Bidspirit auction | A long and extremely rare

A long and extremely rare polemical letter on matters of Hashkafa, in which the Admor Rabbi Shalom of Shotz expresses his opinion on matters of religion and state. - “I Do Not Understand the Rebbes Who Remain Silent About the Persecution of Religion in the Land of Israel” — A Long and Extremely Rare Polemical Letter on Hashkafa, in Which the Admor Rabbi Shalom of Shotz Expresses His Opinion on Matters of Religion and State. London, 1950 A long and extremely rare polemical letter, handwritten and signed by the renowned righteous Admor Rabbi Shalom of Shotz. The letter was sent to Haifa to his brother-in-law, the Admor of Tschoyev-Haifa, Rabbi Avraham Abish Kaner. At the opening, the letter contains revelations and disclosures from his personal life. He reveals his distancing and abstention from disputes over inheritance matters: “When my righteous father passed away… I wrote that I relinquish everything. And don’t think I was wealthy then — my livelihood was very limited. Only that I cannot tolerate disputes over inheritance, which cause strife and jealousy, God forbid, among brothers all their lives.” Later in this fascinating letter, the Rebbe explains his refusal to come and live in the Holy Land: “…Believe me, here in this region of North London where we live, it is easier to raise God-fearing sons than in Tel Aviv and Haifa.” He continues describing the Chassidic life flourishing in London: “Here, thank God, there are many girls who do not want a groom without a beard — only with a beard, and only a Ben Torah…” In another section of the letter, the Rebbe discusses what he defines as the persecution of the new regime in the State of Israel against Orthodox Judaism: “One sees their intent to destroy religion, God forbid, and to trample the sanctity of Shabbat Kodesh publicly… I do not understand you, the Rebbes and Admorim… why are you silent? If I were now in the Land of Israel, I would stir up the entire land… On the contrary, let some warmth be seen from you at least… Gather and make major protests… with great cries… this will have an effect on them, for they fear if their actions become known in the world, it will damage their fundraising…” In the course of the letter, the Rebbe harshly criticizes certain behaviors: “I cannot tolerate those who are Orthodox only externally… the holy Torah desires inner truth. Understand this…” Later in the letter, lines are included from the righteous Rebbetzin and their son. The Admor Rabbi Shalom of Shotz [1878–1958], descended from the holy dynasties of Zlotshov and Premishlan. One of the great Rebbes of the post-Holocaust generation. A wondrous scholar in all areas of Torah and a master of halachic ruling, having received semicha in his youth from the Maharsham of Berzhan and studied practical halacha with him. He was renowned for the power of his prayers through which he brought salvation. He was a devoted Chassid of Belz, yet nevertheless, he voiced criticism of the Orthodox community in the State of Israel. He served as rabbi of Shotz from 1903. In 1927, he relocated to London, where he was greatly revered by all circles and communities. In his will, he promised to arouse mercy in Heaven for anyone who visits his gravesite, lights two candles for the elevation of his soul, and accepts upon themselves a commitment to strengthen in a mitzvah or Torah study. [This promise is inscribed at his holy resting place in three languages and hung on the wall, as per his will.] Air mail letter paper, 3 pages — 2 pages written in his holy handwriting and signed with his ornate signature. On page 3 are inscriptions from his son Rabbi Yisrael Yaakov and the Rebbetzin Liba Chana. Very good condition.