This striking studio portrait of Theodor Herzl, the visionary father of modern Zionism, was captured in Basel by the distinguished photographer Robert Spreng, court photographer of Baden and official documenter of the first Zionist Congresses. The cabinet photograph, printed circa 1907, reflects the enduring power of Herzl’s image in the years immediately following his death in 1904, when his likeness became a sacred emblem for the Zionist cause and the Jewish People worldwide. Basel, the very city where Herzl convened the First Zionist Congress in 1897, holds an immortal place in Jewish history. It was there that 208 delegates from across the Jewish world gathered, as Herzl himself recorded in his diary, to lay the foundation stone of the future Jewish State. “At Basel,” Herzl wrote, “I founded the Jewish State. If not in five years, then certainly in fifty, everyone will realize it.” Fifty years later, in 1947, the United Nations voted to create the State of Israel, proving Herzl’s prophetic words true. Robert Spreng, whose studio produced this portrait, was no ordinary photographer. A recipient of multiple international awards for his art, Spreng was entrusted with the weighty role of recording the Zionist Congresses themselves—the seminal gatherings where Jewish history was being rewritten. His Basel studio, just steps away from the Zionist Congress halls, became a place where Herzl’s likeness was enshrined and reproduced, ensuring that the image of the great leader would circulate among Jews in Europe and beyond. In the aftermath of Herzl’s untimely death, photographs such as this one were cherished as icons, carried in homes, schools, and communal halls, embodying both reverence for Herzl and commitment to his dream. Herzl’s pose here—formal, upright, and resolute—captures the man who dared to dream of the Jewish Homeland at a time when such an idea was dismissed by many as fantasy. Yet Herzl’s genius lay not only in dreaming but in mobilizing. Through his tireless diplomacy, his charismatic leadership, and his belief that the Jewish people must seize their own destiny, he set in motion the chain of events that culminated in Israel’s rebirth. This rare photograph is far more than a collector’s item. It is a tangible link to the very origins of Zionism, to Basel—the cradle of the State of Israel—and to Herzl himself, whose prophetic vision continues to inspire Jews across the world. That it was produced by the very photographer who stood in the Congress halls alongside Herzl and the early Zionist leaders makes it an even more precious artifact, one that bridges the symbolic with the historical. To hold this portrait is to hold a piece of the Zionist revolution itself, a sacred keepsake from the city where Jewish national destiny was reborn. 6.5x4.25in; In Very Good Condition

In the newly reborn Jewish Homeland of 1923, two towering figures of intellect and culture met in Haifa: the world’s most famous scientist, Albert Einstein, and the celebrated Zionist artist and master printmaker, Hermann Struck. This exquisite lithograph portrait — hand-signed by both Einstein and Struck — captures not just a likeness, but the deep kinship of two men bound by shared heritage, ideals, and destiny. On fine laid paper, this intimate work bears Einstein’s bold pencil signature and date — “Albert Einstein 1923” — beneath his portrait, while Struck’s own hand signs and numbers the work at lower left, and his monogram anchors the lower right. This matted lithograph, numbered 103, comes from a limited edition of only 150 prints, of which only a scarce few bear Einstein’s autograph, making it a rarity of the highest order. This was Struck’s second attempt to portray Einstein. The first, in 1919, was made just as the confirmation of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity during a solar eclipse had vaulted him to worldwide fame. Yet Einstein, modest and exacting, found the first portrait lacking. By the time of this second effort in Haifa, Struck had not only refined his vision — he had deepened his personal connection with Einstein. The two men corresponded warmly, and in a 1922 letter, Einstein praised Struck’s artistry while wrestling honestly with its emotional weight: “You have given me the warmest joy with your wonderful gift… I never tire of delving into the distinctive, expressive face of the old man, which you have captured and rendered so wonderfully… perhaps the pressure of modeling has given it this stronger expression — I must reflect on it again.” Hermann Struck (1876–1944) was one of the giants of Jewish art in the early 20th century — a devout Jew in Berlin’s avant-garde circles, a mentor to Chagall, Steinhardt, Ury, and Liebermann, and the author of the seminal 1908 work The Art of Etching. He portrayed not only everyday Jewish life, but also the great figures of his time — Herzl, Freud, Ibsen, Nietzsche, Wilde, and here, Einstein. Struck’s Zionism was not mere sentiment; barred from teaching in Germany because of his faith, he immigrated to Eretz Yisrael in 1922, settling in Haifa, where he remained until his death in 1944. Today, his legacy lives on in the Hermann Struck Museum. To hold this piece is to hold a fragment of Jewish destiny itself — a rare, signed testament to the friendship of two Jewish geniuses, created in the land they both cherished. In its lines, ink, and signatures, one can feel the merging of scientific brilliance and artistic soul, both dedicated to the advancement of the Jewish People and the moral force they have given the world. 10.25 x 7.5in; In Excellent Condition

