Official handwritten document, issued by the local authorities in Shinova (Sieniawa), with a declaration signed (in German) by Rebbe Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam Rabbi of Shinova, author of Divrei Yechezkel. Shinova, 1853-1854. German.
Handwritten leaf (two written pages), document regarding the medical expenses of Sara Heiblum, imposed on the Jewish community of Shinova. On the first page, a declaration dated February 17, 1853, signed by the heads of the community. On the second page, a declaration dated September 20, 1854, signed by the Divrei Yechezkel – "Chaskel Halberstam – Religionsweiser" (religious leader), attesting that Sara Heiblum is not listed in the community's birth registers.
The book Rabbenu HaKadosh MiShinova by R. Y.Sh. Frankel (p. 69) states that the Divrei Yechezkel was appointed rabbi of Shinova towards the end of 1855 (R. Meir Wunder writes likewise, in Kehillot VeIshim B'Galicia, p. 435). However, this document discloses that he was already serving as rabbi of Shinova in Elul 1854.
The first Shinover Rebbe, R. Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam (1815-1898), rabbi of Shinova and author of Divrei Yechezkel, eldest son of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and son-in-law of R. Aryeh Leib Lifshitz of Vishnitsa‎, author of Aryeh D'Vei Ilai (son-in-law of R. Moshe Teitelbaum, author of Yismach Moshe). An outstanding Torah scholar, he was well versed in all realms of Torah, Kabbalah, Halachah and Chassidut. His father, the Divrei Chaim, held him in high regard and respected him exceedingly, and mentions his son's exceptional truthfulness in several of his responsa: " My eldest son, rabbi of Shinova, was by me recently, and he related to me… and I consider his testimony to be very reliable, since I know he would not be deceitful for anything in the world" (Responsa Divrei Chaim, II, Orach Chaim, section 2). He was venerated in his role as rabbi and rebbe already during his father's lifetime. Progenitor of important Chassidic dynasties, with many of his sons and grandsons serving as rabbis and rebbes in various cities already in his lifetime. Holy and pure from his youth, he was a close disciple of leading rebbes of his times. He was famed for the miracles he performed and for his Divine Inspiration. Wondrous stories are related about the salvations and miracles he effected. He would cure sick people with his hands. Reputedly, lepers who were affected from head to toe would come to him, and leave his house perfectly healthy after he passed his hand over them. He would give out his objects as a segulah for protection and salvation.
[1] double leaf (2 written pages). 37 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal wear and tears. Folding marks.