJ, Vol. XVI, col. 395. 

223 (WORMS, CEMETERY). Lewysohn, Ludwig. Naphshoth Tzadikim - Sechzig Epitaphien von 

Grabsteinen des Israelitiches Friedhofs zu Worms [gravestone inscriptions]. Engraved frontispiece 

depicting the interior and exterior of the Rashi Synagogue. German text with Hebrew. pp. (5), 116. 

Some staining and browning. Modern boards. 8vo. 

Frankfurt a/Main, J. Baer: 1855. $300-400 


224 (WÜNSCH, CHRISTIAN ERNST). Rabbinismus. Oder Sammlung Talmudscher Thorheiten. In 

einer Reihe von Briefen als ein Zuruf an die jüdische Nazion [“The Tenets of Rabbinic Judaism, 

Written in the Form of a Series of Letters”]. Title with engraved vignette of a middle-aged couple 

in contemporary bourgeois dress enacting the Kapparoth ceremony. ff. (iv), 302, (i). Contemporary 

boards, lightly rubbed. Sm. 8vo. [Freimann 416]. 


Printed Entirely in Red on Blue Paper. Most Uncommon. 

Lot 223 

[see illustration top right facing page] 

64

225 (ZIONISM). The Erez Israel (Palestine) Foundation Fund Keren Hayesod Limited. 

Memorandum and Articles of Association. pp.13. Punch holes. Minor stains. Printed wrappers. 

Staples, corroded. Folio. 

London, Electric Law Press, Ltd, 23rd March: 1921. $150-200 

Keren Hayesod was the financial arm of the World Zionist Organization, its 

members were chosen by the executive. One reads with interest the names of the 

first Board of Directors on p. 9: Mr. Joseph Cowen, Dr. Berthold Feiwel, Mr. Vladimir 

Jabotinsky, Mr. Isaac Naiditch and Mr. Hillel Zlatopolsky. Later, in 1925, after his 

break with the Zionist Organization, Jabotinsky would found his World Union of 

Zionist Revisionists. See EJ, Vol.IX, col.1180; Vol.X, cols. 914-15. 

226 (ZIONISM). United Palestine Appeal Year Books: 1936-1942 and 1944. “Published on the 

Occasion of the Night of Stars.” Together Eight volumes. Each profusely illustrated. Original 

color pictorial wrappers (two designed by Arthur Szyk). Folio. 

(New York), 1936-44. $400-600 

227 (ZIONISM). Palestine Book. Official Publication of the Jewish Palestine Pavillion at the New 

York World’s Fair 1939. Profusely illustrated. Edited by Meyer W. Weisgal. Original pictorial 

wrappers. Sm. folio. 

New York, 1939. $120-180 

228 (ZIONISM). Two Parliamentary publications relating to the British Mandate over Palestine: 

Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) - House of Commons Official Report: Vol. 432, No. 38 (31st 

Jan., 1947) Includes “Palestine (Jewish Terrorism).” * And: Vol. 445, No. 39 (Friday, 12th Dec., 

1947). Disbound. 4to. 

London, His Majesty’s Stationery Office: 1947. $150-200 

Lot 224 

The first publication details the reaction to actions taken by the Irgun fighting force, 

including the kidnapping of a British judge in order to blackmail the Government into 

staying the order of execution of Dov Gruner. 

The second debate, features the observations of several disgruntled British 

parliamentarians shortly following the November 29th decision by the United 

Nations General Assembly to partition Palestine between the Jews and Arabs, thus 

ending the thirty-year old British Mandate in Palestine and paving the way for a 

future Jewish state. 

229 (ZIONISM). Od Zoth HaPa’am... / Just Once Again. Music by Luba Avrech-Fein, Libretto 

by Jakob Lichtman. Title in Hebrew and English. Multicolor title with black and white 

photo of the composer. pp. (4). Foxed. Original wrappers Sm. folio. 

Tel-Aviv, H. Langer, 30th November,: 1947. $300-500 

This Tango music-sheet was issued on the day following the UN General Assembly voted 

in favor of a resolution which adopted the Partition Plan. 

Lot 229 


230 (ZIONISM). Y. Shuchman. Neturei Karta [a condemnation of the religious anti-Zionist 

organization]. Two cartoon illustrations deriding Neturei Karta. pp. 31, (1). Browned. Original 

pictorial wrappers, neatly repaired. 12mo. 

Tel-Aviv, Davar: 1950. $200-300 

The Neturei Karta, founded by Rabbi Amram Blau, was ideologically opposed to the 

establishment of the State of Israel. These dissident residents of Jerusalem turned to 

representatives of the British government and Arab governments to take them under their 

wing. This pamphlet describes Neturei Karta’s activities before, during, and after the War 

of Independence in 1948. 


Lot 230 

65

231 ALFASI, ISAAC BEN JACOB (RI”F). Sepher Halachoth Rav Alfas [Rabbinic code]. With commentaries. Complete in three volumes. Title 

pages within woodcut architectural borders, opening words within white-on-black decorative woodcut vignettes. Vol. I: ff. 399 (of 400, lacking 

final blank, as in JNUL copy. ). * Vol. II: ff. 401-782 (i.e. 781). * Vol. III: ff. 392; one gathering misbound but complete. Lacking final section of Shaarei 

Shavuoth ff. 9,(1) which was appended to this edition. Previous owners’ stamps and signatures on titles, marginal corrections and notes in various hands, with 

signature on f. 55a of Vol. I - HaKoteiv R. Shlomo Cohen. Some lengthy notes especially in Vol. III citing the Rashb”a. Stained in places, some worming, paper 

repairs, mostly marginal although affecting few words in places. Uniform vellum, lightly worn. Large folio. [Vinograd, Venice 34; Haberman, Bomberg 69; St. 

5310, 2 (Ed. quoque rara); not in Adams]. 

Venice, Daniel Bomberg: 1521-2. $50,000-60,000 

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND IMPORTANT EDITION. 

The RI”F is the most significant Halachic compendium prior to the Yad Ha’Chazakah of Maimonides and remains an important and 

widely admired Code. R. Joseph Caro regarded Alfasi’s scholarship with the utmost respect and determined the laws in his Shulchan Aruch 

upon his authority. 

66 

Lot 231 


— I l l u s t r a t e d Bo o k s — 

232 (BIBLE ILLUSTRATIONS). Die Heilige Schrift der Israeliten. 

Illustrated throughout by Gustav Doré. Translated by Ludwig 

Phlippson, head-notes in Hebrew. Variously worn with crude taped 

repairs. Original boards, upper cover elaborately gilt illustrated with Jewish 

iconographic elements, worn. Thick folio. Sold not subject to return. 

Stuttgart, circa: 1880. $100-150 

233 (CEREMONIAL ART). Barnett, R.D. (Editor). Catalogue of the 

Permanent and Loan Collections of the Jewish Museum, London. 

Over 700 illustrations in color and black-and-white. Original cloth 

boards, dust-jacket. Folio. 

Hertford, 1974. $300-500 

No doubt the most exemplary and thorough catalogue of 

its kind. 

234 (FACSIMILE). The Kaniel Megillah. Complete color facsimile of 

illuminated Scroll of Esther from the collection of Michael Kaniel. 

One of 500 numbered copies. Matted on linen, laced to wooden roller 

at end. Original fitted tube. 

Graz, Akademische Druck-u.Verlaganstalt: 1984. $200-300 

235 (FACSIMILE). Me’ah Berakhot - One Hundred Blessings. An 

Illustrated Liturgical Compendium in Hebrew and Yiddish from 

18th-century Central Europe. Printed on Vellum. One of 550 

Numbered Copies. Companion text volume prepared by Iris Fishof. 

Two volumes. Calf gilt with silver ornaments. Slip-case dampsoiled. 

London, Facsimile Editions: 1994. $500-700 

An exquisite miniature illuminated manuscript faccsimile. 

236 HAPGOOD, HUTCHINS. The Spirit of the Ghetto. Studies of The 

Jewish Quarter in New York. FIRST EDITION. Illustrated by (Sir) Jacob 

Epstein. pp. 311, (6). Original pictorial boards, slight wear. 8vo. 

New York, 1902. $100-150 

The writer Hutchins Hapgood (1869-1944) was well known 

as a philosophical anarchist within the Bohemian environment 

of turn-of-the-century New York City. In the present work, he 

sympathetically reports on the character, lives and pursuits of 

East Side Jews. The book contains much first-hand information 

concerning rabbis, scholars, writers, poets, odd characters, 

institutions, newspapers and the theatre.” 

237 KAUFMANN, ISIDOR. Complete Set of 16 Color Plates 

reproducing the Artist’s work. Lacking introductory text. Although 

all images are clean, mats are worn or loose. Original decorative portfolio. 

Large folio. Sold not subject to return. 

Vienna, 1925. $1500-2000 

238 (JEWISH ART). Rubens, Alfred. Anglo-Jewish Portraits. London, 

1935. * A Jewish Iconography. One of 500 Copies. London, 1954. 

Together, two volumes. Both with numerous illustrated plates. 

Original boards. Sm. folio. 

London. $400-600 

Lot 239 

239 (JEWISH ART). Goldstein, Maksymiljan And Karol Dresdner. 

Kultura i Szutka Ludu Zydowskiego na Ziemiach Polskich [“The 

Culture and Art of the Jewish People in Poland.”]. ONE OF 1000 

NUMBERED COPIES. Engraved frontispiece by Arthur Szyk, signed 

below image. Two further engraved plates by E.M. Lilien and S. 

Jakubowski. 158 photographic illustrations of Jewish ceremonial 

and fine art. Introduction by Majer Balaban. Summaries in English, 

French and German. Original boards, gilt. Lg. 8vo. [Mayer 865]. 

Lemberg, 1935. $1000-1500 

Catalogue of the Maximillian Goldstein Collection of 

Judaica. 


240 (LILIEN, E.M.). Regener, E.A. E.M. Lilien, Ein Beitrag zur 

Geschichte der Zeichnenden Künste. Berlin-Leipzig, 1905. * And: 

Brieger, Lothar. E.M. Lilien. Eine Künstlerische Entwickelung um 

die Jahrhundertwende. Berlin-Vienna, 1922. Together two volumes. 

Both profusely illustrated. Original boards. Sm. folio. 

$300-500 

67

68 

Lot 241 

Lot 243 

Lot 244 

Lot 246 

241 LILIEN, E.M.. The Holy Land. 36 

Heliogravures After Original Etchings 

by E. M. Lilien. Introductory Text by 

Israel Zangwill. Lacking plate numbers 

8 and 31. Sheet size 300x375mm. Loose as 

issued in original portfolio. 

Berlin-Vienna, Benjamin Harz: 1922. 

$1200-1800 


242 (LILIEN, E.M.). Die Bücher der Bibel. 

Three volumes (all complete). Edited 

by F. Rahlwes. Extensively illustrated by 

Lilien. Original pictorial boards. 4to. 

Berlin-Vienna, Benjamin Harz Verlag: 1923. 

$200-200 

243 PANN, ABEL. Genesis, From the 

Creation until the Deluge. 23 colored 

and tinted lithographs, each signed by 

the artist in the stone. Loose as issued in 

distinctive pictorial portfolio. 

