Breslauer, Aryeh Leib. P'nei Aryeh [responsa]

Includes a Halachic question (f.46) from Haym Salomon of Philadelphia (1740-1785), demonstrating the conscientious religious nature of this early American merchant and Revolutionary War patriot. “One of the most fascinating figures in American Jewish history,” celebrated for his generosity toward the fathers of the Republic, James Madison, et al. (See J.R. Marcus, Early American Jewry (1953) Vol. II pp.132-64). Aryeh Leib Breslau (or Breslauer) was the Chief Rabbi of Rotterdam. He was consulted in a halachic matter by one Gimpel Wolfenbitel of Amsterdam concerning a donation made by “R. Haym of Philadelphia” (responsum 41 on f.46r.). It seems Rabbi Breslau recommended to Haym Salomon he contribute to the welfare of an indigent individual in Amsterdam. Salomon hearkened to Rabbi Breslau's plea, and sent a sum to Herr Wolfenbitel on behalf of the needy man. However, in the interim, the recipients’ financial fortunes took a positive turn and Wolfenbitel questioned R. Breslau whether he should therefore return the funds to Haym Salomon. - How different from the attitude of the U.S. Congress, which consistently repudiated the claims of Salomon's heirs that restitution be made for the enormous sums Haym Salomon advanced the fledgling government during the Revolution! See JE, Vol. X, pp. 653-55. See also Lot 80.