As a result of the secularization spreading across the Land, and the differences of opinion among religious camps, several rabbis organized themselves in the Land and abroad to found an institution that would join all faithful rabbis, to be a light for Judaism. Initial contacts for this were conducted from the United States by the gaon R’ Dov Aryeh Leventhal, ra’ava”d of Philadelphia (and the rabbis of Tel-Aviv-Jaffa). In the summer of 1936, Rabbi Leventhal arrived in the Land especially to present his position before the rabbis in the Land of Israel. There were assemblies in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Rabbi Leventhal reported that the initial steps towards the materialization of the idea were already carried out by the Rabbinical Association in America. He emphasized the necessity of all rabbis across the world to unite into a world rabbinic union so that they could function with united forces and their influence would be recognized among the people. After various disagreements and recommendations, some decisions were made towards the realization of this idea.
* Lengthy letter from Tel Aviv rabbis to the gaon Rabbi Yechiel Michel Tukachinsky, in which they reveal the essential need to found a central institution of world rabbis. Signatories: City rabbis: Rabbi Uziel and Rabbi Amiel, Rabbi Dov Aryeh Leventhal and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kasher. Sivan, 1936.
* Draft of Rabbi Tukachinsky’s reply, included: The idea is quite essential, but since: “Jerusalem, the heart of the nation, is ripped and torn to pieces, and there are extreme differences among rabbis at this time, [I am] concerned that instead of mending the local rift, the ‘World Rabbinate’ will, heaven forbid, widen it.” Therefore he advises, as an initial solution: Take counsel with the ‘Rosh HaGolah, ‘ Rabbi Chaim Ozer.
Rabbi Leventhal was ordained by the rabbinic leaders of Lithuania. In 1851, he immigrated to the United States in order to succeed his father-in-law, Rabbi Eliezer Kleinberg, in the Philadelphia rabbinate. He was later appointed president of the ‘Rabbinical Union of the United States.’
[3] paper leaves, approximately 30 cm. Typewritten on stationery signed by the rabbis. Original envelope enclosed. Rabbi Tukachinsky’s draft response is also included.
Overall very fine condition.