Bidspirit auction | “It Was to Me Like

“It Was to Me Like Thunder in the Wheel” — a rare letter (approx. 100 words) in the holy handwriting of one of the greatest Hasidic leaders of Poland, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter, the Imrei Emet of Gur - A long, important, and extremely rare letter, written entirely in the holy handwriting and bearing the signature of the leader of Ariel, the foremost Hasidic master of his generation, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter, author of Imrei Emet of Gur. Written in Gur, Poland, on the 11th of the month (year not stated). Unpublished. The letter is addressed to R. Ze’ev Shachor, a public activist of the Yishuv in the Land of Israel, and deals with public and financial matters concerning the activities of Gur Hasidism in the Holy Land. In his words, the Rebbe employs an unusually sharp and forceful tone, including the rare expression: “It was to me like thunder in the wheel.” Historical–Hasidic Aspect The Rebbe sat upon his seat of leadership in the town of Gur in Poland, while his influence extended to Jerusalem. In this letter, the author of Imrei Emet instructs the recipient in precise detail how to conduct public affairs—apparently relating to the management of Gur’s assets in the Land of Israel. He expresses strong displeasure at certain actions taken by R. Ze’ev Shachor, declaring: “It was to me like thunder in the wheel!” Later, in the context of another financial dispute with “Nussbaum, ” the Rebbe rules decisively: “Let the law pierce the mountain!” He concludes the letter with a clear and unequivocal statement: “I hope that His Honor will understand that justice is on our side.” Segullistic (Amuletic) Aspect It is well known, from books and tradition, that the holy manuscripts of the righteous of earlier generations—and especially their signatures—were used over the generations as tested amulets for protection and success. All the more so this manuscript, written in the very hand and signature of the “righteous leader of the generation.” The letter deals directly with matters of finance—“the account that His Honor sent will be answered by the members of the board in Łódź”—and with property issues—“rent, ” “mortgage.” Accordingly, it possesses a special segullistic quality for success in business and blessing in financial matters. The holy Rebbe of Gur, whose blessings were never in vain, concludes the letter with a blessing and with his holy signature: “I remain his friend, seeking his peace and welfare, with his sons, may they live — Avraham Mordechai Alter, here in Gur.” [1] One paper leaf, 27 × 21 cm. Fine-quality paper with an attractive watermark. Very good condition. Minor tears, artfully restored, limited to the folds only, with no loss to the text. Biography Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter (1866–1948) was the third Rebbe of the Gur dynasty and one of the foremost leaders of Orthodox Jewry. He is known by the title of his work, Imrei Emet. The eldest son of the Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter (Sefat Emet), during his leadership Gur reached the peak of its expansion, becoming the largest Hasidic movement in the world; estimates place the number of his followers before the Holocaust at over 100,000. He was among the founders of Agudath Israel and served as head of the Council of Torah Sages. His influence extended far beyond his vast Hasidic following. During the Holocaust, most of his Hasidim and descendants were murdered; the Rebbe himself survived and immigrated to Jerusalem, where he reestablished Gur Hasidism. His three sons who survived the Holocaust later served successively as Rebbes: the Rabbi Yisrael Alter (Beit Yisrael), Rabbi Simcha Bunim Alter (Lev Simcha), and Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Alter (Pnei Menachem).