Auction 43

Telegram sent by the Rebbe to Israel with blessings for success, health, and a chatima tova. 11th Tishrei 1951

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Start price: $100

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Typewritten telegram in Hebrew (using English letters), addressed to the chassid Rabbi Yosef Shmotkin of Rishon LeZion, in which the Rebbe blesses him for the new year. Mail stamps, folding creases.

Rabbi Yosef Shmotkin (1892-1979) was a businessman and chassid in the Chabad community, a founder of the community in Rishon LeZion and a supporter of the Achay Temimim yeshiva there. In 1925 he moved to Israel, settled in Rishon, and helped to found the community. He had many businesses, some of the which the Rebbe gave him special blessings for. He initiated and built the Chabad synagogue in Rishon and served as gabbay for many years. During the Rayatz’s visit to the Kotel he served as the Chazzan for Mincha, and later the Rayatz wrote about his proficiency in prayer. When the Rayatz rode in the train from Lod to Rehovot on his way out, he was one of the only people to be allowed to ride with him, and was among the last to accompany him.