Bidspirit auction | “With Anxiety and Pain” —

“With Anxiety and Pain” — A Letter by Rabbi Zelig Reuven Bengis to Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky. Jerusalem, Tevet 5699 [1939] - “With Anxiety and Pain” — A Letter by Rabbi Zelig Reuven Bengis to Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky. Jerusalem, Tevet 5699 [1939] An emotional and historically significant autograph letter, entirely handwritten and signed by Rabbi Zelig Reuven Bengis, addressed to Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky, Av Beit Din of the Eidah HaChareidis in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Tevet 5699 [1939]. In his letter, Rabbi Bengis refers to a report that had reached him suggesting that Rabbi Dushinsky was considering leaving Jerusalem and returning abroad. He writes that he received this news, in his own words, “with anxiety and pain, ” and seeks to verify its accuracy. Between the lines, one senses his deep concern over the possibility that Jerusalem might lose one of its foremost spiritual leaders, and his recognition of the immense importance of Rabbi Dushinsky’s continued leadership at that critical time. Before us is a document of exceptional historical significance. The letter was written only a few months before the outbreak of World War II, when Jerusalem served as the principal spiritual center of the Orthodox Yishuv in Eretz Israel, and Rabbi Dushinsky stood among its most influential leaders. The mere possibility that he might leave the country caused genuine alarm among Jerusalem’s leading rabbis. The present letter provides a rare reflection of Rabbi Dushinsky’s towering stature and the profound esteem in which he was held by his contemporaries. Rabbi Zelig Reuven Bengis [1864–1953] was one of the foremost halachic authorities of his generation. Prior to his immigration to Eretz Israel, he served as Rabbi of Kaliv in Hungary. After settling in Jerusalem, he became one of the leading figures of the Eidah HaChareidis rabbinical court. Following the passing of Rabbi Dushinsky, he succeeded him as Gaavad of the Eidah HaChareidis. His responsa were published in the celebrated series She’elot U-Teshuvot Leflagot Reuven. Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky [1867–1948], one of the greatest rabbis of Hungary and Eretz Israel, served as Gaavad of the Eidah HaChareidis in Jerusalem and was among the foremost leaders of the Old Yishuv. His influence extended far beyond the boundaries of his own community, and he was regarded as one of the central rabbinic leaders of Jewish Eretz Israel on the eve of the Holocaust. The entire letter is in the handwriting of Rabbi Zelig Reuven Bengis, signed by him and bearing his official stamp. Large leaf. 27 × 22 cm. Good condition.