R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld’s Ban on Additional Tzedakah Boxes Which Harm The Yishuv HaYashan, Jerusalem 1930.

R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld’s Ban on Additional Tzedakah Boxes Which Harm The Yishuv HaYashan, Jerusalem 1930.

A typed letter, dated Elul 1930, on the letterhead of R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld of Jerusalem. Addressed to prominent Rabbis of Chicago. 

In the late 19th and early 20th century a common trend existed amongst various organizations and groups. In order to raise funds, they would distribute thousands of Tzedakah boxes so that Jews throughout the world would be able to contribute to their cause. Such was the case with the organizations of the Yishuv HaYashan of Jerusalem, who provided means of support to its hundreds of inhabitants in the early 20th century, when food and basic necessities were often lacking and scarce.

This letter addresses a controversy in which there were plans to distribute additional charity boxes other than those already existing for the Old Yishuv. R. Sonnenfeld vehemently opposes this idea since it would cause losses to the other organizations already distributing boxes, and ultimately have a negative impact on the Old Yishuv.

In good condition. Lightly stained, with tear to upper left. Typed, with the autograph of R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld.