Letter signed by Rebbe Shemaryahu Noach Schneersohn. Bobroisk (Babruysk), 26th Cheshvan [ca. 1910s].
Written by a scribe, with the closing line handwritten by the Rebbe: "Seeking his wellbeing wholeheartedly, Shemaryahu Noach".
The letter is addressed to a young rabbi named Yaakov, who was supposed to succeed his late father as rabbi of a town. The rebbe writes to him that if he is suited to serve as rabbi, he certainly has precedence over other candidates, and blesses him. The rebbe adds that he does not wish to intervene on his behalf, since he does not know him personally, and he does not know if he is indeed suited for the position and sufficiently learned.
Rebbe Shemaryahu Noach Schneersohn Rabbi of Bobroisk (1842-1923), grandson of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. He served as rebbe to the Chabad-Kopust Chassidim. A holy man and prominent rabbi in his times. He was a foremost Chabad Chassidic leader in Belarus. He was the third son of R. Yehuda Leib Schneersohn of Kopust, and the son-in-law of his uncle Rebbe Yisrael Noach Schneersohn of Niezhin. He was appointed rabbi of Bobroisk ca. 1871, following the request of his uncle Rebbe Maharash of Lubavitch. In 1900, he was appointed rebbe of Chabad-Kopust, succeeding his brother Rebbe Shlomo Zalman Schneersohn, the Magen Avot. He was one of the leading speakers at the rabbinic conference in 1910, along with his cousin Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch.
[1] double leaf. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Folding marks. Tape on verso.