Jerusalem / Amsterdam, n.d.. $600-900 


244 PANN, ABEL. Twelve Lithographs - 

Types and Scenes of Jerusalem. Loose as 

issued in original printed portfolio. 

Jerusalem, n.d.. $300-400 

245 (PHOTOGRAPHY). Miscellaneous 

broadside pages removed from select 

issues of the Yiddish Daily Forward 

newspaper. Almost all illustrating 

Jewish life (primarily Chassidic) in 

Eastern Europe. Also includes features 

on the Jews in Morocco. Profusely 

illustrated. 49 pages. Brittle. Each page 

within mylar sleeve and bound within large 

portfolio. 

New York, 1920’s (mostly). $200-300 

246 (PHOTOGRAPHY). Les Juifs. 

Temiognages de notre Temps. French 

text. Pictorial illustrations throughout. 

pp.106. Original pictorial wrappers. 

Sm.folio. 

Paris, 1933. $400-600 

An illustrated survey of the 

Jewish world, with exceptional 

photographs. 


247 POSTCARDS. Group of c. 71 English 

and American ant-Semitic postcards. 

Many with inscriptions. Contained 

within an album. 

v.p., 20th century. $1200-1800 

248 PASTERNAK, LEONID. Portrait 

Album. Introduction by Hermann 

Struck in Hebrew and English. Eight 

colored portrait plates. Orignal pictorial 

boards. Slip-case Folio. 

Berlin, Yibneh Verlag: 1923. $400-600 

Leonid Osipovich Pasternak, (born 

Yitzhok-Leib in 1862), was was one of 

the first Russian painters who labelled 

himself an Impressionist. He studied in 

Moscow and Munich and was a member 

of the Polenov Circle that included 

Valentin Serov, Isaac Levitan, Mikhail 

Nesterov and Konstantin Korovin. 

In 1889 Pasternak married the pianist 

Rosa Kaufman, daughter of another 

famous Jewish painter, Isidor Kaufman, 

and the same year settled in Moscow. 

The first born (1890) among their four 

children was the celebrated poet Boris 

Pasternak. 

In 1921 Leonid Pasternak travelled to 

Berlin for eye surgery accompanied by his 

wife and two daughters, leaving his sons in 

Russia. Subsequently, the family decided 

not to return to Russia, remaining in 

Berlin until 1938 whereupon they took 

refuge from the Nazis in Great Britain. 

Leonid Pasternak died in Oxford in 1945. 

(Source: Wikipedia). 

249 (PICART). Mitzvoth Uminhagei 

HaYehudim - Bilder aus dem Leben 

der Juden in Venedig. Introduction by 

Dr. Otto Ebstein. Six plates of scenes 

of Jewish religious life as depicted by 

Bernard Picart. Loose as issued in original 

pattened boards with morocco-label titled in 

gilt on upper cover. Large oblong folio. 

Berlin, circa: 1920. $300-500 

[see illustration middle right facing page] 

250 POSTCARDS. Group of c. 258 postcards 

of European Synagogues. Many with 

inscriptions on verso. Contained within 

three Postcard-Albums, two with slip-cases. 

v.p., 20th century. $4000-6000 

[see illustration top right facing page] 

251 POSTCARDS. Group of c.121 postcards 

of American Synagogues. Many with 


two albums. 

v.p., 20th century. $1500-2500 

252 POSTCARDS. Group of c. 63 European 

anti-Semitic postcards. Many with 


an album. 

v.p., 20th century. $2000-2500

253 (RABAN, ZE’EV). Chageinu [Our Holidays: Children’s Book]. Hebrew verses 

by Avi-Shai. 15 delightful color plates by Raban. Original gold-stamped blue cloth. 

Sq. 8vo. [Israel Museum Catalogue, Bezalel no. 1348; Yeshiva University Museum 

Catalogue, Raban Remembered, no. 78]. 

New York, Miller-Lynn Publishing Co.: 1928. $500-700 


254 (RABAN, ZE’EV). Shir Hashirim - The Song of Songs. Decorative additional title 

page and 26 color plates comprising illustrations, illuminations and calligraphic 

text by Raban. Opening blank with Hebrew inscription, Liverpool, 1931. Original 

Bezalel-style blind-tooled cushioned calf with sunken central rectangular medallion 

reproducing an illustration from the book, gutter starting. Folio. * Accompanied By: 

Another copy. Original pictorial boards. Some wear. Jerusalem, 1930. 

Berlin / Jerusalem, 1930. $200-300 

255 RASKIN, SAUL. Pirkei Avoth. 1940. (Three copies, one signed by Raskin). * 

Hagadah for Passover. 1941. (Two copies). * The Book of Psalms. 1942. * Sidur 

Tephiloth Yisrael.1945. (Two copies). * Genesis, The First Book of Moses. 1944. 

Together, nine volumes. FIRST EDITION. All profusely illustrated. Some wear. Original 

boards, four with dust-jackets. Folio. 

New York. $300-500 

256 RYBACK, ISSACHAR BER. Shtetl. Mein Chorever Heim. A Gedekenish [“My 

Destroyed Home. A Remembrance”]. 31 tinted and black-and-white plates. 

ALL COMPLETE, WITH INDEX-CARD LAID-IN AT END (missing from most all copies). 

Trace foxed. Original pictorial blue suede. Oblong folio (sheet size 13 x 19 1/2 inches). 

[See Israel Museum Catalogue, Tradition and Revolution: The Jewish Renaissance 

in Russian Avant-Garde Art 1912-1928 (1987) no.136 i-xxx (illustrated); Jüdische 

Lebenswelten Katalog, Berlin (1991) no.7/25 (illustrated)]. 

Lot 250 

Berlin, Schwellen: 1923. $2000-2500 

An extraordinary copy, seemingly never opened, housed within 

publisher’s original cardboard slip-case, with paper-label across front. The 

suede binding is in mint condition. 


257 (TYPOGRAPHY). Three Books of Hebrew Typography: Specimen Book of Hebrew, 

Yiddish, English, Arabic & Greek Type Faces. pp. 24. Pictorial wrappers. New York: Hebrew 

Monotype Press, 1927. * H. Berthold Schriftgiessereien [H. Berthold Type Foundry]. Replete 

with rich multicolor designs. ff. (42). Original decorated boards. Berlin, 1924. * Frank, 

Rafael. Über Hebräische Typen und Schriftarten [“On Hebrew Types and Typefaces.”] 

Limited Edition for private distribution to friends. pp. 39, (3). Original boards, faded. 

Leipzig: Poeschel & Trepte, 1926. 

$150-200 

[see illustration middle bottom] 

Lot 249 

Lot 253 

Lot 257 

Lot 256 

69

— M a n u s c r i p t s — 

258 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). (SILVER, ELIEZER). Important archive of c. 206 letters from rabbis of communities throughout North America 

all written to Rabbi Eliezer Silver (1882-1968), President of the Agudath Harabanim de-Artzoth ha-Berith ve-Kanada (Union of Orthodox 

Rabbis of the United States and Canada). 

These letters, in Hebrew and occasionally Yiddish, reflect the trying conditions of the American Orthodox rabbinate in the first half of the 

20th-century. Also reflected in several communiqués is the linguistic and sociological shift, as elder rabbis, educated in the yeshivoth of Eastern 

Europe, felt threatened by young American rabbis trained at Yeshiva University and able to preach in the English language. Beyond that, there 

is felt the tension between the Agudath Harabanim, headed by R. Silver, and the competing rabbinic organization “Knesseth Harabanim,” 

headed by R. Gavriel Ze’ev [“Velveleh”] Margolis; and yet later, the threat posed by the newly formed “Mo’etzeth Gedolei Hatorah” of the 

Agudath Israel movement. Oftentimes, Silver was called into a community to settle a dispute between warring factions. 

Many of the letters are devoted - if not totally, then partially - to Divrei Torah, especially Seder Kodashim which was R. Silver’s forté. R. Silver’s 

wont was to pen his responses to these halachic queries or novellae in the margins of the incoming letter. 

See Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Silver Era in American Jewish Orthodoxy: Rabbi Eliezer Silver and His Generation (1982); Joshua Hoffman, The American 

Rabbinic Career of Rabbi Gavriel Zev Margolis (Master’s thesis, Bernard Revel Graduate School, Yeshiva University, 1992); Silver Linings: A Memoir by Rabbi 

David L. Silver (Harrisburg, 1997), EJ, Vol. XIV, cols. 1544-5. 

$4000-6000 

Unpublished Questions to and Responsa by the Dean of American Orthodox Rabbis. An Important Archive for Research of the 

American Orthodox Rabbinate. 

Letters include those written by well-known Rabbis: Joseph Konvitz, Newark; Bernard L. Levinthal, Philadelphia; Moses Zebulun 

(Rama”z) Margolies, New York; Judah Leib (Louis) Seltzer (Agudath Harabanim); Moshe Shimon Sivitz, Pittsburgh; Ephraim E. Yolles, 

Philadelphia. 

Additionally: J. Adler (NY); J. Bauman (Los Angeles); M. Berman (L.A.); B. Boruchoff (Malden, MA); J. Braver (Kansas City; L.A.); A.D. 

Burack (Brooklyn); H. Dachowitz (Brownsville-Brooklyn); E. Epstein (Chicago); H.F. Epstein (St. Louis); Ch. B. Ginsberg (Vancouver); 

M.I. Goldberg (Danville, VA); M.M. Goldberg (Saratoga Springs, NY); M.J.Golinkin (Worcester, MA); L. Gorelick (Springfield, MA); D. 

Graubart (Rock Island, IL); E. Greenblatt (Memphis); Leopold Greenwald, (Columbus, OH); H. Heiman (Minneapolis, Minn.); H. Herson 

(Winnipeg); M. Hirshprung (Canton, OH; Columbus, OH; Long Branch, NJ); C. Hoffenberg (Hartford); M. Hurewitz (NY); J.B. Hurvitz 

(St. Paul); Z. Hurwitz (Worcester, MA); F. Israelite (Chelsea, MA); M.W. Kahn (Chicago); I. Karlinsky (NY); S.A. Katz (Indianapolis); 

M. Klatchko (Dorchester, MA); M. Klebanov (Boston); B.M. Klein (NY); S.H. Klibansky (St. Louis); J. Kopstein (Sioux City, Iowa); Ch.Y. 

Levin (Seattle; Newark); I.J. Levin (Salem, MA); J.L. Levin (Detroit); M.J. Levinson (Providence); O.N. Levitan (Bronx); Solomon Levitan 

(Rock Island, IL); C. Manello (Youngstown, OH); I. Marcus (Roxbury, MA); E. Maza (Sheboygan, Wis.); M.J. Mendelowitz (Brooklyn); 

J. Mendelson (NY); J.L. Moinester (Brooklyn); E.R. Muskin (Chicago); B. Notelevitz (Harrisburg, PA; Louisville, KY); H. Papkin (New 

Bedford, MA); S.A. Pardes (Chicago); E. Pelchovitz (Canton, OH); E. Pollak (Brooklyn); S.D. Posner (Jersey City); D.M. Rabinovitz 

(Boston); N. Rabinowitz (Brooklyn); S. Rafalin (Mexico City); E. Regensburg (Chicago); N.H.J. Riff (Camden, NJ); F. Rizenman (Toronto); 

W. Roggin (Brooklyn); M. Romm (Minneapolis, Minn.); J. Rosen (Passaic, NJ); M. Rosen (Brownsville-Brooklyn); M.J. Rosenberg 

(Springfield, MA); P. Rosenberg (Cleveland); E.L. Rosenbloom (Denver); D. Rub (Mansfield, OH); I.S. Rubinstein (Providence); S. Sachs 

(Cleveland); A. Shapiro (Utica, NY); M. Shapiro (Atlantic City, NJ); N. Shapiro (Stamford, CT); M.D. Sheinkopf (Springfield, MA); M. 

