Letter from the Admor Rabbi Menachem Mendel Halberstam of Stropkov
Gutenberg, Switzerland, 1945
Handwritten and autographed letter by the Admor Rabbi Menachem Mendel Halberstam of Stripkov, written while he was in Switzerland in Elul 5705 (September 1945), just months after the end of the Holocaust, in which most of his family was murdered.
In the letter, he writes about efforts to obtain information regarding his family, the recipient’s family, and the family of Rabbi Asher Zelka HaKohen Rand, one of the heads of the Vaad Hatzalah.
Among his words, he writes:
"Most importantly, may the Almighty help that I soon hear news from my family, may they live, and from the honorable recipient’s family as well, so that I may bring him good news."
At the conclusion of the letter, he offers a blessing:
"May the Almighty have mercy on us along with all of Israel, that we may soon hear true good news and be able to serve the Creator with a clear mind, and may we merit the complete redemption."
The Rebbe Rav Menachem Mendel of Stropkov (1873-1954), author of ‘Divrei Menachem’, was a great-grandson of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, who was his sandak.
His mother was niftar when he was still a child, and he was raised in the home of his holy grandfather, Rabbi Yechezkel Shraga of Shinova. Even in his youth, his exceptional knowledge and sharpness astonished the renowned Rabbi Shimon Engel.
During the Holocaust, he fled to Budapest, where he hid together with Rabbi Aharon of Belz, who even gave him a kvittel. From there, he escaped to Switzerland.
When he arrived in America in 1947, he was regarded as one of the last surviving Rebbes of the pre-war chassidic world and was admired and respected by the Rebbes in America. He became known as a tzaddik and miracle worker, drawing people from across the United States who came to him seeking blessings and salvation.
He served as the sandak at the bris of the current Rebbe of Satmar, Rabbi Aharon Teitelbaum, as per the instruction of Rabbi Yoel of Satmar, as well as for the current Rebbe of Sanz.
The Rebbes of Satmar and Skver were present at his bedside when he was niftar.
Gutenberg, Switzerland, 1945. Handwritten in its entirety by the Rebbe, with his signature.
Size: Approx. 20.8 x 29 cm.
Condition: Good, with fold marks and a few small tears. The top of the letter is cut slightly unevenly.
