Letter by Rabbi David Sperber Av Beit Din of Brasov, to Rabbi Chaim Leib Lerner of New York. [Brasov], [1948].
Lengthy and interesting letter in his handwriting and signature. Letter consists of many details pertaining to his life, situation of communities of Romania following the Holocaust, inquiry regarding Kashrut in America and request that he be granted assistance due to his dire economic state. He also mentions that he was requested to serve as president of executive committee and chief rabbi of Romania “in order to oversee the destroyed communities” and he did not refuse “because this is possibly the reason that the Almighty spared me from death”. The letter refers as well to the War of Independence in Eretz Israel, which, at the time, was at its peak, and among the rest Rabbi Sperber attempts to clarify the validity of the rumor claiming “that the Rabbi of Ger and the Rabbi of Khust [= Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky] who reside in Jerusalem are departing to the United States until wrath subsides”.
Rabbi David Sperber – The Ga’on of Brasov (1875-1962, Otzar HaRabbanim 5075), among leading rabbis of Galicia and Romania. Native of Zbaltow, born into family of Vizhnitz Chassidim. Disciple of the Ga’on Rabbi Meir Arik. From 1908 served in the rabbinate and from 1922 served as rabbi of Brasov. Author of “Afarsekta De’Anya”, “Michtam LeDavid” and other compositions. Was active during the Holocaust for the benefit of European Jewry and was famous for releasing Agunot ["chained" woman bound in marriage by a husband who refuses to grant a divorce or who is missing and not proven dead] following the Holocaust. In 1949 immigrated to Eretz Israel and was among leaders of Council of Torah Sages.
30 cm. Fair condition, tears on folding marks.