Shohet (Portland, ME); E.D. Stampfer (Memphis, TN; Akron, OH); D.I. Traub (New London, CT); S. Winograd (Stamford, CT); N.H. 

Zeitchik (Des Moines, Iowa); A.D. Zeldner (Lawrence, MA); M.M. Zilberman(Brooklyn). 

A random sampling of the questions: whether a woman married to a man who claimed to be Jewish, but may in reality have been a non- 

Jew posing as Jew, requires a get (Stamford, CT, 1920); whether the unused portion of a Jewish cemetery may be sold to Greek Orthodox 

(Danville, VA, 1933); whether it is proper to pass synagogue bylaws whereby only a Sabbath observer may receive an aliyah, act as prayer 

leader and (in the case of a kohen) bless the congregation (Providence, RI, 1933); whether deer may be ritually slaughtered specifically 

for the consumption of the “achorayim” (hind quarter) (R. Yeshayah Karlinsky, New York, 1934); whether Californian hybrid ethrogim 

may be used for Sukot, the proceeds from the sales to be donated to Keren ha-Shevi’ith (R. Yehuda Braver, Los Angeles, CA, 1951); an 

attack upon Rabbis Henkin and Silver’s permission to use “kosher” gelatin (1952); whether the introduction of a conveyor belt in a kosher 

slaughterhouse for the mass production of poultry renders the slaughter unfit (R. Ephraim Yolles, Philadelphia, 1952), etc. 

259 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). De La Motta, Jacob, Dr. Sermon. Be-vo kol yisrael... / When all Israel is come... (Deuteronomy 31:11-13). The 

Following Discourse was Delivered in the Year 1832 Before the Congregation Beth Elohim of Charleston, in their Synagogue, by Jacob De La 

Motta, M.D. their President or Parnass. (Autograph?) Manuscript. Hebrew in square Hebrew characters and English in cursive script. pp. (2), 

37, (2 blank), (1). Stained. 

Charleston, 1832. $800-1200 

A native of Savannah, Dr. Jacob de la Motta (d. 1845) was a physician and pharmacist, with far-reaching interests in politics, natural 

history and philosophy. He also acted as Reader of Charleston’s Congregation Beth Elohim for several years. In 1820, de la Motta 

delivered a Discourse at the consecration of Savannah’s synagogue, which was later published and copies sent to Thomas Jefferson and 

James Madison. 

See C. Reznikoff, The Jews of Charleston (1950), pp. 86-88. 

70

260 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Form of Prayer for the General Fast to be Said in 

Synagogue on Tuesday the 2nd day of Elul, in Commemoration of the Dreadful 

Hurricane of the 11th August 1831. Single leaf, handwritten recto and verso. 

English interspersed with Hebrew in square characters. Trace foxed. 

(Barbados), 1832. $3000-5000 

Known as “The Great Barbados Hurricane,” the Category Four storm of 

August 11th, 1831, was an intense hurricane that slammed into Barbados, 

levelling the capital of Bridgetown and killing some 1,500. The Nidhei Israel 

Synagogue was destroyed, together with the historical records of the Jewish 

community. 

On the first anniversary of the Hurricane, this manuscript represents the 

Prayers of Commemoration recited by the Jews of Barbados. Appropriately 

enough, the readings include the story of the aftermath of the Flood in the Book 

of Genesis. 

See M. Arbell, The Jewish Nation of the Caribbean (2002), pp. 192, 215. 


261 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). A Collection of Pinkasim (Communal Ledgers) of Various 

Synagogues and Community Organizations. 32 volumes. With related printed 

material. Texts in Yiddish, English and German. Variously bound, some wear, v.s. 

New York, End 19th-20th-century. $3000-5000 

An historic, archival trove of ledgers, receipt books and record books from over 

a dozen synagogues and organizations located in New York’s Lower East Side and 

Brooklyn. The Pinkas Books provide an intimate view of social and religious life 

within communities of differing religious loyalties. Contents include synagogue 

and devotional affairs, appointments of Rabbis, charitable projects, political and 

financial matters, minutes of meetings, etc. Of particular note are humanitarian 

activities during times of War in Europe. 

Among the synagogues and institutions included are: Congregation Shevet 

Achim Anshei Slonim, Slutsker Ladies Aid Society, Congregation Anshei Slutsk, 

Rabbi Jacob David Hebrew School, New Montefiore Cemetery, Progressive 

Ladies Club, First Izbitzer Benevolent Society, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Torah Fund, 

Rozwadover Chevra Bnei Moshe Horowitz etc. 

Of particular note is an Ezrath Torah Ledger (1919-1921) containing 

important records of contributions and information pertaining to numerous 

communities, their Rabbis and community leaders. 

Also present in the Lot is the Ledger of the Agudath Harabonim - Union of 

Orthodox Rabbis in New York from the years 1920-26, displaying the pivotal role it 

played concerning a great many religious and social issues facing American Jewry, 

especially concerning Kashruth supervision and the production and sale of wine 

during the Prohibition Era. 

Lot 260 

262 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Pinkas MeChevrah Kedosha DeChevrah Ahavath Yisrael. 

Title-page within multicolor architectural columns. Hebrew and Yiddish in square 

characters. pp. 500 including numerous blanks. Red morocco, spine detached. Folio. 

Brooklyn, New York, 1923-88. $500-700 

Pinkas of the Chevrah Kedosha, Burial Society, “Ahavath Yisrael,” 1372 Gates 

Avenue, Brooklyn, founded on the 15th Kislev, 1915. 

Lists the Takanoth (enactments) of the Society relating to official duties, also 

election results, membership rosters and detailed descriptions of the intricacies 

of Taharah VeHalbashah. 


263 (AMERICAN JUDAICA). Typed Proclamation in Hebrew on letterhead of Agudath 

HaRabbanim -The Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada; 

signed Meir Hakohen Pam, Rosh Yeshiva R. Chaim Berlin (father of Rabbi Abraham 

Pam, Rosh Yeshiva Torah Vodaath). Opposing the opening of Jewish Community 

Centers on the Sabbath. * With: Autograph Letter Signed by Israel Perkowski (Rosh 

Yeshivah, Beth HaTalmud, Brooklyn), requesting his name be added to the roster of 

rabbis in regard to the JCC protest. 

13th Tammuz, 1961. $200-300 

Lot 262 

71

Lot 264 

264 (ANGLO-JUDAICA). A Most Unusual Presentation-piece Etched on Ivory. Birkath HaMazon [abbreviated Grace after Meals]. Presented 

to Samuel Montagu. Two rectangular ivory “leaves” with calf central hinge. Upper cover etched “S.M. London” with micrographic Hebrew 

lettering wthin the letters and the full-stops: Within the letter S: “Mah she-achalnu yehi lesovah... u-mah she-hotharnu yehi li-beracha” (“What 

we have eaten may it be for satisfaction and abundance... and what we have left may it be for a blessing.”) Similar phraseology wtihin the letter 

M: “Ka-kathuv ve-achalta ve-savata u-berachta.” Within the two full-stops is found the name: “Samuel Montegu.” All six edges etched with 

micrographic verses pertaining to the giving of charity, as well as enigmatic Hebrew verses such as “Woe to people who see, but do not know 

what they see.” Each “leaf,” 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches. Spine worn. 

London, 1880. $2000-3000 

Samuel Montagu (1832-1911) was a prominent banker and philanthropist, he also served as Member of Parliament for Whitechapel 

and became ennobled as the first Lord Swaythling. This unusual Birkath HaMazon was presented to him either as an expression of 

gratitude or in anticipation of his munificence. 

The highly talented scribe, Asher Baer, about whom nothing is as yet known, states he created this piece of artistry, “Be’Arpelei London” 

(in foggy London), in the month of Shevat, 1880. 

Provenance: The late Rabbi Louis Jacobs, London. 

Given to Rabbi Jacobs by Brian Montague (a member of Rabbi Jacobs’ Synagogue), who was the son of Gerald Montague, in turn the son 

of Samuel Montague (Baron Swaythling). 


265 (ANGLO-JUDAICA). D’AZEVEDO, MOSES HACOHEN. Autograph Manuscript Signed. 

Certification attesting to the competence of a Shochet. Ha-Bachur...Yehoshua ben ha-Gevir 

Yaakov Azulai is “well versed in the laws of slaughter...his hands are strong and he does not 

faint...It is however incumbent upon him to review the relevant laws twice a month.” Text in 

Hebrew and Spanish. Single leaf. Written in a clear semi-cursive Sephardic hand. 

London, 12th Sivan, 1766. $2000-3000 

Moses Cohen d’Azevedo (1720-1784) stemmed from a prominent rabbinic family in 

Holland. He was appointed as a member of the Sephardic Beth Din of London in 1757 

and four years later rose to the position of Haham. See A. M. Hyamson, The Sephardim 

of England (1951) pp. 182-83, 136n. 


72 

Lot 265

266 (BAGHDAD). Scroll of Ezekiel. Square Baghdadi hand. 

At beginning of scroll, inscription reads: Dedicated by 

Abdallah Abd-l-Uzeir. Deerskin. 8 membranes stitched. 4½ 

inches high x 75 inches long. Provided with vellum tie. 

(Baghdad, 19th-century). $1000-1500 

The Scroll of Ezekiel was employed by 

Baghdadi Jews on their yearly pilgrimage during 

the Festival of Shavu’oth to the traditional Tomb 

of Ezekiel the Prophet, at el-Kifil, a village twenty 

Lot 266 

miles south of the town of Hillah in central Iraq. 

Mentioned for the first time in the Epistle of R. Sherira Gaon (c. 986), Ezekiel’s Tomb recurs in the travelogues of Benjamin of Tudela 

(c. 1170) and Pethachiah of Regensburg. The tomb consists of a man-made cave covered by a cupola, over which an outer tomb has been 

constructed. In 1860, the Muslims attempted to take control of the tomb away from the Jews, but the Ottoman Government interceded 

on behalf of the Jews. 

The Scroll contains two readings from the Book of Ezekiel: the entire first chapter (the Haphtarah for the first day of Shavu’oth), and 

Ezekiel 37:1-14. There follows prayers beseeching Ezekiel the Prophet to intercede on behalf of the Jewish People, various Psalms, and 

Aggadic passages from the Talmud. 

