Rare "Semicha" from the Maharsham of Berezhany, given to Rabbi Shalom Moskowitz - the Admor of Shatz. ...

Rare "Semicha" from the Maharsham of Berezhany, given to Rabbi Shalom Moskowitz - the Admor of Shatz. Berezhany, [1901]

Semicha from Rabbi Shalom Mordechai HaKohen Schwadron, the Maharsham of Berezhany, given to Rabbi Shalom Moskowitz, the Admor of Shatz. Berezhany, 1901.

Specifications: [1] doubled leaf. 26x21 cm.

Unique features: The semicha was written, signed and stamped by the Maharsham. It was given after Rabbi Shalom Moskowitz lived in his house for nine months to learn practical halacha. The Maharsham extols Rabbi Shalom's approach to halacha extensively, and he taught him things that he did not wish to publicize in writing. He gave Rabbi Shalom semicha to be a rabbi-posek when he was only 24 years old. He writes: "He is worthy of being accepted as rabbi in every place reached by the words of the King of the world, his rulings are to be relied upon like every outstanding rabbi's." Despite their great difference in age, Rabbi Shalom Moskowitz is often considered the leading disciple of the Maharsham. 

Background: Rabbi Shalom Mordechai HaKohen Schwardron, the Maharsham of Berezhany (1835-1911) was a prominent Galician rabbi and posek of his time. He had close relationships with leading Admors, and the Admors of Belz considered him the primary posek. Many questions were sent to him from around the world, and his questioners included the Chofetz Chaim. His printed works include the Shu"t Maharsham, which includes thousands of halachic responses, his large halachic treatises Da'at Torah, and many other works.

Rabbi Shalom Moskowitz of Shatz [1877-1958] was born in Shatz, Romania. He was a scion of the Maggid of Zolotchov. He was proficient in kabbala and halacha and authored halachic works. In his youth, he received semicha from the Maharsham who praised him extensively. In 1929, he moved to London where he was known as the "Admor of Shatz" and was a reputed wonder-worker. In his will, he promised to arouse Divine pity for anybody who prayed at his grave and took upon himself to fortify his mitzvah observance and light candles. His grave became a pilgrimage site, primarily on Fridays. Some of his Torah thoughts were printed in the Da'at Shalom series. Refer to: Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, 3, 661-662.

Condition: Light tears in the folds, lightly affecting text. Fine condition.