Description
Author: The holy Skulen Rebbe, Rabbi Eliezer Zishu Portugal (אליעזר זוסיא בהרהגה"ח ר’ ישראל אברהם זל פריטיגאל מסקולען), one of the most revered Chassidic masters, rescue figures, and composers of the post-Holocaust era.
Content (Page 1): A fascinating halachic responsum typed on the Rebbe’s official letterhead, dated the 24th of Elul, 5737 (1977), and addressed to the renowned Gaon, Rabbi Yitzchok Yaakov Weiss (רבי יצחק יעקב וייס), Chief Rabbi of the Edah HaChareidit in Jerusalem. The Rebbe poses an intricate question regarding liturgical music (niggunim), asking whether humming or singing tunes during specific parts of prayers (like Shacharit or between Kiddush and Havdalah) constitutes an impermissible interruption (hefsek).
Content (Page 2): An administrative communal letter issued from the Rebbe’s court to the same rabbinic address in Jerusalem. The text discusses a missing manuscript bundle sent via a messenger that unfortunately went astray, and requests assistance in tracking down a duplicate copy of the Torah thoughts.
Signatures: Page 1 features a printed copy of the Skulen Rebbe’s highly complex, protective signature. Page 2 is personally signed by the Rebbe’s trusted personal secretary and scribe, Yekutiel Weiss (יקותיאל וייס – מזכיר), in a fluid, handwritten ink script.
Notable Connection: This lot captures the deep relationship and intellectual bridge between the Skulen Chassidic court in Brooklyn and the Lithuanian-style rabbinic leadership of the Edah HaChareidit in Jerusalem, showing how early pre-war European traditions elegantly transitioned into post-war global centers.
Condition report:
Status: Very Good Vintage Condition.
Details: Both sheets are structurally sound with vibrant, easily legible typed text.
Paper & Ink: Exhibits light natural age-toning and crisp, horizontal folding creases from historic mailing. The handwritten signature of the secretary on the second page is beautifully preserved in dark, stable blue ink. Margins are clean with no structural tears or compromises to the text.
