“I will raise a cup of salvation”
Rabbinic flask, magnificent, silver, used by the Admo”r of Toldot Aharon, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kahn, for 23 consecutive years which he used during his renowned and glorious tisches on Shabbat and Yom Tov, and all the celebrations held in his court, including when Jews would visit him to receive mazal tov blessings (ritual circumcisions, pidyon haben, etc, as specified in the attached authorization). Thousands of times, the rebbe blessed over it the immortal Jewish blessing for drinking liquor, “L’Chaim Tovim U’L’Shalom.”
The flask was given to the rebbe for mishloach manot by one of the Chassidim, and the bottom bears a Hebrew dedication from 1967 “Mishloach manot from Moshe Cohen, Purim 1967.” After about 23 years, in 1990, one of the prominent Chassidim brought a new flask to the Rebbe, and he received this one before us in return. (Confirmation from the recipient included.) Before us is a first-rate ritual object – a “kos shel Berachah” of one of the tzaddikim of recent generations.
Chassidic leaders revealed the sanctity concealed within the personal belongings of tzaddikim, and that they have the power to bring about great salvation. It is told in the name of Rabbi Mordechai of Nezkizh, zy”a, that he said regarding the vessel given to him by his rabbi, Rabbi Michel of Zlotshov, zy”a: “This vessel gives the power to do miracles and wonders …” (Divrei Binah leaf 47). The source of the importance of the tzaddik’s personal belongings was brought long ago in the name of the Ba’al Shem Tov, by his grandson, author of Degel Machaneh Ephraim (in parashat Bo): “… All that a person has – his slaves, his servants, his livestock and even all his vessels, are all his sparks, belonging to the root of his soul.” Even the Chatam Sofer, who is not counted among Chassidim, writes in parashat Toldot: It can be understood from the Yerushalmi that a person’s garments are infused with the wearer’s sanctity, and he who wears them after him will be infused with the same spirit for the better, the secret of his sons wearing them after him.
The Admo”r Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kahn (1914-1996), was one of the most prominent Admo”rim and founder of the ‘Toldot Aharon’ Chassidut. After the passing of his father-in-law, Rabbi Aharon Roth, who was known as ‘Rebbe Aharale’, most of his followers decided to appoint his son-in-law as his successor. The chassidut flourished greatly in his term as Admo”r, and centers of the Chassidut were established in the Beit Shemesh, as well as in New York. He was considered to be one of the main opponents of Zionism, known for his piety and abstinence. He became renowned for his Divine inspiration.
Silver flask with stopper also made of silver, inscribed with the blessing “L”Chaim Tovim U’L’Shalom.”
Fine condition. Dents.