“The desire for truth is choosing characteristics.” Letter by Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler, in his handwriting and with his initialed signature. London, 7 Tishrei 1930.
Specifications: [1] stationery leaf. 13×21 cm. Entirely in his hand and with his initialed signature. The letter is addressed to “my honored and precious relative and friend.”
Content: Rabbi Dessler wishes gmar chatimah tovah [pre-Yom Kippur greetings] to his relative. He is happy to see that he has the characteristic of truth, which is the choicest of characteristics, and promises him that when he meets him he will explain the correct interpretation of the saying “Hash-m’s signature is truth” which is apparently completely incomprehensible – what does “His signature” mean? And he will also expand on the issue of “carrying iniquity” – what does “carrying” mean, and what does it have to do with forgiveness? He writes that Rabbi Moshe Cordovero has a deep explanation for this, which is one of pearls of the foundations of the study of character traits. Rabbi Dessler concludes with blessings.
Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler (1892-1953), protoge of the Kelm study hall, from the family of those who established the study hall, and among the leaders of the mussar movement. Served as rabbi in England, and mashgiach in the yeshivas in Gateshead in England and Ponovezh in Bnei Brak. Author of Michtav M’Eliyahu .
Condition: Very fine condition. Fold marks, Aging stains.
Approbation from the Iasi Community, signed by Rabbi Moshe Aharon Taubes, Iasi’s rabbi [1847?].
Specifications : [1] leaf, paper. 17×17 cm. With his handwritten signature.
Rabbi Aharon Moshe Taubes (1787-1852) was a prominent rabbi of his time. He was one of the most renowned Galician Torah scholars, and a long-time friend of Rabbi Yaakov Orenstein, author of Yeshuot Yaakov . He maintained halachic correspondence with Rabbi Mordechai Benet and the Chatam Sofer. He was the rabbi of Śniatyn, and then Iasi. He was respected by both the chassidim and their opponents. He authored the Shu”t To’afot Re’em and the Karnei Re’em on the Torah.
Condition: Fine. Fold marks and stains.
Compilation of halachic responsa handwritten by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. [c. 1968].
Specifications: [6] leaves, 21×28 cm. All written and signed by Rabbi Feinstein.
Collection of responsa from Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, written to his primary disciple Rabbi Efraim Greenblatt. All in his hand and with his signature at the conclusion: ידידו אוהבו בלו”נ משה פיינשטיין [His friend who loves him with heart and soul, Moshe Feinstein]. These responsa were printed in the fifth volume of Shu”t Iggrot Moshe . Responsa: 53, 90, 84, 78.
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein [1895-1986] was one of the most prominent halachic adjudicators after the Holocaust. He was the president of Agudat Yisrael’s Council of Torah Sages in the United States and rosh yeshiva of Metivta Tiferet Yerushalayim in New York. He was noted for his Shu”t Iggrot Moshe series.
Rabbi Efraim Greenblatt [1932-2014] was a halachic adjudicator and the author of the Rivavot Efraim responsa. He was one of the foremost halachic adjudicators of our time, and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein’s primary disciple.
Condition: Fine. Water stains at the left edges of the leaves with fading and ink smudges. Everything is legible.
Interesting letter with a financial report of donations to the rabbi of Jerusalem, Rabbi Shmuel Salant, from Rabbi Chaim Berlin . 1887.
Specifications: [3] pages. 13×21 cm. All in his handwriting with his signature.
Content: The letter begins with extensive honorifics about the the recipient Rabbi Shmuel Salant, followed by a detailed account of the donations received for Jerusalem’s Jews from the donors of the communities of Arkhangelsk and Orenburg. Rabbi Chaim Berlin sends the total donations together with the letter and asks that Rabbi Shmuel Salant prepare receipts for each of the donors with the amount of the donation and the suitable blessings. Rabbi Chaim Berlin ends the letter with heartfelt blessings, and signs his name. On the rear side of the leaf and the next page are the names of dozens of donors, arranged by community, with the amount of the donation next to each name.
