Agudath HaRabanim - The Union of Orthodox Rabbis. Ledger recording meetings held.

(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

(New York and New Jersey)

1923-29

Hebrew Manuscript volume. Approx. 490 pages, in various hands.

IMPORTANT ORIGINAL SOURCE MATERIAL PERTAINING TO A GREAT MANY OF THE MOST CRUCIAL ISSUES FACING ORTHODOX JEWRY DURING THIS DRAMATIC INTER-WAR PERIOD. The rabbinical organization Agudath HaRabanim-Union of Orthodox Rabbis, played a pivotal role in a great many religious and social issues facing American and world Jewry. This ledger records extensive detailed discussions, much of great historical interest. Delineated are the comprehensive minutes of scores of meetings covering a multiplicity of issues, as well as protocols of bi-annual conventions specifying activities and committees formed. Selected highlights include: International: Discussing the work of both Mizrachi and Agudath Israel in building the Land of Israel. * Protesting activities of the World Zionist Organization for undermining the spirit of religion in the Holy Land. * Establishing a Keren HaShemitah fund for support of religious farmers. * Immigration affairs and the plight of Russian Jewry. * Funding of European Yeshivas. Community issues: Kashruth. * Production of wine for religious use during the Prohibition Era. * Synagogue personnel disputes. * Inter-community contention (e.g Rabbi Gabriel Zev (Velvel) Margolioth; Dr. Stephen Wise). * Rabbinical feuds in Wilksbarre, Atlantic City, Malden, Mass., Kansas City. * Relations with rival rabbinical organizations, Knesseth HaRabanim, Degel HaRabanim and Vaad HaRabanim. * Contention with the Conservative Movement. Yeshiva Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan: Debates with Rabbis Poliatschek (the Maitcheter Illui) and Dr. Bernard Revel concerning the composition of the internal educational committee of the Yeshiva. * Plans to establish a College. * Fund-raising. * Administrative disputes. Includes detailed accounts of speeches made at receptions in honor of rabbinic dignitaries visiting America, such as: Rabbis Abraham Isaac Kook; Moshe Mordechai Epstein of Slabodka; Abraham Dov Ber Shapiro of Kovno; Eliezer Yehudah Finkel of Mir; Yechiel Mordechai Gordon of Lomzha; Yechezkel Livschitz of Kalish; David Leibowitz of the Kollel Kovno; Meir Shapiro of Piotrkow; Meir Don Plotski; Baruch Ber Leibowitz; Shimon Shkop, etc.