Letter from the gaon Rabbi Meir Michel Kahana, Av Beit Din of Asheminah, of “mishpachat hafla’ah,” to the editor of the Maggid, Zilberman, in praise of his initiative to publish the Jewish communities’ recognition of Moshe Montefiore. Asheminah, 1864.
Specifications: [1] leaf, paper. 12X20 cm. Written on both sides.
Background: Rabbi Meir Michel Kahana, Av Beit Din of Asheminah, was the son of the gaon Rabbi Avraham Kahana, Av Beit Din of Asheminah (a disciple of Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, and rabbi of the tzaddik Reb Nachum’ke of Horodna, the Chafetz Chaim’s rabbi). He held his father’s position for fifty years, from 1841 to his death in 1891. His father-in-law was the gaon, the author of Pitchei Teshuva (Moshe Tzinovitz, Etz Chaim , p. 99).
Unique Features: Enthusiastic letter to the editor of the Maggid , “To call upon all the communities of Yeshurun as one, to come with a blessing of thanks to the honorable and ‘great among Israel,’ Sir Moses Montefiore, may G-d preserve and guard him, for all the good that he has done with his brothers, the children of Israel, may they be saved without delay from their oppressors.” On the letter’s reverse side is a charcoal stamp on which Rabbi Meir Michel writes, “I have also placed here my seal … which I received from His Majesty, the king.” The signatures of the rabbis and community heads of Asheminah were added at the letter’s close.
Condition: Fine. Fold marks. A few aging stains.