Bidspirit auction | Fascinating Letter from Rabbi Shabsai

Fascinating Letter from Rabbi Shabsai Sheftel Weiss, Av Beis Din of Nagysimonyi * A lengthy and interesting letter from the tzaddik Rabbi Shabsai Sheftel Weiss, Av Beis Din of Nagysimonyi (Shimoni) discussing the creation of the world in the six days of Bereishis, the concept of the world’s rest on Shabbos Kodesh, and whether this rest was interrupted when the sun and moon stood still (as in the days of Yehoshua). He brings proof from the Sambation River, which ceases to flow on Shabbos. The entire letter is written in his holy handwriting. At the end of the second page, the holy tzaddik signed his name with his personal name: ”Sheftel.” Rabbi Sheftel Weiss (1866-1944), known by all as ”The Shimoni Rav”, was recognized already in his youth for his great mastery of Talmud, earning great admiration from his teacher, the Shevet Sofer. Renowned as a miracle worker and baal ruach hakodesh, people flocked to him for blessings. Hungarian leaders of his time would mention his name with great reverence, considering him one of the tzaddikim of the generation whose powerful prayers and blessings brought salvation to the Jewish people. His only published sefer 'Hilchosa Rabbasa L’Shabbasa', focuses on the newly introduced electricity of his time and its implications for the laws of Shabbos, both in theory and in halachic principle. At the beginning of the letter, he notes that he is currently investigating the question: ”In the laws of Shabbos, whether it is permitted to instruct a non-Jew… to turn electric devices on and off when necessary…” Rabbi Weiss sent the letter from Nagysimonyi to his primary disciple, addressing him with great love: ”To my most beloved student, who is perfect in every way, in all matters” - referring to Rabbi Feivel Buchinger of Szombathely. Nagysimonyi, late 1930s. Double sided leaf. Entirely in his holy handwriting, with his signature. Good condition, with minor stains and small tears along the edges. A rare and important letter.