Schriftshteller.

(GERMANY)

Altona, Hamburg, Wandsbek

(18th century)

Hebrew Manuscript on paper, written in various Ashkenazic hands. The Samson Raphael Hirsch copy with his stamp on opening page.

Volume of correspondence, including letters relating to heretofore unrecorded events including the appointment of Rabbis, civil issues, etc. This manuscript was apparently composed for the benefit of a communal scribe responsible for official correspondence on behalf of community officials. It guided the scribe as to how to address and communicate with various Rabbis and communal leaders on a host of subjects. Many letters here relate to events that occurred within the triple communities of Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbek and are described in detail. A selection of examples: * Letter addressed to the Court Jew Samson Wertheimer of Vienna (f. 41b). * Details of a dispute between communal leaders concerning the election of a new Rabbi (ff. 62-6). * Concerning the apostate Meir Kupir who spread lies about Dayan Binyamin Mirlish of Hamburg causing the rabbi monetary and reputational loss (f. 103). * Controversy regarding a shidduch and advice to burn this letter after reading (f. 116). * Scandal concerning the son-in-law of the Rabbi of the three kehiloth who made false accusations against his wife, the daughter of the esteemed Rabbi and so sullied the family reputation (f. 176). * Other entries contain formulae for the writing of ordinations; invitations to Rabbis to serve in communities; dealing with renegade Rabbis; issues of remarriage (Heter Meah Rabbanim); plus many other matters, recording many names and places.