It would seem that the use of such a Scroll was much in vogue in the 19th-century - all 43 examples found in the Sassoon collection are 

from that period. See D.S. Sassoon, Ohel Dawid (1932), p. 558 (no. 360); EJ, Vol. VI, cols. 1096-7. For recent reportage from the Tomb of 

Ezekiel, see The New York Times, 1st June, 2008 (illus.) 


267 BANET, MORDECHAI. Autograph Letter, in Hebrew, to R. Zalman Nathan, Rabbi of Teshus. A responsa concerning cows-milk sold to a 

Gentile on Pesach and subsequently fed Chametz. Two pages. Some repair affecting a few words. Folio. 

Nikolsburg, Adar, 1794. $2500-3000 

R. Mordechai Banet of Nikolsburg (1753-1829), was the Oberlandesrabbiner of Moravia and a colleague of Rabbis Akiva Eger and 

Moshe Sofer. He authored a number of scholarly works including responsa Har ha-Mor and Parashath Mordechai. Banet was held in the 

highest esteem by the Chatham Sofer who, in his eulogy, called him a Gaon Olam and Gadol ha-Dor. See JE, Vol. III, pp. 14-15; EJ, Vol. 

IV, cols. 159-160; N.Z. Friedmann, Otzar Harabanim, M-13753. 

Although most of this responsum has been published in Parashath Mordechai (1889) no. 22, this manuscript contains material that 

remains unpublished. Of importance is a record of the name of the respondent, who in the published version is anonymous (“Chacham 

Echad”). Also unpublished is a passage in the present manuscript concerning the well-being and progress of one of R. Mordechai Banet’s 

disciples. Beyond that, there are many variants and additional phrases within the responsum itself. This is obviously a first draft as is evident 

from the many words changed plus notes written along the margin. 

268 BEN-GURION, DAVID. (First Prime Minister of the State of Israel, 1886-1973). Autograph Letter Signed, in Hebrew, to Moshe [Sharett]. 

Single page, pencil on lined paper, central crease. 

Sde Boker, 14th December, 1953. $600-900 

In this personal letter, written from his residence in the remote Negev outpost of Sde Boker, Ben-Gurion wishes to impress upon his 

colleague the need to stabilize a government as soon as possible. Ben-Gurion confides his mood, feeling the same inspiration he felt 

upon first arriving in the Land of Israel and hoping to be able to spend many hours daily in personal reading 

Moshe Sharett (Shertok) (1894-1965) assumed the role of Prime Minister in January 1954 upon Ben-Gurion’s temporary retirement due 

to the scandal caused by the Lavon Affair. He served as P.M. until November 1955, when Ben-Gurion took back his old job. See EJ, Vol. XIV, 

col. 1310. 

269 BEN-GURION, DAVID. Typed Letter Signed, in Hebrew, to Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz. Single page on letterhead, punch holes. (cc. to 

Prime Minister Moshe Sharett). 

HaKiryah (Jerusalem), 4th Nisan 5715 / 27th March, 1955. $1200-1800 

In this historic letter, Ben-Gurion turns down Rabbi Karelitz’s (implied) request that Yeshivah students be exempted from the military 

draft. Without qualms, Ben-Gurion brazenly cites to the great rabbi, a tract from Maimonides (Hil. Melachim) to the effect that in a war 

of defense no exemptions are permitted from serving in the army. Reasons Ben-Gurion: “Here, this war is for our very existence in the 

Land. Is this not called ‘(milchemeth) mitzvah’ (a commanded war)?” 

R. Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz of Bnei Beraq (1878-1953), renowned for his multi-volume work “Chazon Ish,” was the most 

authoritative halachic decisor in Eretz Israel in the early years of the State. Together with his counterpart in Jerusalem, Rabbi 

I.Z. Soloveitchik, known as the “Brisker Rav,” he fought to have rescinded the Government’s proposed induction of male yeshivah 

students and religious women into the army. At one point in this ongoing struggle, Ben-Gurion (in his capacity as Prime Minister) 

paid a personal visit to Rabbi Karelitz in the latter’s humble home. The actual contents of their conversation was kept secret and 

remains an enigma. See EJ, Vol. X, cols. 787-88. 

The date of the letter is bewildering. In 1955, Rabbi Karelitz was already deceased. It has been speculated that Ben-Gurion (then serving 

as Minister of Defense), was making available to Sharett (in 1955, acting Prime Minister) the contents of a letter that had been sent two 

years earlier to the “Chazon Ish” - alternatively the erroneous date is simply a typists’ error. 

73

Lot 274 

270 BEN-GURION, DAVID. Typed Letter Signed, in Hebrew, to Dr. 

Dov Joseph, Minister of Development. Single page on letterhead, 

punch holes. (cc. to Prime Minister Moshe Sharett). 

28th Elul 5715 / 15th September, 1955. $1000-1500 

In this personal letter to his confidant Dov Joseph, Ben- 

Gurion tells of having met the atomic scientist Robert 

Oppenheimer upon the latter’s visit to Israel. Ben-Gurion 

asked Oppenheimer the reason for his visit, to which the 

answer was: “I heard before of the vibrant spirit of Israel, a 

spirit uncommon in the world. I see now that what I conceived 

was but a miniscule portion of the actuality.” 

Dov Joseph (1899-1980), a native of Montreal, held various 

ministerial positions during the first two Knessets and was 

Israel’s second Minister of Justice, serving twice (1951-2 and 

1961-6). Previously he was Military Governor of Jerusalem 

during the War of Independece in 1948, when he successfully 

defended the city under siege. 

271 BEN-GURION, DAVID. Typed Letter Signed, in Hebrew, to 

Moshe Dayan, Chief of Staff, Israel Defense Forces. Single page on 

letterhead, central crease. 

11th Adar 5715 / 5th March, 1955. $1000-1500 

In this significant communiqué to General Moshe Dayan, 

Ben-Gurion, in his capacity as Minister of Defense, imparts 

what he views as the mission of TzaHa”L (Israel Defense 

Force): 

To defend the security of the State of Israel. To serve as a 

front-line, educating and building the nation, and reclaiming 

the deserts, as well as to act as a force in the homogenizing of 

new immigrants into a unified people. 

Moshe Dayan (1915-1981), the celebrated hero of Israel’s 

wars, became Commander-in-Chief in December 1953, a post 

he held until January 1958. See EJ, Vol. V, cols. 1372-4. 

272 BEN-GURION, DAVID. Ty ped 

Letter Signed, in Hebrew, to Rabbi 

Yehudah Leib Maimon. Single page on 

letterhead, folds. 

Jerusalem, 30th Sivan 5722 / 2nd July, 1962. 

$600-900 

After wishing Rabbi Maimon 

a speedy recovery from ill-health, 

Ben-Gurion goes on to disavow 

any involvement with the “League 

Against Religious Coercion.” He 

notes that if Maimon were still 

serving as Minister of Religion such 

a lobby would never have come into 

existence. Ben-Gurion credits the 

formation of the League to the 

“Yossele Affair” (the kidnapping of 

the young boy Yossele Shumacher) 

and the unwillingness of the 

Rabbinate to recognize the Bnai 

Israel of India as Jews. 

R. Yehudah Leib Maimon (Fishman) (1875-1962), a leader of 

the Religious Zionist movement or Mizrachi, served as Minister 

of Religion in the first Knesset. He established Mossad Harav 

Kook, an important center of rabbinic research. See EJ, Vol. XI, 

cols. 739-741. Maimon died a week after receiving this letter. 

273 BEN-GURION, DAVID. Autograph Letter Signed, in Hebrew, to 

Yehudah Ratzhabi. Single page on lined paper. 

Tel Aviv, 31st December, 1965. $500-700 

A letter of congratulations to the Yemenite scholar Prof. 

Yehudah Ratzabi upon receiving an unspecified Prize (Israel 

Prize?) Ben-Gurion also provides literary evidence to support 

his contention that the city of Tzephath (Safed) should in fact 

be vocalized “Tzepheth.” 

274 (CARLEBACH, SHLOMO). Singular musician and teacher (1925- 

1994). Floor-plan pencil-written in German and Hebrew in a child’s 

hand, depicting the layout of the synagogue in Baden, the seating 

arrangements of the Carlebach Family and a list of “Kibudim:” 

The chazan for Musaph is noted as Shlomo (“Slaumele”) and his 

twin brother Eli-Chaim (“Elele”) is to be chazan for Ein Kamocha. 

Others mentioned are: Mannes Wikler, Bubi and Fredi Schabes, 

Sini and Heini Fruchter, Beno and Saki Liberman, Bunjo and Mosi 

Milrom. 

Written on the reverse of a folio-sized form of the Israel. 

Cultusgemeinde, Baden. 

$500-700 

Born in Berlin in 1925, Shlomo Carlebach and his family 

moved in 1931 to Baden, a spa town a few miles south of 

Vienna, before leaving for Switzerland in 1933 and ultimately 

settling in New York City in 1939. 


74

Lot 275 

275 (CHASSIDISM). ISRAEL BEN SHABTHAI OF KOZHNITZ. Or Yisrael [expository notes to the mystical Tikunei Zohar by the Kozhnitzer 

Maggid]. Manuscript on paper, written in a precise Aschkenazic script with corrections in another hand. With stamps of previous owners: 

The Chassidic Rabbis Yehoshua of Sosnowitz and Ostrava, son of R. Shlomo Leib of Lentchna; and Yoseph Tzvi Kalisch of Kortchov, son of 

R. Shimon of Skernivitz. The manuscript was composed by Abraham Berish ben Masha Feiga. One assumes that the use of the mother’s name 

indicates that this manuscript was presented to a prominent Chassidic Rebbe, possibly even the Maggid himself. 98 leaves. Modern calf. 4to. 

Kozhnitz, (circa 1813). $6000-8000 

LIKELY THE MANUSCRIPT COPY FROM WHICH THE PRINTED EDITION WAS PUBLISHED. 

The Maggid of Kozhnitz (1733-1814), was one of the earliest disseminators in Poland of the Chassidic thought of the Ba’al Shem Tov and 

the Maggid of Mezritch. See Y. Alfasi, HaChassiduth (1977) p.10. 

The present manuscript is a copy of the marginal notes to the Tikunei Zohar that had been composed by the Kozhnitzer Maggid. Of 

importance is the fact that when citing the Maggid on the first leaf, the copyist does not attach to his name the traditional blessing for the 

deceased (Zatza”l), indicating that the Maggid was still alive at the time. 

The work was eventually published in Czernowitz, 1862 (see lot 84). The publisher states he edited the textfrom a manuscript copy 

(the present one?) and not from the Maggid’s original manuscript. The published edition differs slightly from the present manuscript 

by adjusting page- and line-numbers to conform with the Slavuta edition of Tikunei Zohar. Also of note, the marginal corrections to our 

manuscript have been incorporated into the printed editon. 


75

277 D’ISRAELI, ISAAC. Autograph Letter Signed to, John Wilson 

Croker, requesting the source for a passage in Croker’s edition of 

Bassompiere’s Embassy to England (1819). pp. 3 + 1 integral blank. 

6 Bloomsbury Square, (London), 7th May, 1828. $100-150 

The acclaim of Anglo-Jewish literary critic Isaac D’Israeli (1766- 

1848) has been eclipsed by that of his famous son, Benjamin Disraeli 

(1804-81), Prime Minister of England under Queen Victoria. 

