172. BLOCH, RABBI AVRAHAMYITZCHAK / TELZ / HOLOCAUST

Lot of four signed letters. A fascinating collection of letters sent shortly before, and during, the Holocaust to Rabbi Dr. Leo Jung of New York.  Typed letter in Hebrew on personal letterhead. Dated 21 Kislev 5699 (Dec. 14 1938); requesting of the Joint Distribution Committee that the annual donation sent to the yeshiva be increased this year, as due to the tumultuous events unfolding worldwide, donations to the yeshiva have decreased. Simultaneously, expenses have increased as the foreign students who previously received support from home are no longer able to obtain those funds, thus raising the expenses of the yeshiva. Fair condition, folds with some tears to side of paper. 29.5 by 23 cm.  Typed letter in Hebrew on personal letterhead. Dated 23 Adar 5699 (Mar. 14 1939); acknowledging and expressing thanks for the generous donation of $125. Fine condition, folds and some small tears to side of paper. 29.5 by 23 cm.  Typed letter in Hebrew on personal letterhead. Dated 14 Cheshvan 5700 (Oct. 27 1939), shortly after the outbreak of WWII; requesting emergency assistance to save the yeshiva during wartime as they are on the brink of starvation. Due to the war, the yeshiva’s meager income has been depleted while the number of students increased, as many refugees have joined the yeshiva. Fine condition, some small markings. 27.5 by 23 cm.  Typed letter in Hebrew on personal letterhead. Dated 11 Iyar 5700 (May 19 1940), in the midst of WWII; acknowledging and expressing thanks for the generous donation of $125, with lengthy plea for continued assistance to sustain the great yeshiva of Telz during this uncertain period. Fine condition, some folds. 27 by 22.5 cm. Additionally, the lot includes a typed unsigned letter, dated Adar 5700 (Mar 1940), vividly describing wartime conditions and requesting financial help towards the upcoming holiday of Pesach. Of particular interest as these letters arrived from Europe in the midst of the Holocaust. ™ R. Avraham Yitzchak Bloch (1890 -1941), commonly known as the Telsher Rav, or the Grai M’Telz, was the son of R. Yosef Leib Bloch and grandson of R. Eliezer Gordon. He served as a Rosh Yeshiva in Telz during his father’s lifetime, and following his father’s passing in 1930, he became both the Rav and Rosh Yeshiva in Telz. Aside from his rabbinical duties, he was also an active leader of Agudath Yisrael. Ever the faithful leader of his flock, he was tragically martyred along with his community during the Holocaust.

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