Lot 506
HaDerech, Budapest, 1944 – First Edition with Sermon of Rabbi of Belz upon Escape from Holocaust to Eretz Israel
HaDerech, booklet 1, “Derech Tzadikim” – farewell sermons of esteemed… Rabbi Mordechai Rokeach, rabbi of congregation of Biłgoraj… which he delivered at celebration of completion of tractate at Tiferet Bachurim. “Derech Kedoshim” – holy sermon by righteous Torah giant of the generation… Rabbi Aharon Rokeach holy rabbi of Belz… which he delivered in capital city of Budapest prior to immigration to Eretz Israel. Edited by Rabbi Menachem Aharon Levovitz, young rabbi of congregation of Tshop. Budapest, 13 Shvat 1944. First edition.
After miraculously escaping from Ghetto Bochnia, the rebbe of Belz and his brother, rabbi of Biłgoraj, arrived in Budapest, where they resided from Iyar 1943 until Tevet 1944. In this booklet which was published on 13 Shvat (Feb 7, 1944) the farewell sermon of rabbi of Biłgoraj of Hungarian Jewry, in which he relates the atrocities of the Holocaust in Poland and Galicia, and the necessity to assist refugees of these countries, was printed. Later on he apologizes for their journey to Eretz Israel, and confidently states that disaster will not reach Hungary. He clarifies that they are not departing to Eretz Israel for this reason, but rather for his intense passion for the holiness of the Holy Land and the love of his brother for the Holy Land. “… I am obligated to inform you, dear friends, scholars of Ungarn… that anybody who knows my older brother… certainly knows that he is not retreating… as if escaping; he only desires to immigrate to the Holy Land… and he foresees peace – the righteous rabbi perceives that residents of this city will live in peace and serenity…” (page 19). Later on the rebbe states that his journey to Eretz Israel is temporary with intention to return, and his brother, rebbe of Biłgoraj, explains that according to tradition of their holy forefathers, there is no value in settlement in Eretz Israel prior to the coming of Mashiach (page 26). After approximately ten days, on February 17, 1944, an additional edition of this pamphlet was published with many revisions and with the omission of the reference to his intention of immigration to Eretz Israel. After approximately a month a third edition was printed in Budapest with caption “second publication, Adar 1944”, which, too, is censored. This is the first and rare edition which includes the complete sermon of the Rebbe.
[2], 28 leaves. 19 cm. Good condition, stains on printed cover.
