Classics. Meginei Shlomo/MaHaRaM Shif. First Editions. Amsterdam 1715/Hamburg 1741. Signature of R. Wolf Hamburger!
US$900
Other
£450
Medals, Arms & Armour
kestenbaum· Nov 2025
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>(TALMUD).</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>Clement VIII. Papal Bull:</strong></span> </p>
<p>Constitutio contra impia scripta & libros Hebraeorum [against the ‘impious writings and books of the Hebrews.’]</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Large woodcut device on title. pp. 4. Unbound. Folio.<br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Rome, Paul Blad, 1593.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>THE POPE'S OFFICIAL ORDER TO PHYSICALLY DESTROY THE TALMUD.</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Infamous Papal Bull of Pope Clement VIII, beginning with the toxic phrase: “With Malice of the Jews…” Prohibiting the possession, or study of the Talmud, Kabbalah and any Rabbinic texts. All copies of the Talmud were to be turned over to the officers of the Inquisition for burning. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Opening words of thE Bull: </p>
<p>"Since the wickedness of the Jews daily devise new tricks, by which they spread among the people pernicious volumes, impious and utterly detestable books, both condemned in ancient times and recently written…” </p>
<p> Believing that it would be ruinous for Christians to tolerate this disorder, Pope Clement VIII sought to eradicate such evil by forbidding all Jewish communities in the Papal States from possessing such “hateful writings.”<br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>Background:</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>In February 1593, Pope Clement VIII issued Cum Hebraeorum malitia, a sweeping Papal Bull that launched one of the most systematic book purges in early modern Europe. It depicted Jewish writings, especially the Talmud, as vessels of cunning deceit and dangerous heresy, “pernicious volumes” corrupting the Christian faithful with blasphemous words. Drawing on centuries of papal precedent, Clement’s aim was not simply to forbid such works, but to eradicate them entirely from Christian lands. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The decree was applied with uncompromising force. All Jewish communities, whether in the Papal States or abroad, were ordered to surrender their Talmud volumes and any other rabbinic text - Kabalistic or otherwise. Every prior license or papal dispensation permitting their possession was revoked and declared permanently void. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Deadlines to turn over such Hebrew books to the clergy or the Inquisition were short and penalties severe. The condemned volumes were to be burned immediately. Anyone who hid, printed, sold, or even handled the forbidden works faced excommunication, confiscation of property, and corporal punishment. Christians who assisted with the contraband would share the same fate as Jews. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The Bull empowered Inquisitors to search without restraint. Entering homes, synagogues, workshops, and even Christian libraries to hunt down banned Hebrew books. The Bull concludes with a solemn curse upon any who defied or undermined the order. </p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong> The result was more than censorship, it was deliberate cultural erasure. In one act, Cum Hebraeorum malitia sought to silence Jewish scholarship, sever it's transmission, and consign a millennia of Jewish learning to flames.</strong></span><br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>See Pierpont Morgan Library Catalogue, Hebraica from the Valmadonna Trust (1989) Appendix; and K. Stow, Catholic Thought and Papal Jewry Policy 1555-1593 (1977) esp. pp. 54-7.</p>
<p><br /></p>
![<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>(TALMUD).</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>Clement VIII. Papal Bull:</strong></span> </p>
<p>Constitutio contra impia scripta & libros Hebraeorum [against the ‘impious writings and books of the Hebrews.’]</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Large woodcut device on title. pp. 4. Unbound. Folio.<br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Rome, Paul Blad, 1593.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>THE POPE'S OFFICIAL ORDER TO PHYSICALLY DESTROY THE TALMUD.</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Infamous Papal Bull of Pope Clement VIII, beginning with the toxic phrase: “With Malice of the Jews…” Prohibiting the possession, or study of the Talmud, Kabbalah and any Rabbinic texts. All copies of the Talmud were to be turned over to the officers of the Inquisition for burning. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Opening words of thE Bull: </p>
<p>"Since the wickedness of the Jews daily devise new tricks, by which they spread among the people pernicious volumes, impious and utterly detestable books, both condemned in ancient times and recently written…” </p>
