Lot 224
Letter by Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor to Rabbi Shmuel Salant
Long letter written and signed by Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor, to Rabbi Shmuel Salant and Jerusalem rabbis. Kaunas, 1888.
Letter "Concerning the pushkes in America". At that time, Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor was active in encouraging the financial support given by the communities in the Diaspora to the poor population in Eretz Israel. One year before this letter (1887) Rabbi Spektor stood at head of the Lithuanian rabbis who signed the regulations on behalf of the settlement in the Holy Land. One of the regulations was the distribution of charity boxes [called "pushkes" in Yiddish and in Hebrew "shofrot"] on behalf of the needy residents of Eretz Israel in every Jewish home. In this letter, Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan defends the priority of the Eretz Israel charity boxes which were distributed by the American Gaba'im on behalf of Eretz Israel: "…The population of Eretz Israel already have the privilege of distributing 'pushkes' and no other charity is permitted to place their 'pushke'…". [See attached material].
Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor (1817-1896) was one of the leading rabbis of his times, famous for his Torah proficiency, diligence and great righteousness. He was considered the highest Torah authority in his times and he led Lithuanian and Russian Jewry for many years with wisdom and pleasantness. He served in the rabbinate from 1837 when yet a young man. In 1864, he was appointed Rabbi of Kaunas and his name spread throughout the universe as one of the leading Torah authorities. His response and novella were printed in the series he wrote: Be'er Yitzchak, Nachal Yitzchak and Ein Yitzchak.
19 lines in his handwriting and with his signature. 21 cm. Overall good condition. Few stains. Folding marks. Several tears
