Eight letters handwritten and signed by Rebbe Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa Deutsch, Rabbi of Helmetz (Kráľovský Chlmec; the "Helmetzer Rebbe"). Cleveland, United States and elsewhere. 1954-1963.
Addressed to R. Yosef Ashkenazi – attendant and confidant of Rebbe Yoel of Satmar for over fifty years.
The letters discuss various issues, including directives of the Satmar Rebbe regarding halachic issues, kosher food and mikveh issues in various countries; names to be mentioned in prayer; and other topics. Some of the letters also relate to purchase of books and mitzvah objects from R. Yosef Ashkenazi, including his own book Taharat Yom Tov, and other interesting topics.
Enclosed: A lengthy letter from his brother, R. Ytizchak Tzvi Deutsch, Rabbi of Vienna and Szendrő, who held a rabbinical position in Detroit in 1961, mainly discussing a mikvah established in Detroit at the instruction of the Rebbe of Satmar.
R. Chananiah Yom Tov Lipa Deutsch (1908-1990), senior Chassidic rabbi in the United States. Son of R. Shmuel Aharon Deutsch of Miskolc, author of Shem Aharon, and son-in-law of R. Meir Yosef Abeles, Av Beit Din of Nagysalló (Tekovské Lužany). Studied under the Levushei Mordechai during his youth. Served as Rabbi of several Hungarian and Slovakian communities. Moved to the United States in 1949, settling in Cleveland and later in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He was renowned for his expertise in mikvaot, and took action to improve the halachic standard of mikvaot in the United States and worldwide, together with his relative and teacher Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar. Corresponded with rabbis worldwide. Author of Taharat Yom Tov (20 parts).
His brother,
R. Yitzchak Tzvi Deutsch (1913-1987), a distinguished rabbi of the United States, disciple of the Levushei Mordechai and Rebbe Yoel of Satmar. After the Holocaust he served as Rabbi in Szendrő and Vienna, and in 1958 his teacher, the Rebbe of Satmar, appointed him rabbi of the Orthodox community of Detroit.
9 letters. Varying size and condition, good to fair. Mostly on official stationery.
