Two letters from Rabbi Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld, zt"l – one regarding the charity boxes of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess in ...

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Two letters from Rabbi Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld, zt"l – one regarding the charity boxes of Rabbi

Two letters from Rabbi Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld, zt"l – one regarding the charity boxes of Rabbi Image - 1

Two letters from Rabbi Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld, zt"l – one regarding the charity boxes of Rabbi Image - 2

Sold for: $550 (₪1,980)

Price including buyer’s premium and sales tax: $ 712.25 (₪2,564.10)

Calculated by rate set by auction house at the auction day

Start price:

$ 500

Estimate :

$800 - $1,500

Buyer's Premium: 25% More details

VAT: 18% On Buyer's Premium Only

Auction took place on Dec 24, 2023 at Taj Art

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tags: Manuscript, Rabbinic letters

Item Overview

Description:

Two letters from Rabbi Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld, zt"l – one regarding the charity boxes of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess in Lithuania. Jerusalem, 1923-1931.

1. First Letter: A letter written entirely in the sacred handwriting of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld, zt"l, addressed to Rabbi Yisrael Zisel Dvortz (also known as Paltin), born in 1885 and passed away in 1968. Rabbi Zonnenfeld was a rabbi and a devoted servant of the community, serving as a rabbi in Jody, and later in Biržai, Lithuania. He was also the editor of the Torah-oriented periodical "Tevuna."

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a common trend among various organizations and groups to collect funds. To raise money, they distributed thousands of charity boxes so that Jews worldwide could contribute to their causes. This was the case with the old community organizations in Jerusalem, which provided support to hundreds of residents in the early 20th century when basic food and supplies were scarce.

The letter at hand addresses the foundation of the charity boxes of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess in Lithuania. Rabbi Zonnenfeld asserts that such matters do not require consent and, indeed, it is appropriate to restore the ancient practice of having charity boxes in every home to support the strengthening of the Old Yishuv (the first settlement in Israel during the Ottoman period).

Rabbi Zonnenfeld adds his advice regarding the management of the Lithuanian funds and the appointment of officials:

"My advice is that the Lithuanian Kollel should be together with the Kollel in Vilna, as they were one Kollel until now. The main concern regarding the observance of Torah and religion is that the officials in the fund should be true God-fearing individuals and not be straddling on the fence. They should be distant in their minds from the vacation, having no affiliation with Zionist organizations such as the National Council and the Municipal Council of Jews in Jerusalem. This condition is fundamental and imperative."

The letter concludes with blessings and Rabbi Zonnenfeld's signature and seal.

[1] Page, official stationery. 28 cm. Very good to fair condition, the letter is restored, tears at the margins.

2. Second Letter: The second letter is typed and pertains to a request for support and assistance for Rabbi Yehoshua Zev Schwartzman (5650-5739): served as a Chabad rabbi and community activist in Tel Aviv. He worked as a rabbi in several synagogues, managed the kosher certification department in the city, and was eventually appointed as the rabbi of the Kiryat Shalom neighborhood.

The letter is signed by Rabbi Zonnenfeld with his name and his seal.

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