A letter handwritten and signed by the Tzaddik Rabbi Yisroel Ber Odesser the well-known ‘Ba’al HaPetek’. The mysterious leader of the well-known and colorful branch of Breslov known as ‘Na Nach Nachma Nachman MeUman’ (after the ‘Petek’). One of the leading leaders of Breslov in recent generations.
In the letter before us, the year of writing does not apper and it was sent on the eve of Rosh HaShana to his disciples – Breslov Hassidim. The letter indicates that the ‘Sabba’ was suffering from heart problems and was in imminent danger: “I am gravely ill … and spit blood daily … suffering on my deathbed at the hospital”. Yet, the ‘Sabba’ is mostly sorry not about his physical pains but rather about what the persecuted Breslov Hassidim were going through: “You cannot imagine the depth of my sorrow and anguish … due to what we (Breslov Hassidim) are going through”. An additional thing that bothers the ‘Sabba’ is not his being in hospital in grave danger, but his not being able to be with the community on Rosh HaShana: “Now during these holy days very close to Rosh HaShana and after preparing to travel to you … I must be … in the hospital”.
The ‘Sabba’ blesses profusely: “From me your friend who loves you trully with all his heart and soul … and blesses you with Ketivah VeChatimah Tovah and a happy and blessed year salvation and consolation and all the best, Yisroel Ber Breslover”.
[1] leaf, 22 cm.
Fine condition. Aging stains.