Magnificent gold pocket-watch used over many years by the marvellous tzaddik and wonder-worker, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch – “Rabbi Hirscheleh” Rosenbaum of Kretchnif (as described in the attached letter from the seller). On the back of the upper cover, there is an engraved dedication: “Gift for the Admo”r shlit”a from Moshe Yuda ben Chavah Tilah Veizer, Haifa.” On the back cover, there is a relief image of an antler-adorned-deer, a reference to the Rebbe’s name. Sacred Chassidic segulah object, rare and one-of-a-kind.
It is told that objects that were owned by a tzaddik continue to carry the sanctity and power of their owner, even posthumously. Refer also to Chiddushei Chatam Sofer on Toldot, where he writes: “A person’s clothing draws from the wearer’s sanctity … and one who wears it after him will draw to him that same spirit for the good or otherwise; this is the secret by which sons wear their father’s clothes.”
Chassidic tradition maintains that a tzaddik’s watch has special significance, and hair-raising tales of wonder are told about watches used by tzaddikim over the generations. They would enact supernatural miracles such as skipping from the present to another point in time. There is also the famous story of the Chozeh of Lublin’s watch which would still affect people many years after his passing, inspiring those who heard its ticking with joy so great they would break out in dance.
This is the personal watch used by one of the most wondrous tzaddikim who lived in the previous generation – the Admo”r “Rabbi Hirsheleh” of Kretchnif, to whom leading Admo”rim would travel to participate in his tisches and request his blessings. This watch was always carried by the Rebbe in his upper vest pocket near his pure heart, continuously over many years, on weekdays, Shabbats and festivals. He would touch it tens and hundreds of times throughout the day, during his glory-saturated prayers that continued into the wee hours of the night; when he conducted his tisches and a voice would come out straight from his throat with spiritual inspiration, as is well-known. This is evident from the many usage marks from the rebbe’s constant contact, when occasionally, in his separation from the material, the Rebbe would bang it on the table.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the Admo”r Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Rosenbaum .
Specifications: Gold pocket-watch, made by Americana. Stamped: 14kt, with several more quality stamps, as well as the serial number 835687. The watch’s diameter is 5.5 cm. Both sides of the watch have gold covers that open via hinges. At the top of the watch is a crown used to set the time and date, including a ring around the crown attached to a chain for carrying the watch, also made of gold.
Detached front cover and lacking the hour and minute hands. The second hand is working properly. The mechanism is also working properly. The watch is placed in a designated hand-embroidered fabric case.
Signed confirmation of authenticity stating that this watch belonged to the Admo”r and that he used it for years.