[1] leaf of paper. 14×22 cm. All written in the handwriting and with the signature of “The Tzaddik of Greiditz.”
The letter discusses Rabbi Kalischer’s plans to travel to Jerusalem and details about correspondence with “Luria, ” referring to Dr. Chaim Z. Luria, who established the Company for the Settlement of the Land of Israel in Frankfurt. Luria also assisted Rabbi Kalischer in the publishing of his book
Drishat Tzion . A correspondence between two great Torah scholars who were active in settling the Land of Israel.
It is well-known that Rabbi Kalischer yearned all his life to immigrate to Israel himself and to take part in settling the land. In his old age he wrote: “For thirty years I have been active in the settling of the Holy Land, and it was like an oath in my heart that I myself should immigrate to the holy mountain, to be in its courtyards, and now my heart is excited and churning inside me. If not now, when will I fulfill my promise to G-d?” However, he never merited to immigrate to Israel, and he died in 1874.
The Tzaddik of Greiditz, Rabbi Eliyahu Guttmacher, was a tremendous genius and a holy kabalist. The primary student of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, he served as rabbi of Pleszew and later of Greiditz, with whose name he is known. in his later years he became known as someone who could bring salvation and was known by the name “Der Greiditzer Tzaddik” (The Tzaddik from Greiditz), and in practice served as a kind of Rebbe in Germany. Even the Gerrer Rebbe, the author of the
Sefat Emet , requested a blessing from him. Died in 1874.
Tiny tears with damage to only one letter. Folding signs. Fine condition.