Description
Overview: A compelling and historically significant handwritten rabbinic charity appeal composed on the inner flaps of an official pre-printed Israeli aerogram wrapper (Aerogramme / איגרת אוויר), sent from Jerusalem to the central executive office of the Ezras Torah Fund in New York (132 Nassau Street).
The Petition: The primary letter is penned by a woman named Bracha Gutstein (ברכה גוטשטיין) from the historic Batei Varsha neighborhood of Jerusalem. She describes the severe medical crises and failing health of her husband—a dedicated local Torah scholar—which has left their household entirely without income, requesting urgent stipendiary or holiday (Ma’ot Chitim) financial relief.
The Rabbinic Endorsement: The critical value of this lot rests in the extensive, handwritten Hebrew endorsement added directly beneath the main text, penned, signed, and officially stamped by Rabbi Yonah Raam (הגאון רבי יונה ראם; 1891–1968). Rabbi Raam writes dynamically to the directors of Ezras Torah, verifying the absolute truth of the family’s plight and imploring the organization to grant them a generous stipendiary award.
Author Significance: Rabbi Yonah Raam was one of the premier rabbinic judges (Dayanim) and halachic authorities of 20th-century Jerusalem, serving as the Chief Rabbi of the historic Kerem and Mekor Baruch neighborhoods. He was the direct grandson and namesake of the legendary 19th-century Jerusalem Dayan, Rabbi Yonah Romm (the famous "Illui of Slonim" who signed the historic 1905 Jerusalem rabbinic decrees).
Official Seal: The document is stamped at the conclusion with Rabbi Raam’s official bilingual purple ink rabbinic seal block reading: "Rabbi J. ROM – Jerusalem / יונה ראם רב ומרא דאתרא דשכונת כרם ומקור ברוך בעה"ק ירושלים".
Condition report:
Status: Very Good Collectible/Archival Condition.
Details: The aerogram wrapper is structurally intact, complete, and fully unfolded. The handwritten text blocks by both Bracha Gutstein and Rabbi Yonah Raam are penned in dark, distinct blue ink, remaining 100% stable, clear, and perfectly legible.
Wear: Shows standard uniform natural age-toning and vertical/horizontal folding creases consistent with its period mailing handle. The round ink stamp of Rabbi Raam is crisply impressed with zero smudging.
