HISTORIC LETTER DESCRIBING THREATS FACED BY ORTHODOX JEWISH IMMIGRANTS IN ERETZ YISRAEL IN THE EARLY YEARS OF ...

HISTORIC LETTER DESCRIBING THREATS FACED BY ORTHODOX JEWISH IMMIGRANTS IN ERETZ YISRAEL IN THE EARLY YEARS OF STATE OF ISRAEL! RABBI AVRAHAM YITZCHAK KOHN, REBBE OF TOLDOS AHARON, TO RABBI YOEL TEITELBAUM – THE REBBE OF SATMAR.

A historic four-side letter written in early 1952 by the Rebbe of Toldos Aharon, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kohn, to his mentor - the Satmarer Rebbe, describing threats to religious observance faced by orthodox Jewish immigrants in Eretz Yisrael in the early years of the State of Israel. ‘Never has so much heresy been spread in such a short period...’ The letter describes the harsh conditions they faced in refugee camps and the hundreds of thousands lost to religious observance over the four years following the establishment of the State. The Rebbe says that part of the confusion of the immigrants is the result of religious Jews joining the government. The letter is signed ‘Avraham Yitzchak ben Sheindel Bracha’.

Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kohn (1914-1997), founder of the Toldos Ahron chassidic dynasty, son-in-law of Rabbi Ahron Roth – author of Shomer Emunim. Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kohn was born in Tzefas and a descendant of its venerated Rabbi Shmuel Heller. Disciple of Rabbi Yisrael Freund of Huniad, Rabbi Yehuda Rosner of Sekelyhed and Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar of whom he was a staunch follower. Chosen as successor to his father-in-law by a majority of his chassidim, and founder of Toldos Ahron communities and institutions. Author of Divrei Emuna.

Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum (1887-1979), 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.

4 sides. 20.5 x 13.5 cm. Very good condition.