Auction 66 · Lot 95
(The Aruch LaNer, 1798-1871). Autograph Letter Signed, in Hebrew, written to Zalman Vitkowsky.
- Estimate
- $1,000–$1,500
- Hammer price
- $4,600
Historical auction record. Hammer prices exclude buyer’s premium and taxes.
author
ETTLINGER, JACOB
printer
Friday, Parshath Chukath
Place
Altona
Publication
1850
Description
Concerning the recipient’s son: “It is sweet for my soul to make your heart happy… Your son Yochanan is studying assiduously and follows an appropriate path… I will continue to watch over and guide him. I am also sending you my newly published work “Aruch LaNer.”
* Letter tipped into printed book: Aruch LaNer [on Trac. Yevamoth]. First edition. [Vinograd, Altona 266]. Altona 1850.
summary
The recipient was enthralled to receive this presentation copy of Sepher Aruch LaNer and wrote on the title: “Sent to me from the Gaon as per his letter, as a remembrance of love… May I always study it.” With stamp on the front flyleaf “Yochanan Vitkower, Altona.” Obviously, this is the son about whom the above letter was written. He likely changed his name from Vitkowsky to Vitkower.
The Aruch Laner was one of the foremost German Rabbinical leaders. In additional to his scholarly Talmudic works and responsa, he also edited the periodical Shomer Tzion Hane’eman.
He seized this opportunity to combat the influence of the rising reform movement by publishing popular and timely articles on a host of topics pertinent to Orthodox Jewry.