Bidspirit auction | Letter of Blessings from the

Letter of Blessings from the Tzaddik Rabbi Yeshaya’le of Kerestir – 1914 * A letter of blessings written on a postcard, bearing the handwritten Latin-script signature of the famous miracle-worker and pillar of chesed – the holy Rabbi Yeshaya, son of Rabbi Moshe of Kerestir, of whom it was said, “his piety and holiness are beyond measure” (as inscribed on his tombstone). The letter was written in the local language, as were many of Rabbi Yeshaya’le’s letters, and it contains a blessing simple in its wording yet profound in its power and meaning – a blessing flowing from the heart of a tzaddik who brought salvation to many, in the manner of “a tzaddik decrees and the Holy One, blessed be He, fulfills.” He writes the following: “May the Almighty shower you with His assistance, and extend His gracious kindness to your children as well. May all of your heart’s hopes and desires be fulfilled in the best possible way.” At the end of the letter, Rabbi Yeshaya’le signed in his holy handwriting: “Saje Steiner” [Yeshaya Steiner]. On the reverse appears his stamp: “Saje Steiner – Bodrog-Keresztur” [Yeshaya Steiner – Bodrog-Kerestir]. Rabbi Yeshaya Steiner (1852–1925), known to all as Rav Yeshaya’le of Kerestir, was a paragon of loving kindness who performed miracles and wonders for the masses and distributed vast sums to charity. His door was open to every Jew, and many ate regularly at his table. Rabbi Yeshaya’le was the prime disciple and personal aide of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Liska, who praised his student’s holiness and spiritual greatness. After Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch passed away, Rabbi Yeshaya’le acquired a following of Jews who spread the word of his spiritual greatness and miraculous powers, drawing thousands to his door in search of blessing and counsel. Yet, in his humility, he always signed simply as: “Meshamesh of the tzaddik of Liska zy”a.” To this day, thousands of Jews travel to his holy resting place in Kerestir (Hungary) seeking mercy and salvation, sustained by the same faith in the power of “a tzaddik decrees and Hashem fulfills, ” whose blessing speaks from these brief lines presented here. Kerestir, 1914. A letter written on a postal card, with postmarks. Written by the personal attendant in the local language, with the word “be’ezras Hashem” in Lashon Hakodesh, and bearing the holy signature of R’ Yeshaya’le in Latin script. Size : Approx. 9 × 14 cm. Condition : Good; fold mark across the center of the postcard.