Auction 2 Rare and Important Items
By Royal Auction House
Aug 15, 2021
1555 Route 37, Toms River, NJ 08755, United States
The auction has ended

LOT 33:

Sefer Beis HaLevi - Volume II, Warsaw 1874. First Edition, Gifted by The Author.


Start price:
$ 500
Estimated price :
$600 - $800
Buyer's Premium: 23% More details
tags: Books

Sefer Beis HaLevi - Volume II, Warsaw 1874. First Edition, Gifted by The Author.

A complete copy of Sefer Sha’alos U’Teshuvos Beis HaLevi, written by R. Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik, while serving as Rabbi of Slutsk.

R. Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik (1820-1892), a Torah genius and Grandson of R. Chaim of Volozhin. Upon the death of the Slutsker Rav R. Yosef Peimer in 1864, the Beis HaLevi succeeded him as Rabbi of Slutsk. Unfortunately his position in Slutsk was met with opposition from the city’s Maskillim as well as certain affluent individuals who would frequently challenge his authority. Ultimately, in 1874, he was forced to flee Slutsk and settled in Warsaw. Later, in 1877, a position in Brisk opened and the Beis HaLevi became the Rabbi of Brisk which has become synonymous with the Soloveitchik family.

Interestingly, a handwritten note is seen on the fly leaf of this copy which reads: “This Sefer was given to me as a gift [by] the Gaon, the Author, Sunday, Parshas Terumah. Here in Slutsk in 1874”. This small inscription sheds light on the Beis HaLevi’s tenure as Rabbi of Slutsk, since the Beis HaLevi was clearly still serving as Rav there at the time he printed his Beis HaLevi - only to leave a few months later. 

A very rare inscription, as any reference to the Beis HaLevi while in Slutsk is historically important and highly uncommon. We can assume that the Beis HaLevi laid his Holy hands on this copy. 

Approximately 8 lines of handwritten notes are seen on the fly leaf, as well as some marginalia throughout. Apparently all written in the same unidentified handwriting, by the individual who received this copy from the Beis HaLevi. 

In overall good condition. Small tear seen on title page, as well as on the final leaf, not affecting text. Another small tear to title page at top left header, affecting some text. Bound in original binding, worn. Binding detached, partially lacking and worn spine.

1, 78; 19 pp.