Shem Olam , memorial for well-known Jewish leaders and honored merchants, by Rabbi Avraham Eber Hershkowitz. New York, 1907.
The author was born in Shilel, Lithuania, and moved to the United States in 1894. He was rabbi of Toledo, Ohio, USA. He authored a number of books about Jewish life in America.
Before us is a special work publicizing the names of those honored in American communities, rabbis, and children from prominent families who passed away young. Each has a dedicated page [some framed in black] telling about him, his date of passing and words of praise. Some were written by the departed’s children, his heirs or relatives. It’s possible the families paid the author to buy a memorial page for their loved ones. Valuable historic book which is the only source for the history of the personalities appearing therein.
At the beginning of the book, there is a rare condolence letter received by the author from Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor, which he asked to be passed along to Rabbi Natan Adler’s relatives and the community heads after his passing. Most of the names appearing in the book are of those who passed away in the months preceding the book’s printing.
Rare book not found in most libraries around the world. [Only two copies are listed in libraries in America.] Bibliographically listed in a private collection, and the Ohio library. Not in the National Library. 37 pages, 22 cm.
Bound with Beit Avraham Jerusalem 1908.
Both books are in the original binding, worn. Stains, fine condition.