John Wilson Croker (1780-1857), British statesman and 

author, was a friend to the D’Israelis, both father and son. It was 

from Croker that Benjamin Disraeli drew the character “Rigby” 

in his novel Coningsby. 

278 FINKEL, L(EIZER) J(UDAH). Typed Letter Signed, in Hebrew, 

to R. Shlomo Steinberg and his wife, acknowledgment of donation 

to the Yeshivah, and wishes for a speedy recovery. Single page on 

letterhead stationery: “Rabbi L.J. Finkel, Dean of Mirrer Yeshivah.” Folds. 

Mir (Poland), 15 Shevat 1934. $400-600 

R. Eliezer Judah Finkel (1879-1965) was the son of R. 

Nathan Tzvi Finkel, the founder of the Slabodka Yeshivah 

(“Der Alter fun Slabodka”), and son-in-law of R. Elijah Baruch 

Kamai, head of the Mir Yeshivah, whose position he inherited. 

During the interbellum period, Mir attracted thousands of 

students, from across Europe and even America. After World 

War Two, R. Finkel re-established his Yeshivah in Jerusalem. 

Today, it boasts a student body of 5,000 - the largest yeshivah 

in the world. See EJ, Vol. VI, cols. 1290-1. 

R. Shlomo Steinberg of South Africa is addressed as the 

“Gabbai Rashi di-Yeshivath Mir ha-Kedosha” (Chief Fundraiser 

of the Mirrer Yeshivah). 

Lot 276 

276 (CHASSIDISM). Kuntress HaHithpa’aluth [Discourses by the 

first three generations of the Chabad Chassidic dynasty: R. Shneur 

Zalman of Liadi (“Alter Rebbe”) (1745-1813); his son R. Dov 

Baer of Lubavitch (“Mitteler Rebbe”)(1773-1827); and grandson 

R. Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch (“Tzemach Tzedek”) (1789- 

1866)]. Aschkenazic cursive script in many hands. ff. 49, 56-100, 

(27), (2 blanks), (15), (4 blanks), (13), (3 blanks), (10), (1 blank), (4). 

Sepia ink on coarse blue paper, worn. Unbound. 8vo. 

(Lubavitch, Mid 19th-century). $2000-3000 

The first portion of this manuscript, Kuntress 

HaHithpa’aluth by R. Dov Baer of Lubavitch (ff.4r.-12v) is a 

penetrating analysis of various forms and stages of mystical 

rapture and ecstasy” (G. Scholem, Major Trends in Jewish 

Mysticism (1967) p.121. The late Louis Jacobs produced an 

English translation entitled “Tract on Ecstasy.” 

It would appear that some of the ma’amorim (discourses) 

in the manuscript are either condensed versions or variants of 

the published versions. A detailed listing of the contents of the 

manuscript is available upon request. 

279 HOROWITZ, MEIR YA’AKOV HALEVI. (Son of R. Pinchas 

Halevi Horowitz, author “Haphla’ah”). Chidushim [on Rosh 

HaShanah and repentence, also citing a commentary heard from 

his father]. Autograph Manuscript on paper in a neat Aschkenazic 

script. Two pages. 

(Frankfurt), (ca. 1783). $1500-2000 

Meir Yaakov Halevi Horowitz died in 1785 in Frankfurt 

at the tender age of 26. His father posthumously published 

some of his writings at the end of Sepher Haphla’ah stating: 

“I reminisce as my soul cries, having lost my son and disciple, 

whose soul was bound to my soul ...who was filled with Torah, 

outstanding in his sharpness of mind and erudition.” A 

handful of R. Meir Yaakov’s novellae were also published 

alongside his brother’s work Machaneh Levi. 

R. Meir Yaakov was the son-in law of R. Saul of Amsterdam, 

author of Binyan Ariel. 

280 (LITURGY). Taharah [prayers recited during the ritual washing 

of the dead]. Square Hebrew characters provided with nikud. 

Instructions in Judeo-German. pp. (1), 10. Black ink on coarse paper. 

Calf, scuffed. Small folio. 

(Germany), 19th-century. $400-600 

The procedure for Jewish purification of the dead is 

especially ritualized and detailed, a separate verse is recited 

while attending to each part of the body. 


76

Lot 281 

281 (KABBALAH). Ilan ha-Kadosh [“Holy Tree”: Diagram of Kabbalistic Universe]. Sepia ink on vellum. Lengthy Scroll incorporating numerous 

Kabbalistic devices, charts and other displays on 4 membranes stitched. 8 inches wide x 87 inches long. The colophon has faded and is mostly 

illegible, with the exception of a few words: “Ba’aluth...ish Yerushalayim” [“Possession of...Jerusalem”]. Variously worn, heavily rubbed in places. 

(Eastern Europe, Late 17th-early 18th century). $2000-3000 

This scroll has been recently examined by Prof. Menachem Kallus of Jerusalem, who writes: “The literary contents are taken from 

YaShaR me-Kandia’s Ta’alumot Chochmah, fol. 53a ff, “Kitzur Olam ha-Tikun” (also reprinted in Va-Yakhel Moshe, in the name of R. 

Yisrael [Zolkiew ed., fol. 36a])...” 

“R. Yisrael” referred to is R. Israel Sarug, who ostensibly received treachings from R. Isaac Luria (concerning the “Olam ha-Malbush”) not 

recorded in R. Chaim Vital’s corpus “Ets Chaim.” Sarug transmitted this tradition to Joseph Solomon Delmedigo of Crete (YaShaR me-Kandia). 

To this day, scholars - both traditional kabbalists and academicians - are divided as to whether these represent authentic Lurianic teachings. The 

Sephardic kabbalists (especially Syrian kabbalists, partial to R. Chaim Vital of Damascus) dismiss them as fraudulent, while the Aschkenazic 

kabbalists (both Mithnagdim, followers of the Vilna Gaon, such as R. Chaim of Volozhin and lately R. Solomon Elyashiv, author “Leshem Shevo 

ve-Achlamah,” and Chassidim, such as Chabad) accept the validity of the Sarugian Kabbalah. Among academicians, the late Prof. Gershom 

Scholem went to great lengths to prove that R. Israel Sarug was posturing when he claimed to have been a disciple of R. Isaac Luria. 


282 SOLOVEITCHIK, JOSEPH B. (Rabbi and Modern Jewish Philosoper, 1903-93). Typed Letter Signed, in Hebrew, to Yissachar Dov Bergman 

acknowledging receipt of his booklet concerning the historic rights of the Jewish Nation to the Gaza Strip. One page on letterhead. 

In this letter to Bergman, a leader of the Religious Zionists of America 

(RZA), Rabbi Soloveitchik compliments the recipient on his writing, and 

expresses his gratitude for being cited in the booklet. 

Roxbury, Mass, 4th Nissan, 1957. $200-300 

283 TEITELBAUM, JOEL. (Grand Rabbi of Satmar, 1887-1979). Autograph Letter Signed, 

in Hebrew, to the Rebbe’s nephew (also named Joel Teitelbaum) “Eminent in Torah 

and fear of heaven, crowned with grace, descended from a most distinguished, holy 

lineage...” 

The letter expresses the Rebbe’s concern over the safety of his nephew due to 

the dangers present in Eretz Israel in 1948. One page on personal letter-head stationery. 

Slightly frayed on left margin, not affecting text. 

Brooklyn, (1948). $4000-6000 

The Rebbe writes: “I am concerned and distressed regarding the 

situation in Eretz Israel. Only the All-Merciful who rules everything, 

can help and rescue us...Last week, I sent you and your brother-in-law as 

much money as I can presently afford...In my opinion, you should try by 

all means to travel here, if that proves not possible, attempt to reach Paris. 

Save every penny that arrives for travel expenses, however if you are still in 

need, please let me know...I have asked our friend and relative, R. Joseph 

Aschkenazi to write you at length...God should lead you in the righteous 

path and you should raise your children in the ways of Torah...” 

On verso of the letter, is an addendum written and signed by Joseph 

Aschkenazi (gabbai to the Rebbe), stating: “Mr. Pildovsky arrived soon after 

the Rebbe wrote the above and the Rebbe and I spoke to him about your 

situation for more than two hours. He will write to you in detail everything 

that must be done. I am surprised you did not receive the packages I sent 

you and the family of my father-in-law before Passover...” 


Lot 283 

77

284 MEGILATH ESTHER. ELABORATELY ILLUSTRATED SCROLL OF ESTHER. 

Pen-and-ink sepia on vellum stitched to carved wooden roller. Written in twelve columns on three membranes, 12 inches in height. 

Between the columns of text throughout the Scroll are depictions of the characters that populate the Purim story. Along the upper 

marginal borders are featured individual profiles within medallions set amidst eagles against scroll-work. Along the lower marginal borders 

are narrative vignettes set amdist scrolling foliage and repeated lion motifs. 

* With accompanying illustrated vellum-leaf of the Hebrew Blessings upon the chanting of the Scroll. The lower portion of the Blessingpanel 

contains a cartouche recording the Megilah was given as a Purim gift by Judah Capsuto to his student Ephraim Isaac Capsuto 

on the 14th of Adar (i.e. Purim day) in the year 1748. Occasionally rubbed, with few light stains and creases. 

(Italy), (circa 1748). $100,000-150,000 

A MAGNIFICENT 18th-CENTURY ILLUSTRATED ESTHER SCROLL ACCOMPLISHED WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF ARTISTRY. RECENTLY discovered 

AND NOT PREVIOUSLY SEEN AT AUCTION. 

Lot 280 

78 

Lot 284

Context and Comparables: 

The form and layout of this Megilah is reminiscent of the engraved Megiloth produced by the artist Salom Italia in the 16th-century 

(see C. Roth, Jewish Art, cols. 513-14). Another example of Italia’s exemplary work is the engraved Megilah in the Jewish Museum, New York 

(see Kleeblatt and Mann, Treasures of the Jewish Museum, pp. 64-5). 

Salom Italia (1619-after 1655) was born into a family of printers in Mantua. After spending some time in the Venetian States, he 

gravitated to Amsterdam, by that time a center of Jewish printing. In both Megiloth by Italia - as in our own Megilah - columns of text are 

separated by figures from the Book of Esther, whether they be heroes and heroines, or villains and villainesses. 

Remarkably similar to our Megilah in terms of basic graphic design, is the illustrated Megilah by the scribe Michael Judah Léon 

(Amsterdam, 1643). Again, columns are separated by figures, while scenes from the Biblical story are depicted in small cartouches below 

(see M. Keen, Jewish Ritual Art in the Victoria & Albert Museum, p. 51). 

Notwithstanding, the artist of our Megilah is clearly the same master who created the 18th-century Italian Esther Scroll in the Stieglitz 

Collection, presently in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem (see C. Benjamin, The Stieglitz Collection: Masterpieces of Jewish Art pp. 264-7). 

