Letters and books

Letter by the First Ostrowiec Rebbe Meir Yechiel HaLevi

Letter by the First Ostrowiec Rebbe Meir Yechiel HaLevi, (Tsaddik who Fasted 40 Years) - Recommendation for his Disciple Rabbi Yissachar Tamar, Author of Ale Tamar on the Yerushalmi

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Letter of recommendation to the rabbinate, signed by R. Meir Yechiel HaLevi of Ostrowiec, to R. Yissachar Tamar, author of the Ale Tamar series on the Talmud Yerushalmi. Ostrowiec [Poland], 1925.

Scribal writing with signature and stamp of the Rebbe. The ordination was given to his disciple, the renowned R. Yissachar Tamar, author of Ale Tamar on the Yerushalmi (seven volumes), who at that time served in the Breslau (Germany) rabbinate. In the letter, the rebbe writes that "…the prominent sharp and erudite Rabbi Yissachar son of R. Zvi Tamor of Częstochowa was ordained by leading Torah scholars and is fitting to fill the position of rabbi and posek in Jewish communities and can be relied upon as one of the important rabbis… I have heard men of truth lavishly praise this great rabbi… Ostrowiec, Tuesday of VaYetze 1925".

R. Meir Yechiel HaLevi Halstock Rabbi of Ostrowiec (1853-1928), prominent tsaddik and rabbi in Poland. Due to his asceticism and daily fasts, he became known as the "Rebbe who fasted 40 years". An outstanding Torah genius and holy person, he abstained from any material pleasure and for more than 40 years, was accustomed to fasting throughout the week to annul harsh decrees from the Jewish People and only ate a small meal at night. He had fixed routines for refraining from all mundane speech. His tearful prayers lasted many hours. During the week, he never removed his clothing and would abstain from enjoying music. Served as Rabbi of Skierniewice from 1880, in 1889 was appointed Rabbi of Ostrowiec. His fame drew thousands of Chassidim to Ostrowiec who came to learn from his holy conduct and to study Torah and Chassidism. Simple people also swarmed to his door with requests for blessing and deliverance. He was known for his genius and proficiency in all facets of Torah study as well as for his brilliant mathematical calculations in explaining Torah matters (compilations of these novellae were printed by his disciples in the Or Torah books). His son, R. Yechezkel Halstock, founded the Beit Meir chain of yeshivas in his memory, educating many students following the special methods of the Ostrovtza Rebbes.

His constant fasting sapped his strength and during his later years he was weak and ill. The trembling of his hands apparent in his signature on this letter, written about three years before his death, attest to his weakness and advanced age.

[1] leaf. 15.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears slightly affecting text. Folding marks.

Collection of Books by Rabbi Uziel Meisels, Disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch – Signatures and Stamps

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Four books by R. Uziel Meisels of Ritshvol (Ryczywół), disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch:

• Tiferet HaTzvi, on Tractate Beitzah, and novellae on Yoreh Deah. Zhovkva, 1803. First edition. Inside front board, interesting ex libris label of Yaakov Tzvi Yoskovitz, a survivor of the Łódź ghetto (and other stamps of his family on title page). Many open tears on first leaves and other leaves, repaired extensively with tape.

• Etz HaDaat Tov, novellae on Tractate Shabbat. Lviv, 1886. First edition. Signatures, stamps and ownership inscriptions.

• Tiferet Uziel – Etz HaDaat Tov, Chassidic homilies on the Bible and aggadot, Part II of Etz HaDaat Tov. Warsaw, 1863. First edition. Lacking [3] leaves with approbations and lengthy introduction. Ownership inscriptions on last page.

• Tiferet Uziel, Part I, on the Torah and Five Megillot, and Part II on the festivals, Neviim and Ketuvim. Bilgoraj, 1909. Two volumes. Copies of Rebbe of Skernevitz, with his signature on the margins of both title pages: "Yosef Tzvi son of the Rabbi of Skernevitz" – R. Yosef Tzvi Kalisch (1887-1957), of the Vorka Chassidic dynasty, served as Rabbi of Karczów and as the first Rabbi of Bnei Brak.

