Emotional letter from the Jerusalem branch of the Sefat Emet yeshivah. Cheshvan, 1939.
In the letter, the yeshivah administrators relate that before the outbreak of the Holocaust, approximately 80 percent of funds supporting the yeshivah came from Poland, under the huge influence of the Admo”r the Imrei Emet of Gur. However, this support was no longer forthcoming
“due to the immense tragedy that occurred to our dear brothers in Poland, in the cruel war that the evil tyrant Hitler declared. He ruined them, destroyed their stature and left them totally lacking … and all the yeshivahs in Poland have been destroyed …” so they ask the donor for a generous donation.
The letter is dated 18 Cheshvan 1939. At the same time, and for short while later, the extent of the horror that took place in Europe was not yet clear, so the writers only mention the destruction of the yeshivahs, as yet unaware of the fate of all of the Jews in Poland destined for killing and slaughter, may Hashem avenge their blood.
Signed on the letter are: Rabbi Chaim Elazar Alter, son of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Alter, younger brother of the Imrei Emet; Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter, and Rabbi Ya’akov Henich … (?). Rabbi Chaim Elazar added several lines in his hand. Official yeshivah stamp.
[1] leaf paper, typewritten on both sides, with handwritten additions and signatures. 22×27.5 cm. Official stationery blank.
Moderate condition. Tears in the margins, without lack. Aging stains, fold marks. Taped reinforcement on the back.