What the Rebbe Rayatz Asked From Rav Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld?

An intriguing discovery: a letter written by the 6th Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe Rayatz zt”l, to the Rav of the Eidah Hachareidis in Yerushalayim, Harav Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld, zt”l.

In this letter, dated Nisan 5789 / 1929, whose existence had been unknown until now, the Rebbe Rayatz, known for his uncompromising mesirus nefesh on behalf of Soviet Jewry, beseeches Rav Zonnenfeld to help him in his struggle.

At the time, several high-profile US activists were visiting in Eretz Yisrael. In his letter, the Rebbe beseeches Rav Zonnenfeld to meet the delegation and ask them to ensure continued support for the battered Jews of Russia.

Due to cutbacks instituted by the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Rebbe Rayatz writes, “the askanim in Russia, who have been literally risking their lives, suffering imprisonment and cruel exile, are unable to continue…”

This letter is just one of the exclusive items featuring the Chabad dynasty, including a copy of Tanya signed by the Rebbe, a letter written by Rebbetzin Sara Shterna, the mother of the Rebbe Rayatz; and more.

In total there are some 200 rare, historic items, including seforim and correspondence of Torah luminaries from past generations such as Rav Chaim Vital, Rav Mordechai Benet of Nikolsburg, the Chassam Sofer, the Maharam Shik, and the Rebbes of Ziditchov, Komarna, Apta, Ropshitz, Ruzhin, Socatchov, etc.

The Genazym auction will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, at Beit Tovei Ha’ir, 36 Malchei Yisrael St., Jerusalem. The catalogue is available at book stores. For more information and to receive the catalogue, please call +972-72-2572211 or Email: [email protected]