(The Aruch LaNer, 1798-1871). Autograph Letter Signed, in Hebrew, written to Zalman Vitkowsky.

The recipient was enthralled to receive this presentation copy of Sepher Aruch LaNer and wrote on the title: “Sent to me from the Gaon as per his letter, as a remembrance of love… May I always study it.” With stamp on the front flyleaf “Yochanan Vitkower, Altona.” Obviously, this is the son about whom the above letter was written. He likely changed his name from Vitkowsky to Vitkower. The Aruch Laner was one of the foremost German Rabbinical leaders. In additional to his scholarly Talmudic works and responsa, he also edited the periodical Shomer Tzion Hane’eman. He seized this opportunity to combat the influence of the rising reform movement by publishing popular and timely articles on a host of topics pertinent to Orthodox Jewry.