Interesting Handwritten Letter by Rabbi David Friedman Ish-Shalom, Av Beis Din and Rosh Yeshiva of Tzehlim
Letter from Rabbi David Friedman Ish-Shalom to Rabbi Mordechai Friedman, Av Beis Din of Tata.
Rabbi David Friedman Ish-Shalom (c. 1851–1906) was one of the greatest Rosh Yeshivas in Hungary, beginning from his time in the Tzehlim yeshiva, where he studied under his father-in-law, Rabbi Menachem Katz Prostitz, a disciple of the Chasam Sofer. His influence grew significantly from 1891, when he assumed the position of Av Beis Din of the city. Tragically, he passed away suddenly in the middle of delivering a shiur, and his tombstone bears the inscription: "He educated thousands of students." Among his well-known talmidim was Rabbi Yehoshua Buxbaum of Galanta.
Rabbi David’s father was Rabbi Yisrael Kurt, Av Beit Din of Verboy, a disciple of the Yismach Moshe and Ksav Sofer. His descendants form a large and illustrious rabbinic family, and one of his sons-in-law (from his second marriage) was the renowned Rabbi Yissachar Shlomo Teichtal Hy"d, author of ‘Eim HaBanim Semeicha’.
In the letter, Rabbi David Friedman Ish-Shalom makes a veiled reference to a certain public matter, stating that: "Things that can be said orally should not be written."
He also mentions that he is planning to travel to the city of Pest regarding this matter.
He concludes the letter with a blessing for success in this mission:
"And may Hashem be with us, and in all our endeavors may we act wisely and succeed, and may we bring matters to a favorable conclusion. May the merit of the holy Shabbos stand for us, and may the prayers of the righteous leave an impression so that our words and actions will be accepted favorably."
Letters from Rabbi David Friedman Ish-Shalom are rare.
Tzehlim, c. early 20th century. Official Letterhead.
Size: 22.2 × 28.3 cm.
Condition: A large missing section of paper (far from the text) in the bottom right corner, professionally repaired with paper filling. Some stains. Minor restorations.