Rabbi Chaim Berlin [1832-1913] the son of the Netziv, one of the most renowned rabbis of his time. Served as rabbi of Moscow, for a short time as rosh yeshiva of Volozhin and then as rabbi of Kobrin until his immigration to Jerusalem in 1906. Upon the passing of Rabbi Shmuel Salant in 1909, he became the de facto chief rabbi of the Ashkenazi communities.
Condition: Moderate-fine. Slight tears in the top left corner damaging several words.
Halachic letter by Rabbi Ya’akov Yisrael Kanievsky, the Steipler, in which he also deliberates upon the opinion of the author of Chazon Ish . [1958].
Specifications : [1] postcards. 15×10 cm. Entirely in his handwriting and with his signature.
Contents: Letter about the laws of sfichei shemmitah for flax. Rabbi Kanievsky, brother-in-law of the author of Chazon Ish , enumerates on the Chazon Ish’s words on the matter. The answer was sent to Rabbi Kalman Kahana, a close associate of the Chazon Ish, who dealt extensively with the mitzvot dependent on the Land of Israel according to the Chazon Ish’s methodology.
Background: Rabbi Yisrael Yaakov Kanievsky [1899-1985], was a renowned genius and righteous person. He was one of the leaders of the Charedi population and author of the series Kehilot Ya’akov . He was called the “Steipler,” after his hometown, Hornosteipl.
Condition: Very fine. Ink smudge affecting two words.
Long halachic responsum by Rabbi Shlomo Eiger. Poznan, 1840.
Specifications: [1] leaf, 33×20 cm, 38 lines in his handwriting and with his handwritten signature. A long and orderly halachic responsum regarding what to do with money left by the deceased, which Rabbi Shlomo Eiger wrote to a questioner from Berlin. The responsum was printed in Shu”t Rabbi Shlomo Eiger , Choshen Mishpat siman 14.
Rabbi Shlomo Eiger , born in 1785 to his father Rabbi Akiva Eiger, lived in Warsaw but lost all his money due to the Polish revolt of 1830, and therefore accepted the rabbinate of the city of Kalish, and beginning in 1840 succeeded his father as rabbi of Poznan. He passed away in 1852. His comments on the Talmud are printed in many editions of the Talmud as Gilion HaMaharsha, and halachic responsa he wrote were also printed. His son Rabbi Yehuda Leib [Rebbe Leibele] was a student of the Admor of Kotzk, and was later the first Admor of Lublin.
Condition: Fine. Creases and folds in the top part of the leaf.
Long letter from Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky, with comments and blessings to the author of Me’arechet HaTalmud V’HaPoskim . Slutsk, 1927.
Specifications: [2] pages, paper. 41 lines in Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky’s handwriting and with his signature.
Content: Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky addresses Rabbi Eliyahu Mordechai Valkovsky as “my beloved friend the great rabbi …” He apologizes that he did not find the time to read the book Me’arechet HaTalmud V’HaPoskim and that it was only on his way from Moscow to Slutsk that he managed to read the book and he saw the advantages to learning the Talmud’s conclusions and learning the halachic rulings derived from summarizing the Talmudic topic. He makes several comments on the halachic matters which appear in the book, but is forced to end the letter as he is very busy with the much work he has at the moment, and ends with blessings.
Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky (1886-1976) author of Chazon Yechezkel , member of Agudat Yisrael’s Council of Torah Sages and one of the heads of the Slobodka Yeshiva in Bnei Brak.
Rabbi Eliyahu Mordechai HaLevi Valkovsky (1873-1962) disciple of the heads of the Mussar movement, studied in the Slobodka and Radin yeshivas, and in the Kovno kollel. Wrote several books, including the series Ma’arechet HaTalmud V’HaPoskim in which the words of the Shulchan Aruch are arranged according to the order of the Talmud and displayed alongside of the Talmudic tractates, with a commentary which summarizes the approaches of the earlier and later adjudicators.
Condition: Fine condition, fold marks, minimal stains, tear with lack over the recipient’s surname.
