Early rabbinic ordination certificate, lengthy and rare, entirely handwritten and signed by the first chief rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook. 1911.
The ordination certificate was written for Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Rosenshine (apparently from the Tzlalichin family of Rechovot). In the ordination certificate before us, Rabbi Kook employs his golden lyrical language to enumerate the praises of the rabbi being ordained, one by one, occasionally in rhyme. Before us is a lyrical document reminiscent of the glory of the ancients – words of a Torah scholar that require study. From this certificate of Rabbinic ordination, one can learn much about Rabbi Kook’s perspective – surprising, that is to say – about how a rabbi of the Jewish people must appear, and what characteristics he must possess for such a lofty and esteemed position, “and just humility above all!”
The certificate of rabbinic ordination before us was written on Rabbi Kook’s official stationery from when he served as rabbi of Jaffa and the colonies. As can be inferred from the certificate, Rabbi Kook visited the colony of Rechovot – “Rechovot that is in Judea” and met with his friend Rabbi Heschel Margaliot, first rabbi of Rechovot. Rabbi Kook was one of the rabbi’s associates and even visited the place for the inauguration of the first synagogue in the colony. In Rechovot, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Rosenshine was presented to him. Rabbi Kook examined him and wrote this certificate of rabbinic ordination.
[1] leaf, official stationery (logo in Hebrew and in Arabic), 22×28 cm.
Fine condition. Aging stains. Fold marks with light professional restoration in the folds.