Lot 109
Letter of Recommendation from Rebbe Moshe Halberstam of Shinova – "Blessing of Life and Peace" – Shinova, 1906
Letter signed by Rebbe Moshe Halberstam, rabbi of Shinova (Sieniawa). Shinova, Tevet 1906.
Written by a scribe and hand-signed by the rebbe. On the official stationery of the rebbe, with the letterhead: "Moshe Halberstam Rabbi of Shinova".
Letter of recommendation for R. Yaakov Yisrael Schmerler of Safed, who was compelled to travel to Europe for medical treatment. In the letter, the rebbe mentions R. Yaakov Yisrael's distinguished lineage as a descendant of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk and R. Meir of Premishlan. The letter concludes with blessings: "
And may the merit of our ancestors protect… to rescue you from all harm, and to shower you with the blessing of life and peace"; and the rebbe's handwritten signature: "Moshe Halberstam".
Rebbe Mosheleh Halberstam of Shinova (Sieniawa; 1843-1919), a leading rebbe of his generation. He was the son and successor of Rebbe Yechezkel of Shinova. Holy and ascetic from a young age, he never slept for a full half-hour. His father attested that he was born entirely spiritual. His grandfather, the Divrei Chaim, blessed him with longevity, and indeed he lived until the age of 76, despite being weak and sickly throughout his life. Following the passing of the Divrei Yechezkel in 1899, he succeeded him as rabbi and rebbe of Shinova. In 1904, he relocated to Sanz to serve there as rabbi and rebbe. Righteous men of the generation regarded him with awe, and accorded him great respect. The Shinova Chassidic dynasty was renowned for its resolute leadership and battles against those who tried to uproot Judaism. The Rebbe participated in famous public conferences and was amongst the leaders of Orthodox Jewry in Galicia. His descendants include dynasties of prominent rabbis and rebbes.
He departed from this world in a wondrous manner. His grandson Rebbe Abish Kaner relates that a day prior to his passing, the Rebbe began preparing for his demise, engrossed in kabbalistic thoughts and refusing to allow anyone to look at him. His disciple R. Avraham Yehoshua Freund Rabbi of Năsăud hid in a corner of the room, yet the Rebbe sensed his presence and asked him to exit his chamber. Another disciple, the Minchat Elazar Rebbe of Munkacs, had the merit of immersing the Rebbe's holy body in the Mikveh following his passing. Rebbe Moshe was buried in Sanz, alongside his grandfather the Divrei Chaim.
[1] leaf. 21 cm. Stains. Tears to folds. Professionally restored on verso.
