Letter handwritten and signed by R. Binyamin Wolf Eger Rabbi of Leipnik, addressed to three notables of the Alt-Ofen community (Óbuda, today part of Budapest), regarding his appointment as their rabbi. Leipnik (Lipník nad Bečvou), 1789.
In this letter, R. Wolf Eger apologizes to the members of the Alt-Ofen community for his delay in coming to serve as their rabbi. This letter discloses that R. Wolf Eger had been appointed rabbi of Alt-Ofen, a hitherto unknown fact.
R. Wolf Eger writes that he had received two letters from them, pressing him to arrive in their city at the very latest by Sukkot. He explains that several impediments had arisen, postponing his move, and asks that they give him another extension of time, proposing that if they are not willing to do so, they should act as they see fit. The letter is signed: "Binyamin Wolf Eger", adding that he is waiting to see them.
R. Wolf Eger presumably ended up remaining in Leipnik, and did not go over to serve as rabbi of Alt-Ofen.
R. Binyamin Wolf Eger (1756-1795, Otzar HaRabbanim 3813), a foremost Torah scholar of his times. He was the son of R. Akiva Eger (the first) of Halberstadt – author of Mishnat DeRabbi Akiva, and uncle and teacher of R. Akiva Eger Rabbi of Posen. He was appointed rabbi of Zülz (Biała Prudnicka) at a young age, later serving as dean of the Breslau (Wrocław) yeshiva, following his remarriage to the daughter of R. Yitzchak Yosef Teomim Rabbi of Breslau. Many disciples studied under him in this yeshiva, including his nephew R. Akiva Güns-Eger (author of Responsa Rabbi Akiva Eger and Chiddushei Rabbi Akiva Eger) and R. Yeshaya Pick Berlin. He was later appointed rabbi of Leipnik (Moravia), a position he held until his passing. Many of his Torah novellae are recorded in contemporary books, particularly in the responsa books of his nephew, R. Akiva Eger. His novellae on the Talmud, Yaar HaLevanon, remained in manuscript. Responsa Noda BiYehuda includes several responsa addressed to him, with the Noda BiYehuda referring to him with great reverence: "My cherished mechutan, my beloved friend, the great luminary, exceptional and outstanding in Torah and wisdom…" and similar expressions. Responsa R. Akiva Eger (141, sections 29-30) contains a letter with novellae R. Wolf lectured at a festive meal celebrated in his city on the wedding-day of his nephew R. Akiva, which took place in another city. In this letter, he writes to R. Akiva Eger: "This is a holiday for rabbis, today is the wedding day of my beloved nephew… the city Torah scholars are all gathered here… and celebrate this day… the feast I have prepared for them…". R. Akiva modestly responds: "Many thanks to you for publicly celebrating my joyous occasion and this is a sign of your fierce love, though I don't know wherefore…".
The verso features the address of the recipient in German, with the (almost complete) wax seal of R. Wolf Eger.
[1] double leaf. 23 cm. Good condition. Folding marks.