{"lots":[{"startPrice":400,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117087/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117087/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117087/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117087/004/004.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(bible). cesare barzi. decisiones almae rotae bononiensis. first edition. ff. (52), 418, (1). venice, damianum zenarium, 1603. \n \n \n \n binding incorporating a 15th-century hebrew bible fragment. \n folio. \n 1603 \n \n \n the vellum binding is a masoretic manuscript (note the masorah gedolah that is visible on the bottom), and the text on the side of the attached image is the book of kings i, chap. 8. the other side is from the book of chronicles ii, chap. 2:1-13. both leaves appear to be in the same hand."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"1","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117087/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":400,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an antique manuscript leaf, specifically a fragment of a Hebrew biblical or rabbinic text. It is a single sheet of parchment, showing a columned text in Hebrew script. The script appears to be a historical hand, suggesting an early to medieval period. A notable visual feature is the slight discoloration and wear along the left edge, consistent with age and previous binding, and a small red mark within the central column.","soldPrice":750,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:47.855Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117087,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":1200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117088/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"chagall, marc. group of eleven autograph letters signed by marc chagall, all written in yiddish to david giladi. \n \n \n \n all with corresponding autographed envelopes. * with: one typed letter in french to giladi from mrs. chagall. also: an invitation to an exhibition, inscribed by chagall;?accompanied by: sibir (siberia). poetry by abraham sutzkever. illustrated by marc chagall. jerusalem, 1952. warmly inscribed on title page, by both author and illustrator. all seven text illustrations signed by chagall in blue ink. \n further details concerning these letters available upon request. \n vence: 1970\u2019s \n \n \n a moving collection of letters by chagall in which tension is clearly discerned between the artist\u2019s universalist tendencies, his deep and abiding jewish ethos, and his fervent love for the youthful state of israel. david giladi (1908-2009) was one of the founders of israel\u2019s ma\u2019ariv daily newspaper and editor of its literary magazine. he later served as israel\u2019s ambassador to hungary. the title page of this book of poems bears warm inscriptions from both sutzkever and chagall, with whom giladi maintained an ongoing correspondence throughout the 1970s. giladi\u2019s biography of chagall appeared the year following the artist\u2019s death in 1985."},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"2","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117088/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot comprises a collection of personal correspondence, consisting of numerous handwritten letters and a printed document. The letters are primarily in Hebrew script, with some appearing to be on airmail stationery, indicated by the red and blue borders. The central printed document features a title and a circular emblem with a bird-like figure. The items appear to be from the mid-20th century, with some dates visible such as '1972' and '1977', and are signed with various handwritten inscriptions.","soldPrice":2600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:43.194Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117088,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117089/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(chevra kadisha). derech eitz hachaim [regulations and procedures for a burial society]. \n \n \n \n hebrew manuscript written (mostly) by yisroel fa\u2019sh (the town rabbi?) in square and cursive calligraphic aschkenazic hands on paper. \n pp. 45. stained and worn from use. contemporary boards, loose, lacking spine. 4to. \n kiskőr&ouml;s (korosch), hungary: 7th adar 1825 \n \n \n written in a fine hebrew prose, this manuscript is interspersed with prayers and recitals for the dying, along with original poetry. the manuscript commences with a prayer for the raising of a gravestone; then by an original double acrostic poem forming the names yisrael and korisch, bearing the title mizkereth ahavah (\u201ca memento of love\u201d); following which is a yiddish introduction; a well organized table of contents; and 18 burial society regulations. the introduction is most sensitive, containing such sentiments as \u201cmay every person proceed in peace and rest with tranquility.\u201d the regulations (takanot) range from protocols for visiting the sick, the method for ablution for a body, to how to appropriately treat the bereaved during shiva. kiskőr&ouml;s, a town situated in hungary\u2019s wine region, had a jewish community numbering 400 in 1900. for details see https://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/pinkas_hungary/hun506.html. aside from its aesthetic elegance, this manuscript offers an impressive look at the workings and aspirations of an important communal institution in an otherwise unremarkable jewish community two centuries ago. - for even amidst obscurity, treasure is found."},"estimateMax":1800,"lotNumber":"3","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117089/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a manuscript page, likely a title page or introductory leaf from a larger work. The primary text is in Hebrew script, with prominent larger lettering forming a title at the top, and smaller, more cursive script below. The page is made of paper, showing some discoloration and minor wear consistent with age. Notable visual features include decorative flourishes in the script and what appears to be a signature or ownership inscription towards the bottom.","soldPrice":1500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:43.196Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,200 - $1,800","currency":"USD","id":117089,"estimateMin":1200},{"startPrice":6500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117090/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117090/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(germany). sepher takanoth of the chevra kadishah of bamberg. \n \n \n \n hebrew manuscript written in square and cursive calligraphic ashkenazic hands. principally prepared by moshe glick. title-page very finely composed in pen-and-ink by by abraham ben jo&euml;l schmanz in bamberg (see below). attached: german notes describing the manuscript by the historian dr. adolf abraham eckstein (1857 -1935) who served as rabbi in bamberg from 1888-1926. \n ff. 25. few light stains. contemporary boards, rubbed. 4to. \n bamberg: 1778-91 \n \n \n this pinkas records the statutes of the bamberg burial society. the regulations ensured decorum and close bonds among members. for example, the first regulation states that gentlemen must gather each sabbath and festival day one hour before mincha to study torah: pirkei avoth in the summer, and in winter, the haftarah with commentary. includes notations and signature of landesrabbiner juda katz (1770-1788) and resolutions to make certain changes, confirmed and signed by landesrabbiner l&ouml;b berlin (1789-1794). on an individually attached sheet are the minutes containing a decision to employ a teacher to give daily shiur. at the end, some notes (ged&auml;chts-chronik) of a former book owner. the beautifully executed title page features a large crown adorning an oval with the title and subtitle of the pinkas, with a young man and a lion alongside. below are animals at pasture with a hebrew motto allusive of jeremiah 50:17 \u201ca reward for assembling/ the scattered sheep, gathering.\u201d see a.a. eckstein, geschichte der juden im ehemaligen f&uuml;rstbistum bamberg, bearbeitet auf grund von archivalien, nebst urkundlichen beilagen (bamberg, 1898) pp. 95-97; and his article in monatsschrift f&uuml;r geschichte und wissenschaft des judentums (1924) pp. 307-16. the title page of this manuscript was reproduced in the bayerische israelitische gemeindezeitung (1928) p. 163. see also r. hanemann (ed.) j&uuml;disches in bamberg: schriften der museen der stadt bamberg 51. (petersberg: imhof, 2013). rabbi adolf abraham eckstein was a representative of liberal reform judaism in germany. as an historian he wrote numerous monographs and essays on the history of the jews in franconia (see https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/adolf_eckstein). there had been a jewish presence in bamberg since the middle ages, with alternating phases of settlement and persecution (first crusade (1096), rintfleisch massacre (1298), pogroms after the black death (1348), various mob attacks (between the 14th and 17th century). in 1633, the jewish community in bamberg numbered ten families, whose right of residence was recognized in 1644. the jewish community in bamberg numbered about 1,270 in 1880 (4.3% of the total population). the city of bamberg is renowned for a medieval cathedral whose chief ceremonial entryway (f&uuml;rstenportal) shows a lavish group of sculptures representing the last judgment. flanking this ensemble are monumental sculpted female personifications of the church (ecclesia) and synagogue (synagoga)."},"estimateMax":10000,"lotNumber":"4","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117090/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":6500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot features an open book, displaying an elaborately illustrated title page and an adjacent handwritten page. The title page, in sepia tones, depicts a crowned lion rampant, a crown adorned with foliage, and various animals in a landscape, all encircling a Hebrew title. The opposite page contains extensive handwritten text in a European script, possibly German or Yiddish, with a date \"1778\" mentioned in the catalog. The book's binding appears to be leather or a similar material, showing signs of wear.","soldPrice":7500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:47.857Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$7,000 - $10,000","currency":"USD","id":117090,"estimateMin":7000},{"startPrice":20000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117091/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(germany). f&uuml;rth memorbuch. a yizkor - memorial volume, 1650-1828. \n \n \n \n hebrew manuscript written on vellum in square and cursive calligraphic in various ashkenazic hands. with several hundred entries of names. \n pp. 152. lightly stained in places. later calf retaining earlier covers, rubbed. 4to. \n f&uuml;rth: 1650-1828 \n \n \n this wonderful manuscript is the memorbuch used by the community of f&uuml;rth on sabbaths and festivals when the yizkor memorial service was recited. it is ripe with genealogical, onomastic, and historical information of generations of jews from this bavarian city and its surrounding communities. the volume begins with the prayers following the reading of the torah and then provides a list of names of ashkenazic sages and communal leaders from centuries past. the second entry is for rabbeinu gershom me\u2019or hagolah of the 11th century, the fourth is for rashi (\u201cfor he enlightened the eyes of those in the exile with his commentaries\u201d), and the fifth, his grandsons the tosafists rabbeinu tam and rashba\u2019m. earliest is a prayer for rabbi shlomo and madam rachel, \u201cfor they acquired the cemetery of mayence, toiled for the communities, and annulled [unfavorable] decrees.\u201d following this are hundreds of entries for rabbis, communal leaders, philanthropists, scholars, men and women of high standing and renown in f&uuml;rth. these entries are written in a variety of handsome hands over a period of nearly two centuries. many of the entries record the good qualities and deeds of these individuals and thus an insight is provided whereby names can be seen as actual individuals. the final entry is from january of 1828: \u201cremember o god, the soul of an upstanding man, a leader of our community, the chaver shmuel the son of the chaver yitzchak of stuttgart, for his fine qualities, honesty, and faithful service to the community. he distributed an abundance of funds to the poor and to scholars. his widow and children donate charity for his soul.\u201d following this are a few blank folios for entries never made, and then a lengthy section of yizkor prayers in memory of martyrs from towns throughout germany and poland: 39 german towns and cities are recorded and 35 polish locations named. communities afflicted by the chmelnitsky massacres of 1648-49 and pogroms in the 1650\u2019s are of course noted, yet the martyrs of poland are also disturbingly recent in date. jews were first mentioned in connection with f&uuml;rth in 1440. later dispersed, the community was augmented at the end of the thirty years' war (1614-48). its cemetery dates from 1607; the first synagogue was built in 1617. this aesthetically pleasing manuscript is unique and preserves names, history, and jewish customs, which would otherwise be lost to time."},"estimateMax":50000,"lotNumber":"5","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117091/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":20000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an open manuscript, likely a religious or scholarly text written in Hebrew. It consists of multiple pages bound together, displaying text in two columns per page. The script is clear and consistent, indicating a professional scribe. The pages are made of parchment or high-quality paper, showing some yellowing and minor foxing consistent with age. A notable visual feature is the marginalia or annotations present in smaller script in the gutters and margins of the text.","soldPrice":45000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:47.859Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$30,000 - $50,000","currency":"USD","id":117091,"estimateMin":30000},{"startPrice":800,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117092/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117092/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117092/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(hungary). sefer hazkarath neshamoth. \n \n \n \n hebrew manuscript written in square and cursive calligraphic ashkenazic hands. principally prepared by moshe glick. title-page finely composed in pen-and-ink. \n pp. 38 (excluding blanks). light wear. original binding with manuscript inlay pasted onto upper cover, rubbed. 4to. \n t&oacute;tkoml&oacute;s (b&eacute;k&eacute;s county), hungary: 1906 \n \n \n this yizkor-book for the town of t&oacute;tkoml&oacute;s was written on thick paper with gilt edges by the scribe moshe glick for the local chevra kadisha headed by yehudah (lipot) itzkowitz and pesach levinger. the first sixteen pages are memorials (\u201ckel maleh rachamim\u201d) composed in the scribe\u2019s large, handsome hand for the dead, ranging from 1871-1905. following these are many more pages in various hands with lists of names to be recited at yizkor. the names are given in full in hebrew and generally in hungarian as well. jews were only permitted to settle in t&oacute;tkoml&oacute;s and other hungarian towns after the revolution of 1848. a chevra kadisha and synagogue were established there in 1884 and a jewish school in 1895. it's jewish population at the time numbered about 150. see https://dbs.bh.org.il/place/t-o-t-k-o-m-l-o-s."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"6","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117092/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a bound book with a distinctive cover design. The book features a dark, possibly leather, binding that shows signs of wear and age. The front cover is adorned with a prominent red shield-shaped label, outlined in black, containing Hebrew text. The text within the shield is arranged in several lines, with a larger font for the title \"הכרט נשמות\". The book's spine is visible, indicating a sturdy construction.","soldPrice":1500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:47.860Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117092,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":1200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117093/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(hungary). pinkas of the chevra kadisha of kapesz. \n \n \n \n hebrew manuscript on paper, written in cursive ashkenazic hands. \n pp 280 (excluding blanks). \n kapesz (nagykapos): 1866-1908 \n \n \n this manuscript records the names, payments and obligations of dozens of hungarian jews and their families in this fin de si&egrave;cle jewish community. an orthodox kehillah was formed in nagykapes (known as kapes in yiddish) following the emancipation of the jews in hungary in 1867. a synagogue was built in 1890, as well as other communal institutions, such as a talmud torah, and chevra kadisha. by the 1920\u2019s, the community numbered some 500 persons. rabbi yehoshua heschel fried (d. 1921) known as the kapisher rebbe, was the rabbi of the community for 46 years, beginning in 1875. this pinkas is a rich resource for genealogy and research into hungarian jewry."},"estimateMax":2500,"lotNumber":"7","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117093/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a single sheet of manuscript, containing a densely written text in Hebrew script. The script appears to be a cursive hand, possibly Aramaic or Yiddish, covering the entire page. The paper is discolored and shows signs of age and wear, including folds and minor tears. A notable visual feature is a purple circular stamp, partially visible in the bottom right corner, indicating an official marking or ownership stamp.","soldPrice":1200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:47.862Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,500 - $2,500","currency":"USD","id":117093,"estimateMin":1500},{"startPrice":1400,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117094/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(liturgy). (seder selichoth - chevra kadisha). \n \n \n \n manuscript in hebrew written in a fine calligraphic hand on vellum by the scribe reuven, son of rabbi aryeh leib darshan of waltsch. title page in red and black ink. \n pp. 8. recent marbled boards. sm. 4to. \n (poland): 1778 \n \n \n the title page of this manuscript states that it was utilized by the members of the burial society who would gather on the eve of the 1st of kislev to fast and recite selichoth. afterwards they would assemble in the cemetery and ask forgiveness from the departed souls. the scribe states he copied the penitential prayer here, an alphabetical acrostic entitled \u201cana elo-hei hashamayim ha\u2019e-l hagadol (composed by r. tevele ben yechezkel) from a manuscript siddur that belonged to his father \u201cthe significant rabbi, great light, hassid, and martyr rabbi aryeh leib darshan.\u201d rabbi aryeh leib darshan was one of the accused in a blood libel in posen in 1736. the dreadful details of his arrest and execution appear in the introduction of r. shmuel ben azriel's sepher amudei olam (berlin, 1741). this selicha text later appeared in print in: seder chevra kadisha u\u2019vikur cholim dekehal kodesh posen (krotoszyn, 1858)."},"estimateMax":2500,"lotNumber":"8","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117094/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1400,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a single manuscript page, featuring an intricately decorated border and central text in Hebrew. The page is adorned with a decorative red and black border, including a prominent circular motif with Hebrew text within it and an arched inscription at the top. The main text is in Hebrew, with some words highlighted in red. The page is made of paper and shows some discoloration and minor imperfections consistent with age.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:47.863Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,500 - $2,500","currency":"USD","id":117094,"estimateMin":1500},{"startPrice":5500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117095/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117095/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117095/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117095/004/004.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(liturgy). \u201chazkorath neshamoth\u2026\u201d anthology of hebrew prayers for the sabbath, mostly for the hazan. \n \n \n \n hebrew manuscript written in square and cursive calligraphic ashkenazic hands on vellum and paper. illuminated title-page, featuring moses and aaron, records the name: leib kat\u2019z of f&uuml;rth. following leaf decorated in colors featuring floral vase. with later stamp of rabbi dr. l. breslauer (f&uuml;rth-new york, 1894-1983). \n ff. 14 (ms. on vellum), ff. 11 (ms. on paper), ff. 32 (printed). worn from extensive use, title page torn, stained in places. contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, rubbed. 4to. \n (f&uuml;rth): 1762 \n \n \n the volume includes: * a truncated friday evening service. * recitations following the torah reading and prior to mussaph including several public readings (\u201cmi shebeirach.\u201d). * yizkor service to be recited on the sabbaths before shavu\u2019oth and tisha b\u2019av, which includes a list of outstanding ashkenazi rabbis, communal activists, and martyrs of prior centuries. with a separate list of communities in poland and named martyrs. * special yizkor entries for leib katz\u2019s father and wife, sarah rachel pessel bath r. yissachar kohen. * prayer for the monarch: friedrich wilhelm ii of prussia (1744-1797) and his wife frederica louisa (1751-1805) are written in the original text. pasted on top of these names are two panels added at later dates. one is for maximilian i joseph of bavaria (1756-1825) and his wife frederica carolina (1776-1841), and another paste-on for ludwig i of bavaria and his wife therese (1792-1854). * twenty pages of yizkor entries written and bound in over many decades. in addition to a list of names, these entries often include descriptions with the unique virtues of individuals. * at the very end of this manuscript volume are bound the haftaroth for the entire year taken from a printed text. based on its well-thumbed condition, this treasured volume was clearly utilized for a very lengthy period of time. most likely in the bavarian community of f&uuml;rth."},"estimateMax":9000,"lotNumber":"9","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117095/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":5500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a decorated manuscript page, likely an illuminated leaf from a book, featuring an architectural motif. The page depicts an archway supported by two columns, framing a central block of Hebrew text. Two figures in historical attire, one on each side, flank the structure. The illustration incorporates colors such as blue, yellow, and brown, and there's a circular motif with text at the bottom. The page is made of paper or parchment, showing signs of wear and some pigment loss.","soldPrice":12000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:47.865Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$6,000 - $9,000","currency":"USD","id":117095,"estimateMin":6000},{"startPrice":2500,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117096/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117096/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(mohel-book). david lida. sepher sod hashem [mohel\u2019s compendium with prayers]. with commentary sharvit hazahav. \n \n \n \n with 296-page manuscript supplement, recording 1,818 circumcisions performed by the noted mohel r. eliezer liepman philip prins. hebrew, with occasional use of german and dutch. \n ff. 36 (printed). some foxing. original roan, rubbed. 8vo. \n vienna: anton schmid 1837 \n \n \n eliezer liepman philip prins\u2019s pinkas mohel circumcision-registry. a record of 1,818 circumcisions performed by rabbi prins between 1855 and 1889. each listing, consisting of name, date, and place, is meticulously recorded in his neat hand. eliezer liepman philip prins (1835-1915) was an amsterdam businessman, bibliophile and scholar, as well as an active mohel. in 1887 he retired and moved to frankfurt, where he devoted himself to scholarship full time. he corresponded with many of the great jewish scholars of the day, and published valuable scholarly works on talmud and the liturgy. see m. herskovics & e. bendheim (eds.) eliezer liepman prins, parnas l\u2019doro: his scholarly correspondence (1992 and 1996)."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"10","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117096/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a printed book, specifically a title page or dedication page, written primarily in Hebrew with some Latin or German text at the bottom. The page features a large Hebrew title at the top, followed by smaller script. Below the Hebrew, there's a clear imprint stating 'WIEN' and 'Gedruckt bey ANTON Edlem von SCHMID', with the date '1837'. Two circular purple stamps are visible, indicating ownership or library markings. The paper is discolored, suggesting its age.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:47.866Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117096,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":750,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117097/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117097/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(portugal). sefer kol techina u\u2019minhagim [ceremonies]. according to the custom of lisbon. \n \n \n \n manuscript in hebrew written in square and cursive sephardic hands. occasional use of ladino. \n pp. 44 (excluding blanks). foxed, ink oxidized creating some lost portions, few neat taped repairs. modern calf. 8vo. \n lisbon: 1908 \n \n \n this manuscript is a handbook of prayers and supplications relating to deathbed ritual. the title page, in ladino, states that it follows the minhag established and adopted for \u201ckehal kodesh lisboa.\u201d appearing is a hebrew and spanish ownership inscription by shem tob qeurub ben david written in the solitreo script used in the balkans and turkey, with the date of elul 5684 (1923). at the end is another inscription, that of moses s. qeurub, with the date of 22 november 1908. the volume includes an abridged shema, prayers to be said when the tahara is performed, when the mourner\u2019s clothing are ripped, the tziduk hadin prayer when burial is complete, pizmonim, such as lemitvadeh chatosav by r. moses ibn ezra, a meditation on the confession of sins before death, etc. after the inquisition faded in the 19th century, certain affluent jewish families, mainly of morocco and gibraltar, returned to portugal. the lisbon community achieved a size whereby a synagogue, shaarei tikvah, was established in 1904, the first in more than 400 years."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"11","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117097/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":750,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a bound manuscript, likely a religious text or commentary, written in Hebrew script. The cover is a simple, light brown paper or cardstock with visible wear and creasing, suggesting age and frequent handling. The text is handwritten in black ink, with a prominent purple ink signature at the bottom, possibly of an author or owner, adding a personal or historical dimension. The overall appearance indicates it is an old, used, and possibly significant textual artifact.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.508Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117097,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117098/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117098/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(rabbinics). (customs and laws of the death-cycle). anonymous. \n \n \n \n manuscript in hebrew written in square and cursive calligraphic ashkenazic hand. \n pp. 194. contemporary boards. 4to. \n n.p: 19th century \n \n \n this anonymous unpublished manuscript is an untitled, yet complete work focusing on the proper attitudes, behaviors, and halacha of everything that occurs from visiting the terminally ill through burial and shiva. the highly learned author, who cites from all over rabbinic literature, writes in a fine, clear hand, each page laid out in a useful and pleasing manner, with topics supplied in the margins. included is an extensive yiddish translation of the lengthy viduy confessional that can be recited with a dying person who does not understand the hebrew."},"estimateMax":1800,"lotNumber":"12","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117098/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an ancient manuscript page, likely part of a larger codex or scroll, written in Hebrew script with a distinct, archaic hand. The text is arranged in two columns, densely packed, with some words or phrases underlined or marked with small symbols. The page shows significant signs of age, including discoloration, staining, and possibly water damage, indicating its historical context. The material appears to be aged parchment or paper, contributing to its antique character.","soldPrice":1100,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.509Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,200 - $1,800","currency":"USD","id":117098,"estimateMin":1200},{"startPrice":2000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117099/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"rawnitzki, yehoshua chana. (israeli publisher and literary partner of bialik, 1859-1944). archive of miscellaneous papers. texts in english, hebrew and yiddish. \n \n \n \n collection of approx. 750 papers including: typescript and printer's proofs of sepher ha\u2019agadah with author's corrections in pen. * english translation of introduction to the book of agadah and pp. 2-16 of text. * notes for his collection of poems by medieval spanish poet solomon ibn gabirol (published 1927/8). (includes old photostats of ancient mss). * early manuscripts from rawnitzki's days in odessa. * papers of va'ad halashon [committee of the hebrew language], of which rawnitzki was an active member. * dvir publishing house correspondence. * newspaper and journal articles by rawnitzki. * family papers (most notably, son eliyahu, who succeeded his father at dvir). etc. \n sold not subject to return. \n \n \n \n archive of one of the pioneers of modern hebrew literature. rawnitzki (1859-1955) a native of odessa, exerted significant influence on the development of modern hebrew literature, both as a writer and as a publisher. he is particularly celebrated for his popular sepher ha\u2019agadah (1908-11), a collection of the tales of the rabbis, written in collaboration with the poet h.n. bialik. rawnitzki established two hebrew publishing houses, the first, moriah in odessa (1901), the second, dvir in tel aviv (1921). in both endeavors, his lifelong friend bialik was an active partner. (see ej, vol. xiii, cols. 1588-9). in the present notes for his work on ibn gabirol, we see how resourceful rawnitzki was in tracking down poems attributed to ibn gabirol in manuscripts scattered around the world. besides scouring libraries, he mentions a manuscript he found in the possession of the karaite chazan of evpatoria (gozlava), crimea, and a genizah fragment in the possession of the chief rabbi of france, israel levi. neither was rawnitzki necessarily daunted by authority israel davidson's judgment in an instance where the manuscript evidence pointed in the opposite direction from davidson's surmise. the impression one receives from the archive is that rawnitzki paid meticulous attention to the textual variants. rawnitzki's grandson yonah yarchi (rawnitzki) was felled in the sinai campaign of 1956; two months later, the soldier's father eliyahu rawnitzki died. the collection here includes a pathos-laden letter of condolence from author yehudah even-shmuel (kaufman) to eliyahu rawnitzki upon the death of his only son yonah. one should note that even shmuel himself lost his only son in the war of independence in 1948. (concerning the relation between even-shmuel and his lamented son, see the fictionalized account of shraga kadari, professor elkanah ve-rami beno [1971]). an inventory of the papers in this lot is available upon request."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"13","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117099/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item's image is unavailable, so a visual description cannot be provided. The catalog text for this item is also not provided, thus no factual description can be generated.","soldPrice":5500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.511Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117099,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":650,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117100/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117100/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(slovakia). pinkas. from the community of vaszil&oacute;. \n \n \n \n hebrew manuscript on paper, written in square and cursive calligraphic ashkenazic hands. \n pp. 38 (excluding blanks). few stains. original boards, worn. 4to. \n vaszil&oacute;: 1850 \n \n \n the ledger-book for \u201cour chevra, \u201d an association in vaszil&oacute; (n&aacute;mestovo district), slovakia. containing dozens of entries for individual members on dedicated pages, listing dates of importance, honors, jahrzeits, donations and the like. at the beginning of the volume is a beautiful entry relating to the writing of a sepher torah in 1843, along with the names of the donors. a fruitful resource for genealogists."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"14","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117100/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":650,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a single manuscript page, likely from a book or religious text, written in Hebrew script. The paper is aged, discolored, and shows signs of wear and handling, suggesting its historical nature. The text is handwritten in black ink, filling most of the page, with some words or sections potentially emphasized. The overall appearance suggests it is an old, possibly ritualistic or scholarly document.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.512Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117100,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":14000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117101/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117101/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117101/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117101/004/004.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(bible). sepher tehillim [book of psalms]. \n \n \n \n manuscript in hebrew written on vellum in square and cursive calligraphic ashkenazic hands in (waned) gold ink. \n pp. 68. previous owner\u2019s annotations. stained and worn through extensive use. contemporary calf, rubbed, spine worn. square folio. \n (moravia): erev rosh hashanah 1814 \n \n \n at the start of this fine manuscript is a page headed: \u201call of these came to donate toward the writing of this psalms on parchment, each man according to his heart\u2019s donation.\u201d thirty-six names are listed, each with the amount of his donation. after an elaborate introduction that includes techinoth to be said prior the recitation of psalms, all 150 chapters of the psalms are written in a large, clear hand, divided by the seven days of the week according to the traditional format. psalm 119, an epic alphabetic acrostic chapter, is written in a striking poetic layout. the end-matter contains various prayers for challenging times: sickness; difficult childbirth; deathbed; as well as a prayer for changing the name of a gravely sick person. a final colophon names a particular donor, yosef ben shlomo koenig, his son esriel, and his wife hindel bath aharon baer segal of trebitsch, moravia. the opening title was originally composed as an illustrated page, however the passage of time has caused the illustrations to wear away and only shadows of the designs may still be seen. clearly, despite best intentions, this manuscript was composed on slightly inferior materials due to limited funds and possibly limited skills. yet that precisely results in a manuscript that is now of great codicological interest. for the particular common, folk inspiration behind the creation of this volume can most certainly be directly seen and just divined."},"estimateMax":25000,"lotNumber":"15","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117101/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":14000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a manuscript page titled \"ספר תהלים\" (Sefer Tehillim, Book of Psalms), handwritten in Hebrew script. The page is aged and discolored, showing a creamy, distressed texture with some brown smudges and variations in tone. The text is written in black ink, with the title prominently displayed in a gold-colored ink or pigment at the top. This item appears to be an antique religious text, possibly a page from a prayer book or scholarly work.","soldPrice":14000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.514Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$15,000 - $25,000","currency":"USD","id":117101,"estimateMin":15000},{"startPrice":4000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117102/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"torah scroll large sepher torah written <<on gevil>> in a north african square hebrew hand, 51 lines to a column. set on wooden rollers. height of scroll: 26 inches. \n \n \n \n images available upon request. \n some staining and scribal restoration. sold not subject to return. \n 18th / 19th century \n \n \n the consignor relates that this torah stems from tunisia."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"16","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117102/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item's image is unavailable, so a visual description cannot be provided. The catalog text for this item is also not provided, thus no factual description can be generated.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.515Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117102,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":1200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117103/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117103/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117103/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117103/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117103/005/005.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117103/006/006.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117103/007/007.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117103/008/008.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"contemporary illuminated miniature \u2018ketores\u2019 scroll hebrew manuscript written on vellum, set on roller. \n \n \n \n seven columns each set with six lines, beautifully calligraphically composed on two membranes. opening column with image of the high priest offering the incense, and closing column with image of the temple in jerusalem. housed in silver and gold-plated circular case decorated with rubies. \n set in custom case. scroll height: 2 inches; length: 39 inches. \n israel: \n \n \n the recital of the ketoreth passage is traditionally regarded as an act that will bring about great spiritual merit and much material bounty. it is regarded as particularly meritorious to commission this parshah to be written on parchment in order to recite the ketores. this practice is based on the sefer seder hayom (p. 15) and is quoted by the chavos yair (mekor chaim, 132). see also mishna berurah (132:17). the beis yosef (o.c. 133) quotes the terumas hadeshen who notes how important it is to recite the ketores carefully and adds that according to the terumas hadeshen, the best practice is to do so from a beautifully written parchment. see also r. haim palache in kaf hachaim (siman tov:18), noting, in the name of the mishpat tzedek, that this is an excellent merit for one\u2019s livelihood (segulah for parnassa). in regard to the ketores in this time of corona see e. reichman, https://thelehrhaus.com/timely-thoughts/incensed-by-coronavirus-prayer-and-ketoret-in-time s-of-epidemic/."},"estimateMax":2500,"lotNumber":"17","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117103/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot features a Jewish ritual object, likely a spice box (hadasim) for Havdalah, presented with its accompanying case. The spice box is cylindrical with a domed top, crafted from silver or silver-toned metal, intricately decorated with fine filigree patterns and adorned with small red gem-like embellishments. The base and top ornament are made of contrasting gold-toned metal, adding to its opulent appearance. It is housed in a rectangular, textured silver-toned metal case, suggesting a ceremonial or special purpose. The design indicates it is an object of Jewish ceremonial art, possibly from the 19th or 20th century.","soldPrice":1400,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.516Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,500 - $2,500","currency":"USD","id":117103,"estimateMin":1500},{"startPrice":5500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117104/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117104/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117104/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"abuhatzeira, ya\u2019akov. (the abir ya\u2019akov, 1806-1880). autograph document signed, written in hebrew to rabbi menashe. \n \n \n \n  \n two pages. light wear, marginal taped repairs. 12mo. \n \n \n \n rabbi ya\u2019akov ibn masoud abuhatzeira was one of the greatest sages of north africa. renowned for his deep piety, followers streamed to him for his blessings. he was a prolific author both in kabbalah and halacha. he is the grandfather of the venerated baba sali, r. yisrael abuhatzeira (see next lot)."},"estimateMax":9000,"lotNumber":"18","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117104/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":5500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an antique manuscript page, likely a letter or document, handwritten in Hebrew script. The paper is aged, discolored, and visibly stained with brown marks, indicating its considerable age and past handling. The text is written in a fluid, informal hand, with some words or phrases emphasized with red ink. The irregular edges of the paper suggest it may have been torn from a larger document or preserved individually, reflecting its historical significance.","soldPrice":6000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.518Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$6,000 - $9,000","currency":"USD","id":117104,"estimateMin":6000},{"startPrice":2500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117105/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"abuhatzeira, yisrael. (the baba salli, 1889-1984). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in judeo-arabic. \n \n \n \n written in a clear, semi-cursive sephardic hand. \n one page. stained. 8vo. \n erfoud (morocco): 1939 \n \n \n renowned as a \u201cwonder rabbi\u201d and miracle worker, rabbi abu-hatze\u2019ira, popularly known as the baba sali, served as av beth din in erfoud, near fez, morocco. in 1964 he moved to eretz israel, eventually settling in the southern development town he made famous, netivot. he passed away in 1984 on the 4th of shevat. his grave in netivot has become a holy site visited by thousands annually."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"19","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117105/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical handwritten letter, dated \"Erfoud, le 31 X 1939\", indicating its origin in French Morocco during World War II. The letter is written in Hebrew script, primarily in black ink, with some portions of the header printed in French, identifying \"Israel Abihsera, Grand Rabbin, Délégué du Territoire du Tafilalet à Erfoud\". The paper shows signs of age with slight discoloration but remains relatively clean, with a clear, legible script. This document is a significant historical artifact, representing communication from a prominent religious figure during a notable period.","soldPrice":2600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.519Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117105,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117106/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"alter, avraham mordechai. (fourth grand rebbe of gur, 1866-1948). autograph note signed. \n \n \n \n hebrew and yiddish. \n one page. strengthened on verso. 8vo. \n n.d \n \n \n the gerer rebbe, r. avraham mordechai alter, widely known as the \u201cimrei emeth, \u201d was the spiritual leader of the agudath israel movement and dynastic head of an estimated 100,000 chassidim in pre-war poland. he succeeded his father r. yehudah aryeh leib (the sefath emeth) in 1905."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"20","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117106/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter or document in Hebrew script, likely from the early to mid-20th century, given the paper quality and ink. The text is written in a cursive hand, with some words or sections in the margins, and a signature at the bottom. The paper is off-white and shows some minor discoloration and creases, consistent with an aged document. It appears to be a personal or official communication, preserved as a historical manuscript.","soldPrice":1500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:48.520Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117106,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117107/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"alter, pinchas menachem. (seventh grand rebbe of gur, 1926-96). letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew to ezrath torah, new york. \n \n \n \n request for financial assistance to a named young man soon to be married. attests to his character as a ben torah who stems from a righteous family. \n one page. 8vo. \n jerusalem: 9th adar 1983 \n \n \n the youngest son of the imrei emeth, r. pinchas menachem alter, known as the pnei menachem, was the rosh yeshiva of sefath emeth. he became the rebbe of gur following the death of his brothers, the beth yisroel and the lev simchah."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"21","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117107/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter or document on paper, dated 1983. The text is written in Hebrew script with blue ink, and the page features printed letterhead in Hebrew at the top, which includes a name and address. The subject matter is textual, likely a correspondence or official communication given the letterhead. The paper shows some minor creasing, and the handwriting is clear and legible. This item is a historical document, offering insight into personal or institutional communication from the specified period.","soldPrice":500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:42.574Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117107,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":4500,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117108/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"archivolti, samuel (italian rabbi, grammarian and poet, 1515-1611). autograph responsum signed, written in hebrew. addressed to: \u201cthe finest of sages, s.l.\u201d \n \n \n \n this responsum discusses the halachic category of \u201cchaticha hareuyah lehitchabed, \u201d meat that is fitting to be considered as food. \n one page. 8vo. \n padua: 1st ellul 1607 \n \n \n well known as a grammarian rabbi shmuel archivolti was born in cesena and in his youth studied with r. meir katzenellenbogen. in 1563 archivolti is known to have lived in bologna; he visited venice occasionally between 1565 and 1602, where he worked as a proof corrector. from 1568 he lived in padua, where he served as principal of the yeshivah and av beth din. leone modena was his pupil and so was cardinal marco marini, who studied hebrew with him. modena and archivolti contributed laudatory poems to marini's arca noae (1593). archivolti's most important works are he'aroth lesepher he\u2019aruch, supplying textual references on midrashic and talmudic passages cited in the aruch of nathan b. jehiel of rome (first printed in venice, 1553); degel ahavah, an ethical work (venice, 1551); ma'yan ganim (venice, 1553); and his major work, a hebrew grammar, arugath habosem (venice, 1602). archivolti used his own poems as models to demonstrate 22 varying metrical forms."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"22","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117108/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a manuscript page, likely part of a larger text, composed of paper. The entire page is filled with dense handwritten Hebrew text, written in brown ink. The script appears to be a historical form of Hebrew calligraphy. The page shows signs of aging, with some discoloration and minor wear along the edges, indicating its vintage nature. It is a textual document, potentially a religious, scholarly, or legal work from an earlier period due to its manuscript form and aged appearance.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:42.576Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117108,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117109/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"arik, meir. (rabbi of tarnow, galicia. 1855-1926). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew on letterhead to r. moshe yisroel feldman of dragmerst. \n \n \n \n clarifying personal details concerning an agunah. \n two-and-a-half pages. 8vo. \n tarnow: 1926 \n \n \n r. meir arik was one of the most revered poskim of galicia. indeed the belzer rebbe directed the most complex halachic matters to him and abided by his decisions. many of poland's leading torah scholars were his disciples, the most renowned of which include r. meir shapiro of lublin; r. aryeh tzvi frumer, gaon of koziegłowy; r. david sperber, gaon of brașov; r. yehuda horowitz, rebbe of dzikov, r. meshulam roth, r. reuven margolies and r. yehoshua erenberg of tel aviv. r. meir arik published many books, yet most of his manuscripts were lost during his escape to vienna during wwi."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"23","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117109/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten letter or document on paper, featuring Hebrew script written in black ink. The top right corner includes printed letterhead in Hebrew, indicating a name and possibly an address. The subject is textual, likely a piece of correspondence. The paper shows slight discoloration consistent with age, and the handwriting is clear. The text is densely packed, suggesting a detailed message or significant content. This historical document provides insight into Hebrew communication.","soldPrice":2400,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:42.577Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117109,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117110/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"aszod, yehuda. (1796-1866). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew. kethav moreinu (ordination). \n \n \n \n this document is a certificate awarded to aharon ben david bichler. it lists the qualities of learning and piety and entitles the one bestowed to be called up to the torah with the title \u201cmoreinu-rav-rebbi.\u201d \n one page (integral blank). folds, worn, expertly silked. 8vo. \n dunaszerdahely (serhadhaly / niedermarkt): 4th nissan 1858 \n \n \n foremost hungarian posek, rabbi assad, author of teshuvoth mahariya and yehuda ya'aleh, had been the exceptional student of rabbi mordechai banet."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"24","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117110/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an aged manuscript page, likely paper, featuring densely handwritten Hebrew text in brown ink. The script is highly stylized, exhibiting characteristics of a calligraphic hand from an earlier period. The page has a central vertical fold and shows discoloration, indicating its age. It is a textual document, potentially part of a religious or scholarly work due to the formal and elaborate script. The distinct calligraphic style is a notable visual feature.","soldPrice":3000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:42.578Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117110,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":3500,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117111/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117111/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"azulai, chaim yoseph david (the chid\u2019a, 1724-1806). mahara\u201dm of rothenburg. shailoth u\u2019teshuvoth. \n \n \n \n first edition. the chaim yoseph david azulai (the chid\u2019a) copy with his signature. \n ff. 108, (15). some wear, other owner\u2019s marks. later boards. sm. 4to. \n cremona: vicenzo conti 1557 \n \n \n rear paste-down with compact sephardic cursive signature: \u201chaim yosef david ben kevod rav yitzhak zerahia azulai.\u201d rabbi haim yosef david azulai was one of the greatest of sephardic rabbinic leaders of the 18th century. his scholarship excelled equally in the diverse realms of halacha, kabbalah and bibliography."},"estimateMax":6000,"lotNumber":"25","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117111/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":3500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an antique manuscript page, likely made of paper, with sparse handwritten text in brown ink. The script is Hebrew, and the page includes various short lines, circles, and markings, suggesting it might be a draft, notes, or a page from a complex document like a kabbalistic or mystical text with diagrams. The page shows significant signs of age, including discoloration and some visible wear along the edges. The unconventional layout and diverse markings are notable visual features.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:42.580Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$4,000 - $6,000","currency":"USD","id":117111,"estimateMin":4000},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117112/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"berezovsky, sholom noach. (grand rebbe of slonim, 1911-2000). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew, on letterhead to r. yitzchak meir lewin of agudath israel. \n \n \n \n states that due to ill health he cannot attend an upcoming meeting. notes he desired to resign from his responsibilities at chinuch atzmai, yet perseveres at the urging of r. aharon kotler. \n one page, punch-holes. 8vo. \n jerusalem: 19th teveth 1972 \n \n \n widely known for his teachings published as \u2018nesivos sholom, \u2019 the slonimer rebbe is most influential of contemporary chassidic rebbes."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"26","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117112/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter or document on paper, featuring Hebrew text written in blue ink. The top of the page includes printed letterhead in Hebrew, identifying \"Shalom Nach Barovitzky\" and \"Rosh Yeshivat Beit Avraham\" in Jerusalem, along with an address. The document is likely a formal correspondence or official communication from a religious institution. There are two visible punched holes on the right margin, suggesting it was once filed. The paper is clean and well-preserved, indicating its relatively modern origin.","soldPrice":300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:42.581Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117112,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":1500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117113/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117113/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"berlin, naphtali tzvi yehuda. (the netziv, 1817-93). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to <<rabbi shmuel salant>> of jerusalem. <<signed four times.>> \n \n \n \n with: an halachic addenda from the netziv\u2019s son-in-law r. raphael shapiro requesting advice from r. salant. \n four pages. 4to. \n volozhin: 12th teveth \n \n \n this lengthy, multi-part letter contains: a lengthy discussion concerning the financial claims a woman has on an estate, and blessing all those who would assist in solving this problem; a halachic debate found in the sha\u2019agas aryeh; sending regard to the rabbi\u2019s daughter-in-law; an addenda in yiddish from two others. the netziv was rosh yeshiva of volozhin, the foremost talmudic academy in 19th-century russia. he was succeeded in that position by his brilliant son-in-law, rabbi raphael shapiro (1837\u20131921)."},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"27","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117113/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a densely written manuscript page on paper, filled with Hebrew script in brown ink. The script exhibits a consistent and formal hand, suggesting it is a scholarly or religious text. The page shows signs of age, including slight discoloration and minor wear along the edges. The full page coverage of text indicates a substantive document. This piece is a historical textual artifact, potentially from a significant rabbinic or academic work.","soldPrice":5000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:42.582Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117113,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":1200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117114/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"biderman, dovid tzvi shlomo. (grand rebbe of lelov, 1844-1918). