Letter from Rabbi Naftali Halberstam, Avdak of Chrzanów, son of Rabbi David Halberstam of Chrzanów. From during his flight amidst WWI.
The letter was sent at the beginning of WWI, when he resided as a refugee in the resort town of Karlsbad. He addressed Rabbi Chaim Brody, the Rabbi of Prague, who was the destination of many letters from refugees of Galicia residing in the cities of Bohemia. He writes “since today some important people wandering from Galicia came as a delegation from Jewish foreign prisoners who ask that we have mercy on them and support them with matzot and kosher food for the chag coming upon us soon.”
Very rare, a letter of this rabbi’s has never appeared at auction.
Folded paper, bearing official letterhead.
14x23cm. Tear without missing text on the blank leaf, creases, good condition.
Rabbi Naftali Halberstam (1850-1923) was the son of the Admor Rabbi David Halberstam, Av Beit Din of Chrzanów, the third generation after the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. After his father’s death in 1893, he was appointed Av Beit Din in his stead upon the recommendation of his uncle, the Divrei Yehekel of Sinoa, who said “he is an experienced teacher and is suitable for serving in any city and region in Israel.”
