Bidspirit auction | “May Hashem Grant You Livelihood

“May Hashem Grant You Livelihood and Success” Sacred Letter from Rabbi Shalom Eliezer Halberstam of Ratzfert,   Ratzfert, c. 1930s * A letter filled with heartfelt blessings, bearing the autograph signature of the holy chassid Rabbi Shalom Eliezer Halberstam of Ratzfert, Hy”d, son of Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz, the author of Divrei Chaim. Rabbi Shalom Eliezer of Ratzfert was renowned as a miracle worker whose blessings were known to bring salvation. His name became legendary throughout Hungary, and countless stories circulated of the extraordinary power of his blessings and his deep concern for the needs of both individuals and the Jewish community. In this letter, the Rebbe blesses the recipient (the opening is written in abbreviated form): “May Hashem grant you livelihood and success, complete health, nachas from all your descendants, and a complete recovery for your son… May he prevail in his legal case against the gentile woman, may she never be able to harm him, G-d forbid, and may you soon bring me good tidings. Your friend, who seeks the welfare of your Torah...” The letter concludes with the Rebbe’s autograph signature (the signature is damaged and partially lacking): “Hakatan Shalom Eliezer Halberstam, son of the saintly Rabbi of Sanz, zt”l.” The Admor Rabbi Shalom Eliezer Halberstam of Ratzfert (1862–1944) was born in his father Rabbi Chaim’s later years, yet still merited to receive much of his father’s guidance. Around 1900, he moved from Galicia to Hungary, where he became the spiritual leader of the many Sanz chassidim throughout the country. His exceptional humility, holiness, righteousness, and exemplary leadership drew vast numbers of chassidim to his court. For more than forty years, he was one of Hungary’s foremost tzaddikim, until he was murdered al Kiddush Hashem in the Holocaust. Before his deportation to Auschwitz, he related that his father, the Divrei Chaim, had appeared to him in a dream and offered him the choice between surviving or dying al kiddush Hashem. He chose to sacrifice his life al Kiddush Hashem, and traveled to Auschwitz wearing a kittel and burial shrouds beneath his clothing. Rabbi Shalom Eliezer of Ratzfert is the ancestor of the Rebbes of Satmar and Bobov. His sons-in-law were the renowned Admorim Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Teitelbaum of Sighet, author of Etzei Chaim, and Rabbi Ben Zion Halberstam of Bobov, author of Kedushas Tzion, Hy”d. Ratzfert, c. 1930s. The body of the letter was written by the Rebbe’s gabbai, Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech Dim, Hy”d, and concludes with the autograph signature of Rabbi Shalom Eliezer of Ratzfert. Official letterhead. On the reverse is a personal letter written by the gabbai. Size: Approximately 14.5 × 22.5 cm. Condition: Fair to poor. Tears with loss, including damage affecting the autograph signature. The letter is being offered for auction, despite its condition, due to its exceptional importance. Please examine the photos of it carefully before placing a bid.