Igroth Shonoth [collected letters]

WEINZWEIG, ABRAHAM ABBA.

(Russia / Ukraine)

c. 1845

Manuscript in Hebrew, written in a cursive Aschkenazic hand on paper.

Secretarial copies of letters that the author sent to a wide circle of correspondents. Includes copies of letters that were received in return. The letters are mostly of a Maskilic nature, often with anti-Chasidic rhetoric. (See the composition entitled Hithragshuth Hanefesh at end). Max Lilienthal’s attempts to reform Jewish education in Russia are elaborated upon in a positive light. The names of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch and Rabbi Yitzchak of Volozhin are mentioned in this regard. Among recipients is the Maskil Abraham Dov Gottleiber. Places mentioned include Zhitomir, Rovna, Ostrog, Dubno, Berditchev and more.