Signed letter by Sir Moshe Montefiore to the heads of the Ashkenazi kollels in Jerusalem led by Rabbi Shmuel Salant, Rabbi Meir Auerbach, Rabbi Meir son of Rabbi Asher Saniklet, and Rabbi Meir Ben Tzion Senik. Sent from London to the Land of Israel in 1876.
In the letter, Montefiore requests that the rabbis divide a donation of six sterling pounds for four purposes: flour for Passover matzahs, for distribution to both the Ashkenazim and Sephardim in Jerusalem (against the backdrop of power struggles between the Ashkenazim and Sephardim in Jerusalem, rumor of which had reached England, Montefiore requests equal distribution to both communities); hachnasat kallah; Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes charities; and to Rabbi Noach Asher HaCohen Epstein of Safed.
The letter’s margins includes Montefiore’s signature in block script. Written on the back of Holy Land stationery. The letter’s back bears a JNF stamp featuring Montefiore’s portrait.
[1] leaf. Ink on letterhead paper. 19×24 cm. Framed in wooden frame with passe-partout. 28×33 cm. Very fine condition. Fold marks.