Another Megilah by the very same artist, was in the Roth Collection, Oxford. Similarities include the curly-maned lions whose 

hindquarters are separated by a drooping floral motif along the lower register and how each column of the Megilah is encased within 

a panel. Intervening between one text panel and the next include the seven royal chamberlains: Mehuman, Bizetha, Harvona, Bigtha, 

Avagtha, Zeithar and Charcas (Esther 1: 10). At top are cameo portraits of other minor characters from the Megilah: Sha’ashgaz and 

Bigthan (Esther 2:14, 21), all vignettes are captioned using Rashi script. The figures are somewhat stereotyped, however the elevation of 

such minor characters to cameo roles may have been intended for comical effect. Roth alludes to another example of this type executed 

by Polish artist Aryeh Loeb ben Daniel in Venice in 1748 - the very year our own Megilah was gifted (see above.) Roth’s asumption that the 

prototype for this design is Provencal appears gratuitous. The fact that Roth discovered his own specimen in the South of France hardly 

proves that the genre originated in the Jewish communities of the Comtat Venaissin (see Roth, Jewish Art (1961), pp. 434-5). 

In conclusion, although our scroll has no colophon, we may safely assume that the artist is either Daniel, son of Mordechai of Goray, or 

morely likely his son, Aryeh Leib - both father and son were active in Italy, it is known that the latter lived in the 1740s in Brissighella and 

Venice. For other examples of scrolls by the artist Aryeh Leib, see M. Metzger, The Earliest Engraved Italian Megilloth, in: Bulletin of the 

John Rylands Library 48:2 (Spring 1966), pp. 406-32. 

[see illustration above (Composite)] 

79

285 A LITURGICAL COMPENDIUM, WRITTEN AND ILLUMINATED BY JACOB 

SOPHER BEN JUDAH LEIB SHAMASH OF BERLIN. 

Seder Birkath HaMazon...Keri’ath Shema al HaMitah U’Birkath HaNehenin VeDinei 

Challah...Niddah...Hadlakah shel Shabbath [“Grace after Meals, Prayers before Retiring, 

Blessings upon Partaking of Foods, Laws of Separating Dough, the Menstruant Woman 

and Kindling the Sabbath Lights]. 

Hamburg 1741. 

25 vellum Leaves (and 1 blank), measuring 3 x 4½ inches. 6 pages containing various 

illuminations, illustrations, etc. A further 4 pages contain remnants of illuminations 

severely abraded. It is a mystery why some of the images were effaced from the manuscript. 

It is possible they were thought to be of a provocative nature. 

Written in sepia ink in square Hebrew calligraphy with nikud and Judeo-German in 

Wayber-taytsch letters. 

Illustrations: 

Title-page: Illuminated title flanked on either side by Moses the Lawgiver and Aaron the 

High-Priest in multi-color design. 

Image on verso of title washed out; there remains but a hanging candelabrum. 

Three large headers in gold or red. 

Fol.10v. - Dinei Niddah. A woman in her chambers with her female attendants. 

Fol. 12v. - Dinei Tevilah. Ritual bath-house 

Lot 289 

Fol. 15r. - Dinei Hadlakoth Neroth shel Shabbath. Rubbed out. 

Fol. 16r. - Likewise rubbed out. 

Fol. 17r. - Keriath Shema al HaMitah. Remnanats of a bedroom scene. 

Fol. 20v. - An angel inset alongside the prayer HaMalach HaGo’el (“The Angel Who Delivers Me”). 

The colophon on f.25v. reads: “By the Writer of Ritual Articles, the Insignificant Jacob Sopher ben Judah Leib Shamosh, of blessed memory, of 

Berlin. Presently, the Ritual Scribe in the Holy Communities of Hamburg and Altona. In the year 1741. 

Rubbed, few leaves heavily worn. Later morocco, with slip-case. 16 mo. 

$20,000-25,000 

This artistic prayer-book would have been destined as a gift to the matron of the family, containing as it does the three traditional 

rituals for Jewish women: Niddah (ritual purity), Challah (separating a portion of the dough as a donation to the Priest) and Hadlakath 

HaNer (kindling the Sabbath lights). 

The scribe-artist Jacob Sopher ben 

Judah Leib Shamash was active in 

Hamburg and Altona between the years 

1717-41 and some forty manuscripts by 

him are known to be extant. 

For two other illuminated manuscripts 

by Jacob Shamash sold at auction, see 

Christie’s New York, June 23rd, 1999, Lot 

128 and Sotheby’s New York, March 18th, 

2004, Lot 51. 

See also E. Schrijver, Be’otiyyot 

Amsterdam, Hebrew Manuscript 

Production in Central Europe: The Case 

of Jacob ben Judah Leib Shamash, in: 

Quaerrendo, Vol. XX (1990) pp. 24-62. 

And, I. Fishof, Yakob Sofer mi-Berlin: A 

Portrait of a Jewish Scribe, in: The Israel 

Museum Journal, Volume VI (1987) pp. 

83-94. 

80 

Lot 289

— G r a p h i c Ar t — 

286 KAUFMANN, ISIDOR. The Cheerful Scholar. Pencil, 

watercolor and oil on panel. Signed by the artist lower 

right. In period frame. 10 x 11½ inches. 

Austrian, 1853-1921. $10,000-15,000 

Provenance: The late ethnomusicologist, 

Prof. Johanna L. Spector, New York. 

Elements of this painting: the table, the highbacked 

chair, the loose boot in the left corner 

- and certainly the face of the model, can all be 

found in other works by Kaufmann. Viz. Katalog 

Jüdischen Museum der Stadt Wein, Isidor 

Kaufmann (1995) “Two Pairs of Shoes” (p. 175); 

“The Chess Players” (p. 179) and “Commercial 

Instruction” (p.191). 

Seemingly an unfinished work, it has been 

suggested that the presence of Kaufmann’s 

signature on the painting would attest that in 

fact he viewed this as an accomplished picture. 

Indeed there is certainly great interest to see the 

“skeleton” of Kaufmann’s work, the use of pencil, 

leading to watercolor and then finished in oil. 


Lot 286 

287 SZYK, ARTHUR. Moses. Pen-an-ink on 

card. Signed in Hebrew in modernist 

style on left. Signed again below 

image in Hebrew and in Latin letters. 

Additional note in Polish and dates, 7/ 

iii-(19)18. Pencil sketches on verso. Two 

punch-holes on right margin, some 

abrasion in area of Decalogue. 4 x 5½ 

inches. 

$4000-6000 


Lot 287 

81

Lot 288 

288 GROPPER, WILLIAM. (The Shtetl). 

Twenty-Four color lithographs. Each 

signed by the artist in pencil and 

marked “A.P. XX.” Loose as issued. No 

accompanying portfolio or text. Sheet 

size: 280x355 mm. 

New York, (1970). $800-1200 


289 CHAGALL, MARC. The Song of Songs. 

Lithograph poster by Charles Sorlier, 

signed by Chagall lower right. Framed. 

approx. 20 x 30 inches. 

Paris, 1975. $2000-2500 

This interpretative lithograph was 

executed by Charles Sorlier from the 

left section of one of the preliminary 

dummies for the larger picture, The 

Song of Songs III. It was created to 

publicize the National Biblical Message 

Museum in Japan. This copy is one of a 

number of that were signed by Chagall 

for the Soceity of the Friends of the Marc 

Chagall Biblical Message Museum, Nice, 

marked with the stamp of the association 

at top. See Chagall’s Posters, Catalogue 

Raisonne (1975) p. 142. 


290 CHAGALL, MARC. The Bluebird. 

Lithograph poster by Charles Sorlier. 

Framed (including Chagall signature, 

separate, lower right. Approx. 17½ x 23 

1/2 inches (to mat). 

Paris, 1968. $1000-1500 

“Interprative rendering of a 

lithograph executed by Charles 

Sorlier from a 1954 gouache.” 

See Chagall’s Posters, Catalogue 

Raisonne (1975) pp. 114-5. 


291 (JERUSALEM). BIDA. Le Juifs Devant Le 

Mur de Salomon. Magnificently framed. 

21 x 25 inches to plate. 

French, c.1880. $3000-4000 

Large print on contemporary wide 

marginal mount. Issued by Goupil in 

Paris and Knoedler in New York. 

An enduring image of Jews 

at prayer at the Wailing Wall, 

Jerusalem. Bida masterfully combines 

expressiveness with formal stability, 

covering the entire surface with 

texture. 

82 

Lot 289 Lot 290

Lot 292 Lot 293 

292 (JERUSALEM). “Jerusalem the Golden.” Artistic topographic 

rendition of the Holy Land orienting to the East, with shafts of 

golden light shining on Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Multicolor in 

somber hues. Central crease, edges frayed with some loss. Not 

examined out of frame. 23½ x 29½ inches. 


circa 1886. $300-500 

293 (JERUSALEM). Views of the Holy City of Jerusalem / Tavnith 

Yerushalayim / Ansicht der Heilegen Stadt Jerusalem. 

Trilingual artistic panorama of Old City of Jerusalem. Color 

lithograph. Striking hues. 17 x 22 inches image. Crisp, clean 

copy, folds. Not examined out of frame. 

Jerusalem, Circa 1900. $1500-2000 

A Rare Image. Prominently displayed in the foreground 

is the Dome of the Rock occupying the Temple Mount. In 

the background, one spies several buildings of note rising 

from the Jewish Quarter: the Tiphereth Israel or Nissan 

Bak Synagogue (named after R. Israel of Ruzhin), the Batei 

Machseh (“the Pilgrim dwellings”), etc. 


294 (MAP OF THE HOLY LAND). Adrichom, Christian van. 

Jerusalem, et suburbia eius. Hand-colored. 19½ x 29 inches. Not 

examined out of frame. [Laor 934-5]. 

(Köln), n.d. $800-1200 

The map first appeared in Adrichom’s Theatrum Terrae 

Sanctae (Köln, 1584), and was reprinted in each subsequent 

edition of the Theatrum. 

Prominently displayed in this map of ancient Jerusalem 

is the Holy Temple. One notes with interest that the text 

is Latin throughout with the singular exception of the 

Hebrew Tetragrammaton in the Holy of Holies (“Sanctum 

Sanctorum”). 


Lot 294 

83

Lot 295 

295 (MAP OF THE HOLY LAND). From Janssonius, Jan. Novus Atlas (Amsterdam, 1658),Vol. VI. Six sheets. Hand-colored in sharp, distinct 

hues. Not examined out of frame. 33½ x 70 inches. [Laor 343-49]. 

$7000-9000 

This exceptionally large, impressive map of the Holy Land orients to the east, showing the divisions of the Twelve Tribes of Israel on 

both sides of the River Jordan. The coastline runs from Sidon, Lebanon at left, to Rhinocorura, Egypt at right. Offshore, not far from 

the port of Jaffa, one spies a ship holding Jonah about to be cast into the jaws of the whale. There are two cartouches: The one at top 

left contains the Wanderings of Abraham (“Peregrinatio Abrahae”); the other at top right, the Journies and Mansions of the Desert 

(“Itinera et Mansiones Deserti”), i.e. the wanderings of the Israelites in the Sinai Wilderness. 


296 (MAP OF THE HOLY LAND). Münster, Sebastian. Das Heilig Landt mit ausztheilung der zwölff Geschlechter. Hand-colored. Double-page 

with central fold. 13 1/2 x 15 inches. Not examined out of frame. 

