Kvitel Handwritten by the Gaon the Admor of Ostrovtza ["The Tzaddik who Fasted for Forty Years"].

Kvitel Handwritten by the Gaon the Admor of Ostrovtza ["The Tzaddik who Fasted for Forty Years"].

This is a Kvitel [Pitkah] handwritten by the wonderous Gaon the Admor Rabbi Meir Yechiel Halevi of Ostrovtza -  "בעהי"ת, מאיר יחיאל הלוי בן חנה בילא לרפואה שלימה..."

Possibly, he needed cure due to his weakness from his frequent fasting.

The source of the kvitlach: the grandson of the Rabbi from Ostrovtza was the Gaon Rabbi Moshe Israel Silman, hy"d, who was the son-in-law of the Rebbe Rabbi Yechiel Natan Halberstam of Bardejov זיע"א. Rabbi Moshe Israel inherited the house of his father-in-law, the Rebbe of Bardejov זיע"א, and all the contents of the manuscripts and books. After the terrible holocaust, Rabbi Silman's house was miraculously found intact, and even the library and manuscripts were left to be thrown away. The kvitlach before was among the manuscripts that were placed in the attic of the house of the Rebbe of Bardejov זיע"א. Which apparently means that the kviltach was sent by the Admor of Ostrovtza to his father-in-law the Admor Rabbi Yechiel Natan Halberstam זיע"א.

Rabbi Meir Yechiel Halstock (1851-1928): was the Admor of Ostrovtza (Ostrowiec). Was famed for having fasted for forty years. In 1880, at the age of 28, was chosen to serve as Rav of Sakranovitz, encouraged by his rabbis, Rabbi Yehoshua'leh of Kutna and his son-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Elazar Wax. In 1889, he was invited by the Ostrovtza community to serve as its Av Beit Din. In 1892, his Rav, Rabbi Elimelech of Grodzhinzk, passed away. His sons, who were still young children, could not lead the community and many of his Chassidim crowned Rabbi Meir Yechiel as their Admor, despite his objection. Later, he accepted the leadership and agreed to see those who came to him for advice and blessing, although he continued to travel as a Chassid to Rabbi Yechezkel Sheraga of Shinova. His spicy sermons which were seasoned with mathematical calculations attracted thousands of disciples and Chassidim to his Chatzer, including leading rabbis and Admorim of Poland.

Was known for his Sagfanut. It is told that he fasted for forty consecutive years, breaking his fast only during the night with a meager meal. He was also famed for his Chumrot, which he adopted out of duty to all halachic methods.

[1] leaf. Width- 7 cm. Very good condition. Laminated and placed in a matching elegant leather binding.