Bidspirit auction | Extremely Rare: Letter by the

Extremely Rare: Letter by the Genius of Galicia, Rabbi Mordechai Ze'ev Ettinger, Author of MeFarshai HaYam and Magen Giborim - An exceptionally rare letter, entirely (over 150 words) in the holy handwriting of Rabbi Mordechai Ze’ev Ettinger of Lviv (Lemberg), the ”Nasi of Eretz Yisrael”, renowned author of MeFarshai HaYam and Magen Giborim. Lviv, Isru Chag Pesach 1863 (תרכ”ג). Letters from Rabbi Ettinger are of extreme rarity—only one other letter of his has ever been seen in public auctions to date. Addressed to the Rebbe of Kosov, Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon Hager This letter is addressed to Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon Hager of Kosov, the eldest son and successor of the ”Torat Chaim” of Kosov. Both figures held leadership positions in the Kollel support funds for Eretz Yisrael (Kollel Kosov and Kollel Lviv), and the letter seemingly discusses financial and communal matters: ”But they still cry out, saying: ‘Give, give, for we are owed...’ and they demand numerous accounts... And I have already written today also to his brother, the honorable rabbi... Words of your devoted friend... overwhelmed by burdens, the humble Mordechai Ze’ev Ettinger.” This letter is dated Isru Chag Pesach 1863, merely two and a half months before the passing of Rabbi Mordechai Ze’ev Ettinger (who passed away on 2 Tammuz 1863). Letter Details [1] page, 21.5 x 17 cm. Entirely handwritten and signed by Rabbi Mordechai Ze’ev Ettinger. Condition: Good. Professionally restored for preservation. Rabbi Mordechai Ze'ev Ettinger (1804–1863) – A Giant Among the Sages of Galicia One of Galicia’s greatest Torah scholars, referred to as ”The Nasi of Eretz Yisrael”, as he led the Austro-Galician Kollel in supporting the Jewish Yishuv in the Holy Land. Named after his grandfather, Rabbi Mordechai Ze’ev Orenstein, Av Beit Din of Lviv. A disciple of his uncle, the Yeshuot Yaakov. Studied for years alongside his brother-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Shaul Nathanson, the author of Shoel U’Meishiv. Co-authored several scholarly works with Rabbi Nathanson, including: MeFarshai HaYam Magen Giborim Me'irat Einayim on Treifot Ner HaMa’aravi Masoret HaShas on the Jerusalem Talmud His responsa were later compiled as Ma’amar Mordechai. Together with Rabbi Chaim of Kosov, he founded the Austro-Galician Kollel to support Torah scholars in Eretz Yisrael. After their passing, their sons inherited their leadership roles: Rabbi Yitzchak Aharon Ettinger, Av Beit Din of Lviv, took over the presidency of Kollel Lviv. Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon Hager of Kosov (recipient of this letter) took leadership of Kollel Kosov. Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon Hager of Kosov (1813–1880) The eldest son and successor of the ”Torat Chaim” of Kosov, and older brother of the ”Tzemach Tzaddik” of Vizhnitz, who later founded the Vizhnitz dynasty. His father, the Torat Chaim, honored him greatly. At his younger brother’s wedding, their father appointed Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon to serve as the ‘Shoshvin’ (escort) in his place. Similarly, at the circumcision of his brother, the ”Tzemach Tzaddik”, their father gave him the honor of being the Sandak. Renowned for his spiritual powers and open miracles, stories of his wondrous salvations and divine inspiration are recorded in Even Shtiya (Jerusalem, 1994). The great Rebbe of Sanz, the ”Divrei Chaim, ” held Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon in the highest esteem. On his deathbed, the Divrei Chaim sent him a kvittel (petition note) seeking his blessing.