Bidspirit auction | Letter by Rabbi Yehonasan Eibischitz,

Letter by Rabbi Yehonasan Eibischitz,   Altona, 1754 Handwritten and Autographed * Handwritten and autographed certificate of ordination conferring the title of ‘chaver, ’ written entirely in eloquent prose and rhyme, by the holy and illustrious Gaon Rabbi Yehonasan Eibischitz. The entire text is in his sacred handwriting, concluding with his full signature: “Yehonasan son of the late Rabbi Nosson Neta, of blessed memory, from the holy communities of Altona-Hamburg-Wandsbek.” Rabbi Yehonasan Eibischitz (c. 1694-1764) served as Av Beis Din of the communities of Hamburg-Altona-Wandsbek and authored the sefarim Urim VeTumim and Ya'aros Dvash. He was venerated for his intellect, piety, and sanctity. His Torah teachings were unmatched among the Achronim, and Torah scholars throughout history revere his name. From 1741, he served as Av Beis Din of Metz (succeeding the Pnei Yehoshua). In 1750, he became Rav of the three communities of Hamburg, Altona, and Wandsbek, one of Germany's most prestigious rabbinic posts. His yeshiva there drew thousands of talmidim from around the world. Altona, 18 Tammuz 1754. A thick leaf, size 10×16 cm. Condition: Good. Certificate of Chaver 'Chaver' which literally translates as “member” or “friend, ” is a title that was customary in earlier times for a Torah scholar (see Peirush HaMishnayos of the Rambam Demai 2:3). About six hundred years ago, Ashkenazic communities began to ordain young scholars with the title ‘chaver, ’ and in later periods, the title was given to those who completed their yeshiva studies, often in honor of their wedding. This title was used in all formal references, such as an aliyah to the Torah, on a kesuba, and on the gravestone. This certificate of chaver was granted to Rabbi Yehonasan Eibischitz's talmid, Rabbi Dovid son of Yitzchak Isaac, who “journeyed from afar and exiled himself to a place of Torah.” Words of Rabbanim and Leaders of Vaad Arba Aratzos about Rabbi Yehonasan Eibischitz “Could such a man be found, in whom is the spirit of G-d, upon whom the Shechinah is worthy to rest as it did upon Yonasan, endowed with a double portion of wisdom and understanding, with fear of Heaven preceding his wisdom. Fortunate is the man who bore the yoke from his youth, who lay beneath its weight for the sake of Torah, and who taught more than twenty thousand talmidim” (Luchos Eidus 50b). The Yismach Moshe said: “Had he lived in the generation of the Rambam and the Rashba, he would have been their equal” (Chayei Yonasan §25). The Mahari”a of Komarno wrote in the name of his teacher, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Ziditchov: “Concerning our great gaon, the man of G-d, Rabbeinu Yonasan, who merited the revelation of Eliyahu – his praise cannot be expressed, and if only I were but dust beneath his feet” (Nesiv Mitzvosecha, Shvil Ha’emunah, ch. 6). The Maharam Ash declared: “From Heaven they agreed with him in halachah, and all his words are as if given at Sinai” (Gadlus Yonasan, p. 103). Click here -for a podcast of Rabbi Dr. Dovid Katz regarding this lot -------------------------------------- Any inquiries about this lot? We are also available on WhatsApp >>>