<p> Believing that it would be ruinous for Christians to tolerate this disorder, Pope Clement VIII sought to eradicate such evil by forbidding all Jewish communities in the Papal States from possessing such “hateful writings.”<br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>Background:</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>In February 1593, Pope Clement VIII issued Cum Hebraeorum malitia, a sweeping Papal Bull that launched one of the most systematic book purges in early modern Europe. It depicted Jewish writings, especially the Talmud, as vessels of cunning deceit and dangerous heresy, “pernicious volumes” corrupting the Christian faithful with blasphemous words. Drawing on centuries of papal precedent, Clement’s aim was not simply to forbid such works, but to eradicate them entirely from Christian lands. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The decree was applied with uncompromising force. All Jewish communities, whether in the Papal States or abroad, were ordered to surrender their Talmud volumes and any other rabbinic text - Kabalistic or otherwise. Every prior license or papal dispensation permitting their possession was revoked and declared permanently void. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Deadlines to turn over such Hebrew books to the clergy or the Inquisition were short and penalties severe. The condemned volumes were to be burned immediately. Anyone who hid, printed, sold, or even handled the forbidden works faced excommunication, confiscation of property, and corporal punishment. Christians who assisted with the contraband would share the same fate as Jews. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The Bull empowered Inquisitors to search without restraint. Entering homes, synagogues, workshops, and even Christian libraries to hunt down banned Hebrew books. The Bull concludes with a solemn curse upon any who defied or undermined the order. </p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong> The result was more than censorship, it was deliberate cultural erasure. In one act, Cum Hebraeorum malitia sought to silence Jewish scholarship, sever it's transmission, and consign a millennia of Jewish learning to flames.</strong></span><br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>See Pierpont Morgan Library Catalogue, Hebraica from the Valmadonna Trust (1989) Appendix; and K. Stow, Catholic Thought and Papal Jewry Policy 1555-1593 (1977) esp. pp. 54-7.</p>
<p><br /></p>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rZXN0ZW5iYXVtL2Nsb25lZC1pbWFnZXMvMTIyNjM5LzAwMS8wMDEuanBn.sOUy2Si_9LVZBSXGNFPe_Q)
![<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>(HOLOCAUST).</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong><br /></strong></span></p>
<p><b>Masechta Kiddushin</b> [Talmudic Tractate]. </p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(156, 0, 0);"><strong>Dramatic</strong></span> additional illustrated title-page: Lower register depicting Nazi concentration camp (“The Barracks Where We Secretly Prayed”); and upper register: Idyllic landscape of the Holy Land (“From Bondage to Freedom, from Darkness to a Great Light.”). With learned marginalia in a neat Hebrew hand.<br /></p>
<p>ff. (2), 2-96, 16, 14. Original boards, broken. Folio.<br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><b>Munich - St. Ottilien, Herder Druck, 1946. </b></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong><br /></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong> The publication of this volume predates the publication of the entire 19-voume ‘Survivor Talmud’ of 1949.</strong></span> </p>
<p> Issued by the Va’ad Ha’Hatzalah together with the Va’ad Agudath HaRabanim in the American Zone of Germany.<br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p> From the introduction: </p>
<p>“After our spirits were lifted following the Liberation, we soon felt for the lack of books for the People of the Book. The cruel villains not only destroyed and burnt the Jews of Europe, but also made sure not to leave untouched any Jewish books, possession of which… resulted in certain death. All our books were stolen… for vile use. Following the Liberation… yeshivoth and synagogues were established, but there were no Holy Books from which to study. If but a single tome arrived from overseas, hundreds of hands reached out for it. Fortunately we have here discovered just two Tractates of the Talmud and so resolved to publish and distribute them to the “She’erith Ha-Peleita” - the remnants of our brethren.” (The other volume that simultaneously appeared was Masechta Nedarim).</p>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rZXN0ZW5iYXVtL2Nsb25lZC1pbWFnZXMvMTIxMzI5LzAwMS8wMDEuanBn.tEVOQBUvgle_ugAm4Y7XVQ)
![Letter about a Shidduch Offer from the Gaon Rabbi Aryeh Leib Yellin, Av Beit Din of Bielsk and Author of Yefeh Einayim on Sh"as, Sent to his Son-in-Law Rabbi Yitzchak Meisel. 1879
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Letter written by the renowned gaon Rabbi Aryeh Leib Yellin, author of Yefeh Einayim to his son-in-law, Rabbi Yitzchak Meisel, about a shidduch offer.
