Bidspirit auction | Autographed Letter by the Skulener

Autographed Letter by the Skulener Rebbe Concerning Construction of Mikvaos in Europe After the Holocaust Bucharest, 1948 * A lengthy and moving letter concerning the condition of mikvaos in Romania “after the terrible churban and the horrific pogroms, and the sufferings of fascism in our country, ” signed by the holy hand of the Admor Rabbi Eliezer Zusia Portugal of Skulen. The Rebbe describes the dire situation and laments that in many Jewish communities across Romania there is no mikveh at all, while in other places the existing mikvaos “require major repairs.” He details the efforts being undertaken for Taharas Hamishpachah, including the printing and distribution of a booklet entitled Taharas Yisrael. He further writes of the urgent need to print additional essential materials — “matters that stand at the forefront of the pressing issues of the time, and especially issues relating to the establishment of the State of Israel in the spirit of Torah and mesorah…to restore Yiddishkeit” — yet emphasizes the crushing financial reality: “We do not possess even a single coin, for we face great difficulties in sustaining even our daily existence.” Rabbi Eliezer Zusia Portugal (1898–1982) was a towering Torah figure, thoroughly versed in Shas and halacha, and closely connected to the Rebbes of the Ruzhin dynasty. He served as Rav in Skulen, Romania, and became known by that name. At the request of Agudas Yisrael, he moved to Czernowitz, where he established a beis medrash and devotedly cared for the Jews of Romania, especially child survivors of the war. His modest home was open to all, and he supported many destitute children. In 1960 he succeeded in leaving Romania for the United States, where he founded Torah and chessed institutions. Bucharest, 1948. Official letterhead of Agudas Yisrael in Bucharest. The Rebbe served as the general president of Agudas Yisrael in Romania. The letter was sent to Rabbi Yaakov Rosenheim, president of Agudas Yisrael. Size : 21 × 30 cm. Condition : Light flaws, repaired.