Bidspirit auction | Signature of the ”Cheshav Sofer,

Signature of the ”Cheshav Sofer, ” Certifying Warm Recommendations Written for Rabbi Avraham Lapkovitz by the Roshei Yeshiva, the Gaon Rabbi Akiva Sofer and the Gaon Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel. Pressburg and Mir, 1939 ”…And how great the mitzvah is to assist him in reaching his longed-for destination in the Holy Land, where he will continue his ascent in Torah, in line with his aspirations and life’s mission.” – recommendations written by the Roshei Yeshiva for Rabbi Avraham Lapkovitz, to help him secure permission for immigration to Eretz Israel. With written testimony by Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, the ”Cheshav Sofer, ” in his own handwriting and bearing his signature, attesting to the authenticity of the document. Pressburg and Mir, 1939. [1] leaf. Original copy of a letter typed on a typewriter with carbon paper, with two lines in the handwriting of Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, the ”Cheshav Sofer, ” including his stamp and signature. Background: Beginning in 1922, the British Mandate authorities severely restricted immigration to Eretz Israel through the decrees of the White Paper. Immigration permits (certificates) were distributed in very limited numbers, based on quotas. After the rise of the Nazis in Germany, antisemitism intensified across Europe, and many sought refuge in Eretz Israel. Through the intervention of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, the British allotted special immigration certificates for rabbis and Bnei Torah. The letters before us were issued to aid the young yeshiva student, Rabbi Avraham Lapkovitz, in securing the required certificate to immigrate to Eretz Israel under the status of a clergyman. Rabbi Akiva Sofer of Pressburg (1878–1960) – Author of Daas Sofer, one of the foremost leaders of his generation. Great-grandson of Rabbeinu the Chasam Sofer, and the successor to his forebears, the Ksav Sofer and Shevet Sofer, in heading the famed Pressburg Yeshiva and leading Hungarian Orthodoxy. He immigrated to Eretz Israel on the eve of World War II, reestablished the Pressburg Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and was appointed to the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer (1902–1962) – The ”Cheshav Sofer, ” Gaavad and Rosh Mesivta of Pressburg. Son and successor of Rabbi Akiva Sofer, and great-grandson of the Chasam Sofer. He labored in Torah under his father and continued his father’s legacy in Torah leadership. Upon Rabbi Akiva Sofer’s immigration to Eretz Israel, the ”Cheshav Sofer” assumed the rabbinate of Pressburg, later joining his father in Jerusalem, where he founded the Chasam Sofer Home for refugees and led the Pressburg Yeshiva. He was a member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah and President of Kollel Shomrei HaChomos. He passed away a few years after his father’s passing. Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel (1877–1965) – Rosh Yeshiva of Mir and its rebuilder after the Holocaust. Son of the Saba of Slabodka, Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel. A disciple of the Gaon Rabbi Eliezer Gordon of Telz, Rabbi Shimon Shkop, and Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk. Son-in-law of Rabbi Elya Boruch Kammai, Rosh Yeshiva of Mir. Survived the Holocaust, immigrated to Jerusalem, and reestablished the Mir Yeshiva there, which grew to become the largest Torah citadel in the world. He served on the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisrael and was one of the foremost Torah leaders of his era. Folding marks, stains, punch holes. Condition: Good.