</div>
<div>
In his letter, he writes about a shadchanit, "who has spoken with R' Motti Freidkin. He said there is no problem with giving the dowry; it will not be an issue for him to give whatever is required. He can also support them for their entire lives because she is their only daughter and they have no other children, neither sons nor daughters ..." He therefore asks his son-in-law to clarify the matter and get more details, "about the quality of the girl and other issues." He concludes with a beautiful calligraphic signature under his father's name.
</div>
<div>
It is not clear for whom this shidduch was offered, whether it was for one of his descendants, or another family member.
</div>
<div>
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for brief biographies of Rabbi Aryeh Leib Yellin and his son-in-law Rabbi Yitzchak Meisel.
</div>
<div>
[1] leaf. Size: 13.2x20.5 cm. Six lines. Thin paper. Fold marks. Tear in the margins of the folds. Stains. Fine condition.
</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rb2Rlc2gvY2xvbmVkLWltYWdlcy8xODEzMS8wMDMvMDAzLnBuZw.5tF8iuWYGXwBJ-Ln066ZKw)
![<b>(LITURGY).<br />Seder Meah Berachoth [select prayers, readings and poems]. According to Italian - Sephardic custom.</b>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span>With instructions in Hebrew and Ladino plus Kavanoth by R. Moshe Zacuto based upon the Ari za’l. The R. Abraham Joseph Shlomo Graziano (Ish Ger) copy (see below).</span>
<br />ff. 78, (2). Lightly stained. Contemporary boards rubbed and chipped. 32 mo. Vinograd Venice 1340 (erroneously recording a later date).
<br />Venice: Antonio Riccini-Vendramin 1663
<br />
<br />
<br />With signature, index and note in the hand of the previous owner, R. Avraham Yoseph Shlomo Graziano with his pseudonym “Ish Ger.” His note on f. 2 stating that he purchased this volume in 1660, proves that the earlier date of publication is correct. Graziano (d. 1684) was born in Pesaro where he studied under Isaac Raphael Ventura. He lived for some time in Rome, proceeding from there to Modena where he studied under his grandfather, Nathaniel Trabot, who ordained him in 1647, therafter he served as a member of the Beth Din of Modena. His characteristic signature, Ish Ger ("a strange man") is a play on the first letters of his name and on his being a "stranger" in Modena. His leniency with regard to some local customs aroused the opposition of his contemporaries. He is known as the first collector of books and manuscripts among Italian Jews. (JE). See Abraham J. Karp, From the Ends of the Earth: Judaic Treasures of the Library of Congress (Washington, 1991) pp. 155-156 (includes facsimile of “Ish Ger” signature and marginalia to Zohar).](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rZXN0ZW5iYXVtL2Nsb25lZC1pbWFnZXMvMTE4MDk1LzAwMy8wMDMuanBn.2zZg31waInFxplySVJsxxg)
![<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>(LITURGY).</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Siddur [prayers for throughout the year]. Minhag Aschkenaz. </p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(156, 0, 0);"><strong><br /></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(156, 0, 0);"><strong>A SUBSTANTIAL MANUSCRIPT</strong></span> written in Hebrew on <span style="color: rgb(156, 0, 0);"><strong>ON VELLUM </strong></span>in a fine Aschkenazic hand, in black ink. </p>
<p>Signed by the scribe on title-page: Ya’akov ben Dovid HaKohen of Shklov.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>ff. 164, (6). Variously worn through heavy use, occasional wax candle marks. Original calf over thick wooden boards. 15 x 19 inches.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Shklov, 1746.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>A deeply impressive manuscript</strong></span> that was clearly extensively used (a Ba’al Tefillah Siddur?) evidenced by the deeply thumbed corner pages. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Includes Tefiloth for weekday and Sabbath, along with select prayers for Yamim Noraim and Shalosh Regalim (with additional Piyutim). Also Avoth, Tikun Erev Rosh Chodesh, extensive Yotzroth, Selichoth, Hoshanas, prayers for the Chevra Kadisha Gomlei Chessed shel Emeth to be recited on the 15th Kislev, etc.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Written in Shklov, located on the boundary of Russia and Poland (today, Belarus). </p>
<p> The town played a significant role in the schism between Chassidim and Misnagdim - close followers as the community was, of the Vilna Gaon.<br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>Provenance:</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>A Family in the Carolinas. </p>
<p> Purchased in the 1950’s from Reznick, Menschel & Company Booksellers, Canal Street, New York.<br /></p>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rZXN0ZW5iYXVtL2Nsb25lZC1pbWFnZXMvMTIyNTkzLzAwOS8wMDkuanBn.oTZUuzbyJStNda5RNJ_4Ug)
![<div>
Halachic-Mystic: Interesting Letter Handwritten by the "Tzaddik of Ra'anana" Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Huberman
</div>
<div>
Beautiful letter of responsum spanning two leaves [approximately 700 words] densely yet very clearly handwritten. Entirely handwritten and signed by Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Huberman, known as "The Tzaddik of Ra'anana." Ra'anana, 1956. The letter is addressed to the gaon Rabbi Meshulam Roth, author of Kol Mevaser.
