A rare Gemara, with hundreds of hand written annotations by the Vilna Gaon, will be one of the items up for bid at Special Anniversary Auction Number 25 to take place at Jerusalem’s Kedem Auction House on July 3rd.
The opening bid for this rare volume of the Talmud Bavli, which encompasses the Mesechtas of Rosh Hashana, Taanis, Yoma, Succah, Megilah and Mesachta Shekalim (Yerushalmi) is $500,000.
The Gemara is one of the only known items bearing the handwriting of the Vilna Gaon in the world and the handwritten notations have been authenticated by Rabbi Dovid Kaminetzky, a noted expert in the research of the Vilna Gaon’s writings. It is listed in the auction catalog as being in good to fair condition, with signs of usage, minor moth damage and some staining, including drops of melted wax, which are consistent with the fact that the Vilna Gaon was known to learn in a darkened room, even during the daytime hours, by candlelight.
The Gemara, printed in Berlin in 1735, is described by Kedem’s website as the centerpiece of their auction and as “the most important and valuable non-fine art item ever offered for auction in Israel.”
The viewing for this item will take place on Sunday, July1st and Monday, July 2nd, from 12 noon until 8 PM, with auction h on Tuesday July3rd at 7 PM. Both the viewing and the auction will take place at Kedem Auction House office at the Hechal Shlomo Building, 58 Rechov King George.