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to rabbi meir eichler. \n \n \n \n concerning a city-wide illness in jerusalem, with prayers for recovery. \n one page. 8vo. \n jerusalem: 29th sivan 1904 \n \n \n maternal great-grandson of the chozeh of lublin and grandson of the yid of peshischa, r. dovid tzvi shlomo biderman emigrated with his parents to jerusalem in 1850. as a young man he returned to poland where he became a close disciple of r. aharon karliner (beis aaron). upon the passing of his father in 1883, he refused to become rebbe - only after the passing of his uncle, r. yitzchok dovid in 1887, did he agree to become lelover rebbe, incorporating much of karlin to his own chassidus. in his capacity as member of kollel warsaw, he worked tirelessly for the benefit of the jews of the old yishuv and through and through, was one of the great admorim of jerusalem. his torah was published in likutei divrei dovid."},"estimateMax":2500,"lotNumber":"28","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117114/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an aged manuscript page, likely paper, containing handwritten Hebrew text in brown ink. The script covers the majority of the page, which also features a distinct purple oval stamp near the bottom, possibly an official seal or insignia. The page has a noticeable central vertical fold and shows discoloration and wear consistent with age. This textual document, characterized by its historical script and official stamp, could be a legal, religious, or administrative record.","soldPrice":1400,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:42.583Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,500 - $2,500","currency":"USD","id":117114,"estimateMin":1500},{"startPrice":650,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117115/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117115/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"danzinger, avraham chaim. (of alexander, 1882-1942). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew. \n \n \n \n  \n two pages. punch-holes, light wear. 8vo. \n jerusalem: sunday, parshath yithro 1931 \n \n \n the writer was the son of r. shmuel tzvi danziger (author of tifereth shmuel, 1860-1923) and brother of r. yitzchak menachem danziger (1880-1942), the admors of the alexander dynasty which was founded by grandfather, r. yechiel. along with his brother the rebbe, r. avraham chaim was the founder and rosh yeshiva of the beis yisrael network of yeshivos in poland, named in memory of his uncle, the author of yismach yisrael."},"estimateMax":1000,"lotNumber":"29","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117115/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":650,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten manuscript on paper, likely a letter or document, featuring dense Hebrew text in dark ink. The page is characterized by rough, uneven edges and two visible punched holes at the top, suggesting it might have been torn from a larger document or binder. A small printed Hebrew text is visible in the top right corner. The script is free-flowing and slightly cursive, indicating a personal or informal style. The overall appearance is that of a historical, well-used document.","soldPrice":650,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:42.585Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$700 - $1,000","currency":"USD","id":117115,"estimateMin":700},{"startPrice":800,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117116/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117116/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"elyashiv, shlomo. (\u201cthe leshem, \u201d 1841-1926). autograph postcard signed, written in hebrew to rabbi shraga meir lazarowitz. \n \n \n \n advising the recipient to follow a course of action that he asked about, and provides here his blessings. \n cyrillic address on verso. worn. 12mo. \n shavel: thursday evening, parshath bereshith 1891 \n \n \n a student in telz, rabbi elyashiv (eliasov prior to eretz yisrael) became an outstanding scholar and kabbalist of great renown whose masterpiece was the multi-volume leshem shevo ve\u2019achlama (1909-12). he taught kabbalah to a young rav kook and with the latter\u2019s assistance, moved in 1922 to eretz yisrael, along with his daughter, son-in-law and grandson - the young r. yosef shalom elyashiv."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"30","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117116/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an aged manuscript document on paper, featuring densely handwritten Hebrew text in black or dark brown ink. The script is highly compact and fills the entire page, indicating a significant textual piece. The paper shows clear signs of age, including darkening and possibly some unevenness or wear along the edges. This textual artifact appears to be a historical document, likely a letter, scholarly note, or part of a larger manuscript, from an earlier period.","soldPrice":3400,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:43.197Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117116,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":850,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117117/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117117/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"epstein, baruch halevi (1860-1941). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to rabbi j. l. fishman. \n \n \n \n rabbi epstein notes that since war he has kept a record of all those who ordered his publications and recently became aware that he inadvertently left unfulfilled an order to \u201cthe gaon kook\u201d and thus now, with his pardon, wishes to make amends. \n two pages. 4to. \n pinsk: 8th tammuz 1928 \n \n \n rabbi baruch halevi epstein, whose works torah temimah, mekor baruch, baruch she\u2019amar are all classics in their respective fields, was the son of r. yechiel michel epstein, author of the aruch hashulchan. r. yehuda leib fishman (maimon) (1875-1962) was a close associate of rav kook and one of the founders of the mizrachi movement and mossad horav kook. rabbi fishman received semicha from rabbi epstein's father, the aruch hashulchan, and was later the first minister of religion in the state of israel."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"31","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117117/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":850,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a single-page handwritten letter, likely a historical document. The script is in Hebrew, rendered in black ink on aged light-colored paper. The subject matter appears to be a personal or official communication, characterized by a dense block of text covering most of the page. The overall aesthetic suggests a mid-20th-century or earlier period, with visible folds and minor wear indicative of its age and use. A signature is present at the bottom, and a small numeral '4' is written at the top center.","soldPrice":1000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.804Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117117,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":1200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117118/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117118/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"ettlinger, jacob. (the aruch laner, 1798-1871). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to zalman vitkowsky. \n \n \n \n concerning the recipient\u2019s son: \u201cit is sweet for my soul to make your heart happy\u2026 your son yochanan is studying assiduously and follows an appropriate path\u2026 i will continue to watch over and guide him. i am also sending you my newly published work \u201caruch laner.\u201d?* letter tipped into printed book: aruch laner [on trac. yevamoth]. first edition. altona, 1850. [vinograd, altona 266]. \n \n altona: friday, parshath chukath 1850 \n \n \n the recipient was enthralled to receive this presentation copy of sepher aruch laner and wrote on the title: \u201csent to me from the gaon as per his letter, as a remembrance of love\u2026 may i always study it.\u201d with stamp on the front flyleaf \u201cyochanan vitkower, altona.\u201d obviously, this is the son about whom the above letter was written. he likely changed his name from vitkowsky to vitkower. the aruch laner was one of the foremost german rabbinical leaders. in additional to his scholarly talmudic works and responsa, he also edited the periodical shomer tzion hane\u2019eman which sought to combat the rising influence of the reform movement by publishing popular and timely articles on a host of topics pertinent to orthodox jewry."},"estimateMax":2000,"lotNumber":"32","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117118/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a multi-page document or a single sheet of text laid over another, featuring handwritten Hebrew script in black ink. The left side displays a printed Hebrew text, suggesting it might be a commentary or an addendum to an existing publication. The right side contains extensive handwritten notes, possibly annotations or a separate letter, applied over a smaller, aged paper section. The document has visible staining and creasing, indicating a historical period and moderate wear, consistent with a textual artifact from the mid-20th century or earlier.","soldPrice":5000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:43.199Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,500 - $2,000","currency":"USD","id":117118,"estimateMin":1500},{"startPrice":200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117119/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"finkel, eliezer yehudah (rosh yeshiva, mir. 1879-1965). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew on letterhead to y. shuv of the vaad hayeshivoth. \n \n \n \n \u201cat present, the yeshiva is unable to accept any new students. we suggest a meeting in order to clarify our situation and improve conditions.\u201d \n one page, punch-holes. 4to. \n mir: 28th nissan 1933 \n \n \n r. eliezer judah finkel was the son of r. nathan tzvi finkel, founder of the slabodka yeshiva (\"der alter fun slabodka\"), and the son-in-law of r. eliyahu 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. following world war two, r. finkel re-established the mir in jerusalem where it today reigns as the largest yeshiva in the world."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"33","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117119/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a formal letter, an official document from 'JESZYBOT MIRSKI' (Mir Yeshiva), a Rabbinical School established in 1817 in Mir, z. Nowogródek (Poland). The letter features both printed letterhead in Polish and Hebrew, and handwritten Hebrew script in black ink. The text occupies the majority of the page, with a signature visible towards the bottom. The paper is light-colored and shows minor signs of age and two punch holes on the left side, dating the item to the period of the yeshiva's operation, likely the early to mid-20th century given the printed address format.","soldPrice":1800,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.805Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117119,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":2500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117120/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"friedlander, tzvi hirsch. (third grand rebbe of liska, 1874-1944). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to the av beth din of kehal shomrei hadas in berlin. \n \n \n \n discusses his commentary on tehillim, later published as sha\u2019arei hayashar. \n one page. stained. 8vo. \n no place: no date \n \n \n the writer (\u201cthe baal sha\u2019arei hayusher\u201d) was the son of r. chaim friedlander and grandson of r. tzvi hirsch friedman, the first and second lisker rebbes respectively. he was appropriately called \"charif (sharp) hershele\" due to his outstanding mind. during the war he refused to abandon his followers, subsequently, he and most of his family perished."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"34","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117120/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a formal letter, likely a historical document, from \"FRIEDLÄNDER HERMAN förahi OLASZLISZKA Zemplen m.\". The letterhead is printed in both Latin and Hebrew script, while the body of the letter is entirely handwritten in Hebrew with black ink. The paper is aged, light-colored, and shows signs of wear, including a visible stain at the bottom right and creases. A circular stamp is faintly visible in the bottom left corner, suggesting an official context. The style and physical condition point to a mid-20th century or earlier origin.","soldPrice":3600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.806Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117120,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":6000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117121/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"friedman, avrohom ya\u2019akov. (grand rebbe of sadigura, 1820\u20131883). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to his brother-in-law, <<r. menachem mendel hager, the grand rebbe of vishnitz.>> \n \n \n \n recommending that r. yoseph of kolomaye be supported and included in the vishnitzer kollel. the sadigura rebbe attests that r. yoseph is an \u201cish kosher veyosher.\u201d \n one page. laid down, taped repairs. 8vo. \n sadigura: 12th ellul \n \n \n the second of six sons born to r. yisroel of ruzhyn and the son-in-law of r. aharon of karlin, r. avrohom ya\u2019akov was the first rebbe of sadigura. in 1840 the ruzhiner rebbe was forced to flee russia due to persecution by the tsar and moved his family to the carpathian town of sadigura. he lived there for ten years, building a palatial home and synagogue and he attracted tens of thousands of followers. when the ruzhiner rebbe died at the age of 54, each of his sons moved to different towns to establish their own chassidic courts. his eldest son, r. sholom yosef friedman (1813\u201351) remained in sadigura to continue leading the court his father had founded, but died ten months later. at this point, the ruzhiner rebbe's second son, r. avrohom yaakov, assumed the mantle of leadership, becoming known as the first sadigura rebbe. the sadigura rebbe maintained the extravagant lifestyle of his father's court, with its lavish accoutrements and also immersed himself in the kabbalah, as did his father. this combination of earthly royalty and spiritual depth attracted hundreds of thousands of jews (and others) who sought his wisdom and counsel. indeed chassidic and rabbinic leadership throughout europe deeply respected and revered him. the recipient of this letter, r. menachem mendel of vizhnitz (1830-83), the author of \u2018tzemach tzedek, \u2019 was the son of the r. chaim of kosov. he was married to miriam, one of the four daughters of r. yisroel of rizhin."},"estimateMax":10000,"lotNumber":"35","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117121/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":6000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This document is a handwritten letter in Hebrew script, executed in dark brown or black ink on aged, light-colored paper. The letter is densely written, featuring flourishes in the script, particularly at the top and in various signatures or emphatic phrases within the text. The paper shows visible signs of age, including creasing and some discoloration at the bottom. The overall presentation suggests a historical period, possibly 19th or early 20th century, and it appears to be a formal or significant communication given the calligraphic elements.","soldPrice":12000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.808Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$8,000 - $10,000","currency":"USD","id":117121,"estimateMin":8000},{"startPrice":11000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117122/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"friedman, mordechai shraga feivush. (grand rebbe of husiatyn, 1835\u20131894). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to his son-in-law, <<r. menachem nochum friedman of boyan.>> \n \n \n \n family greetings and extending best wishes for the new year. written in a charming and loving manner: \"to my dear beloved son-in-law\u2026and his wife, my dear clever modest daughter\u2026\u201d closing with: \u201cmay you merit to finely raise your daughter miriam and your son aharon along with other children that god will bless you.\u201d \n one page. 8vo. \n (husiatyn): n.d \n \n \n the youngest son of r. yisroel of ruzhyn, r. mordechai shraga feivish was the first rebbe of husiatyn. he was only 16 when his father died and when he turned 30 in 1865, he moved to husiatyn where he established a large chasidic court that was conducted amidst much material splendor. following his death he was succeeded by his son reb yisroel (1858-1949) who moved to eretz israel where, he was the \u201celder statesman\u201d of rebbes there. the recipient of this letter, r. menachem nochum friedman (1868-1936) became the boyaner rebbe in czernowitz. his father, r. yitzchok friedman, the pachad yitzchak (1849-1917) established the boyaner dynasty. r. menachem nochum had two illustrious grandfathers: on his mother\u2019s side - r. yochanan twersky, the first rachmastrivka rebbe; and on his father\u2019s side - r. avraham ya'akov friedman, the founding rebbe of sadigura."},"estimateMax":18000,"lotNumber":"36","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117122/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":11000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a single-page handwritten letter, composed in elegant Hebrew script with dark black ink on light-colored, aged paper. The letter features distinctive calligraphic flourishes, especially at the top and bottom with a prominent signature. The text fills the page, indicating a substantial communication. The paper exhibits some minor creasing and discoloration consistent with its age. This document appears to be a formal or personal correspondence from the 19th or early 20th century, notable for its distinctive penmanship.","soldPrice":13000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.809Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$12,000 - $18,000","currency":"USD","id":117122,"estimateMin":12000},{"startPrice":5500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117123/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"friedman, dovid moshe. (grand rebbe of chortkov, 1828\u20131903). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew. \n \n \n \n a recommendation to assist in the wedding preparations for the son of r. nachman tzvi epstein of kolomyia. \n one page. worn, heavy folds. 8vo. \n (czortk&oacute;w): 1899 \n \n \n son of r. yisroel of ruzhyn, r. duvid moshe was the first rebbe of chortkov. his first wife was the daughter of r. aharon twersky of chernobyl. his second wife was his first cousin, a daughter of his brother r. shalom yosef friedman of sadigura. in 1865, 14 years after the death of his father, the rizhiner rebbe, r. duvid moshe settled in chortkov forming his own community there. soon his followers were one of the largest chassidic groups in galicia, numbering in the tens of thousands. the rebbe led an ascetic life and although he preferred to detach himself from world affairs and distance himself from communal disputes, he was nonetheless an influential leader of central european jewry. to this instance, he agreed to meet with theodore herzl who had sent him a personal letter hoping to garner his support for the zionist movement, however the meeting never materialized. his teachings have been published in divrei dovid, beith yisroel and knesseth yisroel, etc."},"estimateMax":9000,"lotNumber":"37","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117123/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":5500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter, likely a historical document, penned in Hebrew script with black ink on a severely aged, discolored, and textured paper. The paper exhibits significant creasing, folding lines, and rough edges, suggesting considerable age and handling. The script, though faded in some areas, is still legible. The overall appearance indicates an item of considerable antiquity, possibly 18th or 19th century, characterized by its distressed yet authentic historical feel.","soldPrice":13000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.810Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$6,000 - $9,000","currency":"USD","id":117123,"estimateMin":6000},{"startPrice":850,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117124/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"friedman, (karliner), dovid. (1828-1917). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to avraham harkavy. \n \n \n \n letter of recommendation for rabbi lipa rosman, a shadar (collector) on behalf of the bikur cholim hospital of jerusalem. rabbi friedman details the importance of the hospital, as well as its great need. he asks harkavy to utilize his influence and provide assistance. \n one page. 4to. \n karlin-pinsk: 15th kislev 1900 \n \n \n affectionately known as r. dovid karliner, rabbi david friedman was regarded as one of the great talmudic scholars of his time. he was rabbi of karlin-pinsk for half a century to where jews would flock with halachic questions. in addition, he took an active role in communal affairs relating to eretz israel, accepting the appointment as secretary of mazkeret moshe, the fund named after sir moses montefiore, for the development of settlement in the land. the orientalist abraham harkavy (1835-1919) was a distinguished historian of russian jewry. an erstwhile student of the volozhin yeshiva, rabbi friedman addresses him here with respect and rabbinic honorifics."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"38","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117124/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":850,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a formal letter, or an official document, from \"David Friedmann Rabiner Karlin-Pinsk\". The letterhead is printed in both Latin and Hebrew script, with a specific date handwritten in Hebrew, \"566\" likely referring to a year in the Hebrew calendar. The body of the letter is handwritten in Hebrew script with black ink, filling most of the page. The paper is light-colored and exhibits a formal appearance, with an ornate signature at the bottom. The document reflects a communication from a prominent rabbinic figure, likely dating to the early 20th century, given the combined script and letterhead style.","soldPrice":900,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.812Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117124,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":400,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117125/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"friedman, yisroel. (grand rebbe of boyan, 1878-1951). letter signed, on letterhead, written in hebrew to rabbi of tzfat, avraham leib silbermann (1889-1947). \n \n \n \n a letter of mazal tov and blessings upon the bar mitzvah of his son, shmuel. \n one page. hole punches. 8vo. \n tel aviv: 8th shevat 1940 \n \n \n born in sadigura, rabbi yisrael was the grandson of r. yisrael of ruzhin and son of r. yitzchak friedmann (the pachad yitzchak), the first admor of boyan. due to the destruction of world war i, he moved to leipzig, where he led the movement following the death of his father. forced to flee the nazis, he settled in tel aviv in 1939. he maintained his family\u2019s annual privilege of being first to light the traditional bonfire in meron on lag b'omer."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"39","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117125/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":400,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a formal letter, or an official document, from \"Rabbi ISRAEL FRIEDMANN Tel-Aviv, Yavne str. 32 Palestine (formerly Boyan-Leipzig)\". The letterhead is printed in both Latin and Hebrew script, with a handwritten Hebrew date at the top right. The body of the letter is entirely handwritten in Hebrew script with black ink. The paper is light-colored and appears well-preserved, with a clear, readable script. The content is likely a formal communication from a distinguished rabbi in Palestine, dating to the mid-20th century given the address details.","soldPrice":450,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.813Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117125,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":1900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117126/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117126/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"gewirtzman, moshe yitzchak. (r. itzikel of przeworsk, 1882-1976). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew. \n \n \n \n writing to a father that he be blessed with nachas from his daughter and that she should develop a spirit of purity in her heart and not be influenced by alien forces. \u201cin time we shall hear good tidings.\u201d as was his wont, the initial letter of the first four lines spell the word \u201cahavah.\u201d \n one page. small tear at top. 8vo. with: letterhead envelope. \n antwerp: 1965 \n \n \n from the letter it appears that the young lady had sought to marry out of the faith. reb itzikel was one of the most celebrated post-war chassidic rabbis and many thousands made pilgrimages to him in antwerp to receive his blessings and advice. he signs here as a descendent of r. elimelech of lizhensk \u201czechutho yagen aleinu.\u201d"},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"40","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117126/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a formal letter, or an official document, from \"Rabbi I. GEWIRCMAN Mercatorstraat 56 ANTWERPEN (BELGIE)\". The letterhead is printed in both Latin and Hebrew script, including a telephone number. The body of the letter is entirely handwritten in Hebrew script with blue ink, making it distinctive. The paper is light-colored and appears to be in good condition, showing minimal signs of age. The blue ink and modern telephone number suggest a later date compared to other items, likely mid- to late-20th century, and it represents a communication from a rabbinic figure in Antwerp.","soldPrice":2600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.814Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117126,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117127/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"gordon, eliezer. (\u201creb lazer telzer, \u201d rosh yeshiva of telz. 1841-1910). autograph document signed, written in hebrew on letterhead. \n \n \n \n a financial settlement relating to the estate of one \u201cabba nathan.\u201d the rabbi here allocates terms and amounts by which monies are to be transmitted. \n one page (with integral balk). 8vo. \n telshe: undated \n \n \n r. eliezer gordon, a brilliant talmudic scholar, was a prime disciple of rabbi yisrael salanter. under his devoted leadership, the yeshiva in telz became one of the flagship yeshivas in eastern europe, attracting hundreds of students, as well as a most distinguished faculty. after a devastating fire struck the town of telz in 1910, he traveled to london to raise funds to rebuild the community. while in london he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"41","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117127/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter, likely from the early to mid-20th century, composed in Hebrew script on lined paper. The subject matter is a personal or official communication, indicated by the 'b.h.' (בס\"ד) at the top right, and the letterhead featuring the name 'אליעזר גארדאן' (Eliezer Gordon) in Hebrew. The paper shows signs of age with some staining and minor discoloration. The script is an elegant cursive, suggesting a formal or educated hand. This piece falls into the genre of historical correspondence or archival documents.","soldPrice":3000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.348Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117127,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117128/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"greenfeld, shimon. (maharsha\u2019g, dayan of munkatch, 1860-1930). autograph letter signed on letterhead, written in hebrew to rabbi ben-zion blum of of beretty&oacute;&uacute;jfalu (1879-1945). \n \n \n \n a halachic responsum concerning a question of niddah resulting from a woman\u2019s medical examination. \n one page (with n.b. on verso). central tape on verso. 4to. \n b&uuml;dszentmih&aacute;ly (semihaly): (1920\u2019s) \n \n \n born in khust, hungary, r. shimon greenfeld was the son of r. yehudah grunfeld, rabbi of bűdszentmih&aacute;ly (tiszavasv&aacute;ri). r. shimon studied at the yeshiva of r. avraham yehudah schwartz (author of kol aryeh) in berehove and was also a student of the mahara\u2019m schick. his three volumes of responsa were published as \u201cshailoth u'teshuvoth maharsha\u2019g.\u201d he also authored zehav sheva and maharsha\u2019g al hatorah."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"42","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117128/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a single-page handwritten letter, written in Hebrew script on plain paper, likely dating from the early to mid-20th century. The letter features a printed letterhead at the top, bearing the name 'שמעון גרופפעלד' (Shimon Gruenfeld) and 'בודאפעסט' (Budapest), indicating its origin. The script is a dense, cursive Hebrew, covering almost the entire page, and appears to be a formal or scholarly communication. The paper exhibits some minor creasing and discoloration consistent with age, serving as a historical document or piece of correspondence.","soldPrice":1700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.349Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117128,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":750,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117129/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"greenwald, yehudah. (av beth din of satmar, 1867-1928). autograph letter signed on letterhead, written in hebrew to rabbi shlomo dov segal. \n \n \n \n a warm letter of mazal tov, blessings and best wishes for the new year. \n one page. stained and worn, taped on verso. 8vo. \n (satmar): no date \n \n \n a close disciple of the chasam sofer, r. yehuda gruenwald was one of the leading rabbis of hungary - indeed his yeshiva was one of the largest in the country. he wrote zichron yehuda, shevet yehuda, and other works published posthumously."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"43","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117129/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":750,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical handwritten letter in Hebrew script on an aged, irregular piece of paper. The paper is discolored and shows rough, torn edges, particularly on the left side and top, suggesting its age. A printed letterhead, partially torn, is visible at the top right, featuring Hebrew text. A handwritten number '341' is present near the top center. The script is a flowing, legible cursive Hebrew, likely from the early to mid-20th century. A purple stamp or mark is visible in the bottom right corner, indicating this is likely a archival document or piece of correspondence.","soldPrice":750,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.351Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117129,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117130/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117130/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"grozovsky, reuven. (rosh yeshiva of kaminetz and torah vodaas, 1886-1958). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi moshe rothenberg. \n \n \n \n congratulates the young rabbi upon his upcoming marriage and showers him and his bride with blessings. rabbi grozovsky uses the highest superlatives upon the resh mesivta of yeshivath chachmei lublin in detroit, who was then only 24 years old. \n one page, 4to. autograph envelope. \n brooklyn: 1st adar ii 1943 \n \n \n rabbi reuven grozovsky, son of rabbi shimon the dayan of minsk and son-in-law of the celebrated rabbi baruch ber leibowitz, was a leading lithuanian talmudist. managing to escape europe upon the onset of wwii, he settled in the united states, where he re-established the kamenetzer yeshiva, and was also active in both the vaad hatzalah and agudath israel. an engineer of the fledgling torah community in post-war america, he founded the elite beis midrash elyon in monsey, new york. rabbi moshe rothenberg was a product of rabbi meir shapira's yeshivath chachmei lublin. upon arrival in the united states he re-established the yeshiva in detroit, and later headed the gerrer yeshiva in boro park, brooklyn. he authored bikurei aviv on seder kodashim, which was issued when he was just 20 years of age (and published just one day before poland was invaded by the nazis). see https://mishpacha.com/a-siyum-at-chachmei-lublin-detroit/."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"44","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117130/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a formal letter, typewritten with a printed letterhead and handwritten Hebrew script. The letterhead identifies the sender as 'Rabbi Ruvin Grozovsky, Dean Kamentizer Yeshivah, \"Kneseth Beth Itzchok\"' from Brooklyn, N.Y., including an old telephone number (Tel. Evergreen 6-2304). The handwritten body of the letter is in a flowing cursive Hebrew, occupying the lower half of the page. The paper is clean and well-preserved, suggesting a mid-20th-century date. This item represents historical religious correspondence.","soldPrice":950,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.352Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117130,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":650,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117131/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117131/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"gutterman, aharon menachem mendel. (grand rebbe of radzymin, 1860-1934). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew on letterhead. \n \n \n \n concerning r. yaakov fishl who wishes to divorce his wife. the rebbe here states that the lady stems from a prominent family in warsaw and the recipient of this letter should do all in his power to help heal the marriage. should that prove impossible, a generous financial settlement must be provided to the woman. \n two pages, small teat at top. 8vo. \n nasielsk: 1933 \n \n \n the only son of r. shlomo dovid yehoshua of radzymin, r. aharon menachem mendel succeeded his father as rebbe in 1903. he had been a disciple of r. avraham bornstein of sochotchov and r. shlomo zalman schneersohn of kapust. r. aharon menachem mendel married the daughter of r. yitzchak ya'akov of biala, later marrying the daughter of r. ya'akov moshe safrin of komorno. he authored chinuch habanim, tzemach menachem and alin le'terufah. he left no sons."},"estimateMax":1000,"lotNumber":"45","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117131/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":650,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a dense, single-page handwritten letter in Hebrew script, likely from the mid-20th century. The top of the page features a partially obscured printed letterhead in Hebrew and English, including the name 'MENACHEM MENDEL GERSHON' and 'No 35 TILLIHAM'. A purple ink stamp, dated '1938' and another illegible stamp are visible at the top left, alongside a handwritten number '331428'. The script is a legible, cursive Hebrew, with a pink ink line underlining a word mid-page. The paper exhibits light staining and a handwritten number '133/446' at the bottom right corner, suggesting it is a historical document or archival item.","soldPrice":800,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.354Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$700 - $1,000","currency":"USD","id":117131,"estimateMin":700},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117132/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"hager, yisroel. (third grand rebbe of vishnitz, 1860-1936). autograph letter signed, stamped and written in hebrew to r. meshulam roth. \n \n \n \n \u201ci cannot fulfill your request as i have already granted it to an earlier supplicant.\u201d sends blessings including the hope that the recipient\u2019s torah study will be accomplished with ease of mind. \n one page, with integral blank. 8vo. \n vizhnitz (vyzhnytsia): 1921 \n \n \n the ahavas yisroel, as he was known, was the first-born son of the imrei boruch (1845-1892). he married the daughter of r. meir horowitz of dzhikov and following the death of his father, became rebbe of vishnitz, greatly expanding its following. thirteen years after his death, he was reinterned in eretz israel."},"estimateMax":1800,"lotNumber":"46","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117132/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a single-page handwritten letter, composed in Hebrew script on light-colored paper. The script is a flowing cursive, with some words appearing bolder, possibly due to ink saturation or emphasis. A faint circular stamp is visible on the upper right side of the page. The paper itself is largely clean with minor signs of age-related discoloration, suggesting it is a historical document. This piece falls into the category of personal or official correspondence, likely from the early to mid-20th century, due to the style of script and paper.","soldPrice":3600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.355Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,200 - $1,800","currency":"USD","id":117132,"estimateMin":1200},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117133/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"hager, chaim meir. (fourth grand rebbe of vishnitz, 1887-1972). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi yissachar deutsch. \n \n \n \n sending congratulations upon the upcoming marriage of the recipient\u2019s son, rabbi yehoshua. offers his blessings for children and nachas that will result from the \u201cbeautiful union.\u201d includes a post-script with personal congratulations to rabbi david sperber (1877-1962), father of the bride, gitza rachel. \n one page. 8vo. \n bnei brak: 20th shevat 1953 \n \n \n r. chaim meir hager, the \"imrei chaim, \" was the son of the previous vishnitzer rebbe, r. yisrael hager, the \u201cahavas yisrael.\u201d he was a member of the mo\u2019etzeth gedolei hatorah of agudath yisrael and one of the leaders of the torah world in his generation. he immigrated to israel in 1947 and re-established vishnitz chassidus centered in the town of bnei brak."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"47","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117133/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a letter with a printed Hebrew letterhead and extensive handwritten Hebrew text in blue and brown ink. The letterhead indicates 'חיים מאיר הגר' (Chaim Meir Hager) and an address in Tel Aviv, and includes a partially filled-in date line. The body of the letter is in a neat, cursive Hebrew script, with some words underlined in blue ink. A circular red stamp, possibly an official seal, is present at the bottom left, overlapping some of the text. The paper shows minor smudges and discoloration consistent with a mid-20th-century document. This item serves as a piece of historical correspondence.","soldPrice":700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.356Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117133,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":550,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117134/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117134/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"hager, eliezer. (\u201cthe damesek eliezer, \u201d 1891-1946). sepher hafla\u2019ah. lemberg, 1818. \n \n \n \n the rebbe\u2019s personal copy with his stamps. \n ff. (1), 124. recent boards. folio. \n \n \n \n r. eliezer hagar was the son of the vizhnitzer rebbe, the ahavas yisroel, r. yisrael hager (1860-1936). in 1922 he was appointed av beth din of vizhnitz and established the beth yisrael yeshivah there. upon his father\u2019s death, he succeeded him as rebbe. this is his personal copy of hamakneh, the second volume of sefer hafla\u2019ah on masechta kiddushin by r. pinchas halevi horowitz (1731-1805) of frankfurt."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"48","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117134/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":550,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a printed title page for a Hebrew book, dated 1818, titled 'הפלוא' (Ha'Plaah) or 'Sepher HaMekna'. It is identified as 'חלק השני מן ספר המקנה' (The Second Part of the Book of Acquisition) and details its contents as 'חדושי הלכות ואגדות ממסכת קדושין והלכות קדושין' (Novellae on Halachot and Aggadot from Tractate Kiddushin and Laws of Kiddushin). The book was published in 'ברעסלאו' (Breslau) and 'וויען' (Vienna). The page features a decorative border and a circular stamp near the bottom, indicating its historical nature as a religious text or scholarly work. The paper is aged and discolored, showing signs of wear and tear, including a slight tear on the left side.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.358Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117134,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117135/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"hakohen, shlomo (kahn). (moreh tzedek of vilna, 1828-1905). certification (kabbalah) for shechita and bedika (ritual slaughter). \n \n \n \n  \n one page (with integral blank). 4to. \n vilna: 22nd ellul 1861 \n \n \n son of rabbi yisroel moshe hakohen, r. shlomo\u2019s responsa were published under the name binyan shlomo, and his glosses on the talmud \u201ccheshek shlomo\u201d were included in the vilna edition of the talmud issued by the romm press, parts of which were proofread and edited by himself."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"49","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117135/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter in Hebrew script on light-colored paper, likely from the early to mid-20th century. The entire page is covered with dense, flowing cursive Hebrew script in brown ink. A circular purple stamp with Hebrew text, possibly a rabbinical seal, is visible at the bottom right, with 'Rabbiner' and 'Salomon Cohn, Wilna' printed below. The paper shows minor discoloration and a few small smudges, typical of an aged document. This item represents historical religious correspondence or a scholarly writing.","soldPrice":1900,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.359Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117135,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":9000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117136/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117136/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"halberstam, yechezkel shraga. (the shinaver rav, 1815-98). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew. \n \n \n \n  \n one page. laid down. 4to. \n shinava (sieniawa): 3rd nissan 1893 \n \n \n profoundly respected, r. yechezkel shraga was the eldest son of the divrei chaim - r. chaim halberstam of sanz \u2013 and one of the foremost chassidic leaders of his generation. author of the divrei yechezkel, he was venerated for his subtlety of mind, diligence and pursuit of truth - as well as being a formidable ideological opponent to political zionism. he founded the sanzer klois in tzfas. * with pasted on verso: letter addressed to rabbi aryeh leibush horowitz, av beth din of zlozitz (author of shailoth u\u2019teshuvoth harei besamim)."},"estimateMax":15000,"lotNumber":"50","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117136/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":9000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter in Hebrew script on aged, light-colored paper, likely from the early to mid-20th century. The letter features a printed letterhead at the top right, with 'יחזקאל ישראל הילדסהיים' (Yehezkel Israel Hildesheimer) and additional Hebrew text. A handwritten number '481' is present in the upper right corner. The main body of the letter is written in a legible, cursive Hebrew script, filling most of the page. The paper shows signs of age, including slight discoloration and minor creasing around the edges. This item serves as a historical document, likely a piece of personal or official correspondence.","soldPrice":36000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:39.360Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$10,000 - $15,000","currency":"USD","id":117136,"estimateMin":10000},{"startPrice":4500,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117137/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"halberstam, elisha. (grand rebbe of sanz, 1859-1941). letter signed, with stamp, written in hebrew. \n \n \n \n a letter of recommendation for a student named benzion dov from g&ouml;rlitz who was seeking to travel to eretz israel and study at yeshivath merkaz harav. the fine personal and learned qualities of this student are provided, and rabbi halberstam notes how important it is to extend him assistance. \n one page, 8vo. \n g&ouml;rlitz: friday, parshath vayishlach 1934 \n \n \n r. elisha halberstam was the grandson of the divrei chaim of sanz, son of r. baruch of g&ouml;rlitz and son-in-law of his uncle, r. mordechai dov of hornisteipel. he was the rabbi of g&ouml;rlitz from 1906 after his father\u2019s death, and reluctantly accepted the title of admor in 1918 at the urging of the sanzer chassidim following the death of his brother. at the outbreak of war, r. elisha was exiled to siberia and after much self-sacrifice due to being punctilious in his observances, he died of hunger and cold."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"51","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117137/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter, appearing to be a personal correspondence or a rabbinic response. The text is in Hebrew, written in a clear cursive script on a ruled, light-colored paper. Two circular purple ink stamps are visible, one at the top left and another near the bottom, both containing Hebrew text. The paper shows slight creasing and a tear at the bottom where it appears to have been folded, indicating its age and handling.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.457Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117137,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":1800,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117138/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"halberstam, choneh. (grand rebbe of koloschitz, 1884-1943). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew to raphael lowy. \n \n \n \n sending blessings to the recipients father, r. moshe lowy with prayers for his complete recovery from illness. \n one page (with integral blank). pencil notation on verso, stained. 8vo. \n reisha (rzeszow): monday, parshath shelach-lecha no year \n \n \n mentor to r. itzikel of przeworsk-antwerp, r. chona halberstam of koloschitz (kalaszyce) and reisha was a prominent pre-war chassidic leader. his grandfather was r. yechezkel of shiniva, the oldest son of r. chaim of sanz. his father-in-law was r. moshe halberstam of bardiev. his published works are: bein hashmashoth and torath mikveh. r. choneh was shot by the nazis alongside his wife, his sons killed in his presence just prior."},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"52","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117138/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This handwritten letter is composed in Hebrew script, likely a form of rabbinic or personal correspondence, written on ruled paper. The script is dark and flowing, covering most of the page. At the top right, a printed header in Hebrew is visible, suggesting it was written on official stationery. The paper is light-colored and exhibits minor creasing and subtle discoloration consistent with age.","soldPrice":2800,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.459Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117138,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":9000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117139/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"halberstam, ben-zion. (the kedushas tzion, second grand rebbe of bobov, 1874-1941). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to r. mordechai segal. \n \n \n \n sending mazal-tov wishes upon the birth of a daughter, followed by many blessings. \n one page (integral blank), stained, two heavy folds. 8vo. \n bobov: 1925 \n \n \n son of the first bobover rebbe r. shlomo halberstam (1847\u20131905) and grandson of the divrei chaim of sanz, r. benzion halberstam succeeded his father as rebbe when he was 31 years old and subsequently vastly expanded bobov chassidus. tragically, in 1941 he was murdered along with family members by the nazis and their ukrainian henchmen. letters from the kedushas tzion are exceptionally rare."},"estimateMax":15000,"lotNumber":"53","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117139/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":9000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter in Hebrew, likely a historical document or personal correspondence, written in a flowing cursive script on ruled paper. The paper has a visible watermark or discoloration across the bottom half, suggesting age or moisture exposure. The script is dark ink, and the general appearance indicates a period document, possibly from the mid-20th century or earlier due to the paper quality and visible wear.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.461Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$10,000 - $15,000","currency":"USD","id":117139,"estimateMin":10000},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117140/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"halberstam, shlomo. (third grand rebbe of bobov, 1908-2000). letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi ya\u2019akov menachem mendel deutsch. \n \n \n \n haskomah for the work chemda genuza, a commentary on the torah in the light of the talmud. the bobover rebbe adds his name to the approbations of praise already issued by the gedolei eretz yisrael. \n one page. 4to. \n brooklyn: thursday, parshath lech lecha 1972 \n \n \n r. shlomo halberstam of bobov, eldest son of the pre-war bobover rebbe r. benzion halberstam, was one of the great builders of chassidism in america following the holocaust, in which his entire family, except for one son, r. naftali, were murdered. the bobov sect itself was all but wiped out, yet was re-established by rabbi halberstam (kerem shlomo) with the warmth, charisma and piety admired by many."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"54","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117140/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a formal letter from Rabbi Solomon Halberstam of Bobov, written on official letterhead from Brooklyn, N.Y. The text is in Hebrew, handwritten in a distinct, elegant cursive script with dark ink. The letterhead includes English and Hebrew typography, providing contact details. The paper is white and clean, suggesting it is a relatively well-preserved document from the mid to late 20th century.","soldPrice":550,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.462Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117140,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117141/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117141/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"halberstam, yekuthiel yehudah. (grand-rebbe of klausenberg-sanz. 1904-94). autograph letter signed written in hebrew on letterhead, to r. menachem porush. \n \n \n \n divrei torah concerning the biblical spies, followed by blessings to the agudath israel politician. \n two pages, punch-holes. 4to. \n kiryat sanz - netanya: \n \n \n among blessings, the rebbe writes: \u201cmay god release us from the ropes and chains of the \u201cyetzer.\u201d"},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"55","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117141/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a letter penned in blue ink, written in Hebrew script on official letterhead. The letterhead identifies 'Rabbi S.L. Halberstam' from 'Kiryat Zans - Natanya, Israel' with a phone number and Hebrew text. The text is dense, filling most of the page, and the paper has three punched holes along the right edge, likely for filing. The overall appearance suggests a formal communication, possibly a rabbinic response or directive, from the mid-to-late 20th century.","soldPrice":1100,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.464Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117141,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":2800,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117142/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117142/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117142/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"halstock, meir yechiel halevi. (ostrovtzer rebbe, 1852-1928). <<with: hocherman, yitzchak meir>> (rabbi of ostrowiec, 1876-1942). letter signed and stamped, written in hebrew to rabbi moshe mordechai epstein. \n \n \n \n consists of two attached letters by the rabbis of ostrowiec, recommending local students to rabbi epstein, the rosh yeshiva of the chevron yeshiva. the students are yechiel hocherman, avraham shmuel eisenstadt and moshe yechezkel hocherman. the hochermans were the sons of rabbi yitzchak meir, the moreh tzedek of ostrowiec, who adds his own letter to that of rabbi halstock, the admor of ostrowiec. in addition to praise of their fine qualities, he provides biographical details of his sons, born in czestochowa in 1906 and 1908. \n three pages. punch-holes. 8vo. \n no place: an added note records the letter was received on 25th iyar 1925 \n \n \n the ostrovtser rebbe was renowned for being a torah genius and tzadik who abstained from any material comfort, famously fasting throughout the week for more than forty years. his fame drew thousands of chassidim to ostrowiec, who came to learn from his holy conduct. his published works are ohr torah and meir einei chachamim, but it was r. meir yechiel\u2019s distinct ascetic practices that were remarkable. they involved spending many, many hours in daily tear-filled prayer, denying himself material pleasure such as never listening to music, avoiding all conversation, fasting all day and eating but sparingly at night. his frequent fasting weakened him and his unsteady signature here is a testament to that."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"56","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117142/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten document in Hebrew, possibly a letter or religious text, written in a legible cursive script on aged, light brown paper. The top of the page contains additional markings, including a handwritten number '308'. The right edge of the paper has three punched holes, indicating it was part of a larger collection or filing system. A circular purple ink stamp with Hebrew text is present at the bottom left, suggesting an official or institutional origin.","soldPrice":3600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.465Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117142,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117143/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"halstock, yechezkel halevi. (ostrovtser rebbe, 1887-1942). autograph letter signed with stamp, written in hebrew. \n \n \n \n recommendation letter for a shochet. \n one page. neat paper repairs. 8vo. \n (ostrowiec świętokrzyski): 1934 \n \n \n the son-in-law of r. naftali of ropshitz and the only son of r. meir yechiel halevi of ostrovtza (whom he succeeded as rebbe), r. yechezkel was one of the greatest rabbinical scholars among pre-war chassidic leaders. he and his entire family (including seven married sons) were murdered by the nazis."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"57","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117143/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter or document in Hebrew, composed in a flowing cursive script on aged, light brown paper. The document appears to be a personal or rabbinic communication. The paper is creased in the middle, suggesting it was folded, and shows signs of wear and tear, particularly at the top. A faded purple circular ink stamp with Hebrew text is visible at the bottom right, adding to its historical context.","soldPrice":700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.467Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117143,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117144/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"heiman, shlomo. (rosh yeshiva, methivtah torah voda\u2019ath, 1892-1945). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to the vaad hayeshivos. \n \n \n \n letter of recommendation requesting financial assistance on behalf of an outstanding student named moshe wilkinson. signed by rabbi heiman as the ra\u201dm of the ramailes yeshiva in vilna. in addition, there is a note from rabbi meir basson who writes: \u201che is an exceedingly outstanding student and it a great mitzvah to assist him with whatever is possible.\u201d \n one page. punch-holes. 8vo. \n vilna: tammuz 1931 \n \n \n one of the outstanding disciples of r. baruch ber leibowitz, r. shlomo heiman originally served as a maggid shiur at r. elchanan wasserman\u2019s yeshiva ohel torah in baranovitch before being appointed rosh yeshiva of the ramailes yeshiva in vilna. upon the recommendation in 1935 of r. chaim ozer grodzenski, r. heiman was selected to be rosh yeshiva of torah vodaath in brooklyn. see e. katzman, toldoth hagaon r. shlomo heiman in: yeshurun vol. viii, pp. 153-72."