Letter by Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Rabinowitz of Ponevezh – Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh, to Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak Bloch, rabbi of Plungė . 1899.
Specifications : [1] leaf, written on both sides. 21X13 cm. Entirely in his handwriting and with his signature.
Content: In the letter, Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh writes his dear friend Rabbi Chaim Yitzhak Bloch of his intention to convene a meeting of regional rabbis regarding several repairs. And thus they should do in other districts, “and perhaps we will succeed with G-d’s help to accomplish a deed for elevating Judaism.” Rabbi Itzele adds that he hastened to inform him, because perhaps he will have the opportunity to raise interest. The pages’ reverse side contains part of a halakhic response regarding a mikvah, sent by Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh to Rabbi Bloch.
Background: Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Rabinowitz , known as Rabbi Itzele of Ponevezh, was born in Lithuania in 1854. He studied with Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, the “Beit HaLevi,” and was a learning partner with his son, Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik. He was the rosh yeshiva of Knesset Yisrael in Slobodka, but left after a disagreement regarding the study of mussar. In 1895, he was appointed rabbi of Ponevezh, where he taught a seminar of learned young men. During the First World War, he left the city, and when he returned to Ponevezh a typhus epidemic broke out. He dedicated himself to helping the ill, caught the disease, and passed away on the 20th of Adar, 1919.
Condition: Moderate. Tears without lack, and stains.
Document of large dimensions signed by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Heller and community leaders. Hungary, 1820 [?].
Specifications : [1] leaf, fine paper. [11] rows and 20 signatures of assembly-attendees. 41X26 cm.
Unique Features: Includes a signature in Rabbi Heller’s holy handwriting, and those of three community leaders.
Content: Document regarding the appointment of new community adjudicators, including their duties and salaries.
Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Heller (Rabbi Hirscheleh Charif) [1776 – 1835] remained close to his father-in-law’s side in Jarosław, where he studied with great perseverance until his selection as rabbi of Brzesko, and in 1819 became rosh yeshiva in Brody. Following slander instigated by maskilim, he was forced to flee to Hungary. There, he transitioned into the role of rabbi and rosh yeshiva in Ungvar, where he taught many students, including his disciple Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, author of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Afterwards , he served as rabbi of Bonyhád, returned to serve as rabbi of Ungvar, and served as rabbi of Uzhhorod and Obuda until the end of his life. He authored Tiv Gittin , which the Chatam Sofer greatly appreciated and esteemed, as is evident from his letter to him (see Sh”ut Chatam Sofer Even HaEzer, responsa 94). And upon Rabbi Heller’s arrival in Hungary, the Chatam Sofer wrote to large communities that “the great and illustrious genius of the generation came to our land, and blessed are the people who receive him.” (Apiryon, 1927, 4, p. 348).
Condition: Very fine. Minimal stains.
Letter from Rabbi Eliyahu Guttmacher – the Tzaddik of Greiditz, with the mention of his son who passed away in his presence. 1873.
Specifications : [1] leaf. 14×17 cm. Entirely in his handwriting and with his signature.
Unique Features: In the letter, the Tzaddik of Greiditz writes: “The main thing is to accrue merit for my son ztz”l, which provides healing for my blow, until the coming of the redeemer, who will return the hearts of the fathers to Hash-m.”
Backgroud: Rabbi Eliyahu Guttmacher was a genius and kabbalist. He was a close disciple of Rabbi Akiva Eiger and served as rabbi of Pleszew and subsequently Greiditz, by whose name he is known. In his later years he became known as a miracle worker called ‘Der Greiditzer Tzaddik’ [the tzaddik from Greiditz] and served as something of a chassidic Admor. Even the Admor of Gur, author of Sfat Emet , asked for his blessing. He passed away in 1875.
Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Guttmacher (1818-1870), was born in 1818 to his illustrious father, the kabbalist and miracle worker Rabbi Eliyahu of Greiditz – to whom many people flocked for blessings and healing from diseases, and who functioned as a Admor, which was very rare in Germany. Rabbi Tzvi authored the famous book, Ken Mefureshet on tractate Kinim. In the book’s introduction, his father stated that his son left a legacy for all generations, and guaranteed that one who needs a salvation should learn tractate Kinim with HaRav [Ovadiah of Bartenura], Tosefot Yom Tov , and the commentary Ken Mefureshet , and should pray in whichever language he is fluent, and he will be saved. And if this does not have immediate effect, he should repeat the segulah for up to three days. The book Sukkat Shalem (page 107) writes, “And we have heard of pedigreed families, who are accustomed to doing this and do not need doctors.” The segulah has become famous again in recent years, and there are many classes on Ken Mefureshet . It is well-known that Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky recommends this segulah to those who turn to him in need of salvation.
Condition: Moderate. Slight tears, reinforced, with damage to text. Some faded letters.
Letter of greetings by Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibovitz, rosh yeshiva of Kamenitz. 1932.
Specifications: [2] leaves, Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva stationery, with the rosh yeshiva’s name. 22×28 cm. Yiddish.
Printed letter with four additional lines handwritten by Rabbi Baruch Ber, with his signature and stamp.
Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibowitz (1870-1939) , was the head of the Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva in Slobodka, which moved to Vilna and then to Kamenitz. Rabbi Baruch Ber was one of the greatest disciples of Rabbi Chaim of Brisk, and was counted as one of the greatest Torah teachers of his generation. He wrote the Birkat Shmuel series which is among the cornerstones of yeshiva study to this day.
Condition: Fine. Fold marks. Tiny tears on margins.
Halachic response from Rabbi Eliezer Deutsch of Bonyhad. [1913].
Specifications: [2] pages, 22×29 cm. Letterhead. Five lines in his hand at the conclusion, with his signature and stamp.
Halachic response written by the noted rabbi of Bonyhad to his relative, Rabbi Moshe Sofer of Erloi. The letter, written in Rabbi Eliezer Deutsch’s old age, was written by a scribe. At the end of the response, he added lines in his own hand noting that he doesn’t have time to check the letter for mistakes and that he sends his regards to the addressee’s father, his in-law. The letter was sent to Rabbi Moshe Sofer Erloi, author of Yad Sofer and grandson of the Chatam Sofer. Rabbi Eliezer Deutch was the in-law of Rabbi Shimon Sofer of Erloi and his son Rabbi Moshe was Rabbi Shimon Sofer’s son-in-law.
Background: Rabbi Eliezer Deutsch was a prominent Hungarian rabbi [1850-1916]. He was a disciple of Rabbi Yehuda Assad and Rabbi Menachem Asch and served as rabbi in Switzerland from 1877 through 1897. He then moved to Bonyhad, where he served as Av Beit Din until his passing in 1916. He was the address for most halachic inquiries in Hungary at the time. His monumental works include the four sections of Shu”t Pri HaSadeh ; six sections of Tevuot HaSadeh; Chelkat HaSadeh; Dudai HaSadeh and Siach HaSadeh . His son, Rabbi Moshe Deutsch was Av Beit Din in Lemes, and his son-in-law was Rabbi Yosef HaKohen Schwartz, author of VaYilaket Yosef.
Condition: Fine. Fold marks and filing holes, not affecting text.
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Thank-you letter to Rabbi Yoel HaLevi Herzog, written and signed by Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Epstein. [Hebron], [1927].
Specifications: [1] leaf, Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Epstein’s stationery, Av Beit Din of Slobodka and teacher in “Knesset Yisrael.”
Letter Content: Rabbi Epstein thanks Rabbi Herzog and his wife for hosting him in Paris and blesses them. He apologizes for not writing sooner, “due to my many duties that I had when I arrived, and from the yeshiva’s situation which is very difficult, and depressed my soul.”
Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Epstein (1866-1934) studied in the Volozhin Yeshiva and was known as a genius. He was asked by the Alter of Slobodka to serve as rosh yeshiva of Knesset Yisrael. At the same time, he served as Av Beit Din in Slobodka and was active in the Council of Torah Sages. After the riots of 1929, in which many yeshiva students were killed and the Jewish community of Hebron was destroyed, the yeshiva moved to Jerusalem and the rabbi remained heartbroken until his passing. He authored the Levush Mordechai series.
