(METZ)

AUCTION 14 | Tuesday, November 13th, 2001 at 1:00

Important Hebrew Printed Books and Manuscripts From the Library of the London Beth Din

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Lot 372

(METZ)

Letter Signed, to the communal leaders and Rabbi of Metz requesting the wealthy community of Alsace come to the aid of their bretheren in Kalisch. Signed by Isaac Zelig Karo Rabbi of Hanover, Samuel ben Jonah Katz, Meir ben Jonah Nachum Cohen, Yitzchok Eisik ben Judah Prager Single leaf, silk backed, lightly browned. Folio

Kalisch: 1728

Est: $2,000 - $2,500

PRICE REALIZED $4,500

A tragic portrayal of the tribulation of the Jews of Kalisch who were suffering from fire, pogrom, libels and other forms of persecution. Leaders of the community were subsequently arrested and large sums of money were required to secure their release. As a result, the wealthy merchants who supported the city became bankrupt. A great fire destroyed the town and people were left with nothing but "a sword hanging around their necks." The letter states that the sorry condition of the Jews was publicized in broadsides issued by the Rabbi of Poznah, among others. They had preferred to send emissaries to plead their case but the cost was prohibitive