Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Torah Letter of Rebbe Shalom Moskowitz of Shotz – London, 1952
Opening: $400
Sold for: $1,750
Including buyer's premium
Letter on postcard (30 lines) handwritten and signed by Rebbe "Shalom Moskowitz of Shotz". London, Shevat 1952.
Addressed to R. Yechezkel Abramsky, head rabbi of the London Beit Din, in his first year after immigrating from England to Eretz Israel [mid-1951]. He inquires about R. Abramsky and his wife's welfare and happiness, and expresses his wish for "our brethren in exile in Eretz Israel", quoting a statement about Jerusalem from the Zohar [apparently alluding to the Zionist domination of Orthodox Judaism in Israel].
The letter goes on to discuss a law of divorce in the Rambam and the Tosefta, and he humbly addresses R. Abramsky as an expert in the Tosefta.
Towards the end of the letter, the Rebbe asks for a message to be delivered to an old friend of his, R. Chanina, and hints at his financial needs.
Rebbe Shalom Moskovitz of Shotz (1877-1958), a descendant of R. Michel of Zlotchov and R. Meir of Premishlan; foremost rebbe in the previous generation. He was proficient in all areas of Torah, and a great posek. In his youth, he was ordained by the Maharsham of Berezhany and even lived in his home for nine months to attend to him. He served G-d devotedly and was a kabbalist, known for working wonders by his awesome prayers, like a son beseeching his father. He was a disciple of the Rebbe of Shinova and the Belz rebbes. He served as Rabbi of Suceava from 1903, and he was the teacher of R. Meir Shapiro of Lublin, the founder of Daf Yomi.
From 1927, he served as rebbe in London. He authored many books on the Talmud, Torah, Chassidut and more. He was highly esteemed by the great rebbes of his generation and word of his greatness and holiness spread all over the world. His diligence was rare; he would study Torah for hours and hours, stopping only for meals or mitzvah purposes.
At the same time, his London home was wide open and people from all circles came to seek his blessing, ask for guidance and request halachic rulings. In his will, he pledged to arouse Heavenly mercy upon anyone who would visit his gravesite, light two candles in his memory, and undertake to strengthen himself in a mitzvah or in Torah study (at his request, this promise is printed at his gravesite in three languages: Hebrew, Yiddish and English).
The Rebbe of Shotz fought against secularism and Zionism; when the state of Israel was established he published a polemical tract (London, 1950) demanding the leaders of the state allow religious Jews and Torah institutions to preserve their way of life.
Postcard. 9X14 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear, small crease to corner of postcard.
Letters – Chassidut
Letters – Chassidut