Letter by Rebbe Rabbi Ya’akov David of Amshinov. Amshinov, 7 Tishrei 5699 [1938].
Lengthy letter signed in his holy handwriting and stamp. Written to his "Chassidim" in Eretz-Israel approximately a year prior to Nazi invasion of Poland. "Shana Tova" greetings and words of support and encouragement for the situation of the Jewish nation: “The fierce waters have not yet subsided, the lives of our brethren are hanging on a thread, may G-d have mercy on the Jewish people… do not despair or give up, G-d forbid, since the fury will abate and we will survive…”.
The holy Rebbe (the second) Rabbi Ya’akov David Kalish of Amshinov (1906-1942, Encyclopaedia of Hassidism II, pp. 263-264) son of Rebbe Rabbi Yosef Kalish of Amshinov. Son-in-law of granddaughter of Rebbe author of the "Imrei Emet" of Ger who he greatly favored. Was known as an exalted genius in Torah and at a young age was already appointed as "Av Beit Din" of Żyrardów adjacent to Warsaw. In 1936 his father passed away and the Amshinov "Chassidim" appointed him as succeeding rebbe, however the Żyrardów community was not willing to give him up and therefore served simultaneously as rabbi in their city and as rebbe in Amshinov. Upon the outbreak of World War II was forced to hide and for close to two years found shelter in various places in Warsaw until he became ill and passed away in one of the places of refuge. His wife and four children were murdered in the Holocaust.
[2] pages on two leaves. Fine paper. 22 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, creases and folding marks.