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"58","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117144/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This document is a handwritten letter or note in Hebrew, with various entries in different hands and inks. The upper section is written in a brown ink, while the lower section is in blue ink. The paper is light-colored with punched holes along the left edge. A prominent rectangular purple ink stamp with Hebrew text and the number '2793' is located at the bottom right, indicating an official filing or archival mark, likely from the mid-to-late 20th century.","soldPrice":1300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.468Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117144,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117145/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"heschel, meshulam zushye. (grand rebbe of zinkov, 1813-66). letter signed, written in hebrew. \n \n \n \n inviting the recipient to the wedding of his son r. yechiel, to mirl rokeach, the daughter of grand rebbe yehoshua (shiale) of belz. \n one page (with integral blank). 8vo. \n n.p: n.d \n \n \n r. meshulam zushye was the son of r. yitzchak meir of zinkov and grandson of r. avraham yehoshua heschel, the apter rov. he published his grandfather\u2019s work oheiv yisrael in 1863. the family were said to have settled in the town of zinkov as the absence of non-jewish houses of worship there resulted in a more spiritually refined environment. the choson, (1843-1917) became the admor of krolevitz. the kallah was the the daughter of the second belzer rebbe."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"59","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117145/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten document in Hebrew, likely a letter or legal text, characterized by its highly stylized and decorative cursive script, indicative of a formal or important communication. The text is written in dark ink on light, unruled paper. The script features prominent flourishes and ornate letterforms, suggesting a calligraphic or scholarly hand. The paper appears to be clean and well-preserved, suggesting a document of some significance.","soldPrice":4000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:36.471Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117145,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":10000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117146/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117146/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117146/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117146/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117146/005/005.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"hirsch, samson raphael (founder of german neo-orthodoxy, 1808-88). <<personal chumash, filled with autograph family records.>> \n \n \n \n chamishah chumshei torah [hebrew pentateuch]. with five megiloth and haphtaroth. commentaries by rashi, onkelos, nachmanides and first appearance of the super-commentary to nachmanides by isaac aboab. megiloth, haphtaroth according to the sephardic and aschkenazic rite. divisional title (haphtaroth). with stamp \u201csrh\u201d and stamp of the rabbi\u2019s son \u201cjulius hirsch.\u201d recorded on the front pastedown in the hand of r. samson raphael hirsch are the detailed names, dates and time of births of each of his eleven children and first four grandchildren. also included are the details of a baby boy\u2019s circumcision. opening blank with deeply poignant autograph note recording the death of his wife johanna. a full english translation of the family record accompanies the volume. \n ff. 371 (i.e. 382), 26. occasional learned marginalia in more than one early hand. variously stained and worn, few marginal paper repairs affecting few words in places (more so on f. 374), closely shaved toward end. contemporary calf, rubbed and worn. thick folio. \n venice: daniel bomberg 1548 \n \n \n highly significant: the very volume in which rabbi samson raphael hirsch entered all his personal family history. as an antiquarian volume two-and-a-half centuries older than rabbi hirsch himself, the book includes many other former ownership marks. the very earliest is dated 1565. another early owner recorded the names and birthdays of his seven sons and daughters born between the years 1605-12. a 17th century beautifully ornamented inscription reads: \u201ci am moses isaiah of hildesheim.\u201d it is possible that r. hirsch, seeing these inscriptions made long before him, with typical historical conscientiousness, decided to continue such a practice, utilizing this rare bomberg chumash to record his own children\u2019s births. in so doing, r. hirsch would have encapsulated the crux of his life\u2019s work in these few pages, dedicated as he was to advancing the traditions of centuries past, yet attaching to them his distinct imprint, suitable to his own particular epoch. family record: the birth of each child is followed by a fervent wish in r. hirsch\u2019s hand that god permit him and his wife raise the child to: \u201ctorah, bridal canopy and good deeds\u201d (boys) and: \u201cfear of god, bridal canopy and good deeds\u201d (girls). these prayers were duly realized, for in his will, r. hirsch expressed great pleasure having seen his children grow in the ways of their ancestors. indeed, he wrote in his ethical will, there was no need to exhort his children to follow the torah fastidiously - as they were already doing so. rather, he beseeched his children to stay loyal to each other come what may. r. hirsch often records after each birth or circumcision a location. thus, we may follow the growing family as it traveled from oldenburg to emden to nikolsburg. finally, with the birth of r. hirsch\u2019s youngest children - the twins sophie and jenny - frankfurt on the main is entered. at this point in r. hirsch\u2019s career, the still youthful rabbi would have had little idea the extent to which his own name and legacy would become so enmeshed with the name of the city he had just recorded in this volume. in addition to noting the hebrew dates of birth, r. hirsch would add the secular date in parenthesis, at first in hebrew letters and in his later years, in latin letters. following the birth of his grandson paltiel (son of rabbi dr. tzvi hirsch and julia plato), a space is left blank for the secular date. evidently, r. hirsch, only aware of the hebrew date at the time, intended to return and fill-in the corresponding secular date, yet never did so. the blank space remaining serves as a testament to r. hirsch\u2019s weltanschauung: while awareness of the greater world one lives in is a cornerstone of \u201ctorah im derech eretz, \u201d it is presaged by a complete immersion in torah values and time frames. between listing his children and his grandchildren, the hebrew dates of r. hirsch\u2019s parents\u2019 yahrtzeits (jahrtag) are written, along with two further dates of unidentified significance. r. hirsch did not only document in this volume the happy days of his family\u2019s growth, but also recorded challenges. when daughter sarah became deathly ill at the age of two, r. hirsch notes her name was changed to rachel. fortunately, the illness passed and r. hirsch writes: \u2018\u201cand the lord heard our cries\u201d - and his daughter lived. \u201cmay god lengthen her years with pleasantness and may she grow to be a god-fearing woman of valor with aged, venerable years.\u201d sadly, not all challenges resolved themselves. three weeks after his son raphael was born, r. hirsch writes: \u201cgod took what he has given me, monday, 4th of nissan (5)601 (march 26th, 1841). may his soul be bound up in the bond of life and may he receive his portion in the end of days.\u201d this is a most important historical revelation. in all biographies (eg e.m. klugman (artscroll, 1996) p. 345) the child who passed away in infancy is said to have been a daughter. yet here, r. hirsch\u2019s own hand refutes this account; indeed he even includes the date of the baby boy\u2019s circumcision and the name of the mohel. equally heartbroken over the baby\u2019s death was of course the young boy\u2019s mother, johanna, who was said to have held on to one of the child\u2019s garments for years, wishing to be buried with it. upon learning of this desire, r. hirsch encouraged his wife to instead donate the garment to charity, so that their child\u2019s memory might benefit the poor in this world. johanna agreed. r. hirsch cherished his loving relationship with johanna (hanna judel), whom he regarded as his equal partner and full confidant. on the opening blank page of the chumash r. hirsch records her passing: \u201cfriday evening 2 iyar 5642 (1882) before midnight, fell my crown, beloved of my heart, my wife, the righteous, modest, and pious madam hanna\u2026the memory of her righteousness and piety will never be forgotten by her children and descendants forever after.\u201d accompanied by: samson raphael hirsch. autograph hebrew manuscript. novellae to tractate berachoth. almost four pages. r. hirsch\u2019s insights on prayer, including connecting the blessing of redemption to the silent amidah; leaving the synagogue in a calm demeanor; establishing a permanent seat in the synagogue; along with other ideas."},"estimateMax":18000,"lotNumber":"60","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117146/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":10000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot features an open book, likely a religious text, with an ornate printed title page featuring a detailed architectural archway design with Hebrew text within. Beside the open book lies a separate, folded handwritten document, also in Hebrew, on an aged sheet of paper. The book's pages are discolored and show signs of wear, indicating age. The handwritten document, possibly a commentary or letter, complements the printed book, suggesting a historical or scholarly context.","soldPrice":20000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:43.200Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$12,000 - $18,000","currency":"USD","id":117146,"estimateMin":12000},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117147/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"horowitz, alter yechezkel eliyahu. (grand rebbe of dzikov, 1879-1943). autograph letter signed on letterhead, written in hebrew to the second knessiah gedolah of agudath israel. \n \n \n \n greeting the \u201ctzadikim, rabbanim and gaonim of the generation\u201d assembled for the second kenessiah gedolah (world congress), vienna. the writer expresses his joy at such a gathering. \n one page (integral blank). 8vo. \n tarnow: 3rd ellul 1929 \n \n \n killed in the holocaust, r. alter yechezkel eliyahu horowitz was the only son of r. yehoshua of dzikow (author of atereth yeshu'a). his was son-in-law of his uncle, grand rebbe yisroel hager of vizhnitz."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"61","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117147/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter, a type of handwritten correspondence. The subject matter is not explicitly stated but is likely a personal or rabbinical communication. It appears to be from the early 20th century, based on the script and general appearance. The materials are paper with blue ink, featuring a letterhead in both Hebrew and English for \"ESTER HOROWITZ\". The text is handwritten in Hebrew script, exhibiting a flowing, cursive style.","soldPrice":2200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.548Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117147,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":300,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117148/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117148/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"kahaneman, yoseph shlomo. (the ponevezher rav, 1886\u20131969). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi j. saden of brooklyn. \n \n \n \n informing the recipient that two prominent rabbis from ponovitch are preparing to travel to new york on a fund-raising mission on behalf of the yeshiva and rabbi sadan is requested to assist their efforts. * with: autograph letterhead envelope. \n one page. 4to. \n ponevitch: 3rd adar 1936 \n \n \n established by r. yosef shlomo kahaneman in 1919, ponevezh yeshiva became famed as a torah study center and stronghold of orthodox jewry in lithuania. although the majority of its student body perished in the holocaust, rav kahaneman re-established the yeshiva in israel where it is the pride of bnei braq."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"62","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117148/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter, a type of handwritten rabbinical correspondence. It is dated \"935\" (likely 1935 or a similar period based on context) and is written by Rabbi J. Kahaneman, Dean of Ponevezh Rabbinical College, Lithuania. The materials are paper with blue ink, featuring a formal letterhead in Hebrew and English. The language is Hebrew, and the script is a fluid, cursive style common in rabbinical writings of the period, with a prominent signature at the bottom.","soldPrice":650,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.550Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117148,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117149/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117149/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"kalmanowitz, avraham. (rosh yeshiva mir-new york, 1887-1964). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew to avraham (edwin) kraushar. \n \n \n \n sending wishes of congratulations upon the engagement of their daughter frimet (fannie) and offers many thanks and accolades for the support that their son (henry) has given to the mirrer yeshiva. * with: autograph envelope. \n one page, 4to. \n brooklyn: tuesday, parshath lech lecha 1940 \n \n \n r. avraham kalmanowitz escaped to the united states in 1940 following the german occupation of poland and became a tireless rescue activist on behalf of jews trapped in nazi europe and the soviet union. he is credited with the successful transfer of the entire mir yeshiva from lithuania to shanghai, providing for its support for five years, and obtaining visas and travel fare to bring all 250 students and faculty to america after world war ii. he established the u.s. branch of the mir in 1946. in the 1950\u2019s and 60\u2019s he aided north african and syrian jewish youth suffering from persecution and pogroms, and successfully lobbied for the passage of a bill in congress granting \"endangered refugee status\" to jewish emigrants from arab lands."},"estimateMax":300,"lotNumber":"63","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117149/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter, specifically a handwritten rabbinical correspondence from Rabbi Abraham Kalmanowitz, President of Mirrer Yeshiva in Kedainiai, Lithuania. Based on the letterhead including addresses in Brooklyn, N.Y. and New York City, it likely dates from the mid-20th century. It is written on paper in black ink, featuring a distinctive, stylized Hebrew script. The letterhead includes details in both Hebrew and English, indicating its use for communication across different regions.","soldPrice":550,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.552Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$200 - $300","currency":"USD","id":117149,"estimateMin":200},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117150/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"kamai, avraham tzvi hirsch. (the last rabbi of mir, 1859-1942). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to the directors of the vaad hayeshivos. \n \n \n \n letter of recommendation on behalf of rabbi reuven oberstein of lida \u201ca skilled darshan.\u201d \n one page, punch-holes. 4to. \n mir: 3rd tammuz 1933 \n \n \n the writer was the son of r. eliyahu baruch kamai, rosh yeshiva of the mirrer yeshiva. following his father\u2019s death, r. avraham tzvi hirsch was appointed rav of the town of mir where his brother-in-law, r. eliezer yehuda finkel, served as rosh yeshiva. the vaad hayeshivos was an organization initiated by the chofetz chaim in 1924, and led by rabbi chaim ozer grodzinski, to coordinate financial support for all the yeshivos throughout lithuania."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"64","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117150/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter, a piece of rabbinical correspondence. It is from Rabin A. H. Komaj, associated with MIR (z. Nowogrodzka), and appears to be from the mid-20th century based on the typewritten letterhead and postmark. The materials are paper, featuring both typewritten Hebrew and English on the letterhead and handwritten Hebrew in black ink for the main body. A faded blue rectangular stamp, possibly a postmark or official seal, is visible in the lower right corner, dated \"1942\".","soldPrice":1100,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.553Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117150,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":1800,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117151/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"karelitz, avraham yeshayah. (the chazon ish, 1878-1953). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to rabbi moshe blau. \n \n \n \n concerning the education tax levied in pre-state eretz israel which was opposed by the chareidim, who did not want to participate in a communal fund that would support schools they considered heretical. the chazon ish writes here that although some think it to be impossible to arouse the light of judaism among the masses, yet \u201cif we remain resilient in preserving the ways of religion, viewing the torah as the main purpose in life, then there will most certainly be success.\u201d \n one page, two small repairs. 8vo. \n bnei brak: 22nd ellul 1945 \n \n \n the brilliant halachist r. abraham isaiah karelitz (b. kosova 1878 - d. bnei-braq 1953) was noted for his modest, unassuming lifestyle. he was wont to sign correspondence \u201cish\u2019\u201d (literally, \u201ca man\u201d), the initials of his personal names, abraham isaiah - similarly, his numerous halachic works carried the pseudonym, \u201cchazon ish.\u201d he held no formal rabbinic position, yet had profound influence on the development of chareidi society in israel and become universally recognized as the spiritual leader of orthodox jewry. in regard to this letter, see moshe porush memoirs, vol. ii, pp. 190-3."},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"65","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117151/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten document, likely a letter or legal/religious text. Its exact date is unspecified, but the style suggests an older period. It is composed on paper with dark brown ink. The script is entirely in Hebrew, with a dense, flowing cursive style covering the entire surface, suggesting a lengthy communication or detailed exposition. The paper appears slightly discolored and folded, indicating age and use.","soldPrice":8500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.554Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117151,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117152/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"leibowitz, baruch ber. (rosh yeshiva of kamenitz, 1864-1939). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew. \n \n \n \n  \n one page. 4to. \n kamenetz: 5th tishrei 1938 \n \n \n r. baruch ber leibowitz was one of the prime disciples of rabbi chaim soloveitchik of brisk, his teacher at the volozhin yeshiva. as rosh yeshiva of knesses beis yitzchak, the non-mussar offshoot of the slabodka yeshiva named for r. yitzchak elchanan spektor, r. leibowitz was an exponent of the style of talmud study pioneered by r. chaim, his teacher. r. leibowitz\u2019s birkas shmuel and shiurei rabbi baruch ber are widely studied in yeshivos to this day."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"66","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117152/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter, a piece of rabbinical correspondence from the Grand Rabbinical College, Kneseth Beth Isaac, Kaminetz-Litovsk (Poland), by Chief Rabbi B. B. Leibowitz. It likely dates to the early-to-mid 20th century. The materials are paper with black ink, featuring a letterhead with a small photographic portrait of Chief Rabbi B. B. Leibowitz, alongside text in both Hebrew and English. The handwritten text is in a dense, cursive Hebrew script, with a circular purple stamp in the lower center of the page.","soldPrice":1900,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.556Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117152,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117153/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"leiser, ya\u2019akov. (grand rebbe of pshevorsk, 1906-98). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew on letterhead to rabbi masoud gabbai. \n \n \n \n congratulating the recipient upon his marriage. also enclosing $1700 to assist a mutual friend, r. shaul ber, to secure an apartment for his newly married son. \n two pages. 4to. \n antwerp. : thursday, parshath tzav (no year) \n \n \n rabbi yaakov leiser assumed the leadership of pshevorsk (przeworsk), following the death of his father-in-law r. moshe yitzchak (reb itzikel) gewirtzman (1881-1976), founder of the pshevorsker chasidus of antwerp."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"67","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117153/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter, a piece of handwritten correspondence. It originates from Rabbi J. Leiser, located at Mercatorstraat 56, Antwerpen - België, as indicated by the letterhead. The exact date is not provided, but the modern typography of the letterhead suggests the mid-to-late 20th century. The materials are white paper with blue ink, featuring a neat, clear cursive Hebrew script for the main body of the letter. The letterhead is presented in both Hebrew and Dutch/French.","soldPrice":1100,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.557Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117153,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117154/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"lowy, asher segal. (dayan of kalov, m. 1944). autograph letter signed written in hebrew on letterhead, to the new york rabbis: leo jung, abraham zvi freiman, and israel grossman. \n \n \n \n noting that since the rebbe died all financial responsibilities for funding the kaliv yeshiva has devolved upon the writer, and he requests the recipients assist him in funding the tuition of the many students. \n two pages (integral blank). 4to. \n kalov (nagyk&aacute;ll&oacute;): \n \n \n brother of the demetcher ruv, the gaon r. asher segal lowy was the son of r. elimelech segal lowy, grand rebbe of tosh. in 1935 he was appointed dayan in kalov where he also headed the yeshiva. one of his celebrated disciples was his nephew, r. meshulem feish lowy (1921-2015), who, after the war, revived the tosh dynasty in quebec, canada."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"68","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117154/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter, a handwritten correspondence from \"ESTER SAGIL LAVI\". The presence of horizontal lines on the paper suggests it might be a page from a notebook or lined stationery. The exact date is unspecified. It is written on lined paper in blue ink. The text is entirely in Hebrew, featuring a consistent, legible cursive script throughout the page.","soldPrice":1100,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.558Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117154,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117155/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"mannheimer, isaac noah (1793-1865). testimonial certificate presented to rabbi mannheimer on the occasion of his 70th birthday presented by esrat israel - verein zur unterst&uuml;tzung bedr&auml;ngter israeliten, vienna. october 17, 1863. \n \n \n \n single leaf illuminated manuscript. congratulatory german text, with elaborate decorative elements. autograph signatures by the leaders of esrat israel: schlesinger and one other. photographic portrait of mannheimer at top. \n 17 x 21 inches. \n vienna: 1863 \n \n \n esrat israel = verein zur unterst&uuml;tzung bedr&auml;ngter israeliten (association for the support of afflicted israelite) was a relief organization founded in 1853 in leopoldstadt, vienna, to support impoverished jews. born in copenhagen isaak noah mannheimer was the son of the local hazan. he took up philosophy, oriental languages, and theology at the university there, at the same time continuing his studies in talmud. following the emancipation of the jews in denmark in 1814, mannheimer was appointed the first royal catechist. in 1824 he was called to vienna to direct the israelite religious school, thereafter he was preacher and then appointed rabbi. mannheimer helped to shape the so-called \"viennese rite\" or \"mannheimer ritus\", which spread in jewish communities in austria, hungary, bohemia and partly also in germany and, as a moderate modern form, prevented a split of the viennese community. many of his sermons have been published, his main work being wiener gebetbuch, first published in 1840. on his seventieth birthday the city of vienna conferred honorary citizenship upon him. mannheimer devoted the gifts bestowed by the community upon him on that occasion to a foundation for the aid of rabbis and teachers. the dedication on the certificate reads: \"in recognition of the great merits which his honor has rendered to the elevation and promotion of judaism in general, to the organization of the local jewish community, as well as to the creation and establishment of various humanitarian and charitable institutions in particular, by which this widely renowned veteran of jewish homiletics has shaped and transformed the jewish community of the [imperial] residence with rare self-sacrificing energy and untiring zeal, into the prime model community of the monarchy worthy of imitation.\u201d"},"estimateMax":1800,"lotNumber":"69","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117155/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an ornate certificate or diploma, likely from a Jewish organization. It is dated October 17, 1863, and appears to be an honorary membership certificate for \"HR. MANNHEIMER\" from \"Vereines Israel-Israel\" in Vienna. The materials are paper, richly printed with intricate decorative borders in shades of brown, green, and blue, incorporating heraldic shields and a small portrait at the top. The text is a mix of German and Hebrew in various stylized fonts, highlighting its formal and ceremonial nature.","soldPrice":1700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.559Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,200 - $1,800","currency":"USD","id":117155,"estimateMin":1200},{"startPrice":200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117156/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"meltzer, isser zalman. (rabbi of slutzk, rosh yeshivah etz chaim, jerusalem. 1870-1953). autograph letter signed and stamped, written in hebrew to rabbi ya\u2019akov moshe bassok. \n \n \n \n rabbinic ordination. this document is a yoreh yoreh yadin yadin semicha certificate awarded to rabbi bassok. in addition to the standard text of the semicha, rabbi meltzer writes that the ordained is an exceptional darshan. \n one page. 4to. \n slutzk: 7th sivan 1910 \n \n \n r. isser zalman meltzer was intimately involved in the chovevei zion movement in his early years, while a student at volozhin. after a stint teaching in slabodka, he became rabbi and rosh yeshiva of slutzk. he emigrated to eretz israel in the 1920\u2019s, where he was the rosh yeshiva of the etz chaim yeshiva. influential in his own right, with a long list of prominent jewish leaders as students, his bearing on the yeshiva world continued through his son-in-law, r. aharon kotler and what he in turn established in america. r. meltzer\u2019s commentary on maimonides\u2019 mishneh torah, sefer even ha\u2019ezel, is widely studied today."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"70","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117156/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter, a piece of rabbinical correspondence from \"AISER WEIZMANN MALTZAR\". It appears to be from the early 20th century. The materials are paper with dark brown ink for the handwritten text. The letter features a printed letterhead in both Hebrew and Cyrillic script (indicating Minsk, Guber.), which is characteristic of Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. The handwritten body is in a cursive Hebrew script, with the signature clearly visible at the bottom.","soldPrice":600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:38.561Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117156,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117157/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"paneth, yitzchak yechiel & yechezkel paneth. (joint grand rebbes of dej). letter signed, written in hebrew to rabbi moshe deutsch. \n \n \n \n concerning the importance of strengthening the ahavath tzion kollel for those who had emigrated to jerusalem from siebenb&uuml;rgen (transylvania). \n one page. 4to. \n dej: 27th tamuz 1907 \n \n \n brothers r. yitzchak yechiel paneth (1863-1940) and r. yechezkel paneth (1870-1930) jointly succeeded their father, r. moshe paneth, as admor of dej. the former directed the kollel and the latter was the city rabbi."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"71","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117157/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a manuscript document, likely a letter or official record, handwritten in a calligraphic script. The item is a single sheet of aged, light-brown paper, possibly from the early modern period given the script style. The text, in dark brown ink, is dense and occupies most of the page, with a distinct decorative flourish at the bottom that appears to be a signature or seal. The script is an unidentifiable historical form, but exhibits characteristics of cursive Middle Eastern or South Asian languages. The paper shows minor creasing and some discoloration consistent with age.","soldPrice":1200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.719Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117157,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":300,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117158/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"partzovitz, nochum. (rosh yeshiva of the mir, 1923-1986). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to the politician rabbi menachem porush of agudath israel. \n \n \n \n requesting assistance for the mother of the rabbi of bnei braq tzvi kagan, who sought to emigrate from the soviet union. \n one page. small tape repairs to rough fore-edge. 4to. \n (jerusalem): 27th tamuz 1977 \n \n \n born in trakai, poland to its chief rabbi, r. aryeh tzvi partzovitz. his father was a grandson of the posek of vilna, r. shlomo hakohen and son-in-law to r. nochum greenhouse. r. nochum partzovitz was a student of r. elchanan wasserman, r.baruch ber leibowitz and the mirrer yeshiva, through which he escaped the nazis when the yeshiva escaped nazi europe for shanghai. after the war he married r. chaim shmuelevitz's daughter ettel and emigrated to israel. he succeeded his father-in-law as rosh yeshiva of mir in jerusalem in 1979, although he was only able to retain the position for a short period of time due to illness. chidushei reb nochum and shiurei reb nochum were published posthumously by his students."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"72","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117158/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten letter or document on lined, white paper, suggesting a modern or contemporary period. The text is written in blue ink in a cursive script, which appears to be Hebrew or Yiddish, running from right to left. The paper exhibits a torn edge on the right side and a piece of light-brown tape is affixed to the lower right corner, indicating repair or attachment. The content seems to be a personal or informal message, as suggested by the notebook paper and handwriting style.","soldPrice":450,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.721Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117158,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":350,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117159/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"perlow, alter yisroel shimon. (grand rebbe of novominsk, 1875-1933). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew on letterhead, to rabbi benzion ben-david(?). \n \n \n \n sending greetings and blessings for the upcoming new year. \n one page. 8vo. \n minsk mazowiecki: 29th av 1931 \n \n \n rabbi perlow, author of sepher tifereth ish, was the second rebbe of novominsk. his father was rabbi ya\u2019akov (1843-1902) a descendant of the neshchiz dynasty. his father-in-law was r. baruch meir twersky of chernobyl."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"73","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117159/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":350,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter written on pre-printed stationery with a header in both Hebrew/Yiddish and a Latin-script language, indicating its origin from 'אלטער ישראל שמעון' (Alter Israel Shimon) and an address. The letter is handwritten in dark ink, in a cursive Hebrew or Yiddish script. The paper is light-colored and lined, showing some signs of age and handling, with a small dark mark near the top right. It appears to be a formal or semi-formal correspondence, possibly from the early to mid-20th century, given the stationery style.","soldPrice":550,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.722Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117159,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":400,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117160/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117160/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"perlow, avraham elimelech. (grand rebbe of karlin, 1891-1942). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew to one r. pinchas. \n \n \n \n offering thanks for assistance in collecting communal funds and provides administrative instructions. however informs the recipient he must refrain from foolish actions (\u201cshtusim vehevolim\u201d). blesses all his descendants. \n one-and-a-half sides, punch-holes. 8vo. \n (karlin): n.d \n \n \n son-in-law of r. mordechai yoseph of zlatipola, r. avraham elimelech perlow of karlin-pinsk (1891-1942) succeeded his father, r. yisroel, the \u201cyenukah\u201d of stolin, as rebbe in 1921. he visited eretz israel a number of times where he established a yeshiva and attracted a large following. despite the entreaties of his chassidim to stay in the holy land, he returned to poland in 1939 just prior to the outbreak of world war ii. he stated that although he saw dark clouds looming he felt obligated to return to poland be with his family and his chassidim. he was murdered along with his children by the nazis."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"74","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117160/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":400,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten letter on light-colored, possibly cream, paper with two punch holes at the top left, suggesting it was part of a bound collection or folder. The text is written in dark ink, in a fluid cursive Hebrew or Yiddish script, from right to left. A pre-printed header, 'אברהם אלימלך' (Avraham Elimelech), appears at the top right in Hebrew. The paper shows slight creasing and faint discoloration consistent with age, indicative of a historical document or correspondence.","soldPrice":400,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.724Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117160,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":550,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117161/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"perlow, moshe. (grand rebbe of stolin, 1891-1942). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi yosef schub, menahel of the va\u2019ad hayeshivos in vilna. \n \n \n \n  \n one page. 8vo. \n n.d \n \n \n r. moshe perlow, son of r. yisrael of stolin (known as \u2018the frankfurter\u2019 or \u2018the yenuka\u2019), became rebbe to thousands of stoliner chasidim following his father\u2019s death in 1922. he led his chasidim until his martyrdom in the holocaust."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"75","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117161/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":550,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a handwritten letter, likely a personal correspondence, penned in dark ink on a single sheet of light-colored paper. The script is a cursive Hebrew or Yiddish, flowing from right to left across the page. A prominent pre-printed header, 'משה פערלמאן' (Moshe Pearlman), is visible at the top right, indicating the sender or organization. The paper has some subtle creasing and a light discolored area near the top, suggesting it is an aged document from a modern or contemporary period.","soldPrice":900,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.725Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117161,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":11000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117162/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117162/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117162/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117162/004/004.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"pick, yeshaya. (1725-99). yoseph karo. sepher torath kohanim, shulchan aruch choshen mishpat. with commentary me\u2019irath einayim and sifthei kohen. owned and heavily annotated by rabbi isaiah berlin (pick). \n \n \n \n r. yeshaya (berlin) pick\u2019s personal copy, signed by him on title-page, and with his marginal annotations throughout.  \n ff. (4), 502. corners rounded, lightly stained in places, opening and closing few leaves with marginal paper repairs. modern blind-tooled calf. thick folio. \n f&uuml;rth: yoseph b. shlomo shneur 1691 \n \n \n the volume contains hundreds of r. yeshaya pick\u2019s autograph notes of shulchan aruch choshen mishpat and its commentaries, the sema and shach. written in a precise almost micrographic hand, he regularly suggests here textual emendations to fix errors in the printed text, or adds words to provide more clarity. other times he creates useful lists of various opinions that the scholar would wish to have in mind when studying. for example, to the sifthei kohen\u2019s list of rules derived from siman 25, r. yeshaya pick focuses on five places where the shach argues with other authorities: \u201ca. not like the mechaber b. in this he argues on the sema. etc.\u201d many of the marginalia are paragraph-length commentaries in their own right. this precious, working copy of a halachic text from a distinguished acharon, is a mine of information for scholars to research and publish the labors of rabbi isaiah berlin on choshen mishpat. rabbi isaiah berlin, also known by his father-in-law's surname pick, was one of the great central european gaonim of the 18th century. he heavily annotated his books, leaving a plethora of insights, sources, and corrections on a good deal of rabbinic material. he was a businessman-scholar early in life, later serving as av beth din in breslau. many of his valuable annotations on important rabbinic texts have been published, such as his hafla'ah shebearchin on the talmudic dictionary by rabbi nathan of rome, and his invaluable supplement to masoret hashas, included in talmud editions published since 1805. provenance: donated by the kloiz d\u2019chasidei boyan to yeshivath chachmei lublin. with stamps from both institutions, as well as an inscription on the opening blank from the librarian of yeshivas chachmei lublin calling attention to the annotations by rabbi berlin-pick. a remarkable volume with hundreds of autograph annotations and with a distinguished provenance from the crown jewel of pre-war polish yeshivoth."},"estimateMax":18000,"lotNumber":"76","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117162/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":11000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is the front cover of a document or folder, made of light brown, aged paper. It features handwritten text in dark ink, in a cursive Hebrew or Yiddish script, predominantly in the upper half of the page. Several stamps or labels are visible: one at the top center with text including '130-3', another larger purple rectangular stamp at the bottom center, and a smaller, faded stamp above it. The paper shows wear, creasing, and discoloration, indicating it is an archival document, possibly from the mid-20th century.","soldPrice":11000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.726Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$12,000 - $18,000","currency":"USD","id":117162,"estimateMin":12000},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117163/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"polonsky, shimshon aharon. (the gaon of teplik, 1876-1948). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi avraham yehoshua bick. \n \n \n \n rabbinic ordination. a yoreh yoreh yadin yadin semicha. in addition to the standard text, rabbi polonsky highlights the rabbinic lineage of rabbi bick, including his descent from the chacham tzvi. \n one page, punch-holes. 4to. \n jerusalem: 16th adar ii 1935 \n \n \n rabbi polonsky was the rabbi of teplik in volhynia. after immigrating to eretz yisrael in 1922 he became rabbi of the beit yisrael neighborhood in jerusalem. his work divrei aharon on shas and poskim was published shortly before his death. rabbi bick-shauli (1913-90) published an edition of megilat sefer by r. ya\u2019akov emden, and many scholarly works. his father, mentioned in this document, was r. shaul yissachar bick (1884-1971) of medziboz."},"estimateMax":300,"lotNumber":"77","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117163/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter written on official stationery from 'RABBI S. A. POLONSKY Beth-Israel JERUSALEM Palestine', with the name also in Hebrew. The main body of the letter is handwritten in purple ink, in a cursive Hebrew or Yiddish script, filling most of the page. A circular stamp with Hebrew text is visible at the bottom center. The paper is light-colored and lined, showing signs of age with some minor creasing, indicative of a historical correspondence from the Palestine Mandate era.","soldPrice":225,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.728Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$200 - $300","currency":"USD","id":117163,"estimateMin":200},{"startPrice":350,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117164/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"poupko, aryeh leib. (of radin, 1861-1938). autograph letter signed, on letterhead, written in hebrew to rabbi yosef golden. \n \n \n \n thank you letter for a donation of $5 to his father the chofetz chaim. he passes on his father\u2019s blessings. \n one page. 8vo. \n warsaw: 11th tammuz 1933 \n \n \n r. aryeh leib hakohen poupko was the firstborn son and close assistant of his father, the celebrated chofetz chaim. in the present letter he acts as representative of his aged father, whose name is both on the letterhead and in the signature: \u201caryeh leib hakohen ben hatzadik chofetz chaim, shlit\u2019a."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"78","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117164/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":350,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter on official stationery for 'Rabin L. PUPKO WARSAWA Dzielna 43, m. 5', with the information also provided in Hebrew. The letter is handwritten in dark ink, in a flowing cursive Hebrew or Yiddish script, occupying the lower two-thirds of the page. The paper is light-colored, showing some minor creasing, and appears to be a formal or semi-formal correspondence. It likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, originating from Warsaw, Poland.","soldPrice":600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.729Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117164,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117165/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"pruskin, pesach. (rosh yeshiva, kobrin, 1879-1939. autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to israel henry beren. \n \n \n \n inviting the philanthropist to visit the yeshiva. \n one page, punch-holes. 4to. \n kobryn: 20th teveth 1937 \n \n \n a student of the chofetz chaim and one of foremost roshei yeshiva in lithuania in the pre-holocaust generation, r. pesach pruskin was the mashgiach of the yeshiva of slutzk under r. isser zalman meltzer. later he was rosh yeshiva of the kobrin yeshiva, as well as rabbi of the city. one of his disciples was rabbi moshe feinstein who later wrote: \"i benefited greatly from listening to his lectures and original insights in the years that i merited to be his student in the years before the first world war.\u201d (from a 1968 letter published in the beginning of shiurei r. pesach mikobrin)."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"79","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117165/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a letter written on pre-printed stationery for 'RABIN F. PRUSKIN KOWNO', with the name also in Hebrew. The letter is handwritten in dark ink, in a cursive Hebrew or Yiddish script, filling the middle section of the page. A small, faint numerical stamp '59/23' is visible in the upper right. The paper is light-colored and lined, with a torn or irregular edge on the right side and a punch hole on the left. It appears to be a historical correspondence, likely from the early to mid-20th century, originating from Kaunas (Kowno).","soldPrice":600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.730Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117165,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":1200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117166/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"rabinowitz, shlomo chanoch. (fourth grand rebbe of radomsk, 1885-1942). secretarial postcard signed, written in hebrew to r. eliyahu koschitzki. \n \n \n \n a new year greeting to a colleague and chossid in tel aviv. effusive with blessings for success, wealth, and good health. \n address on verso. worn. 12mo. \n sosnovitch (sosnowiec ): wednesday parshath toldoth 1937 \n \n \n r. shlomo chanoch hakohen rabinowitz was the eldest son of the knesses yechezkel, rabbi yechezkel rabinowitz and great-grandson of the founder of the radomsk dynasty, the tiferes shlomo. r. sholomo chanoch succeeded his father as rebbe in 1910 and his dynamic and charismatic style attracted thousands to his court. indeed, on the eve of world war ii, radomsk was the third largest chasidus in poland (after ger and alexander). upon outbreak of war an escape plan to eretz israel was made available for the rebbe, however he insisted he would not abandon his followers. he did indeed remain in warsaw and on 18th av 1942, was murdered by german nazis along with every single member of his family. after four generations, the radomsk dynasty came to an end and was never revived. r. sholomo chanoch published shivchei kohen and birchath shlomo, however much that was unpublished was lost due to war."},"estimateMax":2500,"lotNumber":"80","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117166/view","tags":["uscollectibles_stamps","uscollectibles","uscollectibles_all"],"directSalePrice":1200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten letter or postcard, penned in dark ink on a single sheet of aged, light-brown paper. The script is a cursive Hebrew or Yiddish, covering most of the page. A pre-printed header, 'שלמה הנוך הכהן ראבינאוויטש' (Shlomo Hanoch HaKohen Rabinowicz), is visible at the top right. The paper shows significant signs of age, including creasing, foxing, and darker edges, suggesting it is a historical document. The writing appears to be a personal or religious communication.","soldPrice":2200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.731Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,500 - $2,500","currency":"USD","id":117166,"estimateMin":1500},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117167/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"rabinowitz, yitzchok ya\u2019akov. (\u201creb itzele ponevezher, \u201d 1854\u20131919). lengthy autograph letter signed, written in hebrew, on letterhead to r. aharon yoseph of fren. \n \n \n \n detailed responsa relating to agunoth, treifoth and related halachic matters. \n four pages. 4to. \n ponevitch: \n \n \n the ga\u2019on r. yitzchak ya\u2019akov rabinowitz (r. itzele ponivezher) was among the disciples of the beis halevi and studied with his son, r. chaim soloveitchik. in 1889 he headed the slabodka yeshiva before leaving to serve the rabbinate of ponevezh where he founded its famed yeshiva. he was an intellectual giant in torah and originated new paths in the conceptual understanding of talmud. r. itzele\u2019s responsa were posthumously published under the title zecher yitzchak."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"81","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117167/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a single-page autograph letter, likely from the early to mid-20th century, written in Hebrew or Yiddish script. The letter is handwritten in dark ink on light-colored paper, featuring text across the entire page. At the top of the page, some text is printed, possibly a letterhead in Hebrew. The paper shows signs of age, including slight discoloration and minor creasing along the edges and a central fold.","soldPrice":1200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.786Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117167,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":350,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117168/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"rokeach, yissochor dov. (fifth grand rebbe of belz, b. 1948). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to a yeshiva student. \n \n \n \n acknowledging receipt of a letter informing him of a manuscript written by rabbi shalom, the first rebbe of belz (the sar shalom). asks the recipient to follow up by sending him a copy. \n one page. 4to. \n jerusalem: 13th tishrei 1971 \n \n \n r. yissachar dov rokeach is the son of r. mordechai rokeach of bilgoraj, who was the son of the third belzer rebbe, r. yissachar dov, and the nephew of r. aharon rokeach, the fourth belzer rebbe. only nine years old when r. aharon passed away, r. yissachar dov was appointed successor to r. aharon in 1966 at the age of 18, a position he has held since, leading one of the largest chassidic dynasties in israel."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"82","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117168/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":350,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a single-page autograph letter, likely from the early to mid-20th century, handwritten in blue ink on light-colored paper. The script appears to be Hebrew or Yiddish. The text occupies most of the page, and a signature is prominently displayed at the bottom. The paper is well-preserved with a central fold mark and some minor discoloration, particularly near the top right.","soldPrice":900,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.789Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117168,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117169/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"rosen, yoseph. (the rogotchover gaon, 1858-1936). autograph postcard signed, written in hebrew, on letterhead to rabbi baumol of brooklyn. \n \n \n \n response to halachic question relating to burial. \n two sides. 8vo. \n dvinsk: 1934 \n \n \n the recipient was the maternal grandfather of the late rabbi dr. norman lamm, president of yeshiva university."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"83","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117169/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an antique postcard, likely from the early 20th century, featuring both handwritten text in Hebrew or Yiddish script and English. The card is addressed to \"America, Brooklyn N.Y., 376 Lo 2ND Street, Rabbai O. Baumol\" and is signed by \"Jas. Roline\". The reverse side contains printed postal information in multiple languages, including \"VISPASAULES PASTA SAVIENIBA\" and \"UNION POSTALE UNIVERSELLE\". The card shows significant signs of age, including staining, creases, and worn edges, suggesting a historical artifact of correspondence.","soldPrice":2200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.796Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117169,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117170/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"rottenberg, pinchas shalom. (grand rebbe of kosson, 1892-1966). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi avraham abir kreuser. \n \n \n \n a thank you for the volumes be\u2019er yaakov on shulchan aruch by rabbi chaim ya\u2019akov kreuser, the correspondent\u2019s father. \n one page. 4to. \n bronx, ny: sunday, parshath noach 1942 \n \n \n the writer was the son of rabbi yehosef (1853-1911). he was one of the earlier chasidic rebbes to reestablish chasidic judaism in america before wwii, having arrived in america and establishing a kehilla in the 1920\u2019s."},"estimateMax":300,"lotNumber":"84","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117170/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an autograph letter, likely from the mid-20th century, written on a single page of lined paper. The letter is handwritten in Hebrew or Yiddish script in dark ink and features a printed letterhead at the top that reads \"RABBI P. S. ROTTENBERG, 1151 LONGFELLOW AVENUE, BRONX, N.Y.\" The letter is signed at the bottom. The paper is light-colored and shows minor signs of age and a central fold.","soldPrice":600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.802Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$200 - $300","currency":"USD","id":117170,"estimateMin":200},{"startPrice":1900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117171/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"schick, moshe. (mahra\u2019m schick, 1807-79). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew to rabbi chaim sofer. \n \n \n \n declining to add his name to a rabbinic letter, yet noting the importance of taking heed of its message. \n one page (integral blank). edges somewhat worn. 8vo. \n chust: sunday, parshath ki teitzei (9th august) 1872 \n \n \n the mahara\u2019m schick was one of the most prominent hungarian rabbis of his time, the foremost disciple of the chasam sofer and his principal successor. he was famed for his intellectual alacrity, quickly responding to even the most complicated questions of halachic law. r. chaim sofer (1821-86) known as the machaneh chaim, was the rabbi of munkacz and pest. in addition to being a highly regarded posek, he was an expert sofer, whose tefillin were highly prized."},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"85","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117171/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a single-page manuscript, likely from the early to mid-20th century, handwritten in a dense, stylized Hebrew or Yiddish script using dark ink. The text covers almost the entire page, which appears to be a fragment with uneven, possibly torn, edges. The paper is light-colored and exhibits significant signs of age, including discoloration and some creasing, contributing to its historical appearance.","soldPrice":5000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.816Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117171,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":600,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117172/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"schneersohn, yosef yitzchak. (sixth grand rebbe of lubavitch, 1880-1950). typed letter signed, written in hebrew on letterhead to \u201cthe hebrew community of lodz.\u201d \n \n \n \n the lubavitcher rebbe beseeches the jewish community of lodz to donate funds in order to provide the jews in the soviet union with enough flour to bake matzah for pesach. he writes there are thousands of requests from jews in russia who don\u2019t even have enough for the minimum requirements (kezayis). he closes with a blessing for the community of lodz. \n one page. 8vo. \n riga: 23rd adar ii 1932 \n \n \n the frierdiker rebbe (the rebbe rayya\u2019tz) took over his chassidus at a time of great oppression against the judaism in the soviet union. directing clandestine activities to strengthen torah-life, in 1927 he was arrested and sentenced to death by the soviet authorities. due to subsequent international pressure he was released, upon which time he moved to the latvian capital of riga where he resumed his outreach activities. in 1940, after a remarkable escape from war-torn poland, the rebbe settled in the united states where he re-established the worldwide center of chabad-lubavitch at 770 eastern parkway in the crown heights section of brooklyn."},"estimateMax":1000,"lotNumber":"86","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117172/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":600,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a single-page typed letter from \"RABBI I. SCHNEERSOHN,\" likely from the mid-20th century, written in Hebrew. The letter features a printed letterhead and a formal, rubber-stamped date and number \"688\" at the top right, indicating it might be a copy or official document. The main body of the letter is typed, but there is a handwritten signature at the bottom. The paper is light-colored and appears to be in good condition with a prominent central fold.","soldPrice":1300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.820Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$700 - $1,000","currency":"USD","id":117172,"estimateMin":700},{"startPrice":550,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117173/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"schneerson, menachem mendel. (seventh grand rebbe of lubavitch, 1902-94). typed letter signed, with few additional lines in autograph. written on letterhead in hebrew to zvi harkavy. \n \n \n \n the lubavitcher rebbe here explains why he refuses permission for his writings to appear in a festschriften, as he follows the similar such practice of his father-in-law, the previous rebbe. following this is a halachic discussion concerning a passage in rabbi eliezer waldenberg\u2019s \u2018tzitz eliezer\u2019 regarding travel on israeli-flagged ships, about which the rebbe expresses astonishment, quite certain that the opposite from what was stated is in fact the case. \n one page. 4to. \n brooklyn: 27th ellul 1957 \n \n \n r. menachem mendel schneerson was one of the great jewish leaders of the 20th century. dr. zvi harkavy (1908-79) a member of the famed scholarly families strashun and harkavy of lithuania, was an important figure in the mizrachi movement in israel. he edited many scholarly volumes and authored more than 150 articles. the festschriften referred to in this letter is likely that for harkavy\u2019s father-in-law, r. reuven katz of petach tikvah."