Bidspirit auction | ”The One Who Loves Every

”The One Who Loves Every Jew and Davens on Their Behalf” – An Autograph Letter of the Heiliger Ohev Yisrael of Apta – Lag BaOmer, 1814 (The Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov) Autograph letter, overflowing with remarkable brachos, f rom our master, קודש הקדשים foremost among the tzaddikim of his generation, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta —known throughout the Torah world simply as the Ohev Yisrael —bearing his holy autograph signature. ”The One Who Loves Every Jew and Davens on Their Behalf” Before us is a unique autograph manuscript, in whose closing lines the Rebbe describes himself in these remarkable words: ”...the one who loves every Jew and davens on their behalf.” Signed: Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta, here in Mezhibuzh. To the best of our knowledge, no other letter is known in which the Ohev Yisrael describes himself in these extraordinary words—a most astonishing discovery. These words shine with new light in view of the famous testimony of his grandson, Rabbi Meshulam Zusia of Zinkov , in his introduction to Ohev Yisrael , where he explains the title of the sefer: ”...I called it Ohev Yisrael, for this expression was constantly upon my grandfather's lips. He would say that this was the one quality with which he could proudly stand even before the Heavenly Court—that a love for every Jew was firmly implanted in his heart. Before his passing, he instructed his children that no praise whatsoever should be inscribed upon his matzeivah, other than the words 'Ohev Yisrael.'” The letter is in fine condition following professional restoration and is housed in a handsome decorative leather case. The Congregation of Hashem, Like Sheep Without a Shepherd This letter was written on Lag BaOmer, 1814 , only some three months after the Ohev Yisrael established his residence in the holy city of Mezhibuzh , having arrived there during the month of Adar following Purim, approximately two years after the passing of Rabbi Baruch of Mezhibuzh . Having recently left Yas , where he had endured years of persecution, he had only just settled in Mezhibuzh. His family had not yet joined him, and, as he himself writes, ”I am still here only as a passing guest.” It had been the Rebbe's intention to spend his remaining years in peace and tranquility, serving his Creator without once again assuming the burden of communal leadership. At that very time, however, the leaders and distinguished members of the community of Sedeh Lavan appealed to him to become their Rav and leader, to dwell among them and guide them in the path they should follow. The Rebbe Sought to Sit in Tranquility The Ohev Yisrael replies that their letter reached him through his close friend, the distinguished gaon Rabbi Dov Berish HaLevi , Rav of Sedeh Lavan. Nevertheless, he explains that he is unable to fulfill their request. Advanced in years and weakened in strength, he had come to Mezhibuzh with no intention other than to devote himself quietly to the service of Hashem, free from the burdens of public leadership. Yet this hope was not to be fulfilled. From the very day of his arrival, multitudes streamed to him from near and far—men and women alike, day and night—seeking salvation, brachah, and mercy. So great was the flood of petitioners that he describes his situation in unforgettable words: ”...they do not even leave me enough time to swallow my own saliva...” He adds that he still remains ”only a passing guest, ” his family not yet having arrived in the city. A Faithful Shepherd to His Flock Yet the boundless love for every Jew that burned within his heart would not allow him to turn them away. Seeing their sincere desire to draw closer to Hashem and to seek shelter beneath the wings of the tzaddikim, he finally yielded to their repeated requests, writing: ”I could not send them away empty-handed nor push them aside with both hands... I shall not withhold good from them, and I shall come to dwell among them and delight together with them in love.” He then showers them with an abundance of heartfelt brachos: ”May Hashem fulfill all their heart's desires. May they be blessed and succeed in all their endeavors. May peace, tranquility, and serenity reign within their gates. May they merit to rejoice in their sons and daughters, and may their days and years be lengthened.” Although the Ohev Yisrael ultimately established his permanent home in Mezhibuzh, from where he guided thousands of Chassidim, he continued to visit the community of Sedeh Lavan from time to time, strengthening and inspiring its members with his presence. Only a handful of letters from this holy tzaddik are known throughout the world. Each is of the greatest rarity and treasured beyond measure—especially a letter such as this, overflowing with sublime brachos that satisfy the yearning soul with every good blessing. This particular letter possesses an added distinction.