</div>
<div>
The letter discusses a woman who has outlived two husbands, and may be considered an ishah katlanit. The tzaddik Rabbi Huberman describes the woman's situation, and attempts to unearth a legal way to permit her to remarry. This would be helpful to her spiritually as well, and also help her future husband - so that she can assist him in his own life. Lengthy letter revealing Rabbi Huberman's expensive knowledge of adjudicative literature.
</div>
<div>
Manuscripts by tzaddikim are known to be used as amulets for all types of salvation. This is a complete halachic responsum regarding shidduchim handwritten by one of the leading hidden tzaddikim of recent generations, one to whom all gedolei hador, mitnagdim and Chassidim alike, spoke and wrote - in his lifetime - about the loftiness of his soul.
</div>
<div>
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the Chassidic Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak HaKohen Huberman - "The Tzaddik of Ra'anana."
</div>
<div>
[2] leaf, 15x23 cm. Entirely handwritten and signed by him.
</div>
<div>
Very fine condition. Tiny tears with lack in the upper right corner.
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rb2Rlc2gvY2xvbmVkLWltYWdlcy8xODUzOS8wMDMvMDAzLnBuZw.y0weOJWxmR5ZeQSOsK1b9A)
![<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>LONDON, YA’AKOV.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong><br /></strong></span></p>
<p>(Ed.) Shivah Einayim [selected novellea and discourses]. <span style="color: rgb(156, 0, 0);"><strong>FIRST EDITION.</strong></span> </p>
<p>Endpapers utilizing a recent Hebrew printed <span style="color: rgb(156, 0, 0);"><strong>epithalamium.</strong></span> Title page with signatures of Dr. Michael Sachs and with occasional marginalia within the text.<br /></p>
<p>ff. 4, 68. Upper margin shaved. Modern boards. Sm. 4to.<br /></p>
<p>Vinograd, Livorno 57.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><b>Livorno, Avraham Meldola, 1745.</b></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p> Three of the ‘Seven Eyes’ referred to in the title are Ramban’s commentary to portions of Sanhedrin and Makkoth, as well as his Sefer HaZechuth against Ra’avad. The other four ‘Eyes’ are responsa written between R. Yitzchak Aboab, R. di Leon, R. Yitzchak Zayat and R. Nissim Benveneste. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p> Dr. Michael Sachs (1808-64) served as a rabbi and dayan in Prague and Berlin. He was one of the first of a new generation of German Orthodox rabbis to preach in the German language. In his time Sachs was a noted opponent of Reform, as well as an orator of great ability, so much so that when the nascent separatist Orthodox community of Frankfurt was looking for a spiritual leader, they approached Sachs, before ultimately settling on R. Samson Raphael Hirsch. Unlike Hirsch, Sachs was also a participant in the Jewish Wissenschaft movement, rather than a public critic. Sachs was a historian of Jewish liturgy and published several books on the subject. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p> The book’s binding utilizes an Italian 18th-century printed wedding poem, in honor of groom Yosef Franco and bride Simha Franco. The author is Ya’akov ben Rabbi Abraham Meldola. </p>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rZXN0ZW5iYXVtL2Nsb25lZC1pbWFnZXMvMTIxMTcxLzAwMS8wMDEuanBn.w3Qh3DdNjEEivSXyG0kU7g)
![<p><span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>(LITURGY).</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Seder Tikun Shovavim [Tikunim for Shobavi”m Ta”t]. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Including passages prepared by R. Moshe Zacuto, R. Yosef Piamita, R. Yisrael Najara. <span style="color:#9C0000"><strong>And with a special Tefillah composed by the Ohr HaChaim, R. Chaim ibn Attar.</strong></span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>ff. 49. Lightly stained. Contemporary limp patterned boards, lightly worn. 12mo. </p>
