Petition by Rabbi Hertz HaLevi, son-in-law of the “Chacham Tzvi” to Rabbi David Berliner, to settle a disagreement regarding a dowry. Dessau [Germany], 1767.
Specifications: [1] leaf, paper. 20X23 cm. Handwritten letter and signature of Rabbi Naftali Hertz HaLevi Landau.
Unique Features: The letter describes a dispute regarding a dowry, with a background description regarding ways of business in the Frankfurt and Leipzig fairs. The dispute arose when one side was not home. “When he was at the Frankfurt market … and when he came to the home of … his fury immediately inflamed him against his wife, whom he berated with great reproach and said this is not how it is done in all of the Jewish diaspora, and not only that, but I am one of the lowest and least … this arrangement is not made in our location nor in any of the German regions.” The addressee is requested to “speak matters of truth and justice … so that the issue be resolved before the market in Leipzig … and the above said he would give you a nice gift after it’s over to compensate you for your trouble. Do not alter, G-d forbid, for you know I am a man of truth.”
Background: Rabbi Naftali Hertz HaLevi Landau Rabbi of Przedborz and son-in-law of the “Chacham Tzvi.” See Przedborz: Sefer Zikaron, 33 Years After its Destruction (Tel Aviv 1977) page 51.
Condition: Moderate to fine, fold marks, stains, the bottom of the page is torn, and a number of words of a line which was added at the bottom of the letter.