Condition: Fine condition, fold marks, small tears affecting one word in the honorifics written for the addressee.
Letter from Rabbi Rafael Shapiro to Sender Diskin, updating him about his grandson who was studying in the yeshiva and regarding the disputes in the yeshiva. Volozhin, 19th century.
Specifications: [1] leaf, official letterhead. 13×21 cm. The letter is signed with the signature of the Volozhin rosh yeshiva, Rabbi Rafael Shapiro.
Content of the Letter: “I hereby notify you that your grandson conducts himself in the path of Torah and its commandments, but there were disputes and lack of order and bittul Torah in the yeshiva which have now ended.”
It seems that the “lack of order” to which Rabbi Shapira hints is rebellion of the students affiliated with the Enlightenment which disrupted the regular learning in the yeshiva.
Rabbi Rafael Shapira [1837-1921] was born to Rabbi Aryeh Leib Shapira, rabbi of Kovno, who was known as Rabbi Leibel Kovner. In 1852 he married the daughter of Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin [the Netzi”v], and in 1880 was called to serve as deputy head of the Volozhin Yeshiva and as rabbi of the town. In 1881 he resigned in favor of Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk, and was appointed as rabbi of Zarasai in Lithuania and later of Babruysk.
Sender Diskin was a great philanthropist and communal leader in Lodz. His grandson, Yitzchak Rivkind studied in the Volozhin yeshiva and later in the Ponovezh yeshiva.
Condition: Fine condition, fold marks, aging stains.
Letter written and signed by Rabbi Samson Rephael Hirsch and letters from his wife and from their son-in-law [?]. Bad Nauheim, 1881.
Specifications: [3] pages, paper. German in Hebrew letters. The letter opens with greetings written and signed by Rabbi Samson Rephael Hirsch.
Background: This letter was sent by Rabbi Samson Rephael Hirsch to his “children,” that is, his daughter Jenny and son-in-law Michael Levy, upon the birth of their son. The couple lived in London, and this baby was apparently Rabbi Yeshaya Levy, later the rabbi of the Ohab Zedek Congregation in New York. In addition to Rabbi Hirsch, the letter includes words from his wife and “Yosef” (apparently Rabbi Yosef Guggenheimer, Rabbi Hirsch’s son-in-law). The letter was written in Bad Nauheim, a resort village not far from Frankfurt am Main.
Unique Features: Though most of the letter is written in German, Rabbi Hirsch begins his blessings in Hebrew: “Our lips should not hold back from blessing G-d and giving praise and thanks to His great name for the kindness and truth that he does for you and for us, and we should pray for the future, that his kindness and truth should be with you and your beloved and sweet son, and He should bless you with bountiful blessings until 120 …”
Condition: Fine, fold marks, stains, tears in the fold marks without loss of text.
Letter of r ecommendation written, signed and stamped by Rabbi Shaul Brach. [1922].
Specifications: [1] leaf, 15×10 cm. Eleven lines in his hand and with his signature. Rabbi Shaul Brauch signed: The small one, Shaul Baruch of Nitra, with his stamp [faded, on the right] as rabbi of Nagykaroly.
Rabbi Shaul Brach was born in 1865 and studied in Chust under the Maharam Schik and under the Chatan Sofer in Matersdorf. He was a prominent rabbi of his generation. He served as rabbi in Mogenderf, Nagykaroly, and then Kasho (Kosice), by whose name he is known. Rabbi Yoel of Satmar took over his position in Nagykaroly. He established a noted yeshiva and had many disciples. He authored many works and passed away in 1940. His biography is detailed in Shaul Bachir Hash-m.
Condition: Fine. Stains.
“May G-d help me for the sake of the honor of the Torah and may there be peace and tranquility with G-d’s help.” Rabbi Yitzchak Elch anan’s s igned autograph to his grandson, Avraham Yosef. Kovno, 11th Cheshvan 1891.