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"87","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117173/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":550,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an autograph letter, likely from the mid-20th century, handwritten in Hebrew or Yiddish script on a single page of lined paper. The letter includes a printed letterhead for \"MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON, Lubavitch, 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn 13, N. Y.\". The entire page is filled with handwritten text in dark ink, including a large signature at the bottom. The paper is light-colored and shows a central fold and minor creasing, indicative of age.","soldPrice":1800,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.821Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117173,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117174/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117174/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"schwartz, yosef hakohen. (rabbi in bonyh&aacute;d and grosswardein, 1875-1944). eit sefod [\u201ca time to eulogize.\u201d] shlomo hakohen klein. pp. 74. paks, 1898. \n \n \n \n personal copy of rabbi yosef hakohen schwartz, with his extensive autograph notes. \n with previous owner\u2019s marks, including the bibliographer naphtali ben-menachem. modern boards. 8vo. \n \n \n \n this copy is heavily annotated by r. yosef hakohen schwartz. these notes range from a few words giving an addition, a reference, or lengthy supplements within various sections. also contained are several manuscript sections that were the contents of eulogies which rabbi schwartz himself must have delivered. r. yosef hakohen schwartz was a son of r. naftali schwartz, rabbi of mad and son-in-law of r. eliezer deutsch, rabbi of bonyhad. he authored a large number of halachic works as well as edited his father-in-law\u2019s writings for publication. he was also editor of the rabbinical journal \u2018vayelaket yosef.\u2019 et sefod is a rabbi\u2019s guidebook for eulogies. the author, r. shlomo hakohen klein (1833-1902) was a disciple of the kesav sofer. see https://seforimblog.com/2008/12/caught-in-act-unknown-admission-of/? print=print."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"88","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117174/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a double-page spread from a book, likely a religious text, with extensive handwritten annotations in Hebrew or Yiddish script, dating from the early to mid-20th century. The main text is printed in Hebrew, with the left page titled \"עם בראשית\" (On Genesis) and the right page titled \"תורה\" (Torah). The margins and interlinear spaces are filled with handwritten notes in dark ink, indicating intensive study or commentary. The book appears bound in a dark cover and shows signs of wear, including discoloration and creasing on the pages.","soldPrice":700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.823Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117174,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117175/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"shatzkes, moshe. (\u201cthe lomza rov\u201d 1881-1958). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew. \n \n \n \n  \n one page, punch-holes. 4to. \n lomza: 28th tishrei 1934 \n \n \n the writer one of the leaders of pre-war polish-lithuanian jewry, was rabbi of lomzha. he was the step-son of r. isaac blaser of st. petersburg (\u201creb itzele peterburger\u201d) the foremost disciple of r. israel salanter, and wrote annotations to his halachic work, peri yitzchak. he succeeded in fleeing europe at the onset of world war ii finding refuge in shanghai. in 1941 r. shatzkes arrived in the united states and accepted a post at the rabbi isaac elchanan theological seminary of yeshiva university, new york, where he served as a rosh yeshiva until his passing."},"estimateMax":300,"lotNumber":"89","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117175/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an autograph letter, likely from the mid-20th century, handwritten in a dense, flowing Hebrew or Yiddish script on a single page of light-colored paper. The letter features a printed letterhead at the top, indicating the sender as \"Rabin M. SZACKES, LOMZA\". The text fills most of the page and is signed at the bottom. The paper shows minor signs of age and a central vertical crease.","soldPrice":275,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.824Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$200 - $300","currency":"USD","id":117175,"estimateMin":200},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117176/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"shkop, shimon. (1860-1939). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi yitzchak sodden. \n \n \n \n expressing grateful thanks for the 156 \u201cshekalim\u201d (dollars) collected by congregation ohev shalom to benefit the yeshiva. \n one page. 4to. \n grodno: thursday, parshath shelach 1927 \n \n \n \u201cr. shimon\u201d was a leading student of r. chaim soloveitchik and expert exponent of his particular method of talmud study. he grew to become one of the most highly regarded roshei yeshiva in pre-war europe, serving in telz, maltch and brainsk, before opening his own yeshiva in grodno. his talmudic novellae and lectures recorded in his magnum opus \u201csha\u2019arei yosher\u201d (1928) received universal praise. rabbi isaac sodden (d. 1981) had a rabbinic career in new york that spanned over 60 years. he was the author of the multi-volume works pnei hashulchan (on halachah), toldoth yitzchak (collected sermons) and derashoth yitzchak sodden."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"90","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117176/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an autograph letter, likely from the mid-20th century, handwritten in Hebrew or Yiddish script on a single page of light-colored paper. The letter includes a printed letterhead for \"Rabin Sz. Szkop, Dyrektor W. Szkoly Rabiniow w Grodnie\". The text is handwritten in dark ink, and the page features a purple rubber stamp near the bottom right. The paper shows a central fold and some minor discoloration, characteristic of historical correspondence.","soldPrice":1100,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.825Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117176,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117177/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"sofer, simchah bunim. (the shevet sofer, grandson of the chasam sofer, 1842-1906). autograph letter signed on letterhead, written in hebrew to rabbi azriel hildesheimer. \n \n \n \n concerning a get written in jerusalem under the auspices of rabbi shneur zalman fradkin of lublin (1830-1902). \n one page. few chipped edges. 8vo. \n vienna: (1890) \n \n \n rabbi sofer, known as the shevet sofer, was the son and successor of r. avraham shmuel binyamin, (the kesav sofer) himself, the son and successor of the chasam sofer. both were joint rabbi and rosh yeshiva of pressburg. most of the orthodox rabbis of hungary were students of the shevet sofer. r. azriel hildesheimer (1820-99) was rabbi of eisenstadt, where he founded a torah im derech eretz-style yeshiva. although some hungarian rabbinic luminaries, like mahara\u2019m schick, sent their children there, the zealous atmosphere in hungary drove r. hildesheimer to leave the country in 1869 and re-establish himself in germany."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"91","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117177/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical document, specifically a handwritten letter or manuscript leaf, likely from the early modern period. The item is composed on aged paper with visible signs of wear and tear along the edges. The subject matter is textual, featuring dense script in Hebrew or Aramaic, indicating a religious, scholarly, or personal communication. The script style is a flowing, cursive hand, consistent with traditional Jewish calligraphy. The overall impression is that of an authentic antique document, possibly a fragment from a larger work or an important correspondence.","soldPrice":1900,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.107Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117177,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":10000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117178/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117178/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"soloveitchik, chaim. (\u201cr. chaim brisker, \u201d 1853-1918). autograph letter signed and stamped, written in hebrew to baron horace (naftali herz) g&uuml;nzburg (1833-1909). \n \n \n \n in this letter r. chaim soloveitchik sets out his reasons for lack of support of the agudath israel, then, only an idea in formation. he explains that a proposal for a school system was opposed by the gedolim of the previous generation, for although such plans initially appear sound, they soon lead to the degradation of religion. as an example he notes the case of the rabbinical seminary (of vilna). \n two pages. 4to. \n (brisk): circa 1909 \n \n \n a most historic letter. r. chaim soloveitchik was the son of the beis halevi, r. yoseph dov soloveitchik, the most popular maggid shiur in the volozhin yeshiva from 1880 until its closure in 1892. he was the innovator of the popular contemporary method of talmud study in lithuanian-oriented yeshivos: \u201cthe brisker derech of lomdus.\u201d he was the rabbi of brisk (brest-litovsk), a position held by his father and son after him. as one of the most significant rabbinic leaders of europe it would have been natural for him to have been in communication concerning vital developments relating to broader communal affairs. - in this case, corresponding with the politically well-connected russian philanthropist, baron g&uuml;nzburg, who was particularly influential in the czar\u2019s government and by way of his stature, sought to improve the financial and social conditions of his jewish brethren."},"estimateMax":18000,"lotNumber":"92","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117178/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":10000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten document, appearing to be a letter or an official communication. It is rendered on aged, light-colored paper, showing some slight discoloration consistent with its age. The script is entirely in Hebrew or Aramaic, written in a fluid, elegant cursive hand. The text fills the page, suggesting a substantial communication, and the consistent script indicates a single author or scribe. The subject matter is likely religious, scholarly, or administrative, given the script and historical context often associated with such documents.","soldPrice":11000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.109Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$12,000 - $18,000","currency":"USD","id":117178,"estimateMin":12000},{"startPrice":200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117179/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"sonnenfeld, yoseph chaim. (rabbi of the eidah chareidith of jerusalem, 1848-1932). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to his grandson, yitzchak. \n \n \n \n  \n one page. 4to. \n jerusalem: sunday, parshath yithro 1931 \n \n \n r. yosef chaim sonnenfeld was a student of r. avraham shmuel binyamin sofer, the kesav sofer. upon emigrating to eretz yisrael he became the right hand man of r. yehoshua leib diskin. subsequently he was co-founder, along with r.yitzchok yerucham diskin, of the edah chareidis. he is known for his uncompromising stances toward the nascent zionist movement in eretz israel."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"93","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117179/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical letter from J. CH. Sonnenfeld, identified as Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Ashkenazic Community in Jerusalem. The letter is printed on official letterhead, bearing the rabbi's name and title in both English and Hebrew. The main body of the letter is handwritten in a flowing, cursive Hebrew script on aged, light-colored paper with slightly ragged edges. The item's period is likely early to mid-20th century, given the appearance of the letterhead. The content is textual, indicating an important communication from a significant religious figure.","soldPrice":600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.110Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117179,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117180/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"spira, yisroel. (grand rebbe of bluzhev, 1889-1989). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi yitzchok meir levin of the agudath israel political party. \n \n \n \n discusses agudath israel matters in relation to moreinu jacob rosenheim and rabbi aharon kotler. notes that public activities are on behalf of god and the holy torah. \n one page. punch-holes. 4to. \n los angeles: tuesday, parshath shoftim (1950\u2019s) \n \n \n the bluzhever rebbe, was born in reisha to r. yehoshua spira, the keren yehoshua of ribiditsch, whose lineage included the tzvi latzaddik, the tzemach dovid and the bnei yisaschar. he survived through several concentration camps and upon his relocation to brooklyn played an important role in the development of agudath israel of america. he was the elder statesman among the chassidic rebbes in the united states."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"94","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117180/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical letter from Rabbi Israel Spira, originating from Brooklyn, N.Y., as indicated by the printed letterhead. The letterhead also includes a telephone number, suggesting a 20th-century origin. The main text is handwritten in a distinct, expressive Hebrew cursive script, occupying most of the page. The paper is light-colored and features three punched holes along the right edge, typically for filing. This document serves as a record of communication from a notable religious figure.","soldPrice":900,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.112Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117180,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117181/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"steif, yonasson. (leading posek, 1877-1958). autograph letter signed, on letterhead, written in hebrew to rabbi ya\u2019akov pollak. \n \n \n \n approving the plans of the grandson of rabbi ya\u2019akov chaim fleischmann (1830-1908), to publish the latter\u2019s writings. \n one page. 4to. \n brooklyn: 1st ellul 1955 \n \n \n rabbi steif was a dayan of budapest before the holocaust years. he was rescued to switzerland in 1944 by means of the famous kastner train. after the war he settled in williamsburg, where he headed kahal adas yereim (vien). he was a leading, indeed the senior, posek in the united states."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"95","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117181/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical letter from Jonathan Steif, identified as the Grand Rabbi of Budapest, operating from an address in Brooklyn, N.Y. The letter is printed on official letterhead, featuring both English and Hebrew text, and includes a telephone number, pointing to a 20th-century date. The body of the letter is handwritten in a bold, dynamic Hebrew cursive script. The paper is light-colored and appears to be in good condition, indicating a formal communication from a significant rabbinical authority.","soldPrice":600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.113Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117181,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":9000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117182/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"steiner, yeshayah of kerestir. (\u201creb shayele, \u201d grand rabbi of kerestir, 1851-1925). letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew. \n \n \n \n with full hebrew signature: \u201chakatan yeshaya ben\u2026moshe za\u2019l shehaya meshamesh bakodesh etzel harav hatzadik meliska z[echutho] y[agen] a[leinu].\u201d \n one page. folds. 8vo. \n kerestir (bodrogkereszt&uacute;r): n.d \n \n \n r. \u201cshayele\u201d kerestir as he was affectionately known, was a disciple of r. tzvi hirsch friedman of liska who appointed him as his shamash in 1870. upon the death of r. hershele, the great r. chaim sanzer and r. mordechai leifer of nadvorno proclaimed r. shayele as a chassidic rebbe. out of deference to r. hershele\u2019s family, r. shayele moved to bodrog-kerestir, near miskolc in hungary, where for the next fifty years, he became celebrated as a saintly miracle worker and astute arbitrator of disputes."},"estimateMax":15000,"lotNumber":"96","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117182/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":9000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical letter, likely from the early to mid-20th century, from \"Yeshayahu Bar Moshe Del\" (Isaiah son of Moses Del), whose name is printed on the letterhead in Hebrew. The letterhead also includes an address in Karlsbad, a known historical spa town. The document features a prominent handwritten signature or flourish above the main text, which is written in a neat, cursive Hebrew script. The paper is aged and light-colored, suggesting a formal correspondence from a rabbinical or scholarly figure.","soldPrice":26000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.115Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$10,000 - $15,000","currency":"USD","id":117182,"estimateMin":10000},{"startPrice":6500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117183/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"teitelbaum, chaim tzvi. (atzei chaim, admor of sighet, 1879-1926). autograph letter signed on letterhead, written in hebrew to rabbi yisrael chaim samet. \n \n \n \n a teshuva treating the question of whether a prayer-leader should wear a tallis while engaged in the custom of vasikin, reciting the entire book of psalms every friday in the early hours of the morning. \n three pages. lightly stained, fore-edge touch chipped. 8vo. \n sighet: wednesday, parshath tzav (15th march) 1916 \n \n \n r. chaim tzvi teitelbaum was known as the atzei chaim after his sefarim on a variety of topics. the son and successor of the kedushas yom tov - r. chananya yom tov lipa teitelbaum of sighet, r. chaim tzvi was the oldest brother of r. yoel teitelbaum of satmar (and his primary teacher), and the father of r. moshe teitelbaum, successor of r. yoel as rebbe of satmar. the son-in-law of r. shalom eliezer halberstam of ratzfert (son of the divrei chaim of sanz) r. chaim tzvi teitelbaum was an outstanding torah scholar, exceptionally holy and pious. reputedly, he never forgot anything he learned, and was renowned from his great perspicacity. shortly following his appointment as rebbe of sighet (capital of the maramureș county) at the age of 24, he became known as one of the leaders of hungarian jewry who established the national policies of the orthodox bureau of the country. sighet became the largest and principal chassidic court in maramureș) and its leader had a great impact over almost all orthodox communities in hungary, whether chassidic or ashkenazi circles. r. chaim tzvi teitelbaum married bracha sima halberstam, a sister of rebbetzen chaya freidel halberstam, who was the wife of r. ben-zion halberstam, the second bobover rebbe. together they had four children: r. moshe teitelbaum, the late satmar rebbe; r. yekusiel yehuda teitelbaum, who succeeded him as sigheter rebbe until he died in the holocaust; one daughter married r. yekusiel yehudah halberstam, the sanz-klausenburger rebbe, but also died in the holocaust; the youngest daughter, chana, married r. yechiel yehuda isaacson, known as the rav of achuza-haifa. r. chaim tzvi teitelbaum suffered a cerebral hemorrhage amidst his followers in kleinvarden and died at only 46 years of age."},"estimateMax":10000,"lotNumber":"97","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117183/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":6500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical letter from Rabbi Yisrael Yitzhak Piekarsky, identified as a leader of the Lubavitch movement in New York, as indicated by the printed letterhead in Hebrew and English. The letterhead also includes a decorative stamp. The main body of the letter is handwritten in a clear, consistent Hebrew cursive script, occupying most of the aged, light-colored paper. The document appears to be a formal communication from a significant rabbinical figure, likely dating to the mid-20th century given the letterhead's style.","soldPrice":9500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.116Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$7,000 - $10,000","currency":"USD","id":117183,"estimateMin":7000},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117184/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"teitelbaum, yekusiel yehudah. (grand rebbe of sighet, 1911-44). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi alter shaul pfeffer. \n \n \n \n concerning attempts to locate a woman who had moved and can no longer be located. \n one page, 8vo. \n sighet: thursday, parshath tazria 1935 \n \n \n son of r. chaim tzvi teitelbaum (the atzei chaim) r. yekusiel yehudah teitelbaum succeeded his father as admor despite his young age of 14. his younger brother (the beirach moshe) survived the holocaust and was the sigheter rebbe and later satmar rebbe in the united states. r. yekusiel yehudah perished in auschwitz on the 25th of iyar, 1944. alter shaul pfeffer (1874-1936) was a romanian rabbi who emigrated to new york. he published avnei zikaron in sighet in 1923."},"estimateMax":1800,"lotNumber":"98","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117184/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical letter from Rabbi Yisrael Yitzhak Piekarsky, identified as a leader of the Lubavitch movement in New York, as indicated by the printed letterhead in Hebrew and English. The letterhead also includes a decorative stamp. The main body of the letter is handwritten in a clear, consistent Hebrew cursive script, occupying most of the aged, light-colored paper. The document appears to be a formal communication from a significant rabbinical figure, likely dating to the mid-20th century given the letterhead's style.","soldPrice":1600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.118Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,200 - $1,800","currency":"USD","id":117184,"estimateMin":1200},{"startPrice":7500,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117185/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"teitelbaum, yoel. (grand rebbe of satmar, 1887-1979). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi tzvi halberstam. \n \n \n \n true to form, in this letter the satmar rebbe cites the chasam sofer: \u201cthat which is new is forbidden by the torah.\u201d he explains that the yetzer hara proceeds by telling one today that a little is permitted and then tomorrow more, etc. \n one page. creases. 8vo. \n brooklyn: parshath veyishavtem labetach (behar) 1954 \n \n \n significant content."},"estimateMax":12000,"lotNumber":"99","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117185/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":7500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical letter from Joel Teitelbaum, the Grand Rabbi of Satmar, originating from Brooklyn, N.Y., as evident from the printed letterhead in English and Hebrew. The letterhead also includes a telephone number, pointing to a 20th-century date. The main text is handwritten in a bold, distinctive Hebrew cursive script, with a prominent signature at the bottom. The paper is light-colored and appears well-preserved, serving as a significant communication from a leading Hasidic rebbe.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.119Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$8,000 - $12,000","currency":"USD","id":117185,"estimateMin":8000},{"startPrice":900,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117186/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"teitelbaum, aharon. (volover rav, 1881-1944). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to menachem yehuda davidowitz. \n \n \n \n an encouraging letter of chizuk to a student who is graduating to \u201cone of the advanced yeshivoth in slovakia.\u201d \n one page. punch-holes. 8vo. \n walowa-nyibator: 8th mar-cheshvan 1933 \n \n \n father-in-law of the \"beirach moshe, \" r. aharon teitelbaum was the admor of volova and succeeded his father r. yisroel ya\u2019akov (\u201cr. yokel\u201d) the av beth din of volova. when his brother naftali died, r. aharon was also appointed as rabbi of nirbatur. this family was a branch of the dynasty founded by the yismach moshe, r. moshe teitelbaum, who introduced chassidus to hungary."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"100","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117186/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":900,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical letter from Aharon Teitelbaum, identified as Av Beit Din of Kiryat Yoel (and possibly other titles indicated by the Hebrew text). The letterhead, in Hebrew, is printed on a gridded, light-colored paper, suggesting a 20th-century context. The main body of the letter is handwritten in a flowing, legible Hebrew cursive script. The document includes two punched holes on the right edge, typical for filing, and a handwritten signature and a red oval stamp at the bottom, indicating a formal and possibly official communication from a rabbinical authority.","soldPrice":2400,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:37.120Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117186,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117187/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"teitelbaum, moshe. (grand rebbe of satmar, 1914-2006). autograph letter signed written on letterhead in hebrew to the directors of the agudas harabbonim. \n \n \n \n a request to aid a pious, learned and \u201cvery dear\u201d individual who is engaged in the holy work of the production of straps for tefillin and is deserving of financial assistance. \n one page. 4to. \n brooklyn: undated, but prior to 1980 \n \n \n r. moshe teitelbaum (the beirach moshe), was the admor of sighet, assuming the position of his father, r. chaim tzvi teitelbaum, after his older brother, r. yekusiel yehudah teitelbaum perished in the holocaust. orphaned at age ten, r. moshe had been raised by his uncle, r. yoel teitelbaum of satmar. when the latter passed away in 1979, r. moshe was appointed his successor. his sons, r. zalman and r. aharon, are the current competing rebbes of satmar."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"101","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117187/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten letter by Moses Teitelbaum, the Bobov Rebbe of Bnei Brak, from his address in Brooklyn, N.Y. It is a textual document, likely an official or personal correspondence, written in Hebrew script with distinct calligraphic elements. The letter is on plain paper with a printed letterhead bearing the rebbe's name and address in both English and Hebrew. A prominent signature is visible at the bottom of the page, indicating its authenticity and origin from a significant religious figure.","soldPrice":950,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:43.508Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117187,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":9000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117188/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"twersky, aharon. (third grand rebbe of chernobyl, 1784-1871). letter signed, written in hebrew to his son-in-law, rabbi dovid moshe friedman of chortkov (1828-1903). \n \n \n \n a letter of greeting and beautiful superlatives to his son-in-law, the admor of czortkow, his daughter, the rebbetzin feiga, and their sons, nachum mordechai and yisroel, the future rebbes of chortkov. he gives advice for traveling safely. \n one page. 8vo. \n n.p: (circa, post-1855) \n \n \n r. aharon twersky of chernobyl, was the eldest son of r. mordechai twersky, and maternal grandson of r. aharon of karlin. upon his father's passing, r. aharon inherited his place as the admor and maggid of chernobyl. he was the firstborn of eight brothers, all of whom served as admorim in different cities, and all looked up to him with honor and respect. he was among the leaders of russian jewry and served as president of kollel volhyn's rabbi meir baal haness charity fund. his son-in-law, the first admor of czortkow, was a son of r. yisroel of ruzhin. r. dovid moshe, and his son r. yisroel (noted in this letter) were of the greatest pre-war chassidic rebbes with tens of thousands of followers."},"estimateMax":15000,"lotNumber":"102","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117188/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":9000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten letter or document, likely dating from an earlier period due to its aged appearance and style. It is a textual document, penned in a dense, flowing Hebrew script that covers most of the page. The content is scholarly or religious in nature, given the context of such documents. The material is aged paper, showing signs of wear and tear, and some text is written along a curved path, suggesting a unique or personal style of writing. A small stamp or mark is visible at the top, potentially indicating an official endorsement or origin.","soldPrice":9500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:43.509Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$10,000 - $15,000","currency":"USD","id":117188,"estimateMin":10000},{"startPrice":1300,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117189/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"twersky, dovid. (rabbi of zlatipoly, 1837-1914). autograph letter signed in hebrew, with stamp. \n \n \n \n letter of thanks for financial contribution and extending blessings for future prosperity. \n one page, small tears with taped repairs on verso. 8vo. \n zlatipoly: n.d \n \n \n the son of r. yochanan, grand rebbe of rachmastrivka and the grandson of r. mordechai of chenobyl, r. dovid twersky married the daughter of r. aharon perlow, the admor of karlin. he was the father-in-law of his nephew, r. yisroel perlow of stolin."},"estimateMax":2500,"lotNumber":"103","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117189/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten letter or document, presented on aged paper with visible creasing. It is a textual document primarily in Hebrew script, written in dark ink. The writing is less dense than some comparable items, leaving significant white space. A faint circular stamp is visible near the bottom, suggesting an official or institutional origin, possibly from a rabbinical college or religious authority. The general condition and style suggest it is from an earlier period, consistent with other historical documents of this type.","soldPrice":1700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:43.511Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,500 - $2,500","currency":"USD","id":117189,"estimateMin":1500},{"startPrice":9000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117190/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"twersky, pinchas. (\u201cr. piniele, \u201d grand rebbe of ustile, 1880-1943). autograph letter signed, written in hebrew, on letterhead to r. yechiel (of london). \n \n \n \n beseeching assistance for his relative, r. naphtali tzvi parnas, who lost his polish citizenship. requests the recipient obtain a rabbinical position in london in order to save the rabbi and his wife from being stateless. \n one page. 8vo. \n pshemishel (przemyśl): wednesday, parshath toldoth 1938 \n \n \n the son of r. mordechai of rachmastrivka, r. pinchas twersky of ustila (r. piniele ustiler) was the son-in-law of grand rebbe yissachar dov rokeach of belz. his marriage to rebbetzin chana rochel was celebrated in belz in 1900, and he resided there, close to his prominent father-in-law, from 1902. his father-in-law, the belzer rebbe held his son-in-law in the highest esteem and effusively extolled his holiness. in 1923 when r. pinchas moved to ustila (volhyn) to serve as its rabbi and rebbe, his father-in- law, the maharid, blessed him that he should merit to bring salvation to all jews. indeed from the beginning of his tenure in ustila, he gained the reputation of a wonder-worker and became famed as one of the leading rebbes of his generation. upon the outbreak of war in 1939, he fled with his family to sambor, from where he was eventually deported to bełżec and murdered. one of his family\u2019s survivors, was his daughter, the rebbetzin of his son-in-law, r. ya\u2019akov yosef of skver (new york)."},"estimateMax":15000,"lotNumber":"104","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117190/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":9000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten letter by Pinchas Teitelbaum, the Bobover Rebbe of Borough Park, Brooklyn. It is a textual document, primarily a formal or personal correspondence, written in fluent Hebrew script on plain paper. The letter features a printed letterhead at the top, displaying the rebbe's name in Hebrew, and a distinct, elaborate signature at the bottom. The content appears to be religious or community-related, consistent with the rebbe's role. The paper exhibits some minor discoloration, characteristic of age.","soldPrice":9000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:43.512Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$10,000 - $15,000","currency":"USD","id":117190,"estimateMin":10000},{"startPrice":550,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117191/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"twersky, tziporah. (skverer rebbetzin 1892-1966). letter signed on stamped paper written in hebrew and yiddish to \u201catzeret isha.\u201d \n \n \n \n a spiritually uplifting message addressed to a woman\u2019s gathering. \n one page. 8vo. \n n.p: thursday, parshath ki tisa 1935 \n \n \n daughter of r. elyakim getzel of ostroha, rebbetzin tziporah twersky was the second wife of the second skverer rebbe, r. duvid\u2019l (1848-1919). her son, r. ya\u2019akov yoseph twersky (1899-1968), was the successor of the dynasty and re-established it in the united states after the war."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"105","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117191/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":550,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten letter, likely a formal or scholarly correspondence. It is a textual document, written in Hebrew script on what appears to be a light blue-tinted paper with a printed letterhead. The letterhead includes Hebrew text identifying the sender or institution, possibly \"אשכול\" and a number \"10914\". The script is clear and well-formed, filling a significant portion of the page. Some light stains and creases are visible on the paper, indicating its age and handling.","soldPrice":2000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:43.514Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117191,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117192/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"walkin, aharon. (av beth din of pinsk - karlin, 1865-1942). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi shlomo steinberg. \n \n \n \n expressing appreciation for funds received, shares personal news of the ill health of wife and daughter, notes with joy his eldest daughter is to be married to a young man steeped in torah. \n \n pinsk: erev pesach 1933 \n \n \n r. aharon walkin was one of the great rabbinic leaders of lithuania prior to the holocaust. he had been a close disciple of the netziv in volozhin and after the yeshiva closed in 1892, he continued his studies in kovno under the guidance of r. yitzchak elchanan spektor. r. walkin was a leading writer of responsa and authored beth aharon, choshen and zekan aharon. active in agudath israel, r. walkin visited the united states on its behalf in 1914. he and most all of his family were murdered by the nazis in the summer of 1942. rabbi steinberg (1884-1973) then living in boksburg, south africa, was the chief fundraiser for the mirrer yeshiva."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"106","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117192/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten letter by Rabbi A. Walkin from Pinsk, Poland. It is a textual document, comprising a formal or personal correspondence, written in Hebrew script on a light-colored paper. The letter features a printed letterhead in both English and Hebrew, clearly identifying the sender as \"RABIN A. WALKIN\" and his location \"PINSK (Poland)\". A prominent, distinctive signature is present towards the bottom of the page. The paper shows signs of age, including slight discoloration and minor tears along the edges.","soldPrice":850,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:43.515Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117192,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":300,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117193/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"wasserman, elchonon. (director of yeshiva at baranowitch and pillar of agudath israel, 1875-1941). letter signed, written in hebrew on letterhead to mrs. pessia (jenny) miller-fagin of philadelphia. \n \n \n \n thanking her for contribution of &pound;18 to yeshiva ohel torah and extending to her manifold blessings. \n one page. 8vo. \n baranowicz: 1st kislev 1932 \n \n \n r. elchanan wasserman was one of the most distinguished leaders of eastern european orthodoxy. seen as the spiritual successor to the chofetz chaim, he served as the rosh yeshivah of baranovitch for 20 years. he was abroad on a fundraising mission when germany invaded poland, yet returned to europe to be with his students. he was murdered by lithuanian nazi collaborators in the seventh fort of kaunas fortress in the summer of 1941 (12th tamuz)."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"107","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117193/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten document, likely a formal letter or certificate from the Rabbinical College \"JESHIWAH OHEL THORA\" in Baranowitz (Poland). It is a textual document, written in Hebrew script on light-colored paper with a dual-language letterhead in Hebrew and English. The letterhead identifies the institution and its leader, Chief Rabbi Chonon Wasserman. A significant circular stamp from the \"Jeschiwah Ohel Thora\" is visible at the bottom left, adding to its official character. The handwriting is clear, and the paper shows general signs of age.","soldPrice":1300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:43.517Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117193,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":550,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117194/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117194/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"weinberg, avraham. (grand rebbe of slonim, 1884-1933). autograph letter signed written on baranovitch letterhead in hebrew to r. chaim ozer grodzenski of vilna. \n \n \n \n concerning the dire financial situation of the yeshiva toras chessed. requests a meeting in order to find ways to fund-raise and so alleviate the crisis. \n one page, heavy folds and punch-holes. 4to. \n baranovitch: 1925 \n \n \n author of the mystical text beis avrohom, r. avrohom weinberg succeeded his father as rebbe of slonim in 1916. he moved to the town of baranovitch where he established the highly regarded yeshivas toras chessed."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"108","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117194/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":550,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten letter, likely a formal correspondence from a religious institution. It is a textual document written in Hebrew script on light-colored paper with a printed Hebrew letterhead at the top, identifying the sender as \"ישיבת הקדושה והקיום תורת חסד\" (Yeshiva of Holiness and Existence Torat Chesed) from Baranovitch. The script is consistent throughout, and the letter covers most of the page. The paper shows signs of age, including creases and some discoloration, particularly towards the bottom, suggesting its historical nature.","soldPrice":650,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:43.518Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117194,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117195/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"weiss, yitzchak izaak. (grand rebbe of spinka, 1875-1944). autograph letter signed, written on letterhead in hebrew to rabbi meir ben zlata. \n \n \n \n sending mazal tov wishes upon the engagement of the recipient\u2019s daughter. \n one page (with integral blank). worn and stained. 8vo. \n selish: 1935(?) \n \n \n r. yitzchak isaac weiss was the only son of the founder of the spinka chassidim, the rebbe r. yosef meir. during world war i r. yitzchak isaac moved to munkatch and from there to selish, which became the new center of the spinka in hungary. he and most all of his family were later murdered by the nazis during the holocaust. his work 'chakal yitzchak' survived in manuscript and was published posthumously."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"109","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117195/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten letter, likely from a significant religious figure. It is a textual document written in Hebrew script on lined paper, indicating it might be a draft or personal notes. The paper exhibits significant wear, including discoloration, tears, and a distressed top edge. The letter features a printed Hebrew letterhead at the top, identifying the sender as \"יצחק אייזיק ברענדער\" (Yitzchak Isaac Brender) and a religious institution. A large, prominent signature is visible towards the bottom of the page.","soldPrice":4800,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:43.519Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117195,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117196/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117196/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"wilowsky, ya\u2019akov dovid. (ridva\u2019z, 1845-1913). autograph postcard signed, on letterhead, written in hebrew to rabbi aharon mendel cohen of cairo. \n \n \n \n concerning the events on lag b\u2019omer when certain individuals in meron ridiculed discussions between the two corresponding rabbis. also suggests organizing a meeting of rabbis in jerusalem leading up to shavu\u2019oth. \n address on verso. worn, single punch-hole. 12mo. \n tzfat: 21st iyar 1913 \n \n \n r. yaakov dovid wilovsky (commonly known as the \"ridvaz\u201d) held several rabbinical posts including chief rabbi of sluts where he appointed r. isser-zalman meltzer as principal of his yeshiva. from 1903 to 1905 he lived in america, a period he found dismaying due to broad religious laxity. afterwards he settled in safed where he established the yeshiva torat eretz yisrael. he is renowned for his extensive novellae on the talmud yerushalmi. a native of tiberias, r. aharon mendel cohen (1866-1927) served as chief rabbi of the ashkenazi community in cairo, egypt."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"110","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117196/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical handwritten document, possibly a letter or official record, from the \"Hochschule 'Torat Eretz Israel'\" in Saffed, Palestina. It is a textual document, written primarily in Hebrew script with some lines in what appears to be purple ink, on a beige-colored paper. The paper has a pre-punched hole at the top, suggesting it was part of a file. A circular stamp with Hebrew text, possibly a date, is visible at the bottom. The document features a printed bilingual letterhead in Hebrew and German, specifying the institution and its location, indicating its origin from a religious educational body in Mandatory Palestine.","soldPrice":1000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:43.202Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117196,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":1800,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117197/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117197/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"yoseph, ya\u2019akov. (chief rabbi of new york, 1840-1902). letter signed and stamped, written in hebrew. \n \n \n \n presenting guidelines for the collectors of the kollel warsaw in new york issued by the vaad haklali. signed by 17 rabbis and lay leaders, with r. ya\u2019akov yoseph\u2019s bold signature at end. \n two pages, heavy folds. 4to. \n new york: 28th adar 1895 \n \n \n the vaad haklali was the organizing body in charge of the various kollels or factions organized by geographic origin in jerusalem, each in charge of collecting and distributing halukah support for its community. r. ya\u2019akov yoseph studied at the yeshiva of volozhin, before his appointment as rabbi of vilna in 1883. in 1888 rabbi jacob joseph of vilna was called by the association of american orthodox hebrew congregations to the united states in order to assume the newly created post of chief rabbi of the orthodox congregations of russian jews in new york city. while the goals of unity were ultimately not achieved, rabbi joseph grew to become well regarded for being the one rabbi who attempted to create order out of the sometimes anarchic religious situation that existed among immigrant jewry in new york. however due to the tragedy of his extremely harsh experience at the hands of new york jewry, he would be the first and the last \u201crav hakollel\u201d - chief rabbi of new york. see yonah landau, the rav hakolel and his generation: a biography of yaakov yosef chief rabbi of new york and his battles for yiddishkeit at the turn of the century (2011). due to sickness, it is rare for anything in the hand of the first and only chief rabbi of new york to appear for auction sale."},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"111","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117197/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a single leaf of manuscript, likely from a letter or document, featuring Hebrew script in a cursive style. The script covers both sides of the page, which is light-colored and shows minor creasing. A distinct calligraphic flourish or signature is prominently centered at the top of one side. The overall appearance suggests an early modern period, handwritten text on paper.","soldPrice":3000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.500Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117197,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":4500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117198/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117198/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117198/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"zadok hakohen of lublin. (prominent chassidic thinker, 1823-1900). isaac abrabanel. miphaloth elo-him. <<first edition.>> venice, 1592. \n \n \n \n reb tzadok\u2019s personal copy, with his signature and few marginal notes within. signature found on f.6r. \n ff. 96. stained, previous owner\u2019s marks. modern gilt-tooled calf. sm. 4to. \n \n \n \n r. tzadok hakohen rabinowitz of lublin was a profound, highly original thinker and deeply revered chassidic leader."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"112","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117198/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is the title page of a printed book, likely a religious or philosophical text, featuring text primarily in Hebrew with some Latin. The page is discolored and shows signs of age, including foxing, small tears, and a worn appearance. Several stamps and handwritten annotations, including a 'Con Licentia de Superior' declaration, indicate its provenance and possible censorship or approval. The title 'ספר מפעולות אלהים' (Sefer Mif'alot Elohim) by Don Isaac Abravanel is prominent.","soldPrice":5500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.502Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117198,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":4800,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117199/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117199/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). congregation mikveh israel. dedication ceremony. <<manuscript>> in hebrew and yiddish. written by(?) hazan <<gershom mendes seixas.>> \n \n \n \n the name \u201cmr. j.i. cohen\u201d appears at the corner. likely indicating that this was his copy to read from during the course of the service (see below). \n two pages. tear at folds. 4to. \n philadelphia: 29th august / 18th ellul 1782 \n \n \n upon the construction of a new, modest, but larger building, mikveh israel consecrated it in an impressive ceremony in late august of 1782. this manuscript is the text of the service, a call and response between hazan and members, written in a beautiful hand. consisting of choice biblical verses relating to dedication, buildings and praises of god, the ceremony is divided into six hakafot, or circuits around the teba holding the torah scrolls in a festive ceremony, reminiscent of simhat torah. while unsigned, the manuscript is quite likely written by gershom mendes seixas, the hazan and spiritual guide of the congregation. although names and more information is lacking in this document, the minute book of mikveh israel provides details about the ceremony. first, a procession from the old synagogue to the new was led by \u201chayam salomon to open the shul door.\u201d the synagogue itself only owned one torah scroll, so it borrowed several others, one of which was loaned by haym salomon himself (we know this because his son requested it back decades later). the six men who were honored with holding the scrolls in this ceremony were bernard gratz, isaac d\u2019acosta, isaac moses, henry marks, benjamin seixas, and asher myers."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"113","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117199/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a single leaf of manuscript, possibly a letter or religious text, written in Hebrew script. The text is handwritten in a neat, cursive hand on both sides of the light-colored paper. There are some minor creases and light discoloration on the page, consistent with age. A small decorative flourish appears near the bottom of one side, enhancing its visual appeal.","soldPrice":7500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.503Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117199,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":4500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117200/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117200/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117200/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica) darmsdate, joseph. an extensive <<manuscript>> doggerel written in english, offered as a purim gift to jacob i. cohen. \n \n \n \n beautifully drawn up on both sides is a poem of 48 rhyming lines. the address records \u201cjacob i. cohen present.\u201d accompanied by a few yiddish words noting the date and the fact that it was indeed purim in richmond. \n two leaves. tears at folds. folio. \n richmond, va.: 12th march (purim day) 1789 \n \n \n purim \u201cgramen:\u201d richmond, virginia, 1789. darmsdate begs leave that he is unable to attend cohen\u2019s purim banquet (\u201ci hope this will find you all well & handy / and excuse my also as i can\u2019t be one of your party/ this evening with you to drink or soup\u2026\u201d), but makes up for it with these entertaining verses. provides a most interesting account of the kind of convivial community richmond was, darmsdate versifies of a time \u201cwhen we all joint in one debate / there was cohnim levim & quakers/ sadlers leaf pikers & candel makers.\u201ddarmsdate works in references to haman, ahaseurus, and queen esther, and closes with the wish that: \u201cmay he ho knowes us all bless you as before / and keep you many purim marry / and i will drink your health in a glass of cherry.\u201d darmsdate was the slightly anglicized surname of joshua darmstadt, described as \u201ca fat humorist\u201d (see h.t. ezekiel, the history of the jews of richmond from 1769 to 1917 (2013) p. 26). he arrived in america with the hessians who were sent by the british crown as auxiliaries to fight the american revolutionaries. darmsdate, then called darmstadt, was a sutler to their army. he was captured by the americans, but after the war he swore allegiance to the state of virginia, settled in richmond, where he owned a coffee-house, and was a founding member of the city\u2019s beth shalome congregation."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"114","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117200/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten letter or document from March 12, 1709, addressed to \"Jacob I Cohen & Co.\" The text is in English, written in a cursive hand, and appears on a folded sheet of paper. The content includes a social message and a short poem or verse, reflecting an informal yet structured communication style of the early 18th century. The paper is discolored and shows a clear fold line through the middle.","soldPrice":8500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.505Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117200,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":5500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117201/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117201/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica) congregation kahal kadosh beth shalome. <<manuscript>> written in english, of the toasts offered for the adoption of a synagogue constitution. \n \n \n \n  \n two pages. few light stains and minute tears. folio. \n richmond, virginia: undated, (c. 24th august 1789) \n \n \n an extraordinary document. contains the text of thirteen patriotic toasts given at the celebration commemorating the adoption of the constitution of the first synagogue in virginia. the first toast is to george washington: \u201cthe president of the united states, may his administration secure to the citizens of america the liberty obtained by his valor.\u201d the document shows that early american jews were keenly aware of the extraordinary status they had obtained, nearly a year before washington\u2019s famous epistle to the congregation of newport, \u201cto bigotry no sanction; to persecution no assistance.\u201d the thirteenth toast reads: \u201cmay the israelites throughout the world enjoy the same religious rights & political advantages as their american brethren.\u201d having grown to the size of one hundred people, richmond's jewish community, largely spanish and portuguese, formed a congregation, which they named beth shalome, in 1789. the rules and regulations of this synagogue were codified in a constitution which they adopted on \u201cnew moon of ellul, august 24, 1789 (see jacob rader marcus, american jewry. documents. eighteenth century. primarily hitherto unpublished manuscripts, pp. 145-46). jonathan sarna sees evidence of \"democratization\" by the very adoption of the term \u201cconstitution, \u201d rather than \u201cascamoth, \u201d hitherto used by sephardic congregations (see pamela s. nadell, jonathan d. sarna & lance j. sussman (eds.) the democratization of american judaism, in: new essays in american jewish history (cincinnati: american jewish archives, 2010) p. 99. in these toast we well see this theme which mentions \u201cliberty\u201d three times, and the choice of three significant dates: july 4, 1776, september 17, 1787, and march 4, 1789, which constitute the 10th, 11th, and 12th toasts. a remarkable document that fully displays the degree in which the jews in newly independent america luxuriated in their new american freedoms. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kahal_kadosh_beth_shalome."},"estimateMax":9000,"lotNumber":"115","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117201/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":5500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten document from the late 18th or early 19th century, featuring text in English. It enumerates several points, likely toasts or resolutions, regarding political figures and governmental bodies, including 'The President of the United States,' 'The Vice President,' and 'The State of Virginia.' Written on aged, light-colored paper with visible water stains and creases, it offers a glimpse into American political sentiment of the era.","soldPrice":5500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.507Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$6,000 - $9,000","currency":"USD","id":117201,"estimateMin":6000},{"startPrice":800,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117202/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117202/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117202/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). autograph letter signed \u201can unknown friend.