The Personal Tehillim and Nach of the Saraf of Mogielnica, His Father Rabbi Avi Ezri Zelig of Grenitz, and His Son Rabbi Elimelech of Grodzisk, Zy”a – Ash Kodesh!!!! Kadosh V’Nora!
An exceptionally rare find, never before seen at auction!
A set of Nevi’im Rishonim, Nevi’im Acharonim, and Kesuvim, with Targum Onkelos, the commentaries of Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Radak, and more—printed in Venice between the years 5307-5309 (1547-1549) at the renowned press of Daniel Bomberg—being the third and final edition printed at this press.
Among these volumes are the
Tehillim and
Shir HaShirim of the
Kedoshei Elyon—the Saraf of Mogielnica, his holy father, the son-in-law of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, and his son, the author of Imrei Elimelech of Grodzisk ZYA”A. These volumes were seemingly most beloved by these tzaddikim, having been passed down with awe and reverence from generation to generation and
evidently in continuous use by these exalted heavenly flames.
Who will merit to recite Tehillim and Shir HaShirim from this sacred volume, the very copy through which the holy and righteous angel of Hashem, the Saraf of Mogielnica ZYA”A, poured out his heart in tefillah?!
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The Copy of the Holy Gaon, Rabbi Avi Ezri Zelig, Son-in-Law of the Maggid of Kozhnitz
In the Kesuvim volume, an inscription in the sacred handwriting of the Saraf of Mogielnica states:
"This Kesuvim volume belongs to my beloved master and teacher, my father, my crown and pride, the great and illustrious light, Rabbi Avi Ezri Zelig, Av Beis Din of the holy community of…"
The Sacred Handwritten Signature of the ‘Saraf of Mogielnica’
On the flyleaf before the title page of Nevi’im Acharonim, the Saraf of Mogielnica inscribed in his holy handwriting:
"This book belongs to me, Chaim Meir Yechiel, son of the Rav and Av Beis Din of Grenitz…"
Additionally, there are quill tests and inscriptions in his handwriting—perhaps containing hidden allusions and mystical matters, the meaning of which is unknown. Scattered throughout the volume, there are also brief glosses in his sacred hand.
The Sacred Signatures of His Son, Rabbi Elimelech of Grodzisk
Each of the three volumes bears the handwritten signature of the author of Imrei Elimelech:
"The holy Elimelech, Av Beis Din of Grodzisk…" along with his personal stamps.
Handwritten inscriptions and signatures from the Saraf of Mogielnica are exceedingly rare, virtually unknown to the world, and his handwriting has never before been seen at auction. This is a remarkable opportunity for anyone seeking salvation and success—to bring into their home an object of tremendous holiness, overflowing with boundless blessing for life and prosperity!
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Additional Inscriptions and Glosses
In Nevi’im Rishonim, an inscription reads:
“This book belongs to my master, my father, the esteemed… of the community and congregation, the honorable Moreinu Harav Shlomo Zalman Katz, the humble Ephraim Fishel…” (possibly a dayan in Krakow in the 18th century).
Another ownership inscription bears the signature:
"The holy Tzvi [?] Isaac, son of the Rav… Pinchas Teomim…" (there were several rabbanim by this name).
In the Kesuvim volume, there are extensive glosses in the handwriting of an early Gaon (some partially trimmed), seemingly dating back to the time of printing—around the 1540s.
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The Holy Gaon, Rabbi Avi Ezri Zelig Shapira, Av Beis Din of Grenitz (Passed Away 5595/1835)
A lofty and holy Gaon, a direct descendant of the Megaleh Amukos. Upon reaching marriageable age, he was chosen as a son-in-law by the Maggid of Kozhnitz. Following the passing of his holy father-in-law, the chassidim sought to appoint him as the successor to the Maggid’s leadership. However, in deference to the directive of the holy Chozeh of Lublin, he ceded the leadership to his brother-in-law, Rabbi Moshe Elikim Beriyah of Kozhnitz. His Torah insights are cited in the seforim of his father-in-law, the Maggid, as well as in the seforim of his brother-in-law, the Daas Moshe of Kozhnitz. His only son was the Saraf of Mogielnica.
The Divine Tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Meir Yechiel Shapira, the ‘Saraf of Mogielnica’ (5541-5609 / 1781-1849)
A holy angel of Hashem, one of the greatest tzaddikim of all generations. He was born through the extraordinary blessings of the Kedushas Levi of Berditchev. Already in his childhood, his grandfather, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, attested that his soul was hewn from that of Yirmiyahu HaNavi and initially intended to name him Yirmiyahu. When he fell ill, and his name was mentioned for healing before the Chozeh of Lublin, the Chozeh declared that he was destined to lead Klal Yisrael after his grandfather, the Maggid.
He married Rebbetzin Gitel, daughter of the holy Rabbi Elazar of Lizhensk, son of the holy Rabbi Elimelech ZYA”A. The Saraf became one of the greatest Admorim of his generation, with thousands of chassidim flocking to his court—including great tzaddikim and rebbes. Many of the renowned tzaddikim of the following generation were his talmidim, among them the Tiferes Shlomo of Radomsk. His Torah teachings were posthumously printed in Emes L’Yaakov, and in recent years, a collection of his teachings was published under the title Toras HaSaraf MiMogielnica.
The Holy Gaon, Rabbi Elimelech Shapira of Grodzisk (5584-5652 / 1824-1892)
One of the elder tzaddikim and leaders of his generation, son of the Saraf of Mogielnica, he was named Elimelech after his illustrious ancestor, Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. In his youth, he was a talmid of the great tzaddikim, the Sabba Kadisha of Ruzhin and Rabbi Yitzchak of Neshchiz.
In 5609 (1849), following the passing of his father, the Saraf, he began leading his chassidim in Grodzisk, where he also served as Rav. He became a leader for thousands, and multitudes sought his counsel, blessing, and salvation.
During the Gzeiras HaMelamdim in 5648 (1888), decreed by Tsar Alexander III, he gathered all the great tzaddikim of the generation to his home—including the Sfas Emes, the Avnei Nezer, the Chesed L’Avraham of Radomsk, and others. Those knowledgeable in Kabbalah said he sought to nullify the decree by uniting the forces of kedushah against the wicked Tsar.
His son was the renowned holy Gaon, Rabbi Klonimus Kalman HY”D of Piaseczno, author of Chovas HaTalmidim. His grandson was the holy Gaon, Rabbi Yisrael Perlow, the Yenuka of Stolin. His Torah insights were published during his lifetime in Imrei Elimelech and Divrei Elimelech.
