(Rabbi of the Eidah Chareidith of Jerusalem, 1848-1932). Michtav Shada’r.

SONNENFELD, YOSEPH CHAIM

May

Jerusalem

1929

Manuscript in Hebrew and English. Document in connection with the voyage to the United States by emissary Yisroel Mordechai Weissberg on behalf of Jerusalem’s Kollel Shomrei HaChomoth. * With nine-line autograph note, signed, by R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld.

A fascinating insight into the fundraising mechanisms of Jerusalem’s Old Yishuv. Concerned that traditional Hebrew letters from esteemed rabbis would not suffice, the Kollel prepared a heartfelt English-language message exhorting their “Dear co-religionists …Remember that we are of one blood and flesh…” Moreover, the endorsement of the U.S. Consulate was acquired, further highlighting the awareness of the Old Yishuv members that their American donors were of a different mindset than those in Europe. The first two-and-a-half pages bear a decorated message from the administrators of the Kollel describing their activities, with three signatures and Kollel stamp. With a half-page note from R. Naftali Teitelbaum Chief Rabbi of Nirbatur, Hungary, in his hand with signature and stamp. This is followed by a three-page solicitation written in English by a Kollel member Salamon Green, whose identity is certified by the Czechoslovak Consul. The manuscript concludes with a letter of endorsement by the United States’ Consul, J. Thayer Gilman.