121 252 BEN-GURION, DAVID (First Prime Minister of the State of Israel, 1886-1973). Hebrew Printed Biographical Questionnaire issued by Brit Rishonim, with Autograph Manuscript responses by Ben-Gurion, with his signature at end. One page. Tel Aviv, 27 Cheshvan, 1936. $1000-1500 ❧ Personal biographical details of Ben-Gurion recording family background, education, Zionist activities, arrival to Eretz Israel, and other personal details. Information gathered for Brit Rishonim, an organization of veteran Zionists. 253 BEN-GURION, DAVID (First Prime Minister of the State of Israel, 1886-1973). Typed Letter Signed (with autograph corrections), on Prime Minister’s letterhead (“Temporary Government”) written in Hebrew to Rabbi Y.L. HaKohen Fishman. Concerning the start of military actions and operations against the Egyptians in the Negev and Gaza as well as the debate pertaining to the import of Kosher meat. Single page. Central fold. 8vo. Jerusalem, 23 December, 1948. $800-1200 ❧ In this interesting letter Ben Gurion admonishes Fishman concerning the “unfortunate debate pertaining to the import of Kosher meat which does not bring honor to either side. We do not need to add internal problems to our foreign difficulties. I am sure that your intention has nothing to do with elections … Even a controversy for the sake of heaven should be set aside while we have a controversy with Egypt, [British Foreign Secretary Ernest] Bevin and other enemies of our land… I believe that with some good will and common sense this matter can be settled … If you would both meet I would willingly participate … but unfortunately the operations in the Negev [take precedence]. Rabbi Yehuda Leib Fishman (Maimon) (1875-1962) was a prolific author, scholar and leader of the Mizrachi Party. He served as Minister of Religion of the State of Israel from 1948-61. 254 (BERLIN, NAPHTALI TZVI YEHUDAH) (The Netzi’v). Chagiz, Jacob. Hilchoth Ketanoth [responsa]. THE NETZI’V’S COPY, with four of his stamps on the title-page. With scholarly marginalia on a number of leaves. FIRST EDITION. ff. 4, 71, 9. Worn and stained, margin cut on two leaves not affecting text. Modern boards. Large 4to.[Vinograd, Venice 1545.] Venice, Bragadin, 1704. $800-1200 ❧ The Netziv (1817-93) was Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin, the foremost Talmudic Academy of 19th-century Russia. 255 BERZOVSKY, SHALOM NOACH. (Slonimer Rebbe and author of Nesivoth Shalom, 1911-2000). Autograph Letter Signed, written in Hebrew to R. Elchanan Sorotzkin, on personal letterhead. Thanking him for the gift of books written by recipient’s father, nonetheless, enclosing payment; “ [from them] I had a pleasurable Oneg Shabbath.” One page. Jerusalem, 8th Tammuz, 1967. $300-500 ❧ The writer was one of the 20th century’s most influential Chassidic Rebbes. His popular works entitled Netivot Shalom are increasingly regarded as the face of Chassidic tradition through much of the Jewish world today. 256 BLAU, AMRAM. (Leader of Neturei Karta, 1894-1974). Autograph Letter written in Hebrew to R. Yitzchak Ya’akov Weiss (1902-89) of Manchester. Concerning his opposition to the proposal that Rabbi Weiss join the Eidah HaChareidith of Jerusalem. One page. Jerusalem, 7th Adar, 1970. $500-700 ❧ Draft letter detailing R. Blau’s passionate, yet respectful opposition to R. Weiss’s appointment to head the Eidah HaChareidith - despite the fact that the move was supported by the Satmar Rebbe. “Although your honor is a famous Gaon in all parts of our Torah, you are weak in the chapters of Masechta Avodah Zara (idolatry) of present day Zionism… You should not accept this position.” R. Yitzchak Ya’akov Weiss, author of the multi-volume responsa Minchath Yitzchak, was a world renowned expert in Jewish law who served as Rabbi of Grosswardein, Manchester and eventually, the Eidah HaChareidith community of Jerusalem. 257 CHAMBERLAIN, NEVILLE. (British Prime Minister, 1869-1940). Typed Letter Signed, on Prime Minister’s letterhead, written to Sir John Anderson. Two pages. * WITH: Autographed Letter Signed, response of Anderson to Chamberlain, on letterhead of Government House, Darjeeling (India). 4 pages. Together with original Prime Minister’s envelope. London and Darjeeling, 15th and 25th October, 1937. $600-900 ❧ Chamberlain offers the position of High Commissioner of Palestine to Sir John Anderson which Sir John chooses to decline. Lot 253