(Basel), Sebastian Henric-Petri, 1588. $300-500 

297 (MAP OF THE HOLY LAND). Blaeu, Willem Janszoon. Terra 

Sancta quae in Sacris Terra Promissionis olim Palestina. Doublepage 

engraved map. Palestine oriented to the West, includes both 

sides of the Jordan. Shoreline runs from Tripoli, Lebanon in the 

north (at far right) to the Nile Delta in the south (at far left). 

Moses the Lawgiver and Aaron the Highpriest flank the cartouche 

at bottom. 16 x 20 inches. Not examined out of frame. [Laor 106]. 

Amsterdam, Guiljelmi Blaeuw (Willem Janszoon Blaeu), 1629 

(i.e.1630). $400-600 


84 

Lot 297

Lot 298 Lot 299 

298 (AMERICAN-JUDAICA). Charles Edward Chambers (1883-1941). Shpeiz Vet Gevinen di Krieg! [Food Will Win the War!]. Yiddish text. 

Lithograph poster. Laid down. 30 x 20 inches. 

New York (1918). $1000-1500 

This poster, issued by the United States Food Administration, engages in moral exhortation, intimating to newly naturalized citizens 

the way to repay America for its kindness, is by supporting the Allies in the war effort: “You come here to find freedom. Now you must 

help defend it. We must supply the Allies with wheat. Do not let anything go to waste.” 

See Judah L. Magnes Museum Catalogue, Witnesses to History: The Jewish Poster (1989) p. 16. 


299 (AMERICAN TEXTILE). Hebrew-Yiddish Eye-Chart. Black letter on cloth. Nine lines. Final five lines read: 

“Sol Haber / Printer / Type-Bi[n]der / South Street / Philadelphia, PA. Stained, marginal soiling from old glue on verso. 19 x 34 inches. 

A spectacular example of American-Jewish folk-art. 


Early 20th century. $2000-3000 

85

— C e r e m o n i a l Ar t — 

L o t s 300 - 328 a r e s o l d n o t s u b j e c t t o r e t u r n . 

300 BRONZE SYNAGOGUE MEMORIAL PLAQUE Jerusalem, 

Bezalel School, ca. 1920. 

Arched plaque, riveted to wooden base, embossed with Hebrew 

text on Decalogue, set within frame depicting candles surmounted 

by cherubs; at base, mounted within decoratiave band, single 

candleholder. On verso, original brass plaque providing label 

information. Hanging hook at top. H: 18½ inches. 

$4000-6000 

On verso: “Made in Palestine at the Art Workshop ‘Sharar’, 

Bezalel, Jerusalem, P.O.B. 729.” 

A similar El-Maleh plaque may be seen in Israel Museum 

Catalogue, Bezalel of Schatz (1983) no. 1031, p. 88. 

The combination of Hebrew text and realistic decoration is 

a hallmark of Bezalel design. See Israel Museum Catalogue, 

Boris Schatz: The Father of Israeli Art (2006), p. 61. 

301 CHARMING CIGARETTE CASE Jerusalem, 1929. Silver box, 

rectangular with rounded corners. Verso has applique decorative 

band near edge. Front, at upper section, bears depiction of 

Rachel’s Tomb within roundel, in applique filigree decorative 

field. Below, engraved monogram and inscribed date and origin. 

H: 3¾ inches. 

$700-1000 

Mongram: “F. E.” The decorative elements combine the 

interest in organic motifs of the 1920’s with the Bezalel 

emphasis on naturalistic depictions of holy sites. 

302 TWO SILVER SNUFF BOXES Palestine, early 20th-century. 

Unmarked. Rectangular box, engraved top and base with labelled 

architectural images: The Western Wall and The Tomb of the 

Patriarchs. W: 1¾ inches. 

* Rectangular box with rounded corners, and hinged lid forming 

top surface; overall engraved with geometric and organic motifs. In 

center of lid, Hebrew initials. W: 2½ inches. 

$1000-1500 

Lot 300 

86 

Lot 300 (reverse side) 

Lot 301, 302

303 BRASS PICTURE FRAME. Bezalel School, Jerusalem, ca. 1920. 

Rectangular frame, slightly broader at base, with tripartite domed 

top. Embossed depiction of Queen of Sheba on terrace, flanked by 

flowering plants in amphorae, overlooking landscape of Jerusalem. 

At left, palm trees; at top right, peacock bearing scroll. In center, 

rectangular depression. Labeled in Hebrew. Hook for hanging at 

back. H: 9 inches. Marked, Bezalel Jerusalem. Some wear. 

$700-900 

An uncommon, appealing product typical of the lyricism of 

Bezalel. A very similar frame, in silver, was sold by Kestenbaum 

& Company, Sale XI, November 28th, 2000, Lot 325. 

304 BELT WITH SILVER BUCKLE FOR YOM KIPPUR. 20th century. 

Belt: Cotton and metallic woven ribbon with grapevine motif. Buckle: 

Silver, cast with depiction of Binding of Isaac, and engraved Hebrew 

inscription. Loop and hook at verso provide for attachment of belt. 

Buckle 2¾ x 4¾ inches. Pseudo-mark on verso. 

$300-500 

For a similar buckle, see Israel Museum Catalogue, The 

Stieglitz Collection (1987) no.102, p. 132. 

Lot 308, 306, 303 

305 CASE FOR MEZUZAH. 20th-century. Cast hollow brass case, long 

slender rectangle in form, with window at upper portion protected 

by hanging brass plate; oval tabs at either end pierced to allow nail 

for hanging. Overall cast Hebrew inscription. L: 7¾ inches. 

$120-180 

306 DOUBLE CEREMONIAL CUP FOR MARRIAGE CEREMONY. 

20th-century. Silver, embossed and engraved, patterning in 

imitation of barrel. One base engraved with coat or arms depicting 

Levite pitcher, the other with crowned crest bearing Hebrew 

initials “Y.P. TRN.” Hebrew initials in panels at upper lip of each 

section. H (closed): 4¾ inches. Pseudo-marks. 

$400-600 

Lot 307, 304 

307 FABRIC AND METAL WEDDING HEADPIECE. Probably Morocco, 

20th century. A strip of fabric, reinforced with cardboard, supports 

metallic ribbon borders and applique pierced brass elements on which 

are mounted colored stones. Large pierced plaques hang from ends of 

string-ties. L: 19 inches without ties. Worn, one tie detached. 

$700-1000 

See Israel Museum Catalogue, The Jews of Morocco (1983) 

no. 422b, p. 224. 

308 METAL TROPHY Hollywood, California, Purim 1934. [In form 

of loving-cup on domed base and embossed pattern beneath lip. 

Engraved to “Arnie Hoffman and Dot Shepard, who won the 

Hollywood Zionists Purim Dance. H: 6½ inches. 

$100-150 

309 TWO MATZAH BAKING IMPLEMENTS. 20th-century. Bronze 

perforation tool, consisting of pronged wheel surmounted by 

handle with finial in form of cast female figure holding unbaked 

Matzah on pole. L: 5½ inches. * AND: Metal perforation tool, 

consisting of star-shaped wheel surmounted by handle with finial 

in form of cast male bust bearing unbaked Matzah on pole. L: 5½ 

inches. 

$120-180 

Lot 309, 305 

87

Lot 310 

310 SCROLL OF HONOR IN SILVER CASE. Jerusalem, August 8th, 1926. Case: Silver filigree, central section lined with copper, 

crown finial. Hebrew inscription engraved on pull. H: 9¼ inches. Unmarked. Vellum scroll, manuscript in Hebrew, “With the deep 

appreciation and profuse good wishes of the orphans of Zion and Jerusalem, to the honored donor Rabbi Dov, son of Benjamin 

Druckman of New York, on the occasion of his visit to our orphanage.” Signed by Rabbi Abraham Jonathan Blumenthal, et al. 

Inscription on scroll pull: “An eternal memento from the Zion Orphanage, Jerusalem”. 

$700-900 

311 GIRL’S WHITE-GOLD HEBREW WRISTWATCH. Rectangular 

watch with curved sides, Hebrew face, intaglio trim, chain band. 

English and Hebrew engraved inscription on back. “Presented to 

T. Sonnenstein by the J.E.A. for Merit, 1925.” 

$500-700 

312 TWO POCKET WATCHES WITH HEBREW FACES. 

20th-century. Silver case; Recto: Face with Hebrew numerals, 

separate dial for second hand, and circle inscribed “Israelit. 

Familienblatt Hamburg” surrounding Star of David. Verso: 

Embossed and engraved image of Moses with Decalogue; foliate 

bands encircle both faces. Embellished winding stem and bell 

loop. Diam: 2 inches. Crystal replaced; some wear. * AND: Gold 

case, face with Hebrew numerals, separate dial for second hand, 

blue steel hands; on back, monogram within losange. With silver 

chain, inscription inside. Diam: 1½” Marked: “Wadsworth 18Kt”. 

$1000-1500 

Lot 321 

313 PEWTER CHARITY BOX Budapest, early 20th century. Box 

mounted on a rectangular plaque with rounded corners and raised 

rim. Embossed with the Hebrew words “Acts of Kindness,” above, an 

applique brass plaque is engraved with a depiction of the Budapest 

Synagogue, labelled “Budapest Orthodox Society for Good Works”, 

and inscribed, in Hungarian, “ We Donate for Good Deeds and for 

Charity.” On back, hinged easel mount and flat plate with hole for 

hanging at top. H: 7½ inches. 

$800-1200 

314 LEATHER AND BRASS BOOK-FORM CHARITY BOX Berlin, 

early 20th century. The blue leather cover is stamped on the front 

with a map of Eretz Israel with the population centers highlighted 

in red. The spine is inscribed with a Hebrew phrase refering to the 

liberation of the Land; the rear cover bears the Hebrew logo and 

name of the Jewish National Fund, and a Star-of-David containing a 

lion. The central portion of the book is made of brass, and is stamped 

John J. Moser, Berlin; Jewish National Fund, Jerusalem. Includes 

keyhole and coin-slot. Includes key. H: 4½ inches. 

$700-900 

88 

Lot 313, 314

315 VELLUM SCROLL IN OLIVEWOOD CASE. Palestine, circa 

1930. Hebrew manuscript scroll with text of Decalogue. Case 

carved with scene of the Westen Wall, and Hebrew inscriptions; 

brass hook closure. H: 6 inches. 

$120-180 

316 TERRACOTTA SEDER PLATE. Palestine, ca. 1940. At center, 

painted depiction of family at Seder table, with appropriate 

Hebrew inscription around rim. On back: “Made in Palestine.” 

Diam: 10½ inches. Some wear. 

$500-700 

317 STONE CHANUKAH LAMP Probably Yemen , 19th century 

Carved with raised servant light. L: 9 inches. Worn. 

$200-300 

This type of Chanukah lamp was first made in the 

18th century. See M. Narkiss, The Hanukkah Lamp (1939) no. 10. 

Lot 315, 316, 317 

318 WOODEN SYNAGOGUE PADDLE. Carved flat paddle in 

form of stylized hand, with handle pierced at end for hanging. 

