Bidspirit auction | Kfar Atta (1935) – Rare

Kfar Atta (1935) – Rare Handwritten Authorization on Envelope by Rabbi Benjamin Mendelson – “Avodat Israel” Warsaw Land Company - An exceptionally rare original handwritten authorization dated 1935 (Hebrew year 5695), written entirely in the hand of Rabbi Benjamin Mendelson on the reverse of an envelope and bearing his original signature, together with the signature of Mr. Yaakov Stanslovsky. The document concerns the release of an authorization relating to “Avodat Israel” of Warsaw, a company involved in the sale and development of land in Kfar Atta (now Kiryat Ata) during the British Mandate period. The handwritten text states, in part: ”…if Mr. Lerner pays me on behalf of Mr. Stanslovsky, by the 15th of Shevat of this year, the sum of sixty Palestine Pounds, or provides me with a receipt from Mr. Stanslovsky for that amount, then I undertake to deliver to Mr. Lerner the authorization of the Avodat Israel Company of Warsaw.” Written only about a year after Rabbi Mendelson’s arrival in Mandatory Palestine and his appointment as Rabbi of Kfar Atta, the document provides a fascinating insight into his involvement in land transactions, financial obligations, and legal certifications connected with the development of the settlement. Rabbi Benjamin Mendelson (1904–1979) later became one of Israel’s leading Orthodox rabbis. He served as Rabbi of Kfar Atta and subsequently of Moshav Komemiyut, was a prominent advocate of Sabbatical year observance through Keren HaShevi’it, and later became widely known through the Yossele Schumacher Affair, from which he was acquitted in 1962. Early handwritten documents entirely penned and signed by Rabbi Mendelson are exceptionally scarce and highly desirable to collectors of Judaica, Mandatory Palestine documents, and historical manuscripts. Details * Date: 1935 (Hebrew year 5695) * Place: Kfar Atta (now Kiryat Ata), Mandatory Palestine * Original handwritten authorization on an envelope * Relates to the Avodat Israel Company of Warsaw and land transactions * Entirely handwritten by Rabbi Benjamin Mendelson * Personally signed by Rabbi Benjamin Mendelson * Additional signature of Yaakov Stanslovsky * Historical document from the British Mandate period Condition: Good overall condition for its age, with expected folds, handling wear, and light age toning. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.