Rare Letter Signed by Rabbi Naftali Tzvi of Stolin, Grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. Tiberias, 1851

Letter from the leaders and administrators of the Ashkenazic and Chassidic communities in Tiberias to Sir Moses Montefiore, thanking him for a monetary donation to the Jewish settlement in Tiberias (the money was sent by Rabbi Natan Adler, through Reb Nissan Beck).

Specifications: [1] leaf, blue paper. 13x21 cm. Nice hand.

Background: Rabbi Naftali Tzvi of Stolin was the grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. His mother was Sheina Rochel, the daughter of Tzvi, son of the Besh"t. His father was Yaakov son of Rabbi Maneles, uncle of Rabbi Aharon of Karlin. Rabbi Naftali Tzvi was the son-in-law of Rabbi Yisrael of Pikov, son of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. He immigrated to Tiberias with his father in 1832 and was a trustee of the Kollelot HaChassidim D'Volin. In 1862, he was sent by the chassidim of Tiberias to raise funds. He met with prominent chassidic leaders Rabbi Aharon of Karlin, Rabbi Yitzchak of Niesuchojeze and Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin. He possessed his grandfather the Baal Shem Tov's Zohar, and he sent it as a gift to the Admor of Karlin (Refer to Kovetz Beit Aharon V'Yisrael, issue 63, p. 158). He passed away in 1874.

Unique features: This letter is signed by: Rabbi Shaul son of Tzvi Hirsh HaLevi; Rabbi Naftali Tzvi of Tiberias; and Rabbi Mordechai son of Shimon. Very rare.

Condition: Fine condition. Aging stains. Small tears at the top of the leaf which were used for the binding, not affecting text.