Bidspirit auction | Historic Discovery: A Large Collection

Historic Discovery: A Large Collection of Unpublished Manuscripts and Letters from R. Chaim Yitzchok Aharon Rappaport – The Vilkomir Maggid - A historic discovery of a large and important collection of unpublished manuscripts, from the archive of The Vilkomir Maggid, R. Chaim Yitzchok Rappaport. He was born in Slonim in 1802, and died at the ripe old age of 102 (!) in Jerusalem in 1904. In his early years, he served as the Maggid of Eishishok, and later in Vilkomir, a position which he held for 43 years until he emigrated to Jerusalem. His son R. Ze’ev Wolf succeeded his position as Maggid of Vilkomir after his departure.  R. Chaim Yitzchok authored tens of works, including a Sefer on Ein Ya’akov called “Einei Yitzchok”, which was published in Vilna in 1879. He is perhaps most famous for his work “Klil Tiferes”, in which he refutes the controversial passage found in Tiferes Yisroel regarding the personality of Moshe Rabbeinu. The work was well received and earned praise from the Aderes and R. Yehoshua Leib Diskin.  Presented in this lot are unique manuscripts and letters from the Vilkomir Maggid which have never been published, as well as those of his son R. Zev Wolf, who succeeded him as Maggid of Vilkomir as mentioned above.  Sefer Olas Aharon, a composition of Derush on Chumash and Nevi’im which has never been published. Entirely in manuscript form, written by a scribe in preparation for print. With marginal glosses, additions and corrections which are seen on many pages throughout in the handwriting of the author himself. This volume is entirely complete and begins on page 93 at Parshas Shemos, and continues to parts of Nevi’im.   93-232, 5, 86 pp. 21.5cm. Bound in original binding, rubbed and worn; spine detached. Sefer Lev Aharon, a fully handwritten composition containing Derashos on the Yamim Tovim, which has not yet been published. Written in the hand of a scribe in preparation for print, however it is replete with additions, corrections and annotations in the handwriting of the author. The indices as well were seemingly written by the author himself.  At the end of the manuscript, we find a letter written by the Noda B’Yehuda from 1782, which was copied and transcribed by the author. This letter became particularly famous as it deals with the Maskil Hertz Weisel who the Noda B’Yehuda vehemently opposed. Interestingly, this letter was reprinted by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger in his work “Lev Haivri”, who writes the following: “I copied this letter from the Vilkomir Maggid, author of “Einei Yitzchok”. The actual letter is held by a grandson of the Noda B’Yehuda, R. Wolf Landa, who currently lives in Kovno”. Contains an additional [5] leaves of Drush entitled “Hod Malchus”, with a separate hand-drawn title page, as well as another [4] leaves entitled “Birkas Hamelech”.  143, [13], [6], [4] pp. Approx. 21cm. Original binding, spine missing, covers detached.  Letter from Sir Moses Montefiore, on his personal stationery. Written by his secretary and signed by Montefiore, it is addressed to R. Yitzchak Aharon for the receipt of his Sefer “Einei Yitzchak”. Ramsgate, 1885. In good condition, with light foxing; fold marks.  Manuscript entitled “Megillas Esther” written entirely by the Vilkomir Maggid, covering various topics. His personal autograph is seen on one leaf. Approx. [54] handwritten leaves. In moderate condition, with damage to margins of about 10 leaves, with loss of text. Bound in original binding; heavily worn and damaged. Final leaf detached. Approx. 19cm. A fascinating letter of agreement regarding the printing of the Vilkomir Maggid’s Sefer Einei Yitzchak, Vilna 1879. Written by the Vilna printer Yehuda Leib Metz and company. In it, he details the various details of the printing process, including: The type of paper used; in which font to print the Sefer; how many copies to print and how long it will take; the deposit amount required to print, and more. Signed by R. Yitzchak Aharon and the printer Yehuda Leib Metz of Vilna. In good condition. Two Sides; folded.  A handwritten postcard by the Vilkomir Maggid to his son R. Zvi Hirsch. Dated 1894. Signed twice.  Various handwritten documents, primarily dealing with the Maggid’s Seforim. Sefer Batei HaNefesh, an entire manuscript written by his son R. Zev Wolf, Vilna 1865. With a beautifully illustrated decorative title page. Probably written in his own handwriting. Approx. [40] double sided pages, with some blanks. Written on blue paper. Bound in original binding. Approx. 21cm. Sefer Sha’arei Dimaos – Hespeidim on Gedolei Yisroel, 1895 . A charming 10.5cm manuscript containing Hespeidim on Gedolei Yisroel, including: R. Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin - The Netziv, R. Yitzchok Elchanan Spector, R. Yehoshua Leib Diskin and others. Some leaves detached. With a hand-drawn illustrated title page, detached and partially damaged. Approx. [80] double-sides leaves. Written on thin, brittle paper. Bound in original binding. 10.5cm.