Long letter (8 pages) of responsa in handwriting and signature of the Ga’on Rabbi Avraham Ever Hirschowitz to the Ga’on Rabbi Shmuel Salant in Jerusalem. Melbourne (Australia), 1893.
The writer of the letter discusses well-known halachic issue: prayer for rain during summer, in countries of southern hemisphere, where winter occurs during summer months. Later in letter Rabbi Avraham states a detailed report and as to the proper manner of conduct regarding the severe halachic transgressions performed by the She’erit Israel Beit Din, which is lenient in respect to many fundamental laws pertaining to marital relations, i.e.: unlawfully permitting a married man’s wife and procreation of bastards throughout the Jewish nation as well as additional problematic issues regarding management of community (marketing of worm-eaten Matzot on Passover, and more). Letter signed twice.
The Ga’on Rabbi Avraham Ever Hirschowitz (1840-1924) was born in Lithuania. In 1884 he embarked on a dispatch mission to England and from approximately 1890 relocated to Melbourne, Australia and served as rabbinical authority in New York. In 1922 immigrated to Jerusalem. Among books which he authored: Beit Avraham responsa book and Beit Midrash Shmuel containing sermons which he delivered. Printed the Ohel Sarah book which contains laws for women (in English) which was printed in several editions. Partial sections of this letter were printed in his book Torat Rabbi Shmuel of Salant (Jerusalem, 1998), section I, pp. 20-22.
8 pages, approx. 18 cm. Good-fair condition, tears without damage to text.