Letter handwritten by Shaul Pinchas Rabinovithz – SHEFER, to an unknown addressee. [Russia], February 3, 1885.
A long letter, on special stationery of "Chamber of the Provisional Management for the Founding of Mazkeret Moshe Montefiore in the Holy Land, Second Department" (origin of "Chovevei Zion" societies in Russia, established following the Katowice Convention). The letter was sent to a close friend, who was most probably an active Zionist, and SHEFER mentions many of "Chovevei Zion" members as well as the Katowice Convention which took place three months earlier, and he was the moving spirit to summon together.
The letter concerns mainly SHEFER's dissatisfaction regarding EREZ's conduct– EREZ being Alexander Halevi Zederbaum, publisher and editor of "HaMelitz" – and the way he handled funds donated for the benefit of "Chovevei Zion". Others mentioned in the letter are YAHALEL, Y.L. Pinsker, Aryeh Leib Levanda, Rabbi Zadok Kahn and others. [3] pp. written on a leaf folded into two, 28 cm. Good condition. Folding-marks. Minor damage fixed with adhesive tape.