\u201d urging a strengthening of jewish observance and unity as a peaceful resolution to a communal controversy. \n \n \n \n written to jacob cohen, the \u201cunknown friend, \u201d who must have sent copies of this letter to many jewish citizens of richmond, sets out a case for unity based upon religious observance to be \u201cthe means of reconciling and settling those small differences of opinion which took place some time ago.\u201d \n english. with two short lines in yiddish in another hand. two pages, + integral blank and address panel. short tears at folds. folio. \n richmond, va.: 1st may 1791 \n \n \n the anonymous pardons himself as \u201ca stranger\u201d who is nevertheless taking the liberty of drawing \u201cserious attention\u201d out of \u201cnothing but zeal for our holy religion.\u201d the letter details the reason for the chosenness of the jewish nation, building a case for it out of the immoral and licentious behavior in the era of the flood. it follows then, he says, that jews \u201cmust thickly adhere to the laws.\u201d he pleas for \u201call the seed of israel residing in richmond to unite in heart and hand in order to support our holy laws.\u201d the recipient of this letter, jacob j. cohen, was the progenitor of a prominent american jewish family. arriving in pennsylvania from bavaria in 1773, cohen served a stint in the revolutionary army, and settled afterwards in richmond where he was a founder of congregation beth shalome. his family went on to become communal leaders in baltimore. see je."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"116","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117202/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten letter or formal document from 'Richmond, May 1791,' written in English. The text, in a cursive hand, discusses religious and historical themes, referencing 'the first chapter of Genesis' and 'the flood.' It addresses the importance of upholding 'our holy religion' and making supplications to 'almighty God.' The paper is aged, discolored, and has visible fold lines.","soldPrice":3000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.508Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117202,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":14000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117203/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). mordecai, jacob (1762-1838). autograph manuscript, written in english (with some hebrew): collected articles, all of a religious and philosophical nature. approx. 120 pages. \n \n \n \n the manuscripts are unsigned and mostly uncollated. \n densely written with many edits and erasures. some wear, few tears. v.s. \n (richmond, va.): 1820\u2019s \n \n \n of these manuscripts, some are complete essays, others are fragments or single pages on various topics which interested mordecai. for example, one essay is eight pages on scriptural synonyms for the afterlife (i.e she\u2019ol, gehennom, tofet) as interpreted by both christianity and judaism, in which mordecai uses terms such as: \u201cchristians say\u201d and \u201cwe answer.\u201d many of these essays are not the typical writings of a traditional jew as mordecai was, as they are strictly analyses of the bible without reference to rabbinic writings. however, another manuscript includes mordecai\u2019s \u201cremarks on the typical chapter introductory to maimonides\u2019 more nevochim, \u201d on james townley\u2019s essay \u201cthe typical character of the mosaic institutions\u201d in his \u201cthe reasons of the laws of moses: from the \"more nevochim\u201d (london, 1827). jacob mordecai (1762-1838) was the founder of the warrenton female academy in warrenton, north carolina, making him thus a pioneer in women\u2019s education in the united states. \u201cstrange as it may seem, hundreds of southern girls received their education during the early part of the last century, at a non-sectarian seminary conducted by a jewish family, \u201d writes herbert t. ezekiel and gaston lichtenstein, still scarcely able to believe it (\u201cthe history of the jews of richmond from 1769 to 1917,\u201d richmond, 1917, pg. 23). having been unsuccessful in commercial pursuits, but deemed an intellectual and a solid citizen of good character by his neighbors, mordecai was asked to open his boarding school, which he did in 1809. apart from good southern citizen and educator mordecai had another, more private life: he and his family were religious jews, observant even as the only jews in many miles. he was also a scholar of religion, intensely investigating the claims of christianity and refuting them in favor of judaism using what little tools he had at his disposal. in 1818, after mordecai\u2019s academy closed, he moved to richmond, va and joined its small but thriving jewish community. a young friend of his from that period gives us a look at how he was perceived by the jewish community: \u201cmr. mordecai was always much admired on account of his brilliant intellect, being well versed in biblical research, the hebrew language, and its literature; in fact, he was considered authority on many questions pertaining to judaism and biblical interpretations. i always found him very genial in his deportment, and we became so much attached to each other that i felt it a pleasure to visit his home on church hill on sabbath afternoons, and this became one of my weekly resorts. it is evident that mr. mordecai must have been a profound scholar, from the fact of the vast amount of manuscript it is said he left after his death and which i trust may be placed in the hands of a competent person for examination and preservation.\u201d (jacob ezekiel, \u201cpleasing incidents in jacob mordecai's life, \u201d the jewish south, april 8, 1898, p. 4.) ezekiel further informs us that in isaac leeser's 1834 publication \u201cthe jews and the mosaic law, \u201d (philadelphia, 5594 [1834]) there is a devar torah quoted by leeser, which he heard from mordecai (see p. 61, fn. *). this archive is some of the fruit of the scholarship ezekiel was talking about. from essays such as these we have a view into the private intellectual life of an early american jew and his vigorous defense of doctrines and the biblical interpretations of judaism."},"estimateMax":20000,"lotNumber":"117","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117203/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":14000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot consists of a substantial collection of handwritten manuscripts, likely from the 18th or 19th century. The documents are in English, featuring various cursive scripts, and appear on numerous leaves of aged, light-colored paper. The pages exhibit typical signs of age, including discoloration, some foxing, and creasing, suggesting a voluminous body of correspondence or scholarly work.","soldPrice":14000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.510Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$15,000 - $20,000","currency":"USD","id":117203,"estimateMin":15000},{"startPrice":500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117204/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). samuel b.h. judah. gotham and the gothamites, a medley. \n \n \n \n first edition. uncut copy. \n pp. lvi, 93, [1]. foxed. original printed boards, rubbed. 12mo. singerman 372; rosenbach 242. \n new york: s. king 1823 \n \n \n judah (1799-1876), a member of new york\u2019s cong. shearith israel, was one of the earliest american jewish authors. his gotham and the gothamites, a satire in verse, \u201cis an unrelieved flow of vitriol poured on the heads of numerous [more than 100] prominent new yorkers, including mordecai m. noah\u201d (louis harap, the image of the jew in american literature, pp. 261-3). judah was convicted of libel for this work, and he escaped imprisonment only because the governor pardoned him due to judah\u2019s ill health. judah subsequently became a lawyer and \u201cfor many years was the only jewish attorney in the city\u201d (uja, vol. vi, p. 232). singerman writes that a note in the huc copy records \u201cmost copies lack the suppressed pp. xxi-xxiv.\u201d the present copy is complete."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"118","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117204/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a printed pamphlet titled 'GOTHAM AND THE GOTHAMITES, A MEDLEY,' published in New-York in 1823 by S. King. The text is in English, featuring a mix of larger display fonts and smaller body text, including a verse from 'THE BEGGAR'S BUSH.' The pamphlet is printed on aged, light-colored paper, showing some discoloration and minor wear along the edges, typical for a publication of its period.","soldPrice":500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.511Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117204,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":4700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117205/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). collection of five <<surinam>> almanacs. \n \n \n \n * surinaamsche almanak voor het jaar 1827. pp. xxviii, 144, (4).?* surinaamsche almanak voor het jaar 1835. additional engraved title, engraved frontispiece, folding plate. pp. xxviii, 299.?* surinaamsche almanak voor het jaar 1836. additional engraved title, engraved folding map, folding plate. pp. xxviii, 187.?* surinaamsche almanak voor het jaar 1839. additional engraved title, engraved frontispiece. pp. xxiv, 203, (2).?* surinaamsche almanak voor het jaar 1841. additional engraved title, engraved frontispiece. pp. li, 287, (2). together, five volumes. text in dutch. \n all bound in original printed boards. some wear, previous owner\u2019s marks, one vol. lacking spine. 8vo. \n amsterdam: c.g. sulpke (1826-40) \n \n \n each of the almanacs is remarkably rare, indeed the issue for 1835 is entirely unrecorded. each volume provides detailed information for that particular year about trade and local government. much is given over to the jewish owned sugar plantations in surinam along with other aspects of jewish life in this remote locale situated along the northeastern atlantic coast of south america. prominent jewish families of surinam feature and are named throughout these almanacs. this includes families de pina, de meza, de mesquita, de vries, de la parra, da costa, del castilho, nassy, cotin, delmonte, emden, fernandez, de leon, juda, etc. ashkenazi family names also appear (keyser, heilbron, soesman, etc). the almanacs provide extensive detail concerning the running of every jewish-owned plantation in surinam. this includes information concerning location and size of each plantation, type of crop, slave-holdings, landowners, administrators, directors, officers, etc. also much detail is provided of civil and religious life, including synagogue affairs of both the portuguese and ashkanazic jewish communities."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"119","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117205/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot comprises six bound almanacs, with dates visible including 1839, 1840, and 1841, indicating a collection of serial publications from the early 19th century. Each almanac has a soft cover, with some exhibiting wear and discoloration. The visible interior pages are printed in English, showing tables and textual content, characteristic of the genre, offering insights into yearly data and general information of the period.","soldPrice":4700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.513Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117205,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":300,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117206/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117206/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). a pair of publications concerning <<suriname>> by brothers from a portuguese-jewish family, long resident in surinam. \n \n \n \n * 1. sem\u2019l. van praag. een immigratie-fonds voor suriname. pp. (2), 63, (1), 60 + folding table. amsterdam, 1879.? * 2. juda van praag. art. 6 van het reglement op het beleid der regeering in de kolonie suriname. pp. (6), 96. leiden, 1887. \n original printed wrappers. 8vo. \n \n \n \n samuel (1848-94) and judah van praag (1844-85) were the sons of salomon juda van praag (1819-74) and judith joseph emanuels (1822-83). see https://www.geni.com/people/samuel-van-praag/6000000020947634572."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"120","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117206/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a printed pamphlet titled 'EEN IMMIGRATIE-FONDS VOOR SURINAME.' (An Immigration Fund for Suriname), authored by Sem.l van Praag and published in Amsterdam by M.M. Olivier in 1879. The text is in Dutch, presented in a clear, typeset font within a decorative border. The pamphlet is printed on light-colored paper, which shows signs of aging and wear, particularly along the edges and corners.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.514Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117206,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":850,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117207/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). compendium of the order of the burial service, and rules for the mournings, etc. compiled by desire, and published on account of the hevra hesed ve\u2019emeth of the k\u201dk sephardim she\u2019arith israel. \n \n \n \n prayers in hebrew with english translation facing. introductory compendium of jewish laws in english interspersed with hebrew keywords. \n pp. 12, (1 blank); (3), ff. 4-18. browned, trimmed. recent boards. 8vo. singerman 447; goldman 35; rosenbach 291 (illus). \n new york: s.h. jackson 1827 \n \n \n congregation shearith israel of new york, established by the members of the first jewish community of north america who arrived in 1654, is the oldest congregation in the united states. its burial society, hevra hesed ve\u2019emeth is the longest existing jewish philanthropic society in new york. this compendium was its first publication. see david and tamar de sola pool, an old faith in the new world, portrait of shearith israel (1955) pp. 354-57."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"121","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117207/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":850,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a compendium titled \"Compendium of the Order of the Burial Service, and Rules for the Mournings, &c.\", published in New-York in the year 5587 (1827). The item is a religious text or liturgical guide, specifically for Jewish burial services and mourning practices. It is printed in English and Hebrew, featuring both Latin and Hebrew scripts on its title page. The paper is a light tan, showing signs of age with some wear and discoloration, suggesting it is a historical printed document.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.405Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117207,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":1200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117208/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica) rebecca gratz. mikve israel certificate. lifetime purchase of a synagogue seat. printed with <<manuscript>> additions. text in english and hebrew. \n \n \n \n signed by rebecca\u2019s brother hyman gratz, as gabay, abraham hart, parnass, and solomon solis, secretary. the certificate states: \u201cmiss rebecca gratz is entitled to the possession of the seat\u2026to be held during her natural life.\u201d \n one page. 4to. \n philadelphia: 27th october / 26th tishrei 1845 \n \n \n rebecca gratz was issued this certificate for her seat at k.k. mikveh israel - upstairs, no. fourteen. many congregants rented their seats annually, but wealthier ones were able to purchase a seat for the duration of their lifetime. the seats themselves were offered in three classes, both upstairs for women, and downstairs for men. rebecca\u2019s seat was of the first class, and cost $60 as a one-time fee, with an additional annual fee of $8. (see congregation mikveh israel \u201crecord of annual seat rentals, 1845-1862,\u201d philadelphia congregations early records). in a recent publication daniel judson estimates that seats such as this one cost the equivalent of $1540 and $205 annually in today\u2019s dollars (\u201cpennies for heaven: the history of american synagogues and money, \u201d brandeis university press, 2018, p. 41). this certificate was issued in the aftermath of a grand remodeling of the synagogue. the occident tells us that in the summer of 1845 complete repair and expansion was made, adding seats, windows, and other amenities, an expense which it estimates cost $1600 to $1700 (the occident, v. iiii, november 1845, p. 55)."},"estimateMax":2000,"lotNumber":"122","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117208/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a certified document, specifically a seat ownership certificate for the Hebrew Synagogue in Philadelphia, issued on October 26, 1845 (5606 in the Hebrew calendar). The item is a historical legal or administrative document, granting Ms. Rebecca Gratz possession of seat No. Fourteen (14) for her natural life. It is printed on light paper with a decorative Greek key border, featuring handwritten names and signatures, as well as a stamp mark, indicating its authentic and official nature.","soldPrice":1300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.407Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,500 - $2,000","currency":"USD","id":117208,"estimateMin":1500},{"startPrice":450,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117209/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). a.a. lindo. a retrospect of the past. \n \n \n \n first edition. \n pp. 49. ex-library. original printed wrappers, stitched, spine taped. 8vo. singerman 1026. singerman 1026. \n cincinnati: robinson & jones 1848 \n \n \n in this address of \u2018an israelite to the christian world\u2019 lindo argues that god's covenant with the jews \"has never been intermitted, but has always been and still continues to be in operation.\" through the revelation received at sinai \"the world is indebted for the civilization it now enjoys and will continue to be indebted for the preservation of that civilization.\" the author was a native of jamaica and served as rabbi there for a great many years. he particularly sought to preserve traditional modes of religious behavior on the island, in opposition to emerging reform elements. rev. lindo resided in cincinnati toward the end of his life, passing away a year following publication of the present pamphlet."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"123","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117209/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a theological treatise titled \"A RETROSPECT OF THE PAST, AS CONNECTED WITH AND PREPARATORY TO A FAITHFUL EXPOSITION INTENDED TO BE GIVEN OF THE DIVINE WILL AND DISPENSATION DISCLOSED IN THE SACRED BOOKS RECEIVED AS AUTHORITY BY JEWS.\" Authored by A. A. LINDO, AN ISRAELITE, and published in Cincinnati by ROBINSON & JONES in 1848, this item is a significant religious publication. The text, printed on aged light-colored paper, discusses Jewish scriptural authority and divine will. Its visual features include a simple, traditional typographic layout with a large, centered title block.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.408Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117209,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":800,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117210/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). <<isaac leeser.>> the testimony: an address delivered at the schoolhouse of the hebrew education society of philadelphia, at the opening of their school, on sunday, the 4th of nissan, 5611. \n \n \n \n  \n pp. (2), 19. browned, edges chipped. unbound. 8vo. singerman 1195. \n philadelphia: c. sherman 1851 \n \n \n in his address at its official opening, isaac leeser pinned great hopes for the philadelphia day school. his educational philosophy is best summed up in these words: \u201cwe propose to combine elementary and afterwards scientific education with a gradual and progressive acquirement of hebrew, hebrew literature, and religion. it is not to be as in other schools, a secondary matter whether the children learn hebrew and religion or not, but they are to acquire these even if nothing else can be imparted\u201d (p. 12). when the school opened the next day (monday), 22 students were enrolled. a month later, the student body had increased to 63. eventually, enrollment would peak at 170 students. leeser developed a curriculum which afforded both english and hebrew studies: geometry, natural history, rabbinic literature, german, french, latin, greek, botany and chemistry. sessions took place five days a week. however, by 1878, ten years after leeser\u2019s death, hebrew studies had been reduced to supplemental programs. see lance j. sussman, isaac leeser and the making of american judaism (1995) pp. 204-5."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"124","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117210/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical address titled \"THE TESTIMONY: AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE REV. ISAAC LEESER.\" Published in Philadelphia by C. SHERMAN, PRINTER, during Nissan, 5611 (1851 in the Gregorian calendar), it represents a religious or theological discourse. The document is a printed pamphlet or booklet on light-colored, aged paper, exhibiting a simple typographic layout typical of mid-19th-century publications. Notable features include faint handwritten numbers '19784' and 'NF' at the top, suggesting prior cataloging or ownership.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.410Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117210,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":500,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117211/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). henry j. leovy. the laws and general ordinances of the city of new orleans. \n \n \n \n together with the acts of the legislature, decisions of the supreme court, and constitutional provisions, relating to the city government. revised and digested, pursuant to an order of the common council. first edition. \n pp. xxvi, 439. foxed and browned. contemporary calf, rubbed and worn. 8vo. \n new orleans: e.c. wharton 1857 \n \n \n a prominent new orleans jewish lawyer and city attorney, leovy would serve as a colonel and a military judge in the confederate army. he assisted in the development of the css hunley, the first submarine to launch a successful attack on a ship during wartime. at the end of the war he helped judah benjamin escape from pursuing federal officers (see rosen, the jewish confederates, 143, 322). leovy's introduction is an \"historical synopsis\" of the development of the city of new orleans, from the year 1682. this is the first edition of leovy's comprehensive compilation of the legal architecture of new orleans; revisions appeared in 1866 and 1870. ordinance no. 575 (p. 195) empowers leovy to publish the general ordinances, for a fee of $500.00. the work is an informative picture of new orleans at mid-century. a variety of subjects, appropriate to this busy southern port city is covered in these pages: auctions, chimneys, city government, smoke houses, stables, corporations, streets, water, gas, charitable associations, tobacco, wharves, vehicles, cemeteries, schools, river pilots, prisons, police, fire department, etc. pages 257-274 are devoted to \"slaves and free persons of color\" and \"slave marts and negro traders.\" activities of slaves and free negroes are closely regulated, their movements and activities severely limited. they are forbidden to assemble, under penalty of jail and lashings; rigid curfews are established; association between slaves and free negroes is forbidden. merchant seamen of color whose ships dock in new orleans must leave the city with their ships. a variety of crimes are delineated. markets for the sale of slaves must be \"enclosed as to prevent slaves from being seen from the streets; they must be kept properly ventilated, cleaned, and in good order\u2026\""},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"125","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117211/view","tags":["uscollectibles_booksandpaper","uscollectibles","uscollectibles_all"],"directSalePrice":500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a historical legal compilation titled \"THE LAWS AND GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS,\" published in 1857. It is a legal and municipal reference book, revised and digested by Henry J. Leovy, containing acts of the legislature, supreme court decisions, and constitutional provisions relevant to New Orleans city government. Printed by E. C. WHARTON in New Orleans, the document is presented on aged, light brown paper, showing the typical wear and discoloration of a volume from its period.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.411Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117211,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":800,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117212/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). report of the committee of arrangement for laying the corner stone of the new synagogue of the portuguese congregation \"mickve israel\" made to the building committee. together with the address delivered on that occasio by the rev. s. morais. \n \n \n \n  \n pp. 15. ex-library. original printed wrappers. 8vo. singerman 1593. \n philadelphia: collins 1859 \n \n \n mickve israel, became known as the 'synagogue of the american revolution\u2019 - indeed benjamin franklin contributed to its first building fund. the present pamphlet relates to the construction of its third building. this followed the lengthy rabbinate of isaac leeser, succeeded by sabato morais who presided in turn for 46 years. listed here are the many luminaries of philadelphia jewry who contributed to the building campaign and participated in the inaugural ceremonies. the committee of arrangement consisted of edwd. s. mawson, joseph l. moss, and isaac j. phillips. rabbi morais's discourse is included in which he counsels: \"if there be pride in us, if the vanity of exhibiting a more sightly structure than others possess, impelled us to designate this place as our future synagogue\u2026let us then bury first such unholy feelings in the bosom of the earth.\""},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"126","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117212/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a printed report titled \"REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENT FOR Laying the Corner Stone OF THE NEW SYNAGOGUE OF THE PORTUGUESE CONGREGATION \"MICKVE ISRAEL.\" Published in Philadelphia by COLLINS, PRINTER, in 1859-5619 (Gregorian and Hebrew dates), this document details the laying of a cornerstone for a new synagogue, including an address by Rev. S. Morais. It is a historical record of a significant event for a Jewish congregation. The document is printed on light-colored paper, featuring a prominent black border around the text, and includes historical library stamps from the Annenberg Research Institute.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.412Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117212,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":600,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117213/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117213/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). henry moses judah. <<letter of recommendation>> written in english, to governor james fisher robinson. \n \n \n \n the letter recommends oliver palmer (1828-63) for a commission as captain of volunteers in the union army. judah offers that palmer is \u201ca gentleman entirely.\u201d \n one page. 4to. \n walton, kentucky: 3rd october 1862 \n \n \n kentucky\u2019s status in the civil war was interesting. a border state, with popular sentiment both pro-union and confederacy, kentucky sought to remain neutral after the outbreak of hostilities. a confederate general attempted to seize kentucky for the confederacy, but failed. most of kentucky thus came under union control, and some 125,000 kentuckians served in the union army, with 35,000 serving in the confederacy. henry m. judah (1821-66), a classmate of ulysses s. grant at west point, was a career officer who served with distinction in the mexican-american war and the civil war. james fisher robinson (1800-1882) was appointed governor after the pro-confederacy governor beriah magoffin was forced to resign. a companion letter from palmer to gov. robinson, dated october 1, 1862 (see kentucky historical society civil war, governors of kentucky digital archive) makes the request that palmer be granted the commission rather than be enlisted in the ranks. pointing out that he had, \u201cout of a sense of duty to my state & country\u2026 abandoned the peaceful avocations of life for the field\u201d he \u201cwould simply say that i have seen service, & believe myself qualified for service under the above named commission.\u201d"},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"127","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117213/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":600,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten letter dated June 2nd, 1863, from the 'Hd Qurs US Advance Forces' in New Dalton, Ky, to His Excellency James F. Robinson, Governor of the State of Kentucky. It is a historical document, specifically a military or political correspondence, recommending Captain Palmer for a commission. The letter is written in flowing cursive script on aged, light-colored paper, with visible folds and minor foxing, indicating its age and original mailing format.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.413Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117213,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117214/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). leopold stein. family scenes from jewish life of former days from original oil paintings by prof. m[oritz] oppenheim. \n \n \n \n english and german on facing columns. \n pp. 15. unbound. tall 8vo. unrecorded by singerman. \n new york: m. samelson 1866 \n \n \n early work of jewish art in america. prepared for an american audience, this essay was to introduce the artwork of moritz oppenheim to the jewish community of new york. oppenheim\u2019s paintings of idyllic scenes of 18th-century german-jewish life are here movingly described."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"128","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117214/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a printed book titled \"FAMILY SCENES FROM JEWISH LIFE OF FORMER DAYS,\" which features reproductions \"FROM ORIGINAL OIL PAINTINGS\" by Prof. M. Oppenheim, with biographical introduction and explanation by Dr. Leopold Stein. Published in New York by M. Samelson, this work is a cultural and artistic publication, translated into English with the original annexed. The item is a book, printed on light-colored, aged paper, suggesting a historical publication date, likely late 19th century based on typical Jewish-themed art publications of the era.","soldPrice":700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.415Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117214,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":4500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117215/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica) cyrus comstock and john tucker. three important <<letters>> concerning <<ulysses s. grant\u2019s infamous order no. 11>> expelling the jews from the department of tennessee. \n \n \n \n  \n three pages. 4to. \n washington: june 5, 1863; april 30, 1866; and may 13 1866 \n \n \n fed up with traders known as \u201carmy followers\u201d passing back and forth between union and confederate camps, general ulysses s. grant, who believed them all to be jewish, issued general order no. 11 expelling the \u201cthe jews, as a class\u201d within 24 hours from his department, which encompassed tennessee, mississippi, and kentucky. grant felt these traders were leaking information and were even responsible for financing the confederates through selling their cotton. grant's own lawyer and confidante john rawlins urged him not to send the order. grant reportedly replied: \u201cwell, they can countermand this from washington if they like, but we will issue it anyhow.\u201d - that is exactly what happened. president lincoln agreed with a jewish delegation that the order was unjust and rescinded it. grant was thereafter dogged by his decision, apparent to both jews and non-jews alike, that his action was un-american and embarrassingly reminiscent of the benighted persecutions of centuries other than the nineteenth, and cultures other than american. the earliest letter here is a retained copy of a letter from john tucker, assistant secretary of war, to an unnamed recipient. tucker expresses extreme disgust at the order, stating that \u201ci should not have allowed myself to believe that such an order could have been issued\u201d had he not read it. he then refers to the recent valiant death of a jewish officer in the battle of stone river, tennessee: \u201ci believe that maj or col rosengarten of your city, just killed in one of the battles of the west, was one of \u201cthis class of people.\u201d the second letter an autograph letter from cyrus b. comstock, grant's senior aide-de-camp during the civil war to dr. joshua i. cohen of baltimore, provides grant\u2019s explanation to comstock, after a conversation with cohen and a promise to discuss the matter with grant. grant had not yet publicly addressed the matter, and would not until 1868, but comstock relays the oft-repeated explanation that the general had issued the order in anger and haste, had no meant to discriminate against jews, and \u201cthe order was by no means intended as a stigma on people of your faith, or on your faith itself.\u201d the formulation is of interest, because while grant\u2019s explanation that it was not anti-semitic may be disputed, he shows that he understood that anti-semitism was a calumny against jews and judaism. the third letter a retained copy of a letter by comstock is addressed to an unnamed general. in this letter, comstock speaks more frankly and vigorously, stressing that grant must address and explain \u201can order so proscriptive and oppressive\u2026 and which would relieve him from the apparent illiberality of an order which excluded a large class of the citizens of his department without accusation, hearing or trial from the common rights of american citizens\u201d or history will not judge him kindly. comstock, who was not jewish, referring to the jews as \u201cour people, the hebrews\u201d writes that \u201cmy own feelings in the subject must necessarily be the feelings of every israelite in the land, who claim to be a true man and good citizen.\u201d he also writes that he \u201ccould not believe that a well educated american could entertain any other\u201d view towards the jews but his own. affixed to this letter is a newspaper clipping from 1868, grant\u2019s public letter with which he hoped to close the matter as he ran for president. grant writes that he had received hundreds of letters and had decided on a policy of silence, but then decided to reply to one and clarify that he harbored no antipathy towards jews, or any race or creed, but had made a mistake in heat and hurry, which he subsequently regretted. see the comprehensive work by jonathan sarna, when general grant expelled the jews (2016). these letters are entirely unrecorded by historians."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"129","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117215/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item comprises three handwritten letters, dated from March 20, 1863 to April 30, 1866, reflecting various wartime communications. The letters include military correspondence from 'Head-Quarters Armies of the United States,' a personal letter dated June 13, 1866, and another dated March 20, 1863, likely related to the American Civil War or immediate post-war period. These are historical documents, written in ink on aged paper of varying hues (cream, light blue, and off-white), displaying cursive script, folds, and natural discoloration from age and storage. The content suggests a range of subjects from official military orders to personal or administrative matters.","soldPrice":9000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.416Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117215,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":350,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117216/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). j.n. cardozo. reminiscences of charleston. \n \n \n \n first edition. \n pp. 144. ex-library, extreme lower margin of title with small tear neatly reinforced on verso. modern wrappers. 8vo. singerman 1930. \n charleston: joseph walker 1866 \n \n \n a sephardic jew, cardozo was born in 1786 in savannah. a resident of charleston from 1796 onward, he became editor of the southern patriot and later its publisher. an advocate of free trade, he wrote many papers on the subject.\"jacob cardozo's forays into econometric analysis were outstanding by the standards of his day.\" (see eugene genovese, journal of the historical society, vol. i, no. 2, march 2000). the present work is a series of articles on charleston's commerce, education system, press, railroads, charitable and medical organizations, etc. an appendix provides material concerning the outset of the civil war at forts moultrie and sumter, as well as fort wagner and other charleston-area sites."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"130","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117216/view","tags":["uscollectibles_booksandpaper","uscollectibles","uscollectibles_all"],"directSalePrice":350,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a book titled \"REMINISCENCES OF CHARLESTON\" by J. N. Cardozo, published in Charleston by JOSEPH WALKER, ART, STATIONER AND PRINTER, in 1866. It is a historical memoir or local history, focusing on the city of Charleston. The book is printed on light-colored, aged paper and features a traditional typographic title page. A notable visual feature is a prominent circular blue stamp from the \"LAWRENCE Public Library, LAWRENCE MASS,\" indicating its past institutional ownership.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.417Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117216,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":2700,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117217/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). panegyric on the life, character and services of the rev. <<isaac leeser>>. pronounced by <<moses a. dropsie>> before the hebrew education society of philadelphia. \n \n \n \n  \n pp. 11. edges slightly chipped. original printed wrappers, gutter split. 8vo. singerman 3543. \n philadelphia: jones & co. 1868 \n \n \n rare, significant eulogy preached just eighteen days following the death of the rev. isaac leeser, the godfather behind just about every worthwhile venture that the jews of america of the time could be proud of. the sermon was given, appropriately enough, by moses dropsie, who was leeser\u2019s primary financial sponsor for so many of the rabbi\u2019s literary and organizational projects."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"131","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117217/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a printed pamphlet titled \"Panegyric on the Life, Character and Services of the Rev. Isaac Leeser,\" pronounced by Moses A. Dropsie. It is a biographical and eulogistic work, likely a speech or address, delivered before the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia. Dated February 19, 1868 (5628), and printed in Philadelphia by Jones & Co. Printers, this item is a historical document capturing an aspect of 19th-century American Jewish community life and thought. The visible cover is a single sheet of aged, light brown paper with decorative borders, indicating its age and the printing style of the period.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.982Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117217,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117218/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117218/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). hymns, psalms and prayers. prepared by <<isaac m. wise>> and others. \n \n \n \n first edition. original hymns and prayers in english and german face-`a-face. occasional use of hebrew. binding gilt-tooled with previous owner\u2019s name: benjamin haas. \n pp. 263. lightly browned. contemporary gilt-tooled morocco, extremities bumped. 12mo. singerman 2109 and cf. goldman 53. \n cincinnati: bloch & co 1868 \n \n \n the final volume that completes wise\u2019s \u201cminhag america\u201d series. \u201cin post-civil war america isaac mayer wise was the best-known jew and a well-regarded leader in american liberal religious circles. he believed that in time judaism would become the religion of all enlightened men, but first it had to be modernized, democratized, and most important of all, americanized. wise was a leading exponent of a moderate, pragmatic reform judaism, responsive to the exigencies of contemporary american life.\u201d (jvl). wise\u2019s uniquely american prayer book \u201cminhag america, \u201d of which this volume of hymns was a supplement, was not just an attempt to issue another reform prayer book, but rather to create a new form of reform judaism unique to american jewry. just as there were jewish prayer books specific to germany, spain and poland, so too there would now be a prayer book unique to america and a newly developing, vibrant form of american judaism. see centenary papers and others by david philipson (cincinnatti 1919) pp. 25, 49-51; and j.g. heller, isaac m. wise; his life, work and thought (1965) p. 660."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"132","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117218/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a religious textual item, specifically a book of \"Hymns, Psalms & Prayers,\" compiled by Isaac M. Wise and others. The book is bilingual, featuring content in both English and German, and includes Hebrew script at the top of the title page, indicating its use within a Jewish context. Published in Cincinnati by Bloch & Co., Publishers and Printers, this item served as a devotional or liturgical aid. The cover is a simple, light-colored page with printed text, reflecting a functional design typical of religious publications from its era.","soldPrice":450,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.984Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117218,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":3000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117219/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117219/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). funeral rites. \n \n \n \n manuscript in hebrew with additional title-page in english. both titles with line drawings. hebrew in square characters, fully vocalized. directions in english. composed by aaron cohen henriques. \n ff. (16). sepia ink on coarse paper. foxed and wormed. marbled endpapers. contemporary calf, gilt extra, worn and starting. 8vo. \n kingston, jamaica: 1868 \n \n \n a hebrew guide to funeral rites for the jews of jamaica. the title reads: \"this book was written by aaron cohen henriques and presented to the kaal kadosh shahar ashamaim for the use of the burial ground, kislev 1, 5629, corresponding with sunday, 15th november, 1868.\" the spanish-portuguese synagogue \"shaar hashamaim\" was erected in kingston in 1744. by 1871, shortly after this manuscript was composed, jews represented 13% of the white population of kingston. henriques was one of the most prominent jewish families on the island. see m. arbell, the jewish nation of the caribbean (2002) pp. 239-240, 243, 244 and 256."},"estimateMax":6000,"lotNumber":"133","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117219/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":3000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a handwritten dedication on a light-colored page, likely the flyleaf or title page of a book. It states, \"This Book was written by Aaron Cohen Henriques and presented to the Kaal Kadosh Shahar Ashamaim for the use of the Burial Ground.\" The dedication is dated Kislev 1, 5629, corresponding to Sunday, 15th November 1868, providing a precise date and context. The script is an elegant, flowing cursive hand, typical of 19th-century penmanship, with a small, simple drawing resembling a canopy or tent at the top, adding a unique visual element.","soldPrice":3200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.985Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$4,000 - $6,000","currency":"USD","id":117219,"estimateMin":4000},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117220/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica) levi strauss & co. bill of sale. \n \n \n \n a receipt for $183.93 worth of clothing purchased by j. a. cohn at levi strauss\u2019s flagship store in san francisco. \n one page. 4to. \n san francisco: 16th october 1869 \n \n \n born to a jewish family in bavaria, levi strauss (1829-1902) founded the iconic american company in 1853, but as a clothing and dry goods store only. the particular invention that made him famous, blue-jeans with copper riveted pockets, came in 1871. in american lore, strauss is regarded as one of the pioneering builders of the american west. see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/levi_strauss."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"134","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117220/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical business document, specifically an invoice from Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco, dated October 16th, 1869. The invoice details a purchase of \"Clothing, Domestics, Rubber Boots, Duck, etc.\" by M. J. & S. Cohn & Co., with prices listed and payable in U.S. Gold Coin. The document is printed on paper with blue ink for the headings and rules, and black ink for some details, featuring decorative elements like a \"Payable in U.S. Gold Coin\" stamp and ornate borders. This item offers a glimpse into 19th-century commerce and the early history of a prominent American brand.","soldPrice":300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.987Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117220,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117221/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). selichoth u\u2019tephiloth\u2026 kephi minhag chevra kadisha gemilath chassadim shel emeth. \n \n \n \n hebrew text. \n pp. 33. some staining. contemporary marbled boards with original printed pink wrappers, gutter split. 8vo. goldman 73 (records just one single copy). \n new york: jewish gazette 1886 \n \n \n contains the liturgy for the special annual fast day observed by new york\u2019s burial society. includes customs for the day (pp. 4-5)."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"135","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117221/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a printed Jewish religious text, likely a prayer book or collection of liturgical readings, identified by the Hebrew title as \"Selihot and Prayers.\" The text is primarily in Hebrew, indicating its use in Jewish devotional practices, and was printed in New York by \"Jewish Gazette\" in 1886. The cover is a pinkish-brown paper with a prominent black decorative border and Hebrew typography, reflecting a traditional aesthetic for such publications. This item represents a historical piece of Jewish liturgical literature from the late 19th century in America.","soldPrice":750,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.988Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117221,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":600,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117222/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). starr, frederick. ancient pictures for little moderns: or things once seen by jewish children. \n \n \n \n first edition. color and black-and-white illustrations throughout. \n pp. 48. original color pictorial boards. 4to. \n new haven, conn.: quinnipiac press (1889) \n \n \n the first non-biblical, jewish illustrated children\u2019s story-book printed in america. \u201cfrank, pinkie, jakie, sammie, and abraham, - my five little jews from russia! \u2026they left their native land because their fathers and mothers, being jews, had no chance to do well there \u2026so to america they came and here they are - my five little jew boys - doing the best they can \u2026ours is the only land, the world over, where jews can do well\u201d (p. 5). almost proto-zionist in style, this highly sympathetic children\u2019s book recounts the often oppressive life experienced by jews in a varied range of mostly early civilizations. worldcat locates just two copies worldwide."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"136","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117222/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":600,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a book titled \"Ancient Pictures for Little Moderns or Things once seen by Jewish Children,\" written by Frederick Starr. It is an educational or children's book, published in New Haven, Conn, by The Quinnipiac Press, likely intended to introduce young readers to historical or culturally relevant imagery from a Jewish perspective. The cover is a simple, light-colored page with the title prominently displayed in a decorative script, characteristic of early 20th-century children's literature, designed to be engaging and informative for its intended audience.","soldPrice":600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.989Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117222,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":800,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117223/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). tract. rosh hashana of the new edition of the babylonian talmud. \n \n \n \n first edition. edited, formulated and punctuated for the first time by michael l. rodkinson. translated by j. leonard levy. two parts with text in hebrew and english. two-page list of subscribers. numerous approbations (\u201copinions.\u201d) inscribed copy \u201cfrom the translator\u201d (portion removed). portraits of the rodkinson and levy. with indian book-seller\u2019s stamps: \u201csamuel s. mazgawkar, bombay.\u201d few marginal notes in a minute hand. \n pp. (2), xxvi, 39, xxxii, 66. ex-library, stained in places, endpapers removed. contemporary boards, worn, gutter split. 8vo. singerman 4928; goldman 574. \n philadelphia: charles sessler 1895 \n \n \n the first published translation of the talmud into english. see yeshiva university museum catalogue, printing the talmud, from bomberg to schottenstein (2005) \u2018the talmud in translation\u2019 pp. 121-41: \u201cthe first attempt to translate the talmud into english was undertaken by rodkinson in 1896.\u201d this sample of rodkinson\u2019s english translation of the talmud predates the full edition. rodkinson sent these samples to critics to solicit their comments, especially on his methodology of abridging the talmud as outlined in the lengthy introduction here. grandson of r. aaron of staroselye (one of the closest students of the alter rebbe), michael rodkinson (frumkin) grew up in a chabad home in russia before he moved to germany and then america, following a far more maskillic path and lifestyle. as a polemicist, rodkinson attracted many detractors. he changed his family name in order to avoid arrest for financial extortion."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"137","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117223/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a printed \"Tract\" titled \"Rosh Hashana, ('New Year').\" It is identified as part of a new edition of the \"Babylonian Talmud,\" edited, formulated, and punctuated for the first time by Michael L. Rodkinson, and translated by Rabbi J. Leonard Levy, B.A. (London). Published by Charles Sessler, Publisher, in Philadelphia in 1905, this tract is a scholarly religious text focusing on a key Jewish holiday, representing a significant work in Jewish studies. The cover is a plain, light-colored page with clear, functional typography, typical of academic or religious publications of the period.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.991Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117223,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":650,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117224/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117224/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). (twain, mark). harper\u2019s new monthly magazine. number 592. \n \n \n \n contains the first appearance of the celebrated essay by twain: \u201cconcerning the jews\u201d (pp. 527-35). \n original printed wrappers. uncut and unopened. sm. 4to. \n new york: september 1899 \n \n \n in this lengthy essay, the american writer mark twain explores the causes of anti-semitism and possible solutions to the problem. most memorable is his conclusion: \u201cif the statistics are right, the jews constitute but one per cent of the human race. it suggests a nebulous dim puff of star dust lost in the blaze of the milky way. properly the jew ought hardly to be heard of; but he is heard of, has always been heard of. he is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk. his contributions to the world\u2019s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine and abstruse learning are also way out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers\u2026the egyptian, the babylonian, and the persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream stuff and passed away; the greek and the roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone\u2026the jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age\u2026all things are mortal but the jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. what is the secret of his immortality?\u201d"},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"138","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117224/view","tags":["uscollectibles_booksandpaper","uscollectibles","uscollectibles_all"],"directSalePrice":650,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is the cover of Harper's New Monthly Magazine, issue No. 592, from September 1899. It is a periodical, priced at 25 cents a copy, and published by Harper & Brothers in New York and London. The cover features an elaborate, ornate illustration with cherubs, floral garlands, and architectural elements framing the magazine title and publication details, typical of late 19th-century magazine design. This item serves as a historical record of popular literature and graphic design from the turn of the 20th century.","soldPrice":850,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.992Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117224,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":100,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117225/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). shir hama\u2019alos-tsetl [protective amulet]. amulet to be hung over a newborn\u2019s bassinet. \n \n \n \n hebrew text. \n single page, edges chipped. 4to. \n new york: c. 1900 \n \n \n issued by shimon druckerman whose printing shop was located at 50 canal street in the very heart of the teeming lower east side of new york. this paper amulet would have been hung over the crib of a new immigrant\u2019s first american-born family member! customarily hung by traditional ashkenazi jews over expectant mothers and sleeping newborn boys before their circumcision. the primary text is psalm 121, and includes the traditional incantation: \u201clilith and all her band - exit!\u201d it is a representative example of what would have hung over the cradle of thousands of american jews born to east european immigrants living in new york at the turn of the century."},"estimateMax":300,"lotNumber":"139","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117225/view","tags":["usjudaica_amulets","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":100,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a printed Jewish devotional text, likely a prayer or religious verse, titled \"Shir\" (Song) in Hebrew, with the opening phrase \"A song of ascents.\" The text is primarily in Hebrew script, presented in columns within a decorative border, suggesting a broadside or a page from a prayer book. It was published in New York by A.I. S. Shulman's Book Store at 60 Canal Street. The item is printed on aged, light brown paper, with significant tearing and wear along the edges, indicative of its age and use, and features a detailed ornamental frame around the Hebrew text.","soldPrice":100,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.994Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$200 - $300","currency":"USD","id":117225,"estimateMin":200},{"startPrice":300,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117226/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(american-judaica). secular and religious works of <<penina mo&iuml;se>>, with a brief sketch of her life. \n \n \n \n first edition. previous owner\u2019s inscription on upper free end paper reads: \u201cawarded [to] annie collis by k.k.b.s. sunday school \u2026 june 9, 1929.\u201d \n pp. (10), xi, 313. original boards, inner hinge starting. 8vo. \n charleston: nicholas g. duffy, for the council of jewish women 1911 \n \n \n the first jew to publish a book of poetry in the united states \u2013 a woman \u2013 penina mo&iuml;se (1797-1880) was one of the most prolific and creative writers of poetry on jewish themes in america. mo&iuml;se was also superintendent of the first jewish religious school in charleston and many of her poems and songs focused upon jewish history and heritage in order to encourage a sense of pride in the jewish faith of these school-children."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"140","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117226/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a book titled \"Secular and Religious Works of Penina Moise, with brief sketch of her life.