This historic typed letter from Golda Meyerson—later renowned as Golda Meir—provides a rare and vital insight into the political strategies employed during the formative years of the Jewish State. Dated June 30, 1947, from Jerusalem, the letter is addressed to Mr. Eienstadt, Director of the Anglo-Palestine Bank, discussing delicate interactions between Zvi Loker, a future Israeli diplomat, and the United Nations special committee on Palestine. This correspondence captures Meyerson's astute understanding of the challenging political landscape as Jewish leaders prepared for the monumental decisions that would lead to the establishment of Israel. In 1947, Golda Meyerson served as the acting head of the Jewish Agency's Political Department—a position of immense responsibility during a critical moment in Jewish history. The Jewish community faced daunting challenges as they sought to navigate the complexities of British rule while advocating for Jewish rights and self-determination. During this period, Meyerson's leadership and influence were instrumental in coordinating efforts to secure international recognition for a Jewish State amid rising tensions and uncertainty. Her foresight in ensuring important diplomatic relationships weren't jeopardized leading up to the upcoming UN vote on partition demonstrated her commitment to the Jewish People and their aspirations. This letter is particularly poignant as it is signed with her original name, Meyerson, before she adopted the surname Meir, symbolizing her profound transformation into one of Israel's most impactful leaders. Her resolve and dedication to the Zionist cause helped lay the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the state, turning dreams into reality for countless individuals and families seeking refuge and renewal after the ravages of the Holocaust. Accompanying this remarkable letter is an original archival photograph of Golda Meir from 1957, in action serving as Israel’s Foreign Minister during a pivotal session at the United Nations General Assembly. In this photograph, Golda's commanding presence and unwavering determination are evident as she navigated complex diplomatic discussions following the 1956 Suez Crisis. This event underscored her exceptional ability to represent Israel on the global stage, advocating for the nation's security and interests at a time when political pressures were immense. Golda Meir's legacy as a leader is especially significant in the context of female empowerment within the Zionist movement. She emerged as a powerful advocate for women's roles in both the political sphere and the fight for Jewish independence, challenging traditional gender norms and asserting her influence through strategic decision-making and effective diplomacy. Her tenure not only showcased her leadership qualities but also inspired many women in the Jewish community and beyond to take on active roles in shaping their futures. The unwavering commitment and courage exhibited by Meyerson and other women leaders were pivotal in mobilizing resources, supporting immigration efforts, and establishing vital social and political infrastructure within the Yishuv. Her actions became emblematic of the strength and resilience of Jewish women, empowering future generations to continue the fight for equality and breakthrough barriers in various fields. Owning this hand-signed letter and accompanying photograph is more than acquiring a piece of history; it is a testament to the powerful legacy of Golda and her role in the establishment of the State of Israel. This lot serves as a profound reminder of the indelible impact of female leadership within the Zionist movement, illuminating the path for generations of women who strive to make their voices heard and lead with purpose in the quest for justice, equality, and self-determination. 8x10in; Letter In Very Good Condition with fold lines, slight corner damage, and some foxing from age

An exceptionally rare Torah, Prophets, and Writings (Tanach) printed in Amsterdam by the pioneering rabbi, scholar, and printer Menasseh ben Israel (1604–1657), bound in its original 17th-century vellum animal skin binding. This very copy carries a chilling Holocaust provenance: it was looted from the library of Dr. J. N. Pellieux, a French-Jewish physician in Beaugency, seized by the Nazis during the German occupation of France, and transferred into the private library of Hermann Göring—Reichsmarschall, commander of the Luftwaffe, and Hitler’s designated successor. Göring, notorious for plundering Europe’s artistic and cultural treasures, kept this Bible at his Berghof estate in the Obersalzberg “Führer Compound.” Following the Allied liberation of the area on May 4, 1945, this Bible was recovered by the Deuxième Division Blindée (Free French 2nd Armored Division), whose soldiers added an ink stamp appearing on the frontispiece along with a pasted note stating: “Cette pièce provient des collections personnelles d’Hermann Goering au Berghof, 4-5-1945.” In 2005, the volume resurfaced when a chaplain of the French division who had safeguarded it after the war gifted it to a London Jewish family, marking the Bible’s passage from oppression toward restitution, finally