Lot 331
Unpublished Polemic Letter from Rebbe Rayatz – Censure of the Approach of the Imrei Emet of Ger and the Tiferet Yosef of Radzin in Leading Orthodox Polish Jewry After WWI – Caustic
Criticism of Agudath Israel in Germany – Historic Review of German Jewry – Information on the Internal Politics of Orthodox Jewry in Poland, 1900s-1920s – Fascinating Historic Document – Rostov, 1923
A lengthy polemic letter (7 pages), containing sharp criticism of Agudath Israel in Poland, its leaders – the rebbes of Ger and Radzin, and its activists, by Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn – the Rayatz of Lubavitch. Addressed to Rabbi Dr. Pinchas Kohn, Rabbi of Ansbach and executive director of World Agudath Israel. [Rostov], 1923.
Seven leaves, typewritten on one side, lacking ending. In this rare letter, Rebbe Rayatz alleges that the Imrei Emet of Ger and the Tiferet Yosef of Radzin had turned liberal after WWI, introducing secular studies in the boys' schools and yeshivot, and supporting Zionism. He accuses the Agudath Israel activists in Germany of influencing the rebbes to change their approach in their leadership of Orthodox Jewry. The letter includes a review of German Jewish history, beginning with the times of Moses Mendelssohn, describing the destruction wrought by Mendelssohn and his followers, and the work of R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch in rescuing Orthodox Jewry.
To the best of our knowledge, this letter was never published.
[7] leaves. 29 cm. Thin paper. Good condition. Stains and wear. Rust stains from paper clips. Ink faded on some leaves. Folding marks.
