Segula Coin Distributed by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn in St. Louis 1930
Holy penny distributed to the donors of the St. Louis mikvah by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, known as the Raya"tz, during his visit to the Jewish community there in Iyar of 1930.
Fascinating story behind this penny:
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak arrived in America for the first time in 1930. He came both in order to fundraise for Russian Jewry, as well as to strengthen and encourage Jewish observance in the United States.
His visit lasted over a year during which time he visited nine states. Between the 6th and 16th of Iyar he remained with the Jewish community of St. Louis.
On Sunday, the 14th of Iyar, a gathering was held in the Sha’arei Tzedek synagogue in the city. When the Admor entered the room, Mrs. Faiga Zefrin, who was active in the committee advancing family purity, shouted out from the women’s gallery: "Rebbe, Rebbe, we need a Kosher mikvah!"
When the Admor understood the reason for the commotion, he requested that a meeting be held the following day with the activists.
At the conclusion of their meeting, the Admor handed over a packege of pennies and instructed that it be given out to all those who would donate towards a new mikvah, along with an exact blessing
"I give you this coin in hope that in the merits of my holy fathers, who ever that will possess this coin will be in peace, and blessed with much prosperity"
The women of the committee posted advertisements, including in it that a special gift would be given from the Admor to each donor.
