Letter signed by Rebbe Aharon of Chernobyl. [No date or place indicated].
Grave warning to an individual who refused to obey a Torah ruling rendered by three rabbis, with blessings should he comply: "My warning is double with serious forewarning to fulfill the ruling of these rabbis without deviance, lest you regret… Aharon son of the famed R. Mordechai".
R. Aharon Twersky of Chernobyl (1787-1871), prominent Chassidic leader in his times and celebrated luminary of the Jewish world in mid-19th century. He was the eldest son of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl and succeeded his ancestors as rebbe in the city of Chernobyl. In his youth, he was educated by his grandfather Rebbe Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl, author of Meor Einayim. Already during his father's lifetime, R. Aharon filled a central role in the Chassidic world, and his father wrote that his great holiness safeguards his generation.
After his father's passing in 1838, all eight sons started serving as rebbes in various places, with R. Aharon, the eldest son, succeeding his father in Chernobyl. He was esteemed by all his brothers and they accepted his authority, even in their private matters. Rebbe Aharon himself was aware of the authority he held and would address the public in sharp and decisive terms. For example, in one letter he writes: "I inform them that even if they live as long as Metushelach, they would not realize nor understand even a thousandth of what I did to assist them during those times, with the help of G-d who affords eternal salvation". R. Aharon lived to an old age and saw many of his descendants serve as rebbes, as he was accustomed to appoint his grandsons as rebbes already in his lifetime. R. David Moshe of Chortkov (1827-1903) was his son-in-law.
[1] leaf. 18.5 cm. Written by a scribe, signed by the Rebbe. Fair condition. Tears (repaired) to folding marks. Edges singed.