Lot 466
A Letter by Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Berlin – 1780's
A letter by Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Berlin, Rabbi of Berlin to the heads of the Freidland community. Berlin, [c. 1780].
A letter concerning seizing work for a non-Jewish master, addressed to "… the leaders of the Freidland community. At their head… Rabbi Yochanan". The letter's content enables one to see the power held by the rabbi of a country at that time. He writes: they should announce in public "not to swerve from my orders and if I shall hear one voice which will not arise and adhere to my call, that person shall surely know that I will gird my loins to oppose him and pierce him with my arrows to ostracize and separate him from the Jewish people". In the continuation of the letter he writes to the heads of the community "you, the heads of the community, must lead the nation down the correct path, and such actions should not be performed in your place, truth and peace you shall judge in your courts, maintain ethics and speak words of truth, and you will receive blessing and peace from your Creator". He signed: "He who is very occupied, Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Av Beit Din of Berlin and the State".
Rabbi Zvi Hirsh, Av Beit Din of Berlin (1721-1800, Otzar HaRabbanim 17206), one of the greatest rabbis of his generation, grandson of the Chacham Zvi, son of Rabbi Aryeh Leib Av Beit Din of Galuga and Amsterdam and brother of Rabbi Shaul Av Beit Din of Amsterdam. He served as rabbi of Galuga, London, Halberstadt and Manheim. In 1772, he was appointed rabbi of the capital city, Berlin, a position he held for 27 years.
22 cm. Good-fair condition, large tear in margin [no text missing], professionally restored.