Specifications: [1] leaf, paper. 13×21 cm. 18 lines in Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan’s handwriting and with his signature.
Unique Features: Letters written in Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor’s handwriting are uncommon, as he usually had someone write for him and only added his signature. It seems that out of respect for the recipient, Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan wrote the entire letter himself.
Content: Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan writes a response to his grandson Avraham Yosef regarding his question about rent, and writes “with regard to his rent … he must give him the rent this month, and I do not yet know what will happen in the future, may G-d help me for the sake of the honor of the Torah and may there be peace and tranquility with G-d’s help.” He further requests from his grandson, “and I ask that you inform me how you are and about your fine learning and I will derive much pleasure.” He signs the letter in friendship and greetings. He later adds regards to his friend, his in-law.
Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor [1817-1896 ] was the chief rabbi of Kovno and leader of Lithuanian Jewry. He was one of the foremost halachic adjudicators of his time.
Condition: Fine condition. Fold marks.
Letter written by Rabbi Yosef Rosen “the Rogatchover.” Dvinsk, [1935].
Specifications: [2] pages, 15×19 cm. 26 lines in his hand and with his signature.
Unique Features: This letter was written during the shloshet yimei hagbalah – the three days preceding Shavuot – and is spiced with Torah thoughts regarding the approaching holiday.
Background: Rabbi Yosef Rosen [1858-1936] was born in Rogatchov, by whose name he is known. In his youth, he studied under Rabbi Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, author of the Beit HaLevi. He served as chassidic rabbi of Dvinsk for about forty years, alongside Rabbi Meir Simchah HaKohen, author of the Ohr Sameach . He was noted for his tremendous genius and unmatched phenomenal memory. He recorded his Torah thoughts in short, cryptic lines. Prior to the Second World War, his daughter put forth monumental efforts to photocopy his manuscripts and send them to America. Over the years, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kasher published some of his Torah novellae. Still today, there are Torah scholars working to decipher and print his novellae.
Condition: Moderate-fine. Stains. Tears in the fold that have been professionally restored.
Letter from Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz regarding financial assistance for Shemittah observers. [Bnei Brak, 1952?].
Specifications: [1] page, 15×20 cm. Six lines in his hand and with his signature.
Letter Content: The content indicates that the letter was sent to a respected rabbi who lived outside of Israel. The Chazon Ish writes about the Agudat Yisrael and Poalei Agudat Yisrael kibbutzim that were observing all the halachah pertaining to shemittah. He notes that in this shemittah year it was difficult to observe the halachot due to the secular bias of the country, and possibly due to the economic situation, and therefore he asks for financial assistance. He adds that the letter recipient doesn’t need to be encouraged in this area, but he didn’t hold back from telling him about the situation.
The Chazon Ish heavily promoted proper observance of Shemittah without relying on various allowances. He helped the religious settlements that observed the halachah of shemittah.
Condition: Fine condition. Fold marks, tears along the fold lines that were reinforced with tape on the back.
Letter of recommendation from Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach. 1980.
Specifications: [1] official leaf stationery, 14×22 cm. All in his handwriting, with his handwritten signature and stamp.
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (1910-1995) , one of the foremost adjudicators, and rosh yeshiva of the Kol Torah Yeshiva for 46 years. Despite his affiliation with the Ultra-Orthodox sector, he was accepted and revered by all sects of religious Judaism. Famous for his gentleness to others and his gracious and cheerful manner toward everyone he met. He never agreed to accept a rabbinic position even though he was offered many such as rabbi of the city of Jerusalem.
Condition: Fine-very fine. Creases.
Deed confirming the sale of Pinchas Tzoref’s place in the Alt-Ofen synagogue and a report of the payment, by Rabbi Moshe Mintz. Alt-Ofen, 8th Kislev, 1818.
Specifications: [1] leaf, paper. 24×18 cm. All in his handwriting and with his signature.
