Special Letter from Rabbi Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam of Shinova, with a Supplement in his Hand

"He should have an abundance of success and he should merit to do charity and kindness with wealth and honor, all of his days." Special letter of greeting from Rabbi Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, Admor of Shinova. Shinova, 1897.

Specifications: 22x14 cm. Letterhead. Supplement in his hand and with his signature.

Unique features: The letter is on the letterhead of יחזקאל שרגא הלברשטאם, חופ"ק שינאווא יצ"ו [Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, in the Shinova community]. Written by a scribe. The Admor warmly blesses the addressee, and then adds five words in his own hand: דברי ידידו המצפה.... and signed his name.

Background: Rabbi Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, author of Divrei Yechezkel, was the first Admor of Shinova. He was born in 1815, the oldest son of Admor Rabbi Chaim of Sanz, the "Divrei Chaim." His abilities and talents were admired from a young age, and he was a favorite among the righteous people of the generation. In 1856, he began serving as rabbi in Shinova - and was known as the Admor of the city for generations to come. His father greatly admired him and valued his opinion. In 1876, he began serving as Admor and was considered his father's greatest successor. Followers streamed to his doorstep from all over Galicia. He was a genius in halacha and wrote many halachic responsa. In addition, he was an expert in kabbala and proofread and edited a number of early kabbalistic works. He passed away in 1899, and some of his Torah thoughts were recorded in Divrei Yechezkel. His sons and grandsons served as Admors, and his progeny blossomed into a mammoth dynasty of Admors and righteous people. His manuscripts and letters are preserved by his followers as protective talismans, per the instructions of their adored Admor.

Condition: Moderate-fine. Two tiny holes, not affecting text. Stains. Fold marks.