Autograph Letter from Rabbi Meir Shapiro (Founder of Daf HaYomi) Regarding His Trip to America; Cleveland, 1927
Handwritten and signed letter from Rabbi Meir Shapiro detailing his itinerary for the next several weeks in the United States.
He writes: Cincinnati (Pikudei), Kennedy (Vayikra – Tzav), St. Louis (Shemini – Tazriya), Detroit (Metzorah and Pesach), followed by New York and Chicago.
Background: In 1926, Rabbi Meir Shapiro set out for the United States on a year-long fundraising trip for his yeshiva. During this year, Rabbi Meir traveled across the length and breadth of the country, arousing Jews to assist and join in the building of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin.
Dated Cleveland, 1927. The date and location are noted on bottom.
Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin (1887-1933) was the ab”d of Piotrków and Lublin and the famed rosh yeshiva of the prestigious Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin. Throughout the world, his name became synonymous with the Daf HaYomi study program that he instituted. Rabbi Meir Shapiro was also one of the founders of the Agudas Yisrael and a loyal delegate of the Polish parliament. While he passed away childless, Rabbi Meir used to say that he had two children: The Daf HaYomi and Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin.
Rabbi Meir Shapiro used to date all of his letters with the day’s Daf HaYomi. The Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah as well decided that all of their official letters would include the day’s Daf HaYomi. This letter is dated Cleveland, Erev Shabbos Vayakhel, Gittin 43.
Official letterhead | 21 x 28 cm | Creased, marginal tear