\" It is a literary collection encompassing both secular and religious writings, accompanied by a biographical sketch of the author, Penina Moise. The book was compiled and published by the Charleston Section, Council of Jewish Women, and printed by Nicholas G. Duffy, Printer, in Charleston, S.C., in 1911. The cover is a plain, light-colored page with simple black typography, characteristic of academic or commemorative publications from the early 20th century, highlighting a notable Jewish female author.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:46.995Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117226,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117227/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(americana / india). a plan of fort st. george and the city of madras. \n \n \n \n hand-colored copperplate engraved plan. with alpha-numeric keys and remarks on the points of interest in the area including the \"jews burying place.\" \n 5 x 8 inches (12.5 x 20.5 cm). \n (london: 1727) \n \n \n interesting jewish caribbean - india connection. madras (known today as chennai) was founded in 1640. shortly after, jews began to settle there. most of these jews were of portuguese origin and recent settlers in the caribbean, their trade in coral brought them to india. they included members of families henriques de castro, franco, paiva and porto. jacques (jaime) de paiva (pavia), originally from amsterdam, was an early jewish arrival and became a leader of the community. he established good relations with those in power and acquired several mines. he died in 1670 and was buried in the jewish cemetery he established just outside the city\u2019s georgetown, in the area known as peddanaickenpet. \"the colony of jewish traders of madraspatnam\" established by jacques de paiva, antonio do porto, pedro pereira and fernando mendes henriques encouraged portuguese jews to move from the caribbean and settle in madras. one of the city\u2019s three aldermen was alvaro da fonseca who hailed from the caribbean island of nevis. the trading house samuel de castro moved from curacao to madras. see https://esefarad.com/? p=10147. for another (uncolored) version of this plan, see kestenbaum sale 85, lot 221."},"estimateMax":1800,"lotNumber":"141","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117227/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical map, specifically a plan of Fort St. George and the City of Madras (now Chennai), India. The map depicts the urban layout of the city with streets, buildings, and a river, characteristic of 18th-century cartography. It includes detailed references for both the 'White Town' and 'Black Town', listing specific locations like government buildings, churches, and markets. The map is hand-colored and features a compass rose and a decorative border in the title box, indicating its illustrative and informative nature for navigating the historical city.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.403Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,200 - $1,800","currency":"USD","id":117227,"estimateMin":1200},{"startPrice":7000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117228/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(canada). archive of approximately 60 legal manuscripts concerning <<aaron hart>> and his sons. \n \n \n \n with printed court documents finished in manuscript mostly english, some in french.?these documents all relate to aaron hart and his four sons: moses, ezekiel, benjamin and alexander. many of them concern legal conflicts this family of formidable merchants engaged in. these include lawsuits, in which the harts are generally plaintiffs, the settling of debts to aaron\u2019s estate, and a dispute between ezekiel and his brothers over extra payments from his father\u2019s estate to which he believed he was entitled. some of the documents also relate to other early canadian jews such as levy solomons and isaac phineas. \n \n three rivers (trois-rivi&egrave;res) and montreal, lower canada: 1790-1805 \n \n \n much original research can be derived from this significant archive pertaining to early canadian history, especially concerning its first jewish settlers. provenance: judge james reid (lawyer of the hart family, 1769-1848). to: robert deveaux woodruff band (canadiana collector, 1927-2013). the hart family were prominent within the political, legal, social and economic life of the trois-rivi&egrave;res and montreal regions from the late 18th century. they were among the very first families of the jewish faith to settle in the province of quebec, shortly after 1759. aaron hart (1724-1798 or 1800*) arrived to canada with general haldimand in 1760 as the british took control of montreal. after a brief sojourn in england to marry a jewish woman, dorothea judah, hart built a formidable business trading furs and opening stores of general merchandise, raised the first canadian jewish family, four boys and four girls. his great wealth accompanied a fine public reputation. in 1775 the continental army invaded quebec in an attempt to enlist the french speaking canadians on the side of the revolution. reportedly, hart\u2019s stores were looted by american soldiers. hart issued paper money under his own name to reestablish himself. his reputation was so good \u201cthat they were regarded, as i am told on good authority, with the same security as a coin from the royal mint, \u201d according to julius j. price, historian of canadian jewry (\u201cthe hart family of three rivers, \u201d the american israelite, 62.50, june 8, 1916). he died one of the wealthiest men in canada. in 1807, his son ezekiel hart (1770-1843) was elected no less than three times to the legislative assembly of lower canada, a singularly new experience for a jew, yet he was unable to take his seat in that legislative body for he refused to take his oath \u201con the truth faith of a christian. * biographies state that hart died december 28, 1800, based upon a notice in the european magazine and london review of march 1801, \u201cdeaths abroad, \u201d (p. 239) but this might be questioned because one of the documents, a lawsuit filed by sons benjamin and alexander, dated april 1804, specify a different date two years earlier: \u201cthe decease of the said late aaron hart which happened on or about the tenth day of december of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight.\u201d these and other historical questions regarding the hart family would be well served by a close scholarly examination of this archive. further details concerning hart family members is available upon request."},"estimateMax":12000,"lotNumber":"142","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117228/view","tags":["usjudaica_manuscripts","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":7000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot consists of a collection of historical manuscripts and documents, primarily handwritten letters and legal papers from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, ranging from approximately 1793 to 1845. The documents are in English and cover a variety of subjects, including property transactions, financial matters, and personal correspondence. One notable item is a printed document featuring the name 'GEORGE THE THIRD,' suggesting a connection to British royal decrees or official communications of that era. The collection shows the aged appearance of paper, with some items folded and exhibiting foxing or discoloration consistent with their age.","soldPrice":12000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.405Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$8,000 - $12,000","currency":"USD","id":117228,"estimateMin":8000},{"startPrice":3000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117229/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(anglo-american judaica). tephilah - prayer offered up in the synagogue of the spanish and portuguese jews\u2026in consequence of the approaching departure of sir moses and lady montefiore on their mission to rome. \n \n \n \n text in hebrew and english. \n pp. 4. unbound. 8vo. \n london: 1859 \n \n \n the edgardo mortara affair. this mission to rome was undertaken by the celebrated english philanthropist sir moses montefiore who sought to intercede with pope pius ix in order to release young edgardo mortara back into the custody of his jewish parents. sir moses co-ordinated his actions with the board of delegates of american israelites, the first jewish civil and political rights organization in the united states. gershom kursheedt who represented the board, traveled from america to accompany sir moses on his mission to rome. the abduction of six-year old edgardo mortara from his home in bologna, italy, and his subsequent forced conversion to catholicism with the connivance of papal authority, appalled jews around the world, who demanded the return of the child to his parents. despite extensive agitation, the pope would not relent and the child was never returned. indeed \u201cpius\u201d mortara died as an ordained priest in a belgian abbey in 1940, aged 88 years old. see d. kertzer, the kidnapping of edgardo mortara (1997)."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"143","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117229/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":3000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a single-sheet printed prayer document in English and Hebrew, specifically a 'Prayer offered up in the Synagogues of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews'. It is dated 'ON ADAR 1, 5619' (which corresponds to 1859 in the Gregorian calendar) and was composed in consequence of the approaching departure of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore on their mission to Rome. The text is presented in a clear, straightforward typeface, with the Hebrew script ('שבת תרומה' and 'שבת חשכים') interspersed within the English. The document is printed on plain paper, typical of a religious broadside or leaflet from the mid-19th century.","soldPrice":3200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.406Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117229,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":300,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117230/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(anglo-judaica). seder hatephiloth - the form of prayers, according to the custom of the spanish and portuguese jews, as read in their synagogues, and used in their families. hebrew and english on facing pages. translated by david levi. \n \n \n \n first edition of this translation. \n pp. 12, (3), ff. 262, pp. 21. stained and worn, heavily in places due to extensive use, taped with some loss. contemporary boards, variously worn. 8vo. roth, magna bibliotheca anglo-judaica, p. 306, no. 32. \n london: w. justins 1789 \n \n \n includes prayers in memory of martyrs who were burnt at the stake (see ff. 259-60)."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"144","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117230/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an early printed prayer book titled 'The Form of Prayer According to the Custom of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews,' translated from the original Hebrew by David Levi. Published in London in 1789 (A.M. 5549), the book served for synagogue use and family devotions. The cover page features a classic typographic layout of the period with information about the author, publisher, and place of printing. The binding appears to be a simple, worn leather or board, showing signs of age and use, with visible deterioration along the spine.","soldPrice":500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.407Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117230,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117231/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"aaron berachiah ben moses of modena. ma\u2019avar yabok [prayers for the sick and the dead]. \n \n \n \n third edition. title within typographic border. a fine, wide-margined copy, printed on thicker paper. \n ff. (4), 228. lightly foxed, previous owner\u2019s inscriptions. contemporary gilt-tooled roan. 4to. vinograd, amsterdam 1398 \n amsterdam: solomon proops 1732 \n \n \n includes laws relating to visiting the sick and the correct modes of behavior toward the deceased and toward mourners."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"145","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117231/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an early printed Hebrew book, likely a religious text, titled 'Ma'avar Yabok' (מעבר יבק). The title page is adorned with an ornate typographic border featuring a repeating pattern of small elements, possibly top hats or similar decorative motifs, creating a distinguished frame. The text is entirely in Hebrew script, presented in multiple fonts and sizes, indicating different sections or emphasis. The colophon at the bottom suggests it was printed in Amsterdam ('נדפס באמשטרדם') by a specific printer, typical of Hebrew printing centers in the early modern period.","soldPrice":200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.409Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117231,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":100,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117232/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117232/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(antisemitica). brunati, giovanni antonio. confusione della perfidia ebraica opera dedicata all\u2019 ebraismo. \n \n \n \n first edition. \n pp.(8), 183. touch stained, narginal notes on p.174, pp.175-6 and 177-8 swapped (printer\u2019s error). contemporary limp boards. 12mo. \n trento: giovanni antonio brunati 1712"},"estimateMax":300,"lotNumber":"146","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117232/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":100,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an early printed book titled \"Confusione della Perfida Ebraica opera dedicata All'Ebraismo,\" published in Trento in 1712. The title page features a large, intricate woodcut initial or device, likely a monogram or emblem, at its center. The text is in Italian, printed in a serif typeface characteristic of the early 18th century. The book's subject matter appears to be a theological or polemical work directed towards Judaism, as indicated by the title. The binding shows wear consistent with its age, with visible creases and slight damage to the cover.","soldPrice":150,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.410Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$200 - $300","currency":"USD","id":117232,"estimateMin":200},{"startPrice":450,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117233/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(benjamin of tudela). carmoly, e[ljakim]. notice historique sur benjamin de tudele. <<* with:>> j. lelewel. examen geographique des voyages de benjamin de tudele, 1160-1173. \n \n \n \n first edition. text in french, interspersed with hebrew. frontispiece foldout map of travels of benjamin of tudela; map of palestine with itinerary of benjamin of tudela (second part, p. 36). uncut copy. \n pp. 36, 41. light stains. wrappers. 8vo. rohricht, 38; cf. laor, 199. \n brussels and leipzig: kiessling & compagnie 1852 \n \n \n \u201cthere 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\u201d (ej, vol. iv, col. 537). in 1847, alsatian scholar elyakim carmoly (1802-75) published his itineraires de la terre sainte des xiii-xvii siecles. carmoly provides a bibliography of editions of, and works concerning, benjamin of tudela, as well as carmoly's correspondence with a. asher, who produced an english translation of the the itinerary of benjamin of tudela (london and berlin, 1840-41). carmoly severely criticizes asher for relying upon the second edition (ferrara, 1555), rather than the first edition of the mas'oth shel rabbi binyamin (constantinople, 1543). see carmoly, pp. 32-34. carmoly served as rabbi of brussels from 1832-39. see je, vol. iii, pp. 579-580. lelewel augments the book with his analysis of the exact geographic locations traversed by benjamin."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"147","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117233/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot consists of a historical book, likely a travelogue or geographical study, titled \"NOTICE HISTORIQUE SUR BENJAMIN DE TUDÈLE.\" Published in Bruxelles in 1840, the main text is in French. Accompanying the text is a fold-out map, printed in black and white, depicting a vast geographical area encompassing Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with an inset map showing a more detailed region. The map illustrates the travels or geographical context discussed in the book, providing a visual aid to the historical narrative. The cover of the book features a decorative emblem or crest, enhancing its scholarly presentation.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.412Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117233,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117234/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117234/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117234/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(bible hebrew, pentateuch). chamishah chumshei torah. with commentary of rashi, and on facing pages the targum onkelos. <<* bound with:>> five megiloth and haphtaroth. \n \n \n \n title within architectural columns. first word of each book surrounded by cherubs bearing aloft a diadem. separate title for haphtaroth.?with: 15 pages of additional biblical passages in manuscript, written in hebrew in a cursive north african hand by shmuel ben yitzchak (1842). first page beautifully illuminated. \n ff. 722. previous owner\u2019s notes. binding worn and scuffed with loss. thick 12mo. vinograd, amsterdam 719 (jnul copy incomplete ) \n amsterdam: moses ben abraham mendes coutinho 1701 \n \n \n bound in a striking binding with elaborately painted inner covers."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"148","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117234/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a bound book featuring a highly decorative, likely painted or lacquered, cover. The cover design is characterized by a rich, dark background adorned with an intricate pattern of floral motifs and foliage in shades of gold, red, and other warm colors. At the center of the design is a prominent oval or cartouche containing a stylized bird figure, possibly a peacock or similar ornate creature. The book's spine is also covered in a decorative pattern, and the edges of the pages show the characteristic wear and discoloration of an old volume, suggesting a manuscript or printed work from an earlier period, possibly Persian or Indian.","soldPrice":1700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.413Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117234,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":3000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117235/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"cardoso, isaac (fernando). las excelencias de los hebreos [\u201cthe excellences of the hebrews\u201d]. \n \n \n \n first edition. woodcut device on title displaying a hand gathering flowers with the motto: el que me esparsio me recogera (\u201che who has scattered me will gather me.\u201d). later divisional title with floral device bearing the motto: ellos maldiziran y yo bendizire\u201d (\u201cthey shall curse and i shall bless.\u201d). dedication to the merchant, jacob de pinto, one of the wealthiest and most influential portuguese jews of 17th-century amsterdam. \n pp. (8), 331, (2), 333-431. foxed and stained in places, extreme upper margin with wormhole through many leaves occasionally affecting header. contemporary vellum, rubbed. 4to. kayserling, 34, palau 44099. \n amsterdam: david de castro tartas 1679 \n \n \n first edition of a masterpiece of jewish apologetics. this famous apology of judaism was written by former converso, the physician fernando (isaac) cardoso (1604-81). born in trancoso, portugal, cardoso was one of the many portuguese new christian immigrants who settled in spain in the early 17th-century. he studied at salamanca and was accorded the title of \u201cphisico mayor, \u201d or court physician by philip iv. later, cardoso practiced as a physician in madrid, where he reached the highest literary and social circles. nonetheless, fearing persecution by the office of the inquisition, cardoso fled to venice and subsequently settled in verona. this comprehensive apologetic work contains numerous references to the spanish and portuguese inquisition, anti-jewish iberian authors and the history of 16th and 17th century marranos in spain and portugal - with many first-hand anecdotes. it is divided into ten parts, each with ten chapters. part i extols the \u201cexcelelcias\u201d, or admirable qualities of the jewish people. in part ii, cardoso refutes ten \u201ccalunias\u201d slanders against the jews. passionate and eloquent, the work is not only an erudite defense of jewry as a whole, but also a justification of cardoso\u2019s own choice to live as a jew. the work has been praised as \u201ca masterpiece of jewish anti-defamation, perhaps the most striking since josephus\u2019s contra apionem.\u201d see y. h. yerushalmi, from spanish court to italian ghetto: isaac cardoso, a study in marranism and jewish apologetics (1971); see also bibliotheca rosenthaliana, treasures of jewish booklore (1995) p. 21."},"estimateMax":6000,"lotNumber":"149","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117235/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":3000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an early printed book titled \"Las Excelencias de los Hebreos\" by Doctor Yshac Cardoso, published in Amsterdam in 1679. The title page features an elaborate woodcut illustration at its center, depicting a winged figure, possibly a cherub or angel, emerging from clouds and holding a laurel wreath or garland, with a banner inscribed with text above. The text is entirely in Spanish, printed in a serif typeface common to the 17th century. The paper shows signs of age, including discoloration and slight wear along the edges, typical of a historical publication.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.414Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$4,000 - $6,000","currency":"USD","id":117235,"estimateMin":4000},{"startPrice":4700,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117236/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(chabad - lubavitch). united states district court, eastern district of new york. \n \n \n \n agudas chasidei chabad of united states (plaintiff), against barry s. gourary (defendant), hanna gourary (interventor - defendant). united states courthouse, brooklyn, new york. before the honorable charles p. sifton. complete transcript of court proceedings (2nd december, 1985 - 9th january, 1986), approx. 6,300 pages. * along with volumes of pre-trial depositions, exhibits (both plaintiff and defendant), motions, supplemental documents and translations. \n sold not subject to return. \n brooklyn, ny: 1985-86 \n \n \n barry (shalom dov-baer) gourary (1923-2005) was the only grandchild of the sixth lubavitcher rebbe, r. yosef yitzchak schneersohn (1880-1950). gourary's relationship with his grandfather's successor, r. menachem mendel schneerson, was a source of struggle and friction to himself, the wider gourary-schneerson family, and ultimately the chabad-lubavitch community as a whole. the mass of documents here relate to the lawsuit brought over the question of true title to the lubavitcher rebbe\u2019s library. the chabad movement, led by r. menachem mendel schneerson (1902-1994), argued that the library was the communal property of the lubavitch chassidim and not the personal possession of any one person. indeed the detail of the case subsequently turned into a far more explosive issue that questioned the notion of leadership (\u201crebbe\u2019ship\u201d) as a whole. at the lengthy bench trial many prominent witnesses, including elie wiesel, testified, and many fascinating insights concerning chabad chassidic history were revealed. ultimately, judge sifton ruled in favor of the chabad movement, the followers of which celebrate the verdict\u2019s anniversary on the 5th of teveth, a day known as \u201cdidan notzach\u201d [our ruling is victorious]. the present lot contains almost two-and-a-half-feet of stacked papers, totaling many thousands of pages. a detailed inventory of the archive is available upon request. please note, viewing of this lot is upon request (subject to approval) and by 24-hour advance appointment only."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"150","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117236/view","tags":["usjudaica_chabad","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"No description can be generated for this item as no image or catalog text was provided. The 'Image Unavailable' placeholder prevents any factual details about the item's appearance, type, or content from being determined.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:56.416Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117236,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":4000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117237/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(chassidism). shneur zalman of liadi. tanya - likutei amarim. \n \n \n \n second edition. title within typographical border. with stamps of r. shmuel aharon rabin and his son yom-tov lipmann rabin of krotoschin. \n ff. (3), 2-72, lacking final two leaves. lightly stained and worn, lower corners of opening and closing leaves with some loss affecting few words. contemporary boards, worn and loose. 8vo. vinograd, zolkiew 545; mondschein, tanya bibliography (1981), pp. 36-43, no. 2; stefansky, chassiduth no. 623. \n zolkiew: mordechai rubinstein 1799 \n \n \n second edition of the fundamental exposition of chabad chassidism containing the first appearance of the third section of the tanya, \u201cigereth hateshuvah.\u201d this zolkiew edition so radically differs from the revised version printed subsequently in shklov in 1806, that chassidim refer to it as the \u201cfirst draft\u201d or \u201cigereth hateshuvah - mahadura kama.\u201d see ch. liberman, ohel rachel, vol. i, pp. 54-56; s.d. avtzon, the tanya - a history (1999) pp. 37-9; j. mondschein, siphrei hahalacha shel admo\u201dr hazaken - bibliography (1984) p. 65, n. 5; r. mahler, hasidism and the jewish enlightenment (1985) p. 109."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"151","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117237/view","tags":["usjudaica_chabad","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a religious text, specifically a Tanakh, a collection of sacred Jewish texts. It is an early edition of a Hebrew prayer book, printed in Balashova. The book features Hebrew script within a decorative, intricate border on the title page. The paper shows signs of age and wear, consistent with an older publication, with some handwritten annotations in the margin.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.325Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117237,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":6000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117238/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117238/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(chassidism). shneur zalman of liadi. tanya - likutei amarim. \n \n \n \n fourth edition. title within typographical border. \n ff. (1), 2-58, (1). lightly stained and worn, upper corner of opening few leaves with paper repairs affecting a few letters. modern boards. 8vo. vinograd, zolkiew 662; mondschein, tanya bibliography no. 4; no copy in the jnul. \n zolkiew: abraham judah leib hoffer (c.) 1805 \n \n \n a rare early edition of the fundamental exposition of chabad chassidism."},"estimateMax":9000,"lotNumber":"152","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117238/view","tags":["usjudaica_chabad","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":6000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an antique religious book, a Tanakh, printed in Hebrew script. The title page displays the text \"חלק ראשון הנקרא בשם ספר של בינוני\" within a decorative border that frames the central text. Printed in Balashova by Avraham Horvitz, this book appears to be an early edition of a Hebrew prayer book. The paper shows discoloration and wear consistent with age, and there are some minor red marks at the bottom of the page.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.326Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$6,000 - $9,000","currency":"USD","id":117238,"estimateMin":6000},{"startPrice":700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117239/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117239/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(chassidism). ish ha\u2019elokim ba la\u2019ir [\u201cman of god is coming to town\u201d] \u2026 admo\u201dr chaim elazar shapira. \n \n \n \n printed broadside, issued in black and gold. \n light creasing. finely framed. 19 x 24 inches. \n jerusalem, : 1930 \n \n \n broadside announcing the impending arrival of the grand rebbe r. chaim elazar shapira in jerusalem. known for his work \u2018minchas elazar, \u2019 the fiery leader of munkatcz chassidim visited the land of israel for some two weeks in the spring of 1930. the main focus of his trip was to meet the sephardic kabbalist r. shlomo eliezer alfandari, known as the sabba kaddisha. the two rabbis had been in communication since 1925 and accounts state that the minchas elazar believed the sabba kaddisha to be the messiah himself. the two met together, alone, on several occasions during r. shapira\u2019s visit and reportedly spoke about the hastening of the messianic redemption. however, shortly after their discussions, the aged r. alfandari passed away. upon hearing the news, r. shapira fell into a deep depression, believing that his mission had failed, foiled by the sins of his generation. a detailed account of the trip was published by r. shapira\u2019s student, moshe goldstein and was most recently adapted into english: \u2018journey to jerusalem\u2019 (artscroll). for more on r. shapira\u2019s messianic aspirations, see motti inbari\u2019s essay in kathedra 149 (tishrei, 2013) pp. 77-104."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"153","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117239/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a framed Hebrew broadside or poster, likely a commemorative or announcement document. The text is predominantly in bold Hebrew script, featuring the name 'חיים אלעזר שפירא' prominently. The document is printed on light-brown paper and is presented within a gilt wooden frame with an ornate carved pattern. The overall appearance suggests a formal or religious context, possibly commemorating a significant individual or event.","soldPrice":1300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.328Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117239,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":4000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117240/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117240/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(cook-book). the jewish manual; or, practical information in jewish and modern cookery, with a collection of valuable recipes & hints relating to the toilette. edited by a lady. \n \n \n \n first edition. \n pp. xxi, 244. lightly stained and worn through use, previous owner\u2019s inscriptions (one dated 1851) on opening pastedown and front free endpaper, title loose. original boards, worn and rubbed, spine crudely taped, inner hinge split. 8vo. \n london: t. & w. boone 1846 \n \n \n the first kosher cook-book in the english language. the anonymous author was in fact the noble lady, lady judith montefiore, wife of the celebrated sir moses montefiore of ramsgate. in this significant book lady judith sought to elevate home cooking with social polish while remaining true to the tenets of jewish practice. additionally she intended that her cook-book would attract the attention of \u201cthose ladies not of the hebrew persuasion\u201d by providing them with recipes for sophisticated fare that was only incidentally kosher. offered here are recipes for traditional jewish dishes as well as those that reflect the wider culture in which english jews lived, as could be found \u201cat all refined modern tables.\u201d given that fashionable victorian tables were often groaning with prohibited foods, including elaborate combinations of dairy and meat, shellfish, and pie crusts made with lard, the author had at hand a tall task. perhaps more important than the recipes themselves is the fact that lady judith served a message that one can be \u201cgenteel without being gentile.\u201d lady judith montefiore belonged to what historian todd endelman calls \u201cengland\u2019s upper-upper-middle-class.\u201d although the jews of england were not permitted to stand for parliament until the emancipation act of 1858, they nonetheless enjoyed all other civil rights in full and certainly prized a higher social status than jews were able to attain elsewhere in europe. also includes information on: \u201cthe complexion, the hair, the teeth, hands and nails, dress, diet and the influence of the mind as regards to beauty.\u201d"},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"154","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117240/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical cookbook titled \"The Jewish Manual; or Practical Information in Jewish and Modern Cookery.\" It was 'EDITED BY A LADY' and includes a collection of valuable recipes and hints relating to toilette. The book was published in London by T. & W. Boone in 1846. The title page is simple, featuring serif typography and presenting information about the content and publication details.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.329Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117240,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":4000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117241/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117241/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117241/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117241/004/004.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(cook-book). esther levy. jewish cookery book, on principles of economy adapted for jewish housekeepers. with the addition of many useful medicinal recipes and other valuable information relative to housekeeping and domestic management. \n \n \n \n first edition. interesting pencil correction on page 13, the word \u201cservant\u201d has been struck through and replaced in pencil with the word \u201cmaid.\u201d \n pp. 200 + pp. 10 (ads). lacks pp. 21-2. stained and worn through use, browned, few leaves loose and fore-edges chipped. original boards, rubbed extremities worn. 8vo. singerman 2286; bitting 286; not in sabin. \n philadelphia: w.s. turner 1871 \n \n \n the first jewish cookbook published in america. title-page with line in hebrew: \u201ca cookery book properly explained and in accordance with the rules of the jewish religion.\u201d the author sought to elevate american home cooking with social polish while remaining true to the tenets of the jewish religion, or as esther levy herself wrote: \u201cwithout violating the precepts of our religion, a table can be spread, which will satisfy the appetites of the most fastidious.\u201d includes laws relating to how to run a kosher home, household hints, diets for invalids and medicinal recipes, as well as a jewish calendar and hours for the commencement of the sabbath. see b. kirshenblatt-gimblett, \u201cthe kosher gourmet in the nineteenth-century kitchen, in: the journal of gastronomy 2, no. 4 (1986-87) pp. 51-89. a fascinating culinary and historical publication affirming the jewish woman\u2019s status within american society. provenance: mrs. w. bloomingdale, 912 west broad street. sotheby\u2019s, judaica, 28th may 1986, lot 9."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"155","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117241/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":4000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a vintage Jewish cookbook titled \"Jewish Cookery Book, on Principles of Economy.\" It was adapted for Jewish housekeepers, including medicinal recipes and information for domestic management, and authored by Mrs. Esther Levy (née Esther Jacobs). Published in Philadelphia by W. S. Turner in 1871, the book's title page features both Hebrew and English text, indicating its bicultural relevance. The paper shows significant foxing and discoloration, consistent with its age and use.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.331Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117241,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":200,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117242/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"dandre bardon, michel francois. costume des anciens peuples, a l\u2019usage des artistes. edited by c. cochin. \n \n \n \n volume iii (of 3) only. replete with 98 full-page engraved plates. \n pp. 40 (text), + 98 pl. light wear, few leaves starting. contemporary marbled boards, rubbed. sm. folio. cf. blackmer 448. \n paris: alexandre jombert 1785 \n \n \n contains illustrations of costumes, monuments and religious and military customs. first published between 1772-74 in 31 parts. to make the work more easily available to the public, dandr&eacute;-bardon reduced both the text and plates of the first edition \"especially those which were not directly applicable to costume\" (blackmer)."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"156","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117242/view","tags":["uscollectibles_booksandpaper","uscollectibles","uscollectibles_all"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an antique copperplate engraving depicting a Menorah and associated rituals, titled \"Pl. 8.\" The scene features a large, seven-branched Menorah, with three figures engaged in activities related to its use, including preparing or lighting the wicks and pouring liquids. The print is monochrome, with fine lines and shading characteristic of 17th or 18th-century engraving, and includes small lettered annotations (A-K) on various elements. The composition is detailed, illustrating aspects of Jewish religious practice.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.332Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117242,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117243/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"de pomis, david. tzemach david / dittionario novo hebraico. \n \n \n \n first edition. arms of pope sixtus v on f. 2r and of the de pomis (\u201cmin hatapuchim\u201d) family on f. 5v. (yaari, hebrew printers\u2019 marks, no. 41) \n ff. 5, (1), ff. 5-62, 238. stained in places. recent boards. folio. vinograd, venice 717; habermann, di gara 97a; adams p-1823. \n venice: giovanni di gara 1587 \n \n \n celebrated hebrew, aramaic, latin and italian dictionary presenting definitions from kimchi\u2019s shorashim, levita\u2019s tishbi, and nathan ben yechiel\u2019s aruch, and adding numerous historical and scientific observations and discourses. trained as a medical doctor, david de pomis\u2019s expositions of biblical and talmudic terms comprise a good deal of curious and interesting medieval scientific lore. the introductory pages embody the author\u2019s genealogy and autobiography and recount the remarkable history of the ancient de pomis family, brought in chains to italy from the land of israel by emperor titus following his siege and destruction of the temple in jerusalem in 70 c.e. the work is dedicated to pope sextius v, in gratitude for the restoration of the concession permitting jewish physicians to attend to christian patients for the years 1585-1590. see c. roth, the jews in the renaissance (1950), pp. 223-2."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"157","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117243/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an early printed trilingual dictionary and lexicon, titled \"DITTIONARIO NOVO Hebraico, molto copioso, Dechiarato in tre lingue, con bellissime annotationi, e con l'indice Latino, e volgare\" and \"LEXICON NOVVM HEBRAICVM.\" It features Hebrew, Latin, and Italian languages, with a focus on Hebrew. The title page is elaborately typeset with various fonts and includes publisher details, noting 'In Venetia, apud Ioannem de Gara, 1587.' The paper exhibits significant age-related discoloration and some minor ink marks.","soldPrice":450,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.334Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117243,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117244/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(elijah, gaon of vilna). seder olam raba [the first systematic chronology of world history from adam until the destruction of the second temple]. ascribed to the mishnaic sage, r. yossi b. chalaphta. \n \n \n \n first edition of the gaon\u2019s commentary, along with newly corrected text. bound with: saphah berurah (incomplete). \n ff. (49). trace stained and worn, previous owner\u2019s marks. contemporary calf-backed boards, scuffed. 8vo. vinograd, shklow, 118; mehlman 180; vinograd, vilna gaon 298. \n shklow: shabthai b. ben-zion, et al 1801 \n \n \n one of the first of the vilna gaon\u2019s works to be published displaying his original, scientific approach to the text. with an important introduction by the editor, menachem mendel of shklov, who states that the gaon left a legacy of manuscripts containing \u201cthousands of pages.\u201d"},"estimateMax":1800,"lotNumber":"158","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117244/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an antique Hebrew religious text, a 'ספר סדר עולם רבא' (Seder Olam Rabbah). The title page features Hebrew script within an ornate decorative border composed of repeated small symbols. It was printed in Balashova by Abraham Horvitz and his son, Isaac. The paper shows significant signs of aging, including discoloration and some staining, typical of a book from this period, with some blue ink stamping visible near the top left.","soldPrice":1000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.335Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,200 - $1,800","currency":"USD","id":117244,"estimateMin":1200},{"startPrice":10000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117245/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117245/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117245/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117245/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117245/005/005.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(hagadah). the haggadah. executed by arthur szyk. edited by cecil roth. \n \n \n \n one of 125 numbered copies issued for the united states of america. printed entirely on vellum. richly illustrated in color by szyk.?full- and half-page color half-tone reproductions of compositions by szyk, including numerous decorative initials, text ornaments and many small vignettes. pictorial doublures on silk.?bound by sangorski & sutcliffe: royal blue morocco, gilt- tooled pictorial inlay. housed in original matching solander-case, velvet interior.?text in hebrew and english printed in black and sepia. signed by the artist and editor.?opening blank page inscribed and signed by arthur szyk, new canaan, 1947. \n previous owner\u2019s inscription on opening blank. box slightly scuffed, otherwise in bright condition. folio. yudlov 3861; yaari 2285. \n london: beaconsfield press 1939 \n \n \n the most sublime of all passover hagadahs. dedicated to king george vi of england, szyk\u2019s great illuminated masterpiece is a stunning work of the book-arts, conceived with extraordinarily high production values. \u201cthe times literary supplement recognized szyk\u2019s masterpiece as one of the most beautiful works ever produced by human hands. when one considers the brilliant multi-layers not only of illumination and color, but of themes and sub-themes, szyk\u2019s haggadah stands among hebrew illuminated manuscripts in a moment in time, for all time, in a class by itself.\u201d i. ungar, justice illuminated: the art of arthur szyk (1998) p.15. see also j.p. ansell, arthur szyk: artist, jew, pole (2004) pp. 96-100."},"estimateMax":20000,"lotNumber":"159","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117245/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":10000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item consists of two leather-bound books, likely a set or related volumes. The book in the foreground has a deep blue leather cover, adorned with an elaborate gold-tooled design featuring a stylized figure wearing a crown and holding various objects, possibly ceremonial. The second book, behind it, has a grey and black cover with a smaller, rectangular gold-tooled emblem on the grey section. Both books appear to be of high quality, with spine detailing and rich finishes, suggesting they are luxury editions or important works.","soldPrice":18000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.337Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$15,000 - $20,000","currency":"USD","id":117245,"estimateMin":15000},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117246/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117246/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"heller, yom tov lipmann (\u201cthe tosfos yom-tov.\u201d) kos yeshu\u2019oth, hanikra megilath eiva. \n \n \n \n  \n pp. (1), 18. previous owner\u2019s stamps. modern boards. 8vo. \n vienna: adalbert della torre 1851 \n \n \n an account of the tribulations the author endured a result of his imprisonment under suspicion of slander of christianity and treason against ferdinand ii; followed by his legal ordeal, incarceration and ultimately, justice and freedom. upon eventual release and reappointment as rabbi of cracow, r. heller established an annual celebration on the anniversary on which he won back his freedom. centuries later, his numerous descendants still commemorate rosh chodesh adar as per their ancestor\u2019s instructions. see c. u. lipschitz & n. rosenstein, the feast and the fast (1984)."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"160","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117246/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an antique Hebrew book, specifically an edition of \"חומש ישועות\" (Chumash Yeshu'ot), a religious text. The title page includes the text \"מלש אבה\" and \"תוספת יום טוב.\" It was printed in Wien (Vienna) in 1851 by Adalbert della Torre, with a visible imprint of 'M. E. Löwy in Bessl.' The page features Hebrew script and contains various ink stamps, including a notable purple stamp that reads \"Private Library of Rev. M. NEWMAN, CHICAGO,\" indicating its provenance.","soldPrice":550,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.338Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117246,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117247/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117247/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117247/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117247/004/004.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). juli&aacute;n gamoneda. el fascismo. caricaturas. a&ntilde;o 1939. \n \n \n \n inscribed and signed by the author. text in spanish. illustrated with stunning satirical cartoons. \n pp. 114. trace foxing on final few pages. original color pictorial wrappers. folio. \n (mexico?): (1939) \n \n \n satirical political cartoons by the spanish exile, juli&aacute;n gamoneda (yo)focusing on the rise of fascist governments in europe and asia. includes a chapter on the persecution of the jews."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"161","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117247/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a Spanish anti-fascist propaganda poster from 1939, titled 'El Fascismo Caricatura Año 1939'. The subject matter is political caricature, depicting caricatured figures, including one resembling Hitler, amidst a scene of violence and oppression, with blood-like stains. The visual features include exaggerated, grotesque figures, bold red and blue colors, and two blue masks at the bottom. The text includes the call to action '¡Guerra al Fascismo!' (War on Fascism!).","soldPrice":900,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.818Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117247,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117248/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117248/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117248/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117248/004/004.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). victimas del terror nazi. la recompensa de los salvadores. [\u201csome victims of nazi terror. the reward of the salvors.\u201d] \n \n \n \n text entirely in spanish. \n pp. (28). photographic illustrations throughout. original pictorial wrappers. sm. folio. \n london: odhams press, circa 1940 \n \n \n details the life of the 4,000 german and austrian jewish men who were given temporary sanctuary in england in late 1939. they were housed in the kitchener refugee camp, located in richborough, between the towns of ramsgate and sandwich, along the coast of east kent. it is not clear why this publication was produced in the spanish language. for more on the kitchener camp see: http://www.kitchenercamp.co.uk/. and https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/leave-to-land-the-kitchener-camp-rescue-1939/. a detailed bibliography relating to kitchener can be found here: http://www.kitchenercamp.co.uk/references/books/."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"162","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117248/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a Spanish-language propaganda pamphlet or booklet cover titled 'Víctimas del Terror Nazi' (Victims of Nazi Terror), likely from the mid-20th century, given the subject matter. The main visual is a black and white photograph of a shirtless, muscular man wearing a head covering, operating a large gear mechanism. The overall subject suggests a focus on the human cost or resistance against Nazi terror, with the subtitle 'La Recompensa de los Salvadores' (The Reward of the Saviors).","soldPrice":450,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.820Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117248,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":700,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117249/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). dr. julius l. \u201cisrael\u201d seligsohn. die einwander&uuml;ng nach u.s.a. [\u201cimmigration to america\u201d] \n \n \n \n  \n browned. original pictorial wrappers. 8vo \n berlin: verlag j&uuml;discher kulturband in deutschland 1940 \n \n \n the last legal jewish publication in nazi germany. designed to familiarize potential jewish &eacute;migr&eacute;s with the procedures of applying for a visa to the united states. cited on pp. 92-101 are sample letters written to american consulates wherein the jewish males carry the middle name of \u201cisrael\u201d and jewish females bear the middle name \u201csara.\u201d this was in compliance with nazi law. in all likelihood, this booklet, issued after the onset of world war ii, is the final official publication of the jewish community of germany. within a short time, the author himself would perish in the oranienburg concentration camp."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"163","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117249/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a German-language booklet titled 'Die Einwanderung nach U.S.A.' (Immigration to U.S.A.) by Dr. Julius L. Israel Seligsohn, published in Berlin in 1940. The cover design features a stylized illustration of a tall skyscraper, likely representing a U.S. building, with a detail of an 'Quota Immigration Visa No. 721 issued to [name] on 25th day of March 1940'. The publisher is listed as 'Verlag Jüdischer Kulturbund in Deutschland E.V.'. The booklet is printed on plain, light brown paper, with red and grey ink for text and illustrations.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.821Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117249,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":2000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117250/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). the mass extermination of jews in german occupied poland. note addressed to the governments of the united nations on december 10th, 1942, and other documents. \n \n \n \n title in red. eagle, symbol of poland. mint condition.  \n pp.16. original printed wrappers. 4to. \n london: hutchinson, for the polish ministry of foreign affairs, (december 1942) \n \n \n the first official documentation of the nazi's systematic extermination of the jews. during world war ii, the poles maintained a government in-exile in london. this government paper, an appeal to the worlds\u2019 conscience issued by the ministry of foreign affairs of the republic of poland, details the systematic extermination of the jewish population of poland, with particular emphasis on the mass deportations from the warsaw ghetto to the extermination camp at treblinka. the facts presented here were gathered, at great personal risk, by jan karski (kozielewski), a polish government emissary in occupied poland \u201cwho was smuggled into the warsaw ghetto and into a concentration camp in the lublin area. the horrors he witnessed marked him deeply and propelled him to become not only the messenger of the polish underground, but to concentrate on giving voice to the suffering of the dying jews. in november 1942, karski reached london, delivered the report to the polish government-in-exile, and set out to meet winston churchill, other politicians, journalists, and public figures. upon completing his mission, karski went on to the united states, where he met with president roosevelt and other dignitaries, and tried in vain to stir up public opinion against the massacre of the jews.\u201d (yad vashem). cited by lucy dawidowicz in her work, the holocaust and the historians (harvard, 1983, p. 167) karski's report could not be more explicit in its description of the horrors nor in its plea for help: \"the new methods of mass slaughter applied during the last few months confirm the fact that the german authorities aim with systematic deliberation at the total extermination of the jewish population of poland and of the many thousands of jews whom the german authorities have departed to poland from western and central european countries and from the german reich itself. the polish government consider it their duty to bring to the knowledge of the governments of all civilized countries the following fully authenticated information received from poland during recent weeks, which indicates all too plainly the new methods of extermination adopted by the german authorities.\" for more about karski and the singular importance of this publication see: https://righteous.yadvashem.org/? searchtype=righteous_only&language=en&item id=4043972&ind=nan. and: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/jan_karski."},"estimateMax":2500,"lotNumber":"164","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117250/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an official document or pamphlet published by the Republic of Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, titled 'The Mass Extermination of Jews in German Occupied Poland'. The document, in English, includes a 'Note addressed to the Governments of the United Nations on December 10th, 1942, and other documents'. It features the Polish national emblem, a crowned eagle, in red ink. The publisher is Hutchinson & Co. (Publishers) Ltd., with locations in London, New York, and Melbourne, and it indicates a price of 'Threepence Net'.","soldPrice":2000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.822Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $2,500","currency":"USD","id":117250,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":400,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117251/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). tzava\u2019ah fun 93 kedoshoth [last will and testament of 93 beis-ya\u2019akov girls who killed themselves rather than be forced into nazi prostitution]. \n \n \n \n yiddish text. single page, on stationery of mercaz agudath israel of romania. \n some folds. 12.5 x 9 inches. \n arad, rumania: circa 1943 \n \n \n the remarkable letter reporting that 93 beth-ya\u2019akov students and teachers killed themselves, rather than be forced into a nazi brothel. issued by the agudath israel of arad, romania and noting that the letter was sent from bergen belsen to rabbi dr. yitzchak lewin. the agudath israel of arad adds: \u201cjewish sisters! how can you fulfill their wish? by joining the ranks of bnos agudas israel. yearn to live the life for which they died.\u201d news of this letter reached the united states and eretz israel and was broadly reported, including in the new york times (january 8, 1943). the dramatic incident became the inspiration for many prayers and poems. in regard to the veracity of the event, see j.t. baumol-schwartz and j.j. schacter, the 93 beth jacob girls of cracow: history or typology? in: reverence, righteousness, and rahamanut, essays in memory of rabbi dr. leo jung (1992) pp. 93-130. accompanied by: \u201c93.\u201d a memorial booklet issued \u201cin memory of girls who symbolized bravery, purity and modesty.\u201d pp. 32. hebrew text. published by the \"committee to protect the honor of the daughters of israel.\" tel aviv, 1943. the booklet contains speeches, prayers and songs contributed by the entire gamut of israeli society from prof. joseph klausner, dr. a. kaminka, prof. fischel schneerson, the poet abraham broides, to the chief rabbis of tel aviv amiel and toledano, as well as by rabbi moshe blau. streets in tel aviv and petach tikva were named \"the 93\" based upon this pamphlet."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"165","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117251/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":400,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"No image is available for this item. Therefore, a description based on visual features cannot be provided. The catalog text for this item is also empty, preventing a factual description of its content or characteristics.