Etched Hebrew inscription: “It is forbidden to speak during 

prayer.” H: 16½ inches. 

$400-600 

319 SILVERPLATE HAVDALAH COMPENDIUM Circa 1900. 

On round domed base, four-sectioned drawer for spices; above, 

four vertical rods with central sliding element to hold candle; 

at top, openwork frame with oval central ring for candle. 

H: 6½ inches. Pseudo-marks on base. 

$600-900 

320 SILVER PURIM GOBLET On engraved footed base, figure 

within body in form of barrel; cast legs, shod in boots; barrel 

embossed with masks, grapevines, and embellishes with applique 

bows; cast arms bear pineapple staff and stemmed goblet. Lid, in 

form of neck with kerchief and ruff, surmounted with bobbing 

crowned head of masked woman. Hebrew inscription at back. 

H: 8¾ inches. Pseudo-marks. 

$1500-2500 

Lot 319 

321 PAIR OF CONTINENTAL LOW SILVER-PLATE AND BRASS 

TORAH FINIALS. On round shaft, three tiered architectural 

finials with cut out balustrades, filigree walls and bells pendant 

from doorways. At top, leaf-form brass finial. Unmarked. 

H: 17 inches. Old repairs. 

$1000-1500 

Lot 320 

Lot 312 

Lot 311 

Lot 318 

89

Lot 322, 323, 324, 325 

322 SILVER CHANUKAH LAMP Early 20th century. Footed 

rectangular base, back wall bears applique lions rampant flanking 

standing Chanukah lamp; border embossed with swirls, foliage. At 

top, crown attached at rear. Silverplate oil pitcher slides into channel 

at right. H: 10½.” Marked at rear Norblin & Company, Warsaw. 

[see illustration bottom] 

$500-700 

323 METAL CHANUKAH LAMP 20th-century. Four embellished 

feet support rectangular base bearing eight lions which form 

oil-cups, with spouts emanating from mouths, flanked at sides 

by lions couchant on pedestals. Back wall cast with Art nouveau 

style ornamentation, flowers, and topped by crown; applique 

plaque with lions rampant flanking Decalogue with Hebrew 

engraved initial words. Animal-form oil cup and oil pitcher slide 

into channels at top. Chain runs across front, anchored in lion 

pedestals, with central stanchion. H: 10½ inches. No marks. 

325 CONTINENTAL BRASS CHANUKAH LAMP 19th-century. 

Stepped rectangular base with eight cups on raised bar. 

Rectangular back wall with tripartate top consists of depiction of 

Flame emanating from urn at center, within framed hammered 

concave area, with Star-of-David at center. Ninth oil cup slides 

into channel at center of oil row bar. Hook for hanging at rear. 

H: 11 inches. 

$2500-3000 



$300-500 

324 DAMASCENE CHANUKAH LAMP Near East, 20th century. 

[Brass bench-type lamp with overall silver inlay. Back wall, with 

arched top and overall cut-out tendrils, depicts a lit lamp flanked 

by two Stars-of-David. Surrounded by twelve ovals containing raised 

labelled depictions of the symbols of the Twelve Tribes, above, 

slightly convex applique crown. The oil row consists of of eight 

troughs with cut-out side walls. Ninth servant light slides into 

channel at center. 

$1000-1500 

[see illustration top] Lot 327 

90

326 SHORT MILITARY-STYLED WOOL JACKET Issued to Members 

of The Jewish Police-Force in the Displaced Persons Camp of 

Landsberg, Germany. Includes identifying badge. Circa 1945. Worn. 

$600-900 

Landsberg was a German concentration camp during World 

War II and following liberation became a Displaced Persons 

camp for the She’erith Ha’Pleita under American supervision. 

The accompanying period photograph taken in Landsberg 

shows an identical jacket. 


327 BRONZE MEDAL OF DONNA GRACIA NASI by Pastorino di 

Pastorini. Bronze. Bust-portrait facing-left. Almost definately the 

original strike. Diam: 62 mm. 

$4000-6000 

Donna Gracia’s costume here is similar to Pastorino 

medals of Girolama Sacrata, Cicilia Bonzagna, and Catarina 

Bonzagna, all done in the same period. 

“The first unequivocal Jewish medal with a Hebrew legend.” 

D.M. Friedenberg, Jewish Medals from the Renaissance to the 

Time of Napolean (1970) pp.43-5. 

See also M.D. Birnbaum, The Long Journey of Gracia Mendes 

(2003) pp. 63-4; Musee d’Art et d’histoire du Judaisme, Catalogue 

p.36; and C. Roth, Great Jewish Portraits in Metal (1963), p. 84 

Gracia Mendes Nasi (Gracia is archaic Portuguese or Spanish 

for the Hebrew Hannah, also known by her Christianized name 

Beatrice de Luna Miques, 1510-1569) was one of the wealthiest Jewish 

women of Renaissance Europe. She married into the international 

banking and finance dynasty of Mendes and was an eminently 

successful business-woman in her own right. In 1558 she leased 

Tiberias from Sultan Suleiman, for a yearly fee of 1000 ducats and by 

obtaining ruling authority over Tiberias and Safed, developed major 

new centres of Jewish settlement. 

[see illustration bottom right facing page] 

Lot 326 

328 BEZLEL RUG Jerusalem, ca. 1908. Wool and cotton woven rug depicting a composite of Jerusalem’s Old City skyline with three stylized 

Menorahs. 22 x 64½ inches (without fringes). Some wear. 

$5000-7000 

“The Bezalel school spawned an independent commercial workshop called Marbadiah...producing some marvellous rugs.” See A. 

Felton, Jewish Carpets: A History and Guide (1997) p. 28 and p. 96 (illus). 

[see illustration below] 

Lot 328 

91

92 

— En d o f Sale —

— Absentee Bid Fo r m — 

KESTENBAUM & COMPANY 

12 West 27th Street 

New York, NY 10001 

Tel: 212 366-1197 • Fax: 212 366-1368 

I desire to place the following bid(s) toward Kestenbaum & Company Auction Sale Number Forty, Fine Judaica, to be held June 26th, 2008. 

These bids are made subject to the Conditions of Sale and Advice to Prospective Purchasers printed in the catalogue. I understand that if my 

bid is successful a premium of 23% will be added to the hammer price. 

Name: 

Address: 

Telephone Number: 

Signature: 

Lo t Nu m b e r First Wo r d $Bid (Ex c l u d i n g Pr e m i u m) 

In order to avoid delays buyers are advised to make arrangements before the sale for payment. If such arrangements 

are not made, checks will be cleared before purchases are released. 

Trade reference or 25% deposit required if bidder is not known to Kestenbaum & Company.

Lo t Nu m b e r First Wo r d $Bid (Ex c l u d i n g Pr e m i u m)

— Co n d i t i o n s o f Sale — 

Property is offered for sale by Kestenbaum & Company as agent for the Consignor. 

By bidding at auction, the buyer agrees to be bound by these conditions of sale. 

1. All property is sold “as is,” and any representation or statement in the auction catalogue 

or elsewhere as to authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, provenance, 

condition or estimated selling price is a statement of opinion only. All interested 

parties should exercise their own judgement as to such matters, Kestenbaum & 

Company shall not bear responsibility for the correctness of such opinions. 

2. Notwithstanding the previous condition, property may be returned by the purchaser 

should such property prove to be defective, incomplete or not genuine 

(provided such defects are not indicated in the catalogue or at the sale). Written 

notice of the cause for return must be received by Kestenbaum & Company within 

fourteen (14) days from the date of the sale of the property, and the property 

must be returned to Kestenbaum & Company in the same condition as it was at 

the time of sale. Any lot containing three or more items will be sold “as is” and is 

not subject to return. 

3. The highest bidder acknowledged by the Auctioneer shall be the buyer. The 

Auctioneer has the right to reject any bid and to advance the bidding at his absolute 

discretion and, in the event of any dispute between bidders, to determine the 

successful bidder or to reoffer and resell the article in dispute. Should there be 

any dispute after the sale, the Auctioneer’s record of final sale shall be conclusive. 

On the fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer, title to the offered lot shall pass to the 

buyer, who shall forthwith assume full risk and responsibility for the lot and may 

be required to sign confirmation of purchase, supply his/her name and address 

and pay the full purchase price or any part thereof. If the buyer fails to comply 

with any such requirement, the lot may at the Auctioneer’s discretion, be put up 

again and sold. 

4. Kestenbaum & Company reserves the absolute right to withdraw any property at 

any time before its actual final sale. 

5. All lots in this catalogue are subject to a reserve, which is the confidential minimum 

price acceptable to the Consignor. No reserve will exceed the low presale 

estimate stated in the catalogue. 

6. The purchase price paid by the purchaser shall be the sum of the final bid and 

a buyer’s premium of 23% of the first $150,000 of the final bid on each lot, and 

18% of the final bid price above $150,000, plus all applicable sales tax. 

7. All property must be paid for and removed from our premises by the purchaser 

at his expense not later than ten days following its sale. If not so removed, storage 

charges may be charged of $5.00 per lot per day. In addition, a late charge of 1 1 ⁄2% 

per month of the total purchase price may be imposed if payment is not made. 

8. Kestenbaum & Company accepts no responsibility for errors relating to the execution 

of commission bids. 

9. Kestenbaum & Company is not responsible for unsold lots left on our premises 90 

days from their date of sale.

— Adv i c e to Pro s p e c t i v e Pu rc h a s e r s — 

1. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to inspect property prior to the 

sale. We would be pleased to answer all queries and describe items in 

greater detail. 

2. Those unable to attend the sale, Kestenbaum & Company will execute 

bids on the buyer’s behalf with care and discretion at the lowest possible 

price as allowed by other bids and any reserves. Commission bids 

must be received no less than two hours before the auction commences. 

Successful bidder will be notified and invoiced following the sale. 

3. Bidding may also be placed via telephone. The number of telephone 

bidding lines is limited, therefore all such arrangements must be made 

24 hours before the sale commences. 

4. In order to avoid delays, buyers are advised to make arrangements 

before the sale for payment. If such arrangements are not made, checks 

will be cleared before purchases are released. Invoice details cannot be 

changed once issued. 

5. We have made arrangements with an independent shipping company 

to provide service. Please inquire should this be required. 

6. We are not responsible for purchases left on our premises 90 days from 

their date of sale 

 

Kestenbaum & Company undertakes Collection Appraisals for 

insurance, estate tax, charitable and other purposes. Relevant fees will 

be refunded should items be subsequently consigned for sale. 

 

We are currently accepting consignments for future 

auctions. Terms are highly attractive and payment timely. 

To discuss a consignment, please contact: 


Tel: 212 366-1197 • Fax: 212-366-1368

— ANNOUNCING OUR FORTHCOMING JUDAICA SALES — 

18th September, 2008 

Winter, 2008 

— Sale dates subject to change — 

Detailed illustrated Catalogues are available 

approximately 3 weeks prior to each sale and may be purchased 

individually or at a special subscription rate.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Auctioneers of Rare Books, Manuscripts and Fine Art 

12 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001 • Tel: 212 366-1197 • Fax: 212 366-1368

Fi n e Ju da i C a - Kestenbaum & Company

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