<p>Vinograd, Livorno 29.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Livorno, Ricci - Meldola 1740.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p> See f. 34a for the prayer instituted by the Ohr HaChaim, the theme of which is yearning for HaKadosh Baruch Hu to restore His Shechinah to our midst: “May He return to appreciate us as in the days of old, for Your withdrawal from us is as difficult as the departure of our Soul from our body…” </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Shovavi'm is the Hebrew acronym for a series of Torah portions read in the winter-time (with two additional weeks during a leap year). Kabbalists felt this to be a propitious season to focus on character improvement and to seek repentance, especially for matters relating to aspects of physicality. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>For another copy recently sold at auction, see:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.genazym.com/auction/617-%D7%A1%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%99%D7%A7%D7 %A8%D7%99-%D7%A2%D7%A8%D7%9A-he/lot-69-18/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.genazym.com/auction/617-%D7%A1%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%99%D7%A7%D7 %A8%D7%99-%D7%A2%D7%A8%D7%9A-he/lot-69-18/</a></p>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rZXN0ZW5iYXVtL2Nsb25lZC1pbWFnZXMvMTIyNTIxLzAwMi8wMDIuanBn.Tbt-DITo16IcV6j9foUqZg)
![Rare: Letter with Blessings from the Admo"r Rabbi Yitzchak of Amshinov. 1951.
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"May you see much nachat and joy from them ... May they be a blessed and upright generation ... May Hashem bring joy and peace upon us and the entire Jewish people ... and all goodness ... Yitzchak son of the Rebbe ztzllh"h of Amshinov"
</div>
<div>
Letter with wedding blessings including the sacred Rabbi Yitzchak of Amshinov's full signature - with his name and his ancestor's names. Sent to the prominent activist R' Shmuel Aharon Shadrovitzki ztz"l. New York, 1950.
</div>
<div>
The Admo"r opens his letter with a line of honorary titles expressing the huge admiration he has for the addressee's character and activities on behalf of the Jewish people: "The family lineage of the sharp and expert pious and ascetic ... Rabbi Shmuel Aharon shlit"a." The Admo"r expresses himself with many words of blessings and joy: "May you see much nachat and joy from them ... May they be a blessed and upright generation ... May Hashem bring joy and peace upon us and the entire Jewish people ... and all goodness ... Yitzchak son of the Rebbe ztzllh"h of Amshinov."
</div>
<div>
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the Admo"r Rabbi Yitzchak Kalish of Amshinov and the addressee, Rabbi Aharon Shmuel Shadrovitzki.
</div>
<div>
[1] leaf paper, 21.8x11.5 cm. Official stationery. With the Admo"r's signature.
</div>
<div>
Very fine condition. Minimal stains
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rb2Rlc2gvY2xvbmVkLWltYWdlcy8xNzY1Ni8wMDIvMDAyLnBuZw.9OkyppDgJkGiodkLOXqpBw)
![Draft Decree - Pre-Holocaust: Rare Confirmation of Unmarried Status Handwritten by the Av Beit Din of Mishkoltz
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Rare confirmation of singleness handwritten, signed and stamped by the gaon Rabbi Shimshon Neufeld, ra'ava"d of Mishkoltz, Hungary. Mishkoltz, 1941.
</div>
<div>
This rare confirmation of bachelorhood was written for the young man Shalom b"r Dov Fogel of Mishkoltz, "who intends to marry a woman in Ujhely, the young maiden ... There is no hindrance from our side nor from the community preventing conducting this marriage according to dat Moshe V'Yisrael. However, the av beit din of Mishkoltz does state a condition "After he has fulfilled his service to the state ..."
</div>
<div>
When this letter was written, the Holocaust was already fully underway across Europe, but Hungary still enjoyed a deceptive quiet as people there were completely unaware of the methodical annihilation of the Jews. As can also be seen from this letter, it appeared as if the world continued to turn as usual. A short time later, the av beit din of Mishkoltz was murdered along with the members of his community, may their blood be avenged.