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.824Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117251,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117252/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). vassili grossman. el pueblo es inmortal. \n \n \n \n first spanish edition. \n p. 154, (6). browned. original pictorial wrappers, spine worn. 8vo. unlisted by worldcat. \n havana: editorial paginas 1943 \n \n \n the first spanish edition of grossman\u2019s \u201cthe people are immortal\u201d (народ бессмертен), issued in the same year as the first english edition. originally appearing in parts in soviet newspapers, grossman (known as the \u201cjewish tolstoy\u201d) was the first journalist to write about the atrocities committed by the nazis against jews."},"estimateMax":300,"lotNumber":"166","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117252/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a Spanish-language book or pamphlet cover, likely dating from the mid-20th century, titled 'El Pueblo es Immortal' (The People are Immortal) by Vassili Grossman. The cover features a two-color illustration in black and reddish-brown ink on a brown paper background. The artwork depicts two soldiers, one brandishing an axe, within a wooded scene, with a tank visible in the background, suggesting a wartime or resistance narrative. The title and author's name are prominently displayed in red and blue script respectively.","soldPrice":150,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.825Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$200 - $300","currency":"USD","id":117252,"estimateMin":200},{"startPrice":450,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117253/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). jews have always fought for freedom. edited by joseph brainin. \n \n \n \n with numerous photographic illustrations as well as artwork by william gropper and arthur szyk. \n pp. 24. original pictorial wrappers designed by szyk, light wear. sm. folio. \n new york: (1943) \n \n \n accompanied by: western union telegram inviting leon j obermeyer to meet the soviet delegation. 19th july, 1943. this brochure was published by the national reception committee to the delegation from the u.s.s.r, chaired by albert einstein. it was issued to welcome solomon michoels and itzik feffer who visited the united states, canada and mexico on behalf of the soviet jewish anti-fascist committee. both these celebrated men of jewish culture were later brutally killed in the anti-jewish purges of joseph stalin\u2019s last years of rule. see j. rubenstein & v.p. naumov, stalin\u2019s secret pogrom: the postwar inquisition of the jewish anti-fascist committee (2001)."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"167","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117253/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a mid-20th century English-language poster or pamphlet cover, likely from 1941, titled 'Jews Have Always Fought For Freedom'. The main visual feature is a black and white illustration of six armed Jewish guerillas, some holding submachine guns, in a dynamic pose. The text includes a dedication 'TO THE JEWISH GUERILLAS, THE SACRED AVENGERS OF MY PEOPLE' and a signature 'Arthur Szyk N.Y. 1941'. A German Stahlhelm helmet with a swastika is depicted on the ground, symbolizing the enemy. The price '35¢' is visible at the top right.","soldPrice":600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.826Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117253,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117254/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). the teheran children accuse: original documents and full story of the seizure and non-religious education of refugee children by the jewish agency in palestine. \n \n \n \n text in hebrew, with abstracts in english and yiddish. from the library of rabbi menachem risikoff, with his stamp on title-page. \n pp. (2), 146, (12). some staining. original printed wrappers, detached. 8vo. \n new york: the jewish voice 1944 \n \n \n in 1943, polish jewish children, whose parents had been exterminated in the holocaust, arrived in eretz israel by way of teheran, iran - hence they became known as \u201cthe teheran children.\u201d these children, who came from religiously observant homes were sent by the jewish agency to secular kibbutzim that left most of them bereft of their religious beliefs. issued by the agudath israel of the united states and canada the introductory remarks to this ideological booklet begin: \u201cthis is a document of shame.\u201d includes letters issued by rabbis yoseph isaac schneersohn, avraham mordecai alter, issar zalman meltzer, isaac ze\u2019ev soloveitchik, yechezkel abramsky, eliezer silver, etc. for provenance, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/mnachem_risikoff."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"168","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117254/view","tags":["usjudaica_documents","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an English-language document or booklet titled 'The Teheran Children Accuse', published by The Jewish Voice in New York in 1944. The subtitle indicates it contains 'Original Documents and full story of the seizure and non-religious education of refugee children by the Jewish Agency in Palestine'. The cover also features a stamped impression in Hebrew text, adding a linguistic and historical layer to the item. The paper appears to be aged, with minor stains visible.","soldPrice":250,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.827Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117254,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":700,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117255/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117255/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117255/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117255/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117255/005/005.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). zinowij tolkaczew [tolkatchev]. majdanek. \n \n \n \n complete set of 28 illustrated plates. introductory text and list of plate-captions in polish, russian, french and english. one of 600 copies. loose as issued in original printed portfolio. \n printed wrappers, neatly repaired along margins. tall folio. \n warsaw: sp&oacute;łdzielnia wydawnicza \"czytelnik\" 1945 \n \n \n zinovievm tolkatchev was a russian artist who enlisted in the red army. in 1944, he was stationed on the ukrainian front, near majdanek. horrified by what he witnessed, tolkatchev spent a month painting scenes from within the newly liberated death camp. the polish-soviet nazi crimes investigation commission encouraged tolkatchev\u2019s work and in november 1944, his exhibition of majdanek paintings became one of the earliest artistic depictions to publicly document the nazi death camps. when this portfolio was published soon after in february 1945, the polish government sent copies to allied heads of state, along with government and military officers. looking back on his work, tolkatchev wrote: \u201ci did what i had to do; i could not refrain from doing it. my heart commanded, my conscience demanded.\u201d today his original paintings are housed in the collection of the yad vashem museum, jerusalem. see yad vashem catalogue, private tolkatchev at the gates of hell \u2013 majdanek and auschwitz liberated: testimony of an artist (2005). https://www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/exhibitions/tolkatchev/index.asp."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"169","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117255/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a booklet or pamphlet cover, likely from the mid-20th century, titled 'Majdanek' by Zinowij Tolkaczew. The cover features a stark, black ink drawing on a brown paper background, depicting a nude female figure holding a small child. The drawing is minimalist and evocative, suggesting a somber or tragic subject matter, likely related to the Majdanek concentration camp, as indicated by the title. The artwork emphasizes the human form with expressive lines.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.828Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117255,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":200,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117256/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). robert gamzon. tivliout harmonie. \n \n \n \n first edition. preface by edmond fleg. text in french. \n pp. 100, (4). original printed wrappers. 8vo. \n paris: busson for l\u2019eclaireurs isra&eacute;lites de france (eif) 1945 \n \n \n french-jewish partisan leader robert gamzon (1905\u201361), co-founded in 1923 the eclaireurs isra&eacute;lites de france (eif), which was to become the most popular jewish youth movement throughout france and french north africa. from 1939 gamzon served as a communications officer in the french army. after germany vanquished france in june 1940, gamzon moved his movement's institutions to southern france, which was not yet occupied by the germans, and to french-governed algeria, both places where many jews had fled to. he set up children's homes, workshops, welfare centers, and training farms; and organized jewish cultural courses for youth leaders. in january 1942 gamzon joined the executive board of the union of french jews (ugif), which was a consolidation of all the jewish organizations in france. in the summer of 1942 gamzon created \"la sixi&egrave;me, \" a clandestine rescue network whose purpose was to help jews escape the nazis, manufacture false identity papers and spirit jewish children and teenagers to safety in spain or switzerland. in december 1943 he set up a jewish underground movement in the tarn area with youth from his rural work camps along with veteran members of eif. in june 1944 his group, now a full-fledged military unit, was incorporated into the free french army as the marc haguenau company. as area commandant, gamzon received and assisted allied specialists in sabotage who parachuted into his zone and set up ambushes against german convoys. after the war gamzon established a school in paris for community workers and in 1949, he immigrated to israel at the head of a group of 50 eif veterans. an electro-acoustical engineer by profession, gamzon was appointed laboratory head at the weizmann institute. he met his death by accidental drowning. for two related articles about robert gamzon, see: https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu/truth-for-children/. http://le-scout.fr/blog/? page_id=826."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"170","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117256/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a French-language publication titled 'TIVLIOUT HARMONIE' by Robert Gamzon, with a preface by Edmond Fleg. The item appears to be a booklet or pamphlet, published by 'ECLAIREURS ISRAÉLITES DE FRANCE' (Jewish Scouts of France) at 27, Avenue de Ségur, Paris (VIIe). The design is minimalist, with black text on a plain white background, indicating a formal or official publication from the mid-20th century. The content is likely related to Jewish cultural or religious themes, given the publisher.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:51.829Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117256,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":450,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117257/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117257/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust) ir&egrave;ne gaucher. todeslager [death camp]. preface by vercors (jean marcel bruller). \n \n \n \n first german edition. photographic illustrations throughout. \n pp. 56. original color pictorial wrappers. lg. 4to. \n s&auml;ckingen: herman stratz 1947 \n \n \n rare german edition of this pictorial history of the most infamous nazi death camps. important for the german publishers\u2019 preface, demanding that \u201cwe fellow germans must see what we would prefer to forget. we must know how the world sees us\u2026\u201d includes the noted photographic illustration of nobel laureate elie wiesel in buchenwald (p. 7). also contains a double-page map of the camps across europe. originally issued in french in 1946 under the title \u201ccamps de mort.\u201d"},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"171","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117257/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a Holocaust-era propaganda booklet or pamphlet, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The subject matter is 'Todeslager' (Death Camp), depicting a gaunt concentration camp prisoner in striped uniform with a red triangle badge ('Häftling' - prisoner) and a ghostly outline of a corpse. The image, set against a stark black background with a red aura around the standing figure, conveys a powerful and somber visual message about the atrocities of the concentration camps.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:54.182Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117257,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":600,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117258/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). yetziat europa, 1947. edited by \u201cyohoyakim.\u201d \n \n \n \n first edition. hebrew text throughout. many photographic illustrations. \n pp. 98, (1). touch stained. original pictorial wrappers. 8vo. \n munich: bafreiung-dror 1948 \n \n \n an account of the deportation of those \u201cillegal\u201d immigrants who traveled to eretz israel on the ship \u201cthe exodus.\u201d narrated by the children and counselors of the dror movement. published by the office of the bafreiung newspaper, voice of the poalei zion party of the she\u2019erit hapleitah in germany. see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ss_exodus."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"172","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117258/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":600,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical pamphlet or booklet from the mid-20th century, likely 1947, depicting the Haganah ship 'Exodus 1947'. The cover features a monochrome blue image of a ship, prominently displaying its name, docked in a port filled with numerous people. The primary language appears to be Hebrew, with a large, stylized text at the bottom, and English text 'HAGANAH SHIP EXODUS 1947' visible on the ship itself. The visual content focuses on the ship and the crowd, conveying a sense of historical migration or event related to the ship's journey.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:54.184Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$700 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117258,"estimateMin":700},{"startPrice":500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117259/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). wat nu? [\u201cwhat now?\u201d] \n \n \n \n text in dutch. photographic plates. \n pp. 32. previous owner\u2019s inscription on first page. original pictorial wrappers, lightly stained. 8vo. \n (paramaribo, surinam): het nieuws (1949) \n \n \n issued by the freeland league, advocating the establishment of a jewish settlement in the south american country of suriname by holocaust refugees."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"173","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117259/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a minimalist pamphlet or booklet cover, likely from the mid-20th century. The pale blue background features a small, monochrome photographic portrait of a man, possibly a public figure, in the upper section. Below the portrait, the Dutch phrase 'wat nu ?' (what now?) is printed in bold, sans-serif, lowercase black letters, suggesting a questioning or contemplative theme. The simple design and direct question imply a political or social commentary.","soldPrice":500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:54.186Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117259,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":100,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117260/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117260/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). simon rubinstein. sobrevivir. \n \n \n \n first edition. text in spanish. inscribed and signed by the author on title-page. cover designed by the author. \n pp. (8), 420, (4). original color pictorial wrappers, stain along lower portion of spine. 4to. \n mexico: 1970 \n \n \n a self-published, fictionalized memoir of the author\u2019s life prior to his migration to mexico: his pre-war life in europe, his deportation and shocking experiences in auschwitz, followed by his journey to and fight for the nascent state of israel."},"estimateMax":200,"lotNumber":"174","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117260/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":100,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an illustrated booklet or pamphlet cover, likely from the mid-20th century, with an allegorical or political theme. The central image depicts a man in a blue shirt and hat crawling under barbed wire fences in a grassy field, with distant houses under a cloudy sky. The word 'EUROPE' is creatively formed from red, twisted barbed wire strands, symbolizing struggle or entrapment. The artist's name, Simon Rubinstein, is visible on the cover.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:54.188Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$150 - $200","currency":"USD","id":117260,"estimateMin":150},{"startPrice":8000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117261/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117261/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117261/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117261/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117261/005/005.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(holocaust). \u2018gloves that captured eichmann 11.6.60.\u2019 \n \n \n \n bronze sculpture by zvi peter malchin (malkin). one of 18. signed by artist lower left, with date and limitation. \n weight: 16 pounds. 20x30 cm. \n 1988 \n \n \n the artist of this work, zvi peter malkin (1927-20015), was a veteran israeli mossad agent who in 1960 captured adolf eichmann, chief architect of the holocaust, from a street outside buenos aires. malkin approached eichmann, then living under an assumed name, with the greeting \"un momentito, se&ntilde;or\" before wrestling him into a waiting car. the team of mossad agents later smuggled him to israel, where he was placed on trial, convicted of crimes against humanity and hanged in 1962. in his book \"eichmann in my hands\" (1990) malkin wrote about the capture, stating, he so repulsed, he wore gloves, to avoid directly touching eichmann with his bare hands. born in zolkiewka, poland, malkin was reared in british mandate palestine and by age 12 was recruited to fight with the haganah, the jewish underground forces. he became an explosives specialist and eventually became chief of operations for the mossad. given his proclivities for the arts, during his clandestine work he often posed as an itinerant artist. malkin\u2019s actual brown suede gloves are housed at yad vashem holocaust memorial museum, jerusalem. see www.nytimes.com/2005/03/03/obituaries/peter-zvi-malkin-israeli-agent-who-captured-adolf- eichmann-dies.html. https://artandseek.org/2018/09/18/the-artist-was-a-spy-operation-finale/. https://www.cnn.com/2012/02/15/middleeast/gallery/israel-mossad-eichmann/index.html. provenance: from the family of the artist, zvi peter malkin. exhibited: the museum of the jewish people, \u201coperation finale: the story of the capture of eichmann.\u201d tel aviv, 2012."},"estimateMax":30000,"lotNumber":"175","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117261/view","tags":["usart_sculpture","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":8000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a bronze relief sculpture, likely from the mid-20th century or later, cast from an impression of two gloves. The gloves are depicted side-by-side, palm down, with a textured background suggesting the surface they were pressed into. A small brass plaque at the bottom right bears an inscription, which includes 'GLOVES That captured EICHMAN' and a date '11. 5. 60 MALCHIN', indicating its historical significance related to the capture of Adolf Eichmann. The material and subject make it a notable piece of historical commemoration.","soldPrice":8000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:43.203Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$20,000 - $30,000","currency":"USD","id":117261,"estimateMin":20000},{"startPrice":450,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117262/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(israel, land of). chevrath chessed ve\u2019emeth. \n \n \n \n text in hebrew and yiddish. with stamp in hebrew and german: \u201ccomite chesed ve-emeth me-agudath baalei melacha\u2026handwerker verein.\u201d with approbations from the rabbis of tzfat, along with consular officials from austria, france, england, the united states, etc. \n pp. 36. stained. modern marbled boards. 8vo. unrecorded by s. halevi. \n (jerusalem: 1888) \n \n \n \u201cregulations of the society of craftsmen.\u201d based in safed, established in order to \u201cimprove working conditions in the factories of eretz israel.\u201d includes a list of 114 members, including those located in tiberias, jerusalem and rosh pinah whose jobs are listed as blacksmiths, builders, shoemakers, tailors, etc."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"176","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117262/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a page from an old book or pamphlet, primarily textual, written in Hebrew script. The page features a decorative round stamp or seal with Hebrew text and a star of David alongside a hand and a crescent moon, suggesting an organizational or institutional origin. The text appears to be a religious or historical document, consistent with mid-20th century publishing, with some wear and discoloration visible on the aged paper.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:54.190Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117262,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":350,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117263/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(israel, land of). gr. brodovsky. palestina: geograficheskii ocherki ci kartoi palestini [\u201cpalestine: geographical outline with map of palestine.\u201d] \n \n \n \n text in russian. fold-out map of palestine, with legend in russian. highly ornate covers. \n pp. 40. trimmed. original pictorial boards. 8vo. \n odessa: palestina 1906 \n \n \n brodovsky, a close associate of ze\u2019ev jabotinsky, was a member of the zionist leadership in southern russia."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"177","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117263/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":350,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a vintage book cover, likely from the early 20th century, titled \"Палестина\" (Palestine) by Gr. Brodovsky, an \"Очерк Географии\" (Essay on Geography). The cover is elaborately illustrated with an Art Nouveau style, featuring an angel or allegorical figure gazing at a sunrise over a landscape of buildings and trees, and a lower vignette of a coastline. The primary language is Russian, and it was published by \"Книгоиздательство 'Палестина'\" (Publishing House 'Palestine'). The artwork suggests a romanticized or aspirational view of Palestine.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:54.191Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117263,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":450,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117264/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117264/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(israel, land of) notice illustree sur al-haram al--haram al-sharif, jerusalem. \n \n \n \n text entirely in french. seven photographic plates depicting the temple mount. upper corner of rear cover with portions of supreme muslim council stamp here torn off, as all copies, (for purposes of the council\u2019s internal accounting). \n pp. (24). two neat hole-punches. original printed wrappers. sm. 4to. \n jerusalem: moslem orphanage press for the supreme moslem council 1933 \n \n \n this guide to the structures that comprise the al-haram al-sharif, the temple mount, is of course written from a religious moslem perspective. nonetheless, it declares (p.2) that the site is where the temple of solomon stood and where david offered sacrifices to god (samuel ii, 24:25). hence the supreme muslim council (headed by haj amin al-husseini) here officially records the historic jewish connection to the temple mount."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"178","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117264/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a historical pamphlet titled \"NOTICE ILLUSTRÉE SUR AL-HARAM AL-SHARIF JÉRUSALEM\" (Illustrated Notice on Al-Haram al-Sharif Jerusalem), published in 1933. The text is in French, edited by the Conseil Suprême Musulman (Supreme Muslim Council). It includes practical information such as admission hours and entry point, and was printed in Jerusalem. The simple, utilitarian design suggests an informational guide to the sacred site.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:54.193Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117264,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":350,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117265/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117265/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(israel, state of). the first year. \n \n \n \n dramatic full-page photographs. \n pp. (2), 30. ex-library. original pictorial wrappers. 8vo. \n new york: 1949 \n \n \n \u201con may 4, 1949, the first anniversary of the state of israel was celebrated by the jews of america in every community from coast to coast\u2026 in new york city a mass demonstration was attended by 150,000 persons.\u201d this pamphlet, issued by the american zionist council, contains the pathos-filled oratory of abba hillel silver, senator paul hyde douglas, senator henry cabot lodge and major aubrey (abba) eban, all who spoke on the extraordinary day."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"179","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117265/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":350,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a photographic booklet or pamphlet cover titled 'The First Year', commemorating the first anniversary of the State of Israel in New York City on May 4, 1949. The monochrome photograph depicts a massive crowd of people gathered, presumably for a celebratory event, with a ship or parade float visible. The image conveys a sense of public enthusiasm and the significance of the event in American-Israeli relations shortly after Israel's independence.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:54.194Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117265,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":2500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117266/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117266/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117266/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117266/004/004.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(kabbalah). raziel hamalach [celebrated cornucopia of mystical texts and magical recipes]. \n \n \n \n first edition. title within elaborate woodcut architectural border. complex kabbalistic charts and diagrams throughout. \n ff. 18, (1), 19-45. trimmed, stained in places, wear to title-page with marginal repairs and tape on verso. modern boards. 4to. vinograd, amsterdam 731; fuks, amsterdam 573 \n amsterdam: moses ben abraham mendes coitinho 1701 \n \n \n the first section of this work, known as the sepher hamalbush, relates that soon after adam was exiled from the garden of eden, he prayed to god with remorse over his fall from grace. whereupon the angel raziel appeared in order to console adam by imparting to him the wisdom of the book of raziel from which adam\u2019s descendants would be equipped to foretell their future. an intricate formula with complex instructions follows, indicating preliminary actions to be performed prior to studying the text. included here are detailed spiritual laws of nature, knowledge of the energy contained within the 22 letters of the hebrew alphabet, the power of man\u2019s soul within the confines of physicality; in other words, how to harmonize physical and spiritual existence in this material world. in traditional circles it is broadly believed that possession of this book prevents one\u2019s home from fire and also acts a protection for related negative matters."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"180","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117266/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an antique book page, likely the title page or an introductory page, printed in Amsterdam. The page features an ornate architectural woodcut border with columns, floral motifs, and a central cartouche. The primary text is in Hebrew, set within the decorative border, and identifies the content as a 'Sefer Torah Or' (Book of the Light of Torah) or similar religious text. The printing style and decorative elements suggest a 17th or 18th-century publication date.","soldPrice":6000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:54.195Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117266,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117267/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117267/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(kagan, yisrael meir of radin). chofetz chaim. \n \n \n \n first edition. \n pp. 162. lightly worn, lower margin of page 10 creased. lacking list of subscribers at end. modern boards. 4to. friedberg, cheth 1085; weiner 4331. \n vilna: h. dvorzetz 1873 \n \n \n first edition of this pioneering halachic work on the laws of lashon-hara and rechiluth (derogatory speech and malicious gossip). published anonymously, the author, r. yisroel meir kagan (1838-1933) was later to be acclaimed as the preeminent halachic decisor and tzadik of his generation. today, he is universally referred to as the chofetz chaim, after the title of this groundbreaking work."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"181","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117267/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a bound book, a religious text titled \"Sefer Hefetz Hayim\" (חפץ חיים), printed in Vilna in 1873. The book, likely a work of Jewish law or ethics, is primarily in Hebrew, with some Cyrillic script at the bottom of the title page indicating publication details. The title page features an elaborate decorative border, characteristic of 19th-century Hebrew printing, and the text is arranged in multiple blocks within this frame. The binding appears to be a dark, possibly purplish, material.","soldPrice":700,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:55.988Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117267,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":450,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117268/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117268/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"lipschuetz, israel ben eliezer. or yisrael [responsa]. \n \n \n \n first edition. with printed corrections pasted in. on title, signature of former owner \"simon halewa\" in sephardic cursive script. the israel mehlman copy. \n ff. 31, 33-66, 69-120. foxed, lower corner of opening and closing leaf torn affecting a few words. modern boards. sm. 4to. vinograd, cleves 1; m carmilly-weinberger, censorship and freedom of expression in jewish history (1977) pp. 168-70. \n cleves: the widow sizmann 1770 \n \n \n this significant work centers upon the cleves get controversy (1766-67), one of the causes c&eacute;l&egrave;bres of the eighteenth century, which involved most of the great rabbinic authorities of the day: jacob emden, ezekiel landau (\"noda b\u2019yehudah\"), aryeh leib of metz (\"sha'agath aryeh\"), saul loewenstamm of amsterdam, joseph steinhart of fuerth, shlomo chelma (\"merkeveth hamishneh\"), saul halevi of hague, et al. perhaps the most important touchstone of the controversy is the halachic definition of the \"shoteh\" (the insane). it was the contention of the frankfurt beth din that the husband was mentally unstable, thus invalidating the \"get\" or bill of divorce that he granted his wife. in the present copy of or yisrael, page 33 follows page 31, yet with the correct catchword and evidently with no lack of text. nevertheless, passages were clearly censored due to the severity of language against the rabbinate of frankfurt a/main. the author himself slights them as \u201cinsolent idiots\u201d and other choice epithets based upon many clever plays on words (see ff. 16-17). the author relates that a broadside signed by ten prominent polish rabbis validating the cleves divorce was subsequently publicly burnt by the beth din of frankfurt. he states that a \u201cpashkevil\u201d was thereafter published, belittling these polish rabbis, especially r. shlomo of chelma, who was reduced to \"a frequenter of concerts and a chess-player.\" r. nathan maas, of the frankfurt beth din, is singled out for especially harsh invective and called \"nathan ha\u2019azati\" - a reference to the infamous sabbatian prophet nathan of gaza (see f. 9v). on the following line, several words have been overlaid with a printed strip containing a \u201ccorrected\u201d reading. see ej, vol. v, cols. 613-615."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"182","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117268/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a religious book, specifically a Hebrew text titled \"Or Israel\" (אור ישראל), published in SLeBe (likely Szydłowiec) by the widow Sigmann, Royal Prussian Court-Bookbinder. The exact date is not visible, but the printing style suggests the 19th century. The title page is adorned with an intricate, floral-inspired decorative border and a central cartouche containing part of the title. The book is primarily in Hebrew, typical of Jewish religious literature from this period.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:43.204Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117268,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117269/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(loewenstamm, saul). yitzchak iyzak friedman. zichron teru\u2019ah [eulogy for the binyan ariel (1717-90)]. \n \n \n \n first edition. printer\u2019s device on title. \n ff. 11. stamp on title. loose in recent boards. sm. 4to. vinograd, amsterdam 2188 \n amsterdam: joseph ben jacob proops 1791 \n \n \n in addition to its biographical significance, this work is rich in social history of the amsterdam community. r. saul loewenstamm was the elder brother of r. tzvi hirsch berlin and uncle of chief rabbi solomon hirschel of england."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"183","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117269/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a bound book, a religious text titled \"V'Korah Teru'a\" (וקרא תרועה), printed in Amsterdam. The book is primarily in Hebrew and features a highly decorated title page with a geometric border, including a Greek key pattern. Notable visual features include an illustration of two hands in a blessing gesture and several ink stamps, one being a circular stamp with text in Hebrew and English and another with a stylized menorah. The paper shows signs of aging and discoloration, suggesting an older publication date.","soldPrice":300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:55.989Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117269,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117270/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117270/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(maimonides, moses). yad hachazakah, or mishne torah. containing ethical, theological and philosophical instructions. edited and revised by <<elias soloweyczik>> (aka eliyahu tzvi). \n \n \n \n first edition. two part in one volume. six-page list of subscribers (paris, london, manchester, birmingham, liverpool, hull, wolverhampton. with approbations containing endorsements of rabbis ettlinerger, ullman, isidor, sachs, hirsch and adler. \n xv, 222, (4), 47. ex-library, opening leaf loose. original blind-tooled boards, rebacked. 8vo. \n london: 1863 \n \n \n the editor was the grandson of r. chaim of volozhin."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"184","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117270/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an English translation of a classic Jewish legal work, \"Yad-Hachazakah, or Mishne Torah,\" by Moses Maimonides. The book, containing ethical, theological, and philosophical instructions, was translated from Hebrew and edited by Elias Soloweyczik. It was printed in London by Thos. William Nicholson in 1863. The title page is simply designed with various font styles for emphasis, including blackletter script for the main title, and is printed on light-colored paper with a dark binding visible on the left edge.","soldPrice":150,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:55.990Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117270,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":15000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117271/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"menasseh ben israel the hope of israel. with: moses wall. some discourses upon the point of the conversion of the jewes. \n \n \n \n second edition. \n pp. (10), 62. trimmed, touch foxed. modern boards. 4to. \n london: r.i. for livewell chapman 1652 \n \n \n the great dutch rabbi\u2019s celebrated treatise on the lost ten tribes and the related revelations of antonio montesinos. this second edition is different from the first edition and is distinctly more rare. a highly important work that persuaded oliver cromwell to enact the re-admission of the jews to england in 1656."},"estimateMax":20000,"lotNumber":"185","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117271/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":15000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is \"The Hope of Israel,\" a book written by Menasseh Ben Israel, described as \"An Hebrew Divine, and Philosopher.\" This is the second edition, corrected and amended, with added discourses by Moses Wall, and was printed in London by R. I. for Livewell Chapman in 1652. The title page is meticulously framed by a decorative border and features multiple blocks of text detailing the author, content, and publication information. The book is in English and represents an early modern theological or philosophical work.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:55.992Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$15,000 - $20,000","currency":"USD","id":117271,"estimateMin":15000},{"startPrice":300,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117272/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117272/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(netanyahu, prime minister benjamin). <<nathan mileikowsky.>> folk un land [\u201cnation & state\u201d - lectures on zionism]. \n \n \n \n first edition. text in yiddish. this copy inscribed and signed by the author.  \n pp. 125. some foxing. original boards, light wear. 8vo. \n new york: 1928 \n \n \n educated at the yeshiva of volozhin, the author (1879-1935) was the grandfather of the present prime minister of the state of israel, benjamin netanyahu. see ej, vol. xi, col. 1548 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nathan_mileikowsky."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"186","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117272/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a single page from a book, featuring handwritten text in Hebrew script. The text is arranged in several lines, with some words appearing larger or more emphasized. The paper shows visible signs of age, including discoloration and faint water stains, suggesting it is an old manuscript or a page with annotations. The binding of the original book is partially visible on the left edge, indicating a dark, possibly leather, material.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:55.993Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117272,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":120,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117273/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"ottolenghi, samuel david. keriah ne\u2019emanah [liturgy and guidance for the sick and the deceased]. \n \n \n \n first edition. the adolph lewisohn copy (with his morocco book-label). \n ff. 80. stained and worn from use, remnants of candle-wax. recent handsome tree-calf, spine gilt. sm. 4to. vinograd, venice 1627. \n venice: bragadin 1715"},"estimateMax":300,"lotNumber":"187","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117273/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":120,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a bound book, a Jewish religious text titled \"Sefer Kria Ne'emana\" (ספר קריאה נאמנה), printed in Bragadina (likely Brăila or Brașov, Romania) and also marked \"PRINTED in POLAND\" at the bottom. The book is primarily in Hebrew and features a highly decorative title page with a floral and geometric border. The typography includes various sizes and styles of Hebrew script, common in 19th-century religious publications. The paper is discolored with age, and there are faint ink stamps visible on the top and left margins.","soldPrice":175,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:55.994Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$200 - $300","currency":"USD","id":117273,"estimateMin":200},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117274/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(pandemic). a.v (abraham vita chai) morpurgo & a. luzzatto. tephilah le\u2019atzirath hamageifah - preghiere che si recitano dagl' israeliti di trieste durante l'invasione del cholera asiatico. \n \n \n \n text in hebrew and italian. including a prayer written by shabtai elchanan (sabbato graziadio) treves for the halt of an earlier epidemic in 1836. \n pp. 15. modern boards with original green wrappers bound in. 8vo. vinograd, trieste 25. \n trieste: lloyd austriaco 1855 \n \n \n \u201cprayer for the halt of the epidemic. recited by the jews of trieste during the invasion of asian cholera.\u201d this relates to the third cholera pandemic (1852- 60) which spread across the globe and killed some 1.5 million people. the year 1855 was apparently a particularly bad one for jewish cholera victims in italy, which included important jewish leaders in trieste, as evidenced by this rare prayer pamphlet beseeching god to end to the pandemic. it was during the course of this particular pandemic that both r. akiva eiger and r. yisrael salanter took radical halachic steps to demonstrate the importance of preserving life by insisting on social distancing even if that would hinder communal prayer services. a halachic position that has significant influence amidst the current coronavirus pandemic."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"188","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117274/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a prayer book titled \"Preghiere che si recitano dagl'Israeliti di Trieste durante l'invasione del Cholera Asiatico,\" translated into Italian and edited by A. V. Morpurgo and A. Luzzatto. Published in Trieste by Tipografia del Lloyd Austriaco in July 1855, this book contains prayers for use by the Israelites of Trieste during the Asiatic Cholera epidemic. The top of the page features a line of Hebrew script, indicating the Jewish context, while the main text is in Italian. The simple, elegant typography is typical of mid-19th-century publications.","soldPrice":250,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:55.995Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117274,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":300,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117275/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(poland). binyamin david rabinowitz. ruach chaim [eulogy for chief rabbi chaim davidsohn of warsaw]. \n \n \n \n first edition. \n ff. 11. browned, stamp on title. recent boards. 8vo. vinograd, warsaw 542. \n warsaw: h.e. bomberg 1854 \n \n \n born in 1760 and orphaned at an early age, r. chaim davidsohn became known as an illui and studied torah under r. ya\u2019akov lorberbaum of lissa. in later years he also studied with r. shlomo eiger, the son-in-law of his wife\u2019s brother, r. israel hirschensohn. r. davidsohn became deeply involved in community affairs, and eventually was viewed as the senior shtadlan of the warsaw community, with his signature appearing on proclamations of the jewish community council (shiva tovei ha'ir). he served as supervisor (\"mashgiach\") of the vaad and the chief rabbi of warsaw, rabbi shlomo zalman lipszyc would regularly consult with him on public affairs. when chief rabbi lipszyc died in 1839, the majority of the community council wanted rabbi davidsohn as the replacement - despite his advanced age of 80 and despite not serving previously in a rabbinical position. he initially refused, yet eventually accepted the appointment. during his tenure, halachic questions from throughout poland were addressed to him, but, out of modesty, before his passing, r. davidsohn burned his rabbinical responsa and novellae to prevent them from being published. he died on the 14th day of adar at the age of 94 and was buried in the jewish cemetery in warsaw, near the grave of his predecessor, rabbi lipszyc. he was succeeded as chief rabbi of warsaw by r. dov-ber meisels."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"189","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117275/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a religious book titled \"Ruach Chajym\" (רוח חיים), a Hebrew text published in Warszawa (Warsaw) in 1854 by Drukarnie H. E. Bomberg. The title page features a decorative border and multiple blocks of text in Hebrew script, with some Latin script at the bottom confirming the publication details. The paper shows significant signs of age, including discoloration and stains, and there's a circular ink stamp partially visible on the lower half of the page.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:55.997Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117275,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":2500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117276/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117276/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"(sephardica). selomoh levy maduro (ed.) sepher berith yitzchak [prayers pertaining to brith milah in accordance with the sephardic rite]. \n \n \n \n title within typographic border, with woodcut illustration of the circumcision ceremony by a. santcroos. tailpiece consisting of ritual laver, an allusion to the levitic descent of the editor. two-page portuguese dedication to the sephardic mohelim. with haskamah of r. selomoh salem, rabbi of the sephardic community of amsterdam, previously rabbi of belgrade (serbia).?manuscript appended: pp. 16. written in hebrew in a sephardic square and cursive hand by salomon seruya of lisbon, 1839 (see below). \n printed leaves: ff. (2), 17, (1). trimmed, lightly stained. later boards. 12mo. vinograd, amsterdam 1946. \n amsterdam: i. mondovi for g.j. jansson 1768 \n \n \n contains an extraordinary ceremony for the circumcision of slaves. also for the circumcision of mamzerim (bastards), marranos and converts. includes procedures for bringing a \u201cchut shel chesed\u201d upon a newborn baby, as in accordance with the sephardic rite. final three pages list the qualified mohelim located throughout the spanish & portuguese old and new worlds, including: amsterdam, the hague, london, bayonne, cura&ccedil;ao, surinam, etc. appended is a handwritten brith milah manual. the first part is entitled hanhagot hamohel, the second part, \u201cezrahi haya yahid ben le-umim, \u201d is a piyut for circumcision (see davidson 2373). the serruya family were centuries-long resident on the rock of gibraltar at the southern tip of the iberian peninsula."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"190","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117276/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a 1761 edition of \"Sefer Brit Yitzchak\" (ספר ברית יצחק), a Hebrew religious text related to the laws of circumcision (\"Torat Ha'Adam,\" תורת האדם, and \"Sefer Tikan Ha'Milah,\" ספר תיקון המילה). The book was printed in Amsterdam and features a woodcut illustration on the title page depicting a circumcision ceremony, showing several figures in traditional attire, with a patterned window in the background. The title page also has an ornate border and various Hebrew texts. The book's binding is dark and the paper exhibits signs of age.","soldPrice":2500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:43.206Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117276,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117277/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117277/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117277/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"vishniac, roman. polish jews: a pictorial record. with an introductory essay by abraham joshua heschel \n \n \n \n first edition. featuring 31 black-and-white photographs. boldly signed by roman vishniac on half-title. \n pp. 17, (1 blank); ff. 31. three leaves with some wear. original boards with pictorial dust jacket, slightly torn at extremities. sm. folio. \n new york: schocken 1947 \n \n \n a depiction of vibrant jewish life in the years immediately prior to the holocaust in such polish centers as cracow, vilna and warsaw; as well as munkacevo (munkatsch), carpathian ruthenia. the moving introductory essay by abraham joshua heschel is in affect, an elegy for vanquished east european jewry. the 31 photos included in this volume were selected from the two thousand taken by vishniac on the eve of the holocaust in 1938. roman vishniac was born in st. petersburg in 1898 and died in new york in 1990."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"191","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117277/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a book titled \"POLISH JEWS A PICTORIAL RECORD\" by Roman Vishniac. It is a photographic record, likely from the mid-20th century given the publication context. The cover features a black and white photograph of three Jewish individuals, with a young boy in a cap and coat prominently in the foreground, looking directly at the viewer. The book is published by Schocken Books / New York and has a dark cover with white lettering, showing some wear and tear on the edges.","soldPrice":1000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.449Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117277,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":200,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117278/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(women). mispad tamrurim [eulogy]. \n \n \n \n only edition. \n pp. 26. ex-library, few stains. modern boards. 8vo. vinograd, altona 272. \n altona: 1853 \n \n \n \u201ceulogies upon the death\u2026of my kind and righteous wife\u2026madam hendel, daughter of rabbi elyakim getz.\u201d a heartfelt volume of poems and lamentations issued by the lady\u2019s husband rabbi shlomo zalman vitkovsky, and son rabbi menachem."},"estimateMax":400,"lotNumber":"192","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117278/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a printed textual document, likely a page from a book or a broadside, featuring Hebrew script. The title in Hebrew appears at the top, followed by blocks of text. The language is Hebrew. At the bottom, \"Altona, 5613. (1853)\" is printed, indicating a publication date of 1853 and the place of publication as Altona. The page is framed by a black border and shows signs of age, including discoloration and a faint circular blue stamp on the lower right.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.456Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $400","currency":"USD","id":117278,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117279/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"zacuto, moshe. tophteh aruch [dramatic poem on the affliction of the soul in hell]. \n \n \n \n first edition with yiddish translation (printed in wayber-taytsch type). prepared by moses segal. * with (as issued): olmo, jacob daniel. eden aruch [sequel to \u201ctophteh aruch, \u201d on the joys to come in paradise]. title within elegant typographic frame. \n ff. (2), 72. stained, stamps. contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, worn. 8vo. vinograd, metz 42 \n metz: gottschlick-speyer 1777 \n \n \n born in amsterdam in 1625, kabbalist moses zacuto, also known as the \u201cremez, \u201d was a student of r. saul levi morteira and fellow student of benedict spinoza. he studied kabbalah with benjamin halevi, a student of r. chaim vital. he later traveled to posen to further his talmud learning. although intending to make a pilgrimage to palestine, zacuto instead accepted a rabbinical post in venice, and in 1673, was appointed rabbi of mantua where he remained until his death in 1697. when he lived in italy, zacuto wrote his great dramatic poem, tofteh aruch. it appears that this work was inspired by dante's divine comedy, as the subject matter is the afflictions of the soul in hell. in the opening verses, the dead man recounts his last illness and the arrangements for his burial. afterward follows the episode of chibath hakever (\"tribulations in the grave\"). the angel duna commences the judgment and trial and with the aid of his fellow angels, drags the dead man through the seven sections of hell, showing the terrible punishments suffered by sinners. the conclusion is a description of the difference between the fate of sinners and that of the righteous, closing with the angel and the dead man praising god as the true judge. the poem consists of 185 rhymed stanzas of five verses each. the author employs many homonyms, assonances, and word plays. the work attained great popularity. see https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/zacuto-moses-ben-mordecai."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"193","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117279/view","tags":["usjudaica_books","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is an antique printed textual document, featuring a title page or similar front matter, primarily in Hebrew script. The text is surrounded by an ornate, decorative border with small floral or star-like motifs and crowned elements at the top. The page is discolored with age and includes several handwritten annotations or stamps in blue ink, indicating possible previous ownership or cataloging marks. The language is Hebrew.","soldPrice":300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.469Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117279,"estimateMin":300},{"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117280/001/001.jpg"],"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item does not have an image available, so a detailed visual description cannot be provided. It is presented as an auction lot for which no visual information was supplied in the catalog text.","lastUpdate":"2021-11-05T23:53:53.191Z","textCase":"lower","available":false,"description":{"en":"no lot no lot"},"currency":"USD","id":117280,"lotNumber":"194","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117280/view"},{"startPrice":5500,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117281/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(photography). mosh&eacute; raviv-vorobeichic (pseud. \u201cmoi ver.\u201d) \u201cein ghetto im osten wilna.\u201d collection of fourteen avant-garde photographs <<from the artist\u2019s personal archive.>> \n \n \n \n each photograph with vorobeichic\u2019s studio hand-stamp on verso. \n imahes sizes range from 8 x 11.5 inches to 2 x 3.5 inches. \n \n \n \n lithuanian-born photographer mosh&eacute; raviv-vorobeichic (1904-96) trained at the bauhaus and after studying at the &eacute;cole de photo cin&eacute; in paris, returned to visit his family and photograph life in the jewish community of vilnius. the result was the celebrated 1931 portfolio: ein ghetto im osten wilna [\u201cthe ghetto lane in vilna.\u201d] these influential photographic images and photocollages of lithuanian jews were proclaimed by the vilna historian lazer ran as \u201cthe most important pictorial source of old vilna ghetto streets\u201d (see l. ran, jerusalem of lithuania, vol. iii (1974) p.33). later in parr & badger\u2019s the photobook: a history (2004), they noted (p. 130) that vorobeichic \u201cpushed the envelope of the documentary form\u201d with his inventive photo-montages. adopting zionism in 1934 vorobeichic migrated to palestine where he changed his name to \u201craviv.\u201d along with reuven rubin he co-founded the artists\u2019 colony of safed. provenance: galerie bassenge, berlin."},"estimateMax":9000,"lotNumber":"195","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117281/view","tags":["usart_photography","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":5500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a collection of fifteen black and white photographs, likely depicting Jewish life and urban/rural scenes, possibly from pre-World War II Eastern Europe. The photographs feature portraits of men with beards, street scenes with people and buildings, architectural details like ornate gates, and images of children and communal gatherings. The style and subject matter suggest a documentary or ethnographic approach, capturing everyday life and cultural aspects of Jewish communities.