Matzah perforator of Rebbe Shmuel Schneersohn – the Maharash of Lubavitch.
Handmade. With wooden handle.
Letter of authenticity enclosed (handwritten note, in English), signed in Hebrew by the great-granddaughter of Rebbe Maharash, Rebbetzin Chanah Gurary (1899-1991), eldest daughter of Rebbe Rayatz: "I hereby gift… the matzah perforator used by my great grandfather the Rebbe Maharash. He used it up until the time he got sick and could no longer grip it comfortably". Dated 12th November 1989.

R. Yaakov Landau's memoirs contain a discussion he held with Rebbe Rashab with the approach of Pesach 1919, regarding the use of wooden or metal knives for matzah baking. The Rashab told him: "The matzah perforators are handmade; we should make the knives as well" (Yiddish. Otzar Minhagei Chabad, part II, p. 32; Shemuot VeSippurim, I, p. 341).

Rebbe Maharash (1834-1882), fourth rebbe of the Chabad dynasty, reputedly suffered from various ailments and was required to travel from time to time to spa towns in Russia and beyond. Due to his poor health, his doctors advised him to engage in handicraft, in particular carpentry and scribal writing. There were several items in the home of the Maharash handcrafted by the Maharash himself – a large 12-13 branch candelabra, tables, and more. This handmade perforator may have also been crafted by the Maharash.
After Shavuot 1882, the Maharash was diagnosed with a cancerous illness and lay for several months on his deathbed. He passed away on Monday night, 13th Tishrei 1882, at the young age of 48. According to the enclosed letter, Rebbe Maharash used the present perforator for Matzah baking until his health failed.

Approx. 13 cm. Good condition. Minor defects.