returning it to the community from which it had been so violently taken. In the early decades of the seventeenth century, a prodigious Jewish mind emerged in Amsterdam, a city that had become a rare sanctuary for Jews fleeing persecution across Europe. Born in 1604, Menasseh ben Israel was the scion of converso parents who had escaped the Portuguese Inquisition. From his earliest years, he displayed an extraordinary grasp of languages, science, and religious learning, quickly establishing himself as a scholar of unparalleled erudition. By the age of eighteen, he had assumed rabbinic duties within Amsterdam’s vibrant Portuguese Jewish community and, recognizing the urgent need to preserve and disseminate Jewish learning, founded the city’s first Hebrew printing press in 1626. Through his press, Menasseh ben Israel produced not only sacred texts but also works on theology, mysticism, and science, all designed to strengthen Jewish identity and bridge understanding between Jews and the wider European intellectual world. Among his notable friends was the celebrated painter Rembrandt, who would immortalize Menasseh’s visage and even contribute illustrations to some of his works. Between 1631 and 1635, Menasseh ben Israel printed the Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim that comprise the volume now before us. Bound in contemporary vellum, this Bible is not merely a book; it is a testament to Jewish resilience and cultural revival. Each page carries the weight of centuries of diaspora experience, reflecting both the intellectual flowering of Amsterdam’s Jewish community and the deep longing for redemption and restoration that would later inspire modern Zionist thought. Menasseh’s vision extended beyond Amsterdam; in 1644, he would famously travel to London to petition Oliver Cromwell to allow the resettlement of Jews in England, a mission documented in his work Mikve Israel. Though the legal recognition he sought was delayed for years, his efforts laid the foundation for Jewish return and communal restoration in Western Europe. The journey of this particular copy mirrors the tumultuous course of Jewish history itself. For centuries, it was cherished as both a sacred text and a symbol of heritage. But in the dark years of the Second World War, it was seized by the Nazis, becoming part of the vast art and cultural plunder orchestrated by Göring, one of the most infamous figures of the Third Reich. Göring, who maintained a private library within his Berghof estate in the Bavarian Alps, coveted treasures of European art and literature, including those of Jewish origin. This Bible, stolen from a Jewish home, sat among stolen masterpieces such as Rembrandts and Vermeers in a compound that had been reserved for Hitler’s closest associates, an emblem of the regime’s arrogance and the desecration of Jewish culture. The physical characteristics of this Bible are remarkable. It is a complete Tanach, bound in four parts in one volume, printed on thick, high-quality paper, with separate title pages for Torah, Prophets, and Writings. Though nearly 400 years old, it retains much of its original integrity: the vellum binding shows only minor wear, and the pages are annotated with Hebrew and Latin inscriptions from centuries past, reflecting a long life of study and devotion. It bears silent witness to the scholarly dedication of Menasseh ben Israel, the devotion of European Jewish households, and the horrors and triumphs of the twentieth century. This volume encapsulates profound symbolism. It is the product of a Jewish community newly freed from persecution in Amsterdam, a tangible expression of Menasseh ben Israel’s vision for the Jewish People; it is a sacred object plundered by one of history’s most infamous perpetrators of genocide; and it is a survivor, liberated and restored to Jewish hands, carrying with it the echoes of both loss and redemption. To hold it is to hold nearly four centuries of Jewish history, from the diaspora’s intellectual flowering through the horrors of the Holocaust, and into the modern reclamation of heritage and faith. As an artifact, it transcends its physicality. It is a testament to resilience, scholarship, and the enduring spirit of the Jewish People. It is rare in every sense: rare for its age, rare for its provenance, rare for the intertwining of its sacred, cultural, and historical significance. This Bible is not merely a printed work; it is a narrative of survival, a vessel of memory, and a monument to the unbroken thread of Jewish life across the centuries. Its journey from Menasseh ben Israel’s press to the hands of a modern-day custodian of history makes it a singular treasure, one that commands both reverence and awe. Very few Judaica artifacts combine such antiquity, bibliographic rarity, Holocaust provenance, and emotional weight. It is a treasure fit for a national museum, a Holocaust memorial institution, or a private collector who understands that to acquire it is to become the next guardian in a chain of history stretching from Europe's Jewish revival to the defeat of Nazism. A once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure one of the most important Jewish books ever offered at charity auction. 8.85x7in; 369 Leaves, Four parts in one bound volume; In Very Good Condition with some wear and aging from 400 years of use, plus its embattled adventures throughout war torn Europe.

