SAMUEL, HERBERT

AUCTION 51 | Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts Graphic & Ceremonial Art Including: The Alfonso Cassuto Collection of Iberian Books, Part II

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Lot 335

SAMUEL, HERBERT

(Viscount; First High Commissioner to Palestine. 1870-1963). Typed Letter Signed, in English on personal letterhead, to Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, thanking him for his congratulatory wishes on behalf of the Chief Rabbinate of Eretz-Israel. “I warmly appreciate the kindness of its terms, and the remembrance of my work in Palestine of which your letter is a symbol.” One page. Single hole-punch, folded

London: 14th December, 1931

Est: $400 - $600

Herbert Samuel (1870-1963), of an aristocratic Anglo-Jewish family, was appointed in 1920 the first High Commissioner of Palestine, in which capacity he would serve for the next five years. His position was viewed in Zionist circles as highly symbolic - being the first Jew to rule the Land of Israel in any form or guise in some 2,000 years. At that time deep bonds of friendship were forged between Samuel and Aschkenazi Chief Rabbi Kook. It is not clear from the letter what the cause for congratulation was. In 1931, Viscount Samuel served as Home Secretary in the National Government formed by Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in August of that year. See EJ, Vol. XIV cols. 797-800