Sacred, Handwritten Letter "Rescuing Jews from Prison" by the Admor Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorka. 1830
Handwritten letter by the Admor Rabbi Yitzchak Kalish of Vorka to his friend Rabbi Alexander Zusha HaKohen of Platzk, who was one of the premier students of Rabbi Bunim of Peshischa and author of Yakar MiPaz.
In his letter, the Vorka Rebbe requests help in redeeming captive Jews from Zamobrov who were imprisoned on false charges. He writes, “I have come with a great request on behalf of our friends from Zambrov who are falsely imprisoned in Lomza…and it’s known that this is a great matter and these are honorable and well known people and the entire story is completely false… Surely he who puts forth effort will be blessed with all goodness.“
The letter opens with greetings of blessing and friendship, “May our service during these days of appeasement find favor…and may we… merit Torah and service in abundance among all of Yisrael, Amen! And may we enter into a covenant of love together one man and his brother to help with a willing spirit, to hope and await the help of his friend…May we merit to hear good news from one another among Klal Yisrael …”
Harav Yitzchak Kalish of Vorka (1779-1848), was one of the great Admorim of Poland. Renowned for his love of his fellow Jews and his efforts on behalf of the community, Rabbi Yitzchak drew thousands of followers, and the city of Vorka thus became one of the greatest centers of Chassidus in Poland. Together with the Chiddushei Harim and Harav Menachem Mendel of Kotzk he spearheaded the battle against Czar Nikolai’s decree prohibiting Jews from wearing their traditional garb, and against the closing of Chadarim and Shteiblach.
Wondrous stories are told about his work on behalf of the Jews of Warsaw. Among his illustrious disciples were Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh of Radzymin, Rabbi Dov Ber of Biala, Rabbi Shraga Feivel of Gritza and his son Rabbi Yechiel of Alexander.
Rabbi Aharon Valden wrote about him, ” …the wonder of his generation and its glory, the crown of Yisrael, the page is too short to describe his greatness and righteousness. Thousands of Jews flocked to him from all corners …to drink thirstly from his holy words… and he was a holy angel defending his people out of his great love and mercy…many times he appeared before the rulers of the land to request peace in Yisrael”. (Shem Hagedolim Hachadash Vol 10, ch. 227).
He was well known for the love of the Jew that burned in his heart. He invested most of his energies into the community and did everything in his power in order to benefit Klal Yisrael… (Meir Einei Hagolah ch. 206)
This letter is tangible proof of the great ahavas Yisrael expressed by the Rebbe of Vorka and his concern and efforts on behalf of suffering Jews.
Vorka, 1830. 1 large leaf. Page size: 22×18 cm. stains and minor holes in fold line, paper reinforcement on back. Preserved in new leather binding. (see previous lot #127 for a letter of his son and successor Harav Yaakov Dovid of Amshinov)
Provenance: The collection of Reb Yechiel Bentzion Fishoff z”l. (See: Michtavim V’Igrot Kodesh, New York, 2003 page 214-215).
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Any inquiries about this lot?
