Subject: Halakha

This two-page letter constitutes a halachic inquiry from Isaac Moses Slatky, reader at the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, to R. Solomon Eger of Posen, Germany. The inquiry references Eger's ruling prohibiting Kohanim from leading congregational blessings on holidays or receiving the first aliyah. The letter also includes a description of the Baltimore community, its synagogue, and its kosher mikva. The verso contains a letter from R. Samuel Fogelsdorf of Posen concerning the halachic inquiry and personal matters. It bears the scrawled signature of Yitzchak Chaim, who claims to have been a former student of Eger. Dated January 1, 1845.

First edition of *L'Veit Ya'akov*, a collection of sermons by Rabbi Jacob Joseph (1841-1902), the first and only Grand Rabbi of New York City and America. This volume contains sermons on the weekly Torah portions, special Shabbats, and other occasions. The book includes a handwritten dedication by Rabbi Jacob Joseph to Rabbi Eliezer Zalman Grievsky, author of *Ginat Egoz*, and commentary by Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky. Published in Vilna in 1888.

This archival item is the last page (8" x 12") of a letter, dated sometime in 1860, written by Benjamin II to Isaac Leeser. The letter is a rebuttal to press attacks by J. K. Gutheim, the preacher and chazzan of the Portuguese synagogue in New Orleans, concerning the "Touro Monument Affair." The letter appears to be a German-to-English translation by Leeser, showing editing marks and corrections, suggesting preparation for publication. A note in a third hand is present after the signature. The Touro Monument Affair involved a controversy over the planned erection of a statue of Judah Touro, which Benjamin II opposed on halakhic grounds. This led to public disagreements, press attacks, and a withdrawal of financial support from Benjamin II's organization. The controversy was reported in several national publications, including Leeser's *Occident*. The document has been verified by Dr. Arthur Kiron and Bruce Nielsen at the Katz Center, University of Pennsylvania.

A one-page letter written in English by Rabbi Dr. Max Lilienthal to Julius Freiberg on August 31, 1871, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The letter concerns a Halachic opinion on the disinterment of graves from an older Jewish cemetery for transfer to a new cemetery. It includes a reference to Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise's opinion on the matter. The letter shows the lower left corner is torn.

This work, *Opera Sabbathum Depellentia*, examines the laws of the Sabbath and the circumstances that permit their violation. Written in Latin with sections in Hebrew, it draws upon Talmudic examples to illustrate situations where Sabbath observance may be legitimately suspended. Published circa 1708, this pamphlet provides insights into the interpretation and application of Jewish law regarding Sabbath restrictions.

Responsum 41, folio 46r, from the book *Leib Aryeh Breslau… Penei Proops, Amsterdam* (small folio; see Vinograd, Amsterdam 2181). This 1790 responsum addresses a halachic question posed by Haym Salomon (Solomon) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, concerning financial matters related to philanthropy. The book is signed by a previous owner, Hirschel Lehren. Sold at Kestenbaum & Co. auction in NYC on 11/17/1998 for $1,700 (including commission).

This is the first part of a multi-part compilation of the *Hayye Adam* (Life of Man), a classic work of Jewish law. Published in 1897 by Leon & Weinkrantz in New York City, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of Jewish legal principles and practices. Parts 2 and 3 were published in 1900 by a different printer.