A RARE HISTORIC NOTE! RABBI YOEL TEITELBAUM, REBBE OF SZATMAR – NOTE REGARDING A PUBLIC STATEMENT AGAINST A ...

A RARE HISTORIC NOTE! RABBI YOEL TEITELBAUM, REBBE OF SZATMAR – NOTE REGARDING A PUBLIC STATEMENT AGAINST A GOVERNMENT EXAMINATION, WRITTEN AT A TIME THE REBBE WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK.

During the summer of 1958, the Satmarer Rebbe suffered with a health problem that affected his speech and for a period he was forbidden by his doctors to speak at all, and communicated only in writing. This note is from that period, and expresses the Rebbe’s reluctance to publicise a public statement against a government examination: ‘The newspapers have publicised that the Agudas Harabanim oppose the examination, and even the Mizrachi and all parties other than Mapai ... it is not clear that in the Public Statement we would be able to write what we are demanding...’

Very rare manuscript note from that period.

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.

1 side. 12.5 x 20.5 cm. Good condition.