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Judaica and Hasidic Books and Manuscripts

Lot 42:

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Protest Letter: Chief Rabbi of Santiago to Rabbi Isaac Herzog – 1952

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Description

  • Author: Dr. David Grunwald (ד"ר דוד גרינוולד), Chief Rabbi of the "Comunidad Religiosa Israelita" (Jevra Kedischa) in Santiago, Chile.
  • Notable Connection: A high-stakes halakhic document addressed to Chief Rabbi Isaac Halevi Herzog (הרב יצחק אייזיק הלוי הרצוג). In this dramatic letter, Dr. Grunwald acknowledges a Beit Din ruling and expresses his willingness to comply, either in person or via a representative (ב"כ – בא כוחו). However, the letter takes a sharp turn as Grunwald formally protests his treatment by the community, noting he has not received his salary in three months. He explicitly notifies the Chief Rabbinate that any signatures or actions forced upon him are being done under duress (באונס גמור), effectively "nullifying" the legal validity of his future forced actions in the eyes of Jewish law.

    • Condition report:

    Written on iconic, paper-thin onionskin airmail paper. The transparency is so high that the typed Hebrew text is legible from both sides, a testament to the fragile yet enduring nature of mid-century international rabbinic correspondence.