</div>
<div>
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the gaon Rabbi Shimshon Neufeld, may his blood be avenged, ra'ava"d of Mishkoltz.
</div>
<div>
[1] leaf paper. 14x22 cm. Official stationery, with a watermark. Entirely handwritten, signed and stamped by him.
</div>
<div>
Fine condition. Minimal stains. Fold mark. Tiny tear in the white margins of the leaf.
</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rb2Rlc2gvY2xvbmVkLWltYWdlcy8xNzQ3MS8wMDIvMDAyLnBuZw.AoIOMU-mZK9NtgwH7M1meA)
![Important Letter Handwritten by the Gaon Rabbi Shneur Kotler During the Holocaust
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Historic letter sent during the Holocaust by the gaon Rabbi Shneur Kotler, later rosh yeshivah of Lakewood - the largest yeshivah in the world. Sent to the Agudah activist Rabbi Shmuel Shchedrovitsky with respect to helping the students of the Kletzk yeshivah who fled to Samarkand. Pardes Channah, 1943.
</div>
<div>
Background to the letter: During the Holocaust years, some of the young men at the Kletzk yeshivah fled to Samarkand, where they were safe from physical annihilation, and continued their Torah study. However, they lacked everything (physical) there. The rosh yeshivah, the gaon Rabbi Aharon Kotler, who had arrived in America, together with his son Rabbi Shneur Kotler, who was in the Land of Israel, helped them as much as they could by sending food, clothing and medicine.
</div>
<div>
This letter was sent from Pardes Channah, where Rabbi Shneur and his cousin Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah Meltzer, rabbi of Pardes Channah, established a branch of the Kletzk yeshivah in the Land of Israel. Rabbi Shneur sends instructions to the activist Rabbi Shmuel Shchedrovitsky regarding a package of food and clothing he sent to various cities in Samarkand with the names of the Kletzk talmidim who fled there. The letter was sent on his cousin's stationery from the latter's position as city rabbi and his partner in running the yeshivah.
</div>
<div>
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the gaon Rabbi Yosef Chaim Shneur Kotler.
</div>
<div>
[1] leaf paper, 14 cm.
</div>
<div>
Fine condition. Aging stains. Filing perforations. Light blemish in the center of the letter.
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rb2Rlc2gvY2xvbmVkLWltYWdlcy8xODEzMC8wMDQvMDA0LnBuZw.W2c708ZNj-aBAegno49tQg)
![Letter from Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horowitz of Melitz to the Benefactress Karfinkel. Rare
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"May Hashem grant that your heart rejoice with your family with much nachat and expansiveness, and all goodness, selah. With blessings for salvation among the Jewish people, the small one, Menachem Mendel ..."
</div>
<div>
Beautiful letter, entirely handwritten and signed by the wonder-worker, the Admo"r Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horowitz, av beit din of Melitz and environs - direct descendant of the sacred rebbe, Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz. The Rebbe accepts responsibility to study mishnahs in memory of her husband. Melitz, Sunday of Vayera, with no year indicated. Letters from him are extraordinarily rare.
</div>
<div>
The letter is addressed to the benefactress Mrs. Feiga Garfinkel. The Rebbe expresses his appreciation for her support, and mentions recollections of her recently departed husband. The rebbe requests that his benefactress inform him of the date of her husband's yahrtzeit, as he would like to commemorate it by studying mishnahs in his memory. The rebbe completes his letter with blessings in Yiddish: "May Hashem grant that your heart rejoice with your family with much nachat and expansiveness, and all goodness, selah. With blessings for salvation among the Jewish people, the small one, Menachem Mendel ..."
</div>
<div>
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the Admo"r Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horowitz of Melitz, may his blood be avenged.
</div>
<div>
[1] postal postcard, 13 cm. Official stationery. Entirely handwritten and signed by the Admo"r.
</div>
<div>
Fine condition. Fold marks. Adhesion in the margins, from the time of writing.
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWRzcGlyaXQtaW1hZ2VzLmdsb2JhbC5zc2wuZmFzdGx5Lm5ldC9rb2Rlc2gvY2xvbmVkLWltYWdlcy8xODA5Mi8wMDQvMDA0LnBuZw.1pRTiISAAXKf-XEBOBKmIA)