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.479Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$6,000 - $9,000","currency":"USD","id":117281,"estimateMin":6000},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117282/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117282/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"taussig, franz (bedřich fritta, 1906-44). castle. \n \n \n \n watercolor and colored pencil on illustration board. signed \u201ctaussig\u201d lower center. \n 14 x 16 inches (35.5 x 40.5cm). framed. \n \n \n \n bedřich fritta was a czech-jewish artist and cartoonist. before the war, he worked as an illustrator and graphic designer in prague under the pseudonym fritz taussig. in the 1930\u2019s, fritta devoted himself to political caricature and provided input for the celebrated satirical german weekly magazine simplicus. fritta was deported to terez&iacute;n on 4th december 1941 where he was one of the most signifficant artists to be incarcerated. he was forcibly appointed director of the painting section of the technical department in the camp, providing graphic propaganda materials for the germans. he was eventually sent to auschwitz, where he perished. after the war an illustrated album made by fritta and dedicated to his son on his third birthday was found hidden in the walls at theresienstadt. \u201cto tommy for his third birthday in terezin\u201d see jewish museum of berlin exhibition: www.jmberlin.de/fritta/en/bilderbuch-fuer-tommy.php. see also jewish museum, prague: https://www.jewishmuseum.cz/predmet-mesice/158/150/bedrich-fritta-1906-1944-makeshift-barracks-an-eve ning-in-the-barracks-terezin-1942-44/. yad vashem: https://www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/exhibitions/art/fritta.asp."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"196","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117282/view","tags":["usart_paintings","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a framed painting, possibly watercolor or gouache, depicting an architectural fantasy scene. The central feature is a towering, multi-tiered structure resembling a castle or fortress, built precariously on the edge of a cliff, rendered in shades of blue and yellow. Below the main structure, there is a complex of bridges and roads, with various vehicles, including early automobiles and horse-drawn carriages, and small figures. In the background, mountains and a body of water with boats are visible, all under a blue sky, creating a dreamlike or surreal atmosphere. The artwork is housed in a simple, distressed wooden frame.","soldPrice":1000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.487Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117282,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117283/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117283/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117283/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"taussig, franz (bedřich fritta, 1906-44). the arrival. \n \n \n \n gouache, watercolor and colored pencil on illustration board. signed \u201ctaussig, vienna\u201d on verso. \n 13.5 x 19 inches (34.5 x 48 cm). framed. \n \n \n \n with scenes of phantoms on horseback and similar macabre themes, this image has an element of edward gorey by way of wes anderson."},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"197","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117283/view","tags":["usart_mixedmedia","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a framed painting, possibly watercolor or gouache, depicting a dramatic and somewhat eerie night scene. A large, grand house with a red roof stands prominently on the left, illuminated against a dark, cloudy sky. On the right, a dark, gnarled forest with glowing red eyes or figures creates a menacing atmosphere. Figures are scattered around the grounds, some dancing or in motion, while a classic car is parked near the foreground gate. The overall mood is mysterious and perhaps fantastical, with a strong contrast between the grand architecture and the ominous natural elements. The artwork is presented in a distressed wooden frame.","soldPrice":1000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.494Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117283,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":3600,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117284/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"priechenfried, alois heinrich. portrait of a jew. \n \n \n \n oil on wooden panel. signed by the artist upper right. \n 13 x 10 cm (5 x 4 inches). \n austrian: \n \n \n provenance: sotheby's new york, 27th january, 2007, lot 849."},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"198","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117284/view","tags":["usart_paintings","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":3600,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a framed oil painting, a portrait of an elderly man, possibly a rabbi or scholar, with a contemplative expression. He is depicted wearing a dark cap, spectacles, a dark coat, and a patterned waistcoat, with a bow tie. His face is detailed with wrinkles, and his hair is light, with some strands peeking out from under his cap. The background is dark and somber, emphasizing the figure. The painting exhibits a traditional portrait style, possibly from the late 19th or early 20th century, with visible brushstrokes and a somber palette.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.502Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$4,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117284,"estimateMin":4000},{"startPrice":3600,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117285/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"priechenfried, alois heinrich. portrait of a rabbi. \n \n \n \n oil on turned wooden panel. signed by the artist upper left. \n 13 x 10 cm (5 x 4 inches). \n austrian:"},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"199","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117285/view","tags":["usart_paintings","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":3600,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a framed oil painting, a portrait of an elderly bearded man, likely a rabbi or scholar, seated with a stack of books on a red surface in front of him. He wears a dark, wide-brimmed hat and a dark robe, with a prominent long, white beard that covers much of his chest. His gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying a sense of wisdom or introspection. The background is a warm, dark brown, creating a focused and intimate portrait. The painting's style suggests a traditional approach, potentially from the late 19th or early 20th century.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.503Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$4,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117285,"estimateMin":4000},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117286/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117286/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117286/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"lilien, ephraim moses. yemenite hookah-smoker. \n \n \n \n etching. signed by the artist in pencil lower right. \n framed. 10 x 12 inches."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"200","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117286/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a framed etching or print depicting an elderly man seated on the floor, smoking from a hookah. The man is dressed in traditional attire, including a turban and a draped garment, and is shown engrossed in his activity. The image is rendered in fine lines and cross-hatching, characteristic of etching, creating texture and shadow. The setting appears minimalist, with subtle architectural details in the background. The artwork is presented in a gilded frame with a white mat.","soldPrice":350,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:01.504Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117286,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117287/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117287/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117287/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117287/004/004.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"budko, josef woodcut. \n \n \n \n signed by the artist in hebrew and latin letters and also \u201cprobedruck.\u201d \n 11.5 x 19.5 inches (29 x 49.5 cm). framed."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"201","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117287/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a woodcut print, rendered in black and white, depicting two stylized figures. The upper figure, possibly a self-portrait, gazes upwards, while the lower figure, an older man with a beard, looks down, his hand near his chin in contemplation. Hebrew script is visible above the upper figure's head. The artwork is framed, showcasing a dark, dramatic contrast characteristic of woodcuts, highlighting the figures against a deep background.","soldPrice":150,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.890Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117287,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117288/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117288/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"struck, hermann. portrait of rabbi leo jung(?). \n \n \n \n charcoal. signed and dated by the artist in pencil below in hebrew and english. \n clean tear through center. 19 x 16 inches (41 x 47 cm) sheet size. \n new york:"},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"202","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117288/view","tags":["usart_drawings","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a monochrome portrait drawing, likely a study or sketch, featuring a man in profile, facing left. He has a full beard, glasses, and what appears to be a yarmulke or skullcap on his head. The drawing, executed in charcoal or a similar medium, emphasizes facial details and texture. A signature and date 'New York 1937' are visible at the lower right. The paper shows some signs of age and handling.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.891Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117288,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117289/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117289/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117289/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"struck, hermann. profile portrait of dr. sigmund freud. \n \n \n \n lithograph, initialed in the plate. signed by the artist in pencil lower right and titled on verso. \n marginal stains. 12 x 9 inches (30.5 x 23.5) cm sheet size. \n \n \n \n an uncommon portrait of the great psychoanalyst, sigmund freud (1856-1939)."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"203","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117289/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a monochrome portrait drawing of a man's head in profile, facing left. The subject has a mustache and a short beard, with a receding hairline. The drawing, likely in pencil or charcoal, features subtle shading and linework, giving a quick sketch impression. A signature, possibly 'Hermann Struck,' is visible in the lower right corner, and the paper exhibits some minor discoloration.","soldPrice":500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.893Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117289,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117290/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117290/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117290/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"struck, hermann. burial-site of r. elijah, the gaon of vilna. \n \n \n \n lithograph. signed by the artist in pencil lower left. titled in german on verso. \n 8.5 x 11 inches (21.6 x 27.9 cm) sheet size."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"204","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117290/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a monochrome landscape sketch, possibly a lithograph or pencil drawing, depicting a village or rural scene with several buildings and a tree. A structure resembling a church or synagogue, with a distinctive steeple, is visible in the background. The drawing has a simple, line-art style, and includes what appears to be text and a date, \"1925,\" on one of the buildings. The overall impression is that of an architectural study or travel sketch.","soldPrice":250,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.894Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117290,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117291/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117291/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117291/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"struck, hermann. portrait of rabbi moshe shmuel glasner, chief rabbi of klausenburg. \n \n \n \n lithograph. signed by the artist in pencil below. titled in german on verso. \n 8 x 6 inches (20 x 16 cm) sheet size. \n \n \n \n rabbi moshe shmuel glasner (1856\u20131924) served as chief rabbi of klausenburg (kolozsv&aacute;r in hungarian, cluj in romanian) from 1877 to 1923. in 1923 he left klausenburg for jerusalem where he died. he is best known as the author of dor revi'i, a commentary to tractate chullin and as a founder of the mizrachi movement. his mother, raizl (n&eacute;e ehrenfeld), was the oldest granddaughter of the chasam sofer."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"205","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117291/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a monochrome portrait drawing, likely in charcoal or pencil, depicting an older man with a long, flowing white beard and a dark yarmulke or skullcap. He is shown looking slightly to the left, with a thoughtful expression. The artwork, a bust portrait, focuses on the man's head and upper torso, highlighting the texture of his beard and the contours of his face. A signature, possibly 'Hermann Struck,' is present in the lower right. The paper's edge is irregular on the bottom right.","soldPrice":600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.896Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117291,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":250,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117292/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117292/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"struck, hermann. portrait of dr. joseph hirsch d&uuml;nner, chief rabbi of amsterdam. \n \n \n \n lithograph. signed by the artist in pencil below. \n right margins torn. 8.5 x 7 inches (22 x 18 cm) sheet size. \n \n \n \n rabbi yosef tzvi halevi dunner (1833-1911) was a pillar of orthodox jewry in western europe."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"206","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117292/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a monochrome portrait drawing, likely in pencil or charcoal, depicting a man in profile, facing left. He has a neatly trimmed beard, mustache, and glasses, with a dark yarmulke or skullcap. The artwork is a bust portrait, emphasizing the man's head and shoulders. A signature, possibly 'Hermann Struck,' is visible in the lower left, and the paper features a torn edge on the right side.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.897Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117292,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":250,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117293/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117293/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117293/003/003.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"struck, hermann. portrait of rabbiner dr. esriel hildesheimer. \n \n \n \n lithograph. numbered (11/30) and signed by the artist in pencil below. titled in german on verso. \n 6.5 x 8.5 inches (21.5 x 17.5 cm) sheet size. \n \n \n \n rabbi azriel hildesheimer (1820-99) was a pioneering moderniser of orthodox judaism in germany."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"207","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117293/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a monochrome portrait drawing, likely a stipple engraving or pointillist style sketch, depicting a bearded man wearing a cap. The subject is shown looking slightly to the right, with a direct gaze. The artwork, a bust portrait, is rendered with numerous small dots, creating a textural effect. Inscriptions '17/30' and a signature are visible on the left, along with 'H.S.' and '30' on the right. The paper has a significantly torn left edge.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.898Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117293,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117294/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117294/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"struck, hermann. portrait of rabbiner samson raphael hirsch. \n \n \n \n lithograph. numbered (23/30) and signed by the artist in pencil lower left. \n 8.5 x 7 inches (22.6 x 18.2 cm) sheet size."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"208","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117294/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a monochrome portrait drawing, likely in pencil or charcoal, depicting a man with a thick beard, mustache, and glasses, wearing a dark yarmulke or cap. He is shown looking slightly to the left, with a serious expression. The artwork is a bust portrait, focusing on the man's head and shoulders. A star of David symbol and a signature are visible in the lower left. The paper has rough, uneven edges, suggesting it might be an un-trimmed proof or a torn page.","soldPrice":250,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.900Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117294,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":200,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117295/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117295/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117295/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117295/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117295/005/005.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117295/006/006.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117295/007/007.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"bender, stanislaw (1882-1921). group of six gicl&eacute;e images, after paintings by this polish-jewish artist. \n \n \n \n  \n each approx. 9 x 13 inches. framed. \n \n \n \n accompanied by: isidor kaufmann. jewish street scene. single plate from his 1925 portfolio. framed."},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"209","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117295/view","tags":["usart_printsandmultiples","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a framed oil painting, a portrait of a man seated at a desk with an open book, rendered in a subdued palette with greenish-blue undertones. The man has a bald head, mustache, and is leaning his head on his hand, looking directly at the viewer. Bookshelves are visible in the background, suggesting an intellectual setting. The painting is housed in an ornate gold frame, with visible brushstrokes contributing to its texture and mood.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.902Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117295,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":120,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117296/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117296/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"(synagogue scenes) two framed images. oil on ivory, indistinct signature far right. attractively framed. \n \n \n \n  \n 5.5 x 3.5 inches image size (each)."},"estimateMax":400,"lotNumber":"210","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117296/view","tags":["usart_paintings","usart","usart_all"],"directSalePrice":120,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a framed miniature painting, depicting a person, likely a man, in prayer, wearing a tallit (Jewish prayer shawl) over his head and shoulders. He is leaning on an open book, possibly a prayer book, with three lit candles visible in the background, suggesting a religious ritual or contemplation. The artwork is set within an elaborate gold frame and a wide, textured mat. The style is detailed, typical of miniatures, with a focus on religious subject matter and mood.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.903Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $400","currency":"USD","id":117296,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":3500,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117297/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117297/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117297/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117297/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117297/005/005.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117297/006/006.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"silver torah crown  \n \n \n in the 18th-century italian style. executed by michael strauss silversmiths, new york. engraved: \u201cketer torah.\u201d 9 x 8.5 inches (23 x 21.5 cm). \n \n \n  \n \n \n in the style of andrea zambelli \"l'honnesta.\u201d see metropolitan museum of art, new york: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/239512? searchfield=all&amp;sortby=relevance&amp;f t=andrea+zambelli+l%27honnesta&amp;offset=0&am p;amp;rpp=20&amp;pos=1. and sotheby\u2019s, the steinhardt collection: www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/lot.113.html/2013/a-treasured-legacy-steinhardt-n08961."},"estimateMax":7000,"lotNumber":"211","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117297/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":3500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a decorative silver finial, likely for a Torah scroll, featuring intricate repoussé and pierced work. The subject matter is primarily floral, with stylized pomegranates and acanthus leaves forming a crown-like structure. The metalwork displays a dark patination, highlighting the detailed botanical motifs and rococo-style scrolls. The base has a band of smaller floral elements and what appears to be a date \"1877\" or similar numeric inscription. Its form suggests it is an antique or period piece.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.528Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$5,000 - $7,000","currency":"USD","id":117297,"estimateMin":5000},{"startPrice":5000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117298/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117298/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117298/003/003.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"pair of yemenite parcel-gilt silver torah finials.  \n \n \n consisting of a large sphere topped by as smaller sphere. further decorated with a finial and hanging chains. engraved with hebrew dedication. h: 11 inches (28 cm). \n \n \n 19th-century \n \n \n provenance: j. greenstein judaica, 14th may, 2018, lot 123."},"estimateMax":9000,"lotNumber":"212","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117298/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":5000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a pair of silver finials, also known as Rimonim, for a Torah scroll. Each finial is comprised of stacked, spherical elements adorned with repoussé diamond patterns and small protuberances, characteristic of Jewish ceremonial art. Multiple chains with small bells hang from the spheres, adding a kinetic and auditory element. The base of each finial is a textured, cylindrical shaft, likely designed to fit onto a Torah roller, indicating their use as a decorative and functional synagogue artifact.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.530Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$6,000 - $9,000","currency":"USD","id":117298,"estimateMin":6000},{"startPrice":450,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117299/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"israeli silver torah shield.  \n \n \n rectangular form, hung with twelve cartouches each bearing symbol of one of the twelve tribes and so entitled below in hebrew. marked on verso. 9 x 13 inches (22.5 x 33 cm)."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"213","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117299/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":450,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a set of twelve silver shield-shaped plaques, presented in a grid on a rectangular backing. Each plaque features openwork designs depicting different animals, plants, or symbols, accompanied by Hebrew script. The overall genre is Judaica, likely representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel or similar symbolic iconography. The modern aesthetic and presentation suggest a 20th or 21st-century creation, possibly for a synagogue or a private collection, emphasizing visual storytelling through silhouetted motifs.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.531Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117299,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":2500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117300/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"ludwig wolpert designed silver torah shield.  \n \n \n of cartouche form, framed with pierced hebrew text of deut. 30.19 (\u201cuvocharta bechayim\u2026\u201d) center set with seven applied shields featuring the seven species of the holy land, each appropriately titled in hebrew. \n \n \n  \n \n \n marked: \u201csterling portugal.\u201d 8.5 x 9 inches (21.5 x 22.8 cm). for another example see: abram kanof, jewish ceremonial art and religious observances (1980) p. 229 (pl. 239)."},"estimateMax":4000,"lotNumber":"214","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117300/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a silver shield-shaped plaque, possibly a decorative wall hanging or ceremonial ornament, with a fine chain for suspension. The central shield is divided into multiple smaller compartments, each featuring a distinct embossed motif, including plants like wheat and grapes, alongside Hebrew script. The surrounding frame has a textured or faceted pattern, creating a border. The imagery and Hebrew script categorize this piece as Judaica, likely symbolizing prosperity or blessings associated with the land of Israel.","soldPrice":3200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.533Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $4,000","currency":"USD","id":117300,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":3500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117301/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117301/002/002.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"ludwig wolpert designed silver torah crown.  \n \n \n composed of arches alternating with twelve shaped shields featuring the symbol of each of the tribes of israel. the lower band pierced with hebrew lettering from deut. 4:44 (\u201cvezoth hatorah asher sam moshe \u2026\u201d) hung with four bells. \n \n \n  \n \n \n personalized family inscription (dated 1973). h: 9.5 inches (24.3 cm). diam: 10 inches (25.5 cm). for another example see: abram kanof, jewish ceremonial art and religious observances (1980) p. 229 (pl. 239)."},"estimateMax":6000,"lotNumber":"215","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117301/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":3500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a silver Torah crown, an elaborate ceremonial object used in Jewish synagogues. It features a tiered design with an openwork upper section composed of stylized leaves or architectural elements. The lower band showcases intricate cut-out animal figures, including what appears to be a lion, a fox, and a serpent, interspersed with Hebrew script. An engraved inscription in English, \"IN LOVING MEMORY OF ETHEL KADET MAY 30 1973\" is visible on the base, dating the piece to or after 1973. The combination of Hebrew and English suggests a contemporary piece of Judaica from an English-speaking community.","soldPrice":5500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.534Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$4,000 - $6,000","currency":"USD","id":117301,"estimateMin":4000},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117302/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117302/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117302/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"contemporary silver spice container.  \n \n \n of book-form. hinged lid featuring rampant lions flanking the decalogue; secondary hinged lid with hebrew blessing for spices. 3 x 4 inches. \n \n \n  \n \n \n after a design by ludwig wolpert."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"216","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117302/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a small, hinged silver box or case, possibly a miniature book cover or reliquary. The front features a highly detailed repoussé relief depicting two rampant lions flanking a crowned tablet or scroll, all set amidst lush acanthus foliage. The style of the lions and crown suggests a European influence, possibly Baroque or Rococo revival. The item's compact size and rich ornamentation classify it as a decorative art object, possibly from the 19th or early 20th century.","soldPrice":225,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.536Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117302,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":1000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117303/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117303/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117303/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117303/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117303/005/005.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"contemporary silver spice tower.  \n \n \n tower form, central section hung with four bells and set with hinged door, surmounted by cupola and flag. marked: m. blizinski. h: 11 inches (28 cm)."},"estimateMax":1800,"lotNumber":"217","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117303/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a silver spice box (Besamim tower), a ceremonial object used in the Havdalah service marking the end of Shabbat. It is crafted in the form of a miniature tower or castle, featuring a brickwork texture on the base and mid-section, with an arch-shaped door. The top is surmounted by an onion dome and a small flag, and bells hang from the lower tier. This piece of Judaica exemplifies traditional European folk art styles in metalwork, evoking architectural forms.","soldPrice":1600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.538Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,200 - $1,800","currency":"USD","id":117303,"estimateMin":1200},{"startPrice":3000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117304/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117304/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117304/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117304/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117304/005/005.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117304/006/006.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117304/007/007.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117304/008/008.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"tall contemporary silver spice tower.  \n \n \n traditional tower form, central section set with hinged door, surmounted by as many as four galleries topped by cupola and flag. each gallery with bells on all four sides. h: 15 inches (39 cm). \n \n \n new york, 1980\u2019s"},"estimateMax":6000,"lotNumber":"218","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117304/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":3000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an elaborate silver spice box (Besamim tower), characterized by its multi-tiered, architectural design resembling a tall turreted castle. The piece features several levels of open arched windows, bells hanging from a lower tier, and a brickwork texture on its base and lower sections. A flag with a relief of a rampant lion crowns the uppermost spire, suggesting a European origin or influence. This highly detailed piece of Judaica functions as a ceremonial object for the Havdalah ritual.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.539Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$4,000 - $6,000","currency":"USD","id":117304,"estimateMin":4000},{"startPrice":700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117305/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117305/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117305/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117305/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117305/005/005.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"yaacov agam revolving sabbath goblet.  \n \n \n silver-gilt kiddush cup set within revolving agam serigraph (\u201cagamograph\u201d) contained in lucite cylinder. \n \n \n c. 1990 \n \n \n agam's hebrew calligraphy imprinted on top of the cylinder as a mirror image of the blessing over the wine; the letters of wehich are reflected onto the golden rim of the cup. one of 1800, numbered and signed by the artist. 5.9 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches (15 x 8 x 8 cm). a star-of-david appears when the cup is spun."},"estimateMax":1200,"lotNumber":"219","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117305/view","tags":["usjudaica_kiddishcups","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a cylindrical kinetic sculpture by Yaacov Agam, made of brass and a transparent material enclosing colorful abstract patterns. The piece functions as a 'musical' object, as suggested by the musical notes around the top rim and the artist's signature 'Agam' on the base. The internal elements are vertically oriented, creating a moiré effect or shifting patterns when viewed from different angles. This modern art piece demonstrates Agam's signature style of optical and interactive art.","soldPrice":950,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.540Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$800 - $1,200","currency":"USD","id":117305,"estimateMin":800},{"startPrice":150,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117306/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117306/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117306/003/003.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"israeli silver-gilt sabbath kiddush cup  \n \n \n hammered bowl set on articulated stem featuring the hebrew words from psalms 104:16. marked on base \u201cbier, jerusalem.\u201d h: 6 inches (15 cm)."},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"220","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117306/view","tags":["usjudaica_kiddishcups","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a silver kiddush cup with a gilt interior, a traditional ceremonial object used for blessing wine in Jewish rituals. The cup features a hammered texture on its upper body, contrasted by a smooth, polished base. The stem is crafted from gilt metal, featuring intricate cut-out Hebrew script that forms a decorative band. This piece combines functional design with symbolic religious artistry, typical of contemporary Judaica, showcasing fine craftsmanship in mixed metals.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:28:58.541Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117306,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":800,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117307/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117307/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117307/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"carmel shabi designed tall silver-gilt sabbath kiddush cup  \n \n \n marked on base. h: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm). \n \n \n israel, 1993"},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"221","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117307/view","tags":["usjudaica_kiddishcups","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":800,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a modern silver kiddush cup, featuring a tall, slender form. The upper section of the cup is textured with a fine, linear pattern and three prominent circular motifs. It stands on a spherical stem atop a stepped circular base, which also exhibits the linear textured pattern on its lowest portion.","soldPrice":2400,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.403Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117307,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":1700,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117308/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117308/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117308/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117308/004/004.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117308/005/005.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"carmel shabi designed silver-gilt spice containers: a suite of three.  \n \n \n pull-off tops surmounted by precious stone. each marked on base. h: 7 inches (17.7 cm). \n \n \n israel, 1991, 2006 and 2008"},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"222","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117308/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1700,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot features a set of three modern silver ritual objects, likely spice towers or containers, each adorned with a distinct semi-precious stone. The designs incorporate geometric shapes, with two featuring open rectangular bodies enclosing a silver sphere. The third object is more solid, with a cut-out revealing a gold-toned sphere, and is topped with a green flat stone, while the others have a raw amethyst crystal and a smooth red spherical stone respectively.","soldPrice":3800,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.404Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117308,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":850,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117309/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117309/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117309/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"rafi landau designed silver washing-container  \n \n \n for the ritual washing of hands. modernist design cut with hebrew lettering (psalms 134:2) \u201clift up your hands in holiness.\u201d h: 5 inches (12.5 cm). marked. \n \n \n israel"},"estimateMax":1500,"lotNumber":"223","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117309/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":850,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a modern silver twin kiddush cup, designed in an infinity-loop or figure-eight shape, featuring two conjoined cylindrical cups. Hebrew script is inscribed along the top rim of both cups. The interior of the cups appears to be gilded, providing a contrast to the polished silver exterior.","soldPrice":1000,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.406Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$1,000 - $1,500","currency":"USD","id":117309,"estimateMin":1000},{"startPrice":400,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117310/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"contemporary silver hadassim holder  \n \n \n separates at center. l: 17 inches (43 cm). \n \n \n  \n \n \n an accoutrement that is primarily utilized by chassidic rebbes."},"estimateMax":700,"lotNumber":"224","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117310/view","tags":["usjudaica_chabad","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":400,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a modern silver pointer, likely a Torah pointer or 'yad', characterized by its long, slender, and flexible form. It features an intricate braided or woven design along its entire length, terminating in pointed finials on both ends. The polished silver material enhances its elegant and functional aesthetic.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.407Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$500 - $700","currency":"USD","id":117310,"estimateMin":500},{"startPrice":500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117311/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117311/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117311/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"continental silver spice tower.  \n \n \n filigree hexagonal central section set on star-shaped support. removable tower form top. h: 9.5 inches (25 cm). \n \n \n late 19th-century"},"estimateMax":900,"lotNumber":"225","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117311/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an antique silver spice tower, designed with an elaborate architectural form, possibly for Havdalah. It features a conical spire topped with a small flag-like element, surmounting a rectangular body with intricate filigree panels. The base is an octagonal shape, supporting a turned pedestal that elevates the main structure.","soldPrice":1500,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.408Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$600 - $900","currency":"USD","id":117311,"estimateMin":600},{"startPrice":1500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117312/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117312/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117312/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"continental silver chanukah lamp  \n \n \n bench form lamp with detachable row of eight oil urns and removable covers with wick apertures, the whole set on four ornamental feet; back wall consisting of theatrical drapery crowned with central coronet. \n \n \n  \n \n \n a cast peacock, its feathers spread in an arresting array, stands behind the open curtain. detachable servant light. marked. 12 x 12 inches. for a similar lamp, see kiev museum catalogue, historical treasures of the ukraine (2000) p. 277."},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"226","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117312/view","tags":["usjudaica_lamps","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":1500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an antique silver Hanukkah menorah, designed in an ornate, framed style with rococo-inspired elements. The centerpiece features a detailed relief of a peacock with its tail fanned, set within an arched frame topped by a crown. The eight oil lamps are arranged in a straight row across the base, with an additional servant light (shamash) extending from the left side.","soldPrice":3800,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.409Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117312,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":2000,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117313/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117313/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117313/003/003.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"silver chanukah lamp \u201calt-wien\u201d  \n \n \n row of spoon-form oil troughs, repousse backplate. lacks servant light. marked. 6 x 11 inches. \n \n \n late 19th-century"},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"227","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117313/view","tags":["usjudaica_lamps","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is an antique silver Hanukkah menorah, styled as a horizontal wall-mounted piece with an ornate backplate. The backplate features two rampant lions flanking a central shield, all surmounted by a crown, indicative of traditional heraldic or religious motifs. Eight spoon-shaped oil receptacles are arranged in a straight line at the base, designed to hold wicks and oil for the Hanukkah celebration.","soldPrice":2400,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.410Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117313,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":200,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117314/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117314/002/002.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"continental silver sabbath challah knife  \n \n \n handle in shape of a challah, verso with sabbath domestic scene and appropriate hebrew verses. l: 13 inchess (34 cm). \n \n \n 20th-century"},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"228","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117314/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a modern silver-handled cheese knife, featuring a broad, curved blade and an intricately sculpted handle. The handle is designed with a detailed feather or leaf-like pattern, providing a textured grip and decorative appeal. The blade is polished and appears to be made of silver or a similar metallic material, typical for fine flatware.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.411Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117314,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":300,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117315/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"group of four ritual shechitah knives.  \n \n \n collection of four shechitah knives (chalif). two housed in custom wooden cases, and two housed in custom cases marked \u201cschmotzer janos, budapest.\u201d length of knives: 19 and 12 inches. \n \n \n 20th-century \n \n \n the knife utilized by a shochet in performing ritual slaughter must be handmade, its blade wholly sharp and smooth, with a flat end. different animals require different knives: the chalif is approximately two-thirds the size of the animal\u2019s neck. this collection of knives includes those suitable for shechitah for chicken, lamb and cow. provenance: the late rev. chaim h. zack, eastbourne (east sussex), england."},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"229","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117315/view","tags":["uscollectibles_knives","uscollectibles","uscollectibles_all"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot presents a collection of three antique or vintage silver-bladed ritual knives, likely for shechita, each accompanied by its own case. The knives vary in design and condition; one features significant rust on its blade, another is presented in a red velvet-lined case, and the third is in a wooden or leather case with string. All appear to have bone or light-colored handles.","soldPrice":300,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.412Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117315,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":1500,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117316/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"danish pewter charity container.  \n \n \n art-nouveau container in form of a graceful house, with stylized depictions of doorway on front and back, the roof engraved with bands resembling tiles and set with coin slot. \n \n \n copenhagen, c. 1900 \n \n \n danish inscriptions across lintel: \u201cto the society for the care of the sick.\u201d engraved sides: \u201cpraiseworthy is he who looks after the poor\u201d (psalms 41:2) in hebrew and danish. on base, removable disc marked with makers\u2019 initials. 4 x 2.5 inches (11 x 7 cm). this unusual charity box was created to replace the older containers of an elite bikur cholim society \u201ctiferes jedidim\u201d established in copenhagen in 1821. a limited number of some 60 or so were manufactured. two jewish danish artists cooperated in the design: siegfried wagner (1878-1952) and mogens ballin (1872-1914). for another example of this fine charity container, see mirjam gelfer-jorgensen, danish jewish art (1999) pp. 311-13. see also ej vol. iii: cols. 596, 612 and \u201cmogens ballin\u2019s workstatt\u201d in: dekorativ kust (munich, april, 1902) pp. 244-50; and weilbach\u2019s kunsternerleksikon (denmark, 1947) vol. i, pp. 59-60 (ballin) and vol. iii, 458-59 (wagner). about the society tiferes jedidim and the replacement of their charity boxes by those created by ballin, see sygeplejeselskabet for det mosaiske troessamfund i kobenhavn, 1821-1921, especially p. 9. for another such charity container recently sold in the arthur marx collection, see https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/sacred-splendor-judaica-from-the-arthur-and-gitel- marx-collection/a-danish-pewter-charity-box-designed-by-siegfried? locale=en."},"estimateMax":3000,"lotNumber":"230","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117316/view","tags":["uscollectibles_banksandvending","uscollectibles","uscollectibles_all"],"directSalePrice":1500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a vintage pewter charity box, or 'pushke', designed with a distinctive architectural form resembling a miniature building. The front features an arched panel with abstract geometric motifs, while the top and sides bear inscriptions in Hebrew and Yiddish, including 'TIG SYGERZJE SELS KABET' and 'אשרי משכיל ללכ'. A slot for coins is visible on the top, and a menorah symbol is subtly integrated into the design.","soldPrice":2600,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:09.414Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$2,000 - $3,000","currency":"USD","id":117316,"estimateMin":2000},{"startPrice":2000,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117317/001/001.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117317/002/002.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117317/003/003.jpg","https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117317/004/004.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"bezalel miniature silver snuff / pill box.  \n \n \n filigree on all sides, hinged lid set with arched ivory plaque entitled \u201cthe shadchan.\u201d marked. 1.5 x 2.5 inches. \n \n \n early 20th-century"},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"231","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117317/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2000,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is likely a small silver-colored devotional object or spice box, designed in a rectangular, upright form. It features a central arched panel containing a light-colored relief, possibly depicting a religious figure or scene. The metalwork is intricately decorated with filigree patterns and small blue bead-like insets, which also adorn the top and sides. The overall design suggests a traditional or antique style, possibly for personal use or display.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:05.913Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117317,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":2500,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117318/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"collection of miniature menorahs.  \n \n \n wonderful collection of c. 32 miniature (and slightly larger) chanukah lamps. silver, bronze and others. \n \n \n 20th-century"},"estimateMax":5000,"lotNumber":"232","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117318/view","tags":["usjudaica_lamps","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":2500,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot comprises a large collection of diverse Hannukah menorahs, exhibiting various styles and materials. The menorahs range from simple five or eight-branch designs to more elaborate decorative pieces. Materials appear to include brass, silver-toned metal, and possibly other alloys. Some feature figural elements, architectural forms, or intricate openwork, while others are more utilitarian in design, reflecting a wide span of periods and craftsmanship for this ceremonial object.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:05.914Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$3,000 - $5,000","currency":"USD","id":117318,"estimateMin":3000},{"startPrice":250,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117319/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"group of miniature judaica objects.  \n \n \n including megilath esther; purim grogger; sukoth snuff-box; articulated fish (2); wine coaster (2). silver, silver-plate, etc. \n \n \n 20th-century"},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"233","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117319/view","tags":["usjudaica_silver","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":250,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot consists of a collection of Jewish ceremonial objects, primarily made of silver-toned metal, with some brass elements. Featured items include two decorated plates, a Kiddush cup, a small ornate box, a spice tower, and two candleholders. Additionally, there are several fish-shaped decorative elements, possibly for ritual or symbolic use. Many pieces are engraved with Hebrew script and intricate floral or scrollwork designs, indicating their use in religious observances.","soldPrice":350,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-13T12:29:34.690Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117319,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":150,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117320/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"american silk matzah cover.  \n \n \n issued as a gift to its supporters by yeshiva chaim berlin, new york. text in yiddish, hebrew and english. features jewish and american flags and images of the yeshiva buildings. diameter: 16 inches. framed. \n \n \n 1927"},"estimateMax":500,"lotNumber":"234","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117320/view","tags":["usdecor_textiles","usdecor","usdecor_all"],"directSalePrice":150,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This is a circular, framed textile commemorative piece, likely a Passover Seder plate cover, dated 1927. The central motif includes a Star of David with Hebrew text, flanked by an American flag and what appears to be a blood-stained flag or symbol. Four illustrative panels depict buildings and individuals, possibly relating to a community or institution. The outer border features Hebrew script, and the entire piece is trimmed with a golden fringe, suggesting its use in a celebratory or memorial context.","soldPrice":175,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:05.916Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$300 - $500","currency":"USD","id":117320,"estimateMin":300},{"startPrice":300,"sold":false,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117321/001/001.jpg"],"available":false,"description":{"en":"pair of continental silver-plated sabbath candlesticks.  \n \n \n of bulbous form, set on square base with grapevine feet. height: 14 inches (37 cm). \n \n \n 20th-century"},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"235","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117321/view","tags":["usjudaica_lamps","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":300,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This lot presents a pair of antique silver-toned metal candlesticks, possibly made of pewter or a similar alloy. Each candlestick features an ornate design with multiple tiers, characterized by bulbous and tapered sections. The decoration includes extensive repoussé or chased work depicting grapevines and leaves, particularly prominent on the bases and around the candle cups. The square bases contribute to a classical and traditional aesthetic.","lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:05.917Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117321,"estimateMin":400},{"startPrice":200,"sold":true,"images":["https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/kestenbaum/cloned-images/117322/001/001.jpg"],"soldDate":"2020-11-12","available":false,"description":{"en":"synagogue decalogue.  \n \n \n heavy metal ten commandments with applied gold-colored metal hebrew letters. twin hooks on reverse. 23.5 x 23.5 inches. \n \n \n american(?), 20th-century"},"estimateMax":600,"lotNumber":"236","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/kestenbaum/source/catalog/auction/12217/lot/117322/view","tags":["usjudaica_art","usjudaica_all","usjudaica"],"directSalePrice":200,"fullPriceVat":true,"aiDescription":"This item is a decorative plaque depicting the Ten Commandments, presented as two arched tablets. The tablets are crafted from a light-colored metal, possibly brass or pewter, with the Hebrew text of the commandments rendered in raised, contrasting golden-colored letters. The edges of the tablets are also finished with a golden-toned trim, enhancing the appearance of this religious or ceremonial object.","soldPrice":200,"lastUpdate":"2026-08-10T01:29:05.918Z","textCase":"lower","estimate":"$400 - $600","currency":"USD","id":117322,"estimateMin":400}],"schema":"bidspirit-bots-feed/1","catalog":{"date":"2020-11-12","timedAuction":false,"shortDetails":{"he":"<div dir=\"rtl\"><\/div>"},"liveAuctionDisabled":false,"type":"auction","catalogOnly":false,"number":"91","buyersPremiumPercent":25,"lotsCount":236,"currency":"USD","state":"ENDED","contentType":"ART","key":12217,"feedUrl":"https://tools-bots.bidspirit.com/services/bots/catalogs/kestenbaum/12217","address":{"en":"The Brooklyn Navy Yard Building 77, Suite 1108 141 Flushing Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205","he":"The Brooklyn Navy Yard Building 77, Suite 1108 141 Flushing Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205"},"startPricesHidden":false,"aiDescriptionsCount":236,"unknownExactDate":false,"idInApp":430,"version":"2026-09-26_16-09-17","itemsPriceIncludesVat":false,"displayHours":{"he":"<div dir=\"rtl\"><\/div>"},"url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/catalog/auction/kestenbaum/12217","aiDescriptions":"all","lastUpdate":"2026-09-26T16:09:17.708Z","name":{"en":"Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Arts Featuring an Extensive Collection of Rabbinic Autograph Letters.","he":"ספרים, כתבי יד, אמנות"},"soldPricesHidden":false,"time":"13:00","collectionHours":{"he":"<div dir=\"rtl\"><\/div>"}},"house":{"country":"US","feedUrl":"https://tools-bots.bidspirit.com/services/bots/houses/kestenbaum","code":"kestenbaum","name":{"en":"Kestenbaum & Company","he":"Kestenbaum & Company"},"region":"US","url":"https://us.bidspirit.com/ui/houses/kestenbaum"}}