Bidspirit auction | Tractate Shabbat – Vilna, 1890

Tractate Shabbat – Vilna, 1890 – Copy of Rebbe Avraham Steiner of Kerestir and His Son-in-Law Rabbi Mordechai Dov Halberstam of Satmar-Ratzfert - Talmud Bavli, Tractate Shabbat, with all commentators. Vilna: Romm widow and brothers, 1890. Two title pages. Distinguished copy, with signatures and ownership inscriptions of Rebbe Avraham Steiner of Kerestir, and his son-in-law R. Mordechai Dov Halberstam. On verso of first title page, ownership inscriptions (in pencil): ”Avraham Steiner”; ”Avraham son of the tzaddik R. Yeshayah, I am atonement for his death” [the traditional reference to a deceased father within a year of his passing]. Both title pages have signatures and ownership inscriptions of ”Mordechai Dov Halberstam, B[odrog]keresztúr”. At the top of the second title page is a sequence of four signatures: ”Avraham Steiner” (possibly written by a family member). On pp. 104b and 116a, handwritten additions of censored content. Rebbe Avraham Steiner of Kerestir (Bodrogkeresztúr; ca. 1883 – Adar I 1927), eldest son of R. Yeshayah Kerestir (1852 – 3rd Iyar 1925), and his successor as Rebbe of Kerestir for about 18 months. He continued his father's exceptional acts of lovingkindness and hospitality. His home too was frequented by throngs of Jews from throughout Hungary, who sought his advice, his amulets and salvation. His orphan daughter married R. Mordechai Dov Halberstam (ca. 1920-1944; perished in the Holocaust), son of R. Chaim of Satmar (1882-1942) and grandson of Rebbe Shalom Eliezer Halberstam of Ratzfert (1862-1944; perished in the Holocaust). Their wedding was held in Kerestir in 1943, and the grandfather, R. Shalom Eliezer, participated all seven days. He was known as Reb Mottele, although his formal name was Mordechai Dov, as he was named for his great-grandfather Rebbe Mordechai Dov Twersky, Rabbi of Hornostaipil (father-in-law of R. Shalom Eliezer of Ratzfert). R. Mordechai Dov Halberstam was a student in the Etz Chaim yeshiva in Bobov, and he served as Rabbi of Tiszalök. After his marriage, he resided in Kerestir for a short period, later establishing his Beit Midrash in Miskolc (for more information, see: Z. Briner, Rabbeinu HaKadosh MeRatzfert, pp. 353-355). [2], 2-[1]92 leaves; 48, 5-6, 51-72, [1] leaves. 39 cm. Varying condition, fair to fair-poor. Many stains and wear. Heavy worming and tears, affecting text of some leaves. Repair on first title page. New binding.