Bidspirit auction | Autograph Manuscript of the Gaon

Autograph Manuscript of the Gaon Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Rosenberg, Son of the Maggid of Vilkomir – Torah Novellae and Collected Writings – London, 1902 – Unpublished - An autograph manuscript containing a collection of Torah novellae, sermons, and reflections on the Torah and the Jewish festivals, by the Gaon Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Rosenberg, son of the Gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Aharon, the Maggid of Vilkomir. The writings reflect the teachings and approach of his father, the Maggid, and include original insights that have never been published. On the title page, the author wrote: “A collection of worthy discourses compiled by me, Avraham Shmuel Rosenberg, son of the Gaon R. Y.A., Maggid of Vilkomir, 8 Cheshvan 5662 [1902], here in London.” The manuscript opens with sermons for Chol HaMoed Sukkot and the completion of the Torah reading on Simchat Torah. These are followed by discourses on Parashat Nitzavim and the Shabbat preceding Selichot; Torah novellae and reflections on various weekly portions, including Parashat Shelach; sermons for Shavuot and Parashat Parah; a discourse for Shabbat Chazon on the Book of Lamentations; and a sermon concerning Zion. Among the references appearing in the manuscript are “Chevra Kadisha Brooklyn” and “the Great Beit Midrash of Brooklyn.” Although the title page bears the date 8 Cheshvan 5662 and identifies London as the place of writing, the manuscript was composed over several years. The author repeatedly revisited previously written sections, adding supplementary notes and new insights that occurred to him after their initial composition. Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Rosenberg was born in Lithuania during the first quarter of the 19th century, to his father, the Maggid of Vilkomir. In 5662, he wrote the present manuscript in London, shortly thereafter immigrating to Brooklyn, where he served as rabbi of the “Lechet Yosher” congregation. He passed away in Brooklyn on 9 Adar 5672. His son, the Gaon Rabbi Yosef Naftali Rosenberg, served for 42 years as rabbi and Av Beit Din of the Jewish community of Norwich, United States. [106] pages. 21 cm. The manuscript has never been published. Condition: Good. Minor ink smudges and stains. Simple binding.