Rare and lengthy letter [approximately 100 words], entirely handwritten and signed by the prince of Torah, the gaon of Tchebin, Rabbi Dov Berish Weidenfeld, to the gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Yedidyah Frankel, rabbi of Tel Aviv. The letter discusses the appointment of Rabbi Aryeh Leibush Halberstam, later Admo”r of Sanz-Zhmigrad, who became renowned at the end of his life as a wonder worker, and many flocked to his home in Bnei Brak.
As is known, the gaon of Tchebin avoided conferring rabbinic qualifications, or even letters of recommendation that could be interpreted as rabbinic qualifications, as much as he could. This letter before us is exceptional, as the gaon of Tchebin explicitly recommends the Admo”r of Sanz-Zhmigrad as a suitable candidate for the rabbinate and adjudication, such that this is, practically speaking, a certificate of ordination. The gaon of Tchebin makes another exception, and in contrast to his renowned gentleness, he pleads persistently that Rabbi Frankel not leave his request unheeded, and concern himself with Rabbi Aryeh Leibush’s appointment as rabbi. The reason for this also appears in the body of the letter, and that is Rabbi Aryeh Leibush Halberstam’s yichus (pedigree): “Grandson of the Admo”r of Sanz [- author of Divrei Chaim ] may his merit protect us and the entire Jewish people, amen.” It is known that the ‘Divrei Chaim”s grandchildren had, according to the gaon of Tchebin, like according to all the Chassidim of Galicia, a different and preferable yichus.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for brief biographies of Rabbi Dov Berish Weidenfeld and the Admo”r Rabbi Aryeh Leibush Halberstam of Sanz-Zhmigrad .
[1] leaf paper, approximately 21×14 cm. Official stationery, entirely handwritten and signed by the gaon of Tchebin.
Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains. Fold marks. Tear (restored with tape) across the main fold, as well as other tears, primarily in the margins. The tears are all without lack to text. Taped reinforcements on the back of the letter.