A warm recommendation letter to the Vaad HaYeshivot for the distinguished young man Mordechai Rosenbaum from Warsaw, who studied at the Baranovich Yeshiva and now wishes to continue his studies at the Mir Yeshiva, where he will grow in Torah and fear of Heaven.
Baranovich, 1933. On official letterhead.
The Holy Gaon & Tzadik Rabbi Yisrael Ya’akov Lubchansky was a leading mussar figure in his times. Born in Baranovich, his father served in the city’s rabbinate; Rabbi Yisrael Ya’akov was one of the first disciples of Rabbi Yuzel Horwitz the "Saba of Navahrudak" and later became his son-in-law. After his father’s death, he served as Rabbi of Baranovich but eventually transferred the position to his brother-in-law, Rabbi David Weitzel. He headed the chain of Navahrudak Yeshivot in Tsaritsyn and in Kharkiv. After crossing the border to Poland, Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman appointed him Mashgiach in his Ohel Torah Yeshiva in Baranovich.
In addition, he was one of the mainstays of the chain of Beit Yosef- Navahrudak Yeshivot, established by his father-in-law the "Saba of Navahrudak". At the conventions of Navahrudak students, he would deliver his profound discourses and inspirational words which were received with much love and awe. His would speak about working to reach perfection and complete devotion to the life of Torah and pure character. One of the most illustrious Torah figures of his times, outstanding scholar with exceptional attributes, he united Chassidism and actions. He was full of enthusiasm for G-d’s service, a famous tsaddik yet humble and unassuming; he hid his ways in every way possible, but was known for his piety and modesty.
During the time he was Rabbi of Baranovich he would awaken early to help the shamash. He was loved and esteemed by the whole city of Baranovich. When he would walk through the streets on Erev Shabbat to urge closing the shops, all would hasten closing shop so as not to cause Rabbi Lubchansky even a moment of sorrow. With the outburst of World War II, he escaped to Vilna with part of the Baranovich Yeshiva. Was murdered by the Nazis in the Kaunas Fortress in Tamuz 1941. Hy”d.
13.8 x 21.3cm
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Lot #244