The author, R. Uziel Meisels (1744-1786), rabbi and yeshiva dean in Ostrovtza (Ostrowiec), Ritshvol (Ryczywół) and Neustadt (Nowe Miasto). He was acquainted with the Baal Shem Tov, and quotes his teachings in his books. After the latter's passing, he became a disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, and was a close friend of his disciples: R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, R. Zusha of Anipoli, and others.

4 books in 5 volumes. Size and condition vary. Stains. Worming and tears. New bindings. The books have not been thoroughly examined, and are being sold as is.

Be'er Moshe (Kozhnitz) – Lviv, 1858 – First Edition

Be'er Moshe (Kozhnitz) – Lviv, 1858 – First Edition

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Be'er Moshe, Chassidic essays on the Torah portions, by Rebbe Moshe Elyakim Beri'a Hopstein of Kozhnitz. [Lviv, 1858]. First edition.

The author, Rebbe Moshe Elyakim Beri'a (1757?-1828), was a close disciple of his father, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, and of R. Zusha of Anipoli. R. Moshe shied away from the public eye his entire life. He remained unknown during his father's lifetime, and even after his father's passing, the Chassidim did not intend to accept his leadership, until the Chozeh of Lublin appointed him his father's successor as rebbe and maggid. R. Moshe served as maggid in Kozhnitz and Ostrovtza. In his first marriage, he was the son-in-law of R. Yehuda Leib HaKohen of Anipoli, author of Or HaGanuz, and in his second marriage of R. Elazar of Lizhensk, son of the Noam Elimelech. He authored other prominent works, including: Binat Moshe, Daat Moshe, VaYechal Moshe, Mateh Moshe, Kehilat Moshe, Tefillah LeMoshe, and others. In this book, as well as in his other works, he quotes extensively thoughts and traditions which he received from his father and other prominent Chassidic leaders.

The author's son, R. Elazar of Kozhnitz, writes regarding this book and its author in his book Likutei Mahara (on Psalm 119): "During the lifetime of my father, author of Be'er Moshe on the Torah, many rose to oppose him… saying that he is unable to learn, and only recites psalms, and they dubbed him 'Tehillim zoger' (one who recites Tehillim), and in terms of study they said he doesn't know what is written in the book; and when the book Be'er Moshe on the Torah was published, everyone was dumbfounded, and the mouth of those who speak lies was closed, and the whole world saw that he was brimming with Talmud, its commentaries, and Pilpul, encompassing almost the entire Torah".

[1], 188 leaves. Leaf 175 bound after leaf 176. 25 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Worming. New leather binding.

Stefansky Chassidut, no. 74.

Letter of Good Year Wishes from Rebbe Yechezkel HaLevi Halstock

Letter of Good Year Wishes from Rebbe Yechezkel HaLevi Halstock, Second Rebbe of Ostrovtza - Inowłódz, 1913

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Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Yechezkel HaLevi Halstock, during his tenure as rabbi of Inowłódz (Poland). Inowłódz, Elul 1913.

Addressed to one of his disciples, the rebbe confirms the reception of his letter containing Torah thoughts, and promises to study it and write him a longer response in the future. The letter concludes with blessings for the new year, and is signed "Yechezkel HaLevi, rabbi of this community, son of the rebbe".

R. Yechezkel HaLevi Halstock, second Ostrovtza Rebbe (1887-1942, perished in the Holocaust), was the son of Rebbe Meir Yechiel HaLevi Rabbi of Ostrovtza ("the tzaddik who fasted for 40 years"). An outstanding Torah scholar and holy man. He served as rabbi of Inowłódz, Nasielsk and later as rebbe and rabbi of Ostrovtza. He founded the Beit Meir network of yeshivot, where many students studied following the special study method of the Ostrovtza rebbes - sharpness and erudition in all areas of Torah study. He and all his descendants (seven sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren) were murdered in the Holocaust.

Postcard. 14 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and creases. Postmarks.

