Sefer Zichron Avraham Hashalem, by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchok Dziubas, Pietrokov / Warsaw, 1924.

I have written before about the author of this book, Rabbi Abram Icyk Dziubas, who was born in Czestochowa in 1885 and died in England in 1947. He was a prolific writer of extraordinary talents. When he was just ten years old, he was already studying Talmud with Toisefos (medieval commentaries on the Talmud) and … Continue reading Sefer Zichron Avraham Hashalem, by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchok Dziubas, Pietrokov / Warsaw, 1924.

Bava Metzia min Talmud Yerushalmi im peyrush Nesivos Yerushalayim by Rabbi Israel Chaim Daiches, London, 1926.

This is a large folio volume of Rabbi Israel Chaim Daiches' commentary on the tractate Bava Metzia of the Jerusalem Talmud. It was printed on good quality paper by Express printers of 89, Commercial Street, London. Bound with it is Rabbi Daiches commentary on the tractate Bava Basra, and at the end two short pieces … Continue reading Bava Metzia min Talmud Yerushalmi im peyrush Nesivos Yerushalayim by Rabbi Israel Chaim Daiches, London, 1926.

The Jewish Sabbath, by Rabbi Joseph Apfel, Leeds, 1962.

This is a beautiful book in English, describing the laws, customs and songs sung on the Sabbath day by orthodox Jews, with notes that include sources and references for the customs. Rabbi Joseph Apfel came from Berlin and arrived in Leeds just before the war.  In 1939, the position of First Reader at the Old … Continue reading The Jewish Sabbath, by Rabbi Joseph Apfel, Leeds, 1962.

Communal Conference on the Reconstruction of Jewish Education in Great Britain. Report of Proceedings. London 1946.

This was an extremely important two-day conference, held on November 25th and 26th 1945.  The Chief Rabbi, Dr. Hertz, was ill (he died in January 1946), and delegated his chairmanship to Dayan Grunfeld.  The entire orthodox community was represented, except for the Haredi Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations. The list of the attendees, shown below … Continue reading Communal Conference on the Reconstruction of Jewish Education in Great Britain. Report of Proceedings. London 1946.

Jewish National Fund for Great Britain & Ireland, 29th Annual Conference Report, London, 5713 (1953).

I've previously written about the Jewish National Fund's report for 1939.  This one, from 1953 gives an amazingly detailed picture of the spread and activity of the Jewish National Fund throughout Great Britain and Ireland in 1953.  The entire Zionist and general Jewish community in the United Kingdom and Eire was involved in fund raising … Continue reading Jewish National Fund for Great Britain & Ireland, 29th Annual Conference Report, London, 5713 (1953).

Milin DeRabanan MeTalmud HaYerushalmi (Sentences by the Rabbis of the Jerusalem Talmud), by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Dziubas, Leeds (England), 1940.

This is a handy pocket-sized reference book.  It is an index of sayings from the Jerusalem Talmud, in alphabetical order, with the name of the Tractate and page number for each one.  It was, interestingly, printed in 1940, at the height of the Second World War, in Leeds, England, by Saul Tunick. The author, Rabbi … Continue reading Milin DeRabanan MeTalmud HaYerushalmi (Sentences by the Rabbis of the Jerusalem Talmud), by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Dziubas, Leeds (England), 1940.

The Proverbs of Solomon, by Abraham Elzas, Leeds, 1871. (Baron Louis Benas’ copy)

This is an English translation of the book of Proverbs (Mishle), with extensive scholarly notes.  One of the sources that Elzas uses extensively is Benjamin Boothroyd, a Christian Minister and scholar from Pontefract in Yorkshire, who produced a significant Hebrew Bible with notes and commentaries in about 1800. (I have a copy and will eventually … Continue reading The Proverbs of Solomon, by Abraham Elzas, Leeds, 1871. (Baron Louis Benas’ copy)

The Jewish Memorial Council Central Committee for Jewish Education, Annual Report by Herbert Adler, 1936-37.

This is the report of Herbert Adler, the Director of Education. It gives am interesting report on Jewish Education in Britain in 1936-37, including not just London, but communities all over the British Isles. Herbert Marcus Adler (1876-1940) was a grandson of Chief Rabbi Nathan Marcus Adler.  He was educated at the City of London … Continue reading The Jewish Memorial Council Central Committee for Jewish Education, Annual Report by Herbert Adler, 1936-37.

Ma’amar Ha’achdut by Yosef Yavetz, 1862 – Rabbi Yaakov Ben Zion Mendelsohn’s copy.

This book belonged to Rabbi Yaakov Ben Zion Mendelsohn, another of Britain's  slightly forgotten rabbis.  He was a well-known and respected scholar, Talmudist and pulpit rabbi.  His original name was Rabbi Yaakov Ben Zion Morein and he was born in Kreitzburg (Latvian Krustpils), in the Vitebsk district of Russia. He changed his name to Mendelsohn … Continue reading Ma’amar Ha’achdut by Yosef Yavetz, 1862 – Rabbi Yaakov Ben Zion Mendelsohn’s copy.

Jewish National Fund for Great Britain & Ireland, Report 5699, London 1939.

This report, covering the year ended 30th September 1939, provides a picture of the JNF at the beginning of the Second World War.  There is great concern over the Jews of Poland, a community of three and a half million Jews.  Where can they go? Only in Palestine can they find a home.  The Jewish … Continue reading Jewish National Fund for Great Britain & Ireland, Report 5699, London 1939.