Bidspirit auction | Kosov–Vizhnitz Polemic. Letter of Warning

Kosov–Vizhnitz Polemic. Letter of Warning to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Alter Dachner, Av Beis Din of Barmet. Safed. “In truth, we are astonished ourselves how one can find the strength to violate an agreement, break a covenant, and harm the livelihoods of many poor and destitute souls, widows and orphans, who suffer in pain, eating the bread of herbs, thirsty and hungry.” A sharply worded letter sent by the members of Kollel Kosov in Safed to Harav HaTzaddik Rabbi Menachem Mendel Alter Dachner, Av Beis Din of Barmet. A document from the Kosov–Vizhnitz Kollel polemic. [1] leaf. A rare and exceptional document from the period of the bitter dispute between Kollel Kosow and Kollel Vizhnitz. In the letter, the writers claim that Rabbi Alter is violating the agreement signed by both parties and is not transferring the funds collected in his community and its environs to Harav HaKadosh Rabbi Moshe of Kosov. They therefore warn him: “How can he not be concerned for his own well-being and have no pity upon his wealth and possessions, lest he be harmed by bitter-hearted men who sigh and groan and cry out against violence... and we shall be compelled to raise our voice publicly before the congregation, to stand up for ourselves and to publicize our suffering, and punishment is administered only after warning... and the wise man has his eyes in his head and should seek refuge for himself...” Rabbi Alter Menachem Mendel Dachner — Av Beis Din of Barmet. Son of Harav HaTzaddik Rabbi Pinchas Yosef of Kosov, and son-in-law of Harav HaKadosh Rabbi Chaim of Kosov, author of Toras Chaim. Background: The Kosov–Vizhnitz Polemic — Kollel Kosov (Vizhnitz) was established as part of the Galicia Kollel (Chibas Jerusalem) by Harav HaKadosh Rabbi Chaim Hager of Kosov, president of the Galicia Kollel in Eastern Galicia, Bukovina, and Maramureș. The Kollel developed and became independent. Following the passing of Rabbi Chaim of Kosov in 1854, it split into two kollelim: Kollel Kosov and Kollel Vizhnitz. Bitter disputes arose between the two kollelim, as well as between them and Kollel Chibas Jerusalem, concerning the distribution of funds. Serious allegations were raised regarding unfair allocations and suspicions of fraud and misappropriation by the administrators of the kollelim. Fold marks, short tears. Good condition.