Tur Choshen Mishpat and Yoreh De’ah 

Tur Choshen Mishpat and Yoreh De’ah – Many Glosses

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Tur Choshen Mishpat, sections 1-2. Warsaw, 1868-1869 [two volumes], with: Tur Yoreh De’ah, section two [chapters 159-403]. Warsaw, 1867.

All three volumes contain many glosses in fine handwriting; dozens of glosses in volume Yoreh De’ah, majority lengthy and of significant erudite content. Stamps of “Rabbi Yechiel Reuven Mendelbaum” [author of Duda’ei Reuven, disciple of Rebbe Rabbi Yechezkel HaLevi Halstock of Ostrowiec; published Chidushim of his rabbi in book Meir Einei Chachamim], possibly author of glosses.

3 volumes, 39 cm. General condition good, dry and fragile paper. Stains, wear and tear. Damaged bindings.

Letter and Booklet - Land Acquisitions in Eretz Israel

Letter and Booklet - Land Acquisitions in Eretz Israel - Signed by Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Halstock, Rabbi of Ostrovtza

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Two documents with the signatures of R. Yaakov Halevi Halstock, rabbi of Ostrowiec (Ostrovtza), son of the holy Rebbe Yechezkel Halevi Halstock of Ostrowiec.

* Handwritten authorization on the official stationary of the Beit Din of Ostrowiec (Kielce Voivodeship) regarding the acquisition of land in Eretz Israel by the "Avodat Yisrael" organization from Warsaw. On the margin is an authorization signed and stamped by R. "Yaakov Halevi Halstock", affirming that the document was signed in his presence. Nissan 1935.

* Membership booklet issued by the "Avodat Israel" organization in Warsaw - organization for the acquisition of land in Eretz Israel. With details filled in by hand and various signatures. One of the pages contains a document of sale between two members of the organization, with an authorization signed and stamped by R. "Yaakov Halevi Halstock". Shevat (January), 1934.

The holy R. Yaakov Halevi Halstock, son of Rebbe Yechezkel of Ostrowiec, and son-in-law of R. Nathan Nachum Hakohen Rabinowitz, Rebbe of Krimilow-Radomsko, was rabbi of Ostrowiec, where his father served as Rebbe. He was killed during the Holocaust with his wife Leah and their entire family.

The "Avodat Israel organization for the acquisition of land in Eretz Israel" was established by Rebbe Yisrael Eliezer Hopstein of Koznitz (Kozienice) and his followers in Warsaw. The organization merged with the "Nachalat Yaakov" organization of the chassidim of Jablonna, and together acquired the land on which Kfar Chassidim is built. "Avodat Israel", together with the "pioneer Rebbe" R. Yeshaya Shapira, and the chassidim of Piaseczno, also acquired land in the adjacent Kiryat Ata.

Letter: 22.5X15 cm. Fair condition. Tears and wear.

Wedding Invitation with Letter 

Wedding Invitation with Letter – From R. Yechezkel HaLevi Halstock, Second Rebbe of Ostrovtza – Warsaw, 1933

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Printed invitation, with a letter handwritten, stamped and signed by Rebbe Yechezkel HaLevi Halstock of Ostrovtza (Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski). [Warsaw, Sivan] 1933.

Double leaf, with a printed invitation to the wedding of his son with the daughter of Rebbe Yitzchak Meir Danziger of Alexander.

On the second leaf, lengthy letter (approx. 20 lines), handwritten and signed by the rebbe, appealing for help with the wedding expenses.

R. Yechezkel HaLevi Halstock, second rebbe of Ostrovtza (1887-1942, perished in the Holocaust), was the son of Rebbe Meir Yechiel HaLevi Rabbi of Ostrovtza ("the tzaddik who fasted for 40 years"). An outstanding Torah scholar and holy man. He founded the Beit Meir network of yeshivot, where many students studied following the special study method of the Ostrovtza rebbes – sharpness and erudition in all areas of Torah study. He and all his descendants (seven sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren) were murdered in the Holocaust.

Double leaf, including a handwritten page and a printed page. 22.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, creases and folding marks. Handwritten inscriptions.

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