Rabbi Moshe Mintz (Mahara”m Mintz, 1750-1831) one of the foremost Hungarian rabbis of his time, served as rabbi of Vishnevets and as rosh yeshiva, rabbi and Av Beit Din of Alt-Ofen and environs. The Mahara”m Mintz established the magnificent great synagogue in Alt-Ofen and his sermon on the occasion of the dedication of the synagogue appears in Dvir HaBayit . The document before us discusses sale of a seat in this synagogue.
Condition: Very fine condition.
The historic letter with Rabbi Moshe Feinstein’s Torah opinion to the Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, regarding efforts to free the airplane hostages. [New York], September 9, 1970.
Specifications: [1] leaf, stencil paper. 21×28 cm. Written by typewriter and signed by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein.
Wording of the letter: An urgent meeting of the Rabbinic Council held a solemn discussion about the dangerous state of the captives in Jordan and the difficulty of the State of Israel to reach a decision on the matter. We saw fit to express our opinion, the opinion of the Torah on this matter. In Jewish law, saving a life takes precedence. If there is no choice, the State of Israel must comply with the terrorists’ demand in order to save the hostages’ lives. May G-d protect His people and may the Jewish people live in peace. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, President of the Rabbinic Council.
Background: On September 6, 1970 terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hijacked three airplanes. Two of them, a TWA flight from Frankfurt to New York and a SwissAir flight from Zurich to New York were landed in a secluded airport in the Jordanian desert. The terrorists separated the hostages into different groups, released some of them and continued to hold the crew and Israeli, American, German and Swiss citizens hostage. More hostages were later released, and among those who remained in captivity were Israelis and Jewish passengers. Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner and his wife were among the hostages, as well as their daughter and son-in-law who were on their way from Israel back to America. The State of Israel had to reach a decision about releasing terrorists in exchange for release of the hostages. This letter shows that the Rabbinic Council held an urgent meeting and transmitted their decision to the prime minister. Torah scholars in Israel were also called upon to give their opinion, and they debated whether freeing terrorists in exchange for hostages is a ransom “worth more than their lives” which should be forbidden even when the hostages’ lives are in danger.
Following the hijacking, King Hussein declared military rule and sent the Jordanian army to bomb the terrorists’ bases. The Jordanian army continued to attack the armed forces of the Palestinian organizations in what was later known as “Black September” until they defeated them, killing thousands of terrorists and arresting many of their leaders. The Jordanian victory led to the release of the hostages in exchange for the freeing of several terrorists.
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein [1895-1986] was one of the greatest adjudicators in the post-Holocaust era, chairman of Agudat Yisrael’s Council of Torah Sages in the United States and rosh yeshiva of Tiferet Yerushalayim in New York. Also known for his series of responsa books, Iggerot Moshe .
Condition: Fine. Creases and fold marks.
Letter requesting donations to the Torat Chaim HaKlalit yeshiva in Jerusalem, from Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk. 1905.
Specifications: [1] leaf, paper. 21×28 cm. The letter was printed lithographically with the name of the recipient and the emissary written by hand, with the handwritten signature and stamp of Rabbi Chaim Halevi Soloveitchik at the bottom.
Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik (1853-1918), one of the greatest rosh yeshivas in Lithuania, who created a new method for in-depth Torah study. Son of Rabbi Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik, author of Beit HaLevi . Served as rosh yeshiva of Volozhin and later as rabbi of Brisk. Known for his book Chiddushei Rabbi Chaim HaLevi . His grandsons are the great Brisker rosh yeshivas.
Condition: Fine condition. Tears professionally Restored.
Torah novellae by Rabbi Eliyahu David Rabinowitz Teomim, rabbi of Ponevezh, Mir, and Jerusalem. In his handwriting. 1894.
Specifications : [4] pages [2 leaves written on both sides]. 13×20 cm. Autograph.
Rabbi Eliyahu David Rabinowitz Teomim, known by his initials, Adere”t (1843-1905) , served as the rabbi of Ponevezh and Mir, and in Jerusalem during his final days. He was a proverbial fountainhead, and composed over 120 books, some of which have been published in recent years.
