An interesting and significant letter written in Birmingham, England, during Rabbi Wasserman’s journey on behalf of the Baranovich Yeshiva.
Rabbi Elchanan begins his letter with words of rebuke directed toward the Jews of England:
"By the grace of God, Wednesday of Parashat Metzora, Birmingham
…[The letter] enclosed here, which I received today, in my opinion, should be published so that people may understand to what extent they are not fulfilling their obligation to the Torah and its learners who sacrifice their lives for it and find no one to assist them.
A great request, Please send me tomorrow the matzah and the flour for shmura matzah for my use, so that I may receive them here by Friday, as I still do not know where I will be during the days of Passover.
Also, yesterday, about eleven pounds sterling were collected. One individual gave five pounds. The collector is a wealthy man who himself donated six pounds. His name is Reb Yaakov Friedman, and he also promised to come again this evening, God willing."
Rabbi Elchanan then continues with a seven-line passage of Torah thoughts, discussing the difference between a Nazir (Nazirite) and Tevel.
He concludes with warm blessings:
"Esteeming and honoring you as befits your lofty stature, I bless you and all your dear household with life and peace, a kosher and joyful festival, and all good things.
Elchanan Bunim Wasserman."
Birmingham, 1930s. The letter spans 18 lines, entirely handwritten and signed by Rabbi Wasserman on official letterhead.
28 x 21.2 cm.
The holy Gaon Rabbi Elchonon Bunim Wasserman (1876-1941) a disciple of Rabbi Eliezer Gordon and Rabbi Shimon Shkop at the Telz Yeshiva and a disciple of the Chofetz Chaim at the Kollel LeLimud Kodashim in Radin. Served as Ram in Amtshislov, Brisk and Smilovitz. In 1921, he established the "Ohel Torah" yeshiva in Baranovitz. Was a renowned prodigy and famed in the world of Torah scholars. and also worked for the Jews in general being one of the leaders of Agudas Yisroel.
In 1938, he travelled to the USA to raise funds for his yeshiva. There he published the well-known admonishing booklet "Akavta DeMeshicha" in which he warned of the danger expected if the Jews do not repent. Rabbi Wasserman returned to Poland and after its occupation by the Germans, fled with a group of his disciples to Lithuania. He was arrested in the Kovno Ghetto and killed on Kiddush Hashem on the 11th of Tamuz 1941 Hy”d.
Tear at the top affecting the Hebrew letterhead and three letters at the start of the letter, old tears with adhesive stains, filing holes.
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Lot #123