Bidspirit auction | Application for an Immigration Certificate

Application for an Immigration Certificate (Entry Permit to Palestine) in the Handwriting and with the Signature of the Zvhil Rebbe, Rabbi Mordechai Goldman – Jerusalem, 1926 - A rare and fascinating historical document from the early years of Rabbi Mordechai Goldman of Zvhil in the Land of Israel: an official application form for an immigration certificate (certificat), completed entirely in his handwriting and signed by him in 1926. In the application, Rabbi Mordechai provides personal details regarding his occupation and financial status, stating that he serves as a secretary in a kollell and as a teacher, earning 18 Palestine Pounds per month. The document bears his autograph signature as well as the signatures of witnesses required to validate the application. Rabbi Mordechai Goldman of Zvhil (1905–1979), author of the celebrated Yekara DeMalka, was one of the most revered Hasidic leaders of Jerusalem in the twentieth century. Renowned as an outstanding Torah scholar, a man of extraordinary kindness, and a wonder-working Rebbe, he attracted countless followers who sought his counsel, blessings, and assistance. Born in Zvhil to Rabbi Gedaliah Moshe Goldman, Rebbe of Zvhil, and a daughter of Rabbi David Shlomo of Kobryn, he immigrated to the Land of Israel at the beginning of 1926 together with his grandfather, Rabbi Shlomo of Zvhil. Family tradition relates that his grandfather cautioned them not to reveal their distinguished lineage during their journey to the Holy Land. After arriving in Jerusalem, he studied at the renowned Sefas Emes Yeshivah and received rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Avraham Yehudah Leib Teplitzki (of Teplik) as well as from the rabbinical court of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld. Following the passing of his father in 1950, Rabbi Mordechai succeeded him as Rebbe of Zvhil. His leadership was characterized by humility, simplicity, and devotion to others, in keeping with the traditions of the Zvhil dynasty. Under his guidance the institutions of the dynasty expanded significantly, culminating in the dedication of the Zvhil Yeshivah and Beit Midrash complex in Jerusalem’s Beit Yisrael neighborhood in 1968. This document is of exceptional biographical and historical importance, preserving a firsthand record of the earliest stage in the life of one of Jerusalem’s most beloved Hasidic leaders upon his arrival in the Land of Israel. Early personal documents of this nature, entirely in his handwriting and bearing his signature, are exceedingly rare. [1] Leaf. Official printed form. 21 × 34 cm. Handwritten and signed by the Rebbe, with additional witness certifications. Good condition. Minor staining.