Letter by Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Landau, to Rabbi Shmuel Salant and Aderet [Rabbi Eliyahu David Rabinowitz Teomim]. Includes large handwritten pamphlet. Kovno, summer 1904.
Pamphlet contains Halachic-polemic question, in which writer quotes current press regarding eulogy ceremonies in commemoration of Dr. Herzl. He mentions the black ribbons which are a non-Jewish custom and the selling of pictures and sculptures of image of Herzl and continues with discussion as to whether this constitutes Idolatry. The writer cites the press describing a commemoration ceremony which was conducted in “Broza Garden” in Motza, beneath tree which Herzl planted there, where statues of Herzl were positioned on both sides of the stage, and he discusses at length whether this tree is considered an Astarte which was worshiped as an idol…
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Landau, from city of Kovno, Torah scholar and sharp polemicist, among most wealthy personalities of Kovno. Among leaders of first assembly of Orthodox Jewry in opposition of Zionism. In 1899, under initiative of Rabbi Shalom Ber Schneersohn, community activists gathered together under leadership of Rabbi Ya’akov Lifshitz and Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Landau, in order to discuss means of struggle in opposition of Zionism. In 1900 Rabbi Shlomo Zalman together with his friend, Rabbi Yosef Rabinowitz, published the book Or LaYesharim (Warsaw, 1900), which was composed of letters and articles from leading Torah giants in opposition of Zionism. This assembly was referred to as “HaLishka HaShchora BeKovno” [black bureau of Kovno] by the Zionists. This sharp polemic article, contains inquiry of Halachic approaches as well as autograph of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Landau, member of “HaLishka HaShchora”.
20 pages, 28 cm. Good-fair condition, stains and minor tears on folds.