LETTER TO THE JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE IN NEW YORK, WRITTEN IN ENGLISH, WITH SIGNATURE OF RABBI YOEL ...

LETTER TO THE JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE IN NEW YORK, WRITTEN IN ENGLISH, WITH SIGNATURE OF RABBI YOEL TEITELBAUM, REBBE OF SATMAR, AND OTHER RABBIS.

English letter addressed to the JDC ‘the Joint’, requesting that all aid to Transylvanian Jewry be sent via Chief Rabbi Adler of Transylvania.

The letter bears a signature of ‘Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum, Chief Rabbi of Satmar’, but as signatures of his in Roman characters are very scarce, it has not been established that this signature is actually in his own hand.

Other signatures:

Rabbi Meir Hager, Vishova

Rabbi Yoel Meir – Teitelbaum, Chief Rabbi of Kiralyhaza.

Dated: New York, October 29th 1946, just two weeks after the Rebbe of Satmar arrived in New York. The letter mentions the fact that the signatories are only temporary residents in the USA.

Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum, Rebbe of Satmar, son and disciple of Rabbi Chananya Yomtov Lippa of Sighet and son-in-law of (1) Rabbi Avraham Chaim Horowitz of Polaniec, and (2) Rabbi Avigdor Shapira of Czestochowa. Recognised from a young age for his outstanding saintliness and Torah greatness. After the passing of his father, he was accepted by some of his followers as their Rebbe and settled in Satmar. Subsequently appointed Rabbi of Orshova (1911), Karoly (1928) and Satmar (1929), where he headed a prominent Yeshiva and attracted large numbers of Chassidim. One of the outstanding leaders of pre-WWII Hungarian orthodox Jewry. Heavily involved in relief efforts during the Holocaust before himself being deported to Bergen Belsen, but rescued to Switzerland on the Kastner transport, and subsequently moving to Jerusalem. He re-established Torah institutions and chassidic centres in the Holy Land and in America, where he settled in 1947, becoming the spiritual guide to thousands. Appointed Nassi of the Eida Charedis in Jerusalem in 1951 and Av Beis Din a few years later. One of the greatest post-WWII chassidic leaders and halachic authorities. Known for his strong principals in all religious matters and particularly for his outspoken opposition to Zionism, as well as for his wise counsel and outstanding generosity. Author of Vayoel Moshe, Al Hegeula V’al Hatemura, Divrei Yoel, Shaalos U’teshuvos Divrei Yoel.

Rabbi Yoel Meir – Teitelbaum, son of Rabbi Chanoch Henoch of Kerecki – Sassov and son-in-law of I. Rabbi Yosef Levy of Kiralyhaza (whom he succeeded as Rabbi of Kiralyhaza) and II. Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak Isaac of Solotvina. Rabbi in New York, where he edited and published his father’s writings.

Rabbi Chaim Meir Yehuda Hager (1912-1969), son of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vishova. Survived the Holocaust and served as Vishova Rebbe in New York and Bnei Brak. Author of Zecher Chaim.

1 side. 20 x 28 cm. Good condition.