Bidspirit auction | Rare Historical Discovery: Documents Confirming

Rare Historical Discovery: Documents Confirming the Receipt of the Certificate to Eretz Yisrael for the Rebbe and His Brother - 1926 - A collection of original, previously unknown documents, revealed now for the first time, nearly a century after they were written, uncovers an obscure historical chapter in the life of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (a chapter hitherto unknown to academic research). At its center are official applications to receive an immigration certificate to the Eretz Yisrael for himself and his brother, Rabbi Leibel Schneerson. The documents were written in Palestine (eretz Yisrael) in the years 1925-1926.  This is a most significant discovery for the history of Chabad and the Rebbe's biography. Although the Rebbe's life is well-documented, these official documents, indicating an attempt to receive an immigration certificate to the Eretz Yisrael in his youth, were unknown until today.  The disclosure of these documents follows a single document introduced about six months ago at the Moreshet Auction House (Auction 88, Lot 122), which led to the location of the this complete collection of documents. For the first time, it is possible to reconstruct the sequence of events - from the applications submitted in Eretz Yisrael, through the official lists of applicants, to the approval of the certificates by the Immigration Department. The collection includes three groups of documents: The first group:  An official document of two leaves, in Hebrew and English, dated October 27, 1925, with a list of sixteen Russian citizens for whom an application to receive an immigration certifictae to Eretz Yisrae was submitted.  This list includes the name Mendl Schneerson - the future Lubavitcher Rebbe, followed by his brother's name, Rabbi Leib Schneerson.  The Rebbe's personal details were written alongside his name and the address of the Rebbe and his brother in Ekaterinoslaw:  UPORNAJA STR. 15, EKATERINOSLAW.  The second group:  An additional official document, also of two leaves dated December 31, 1925 with a list of sixteen residents of Eretz Yisrael requesting certificates for the Russian relatives.  This list incudes the name of Rabbi Yisrael Asher Liba, who asks for a certificate for his sister's son, Mendl Schneerson , whose address is UPORNAJA STR. 15, EKATERINOSLAW .  His name is followed by the name of Shmuel Rabinowitz, who asks for a certificate for his brother-in-law, Leib Schneerson of the same address.  It is interesting to note that the list also includes the names of important figures of the old Yishuv, who asked for certificates for the Russian relatives. Among others, the following appear on the list: Rabbi Shlomo Zvehil and his son Rabbi Mordechai .  The third group:  The thrd group of documents includes six official leaves of the Worldwide HaMizrachi dated January 27, 1926 whose heading is Aliyah.  At the beginning of the list it is written that the immigration department of the Worldwide haMizrachi in Jerusalem informs that all the people in the following list were granted immigration certificates to Eretz Yisrael.  This list includes names of 141 Jews who recieved the certificates.  Name 106 is Schneerson Mendl - EKATERINOSLAW, Russia , followed by Schneerson Leib .  This document is the final link in the chain of documents indicating that certificates for the Rebbe and his brother were indeed granted.  *** These are original and unique documents of immense historical value, shedding new light on the Lubavitcher Rebbe's early years and on the possibility that was then under consideration for his immigration to Eretz Yisrael. These documents join a long line of sources documenting the Rebbe's life and work, but their uniqueness lies in revealing for the first time an early and obscure chapter - prior to his leadership of Chabad Chassidut - concerning his potential connection to the Eretz Yisrael.  [10] leaves. Approx. 30 cm. Some of them typewritten and some handwritten,   Good-very good overall condition  This is a extremely rare item of historical and museal value befitting a archive, exhibition of collectio dealing with Chabad history and the legacy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.  *** Over the years, the Rebbe was asked many times why he did not immigrate to Eretz Yisrael - by rabbis, public figures, and private individuals. Astonishingly, to each enquirer the Rebbe gave a different answer (plese refer to Hebrew catalog text for further details); presumably, there are hidden reasons for this that are beyond our comprehension. And now, roughly a century after the event, official documents hitherto unknown are revealed, demonstrating that in his twenties - prior to his marriage to the daughter of the Admor the Rayatz, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka -official applications were submitted in Eretz Yisrael to obtain immigration certificates for him and his brother, and the appropriate approvals were even granted.