Bidspirit auction | Copy of Rabbi Binyamin Menachem

Copy of Rabbi Binyamin Menachem Alter, Grandson of the ”Amar'e Emes”, with Antique Marginal Notes Description: This rare copy of Shnei Luchot HaBrit (commonly known as Shlah HaKadosh), authored by the revered Kabbalist Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz (the Shlah), was printed in Warsaw, 1862 (Tav Reish Gimmel). The book is a central work in Jewish ethics, Kabbalah, and law, and holds significant historical and scholarly value. This specific copy once belonged to Rabbi Binyamin Menachem Alter, grandson of the famous ”Amar'e Emes” of the Gur Hasidic dynasty, and carries his ownership signatures and personal annotations, making it of great significance. Rabbi Binyamin Menachem Alter was a well-known figure within the Gur community, and his involvement in Torah scholarship, alongside his familial connection to the Amarei Emes, lends additional spiritual and historical value to this work. Content Details: The Shnei Luchot HaBrit is a two-volume set. This particular copy is missing the title page of the first volume, but retains the title page of the second volume. In addition, the last pages of the first volume are missing (pages 1-32 and the introduction to ”Ve’i Ha'Amudim”), resulting in an incomplete set. Despite these deficiencies, the book is significant not only for its content but also for its connection to Rabbi Binyamin Menachem Alter and the Hasidic heritage he represented. Handwritten Marginal Notes: The book contains two handwritten marginal notes, which are from an earlier period than Rabbi Binyamin Menachem Alter's ownership. One of these notes is particularly significant, as it deals with the fasts of Rabbi Tzodok HaKohen, explaining their purpose to prevent the destruction of the Holy Temple. The note also addresses the halachic permissibility of such fasts. These marginal notes provide a rare insight into the scholarly discussions of the time and further enhance the historical value of the book. The book also carries ownership stamps of ”Binyamin Menachem Alter Tel Aviv”, confirming its lineage and the connection to the Alter family of Gur. Rabbi Binyamin Menachem Alter was the son of Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Alter, and grandson of the Amar'e Emes, making this book an heirloom that carries both personal and historical significance. Condition: General Condition: The book is in fair to good condition considering its age and the missing pages. The first volume has been damaged, with missing pages, and the second volume is more intact but shows signs of wear, including folds, minor tears, and some paper loss due to aging. However, the overall structure of the text remains readable and well-preserved. Unique Features: Ownership signatures: The book bears the signature and ownership stamp of Rabbi Binyamin Menachem Alter. Antique Handwritten Notes: The marginal notes, particularly the ones regarding the fasts of Rabbi Tzodok, are of great scholarly value. These notes provide insight into the halachic discussions of the time, and are significant in the context of Jewish historical scholarship. Dimensions: The book retains its original format, and the dimensions are consistent with standard printed texts of that time. Historical Significance: Rabbi Binyamin Menachem Alter (who owned this copy) was a prominent figure in the Gur Hasidic dynasty, and his scholarly influence extended far beyond the Hasidic community. The Shnei Luchot HaBrit (Shlah HaKadosh) itself is one of the key works in Jewish mysticism and ethical thought, and this particular copy has both historical and spiritual value due to its unique provenance. This annotated and signed copy, which also contains handwritten scholarly notes, is a rare collector's item, connecting the reader to both Hasidic heritage and the scholarly tradition of early 19th-century Torah study.