INTERESTING LETTER FROM RABBI MOSHE ARYEH FREUND (1904-1996), AV...

INTERESTING LETTER FROM RABBI MOSHE ARYEH FREUND (1904-1996), AV BEIS DIN OF THE EIDA CHAREDIS IN JERUSALEM, TO HIS REBBE, RABBI YOEL TEITELBAUM (1887-1979), REBBE OF SATMAR, REPORTING ON THE STATUS OF A MIKVAH AND ASKING FOR THE REBBE’S BLESSING FOR CHILDREN.

Letter dated Adar 5714 (1954). Long handwritten signed letter.

The letter discusses the Mikvah in Batei Orenstein; a housing development in Jerusalem built for the Kollel Volyn by R. Dovber HaCohen Orenstein. The Satmarer Rebbe had heard that the mikvah required improvements to satisfy all halachic requirements and asked Rabbi Moshe Aryeh Freund to investigate the situation. In this letter he replies reporting on a hearing before the Beth Din of the Eida Charedis and the decision reached there. This unusually long letter demonstrates the influence of the Satmarer Rebbe on religious affairs in Jerusalem, as Nassi and Av Beis Din of the Eida Charedis, despite his having left Jerusalem several years earlier and residing in New York. At the end of the letter, Rabbi Freund, who was then married a second time, mentions his name and the name of his wife, asking for a blessing for children.

Rabbi Moshe Aryeh Freund, son of Rabbi Yisrael of Huniad; was renowned from a young age for his Torah scholarship and saintliness, and served as assistant to his father at his Yeshiva. He lost his first wife and eight children in the Holocaust. After WWII, he served as Rabbi of Satmar for a short period, before settling in Jerusalem where he headed Yeshivas Yitav Lev – Satmar and was appointed Dayan of the Eida Charedis, and subsequently as Rosh Beis Din and finally as Av Beis Din. Founded Kiriath Rema in Beit Shemesh, as well as a Talmud Torah and Yeshivos that were later named Mosdos Rema in his memory. Rabbi Moshe Aryeh Freund was highly regarded for his saintliness and Torah scholarship and considered a poel yeshuos (performer of miracles). Author of Ateres Yehoshua.

Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum, Rebbe of Satmar, son and disciple of Rabbi Chananya Yomtov Lippa of Sighet and son-in-law of (1) Rabbi Avraham Chaim Horowitz of Polaniec, and (2) Rabbi Avigdor Shapira of Czestochowa. Recognised from a young age for his outstanding saintliness and Torah greatness. After the passing of his father, he was accepted by some of his followers as their Rebbe and settled in Satmar. Subsequently appointed Rabbi of Orshova (1911), Karoly (1928) and Satmar (1929), where he headed a prominent Yeshiva and attracted large numbers of Chassidim. One of the outstanding leaders of pre-WWII Hungarian orthodox Jewry. Heavily involved in relief efforts during the Holocaust before himself being deported to Bergen Belsen, but rescued to Switzerland on the Kastner transport, and subsequently moving to Jerusalem. He re-established Torah institutions and chassidic centres in the Holy Land and in America, where he settled in 1947, becoming the spiritual guide to thousands. Appointed Nassi of the Eida Charedis in Jerusalem in 1951 and Av Beis Din a few years later. One of the greatest post-WWII chassidic leaders and halachic authorities. Known for his strong principals in all religious matters and particularly for his outspoken opposition to Zionism, as well as for his wise counsel and outstanding generosity. Author of Vayoel Moshe, Al Hegeula V’al Hatemura, Divrei Yoel, Shaalos U’teshuvos Divrei Yoel.

4 sides, 21x33 cm. Good condition.