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Letter (approx. 22 lines) handwritten and signed by Rebbe Shalom Moskovitch of Shotz. [London, Av 1939].
Addressed to R. Tzvi Hirsch Ferber, a foremost London rabbi. In this letter, which discusses several personal and communal matters, Rebbe Shalom Moskovitch presents a report of his activities to publicize the possibility of shaving with an electric shaver, to avoid transgressing the prohibition of shaving with a razor: "Some years ago, I asked the rabbis to do something about shaving, since nowadays there is the option of electric shavers, and R. Weinberg stated that there is concern of it having a status of a razor, and I said that it should be researched whether it is indeed like scissors, we would then publicize in the newspapers to shave one's beard with this method, to save thousands of Jews from transgressing five prohibitions, but my words were not heeded…" (there is a halachic prohibition of shaving ones beard with a razor, but scissor-like appliances are permitted. The invention of the electric shaver aroused a halachic debate as to whether it resembles scissors, and is therefore permitted, or a razor, which is prohibited. The Rebbe of Shotz wanted the rabbis to publicize their endorsement of electric shavers, to prevent British Jewry from transgressing the Torah prohibition of shaving with a razor).
Rebbe Shalom Moskovitz of Shotz (1877-1958), scion of Rebbe Michel of Zlotchov and Rebbe Meir of Premishlan, and foremost rebbe in the previous generation. An outstanding erudite in all realms of Torah and noted halachic authority, he was ordained in his youth by the Maharsham of Berezhany and remained in the latter's home for nine months to observe him in practice. A holy kabbalist, he served G-d with utter devotion and was renowned for the wonders he effected with his awesome prayers, just like a child begging his father. A disciple of the Rebbe of Shineva and the Rebbes of Belz. He served as rabbi of Shotz (Suceava) from 1903, and was the teacher of R. Meir Shapiro of Lublin, initiator of the Daf HaYomi. From 1927, he served as Rebbe in London. He authored many books on the Talmud and on the Torah, on Chassidism and other topics. He earned a widespread reputation for his greatness and holiness, and was revered by the foremost rebbes of his generation. His diligence was exceptional, he would study Torah for many hours, interrupting only to eat or perform a mitzva. He nonetheless conducted an open house in London, and people from all sects and ranks of society came to receive his blessing, counsel and ruling. In his will, he pledged to arouse Heavenly mercy on whoever would visit his gravesite, light two candles in memory of his soul, and undertake to strengthen himself in a mitzva or in Torah study (at his behest, this promise was printed on the structure over his grave in three languages: Hebrew, Yiddish and English).
Official postcard of the Rebbe (written on both sides). 10X15 cm. Good condition. Marginal stains. Postmark from August 14, 1939. Postage stamp removed.