Intriguing letter from Rabbi Yosef Elimelech Kahana Regarding his Rabbanus in Ungvar
"May Hashem grant us the merit to uphold religion and be among those who bring merit to the public."
The letter was sent to Rabbi Yechiel Michel Segal Gold, author of the sefarim ‘Ma’asef Lechol HaMachanos’ and ‘Mikraei Kodesh’. Rabbi Kahana expresses his thanks for receiving the sefer ‘Mikraei Kodesh’ (published in Munkacs, 1933).
In the letter, he describes the extent of his efforts in the city of Ungvar: "I am extremely busy with communal and spiritual matters… There are always challenges that require vigilance, to safeguard and protect Hashem’s nation. May Hashem grant us the merit to uphold religion and to be among those who bring merit to the public."
He continues by noting that unlike his time in Tzehlim, where he had the ability to respond to all inquiries, he now finds himself unable to do so due to the weight of his responsibilities.
Rabbi Yosef Elimelech Kahana Hy"d (1866 – 1944) was a prominent Hungarian Torah authority. Raised under the guidance of his illustrious grandfather, Rabbi Yitzchak Eizik Bilitzer, author of ‘Be’er Yitzchak’, he was a prized disciple of Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Manheimer, Av Beis Din of Ungvar and author of ‘Ein HaBdolach’.
He learned as well under the Shevet Sofer of Pressburg and resided in the home of Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried of Ungvar, while studying in Ungvar. He received semicha from Rabbi Ganzfried at the young age of seventeen and assisted in the compilation of the ‘Kitzur Shulchan Aruch’. Beginning in 1930, he served as Rav of Ungvar until the rise of the Nazi regime. His chiddushim were published in ‘Chidushei Mahary"a HaCohen’ (Brooklyn, 1969).
Ungvar, 1933. Handwritten in its entirety and signed by Rabbi Yosef Elimelech. Approx.
size: 10.5×15 cm.
Condition: Good; a few stains.
