That naked bodies existed in the mid-18th century goes without saying. In a world where even Vogue finds its way to discussing tznius, the biblically-inspired modesty that has tended to be applied overwhelmingly to women’s attire, Read more: https://forward.com/sisterhood/325303/historic-jewish-marriage-documents-celebrated-the-female-nude/

Auction house puts instrument used by legendary 'Singing Rabbi' Shlomo Carlebach on the block, but not without controversy

Listen to the Daf Yomi shiur, which is presented with good taste and knowledge from the Maggid

New York, NY (November 2, 2015)–A rare, 1867 oil painting by Moritz Daniel Oppenheim; a classical, c. 1895 oil painting by Lazar Krestin; a 1912 charcoal-and-wash drawing by David Bomberg and a modernist, c. 1990, oil painting by Moshe Kadishman are among the featured lots to be offered for sale in 150 Years of Jewish Art at Kestenbaum & Company in New York City on December 16.

Ani ma’amin b’emuna shelema be’viat hamashiach, V’af al pi sh’yit’mame’a im kol zeh achakeh lo bechol yom sheyavo. I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah; and even though he may delay, I will await him every day – 12th Principle of Faith, from Rambam’s Shloshah Asar Ikkarim

A letter from an Israeli Chief Rabbi arguing that the closeness of Islam to Judaism could help the cause of Middle East peace is to go on sale tomorrow.

Bibliophiles and collectors of Jewish texts have been prowling the precincts of Kestenbaum & Company these past days, covetously eyeing and reverently handling the rare items now on display and scheduled for auction on Thursday, June 25. Dubbed the “Singular Collection,” the provenance for this remarkable grouping of early printed Hebrew books, and Biblical and Rabbinic manuscripts remains undisclosed.

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” and Kestenbaum & Company’s forthcoming auction of fine Judaica is a not-to-be-missed event. The event, which will take place on Thursday, June 26, at 3:00 p.m. at the company’s gallery in New York City, offers an extensive selection of books, manuscripts, autograph letters, ceremonial objects, and graphic art, including Holy Land maps and the collection of Nathan Lewin, Esq.

About six weeks ago, a middle-aged businessman with a Yiddish accent who lives in one of New York State’s upstate haredi communities made a call to Kestenbaum & Company, a Midtown auction firm that specializes in Judaica. He said he owned a 2-inch high Torah scroll he wanted to sell.