Snuff box of R. Avraham of Parys?w.
Wood; embedded with wooden, bone and stone pieces; white metal. Designed like a barrel, with the inscription "Karlsbad" on one side panel.
This snuff box was passed down as a heirloom by the descendants of R. Avraham of Parys?w until it reached the Ferens family in Haifa (Ms. Malka, the granddaughter of R. Avraham of Parys?w married R. Bezalel HaLevi son of R. Yedidya Ferens of B?dzin, father of R. Asher Ferens of Haifa, father of the current owners). Enclosed is an authorization signed by the seller who is a family member.
The pipe which was used by tsaddikim on weekdays (see previous item) was replaced by the snuff box on Shabbat and holidays. According to Chassidic tradition, also while snuffing tobacco, the tsaddikim would intend lofty "yichudim" (see enclosed material).
R. Avraham David Naftali Yerachmiel Rabinowitz of Parys?w (1843-1912), grandson of the Yehudi HaKadosh of Peshischa. Second son of R. Yehoshua Asher of Parys?w. A holy man and outstandingly clever Torah scholar. One of the glorious figures of Kotzk Chassidism. He served as Rabbi of ?elech?w and Parys?w and led a large congregation of Chassidim at the end of his life. He was a close Chassid of R. Mendele of Kotzk. Later, he became a follower of the author of Chiddushei HaRim of Ger and R. Avraham of Sochaczew and R. Avraham of Parys?w. In the end, R. Avraham of Parys?w accepted the authority of the author of the S'fat Emet and would travel to Ger for lengthy periods to be near his rebbe. The S'fat Emet honored him greatly and on his first visit told him: "I will learn from you and you from me". His visits to the author of the S'fat Emet who was his junior in years, roused resistance from the Parys?w Chassidim, however, R. Avraham did not capitulate and even persuaded R. Pinchas Menachem of Pilica to accept the authority of his cousin, author of S'fat Emet. Only after the death of the S'fat Emet, R. Avraham'li yielded to the urging of the Chassidim and served as rebbe in his city of Parys?w.
R. Avraham was skilled in concealing his ways and was almost never seen sitting in the Beit Midrash and studying. Hour after hour, he would turn from wall to wall, wrapped in lofty thoughts with the pipe of his grandfather, the "Yehudi HaKadosh" in his mouth, his face shining like a torch reminiscent of an angel (the pipe of the "Yehudi HaKadosh" is also offered in this catalog, see previous item). According to Chassidic lore, once, R. Avraham of Parys?w sat an entire night in the Beit Midrash and studied Torah. In the morning, a friend approached him and asked him about his diligence in the Beit Midrash in clear sight while he usually concealed his deeds. R. Avraham replied: Diligence?! Not really. What transpired was an elderly man fell asleep sitting on the hem of my cloak. I could not rise from my place lest I be guilty of stealing his sleep (Chassidim Mesaprim, Vol. 1, Ot 433).
He was succeeded by his son R. Yehoshua Asher (the II) of Parys?w (died 1935). The remnants of his Torah teachings and his biography were printed in the book Zechuta D'Avraham (Jerusalem, 1949), and in Vol. 2 printed in the book Sha'arei Aryeh (Jerusalem, 1958).
Length: 8 cm. diameter: 4.5 cm. Overall good condition. Minor damages. One hinge of the lid is lacking. Minor breaks to the lid edges.