This remarkable pop culture auction lot features a hand-signed autograph from Jewish comic book legend Stan Lee on the cover of Fantastic Four Vol. 1, #310, titled "Things to Come!" This extraordinary comic, published on September 22, 1987, showcases the beloved Jewish superhero Benjamin Grimm, known as “The Thing,” in a gripping tale that pits him against the Arab supervillain Sheik Farouk Al-Fasaud. This pairing not only highlights the creative ingenuity of Lee but also reflects the complicated landscape of identity and representation in comic book narratives, not to mention the tensions of the Middle East geopolitical landscape. Stan Lee, born Stanley Martin Lieber to Romanian-Jewish immigrants, played a pivotal role in shaping the comic book industry. His upbringing in Jewish communities in New York City profoundly influenced his writing and character development, as he navigated a world where Jews often faced discrimination and stereotypes. Lee’s characters broke barriers, each infusing the struggles and triumphs of the Jewish experience into their narratives. "The Thing" is a character who embodies resilience and strength, characteristics that resonated deeply with Lee's own cultural identity. Created during a time when Jewish representation in media was limited, characters like Ben Grimm allowed for a redefinition of what it meant to embody Jewish values—courage, loyalty, and the fight against oppression. According to the Marvel Universe storyline, Benjamin J. Grimm was born on Yancy Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side, where he grew up in poverty like so many Jewish immigrants before him. Comics have depicted him observing traditions, refusing to marry outside his faith, and wearing a yarmulke, solidifying his connection to his roots. His character, particularly influenced by Lee's partner, Jack Kirby (born Jacob Kurtzberg), embodies aspects of Jewish-American experiences, from feeling like an outsider to finding strength in heritage. Stan Lee's decision to craft complex characters facing real-world dilemmas served as a source of inspiration, showcasing that heroes could reflect the multifaceted nature of humanity. More recently, The Thing was featured in a Rosh Hashanah Marvel episode, showing him helping to save the Jewish New Year. In a fascinating narrative arc, this particular issue revolves around “The Thing” and Ms. Marvel as they battle Sheik Fasaud, a villain entangled in the themes of international politics and power struggles. Fasaud's character, initially portrayed as an oil minister with supernatural abilities, draws parallels to real-world issues that resonate with audiences today. This reflects Lee’s ability to weave contemporary concerns into engaging stories, allowing readers to engage with complex moral landscapes while enjoying the thrill of superhero adventures. The signed comic book, which also features an autograph by Thing actor Michael Chiklis, combined with its powerful themes and connections to Jewish culture, represents not just a collectible but a celebration of identity and resilience. With Lee’s passing and the ongoing impact of his contributions to pop culture, items like this autograph gain even greater significance, serving as a lasting tribute to his creative legacy and the pioneering spirit of diversity within the comic book world. As a symbol of the rich intersection between Jewish identity and comic book lore, this hand-signed autograph offers collectors a unique opportunity to honor one of the most influential figures in American pop culture. This lot is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the continuing legacy of Jewish heroes—both in comic books and in the world beyond. 10x6.75in; In Very Good Condition

We love seeing these retired old flags honored in style when framed prominently on the wall. Nothing compares to the pride one feels when knowing that the star and stripes of Israel’s blue and white flag had a long life fluttering in the breeze. Few symbols carry as much weight and meaning as the iconic blue and white flag of the State of Israel. More than a national emblem, it represents the enduring unity of the Jewish People, our faith, and our mission as a light unto the nations. This hand-crafted linen flag, sewn during the earliest days of Israel’s modern statehood, is a poignant tribute to the sacrifices and triumphs of the Zionist pioneers who transformed an ancient dream into a living reality. With its simple yet profound design, the Star of David flanked by two blue stripes symbolizing the traditional tallit, Israel’s flag has become a powerful representation of the Jewish journey. It embodies the painful past, resilient present, and hopeful future of the Jewish People, uniting those at home and abroad in shared heritage and purpose. This flag, lovingly sewn by hand, likely waved proudly in the years surrounding Israel’s founding, a time when the sacrifices of Israel’s founding Zionists forged the path to independence. It stood as a beacon of hope for generations, weathering the winds of a newly established homeland and symbolizing the collective resolve of a people who overcame insurmountable odds to achieve self-determination. Whether displayed prominently in a home, office, or institution, this historic flag serves as both a striking artifact and an enduring reminder of the ideals upon which the State of Israel was founded. This extraordinary piece invites us to honor the legacy of Israel’s creation and celebrate the unity and perseverance that continue to define the Jewish People. A timeless addition to any collection of Zionist history or Judaica, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a nation and its People. 40 x 50in; In Good Condition minor wear from fluttering in the wind, overseeing the rebirth of the Jewish People in Land of Israel